His heart was gripped by two devastating possibilities.
If Lin Feng was not mistaken, then someone had tampered with the data!
If Liu He was not involved, the problem lay with Tang Shengtang, and only with him. After all, only he himself could manipulate such a vast amount of data in such a short time.
Lu Feng was certain Liu He was not capable of such a feat. Even if this person was in league with Tang Shengtang, intending to deceive him and obstruct him, he could tell from Liu He's demeanor and expression upon meeting him that the man harbored deep hatred for Tang Shengtang. Such an expression would not have been displayed unless the animosity was bone-deep.
While this look could fool others, Lu Feng, with his extensive research, was not so easily deceived.
Only one possibility remained: Liu He himself was being manipulated by Tang Shengtang, unknowingly.
It was at this moment that Lu Feng couldn't help but sigh inwardly, truly impressed by Tang Shengtang's prowess.
Lu Feng's path was now blocked, but he still had one last chance. Lu Feng was not a weakling. He would not give up easily until the very last moment.
Taking a deep breath and steadying his nerves, Lu Feng quickly put away his phone and returned to Lin Dong.
"Uncle Lin, sorry to keep you waiting!"
"Oh, I thought you weren't coming, Lu Feng? What, have you come to your senses?"
Lin Dong was offering Lu Feng an easy way out. If Lu Feng simply nodded, the matter would be over. How could Lu Feng not know this? But if he truly did that, would he still be Lu Feng?
Therefore, even though he knew Lin Dong was displeased, Lu Feng eventually managed a slight smile and continued down his original path.
"Uncle Lin, of course, I've come to my senses. Look, even if there's something wrong with the data, surely the information obtained by Tang Shengtang's son, Tang Wei, is not problematic!"
"You..."
Hearing this, Lin Dong pointed at Lu Feng and shook his head. However, he did not overtly display his annoyance. Although he hoped Lu Feng would temporarily forget about the matter, he had somewhat anticipated this. The young man was rather stubborn. As long as the young man didn't cause trouble outside with him, it would be fine. He was still young and had room to grow. He wouldn't dwell on it.
"Alright, Lu Feng, this Tang Wei is a complete prodigal. Do you think his words are convincing? Besides, how can you prove that this information truly came from Tang Wei?"
Lin Dong's few words hit the nail on the head. For the first time, Lu Feng was speechless. Originally, these documents were his main leverage, with the clues from Tang Wei serving as support. This was a sure-win hand, but Lu Feng never expected Tang Shengtang to turn the tables so easily. And to have cleverly used Lin Dong in the process.
At this moment, Lu Feng's heart was boiling like water, but on the surface, in front of Lin Dong, he managed to control his imminent outburst. Lin Dong wouldn't believe him, even if he could shake the heavens today. If he continued down this path, it would undoubtedly lead to a dead end.
Therefore, Lu Feng's mind began to work. He decided to change his strategy. While Lu Feng was stubborn, he wasn't foolish enough to hang himself from a single tree when he knew it was a dead end. With this thought, a hint of clarity began to emerge on Lu Feng's previously grim face.
"Since Uncle Lin's point is also valid, let's put this matter aside for now."
Hearing this, not only Lin Dong but also Lin Mei beside him breathed a sigh of relief. Lu Feng had backed down. To save face for his future son-in-law, Lin Dong generously said, "I knew it, Lu Feng isn't that rigid or unreasonable. Good, since the issue is cleared up, there's nothing more to it. After the business at Zhouge Villa is settled, Lu Feng, I'll have a favor to ask of you."
"What is it, Uncle Lin?"
"Currently, Lin Feng is managing things at Taidong Group. You, on the other hand, will go to Zhouge Group. Whatever you are owed, I, this old man, will ensure you receive every penny." Lin Dong said with a chuckle, displaying the kindness of an elder. This was also his most genuine thought. By making Lu Feng his right-hand man, not only would the Lin family's strength increase significantly, allowing them to weather this storm, but Lu Feng's reputation in Southeast City would also soar. This way, when the time was right, Lu Feng could meet anyone he wished. Wouldn't this also align with the young man's own desires?
Looking up, Lin Dong noticed that the earlier fierceness on the young man's face had long since vanished, and he showed a hint of satisfaction.
"Alright, Lu Feng, have some water. We've been sparring verbally, I imagine you must be thirsty."
"Thank you, Uncle Lin."
Lu Feng picked up the drink placed on the table and downed it in one gulp. Seeing this, Lin Dong's worries about the next day's business meeting diminished considerably. As long as this young man didn't show up tomorrow or the day after at the meeting, this deal would surely proceed smoothly. In his many years of doing business, Lin Dong had never encountered such a peculiar situation. The obstacle to business progress was not an outsider, but someone from within his own ranks. Although it was laughable, Lin Dong didn't care. As for any grudges between Lu Feng and Tang Shengtang, once the Lin family gained complete control of Zhouge Group, they would be settled together. At that time, Lin Dong himself would back Lu Feng and preside over justice.
As he was thinking, the butler's voice interrupted Lin Dong's thoughts.
"Master. There's a guest outside."
Upon hearing this, Lin Dong immediately replied, "Good, I'll be right there!" He then turned to look at the two men in front of him, "Alright, look at me, I'm quite busy. Well, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
When Lin Dong said this, the displeasure he had shown earlier when Lu Feng presented the documents had vanished.
"Dad, you go ahead and be busy. Lin Mei and I will chat here."
Lin Dong understood the implication of this statement. However, as he walked past Lin Mei, he worried that the young man might have a last-minute change of heart and quietly said, "Lin Mei, it's up to you for the next two days."
Lin Mei readily agreed, but her heart was filled with a gnawing unease. After Lin Dong left, the anxiety that had been weighing on her burst forth. "Lu Feng, my dad..."
However, before she could finish, Lu Feng interrupted her. Lu Feng could see the unease in Lin Mei's heart at a glance. How could it be hidden from him? "Your dad wants you to persuade me and keep an eye on me. Am I right?"