Chapter 109: Calm and Rational

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Chapter 109: Calm and Rational

Actually, no matter how you look at it, calling him "Grandpa" wouldn’t be a loss. As an elder, countless people would want to claim some distant kinship with him. Before Xiao Tianci could speak, the old man beat him to it: "But I prefer to be more casual with you young folks. Once you’re a bit older, just calling me ‘Old’ will suffice."

What did he mean by this? After mentioning his connection to the Xiao family and then saying this, Xiao Tianci began pondering. A man who’d spent a lifetime in politics enjoyed playing such games and riddles. Why not say things outright? Instead, he always circled around, making you guess and interpret for yourself.

For an old man with over fifty years in politics, trying to read anything from his expression or eye movements was almost impossible. Perhaps what you think you see is just a tactic to mislead you. Politics is truly no game for the young. Xiao Tianci felt his mindset was quite good—but now he realized it was far from enough.

He tried to fathom what the old man meant by mentioning the Xiao family and adding that at least he didn’t have to be the "grandson" now—implying he wasn’t yet worthy? Maybe. But was it really that simple?

Calculating inwardly, he smiled and said, “I never expected Old Zhao to have such deep ties with the Xiao family. If Tianci has any faults in the future, please don’t hesitate to instruct and guide me.”

This information wasn’t exactly a secret, but even the chief steward, Lin Jian, didn’t know. Otherwise, he would have mentioned it when Xiao Tianci asked. Should he just say it himself? His father had caused quite a stir over issues involving Third World countries back then; it was impossible they hadn’t had contact with the foremost Third World nation, Z Country. There must be many untold matters, but to learn them from this old man would be quite difficult!

Old Zhao stood up. Though in his seventies, he was like other seasoned political leaders, appearing no older than in his sixties. His body and spirit were robust—hence the saying that politics makes one young. Young people, don’t dabble in politics.

“We’ve been sitting for too long. Walk with me,” said Old Zhao, leading the way out of the study, with Xiao Tianci following behind. Outside, Old Zhao’s secretary and a bodyguard trailed them.

Walking methodically side by side, left and right, half a step behind—there was much subtle etiquette involved. If Xiao Tianci were paying respects as a junior, he should walk half a step behind Old Zhao; if a guest, side by side, to left and right. Their slight staggered steps clearly showed his respect.

Tian Ni never imagined she would actually sit in the conference room watching the man before her prepare food. Known as a workaholic, skipping meals was normal for her, and she could easily ask her assistant to get a burger, sandwich, or coffee to keep going.

Yet, inexplicably, she sat down, ordering several freshly made dishes and juices. Thinking about the employees outside, she felt a bit uneasy.

Her thoughts drifted to Xiao Tianci—how had his mouth gotten so sharp lately? He wasn’t like this before. Could it be that men reveal their true selves after marriage? Stop overthinking, she told herself. But he was indeed very attentive.

Recalling how he ate that steak at lunch, Tian Ni couldn’t help but smile. Oh, and what to cook for Meg, that adorable foreign girl, tonight?

They walked to a small pond in the backyard, filled with beautiful little goldfish. Old Zhao casually pinched some fish food from nearby and gently scattered it; the particles fluttered like snow as the fish swarmed for the feast.

"Young man, do you know how great a disaster your impulsiveness has caused?"

A disaster? Oh, Meihua’s matter was due to my recklessness? Haha, it’s already good enough that I’m not called a prodigal son. Xiao Tianci hurriedly bowed and said, “That’s because of my lack of experience. I will certainly work harder in the future.”

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Old Zhao’s tone was as gentle as spring breeze, yet careless words could cut to the bone: “Young man, I’m not yet blind with age, and here you are joking with me. If your stubborn grandfather were still alive, he’d have already enforced family rules.”

Though simple, his words carried weight and multiple meanings. But Xiao Tianci laughed inwardly—since they affected him little, he might as well ignore them. Respect was enough.

Feigning ignorance, he replied, “Yes, yes, your admonishment is well received. Tianci will reflect deeply upon returning.”

“Ha…” The old man laughed heartily, then looked at the fish fighting over food. “Do you know why I spoke out later on?”

Xiao Tianci understood that Old Zhao’s words meant protecting Tian Ni, which he hadn’t really known. He had only briefly spoken with the old man once after learning the news. The precise reason was unknown, but likely had to do with his father’s dealings with Third World countries. He guessed that was why they supported him. Regardless of the motive, Xiao Tianci sincerely felt grateful.

Old Zhao said, “The recent troubles you caused aside—your intentions were clear, and your actions show you’re not entirely bad at heart. That’s why I helped you. But you’re too self-righteous. You thought buying the desert with huge funds was just a disguised donation to a few provinces and cities. No one expected you to tell such a colossal lie. Meihua’s current plight caused losses to several countries. Do you think things ended there? Do you think the shield just vanished? You’re too young and rash.”

