The Way of Restraint

Chapter 105: Exceptional Talent, Difficult to Befriend

‘From a physiognomic perspective, Zhang Jinchuan’s fate is extremely prominent. His forehead is full, his facial features heavy like mountains, and his spirit glows with intensity—there even seems to be a trace of double pupils. His gaze is sharp, like a hawk soaring in the clouds and surveying the world below. His ears are spread open, as if he can hear the secrets of life and death—like a divine monkey who listens to the whispers of fate. This is what’s known as ‘hawk-eyed and monkey-eared.’ Especially the appearance of double pupils—since ancient times, this has been a sign of great strategic talent.’

Su Jie quietly observed Zhang Manman negotiating with Zhang Jinchuan, applying what he had learned of physiognomy.

He noticed Zhang Jinchuan seemed to have “double pupils.” Historically and mythologically, individuals said to possess this rare feature include Cangjie, Emperor Shun, Duke Wen of Jin, and Xiang Yu, the Conqueror of Western Chu.

However, from a modern medical perspective, what’s interpreted as “double pupils” is often just early-stage cataracts. Best to get it checked at a hospital before it risks leading to blindness. (G: ouch!)

In physiognomy, “double pupils” doesn’t necessarily mean literal paired pupils; it’s more of a subtle impression—as if there’s an unfathomable mystery hidden in the person’s eyes that can’t be easily put into words.

In short, based on Su Jie’s half-baked knowledge of physiognomy, Zhang Jinchuan appeared extraordinarily noble, the kind of person destined for great success. He seemed like someone who could dodge calamity and always land on his feet.

Of course, Master Luo had also once read Zhang Jinchuan’s face. Although he never commented openly, Su Jie could tell Luo wasn’t impressed.

Yet Su Jie couldn’t find a single flaw in Zhang Jinchuan.

Maybe it was just beyond the limits of his amateur skills.

Zhang Manman was also silent.

She knew Zhang Jinchuan had his methods, and more importantly, he had prior experience dealing with Haoyu. That was why she had invited him to join this overseas business negotiation. There was also a more superstitious reason—Zhang Jinchuan’s luck seemed to suppress the Feng family’s Haoyu. If she could leverage that, it might boost their chances of success.

It was metaphysical, sure—but Zhang Manman had grown up immersed in that kind of thinking. She believed in it to some extent. Besides, she had already done extensive preparations. If she could increase their odds with a bit of mystical advantage, why not?

If Zhang Jinchuan demanded too much, she was ready to walk away.

But now, since he had detailed intel, the likelihood of success had risen sharply.

Zhang Manman was well aware that this so-called business trip was fraught with danger. Any extra edge was worth it.

But if she agreed to Zhang Jinchuan’s terms, Su Jie’s share would be out of the question.

“Sixty percent it is,” Su Jie spoke up.

He agreed to the terms, then looked at Zhang Manman, seeking her approval.

“What about you? Your sister’s matter…” Zhang Manman frowned.

“This time we deal with the Xu family first. Even if there’s no direct benefit to us, we can’t let the Feng family’s plot succeed. If they swallow the Xu family, their power will only grow, and it’ll be even harder to stop them later.” Su Jie made his decision quickly. No point getting hung up on short-term losses. Since Zhang Jinchuan wanted that much, let him have it.

“Huh?” Zhang Jinchuan was briefly stunned. He hadn’t expected Su Jie to agree so easily. He had thrown out that high number as a negotiating tactic—start high, walk it back. But now the other party had agreed outright, leaving him with no room to backpedal or up the ante.

“Alright then, it’s settled.” Zhang Jinchuan stood up. “I’ll join the mission. Let me know when we depart.”

“As soon as the visas are ready, we go. I’ll keep you posted,” Zhang Manman replied.

“Straightforward. I like it,” Zhang Jinchuan nodded. “Then I’ll wait for your call.”

Just like that, the deal was sealed.

Once they left the building, Zhang Manman turned to Su Jie and said, “This could’ve been your opportunity, but you gave your cut to Zhang Jinchuan. Even if we succeed and retrieve the goods, you won’t have anything to cover your sister’s breach-of-contract penalty. What were you thinking?”

“Zhang Jinchuan’s a tough negotiator,” Su Jie analyzed. “If he’s asking, he won’t back down—he’ll only push harder. And he seems to have this all planned out, moving step by step. So I figured, may as well agree early and disrupt his setup. I can tell this whole situation is a mess, but with him on board, our odds of success go way up. Of course, it’s still your call. I’m willing to give up my share entirely.”

“I was actually torn myself,” Zhang Manman thought aloud. “The top priority is stopping the Feng family’s takeover of the Xu family. If the Xu family stabilizes and fights back, things could turn in our favor. If we get bogged down in petty gains, we lose the bigger picture. Plus, I was thinking—if your grandfather recovers enough strength, his counterattack could be devastating. He might deliver a serious blow to the Fengs.”

