Chapter 064: Lay Your Cards on the Table and Fight—Whoever Backs Down Is a Coward

At this moment, the Pearl City Detention Center welcomed a rather special guest.

Inside the visiting room, Xu Juncong wore a smile that had not been seen for a long time. "Dad," he greeted.

"How are things inside?" Xu Wudao asked as he sat down.

"It's not bad. I used to be so busy striving that I never had time to quiet my mind and reflect. Now, finally, I have the chance," Xu Juncong replied. "I've figured out where I lost. I..."

"As long as you understand, you need not tell me. Your affairs are yours to settle. Right or wrong, you'll be the one to benefit or suffer—not anyone else," Xu Kuangdao said. "Your mother and I brought you plenty of local delicacies. You'll be able to enjoy them once you get back."

"Dad, the food doesn't matter. I want to know what's happening outside. How are my shops?"

"You were imprisoned for fraud. Yuanli Group has already removed you, and the shops in Tangwan Town have temporarily closed," said Xu Kuangdao. "Zhang Tianfeng has successfully taken over the toy factory and is carrying out sweeping reforms. Would you like to hear what he's doing?"

"Yes, tell me everything," Xu Juncong urged.

The troublemaker with yellow hair who caused a scene in the factory today was sent by Xu Wudao, so he knew every detail of the toy factory's changes.

After listening to his father recount Zhang Tianfeng's strategies, Xu Juncong nodded. "He's a formidable opponent—balancing kindness and severity. He easily accomplishes his aims without getting his hands dirty."

"I was planning to report fire safety hazards at his factory, but that's off the table now."

"As for the improved worker benefits, they've boosted loyalty. Even if we poach them at high salaries, others will take their place. Plus, his previous night snack shop has attracted masses of workers, so the tactic of undermining his base won't work either."

Xu Juncong sighed. "What a terrifying adversary. From the start, he's been calculating, laying groundwork step by step, with no room for counterattack."

"Are you afraid?" Xu Kuangdao asked.

"Afraid? No, I'm excited!" Xu Juncong replied. "I've never met anyone so interesting. Dad, this guy is brilliant. I want to defeat him myself—crush him in business, in his own field."

"That will have to wait until you're out. So far, I haven't found the right solution. Do you want to hear my methods for dealing with him?"

"Please, go ahead," said Xu Juncong.

Half an hour later, Xu Juncong’s eyes lit up. "The old ginger is spicier after all! Dad, you're incredible!"

"What did you notice?" Xu Kuangdao asked.

"You sent yellow-hair to stir trouble in the factory to gauge his approach to problems. You had people cause a scene at his employment agency to test his subordinates' abilities. Now, you're sending the factory alliance to make trouble for him—to probe the forces backing him. He's ultimately an outsider, and in the face of local clans, he won't be able to withstand them."

Xu Juncong paused thoughtfully. "That's as much as I can deduce. If there's more, please advise me."

"There's a very important issue—his fatal weakness, and yours," said Xu Kuangdao, tapping the table. "The bigger the ship, the harder it is to turn; the faster it goes, the greater the consumption."

"If you don't resort to crooked methods or rush expansion to show your strength, you can wear him down. He won't be able to do anything to you."

"Now, he owns a night snack shop, an employment agency, and a toy factory. I can take him down from any angle."

"If I can't poach his workers, I'll poach his sales channels, his machinery suppliers, his partners. These are the ruthless ones who care only about profit, not relationships."

If not for his father sitting before him, Xu Juncong would have let out a curse.

This tactic was truly lethal. Zhang Tianfeng had no connections; rising by his own strength would be a monumental challenge.

No wonder his father was formidable—one strike, fatal.

"Dad, thank you for your guidance. I have a deeper understanding of my mistakes now."

"Good, as long as you're improving. Everyone makes mistakes."

Xu Kuangdao stood up. "Remember, my moves are only to suppress Zhang Tianfeng, to make him yield and let you out early."

"Defeating him is your own task. The clan will provide resources, not strategies."

"Understood. When I'm out, I'll make sure he pays."

"Go back first. I must leave now—much to do."

"Take care, Father."

After leaving the detention center, Xu Kuangdao strode toward his car. Just as he opened the door, he noticed a vehicle speeding toward him.

The Crown sedan stopped beside him. The window rolled down, revealing Zhang Tianfeng's radiant smile.

"Boss Xu, that's not very honorable—throwing three stumbling blocks at me and then planning to leave?"

Xu Kuangdao glanced around. "How did you find me?"

"That's easy. Lawyer Qin won't help me, but I can buy clues from him with a bit of cash," Zhang Tianfeng said, opening his door. "Want to chat in the car?"

"No need. If there's something, say it here. I don't have time for games."

"All right, I'll be brief," Zhang Tianfeng's smile vanished, replaced by a cold, murderous expression. "If you dare play dirty with me, your Xu family's businesses will never prosper again."

"And I know you got those factories to unite and pressure me—to force me to yield so your son Xu Juncong gets released sooner."

"Let me tell you—he's locked up for good. Three years, not a minute less! Even if the king of heaven arrives, it won't change a thing. That's my word!"

"Arrogant youth!" Xu Kuangdao rubbed his brow. "Then let's see who's better in business. I hope you can withstand the Xu family's onslaught."

"If you lose, remember to show the same backbone you have now."

"Sorry, I was born proud. Your Xu family is not worthy of making me bow."

The window began to rise, and halfway up, Zhang Tianfeng’s voice came from inside. "By the way, I forgot to tell you something."

"I’ve found the surveillance footage from the Redwood Bay villas. Your son now faces another charge—suspected poisoning and murder. Looks like he'll be staying inside for a few more years."

"Better train a replacement—your main player’s finished!"

Bang! Xu Kuangdao punched the steering wheel, knocking his glasses askew.

Zhang Tianfeng had struck right at his sore spot—painful beyond words.

"Damned brat, I’ll make you regret everything you did today!"

Regret? That word didn’t exist in Zhang Tianfeng’s dictionary.

By choosing to confront Xu Kuangdao head-on, he had already decided to go toe-to-toe with the Xu clan.

Armed with memories from his rebirth, if he couldn’t handle a mere clan, he might as well slit his throat and start over again!