Hearing this, Xiao Tianci said, “You should understand Meihua’s situation. The so-called control the Xiao family has is just an empty shell. By now, Meihua has long been hollowed out. You know I couldn’t possibly touch Meihua’s core. Rather than letting others control it, I’d rather do something meaningful for the nation and reclaim control.”

He spoke cautiously in response to Old Zhao’s concerns. The elder shook his head: “You don’t understand. Donations are temporary fixes. What a country and a people need isn’t your charity. Even if your donations could sustain the whole population for twenty years, what then? Twenty years later, they might not even know how they died.”

Xiao Tianci disagreed: “So, are donations for schools and roads bad then?”

Old Zhao gently patted the railing of a small bridge nearby: “Good deeds are good, but it depends who does them and how. Do you know what your father did back then? Study that carefully when you get back. That was true, lasting benefit for the country and people. The world admired you because of what your father built over a lifetime. It’s a pity you squandered those intangible treasures in such a short time.”

Xiao Tianci felt a surge of anger but quickly suppressed it. Perhaps the old man was just steering him toward certain words he wanted to hear. No, he must control himself. Even if the elder had ulterior motives, he couldn’t reveal too much now.

“Ha… maybe. I dare not say I have great plans before you, but I’m doing what I believe is right.”

His words made the atmosphere awkward. But Old Zhao sighed softly: “You’re too young and impulsive. Having some flaws is good, but you must know the world is maintained by calmness and reason. Think about this before you act. With the current situation, what do you plan to do next?”

Xiao Tianci’s original purpose was to discuss future plans with him, involving arms business. But seeing how things stood, he started to worry. After a moment’s thought, he said bluntly, “Actually, I came to seek your support. I plan to invest domestically, including military industry projects, and need your backing.”

Old Zhao frowned slightly: “Young man, don’t rush for quick success. Take it step by step. Don’t start running before you’ve learned to walk. And don’t say I’m retired—if I were still in my old position, it would be no different. Military affairs affect national security and social stability. You’re young. Do you really think the Xiao family’s wealth lets you do whatever you want? You’re seeing the world too simply. What you face below, you haven’t even considered. If a country truly wants to deal with you, no matter how vast your holdings are, you won’t end well.”

For the first time, Xiao Tianci felt exhausted. Was it his father’s legacy that had made things go smoothly with Meihua before? Without that foundation, he was powerless.

He was agitated—was it real or feigned? Did that country mean the U.S.? Was the reason nothing had happened recently because his father and these people were holding things for him?

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Countless thoughts raced through Xiao Tianci’s mind. He nodded and said, “Perhaps you’re right. But I don’t think what I’m doing is wrong. Also, my plans for the military industry have their basis.”

With that, he pulled out a small electronic notebook, logged in with fingerprint and password, and brought up several copied documents, handing them to Old Zhao: “Please take a look.”

Old Zhao glanced at the device, his expression turning serious. As he flipped through pages, his hand trembled slightly.

Xiao Tianci thought about what Old Zhao said—some of it he had considered. But regarding Meihua, if he didn’t act now, and others entirely took control, it would be worse than crippled. But now that he’d provoked the U.S., troubles kept coming. No, he had to push ahead quickly. As long as the game continued, it couldn’t stop.

The stored data wasn’t much but enough to make things clear. Xiao Tianci snatched the device back, pressed a few buttons, entered a password, then casually tossed it to the ground nearby. A spark flew as the self-destruct program activated.

Seeing this, Old Zhao didn’t stop him, lost in thought for a moment before looking up: “You want to cooperate with the state using this?”

Old Zhao assumed Xiao Tianci wanted to leverage this for a deal to rebuild Meihua’s losses. But if that were true, it could really turn the tide.

Xiao Tianci smiled: “Ha, you misunderstand. I’m a citizen of Z Country after all. You saw there are three levels inside—the highest is for the state, the middle I have other uses for, which I believe you won’t mind. As for the last part, that’s what I need for the military industry.”

His words evidently moved Old Zhao, but he didn’t answer immediately. After a moment, he asked, “Is the shield real?”

Xiao Tianci understood and nearly froze. He thought the elder had completely seen through his desert villa project and that the shield was all a lie he had boasted about.

Though his father’s computer held some basic data, it was precisely because it was made public that people truly believed the shield had been developed.

Phew… that was too close. He almost panicked. Without this ace up his sleeve, he might have been stunned. But now he realized the old man was just guessing, probing.

He had to be more careful next time; that shock was intense. If so, other countries or parties were likely the same. So his danger wasn’t too great. That was good—he had enough time to strengthen himself.

Yes, rationality was good. But even after thirty years of cultivation, he might never be as calm and rational as those people. They always stayed ahead because they couldn’t guess his thoughts. They were rational, he was wild; they were calm, he was reckless; they were slow, he was fast; they earned, he spent. That’s the game.

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Highly recommended by the sports specialist Hong Feng: the sequel to “Fatty King of Basketball,” titled “I Go Crazy for Youth,” still full of basketball and passion. Hot updates on the new book list.

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