Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

"Sister Wei Shu?"

Lu Yang pressed the answer button, his voice low and steady, but his eyes remained sharp as he looked through the car window at the two uneasy, writhing figures in the vehicle being escorted.

Qian Youyou sat beside him, her body tense, clearly still immersed in the turmoil of the family infighting, but she was also partially drawn to Lu Yang's sudden phone call, and glanced at him slightly.

"Mr. Lu, it's me."

The voice of Wei Shu, the female president of Century Group, came from the other end of the phone. Even through the airwaves, it carried an undeniable decisiveness, but at this moment, this decisiveness was tinged with obvious seriousness. "It's a message from Chen Fan, the general manager of the Overseas Investment Department. It's urgent, and we need you to make a decision."

Lu Yang raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did Chen Fan say about Japan?"

He keenly sensed that this phone call would instantly pull him from the intricate family feud in Shenzhen back to the far more turbulent financial battlefield spanning the ocean.

"Yes." Wei Shu's voice came clearly, speaking slightly quickly, as if relaying an urgent military report.

"President Chen Fan asked me to convey his exact words: Chairman Lu, thanks to the 'tailwind' of the Asian financial crisis, our investments in Japan have yielded very considerable paper profits. But problems have also arisen. We are not the only ones eyeing this lucrative island nation now."

Lu Yang hummed in agreement, signaling her to continue.

He had anticipated this situation. After all, Soros and other Wall Street financial tycoons were the leaders of this attack on Japan. Someone like Lu Yang, who was just a small fry following behind and getting a taste of the spoils, was better off not being conspicuous.

now.

The rain outside the window seemed to be getting heavier, and the city lights and shadows blurred on the wet glass.

"Soros and his gang of Wall Street vultures, having failed to get what they wanted in Hong Kong, are now pouncing on the island nation of Japan like hungry wolves."

"In order to protect its currency, the island nation's government has announced three consecutive interest rate hikes, each one more drastic than the last!"

Wei Shu's voice revealed a grim assessment of the situation.

It was pretty much what Lu Yang had thought.

“Three consecutive interest rate hikes…” Lu Yang repeated in a low voice, the related economic chain instantly appearing in his mind.

High interest rates are a double-edged sword. In the short term, they can stabilize the exchange rate and attract capital back to the country, but the cost is terrifyingly high.

It's like continuously bleeding a patient:

Corporate financing costs are soaring, debt burdens are mounting, and a wave of bankruptcies is sweeping in.

The surge in bad debts in the banking system has amplified risks exponentially, and the slightest misstep could lead to the collapse of the entire financial system.

Most fatally, when market confidence completely collapses, even if the central bank raises interest rates to the sky, it will be difficult to stop the avalanche-like depreciation of the local currency!
Just like the polar bear that was easily overturned by the financial crisis at the beginning of this year, Russia.

That massive northern neighbor, which had never truly recovered since the collapse of its big brother, offered almost no decent resistance in the face of this storm and crashed down, becoming the freshest flesh and blood in the international capital carnival feast.

In contrast, tiny Japan, with its deep industrial foundation and foreign exchange reserves, managed to withstand the initial waves of impact and did not surrender as quickly as some other small Southeast Asian countries.

Behind this "holding on" is the island nation's government relentlessly feeding international speculative capital, sacrificing its own interests for the benefit of its domestic economy. Each interest rate hike is a forced "feeding," attempting to exchange the pain of the domestic real economy for the temporary "satisfaction" and departure of international capital.

This is tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst, but it seems to be the only "solution" at present.

“President Chen Fan said…” Wei Shu’s voice interrupted Lu Yang’s thoughts, bringing the focus back to the specific predicament.

“We followed Soros and his group and indeed made a lot of yen.”

But now, the money in their hands has become a hot potato.

Do you want to convert your profits into US dollars and withdraw them?

With the yen exchange rate plummeting like this, the exchange losses are huge, meaning most of the effort was wasted.

Mr. Chen's idea was that instead of letting the yen depreciate, it would be better to find high-quality assets locally and exchange them for equity in undervalued, high-value domestic companies that had been battered by the storm. Once the storm passed and the economy recovered, this would be another huge fortune.

Lu Yang nodded; this approach aligned with the "bottom-fishing" strategy he had initially devised for Chen Fan.

But Wei Shu's next words confirmed that the path to "buying at the bottom" is fraught with difficulties.

“But that’s where the problem lies!” Wei Shu’s tone was tinged with frustration.

