If Xu Feiyan was the small celebrity in the Vanity Fair that night, Luo Xia was the real top big shot in the capital circle, the kind who could influence policy directions.

As soon as Luo Xia appeared, all eyes in the room focused entirely on him. Everyone present, regardless of their status or position, racked their brains trying to establish connections with Luo Xia, hoping to grab a share of the upcoming wave of policy benefits in the city.

In such a competitive atmosphere, only the Xu family appeared especially detached and proud. Under Xu Feiyan’s guidance over the past six months, their investments in various fields had all yielded results, rapidly accumulating and even doubling the family’s wealth.

Not long ago, Xu Feiyan had persuaded them to acquire the development rights for the Dongcheng New District.

In recent years, the city had been committed to upgrading local industries, and developing a new district was ineVittable. Currently, the city still had two areas—Dongcheng and Nancheng—with large tracts of unused land. It was still unclear which area the final policy would favor, and capital in the industry was closely watching the government’s moves.

In the past, the Xu family would never have listened to Xu Feiyan, taking such a big risk before policies were clear. But Xu Feiyan’s performance over the past six months was too outstanding and precise—almost every investment direction he predicted materialized.

By now, Xu Feiyan’s influence in the family was equal to the decision-makers’, not to mention that most of the family’s assets had been acquired under his guidance. So when Xu Feiyan once again gave them a precise analysis of the city government’s upcoming plans—especially mentioning the news that Huan Tian Technology was about to settle in the city before it was publicly announced—the Xu family knew Xu Feiyan had once again accurately foretold the future.

Thus, before other capital groups even reacted, the Xu family quickly and decisively secured the majority of the land development rights in Dongcheng New District at a relatively low price.

However, real estate was truly a business that demanded cash flow. To secure this land, the Xu family mortgaged most of their assets. It was a do-or-die gamble.

Fortunately, the result did not disappoint them. Shortly after securing Dongcheng New District, the city government also revealed that it would further promote industrial upgrades and develop a smart city. Everything proceeded steadily as Xu Feiyan had predicted early on.

The Xu family pushed the matter as well, thanks to a paper author from Qixing half a year ago titled Universe, which helped the family gain plenty of policy resources and smoothly open relations with the city government. So when Huan Tian sent a team to the city to inspect sites, the Xu family also arranged personnel to facilitate the process.

It could be said that Huan Tian’s eventual settlement in Dongcheng New District was almost guaranteed.

Because of this, the Xu family had sent an inVittation to Luo Xia a couple of days ago, preparing to formally discuss matters with him after the banquet. Given the Xu family’s current status in the city and their priority in obtaining development rights for Dongcheng New District, Huan Tian indeed did not refuse and had already agreed.

After tonight, the Xu family was sure to soar in the city, leaving other capital far behind.

At this moment, Luo Xia appeared. Xu Feiyan, as a representative of the new generation of the Xu family, was supposed to approach Luo Xia to strike up a conversation. But Luo Xia’s move shocked everyone.

He actually bypassed all the prominent and influential people and directly went to a completely unfamiliar young man, even showing great honor and respect.

Although Xie Ran was somewhat known in the local education and academic circles, most people there did not recognize him. Everyone was dumbfounded on the spot, unable to figure out what was going on.

While others didn’t know Xie Ran, the Xu family recognized him immediately. Wasn’t he the academic star produced by Qixing who helped them obtain a lot of policy benefits in the past six months?

After initial confusion, the Xu family members all became ecstatic. Though they didn’t understand what had happened, seeing Luo Xia treat Xie Ran with such importance—knowing Xie Ran was a student trained by Qixing—only meant they had even more face!

Only Xu Feiyan suddenly felt uneasy, staring incredulously at the familiar interaction between Xie Ran and Luo Xia.

How did Xie Brother Rant connected with Luo Xia? When did they get connected?

Like him, Xie Ran knew the clearest relationship between the city government’s smart city plan and Huan Tian Technology. Could Xie Ran’s dealings with Luo Xia be related to this?

Xu Feiyan recalled Xie Ran’s earlier meaningful words: “I know. I did it on purpose.”

Suddenly, Xu Feiyan broke out in a cold sweat.

Xie Ran ignored the probing looks around. After exchanging greetings, he calmly started talking with Luo Xia.

Only then did everyone realize this previously unnoticed young man had a terrifyingly strong aura. He showed no sign of being intimidated by someone as high-ranking as Luo Xia, nor any youthful immaturity. Their conversation remained on the same level, and occasionally Luo Xia even failed to keep up with Xie Ran’s thoughts.

Just by watching their dialogue, everyone understood why Luo Xia held this young man in such high regard.

But that was not enough to answer all the questions everyone had.

Luo Xia chatted happily with Xie Ran. Luo Xia’s assistant, standing beside them, was somewhat stunned. He always arranged Luo Xia’s schedule and knew Luo Xia and Xie Ran knew each other but had no idea what they talked about privately that made Luo Xia value Xie Ran so much.

