In the restaurant, Lin Fan looked coldly at Jiang Chun Nian with furrowed brows.
Feng Xiaoxiao watched him in astonishment, not expecting such a strong reaction to that statement.
"There’s nothing left to discuss... let’s not talk then, if we fall out, I won’t be the only one embarrassed."
Leaning back against the chair, Jiang Chun Nian said icily, "Mr. Gu always said you were the smartest student he’d ever taught, and Feng Xiaoxiao always spoke about your reserved nature. But now, it doesn’t seem you’re that smart after all. The two of you parading around the city has just handed the evidence over to me. If you really want to make a scene, I’ll bring you down with me even if it destroys me."
"Jiang Chun Nian, you’d better think clearly. Don’t be overconfident about certain things and consider your position. Do you think you have the right to turn against me?"
Lin Fan smiled and said, "I’m indeed reserved. I wouldn’t retort before I was certain. But since I’ve made my moves, it means one thing—you have no way out anymore, that means I’ve got you cornered."
"Got me cornered? Just because you’re an acting deputy mayor, you’re way too full of yourself."
Jiang Chun Nian snorted, "Remember, this is the Provincial City. You think it’s like your town where you can manipulate everything? I told you last night, with just one word, I can destroy your career. It’ll be a case of mutual destruction. What I lose is just a woman who doesn’t love me, but you’ll lose your future. I assure you, you won’t be able to survive in the system!"
"You see, you’re telling me this ridiculous joke again. You really are humorous."
Lin Fan smiled as he stood up, which startled Jiang Chun Nian, making him think Lin Fan was going to start a fight. Instinctively, he also stood up and clenched his fists. "What are you doing!"
Lin Fan ignored Jiang Chun Nian and waved to someone behind him. Then, a familiar voice spoke up, and Jiang Chun Nian turned around instinctively to see Xue Changchun jogging over, "Brother Lin...no, no...now it must be County Magistrate Lin. I was thinking of finding time to celebrate your promotion but didn’t expect your illustrious visit. It truly honors me."
"Boss Xue is too kind. It’s just an acting position without real power. It’s just an opportunity for exercise given by the organization. I’m here for a meeting with Mayor Zhu and had nothing else on, so I thought I’d meet up with some old friends."
The light way in which Lin Fan spoke thundered in Jiang Chun Nian’s ears.
"County Magistrate Lin doesn’t need real power. With the trust the organization has in you, it’s only a matter of time before the Provincial City is yours too. You catch up with your friend first; I’ll wait for you in the private room. Call me if you need anything."
Throughout this, Lin Fan showed no intention of introducing anyone else, and Xue Changchun wasn’t stupid. This sudden invitation to eat must be because he needed something. Whether it was about showing off or genuinely asking for help, it was up to the others to initiate. As a businessman, pretending ignorance was the best approach.
"Okay, we’ll talk later."
Lin Fan nodded and sat back down after Xue Changchun left. Meanwhile, Jiang Chun Nian stood frozen. Xue Changchun, who was all smiles and subservience in front of Lin Fan, was considered a hero in front of his own father. This disparity shocked him and made him look at Lin Fan in disbelief, perhaps now understanding why Lin Fan had said threatening his livelihood was a joke.
"What were we talking about?"
Lin Fan glanced at Feng Xiaoxiao, who was snickering, her eyes narrowed into charming little slits. "We were discussing him threatening to ruin your position as Deputy County Magistrate."
"Oh, oh, oh... now that the joke is over, can we discuss serious matters?"
Lin Fan looked back at the pale-faced Jiang Chun Nian, who had no choice but to obediently sit back down. "Lin...please, just tell me whatever you need."
"I don’t need much; Feng Xiaoxiao has already laid out the terms earlier. All conditions remain unchanged, with a fake certificate, fake wedding, and fake ceremony. In the future, the kids will carry my surname. Can you accept that?"
The shift in address already said everything. This time, Lin Fan had him completely cornered.
"I can... I accept everything!"
With his entire life in someone else’s hands, Jiang Chun Nian’s cold sweat poured down.
"I remember a saying from our master: when you plot against your rival, your rival plots against you, the world is fair. So, when you want to swing your fist at someone, always remember, that fist might someday land on your own face. How can one scheme for the world without thinking ahead, how can one scheme for the whole if only the part is considered."
Lin Fan stood up, holding Feng Xiaoxiao’s hand, "I remember the ceremony is in Tianhou Hotel the day after tomorrow, right? You better prepare well. After all, I’m the groom in this wedding, and you’re just a stand-in. Better know your place, or don’t blame me for being unkind!"
Jiang Chun Nian couldn’t utter a word in rebuttal; he could only watch as Lin Fan walked away with Feng Xiaoxiao.
At that moment, Jiang Chun Nian finally understood what Mr. Gu had meant: "Lin Fan and Feng Xiaoxiao are truly capable as strategists, possessing both patience and a terrifying resolve. They are destined for great things."