"Following the list you gave him, Mr. Chen focused his contacts on Aisin Seiko and Nissan Motors. The result... he ran into a brick wall! And it was an impenetrable barrier!"

"Aisin Precision Machinery is the technological king behind the automotive industry chain, with very high barriers to entry."

As soon as Mr. Chen showed even a little interest, the other party immediately closed the door to negotiations, not even giving him a chance for initial contact.

Nissan, though slightly less powerful than Toyota, is still one of the giants in the island nation's automotive industry.

Mr. Chen briefly mentioned the possibility of 'cooperation' and 'investment,' but the other party reacted extremely strongly, showing obvious resistance, which even alarmed relevant government officials who stepped in to 'express their concern.'

Wei Shu paused, then emphasized, "President Chen's exact words were: 'This won't do, Chairman Lu. They're not giving us a chance at all! As soon as they show the slightest indication of an intention to acquire, the other party reacts like a cat whose tail has been stepped on, immediately bristling and triggering the radar of the Japanese government's oversight. Our 'Century Group' seems to have become a taboo label in certain circles in Japan.'"

Lu Yang's eyes were calm as a deep pool, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knees.

He had long anticipated that acquiring core technology companies and leading companies in important industries would encounter resistance, especially during this sensitive period when nationalist sentiment and industrial protectionism were bound to rise.

But the other side reacted so quickly and decisively, even escalating to government intervention, that the resistance was stronger than he had anticipated.

"President Chen asked," Wei Shu's voice carried a hint of seeking instructions, "What do we do now? Should we continue to tackle these tough issues head-on, or withdraw first? Or... find another way? He needs your clear instructions. Our huge amount of yen funds in Japan need a safe outlet that can generate long-term value."

A brief silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the roar of the engine and the patter of raindrops on the body.

Qian Youyou listened quietly from the side. Although she didn't know much about the specifics of international financial mergers and acquisitions, she could clearly feel the deep and oppressive aura emanating from Lu Yang as he pondered.

The dramatic family feud and the unpredictable international capital game create a strange contrast and intertwining at this moment.

Lu Yang turned his gaze to the window, where the lights of Shenzhen flashed past rapidly through the rain.

He thought for a few seconds, and a clear idea took shape in his mind.

He spoke into the microphone, his voice steady and decisive: "Sister Wei Shu, please pass on this message to Chen Fan: 'First, immediately cease all forced contact with companies like Aisin and Nissan, which are clearly national symbols and core enterprises in strategic industries.'"

Trying to break a rock with an egg is unwise.

The target is too large, and the political sensitivity is too high. A direct assault would only result in disastrous consequences, and might even invite stricter regulatory intervention and blockades.

"Second, we need to change our mindset."

“Our core objective is to acquire valuable assets, not necessarily to use the ‘Century Group’ brand for acquisitions.”

"He should turn his attention to areas that are 'non-sensitive' but have 'high potential'."

"For example, leading companies in niche precision instrument sectors, new material R&D companies, and high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises with unique technologies or channels but not their absolute core strengths. These companies are undervalued, and there will be much less resistance to acquisition."

“Third!” A barely perceptible, shrewd smile appeared on Lu Yang’s lips.

He chuckled and said, "And the most important point is the disguise. Tell him he doesn't have to be so honest, he doesn't have to go to negotiations under the banner of a mainland company."

Let him 'package' himself!
It could be a conglomerate from Hong Kong, a family foundation from Singapore, or even a little-known but well-funded investment firm in North America… In short, he's on the front lines, so he's given the flexibility to handle the specifics.

Core principle: The source of funding must be verifiable, even if it involves multiple layers of investigation; the negotiating parties must appear 'harmless' and 'not from mainland China.'

"Tell Chen Fan to remember that as long as we ultimately acquire control or a sufficient share of high-quality assets, the process must be discreet and our identities kept secret. Understand?"

"Understood!" Wei Shu's voice clearly showed more understanding and excitement.

Regarding what Lu Yang just said on the phone.

She was completely convinced.

After thinking for a moment, he concluded, "Disguise our identity, shift our target, and proceed discreetly. I will relay this to President Chen Fan word for word. Please rest assured, President Lu, I believe President Chen will applaud this strategy!"

"Okay. Let him do it. Report back directly when there is significant progress or insurmountable obstacles," Lu Yang added as a final instruction.

"Okay!" Wei Shu replied, and then promptly ended the call.

