Chapter 76: Fenghua Holdings

There was an unmistakable note of authority in Xiao Kaitian’s words, leaving Guo Lei, Lin Xiang, and the others exchanging glances. No one dared to question him; following his decision, someone immediately picked up the phone to coordinate with the Martial Arts Institute.

Given the vast expanse of the Han-Tang region, the martial arts divisions were structured in several tiers: outposts in major cities were known as Martial Arts Institutes, and there were dozens scattered across the country. Above them were the Martial Arts Bureaus, each overseeing several provinces, and at the very top stood the National Martial Arts Council, the highest and most authoritative organization.

Haidu, as an international metropolis, naturally hosted a Martial Arts Institute, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Qinling Martial Arts Bureau.

The employee in charge of communication dialed the number and, following Xiao Kaitian’s instructions, issued a formal challenge. Soon, covering the receiver with her hand, she reported, “Mr. Xiao, they’re asking when you’d like to schedule the match.”

The timing was always set by the defending party. Xiao Kaitian shrugged. “This afternoon, then. I have business this morning, so I’ll settle this when I swing by later.”

After the arrangements were confirmed, the employee hung up. Not long after, a text message from the Martial Arts Institute arrived on her phone. She forwarded it to Xiao Kaitian, who glanced at it indifferently. This wasn’t the main reason he had come this morning, so after dealing with the formalities, he took Guo Lei with him.

Once the two had left, an employee blurted out, “Is Mr. Xiao planning to fight in person?”

A collective gasp followed.

“No way. Mr. Xiao doesn’t seem like a martial artist at all—more like a pop idol.”

“Nonsense! Mr. Xiao’s got style. Those sissy celebrities can’t even compare.”

The meeting for the first round of discussions had ended, the materials had been collated, and the daily work at Qixi Media Consulting mostly revolved around gossip and idle chatter, which was, in fact, one of the “routine tasks” Xiao Kaitian had assigned them.

Thinking about it, everyone felt a little guilty—were they really earning their salaries, given that it seemed they did so little?

Thus, this morning’s main activity became debating whether Xiao Kaitian or a popular idol was more impressive.

Xiao Kaitian, of course, knew nothing of this and even if he did, he wouldn’t care. There were too many things occupying his mind. Qixi Media Consulting’s purpose was to encourage discussion and idle conversation, digging deep for creativity—that was his intention all along.

He drove his newly purchased Porsche Cayenne, the SUV’s size suiting his tall, broad-shouldered frame. He preferred a brisk pace, and Guo Lei, sitting in the passenger seat, looked visibly tense.

When the car finally rolled to a stop in front of a tall building, Guo Lei’s face grew even more ashen.

This was the headquarters of Fenghua Holdings—the very place where she’d recently failed her interview. In her mind rang Tang Tian’s taunting, mocking words.

“What’s wrong?” Xiao Kaitian, sensing her unease, glanced over.

“It’s nothing,” Guo Lei forced a smile. “Just bad memories.”

He didn’t press further. Guo Lei would have to overcome her own hurdles. He needed allies he could rely on, not someone delicate and tearful.

As a leader, sometimes emotional restraint was necessary. Nurturing growth in one’s team didn’t mean shielding them from every hardship.

She steadied her breathing, matching her steps to Xiao Kaitian’s sure, rhythmic stride. Unconsciously, her own pace became lighter and more confident, her pounding heart gradually calming. In that moment, Guo Lei felt that with Xiao Kaitian at her side, there was nothing she couldn’t face.

The receptionist greeted them with a polite smile, “Hello, do you have an appointment?”

“Yes,” Xiao Kaitian lied without missing a beat—he didn’t know anyone at Fenghua Holdings. But Jiang Churan had left him some materials, which mentioned the Tang family’s Fenghua Holdings in Haidu, and the connection between the Tang family here and his own mother’s Jiang family in the capital. That was the real reason for his visit. “I have an appointment with your President Liu Dongming.”

“One moment, please.” The receptionist, hearing he had an appointment, became much more formal. She checked the registry repeatedly, frowning. “I’m sorry, but I don’t see you scheduled.”

“That’s impossible.” Xiao Kaitian’s face darkened, his tone displeased. “A company of this size shouldn’t make such mistakes. You’re shaking my confidence in Fenghua Holdings. Why don’t you check with your superiors?”

“S-sorry…” The receptionist blushed deeply, wracking her brain for an explanation. “May I ask your name?”

“Xiao Kaitian.” He lit a red Marlboro and frowned. “Please hurry. I’m here to solve Fenghua Holdings’ current bottleneck issues—my time is valuable.”

Watching Xiao Kaitian’s effortless composure, Guo Lei could only silently admit her admiration.

Flustered, the receptionist dialed the extension. As the call connected, Xiao Kaitian reached out and took the phone himself.

“This is Xiao Kaitian,” he said, straightforward and to the point. “I have a way to increase Fenghua Holdings’ market value by at least thirty percent. Ask Liu Dongming if he’s interested.”

“Xiao Kaitian?” On the other end, Tang Tian was momentarily stunned. Her father had only just told her to keep an eye on this man yesterday—she hadn’t expected him to appear so soon, let alone make such a bold claim.

She’d just been appointed as assistant general manager to familiarize herself with the family business. Phone wedged between her shoulder and ear, she typed quickly on her computer, pulling up the security feed from the lobby. To her surprise, Guo Lei was with him—her old rival. Tang Tian’s eyes narrowed.

She wanted to say, “I refuse to see him,” but her father’s warning echoed in her mind. Instead, she said, “Hand the phone back to the receptionist, please.”

Xiao Kaitian smiled and passed the phone to the bewildered receptionist, who took it with trembling hands, nodding repeatedly and glancing nervously at Xiao Kaitian and Guo Lei.

Xiao Kaitian flicked his cigarette, a faint smile playing at his lips, clearly in a good mood.

Guo Lei was awed by his calm confidence. She’d never seen anyone get a meeting this way before.

“Yes, yes, of course,” the receptionist stammered, setting down the phone and taking a steadying breath. Her professional smile returned. “This way, please—the president’s office is on the top floor. I’ll escort you to the elevator.”

The three walked to the elevator. The receptionist swiped her card, held the doors, and once Xiao Kaitian and Guo Lei stepped inside, she pressed the button for the top floor.

“Have a pleasant ride.” As the doors closed, the last thing the receptionist saw through the narrowing gap was Xiao Kaitian’s playful wink and easy smile.