“This trip—is it really that dangerous? Are we going to be fighting armed militants?” Su Jie had gone over this countless times in his head.

“You’ve been watching too many Hollywood movies,” Zhang Manman laughed. “You think we’re going in guns blazing, soloing an armed camp, exchanging fire in an epic showdown? Even in war-torn countries, that’s rare. We’re just going to negotiate. The local armed group holding the goods was persuaded by Haoyu to block the shipment under the guise of an inspection. Normally, some under-the-table money would clear that up, but this time is different—they’re targeting the Xu family. They want to stop the shipment, trigger massive penalty fees, and sabotage the business. Your grandfather made a deal with my family. My dad pulled some strings, and I was sent to negotiate. There is risk, yes—but Haoyu and the Feng family won’t make it easy for us.”

Su Jie immediately thought of the Gray Wolf.

If Feng Hengyi could act so recklessly in China, how much worse would he be in lawless foreign territory?

The risk was real—and huge.

In the Office.

Zhang Jinchuan stood by the window, watching Zhang Manman and Su Jie leave, deep in thought.

Just then, a bespectacled young man entered. “Jinchuan, you could’ve asked for more. Why back off at the last minute?”

He was Cai Zixing, Jinchuan’s business partner and a shareholder in the company. Six or seven years older, a seasoned talent agent who had joined the startup at Jinchuan’s persuasion. His skills had quickly brought in orders and stabilized company management—like the anchor of a ship.

“Zhang Manman’s father is a powerful man. I need to leave some wiggle room,” said Zhang Jinchuan. “And that Su Jie—he’s got potential. I want to bring him into the company. He seems mild and quiet, but he’s got a rebellious core. He won’t easily bow to others. If I want him to truly work for me, I’ll need some unconventional methods.”

“You really have a knack for reading people,” Cai Zixing nodded. “Back when you convinced me to join, I honestly didn’t believe a word you said. You were just a kid. Why would I give up a multi-million salary to join a startup paying peanuts? But somehow, you persuaded me. To this day, I still think it’s a miracle.”

“And now look where we are. You were making two million a year. Even after 20 years, that’s just 40 million. And you were already stuck in your company—no room to move up, and your relationship with your boss wasn’t great,” Zhang Jinchuan smiled. “Now, in just two years, we’re valued at over a billion—and we’re still climbing.”

“Yeah, I’ve been talking to investors. Some funds are willing to invest at a three-billion valuation. Even Haoyu Group’s investment arm came back, offering to buy in at a premium. What do you think?” asked Cai Zixing.

“There are no enemies in business,” Zhang Jinchuan smiled faintly. “But we can’t take Haoyu’s money. Still, we can use their interest to drive up our valuation and extract more profit. We’ve survived all their traps so far. I suspect this latest approach is another ploy. Send me the contact info they gave you—I’ll take a look.”

“Got it, boss.” Cai Zixing sent the files.

“Oh? So she’s the one handling investments now?” Zhang Jinchuan raised an eyebrow. “It used to be Li Xiaozhen, Feng Yuxuan’s assistant. Now it’s someone under Feng Qianzang.”

“Her name’s Fang Jia,” said Cai Zixing. “Last time, it was Yuxuan pushing the acquisition. This time, Qianzang wants to invest. They’re brothers, but rivals.”

“Set up a meeting. I’ll talk to her face-to-face,” Zhang Jinchuan said, scanning the documents. “I’ll analyze the situation.”

“Understood, boss. I’ll get it arranged.” Cai Zixing left the office.

“Interesting… This Fang Jia has a deeply hidden face. Her nose bridge is slightly high, and there’s a dimple in her chin—signs of someone who boosts her boss or partner’s fortune. But she’s clearly had cosmetic surgery. Her real features are different. She might be the weak link. She may not be entirely loyal to Haoyu…” Zhang Jinchuan muttered, stretching. “So, Master Luo taught Su Jie his skills too? Then I must bring him into the company. He could be my key to unlocking the next stage of growth. Time to double down.”

After setting down the files, he stood in his office, arms wrapped as if holding a giant ball—or perhaps a baby.

He was practicing zhan zhuang, a foundational standing meditation in traditional martial arts.

But his posture wasn’t static—it slowly evolved.

Like the movement of celestial bodies.

He started with Hun Yuan Zhuang, transitioned to Three Powers Posture, then to Dragon Form, Tiger Crouch, Turtle and Serpent, Open Bow…

His movements combined traditional martial arts techniques, Buddhist mudras, and other disciplines—an eclectic mix, all executed with deliberate slowness.

Taiji is slow—but his movements were glacial.

To an onlooker, it might’ve been maddening.

But like the growth of plants—unseen in the moment, obvious in hindsight—he moved steadily, subtly, and with purpose.