Lu Yang put away his phone; the small electronic device seemed to still retain the lingering warmth of the tense power struggle during the Asian financial crisis.

He turned his gaze back to the car window.

At this point, the convoy had left the bustling city center and entered the relatively quiet suburban roads.

The rain lessened a bit, but the sky became even more overcast, with rolling hills and increasingly dense clusters of low-rise buildings on both sides of the road.

We're almost at the Qianjiacun settlement.

"Lu Yang, about that phone call just now..." Qian Youyou spoke softly, with a hint of curiosity and barely perceptible dependence.

Although her primary task at the moment was to deal with the internal strife within the family, Lu Yang's ability to handle multiple important matters simultaneously and his composure in controlling the overall situation gave her a strange sense of security amidst her anger and sorrow.

"It's nothing, just some minor trouble with the investment." Lu Yang gave her a reassuring smile and gently patted her hand, which was still clenched into a fist on her knee.

The large hand covered the small hand and said, "Let's deal with the 'family matters' at hand first. Concentrate. Youyou, the ancestral hall is just ahead. Our ancestors are watching. Don't let your father, my father-in-law, down. I believe that if he is watching from heaven, he would definitely hope that you are the one who inherits the business he has worked so hard for in his life."

Qian Youyou took a deep breath, nodded, and the confusion and vulnerability in her eyes were quickly replaced by a resolute expression.

She straightened her back and looked ahead at the road.

The outline of a Chinese-style architectural complex, built against the mountain and appearing particularly solemn and dignified in the rain, has already appeared at the edge of the field of vision.

That place will be the final battlefield that determines the fate of Qian Zhongwu and his son, and also the final battleground where she formally establishes her authority as the head of the family.

Lu Yang also composed himself, his eyes sharpening like an eagle's once more as he looked at the car in the middle of the convoy.

Through the car window and the rain, he could almost see Qian Zhongwu's face, twisted with fear and a last shred of hope, and Qian Feng's completely panicked and cowering appearance.

The convoy gradually slowed down and finally stopped in front of the Qian Clan Ancestral Hall on the wide, rain-washed, shiny bluestone square.

The ancestral hall, with its flying eaves and brackets, black tiles and vermilion doors, exudes a heavy and ancient atmosphere under the gloomy rain.

The clansmen, who had already received the news, gathered under the eaves of the ancestral hall or held umbrellas, watching the procession with complicated expressions.

When they saw Qian Zhongwu and his son being practically dragged out of the car by bodyguards, their legs trembling and barely able to stand, a suppressed commotion and low murmurs arose from the crowd.

Lu Yang got out of the car first, opened a large black umbrella, and shielded Qian Youyou, who got out of the car later, from the wind and rain.

She stood before the ancestral hall, raindrops sliding down the edge of her umbrella. She surveyed the gathered clansmen, her gaze sweeping over Qian Zhongwu and his son, who had been brought down to the steps of the ancestral hall, their faces deathly pale. A surge of authority, stemming from her bloodline and belonging to the head of the family, arose within her.

"Bring them here!" Qian Youyou's voice was cold and authoritative, piercing through the rain and reaching everyone's ears clearly.

Qian Zhongwu stared at the dark, gaping door of the ancestral hall, feeling the disdainful, indifferent, or gloating gazes of the clansmen around him. Thinking of the "public trial" he was about to face with the ancestral tablets, the last bit of strength he had been holding on seemed to have been drained away. His knees buckled, and if he hadn't been supported by the bodyguards, he would have almost collapsed onto the cold, damp bluestone slab.

Qian Feng trembled violently, and a faint odor emanated from his crotch, spreading a nauseating smell in the rain.

Lu Yang watched all of this coldly, a chilling sneer playing on his lips.

He has just received word that the man has been captured.

These two, father and son, were not discreet in their dealings, actually entrusting such an important matter to a scoundrel from their own clan in the village.

That scoundrel is usually idle, fond of drinking, women, and gambling. He never knows where his next meal will come from, and he'll do anything for money.

Qian Zhongwu and his son gave him money to steal the family genealogy from his second great-uncle's house and alter its contents, which he did.

Now, the men Lu Yang sent out caught him at the back exit of the underground casino. Knowing that he had lost all his money, they paid him double the amount, and he immediately confessed everything in detail.

They wouldn't even blink when betraying their former employers.

It's fair to say that the outcome of this impending storm within the ancestral hall was already predetermined. (End of Chapter)