Zhou Jian said with a smile, "Don't worry, it's already taken care of."

"How did you manage to sort it out?" Ling Zhenfei was curious about what method Zhou Jian had used to deal with those people.

Zhou Jian said with a grin, "Those guys are just some hooligans. If you show them kindness, they'll step all over you. A little intimidation is all it takes to make them behave."

"So they just left like that?" Ling Zhenfei still felt that the situation wasn't that easy to handle.

"Of course it wasn't that easy," Zhou Jian said. "I've recruited a few of them into our security team. A bit of training will straighten them out for sure."

Ling Zhenfei nodded after hearing this, as it seemed like a good idea.

"Alright then, I'll leave this matter in your hands. Xishan Manor is in the midst of construction, and security needs to be tightened to prevent any underhanded sabotage. It'll require more effort on your part from now on."

"This is still my duty, don't worry, Cheng Kun and I will take turns on the watch; it won't be a problem," Zhou Jian said.

After discussing the areas Zhou Jian needed to pay attention to, Ling let him go to look around. It was his first time at Xishan Manor, and there were many places he needed to familiarize himself with.

"Regarding the losses caused by Fengming Group this time, what do you plan to do to make up for it?" Chen Qian suddenly asked Ling Zhenfei.

After thinking for a bit, Ling Zhenfei replied, "I know starting tomorrow we'll definitely have a surplus of vegetables. Now, we can only appropriately reduce production. What else can be done?"

Chen Qian said, "This incident's impact won't be over in a day or two, unless Luo Juan can develop new markets in the shortest possible time. Otherwise, the impact will linger, but developing new markets in a short period isn't very realistic."

"Then what do you think we should do?" Ling Zhenfei asked Chen Qian. After all, he was the strategist and should have some good methods.

After considering for a moment, Chen Qian said, "First, we need to prepare for a prolonged battle. Although we're now aiming to develop the Provincial City market, Binyang is our base, a mature market we absolutely can't abandon."

"Binyang's high-end restaurants have already been taken over by us, about ninety percent, but there are even more mid-range ones. Shouldn't we also consider developing those?"

Ling Zhenfei was startled and said, "But our target are high-end restaurants. The mid-tier ones aren't our objective."

Chen Qian replied, "We're compelled by the current situation. And we're not targeting all mid-tier restaurants, just one or two of the better ones should suffice."

"Do you have any recommendations?" Ling Zhenfei asked, knowing Chen Qian must already have a detailed plan since he brought it up.

Chen Qian started laughing, "What do you think about Green Apple Restaurant?"

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback upon hearing this; Green Apple Restaurant was a chain in Binyang City and catered to the middle and lower tier market, boasting forty or fifty branches throughout the city and its surrounding areas.

If Green Apple Restaurant started using Xishan Manor's vegetables, Ling Zhenfei wouldn't be so anxious.

"Green Apple Restaurant is not small in scale, but they cater to the lower-middle tier market. I'm afraid they won't accept our pricing," Ling Zhenfei analyzed.

But Chen Qian just laughed, "People always aim for better, who doesn't want their restaurant to improve? I've analyzed Green Apple Restaurant. Its grade isn't high nor low. It's in a very awkward position in Binyang."

"They want to do better but lack the opportunity, so they need a catalyst. Xishan Manor could be that catalyst. Just explain the situation clearly to Green Apple Restaurant, and I believe they will understand," Chen Qian suggested.

Ling Zhenfei felt that Chen Qian made some sense, "Then I will go to the Green Apple Restaurant this afternoon to meet their boss and discuss."

Chen Qian shook his head and said, "You don't have to go directly. Find Old Master Qiu. He knows a lot of people and has considerable influence. He can definitely arrange a meeting with the boss of Green Apple Restaurant."

Ling Zhenfei happily slapped his forehead, "You're smarter. Why didn't I think of that? I'll call right now."

Ling Zhenfei immediately made a phone call to Old Master Qiu. Ever since Qiu Qian had left, Ling Zhenfei hadn't visited the Qiu Family or seen Old Master Qiu. When Ling Zhenfei's call was answered, Old Master Qiu was actually very pleased.

After asking about the Old Master's health, Ling Zhenfei explained that he wanted to set up a meeting with the person in charge of the Green Apple Restaurant.

After hearing this, Old Master Qiu laughed, "Is that all? Don't worry, just wait for my news."

A few minutes after hanging up the phone, Ling Zhenfei received a call from Old Master Qiu. The meeting was all set for that afternoon at one of the chain stores of the Green Apple Restaurant.

Ling Zhenfei was surprised that the person in charge of Green Apple had arranged to meet at this place, in his own restaurant. He was clueless about what the other party was thinking.

At noon, Ling Zhenfei instructed the kitchen to prepare an extra table with good dishes. He then gathered Chu He, Li Ru, Zhou Jian, Luo Juan and others together for lunch.

Chu He and Li Ru were leaving in the afternoon. Similarly, Luo Juan and the others planned to head to the Provincial City that afternoon, turning this meal into a farewell lunch.

Indeed, Luo Juan had a good memory. She had insisted on going to the Provincial City that afternoon, and the zeal she showed made it clear she would likely make something of herself.

In the afternoon, Cheng Kun drove Luo Juan and the others to the train station. Chu He and Li Ru were getting ready to leave, and since Ling Zhenfei also had to meet the person in charge of Green Apple, he took the opportunity to drive them to the airport.

The two cars moved down the road, waving goodbye to each other, heading in different directions.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Luo Juan noticed Ling Zhenfei didn't look very happy, whereas Chu He in the back seat was chatting away, oblivious to Li Ru's reluctance on her face.

Of course, Ling Zhenfei was aware of Li Ru's thoughts. He, too, wanted Li Ru to stay a couple more days, but Li Ru indeed had a lot to do in Capital City, and with Chu He around, it wasn't appropriate for Ling Zhenfei to ask her to stay.

He continued to the airport, where Chu He went to fetch the tickets, leaving Ling Zhenfei and Li Ru behind.

Li Ru looked at Ling Zhenfei with wistful eyes, "We have to leave so soon, don't you have anything to say?"

Ling Zhenfei really didn't know what to say, "Then I wish Sister Ru a safe journey."

Li Ru pinched Ling Zhenfei's arm and said, "Is that all?"

Wincing from the pinch, Ling Zhenfei replied, "Does sister have any other instructions?"

Li Ru sighed and said, "I don't know why, but I just don't want to leave you. Am I sick? I was never like this before."

Ling Zhenfei quickly comforted Li Ru, "Sister, you are always welcome at Xishan Manor whenever you have time. Once the house is renovated, I will definitely save a room for Sister Ru to stay in permanently."

Upon hearing this, he saw Li Ru staring at him blankly, somewhat dazed. Her eyes were shimmering, filled with affection.

"Ling Zhenfei, if I were to pursue you, would you mind that Sister is older?"

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