The Du family was in its prime, but in terms of influence, they were still a notch below the Shen family.
Therefore, Du Fumin naturally appeared enthusiastic and somewhat deferential in front of Shen Tinghao.
After pleasantries, Shen Tinghao’s gaze fell upon Chen Fan.
Upon seeing him, Shen Tinghao’s expression showed surprise.
“Young Master Shen!”
Chen Fan bowed slightly and greeted him, “My name is Chen Zhuo, General Manager of Longteng’s Kyoto branch.”
Shen Tinghao looked at Chen Fan with uncertainty and said, “Chen Zhuo?”
“Young Master Shen, have we met before?” Chen Fan said calmly.
Shen Tinghao narrowed his eyes and said, as if intentionally or unintentionally, “Manager Chen bears too much resemblance to someone, and that person also happens to be surnamed Chen.”
“That’s quite a coincidence!”
Chen Fan’s expression remained unchanged, with a hint of nonchalance. He said, “Now that Young Master Shen mentions it, I am curious to meet this person.”
“Haha, yes, just how similar are they to make Young Master Shen react so strongly? This is truly rare!” Du Fumin chimed in.
The others echoed his sentiments profusely.
“Speaking of which, that person has quite a connection with Manager Chen.”
Shen Tinghao said, “One of that person’s identities is known as Mr. Long, the very founder of Manager Chen’s Longteng Group, a legend in the business world. Perhaps Manager Chen has indeed met him?”
Chen Fan showed appropriate surprise, “Mr. Long? Young Master Shen has met Mr. Long? Is Mr. Long’s surname really Chen?”
“What, Manager Chen’s uncle is an elder of Longteng, and he doesn’t know these things?” Chen Fan paused for a moment before saying, “My uncle indeed doesn’t know Mr. Long’s surname. I heard there were some rumors from Hangjiang, saying Mr. Long’s name is Chen Fan? I wonder if it’s true!”
The corner of his lips curled up, revealing a hint of coldness. “When Longteng was first established, my uncle followed Mr. Long to build the empire. At that time, they were together day and night. However, after Longteng Group became more formalized, Mr. Long left Longteng and disappeared. The maintenance and growth of Longteng Group relied more on my uncle and those elders!”
“As a result, Mr. Long interfered by appointing Han Shuying, a mere woman, as Longteng’s president. The reason, it is said, is that Han Shuying had a private affair with him and was utterly devoted to him!”
“I have never met Mr. Long. I returned late; I only came back from studying abroad two years ago. My knowledge of Mr. Long is no more than what everyone else knows.”
The others understood, realizing that Shen Tinghao had met Mr. Long and noticed Chen Fan’s resemblance to him.
For a moment, everyone was astonished.
Shen Tinghao, however, remained somewhat suspicious.
In his view, Chen Fan before him looked too much like Chen Tianjiao.
His first impression was that they were the same person, but after looking more closely, he found their demeanor, bearing, and overall aura to be completely different.
There were also differences in their physique.
He, of course, did not know that with Chen Fan’s abilities, changing one’s appearance was a minor skill.
The reason for the strong resemblance was simply that Chen Fan’s disguise was not thorough enough. He had only made slight adjustments and had not put in much effort.
After all, Chen Fan had not expected to encounter Shen Tinghao in such a setting before he arrived.
From Chen Fan’s words, Shen Tinghao could detect a hint of resentment towards Mr. Long, making him even more uncertain.
“Manager Chen actually doesn’t know Mr. Long?” Li Qian asked in surprise.
“He’s too mysterious!” Chen Fan chuckled and said.
“If you say so, then I’ll just assume Manager Chen is Mr. Long.” Li Qian laughed heartily and said, “Perhaps it’s only a matter of time. When you are promoted to Longteng’s president, you can call yourself Mr. Long too!”
Chen Fan’s expression remained unchanged. “I appreciate Young Master Li’s auspicious words, but if that day ever comes, I wouldn’t want to be called Mr. Long. Repeating someone else’s words is meaningless!”
The young masters burst into laughter upon hearing this, with some of their laughter laced with mockery.
Mr. Long was an influential figure. Even though Longteng’s headquarters was not in Kyoto, his name was still a force to be reckoned with in the Kyoto business circle.
Chen Fan, currently just a branch manager, spoke with such arrogance?
“Speaking of which, I do know something.”
Shen Tinghao squinted at Chen Fan, seeing no flaws. He continued, “It is indeed too similar. May I ask Manager Chen’s hometown and what his family does? If you don’t clarify, I would think Manager Chen is Mr. Long’s estranged brother?”
“What, is Young Master Shen conducting a background check?” Chen Fan replied nonchalantly, with a hint of displeasure. “My hometown is in Shanghai. Should I pull out my ID card for Young Master Shen to see?”
He certainly could not cooperate with Shen Tinghao’s interrogation unconditionally. Even though his identity as a branch manager was well-prepared, he had to show a bit of his temper in front of Shen Tinghao.
“You jest. Young Master Shen is merely curious. Alright, Young Master Shen has arrived. Let’s talk while we eat.”
Du Fumin stepped in to smooth things over and invited them, “This is also a meeting for all parties. Let’s form a board of directors today, decide on the general strategy, and the Star Moon Lake project should commence construction!”
“Yes, let’s talk while we eat. Whatever Young Master Shen and Young Master Du say, we’ll follow. We’re here to make money with you, haha!” Yu Zhen said.
Shen Tinghao no longer pressed the issue and went to take his seat. However, he beckoned to Chen Fan, “Manager Chen, come, sit here. Let’s have a good chat.”
Seeing Shen Tinghao’s unusual interest in him, Chen Fan felt rather strange.
Back in Jinling, Shen Tinghao had not been like this.
However, he did not refuse and went to take his seat.
He was not worried about being exposed. If he were, it would merely mean this particular line of intelligence would be cut off.
But in reality, he had already met the people behind the Yu Fuguo line. By investigating them one by one, he was bound to uncover something.
After signaling the waiter to serve the dishes, Xu Yuntian said, “Gentlemen, today’s agenda is to determine the capital contribution ratios and shareholdings of each party, and also Manager Chen’s desire to join the venture.”
“As the person directly responsible for the Star Moon Lake project, I will first state my view. I believe that Manager Chen from the Longteng branch participating in the investment will be beneficial to all of us.”
“I have spoken with Manager Chen just now. His initial investment intention is one billion yuan, and he can increase it later, regardless of the amount. If it exceeds five billion, he can apply to Longteng headquarters!”
“More capital entering will alleviate our funding pressure and dilute the project’s potential risks,” Xu Yuntian expounded. “The most crucial factor is the Longteng name, which is sufficient to attract imitation and envy from the Kyoto business circle, greatly enhancing customers’ expectations for the Star Moon Lake project. Even if we can secure endorsement from higher levels of Longteng, it would not be difficult for the Star Moon Lake project to trigger a buying frenzy!”
Xu Yuntian’s analysis was precise, and his words caused all the young masters to nod in agreement.
This Xu Yuntian was the true orchestrator and executor of the Star Moon Lake project, possessing substantial capabilities.
Furthermore, he was a pillar of the Xu family, backed by them, which was why he received the approval of Shen Tinghao, Du Fumin, and everyone else.
This person was very important in the Star Moon Lake scheme.
Chen Fan even believed that Xu Yuntian was more likely to be a core member of the Brotherhood than Du Fumin.