Chapter 97: Qin Yuanwei

The rise of the "Qin Feng System" was like a massive boulder cast into a calm lake, its ripples inevitably spreading to deeper, more ancient, and more entangled layers.

In the Capital, at the foot of Xishan, within a seemingly ordinary but exceptionally well-guarded courtyard.

Ancient trees towered, pavilions and water gazebos dotted the grounds, each detail exuding the elegance and authority forged by centuries of accumulated heritage. Here stood the ancestral estate of one of Huaxia's true top-tier aristocratic families—the Qin Family. This Qin Family was no mere upstart like Qin Zhigang of Nanzhou; it was a sprawling, multi-generational powerhouse with deep roots and influence across politics, business, and academia.

Inside the study, purple sandalwood bookshelves reached the Ceiling, lined with ancient texts and various medals. An elderly man, dressed in a traditional Chinese jacket, his hair meticulously combed, his face lean, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, sat behind a rosewood desk, slowly setting down an internal reference report. The cover bore the title: "Analysis of Recent Activities and Potential Impacts of the 'Qin Feng System'."

He was Qin Yuanwei, the anchoring pillar of the contemporary Qin Family—a man who had stepped back from the frontline but whose disciples and old associates filled every sector, whose words still stirred tremors across the land.

"Qin Feng…" Qin Yuanwei's fingers tapped lightly against the smooth desk, repeating the name, his gaze assessing, tinged with an indescribable complexity, "He's truly become a figure."

Standing respectfully before the desk to report was his eldest grandson, the Qin Family's designated third-generation successor, Qin Wenyuan. He was around thirty, composed in demeanor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, bearing a striking resemblance to his grandfather.

"Grandfather, according to our intelligence, Qin Feng's rise has been utterly astonishing. His control over Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals holds immense potential; Yaofeng Capital wields ruthless tactics. More importantly, he appears to be laying groundwork in some… highly advanced, even sensitive, technological fields." Qin Wenyuan analyzed cautiously, "Moreover, his style is decisive—borderline authoritarian. The downfall of the Xuan Family and recent tensions with the Rothschild side both indicate he is not easily controlled."

Qin Yuanwei nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed on the photograph in the report—a young man far too youthful in appearance, yet whose eyes were as deep as an abyss.

"Have you uncovered his origins? Especially… his background?" Qin Yuanwei asked, his tone calm, yet striking at the core.

Qin Wenyuan had clearly done his homework and answered immediately: "Verified repeatedly. He hails from Nanzhou City. His mother was a regular teacher; his father, Qin Zhigang, ran a small construction materials company, now bankrupt. For three generations back, all were common civilians, with no blood ties to our family… or any known Qin branch."

"Oh? No connection at all?" Qin Yuanwei's eyes flickered with surprise, then deepened into a more profound intrigue. "A young man with no foundation, rising from nothing to build such an empire in such a short time… either he is a prodigy of heaven, or… there is a colossal, unseen force behind him."

He paused, turning to his grandson: "Wenyuan, what do you think?"

Qin Wenyuan adjusted his glasses, pondering: "Grandson believes both are true. His business acumen and strategic vision are indeed extraordinary—that is his ability. But to integrate resources so swiftly and demonstrate technological foresight surpassing current norms… cannot be explained merely by 'genius.' There must be unknown secrets or backing behind him."

Qin Yuanwei said nothing, fell silent for a moment, then asked a question seemingly unrelated: "He calls himself Qin Feng. We too bear the surname Qin. Do you think this is coincidence?"

Qin Wenyuan froze, then understood his grandfather's implication. At their level, a surname sometimes represented an intangible resource—and… a responsibility, or rather, a burden.

"Grandfather, are you suggesting…?"

Qin Yuanwei rose slowly, walked to the window, gazed at the ancient pine tree standing tall despite decades of storms, and said: "A tree that towers above the forest invites the wind's wrath. He is now too prominent, and bears the Qin surname—it is inevitable others will link his actions to our family. Whether this brings fortune or disaster remains uncertain."

He turned back, his gaze sharpening once more: "Yet, regardless, such a young talent sharing our surname cannot be ignored by the Qin Family. Whether he is a dragon or a calamity, we must see him for ourselves, weigh him properly."

"Grandfather, are you planning to reach out to him?" Qin Wenyuan asked.

"Not yet," Qin Yuanwei waved dismissively. "His wings are not yet full, his ambition still high. Contacting him now would do more harm than good. Continue observation. Focus on the movements of his 'Future Technology Research Institute' and his contacts with overseas forces."

He paused, his tone carrying absolute authority:

"Remember, the Qin Family does not seek trouble, but we do not fear it. If this Qin Feng proves truly beneficial to Huaxia, if he serves the nation and its people, I, the Qin Family, will not hesitate to shield him from storms at critical moments—or even add glory to his path."

"But if he acts recklessly, harms national interests, or draws power from unknown sources that threaten stability…" Qin Yuanwei's eyes turned icy, "then even if he bears the Qin surname, the Qin Family will not stand idly by!"

"Yes, Grandfather. I understand." Qin Wenyuan replied solemnly.

Qin Yuanwei nodded, gesturing for his grandson to withdraw.

The study fell silent once more.

Qin Yuanwei stood alone, hands behind his back, his gaze seeming to pierce through time and space, resting upon the young man who shared his surname yet bore no blood tie.

"Qin Feng… I hope you do not disgrace this surname."

He murmured softly, his voice echoing slowly through the ancient study.

Thus began the scrutiny from a true top-tier aristocratic family. Qin Feng's swift-moving vessel, unaware, now faced not merely market storms and technological barriers, but also the profound, complex gaze of an ancient kinship.

Will he become an ally—or be seen as a threat requiring vigilance, even discipline?

All depends on Qin Feng's next steps.