CHAPTER 1020: CHAPTER 1017: THE QIAN FAMILY’S WELL-LAID PLANS

"Hehe, I’m a bit eager to see whether that proud woman from the Xiao Family can keep her arrogance when faced with questioning from numerous families," Qian Xiang said with a somewhat vindictive smile.

As a young member of the family, being flatly rejected by a woman was quite a humiliating experience, so he felt a sense of revengeful satisfaction.

"By the way, dad, how are you going to get benefits from the Xiao Family?" Qian Xiang asked curiously.

Qian Jin smiled smugly and said, "This brings us to the election of the president this time. The president can distribute resources to some extent, and although this power is not mandatory, if the decision of the president can gain the support of the majority, the Xiao Family will be forced to share that piece of cake, or else they will be unanimously rejected and unable to get by."

"Oh, dad wants to run for president?" Qian Xiang’s eyes lit up as he asked. Having a father who is the president of the chamber of commerce can give him face among his peers from other families.

Although the younger generation among the major families seem harmonious on the surface, in reality, they compete with each other in secret, comparing with one another. This mentality is like that of children, feeling proud and looking good when talking about how impressive their own fathers are.

"Of course, being president has many benefits. Although it doesn’t come with the authority that the Yun Family has, at least it offers considerable benefits. I’ve been planning for a long time to become president, and once I do, I can get more benefits when dividing up the Xiao Family’s piece of cake," Qian Jin said calmly, as if he was confident of success.

"Dad, you seem to be sure of your success?" Qian Xiang asked with a smile.

Qian Jin patted his son’s shoulder and laughed, "Let me teach you, son. ’Forewarned is forearmed, unprepared is disarmed.’ After planning comes action, then you can be sure of success."

"To become the president, one thing is crucial, and that is to gain the support of the Yun Family and the Ning Family. The Yun Family is the top family, and also the current president. Obviously, the words of the Yun Family carry weight. As for the Ning Family, although their economic strength doesn’t match the Yun Family, they’re one of the families you definitely don’t want to offend."

"The reason, without me saying, you should know as well. While the president is elected by all members, actually, other families pay attention to the stance of the Yun and Ning Families, because the voting method is not an anonymous blind vote but a show of hands. This way, other families can follow the lead of the two major families."

"So, as long as you get the support of the Yun Family and the Ning Family, becoming president is a sure thing," Qian Jin analyzed in detail for his son.

Qian Xiang thought for a while but still didn’t quite understand and asked, "The Ning Family has always acted low-key and won’t explicitly support any family. Generally, they maintain a neutral attitude. So how can you get the Ning Family to support you? And the Yun Family, how could the Yun Family, being the top family, possibly listen to you?"

Qian Jin glanced at his son and said, "That’s why I said you need to learn how things are done. There’s no absolute in everything. The Yun and Ning Families may be strong, but they’re not invulnerable. Everyone has weaknesses; it depends on whether you have the eyes to spot them and the ability to exploit them."

"Then what are the weaknesses of the Yun and Ning Families?" Qian Xiang’s curiosity was piqued, and he asked eagerly.

Qian Jin looked around again, ensuring no one was coming or going, before cautiously saying, "Actually, it can’t be considered a weakness; rather, it’s about catering to their needs and likes. The Old Master Yun has needed herbs for regular treatment ever since he injured his leg twenty years ago. Although I’m not sure exactly how many herbs are needed, it’s said they’re all precious and rare, very hard to find."

"I’ve heard that the Yun Family’s supply of herbs is almost exhausted, and they need to find a new batch. It’s just that it’s very difficult to find them. Yun Xiaotian, even being so young, personally went out searching for it recently."

"As long as we can help the Yun Family find some of those herbs and make good use of them, I think the Yun Family would support me becoming the president. After all, who becomes the president doesn’t really matter, especially since I would promise that after becoming president, I would still work closely with the Yun Family. With a dual approach, the Yun Family would surely endorse me," Qian Jin said confidently.

"Did Dad already find the herbs?" Qian Xiang asked the crucial question.

"Not only did we find them, but your grandfather has already been in contact with the Yun Family and discussed collaboration," Qian Jin replied.

"Did the Yun Family agree?" Qian Xiang asked eagerly.

Qian Jin shook his head and said, "No, the Yun Family neither agreed nor denied, but I can’t think of any family that can offer more practical conditions than we can."

"That’s true; the herbs are a lifeline for the old man. I’m sure the Yun Family is well aware of this, so they haven’t refused our Qian Family’s cooperation," Qian Xiang couldn’t think of a reason for the Yun Family not to cooperate. He thought for a moment before asking, "What about the Ning Family? How do things stand with them?"

"The Ning Family is a very special family. It’s a family that’s accomplished in both literature and martial arts, with many outstanding descendants who are both scholarly and talented in martial arts. However, they act very low-key. Normally, it’s very difficult for us to connect with such a family, but heaven has given our Qian Family an opportunity."

"Coincidentally, the Ning Family also needs a type of herb called Blue Snake Grass. I did some investigating, and basically, no one recognizes this herb. It’s evident that Blue Snake Grass is very peculiar, and this also shows that it is very important to the Ning Family. Otherwise, why would ordinary people want such peculiar herbs?"

"However, whether Blue Snake Grass is peculiar or not is unimportant. What’s important is that we’ve discovered it, giving us the capital to negotiate with the Ning Family. After much investigation, I accidentally obtained some clues from an old man in the black market. Although I haven’t found the herb itself, having the clues is already quite good. I think the Ning Family will be very interested," Qian Jin said with a smile, looking every bit like an old fox.

"So, Dad is already 100% sure of becoming the president?" Qian Xiang asked, laughing joyfully.

Qian Jin smiled modestly and said, "I can’t say 100%, roughly an 80% chance, because they haven’t expressed a clear attitude yet."

"Does it make a difference whether they express it clearly or not? Compared to other competing families, an 80% chance is as good as a 100% because they have nothing that could entice the Yun and Ning Families. It’s such an obvious choice, the Yun and Ning Families wouldn’t be foolish enough to choose another family," Qian Xiang said confidently.

"Hmm, you make some sense, son. Alright, no more talk. Someone is coming over from that side, let’s go greet them. Remember, don’t cause me any trouble," Qian Jin glanced outside before stepping forward to greet them.

Qian Jin cheerfully said to the person coming in, "So it’s the Bai Family from Xikou City. Please come in, please come in."