Seeing Luo Xia become increasingly absorbed, the assistant cleared his throat quietly and reminded him softly: “Mr. Luo, shouldn’t you discuss with Xie later? Others are still waiting for you now.”

“Oh, right.” Luo Xia snapped out of it and smiled at Xie Ran. “By the way, Xie, you are local, right? Why don’t you join me to meet some local celebrities? For future cooperation, I’ll need you to help me keep an eye on things.”

Xie Ran was not humble either and replied without arrogance or humility: “Sure.”

The assistant introduced Xu Feiyan to Luo Xia first. Seeing this sequence, many people understood that the Xu family was probably gaining another advantage. For a moment, they silently praised Xu Feiyan as a business genius and feared that after tonight, the Xu family would truly leave all others far behind in the city.

The rest of the Xu family were also proud. Xu Feiyan’s expression, however, was unnatural and a bit stiff as he greeted Luo Xia. Then he casually asked: “Mr. Luo, how did you get to know Xie Ran? He was a student trained by our school, but we never heard he had any connection with you.”

“Oh, right. Xie is a Qixing student,” Luo Xia laughed heartily twice. “Thanks to Qixing’s strong promotion of Universe, otherwise, I would have missed such a talent.”

“Hmm,” Xie Ran casually glanced at Xu Feiyan. “Indeed.”

With the original owner’s network, Xu Feiyan knew it was basically impossible to get to know Luo Xia on his own. If they used Meng Feixuan’s ability to hack Luo Xia’s communication system, Xie Ran could talk directly with Luo Xia, but then his coming and going with such technology would surely alert Luo Xia and even higher-ups. Luo Xia would not easily trust him.

However, with the identity as the author of the Universe paper as a credential, Qixing spared no effort promoting it to gain policy resources. It was much easier for Xie Ran to enter Luo Xia’s field of vision.

Naturally, Huan Tian Technology also needed the intellectual property of the Universe paper author, especially since Xie Ran’s topic led industry development for the next decade. Regardless of Xie Ran’s current status or whether he really had enough ability, Luo Xia had to give him face. As long as there was a legitimate chance to connect with Luo Xia, deeper cooperation would be easier later.

Xu Feiyan’s expression changed drastically upon hearing this, his gaze toward Xie Ran became complicated, and he forced a stiff smile: “So that’s how it is.”

He had always thought the Xu family was using Xie Ran’s academic achievements to seek policy benefits, but unexpectedly, Xie Ran’s cooperation with Qixing had another plan.

Xu Feiyan couldn’t help but suspect that the Universe paper had been Xie Ran’s conspiracy from the start.

The more he thought, the more uneasy he felt. At this moment, Luo Xia finished chatting with him and, led by his assistant, went to talk to another guest. Xu Feiyan hurriedly stopped Luo Xia and casually said: “By the way, Mr. Luo, I heard Huan Tian is looking for a new office park site. Do you have any requirements? We Xu family are familiar with the local area. When we eat together later, I can give you some suggestions.”

“Requirements?” Luo Xia glanced at Xie Ran. “That depends on Xie’s thoughts.”

“What?” Xu Feiyan’s heart skipped a beat. “Why listen to him?”

“Haha, it’s a secret. Everyone will know soon,” Luo Xia laughed. “Xie is an important partner, of course, we value his opinion.”

Xu Feiyan instinctively looked at Xie Ran, who remained calm and leisurely said: “First, exclude Dongcheng New District.”

Xu Feiyan’s eyes widened dramatically: !!!

Luo Xia seemed puzzled: “Why?”

Xie Ran: “Because I don’t like it.”

“…” Luo Xia was stunned but said nothing, just waved his hand: “It’s no big deal. The city government gave us a lot of autonomy. Xie can pick a place he likes.”

They spoke as if no one else was around, while Xu Feiyan’s face turned pale.

Just then, an important person came to speak with Luo Xia privately, so Luo Xia left.

Xu Feiyan almost instinctively blocked Xie Ran, glaring at him: “Were you serious just now?”

Xie Ran raised an eyelid: “What do you think?”

“You did it on purpose!” Xu Feiyan realized belatedly. “You knew I would get Dongcheng New District and set a trap from the beginning?”

“I didn’t know you would get Dongcheng New District,” Xie Ran replied calmly: “But I knew if you kept succeeding, you and your family would be intoxicated by your achievements sooner or later…”

He already knew Xu Feiyan had future memories and would use the information advantage to invest. The Xu family was wealthy. If they stopped Xu Feiyan’s moves from the start, they’d only lose a little money.

But if Xu Feiyan kept succeeding, the Xu family would trust him more, and as they gained more capital, their ambitions would expand to the maximum.

Xie Ran also anticipated the markets Xu Feiyan could intervene in. Having the original owner’s memory, he knew where Xu Feiyan’s strengths were, so it was not difficult to predict those layouts.

But the fact the Xu family had expanded to directly buying most of Dongcheng New District surprised Xie Ran.

