158: 158. Will not participate

“Alright, President Yu, I understand. Thank you, I will strictly adhere to our agreement,” Han Mingli said solemnly into the phone.

After hanging up, he let out a deep sigh, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

He looked back at the Han family mansion, which was usually filled with laughter, but was now shrouded in a heavy pall of gloom.

White funeral couplets, black drapes, and the scent of incense and candles in the air all reminded people that Lord Han, the founder of Juli Energy, had passed away after all efforts to save him at the hospital failed, following a sudden attack.

Lord Han's funeral proceeded solemnly and orderly under Han Mingli's full arrangements.

Dignitaries from all walks of life and business partners came in an endless stream to offer their condolences.

Among them, of course, were the chairmen and presidents of several other energy giants.

After completing the condolence ceremony, they exchanged glances and tacitly invited Han Mingli, who had just taken over the family's heavy responsibilities, to a secluded spot.

“President Han, please accept our deepest condolences,” the chairman of Ruihai Technology was the first to speak, his tone seemingly concerned.

Han Mingli rubbed his throbbing temples, responding wearily, “Thank you for your concern, Uncles.”

The president of Nanjjing New Energy hesitated for a moment, then cut to the chase: “President Han, although Lord Han has unfortunately passed away, Juli Energy, this great ship, is now under your command, and we remain the most important partners in the industry. Previously... the matters we agreed upon, we hope President Han can continue to follow up and act together.”

Seeing Han Mingli's puzzled expression, the chairman of Ruihai lowered his voice and reminded him, “It's about Tingfeng Energy. Their momentum is too strong; we cannot let them continue to develop. We must unite to suppress them, maintain the stability of the industry, and... our common interests.”

Hearing that it was against Tingfeng Energy and Yu Tianxiong, Han Mingli almost without hesitation, directly shook his head and said, “Uncles, President Yu has been kind to my Han family. When my father was in danger, he was the one who lent a helping hand on the scene. Juli Energy cannot participate in this matter, nor will it participate.”

He paused, then continued, “Moreover, I have already reached a cooperation agreement with President Yu. Juli Energy will undertake OEM production for Tingfeng Energy. There is no room for change in this matter.”

The faces of the several bigwigs instantly changed.

The Nanjjing President frowned and said, “President Han! Kindness is kindness, business is business! You must distinguish between priorities! Don't lose sight of the bigger picture!”

The Ruihai Chairman's tone also carried dissatisfaction: “That's right, Mingli! We understand you value loyalty, but the business world is like a battlefield; sometimes you can't be too emotional! Even if you choose to stand by, we wouldn't say anything, but if you turn around and help them... this is simply breaking the existing balance, and it will cause big trouble!”

Another giant also echoed with deep distress: “How foolish! If Lord Han has a spirit in heaven and sees you make such a decision, he would... he would be so angry... Alas!”

Han Mingli faced the pressure from these elders without any wavering on his face; he merely calmly stated the facts: “At the summit, all of you, as my father's close friends for many years, ran faster than anyone else. Yet Mr. Yu Tianxiong, even though he had been targeted by my father many times before, chose to lend a hand at that moment. I saw this very clearly. A kindness is a kindness.”

“You!!!”

The several giants, seeing Han Mingli so unyielding, were both shocked and angry, but realizing that a funeral was not the place for further argument, they could only grudgingly utter, “You're on your own!” and depart in a huff.

Watching their retreating figures, Han Mingli sighed softly.

To stab his benefactor in the back completely went against his principles and bottom line.

Even if he might face more business pressure because of this, his conscience was clear… Eight o'clock in the evening, Golden Triangle International Airport.

A small business jet landed smoothly, the cabin door opened, and Lin Shaohui, carrying simple luggage, stepped out.

As he set foot on the ground, his gaze was immediately drawn to the group of people waiting on the tarmac, and the young figure standing at the very front made his heart tremble, completely confirming his long-held suspicions.

As a trusted confidant of Yu Tianxiong, and with Lu Feng not deliberately hiding too much from him, Lin Shaohui had long vaguely felt that this overly young student had unfathomable depths behind him.

But it wasn't until this moment, seeing Yu Tianxiong and others standing behind Lu Feng like stars surrounding the moon, that he truly realized that Lu Feng was the core of it all, that mysterious Mr. Lu!

Lu Feng stepped forward to greet him, a gentle smile on his face: “Brother Lin, you must be tired from your journey. Long time no see, I hope you don't blame me for not telling you clearly before.”

Lin Shaohui quickly shook his head, his eyes filled with inexpressible emotion: “Lu Feng... no, Mr. Lu... you are truly... incredible. If Teacher Zhou knew of your achievements, she would surely be incredibly proud of you.”

Lu Feng smiled and waved his hand: “Oh no, I'm afraid I'd scare Teacher Zhou; in her eyes, I'll probably always be that student who needs care.”

After a pause, Lu Feng got back to the point, his expression becoming more serious: “Brother Lin, Tingfeng Mining here in the Golden Triangle has just been taken over, and everything is in ruins, urgently needing an absolutely trustworthy person to take charge, stabilize the situation, and complete the transformation into an upstream supplier for Tingfeng Energy.”

“Old Yu strongly recommended you, believing you are the most suitable candidate, and I completely agree. So, this time, I'll have to trouble you to stay here for a while.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Shaohui immediately straightened his back and responded firmly, “Mr. Lu, President Yu, please rest assured! I will do my utmost and not fail your trust!”

“Good!”

Lu Feng nodded in satisfaction: “You don't need to worry about your safety here; Tie Jiang will stay to be responsible for your security; he is experienced. Once the situation here is completely stable, you can bring Teacher Zhou and the child to stay for a period, as if on vacation, and also to reassure them.”

A warm current surged through Lin Shaohui's heart, and he nodded solemnly: “I understand, thank you for the arrangement, Mr. Lu.”

After a brief handover and instructions, Lu Feng and Lin Shaohui shook hands in farewell, then turned and boarded another private plane that was already prepared nearby.

Yu Tianxiong quickly stepped forward again, whispering a few management details and precautions to Lin Shaohui, then also followed Lu Feng onto the plane.

The cabin door closed, and the plane took off.

Inside the cabin, Lu Feng sat on a comfortable, soft seat, slowly closing his eyes, reviewing the situation of his trip to the Golden Triangle.

Although the time was short, the results far exceeded expectations; not only were old grudges completely settled, and Tingfeng Energy's upstream lifeline secured, but now, even if industry giants target them, it will not affect the overall situation.