Real estate was the lowest but also the highest barrier. Lowest because money could buy a stake, highest because cash flow requirements were far higher than other industries.

If the cash flow failed, death was certain.

From the start, Xie Ran did not take Xu Feiyan’s rebirth seriously. On the contrary, because Xu Feiyan was reborn, it was easier to predict his actions.

Now Xu Feiyan finally fully understood. Over the past six months, Xie Ran was not powerless against him and the Xu family’s moves, he deliberately let them go, making them fall into an illusion of success, ultimately leading to their destruction.

If Xie Ran really had the power to influence Huan Tian’s site selection, if Huan Tian really abandoned Dongcheng New District and moved to another area, the city government’s policy benefits for the next decade would tilt toward other areas. Even if Dongcheng New District developed, it would have to wait until the smart city development phase was over.

The Xu family had mortgaged most of their assets to get Dongcheng New District, their cash flow could not last that long.

Once Huan Tian’s intention was not in Dongcheng New District, even if the Xu family wanted to transfer their land, no one would likely take it soon.

Xu Feiyan stood there dazed, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

The pit was too big. The fruits of his efforts over the past six months couldn’t fill it. The Xu family might collapse suddenly.

People nearby kept some distance. Many hadn’t heard their conversation and didn’t know what happened. Seeing Xu Feiyan stunned, the others approached and asked: “Feiyan, how is it? What did you just say to Mr. Luo?”

“Haha, what can I say now? The higher-ups haven’t clarified. Let’s just pretend we don’t know about Huan Tian’s site selection and quietly make big money, okay?”

“Right, right, Feiyan always does that. I believe he has it all figured out this time. We just wait for the news.”

The Xu family was still immersed in the dream that Huan Tian would settle in Dongcheng District and that they would reap the smart city policy benefits.

Xu Feiyan looked at their proud faces, wanting to say something but couldn’t utter a word.

He thought that having future information would guarantee victory.

But he didn’t expect that while he was the praying mantis catching the cicada, there was a yellow bird behind watching coldly, ready to kill him in one blow.

He thought having resources, connections, and the abilities from rebirth would let him suppress Xie Ran firmly.

He never thought Xie Ran could turn around and use his resources to send him into a dead end.

Was it that he didn’t expect Xie Ran? Not really. He simply couldn’t imagine that Xie Ran could influence Luo Xia’s decisions and even the final landing of the entire Smart City.

Xie Ran didn’t care about Xu Feiyan’s thoughts. He wasn’t the original owner and had no interest in attacking Xu Feiyan at the beginning. But Xu Feiyan was unusually obsessed with the original owner. If he didn’t thoroughly eliminate Xu Feiyan and the entire Xu family’s power, the original owner would hardly find peace.

However, Xie Ran didn’t care. Meng Feixuan was very interested. He excitedly said through the earpiece: “Sir, point the camera at that loser for me. Let me see what expression he’s making. Haha, it must be hilarious.”

Xie Ran: “…” If he took out his phone to film Xu Feiyan now, probably everyone’s attention would be drawn to him.

Xie Ran pretended not to hear his AI’s request.

Meanwhile, Guan Heng was completely stunned. He had been in a rage, humiliated by Xu Feiyan and shocked by Xu Feiyan’s precise investments. Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, Luo Xia appeared and even called Xie Ran “brother.”

Guan Heng had been standing beside Xie Ran and naturally heard their conversation. The huge amount of information almost overwhelmed him.

Now that Xie Ran was free, Guan Heng swallowed nervously and timidly approached: “Ran, Brother Ran, will you still be my friend in the future… no, will you still be my big brother?”

“…” Xie Ran was slightly speechless but nodded: “Yes.”

“Great.” Guan Heng finally breathed a long sigh of relief and seriously considered whether to massage Xie Ran’s shoulders.

After a while, Luo Xia finished talking with the previous person and came back to pull Xie Ran along to meet others. Xie Ran then left.

Guan Heng was still immersed in the joy that his big brother hadn’t abandoned him. Suddenly, Father Guan appeared, patted his shoulder hard, beaming: “Good boy, you’re capable!”

Guan Heng: ?

“I always thought you were a fool, but you quietly made such a friend.” Father Guan was moved to tears. Now everyone could see that Xie Ran was about to play an important role in Huan Tian project. Everyone on site was scheming on how to connect with Xie Ran.

But don’t look at Xie Ran’s young age, his aura was strong, and he had already demonstrated exceptional business talent and professional knowledge in a short time. It wasn’t easy to gain his favor.

But his silly son Guan Heng seemed to have an unexpectedly good relationship with Xie Ran!

Father Guan shed tears of relief as an old father: “Looks like you don’t just play games.”

Guan Heng: “…”

But actually, he succeeded in hugging Brother Ran’s thigh only by paying for game companionship.

Author’s note: President Xie says: “Click anywhere you don’t know, so easy!”

Mark: It’s me, Step-by-Step AI.

Father Guan: My son doesn’t just play games!

Guan Heng: This story begins half a year ago, at an internet café…