Chapter 750

With Lin Yuzhi's blunt, merciless remark tearing things apart, the atmosphere at the dinner table froze again, and everyone's gaze focused on Lin Dongfan.

Lin Dongfan embarrassedly rubbed his nose, knowing he could not avoid this matter.

Grandfather sat up straight again.

Those eyes, though cloudy, remained sharp, locked onto Lin Dongfan: "Dongfan, since the topic has come back around, let's speak plainly."

Lin Zhenhua took out a document from his briefcase at the right moment.

He then handed the document to Lin Dongfan, kindly advising: "Dongfan, this is what I mentioned to you last time; take another careful look."

It is a document concerning the promotion of mixed-ownership reform and talent exchange, with a red-header stamp from a certain ministry on the cover.

Lin Yuzhi glanced askance and snorted: "Yo, even the document is ready—you came prepared."

"Yuzhi, say less."

Liang Jingzhong whispered a word of advice, while lightly pressing Lin Yuzhi's hand, fearing her rebellious streak would disrupt the agenda.

Lin Dongfan simply glanced at the document.

Then he calmly looked at Grandfather: "Grandfather, Uncle, Aunt-in-law, I know you all mean well. But some things cannot be achieved merely by arrangement."

"Without arrangement, do you plan to spend your whole life rolling around in the business world?"

Grandfather's voice suddenly rose several notches.

He exclaimed, exasperated: "Do you know what people outside are saying? They say the Lin family has no one left in this generation—the eldest grandson went off to be a businessman! Where am I supposed to put this old face of mine?"

"Dad, that notion is outdated." Xie Yuxin couldn't help but correct: "Nowadays the times are different; entrepreneurs are also pillars of society. The things Dongfan has done have been noticed by the higher-ups…"

"What use is it for the higher-ups to take notice?"

Grandfather interrupted Xie Yuxin's words.

He emphasized firmly: "What I want is a solid foundation! What enables the Lin family to stand firm through wind and rain? It's the accumulation of several generations in key positions!"

Put plainly, Grandfather hopes the Lin family's 'foundation' can be passed on.

Chu Lingxi timidly interjected: "But… but Dongfan is also very capable now. The other day, a leader from the Ministry of Science and Technology visited the company for an inspection and said he is an outstanding entrepreneur representative…"

"That's just polite talk!" Grandfather said unhappily: "If something really happens, how much weight can an entrepreneur's words carry?"

Though harsh, those words are also reality.

Lin Dongfan fell silent for a moment, then flipped through the document in his hand again.

This time he read it very carefully.

He went through it word by word, sentence by sentence.

On the last page of the document was tucked a personal career development plan aimed at him.

The plan was very detailed, even excessively so.

From the timeline of corporate reform, to the specific posts for reassignment, to the development path for the next five years, everything was laid out clearly.

"Uncle, is this your draft?" Lin Dongfan asked, looking up.

Lin Zhenhua nodded: "I consulted several experts to research it; it fully complies with policy. As long as you nod, I'll handle the rest."

I'll go back and give it proper thought.

Lin Dongfan had just closed the document.

Grandfather again impatiently scolded: "What else is there to consider? It's decided! If you truly can't see your own future, just look at how Li Hengbo's Rebirth Group was wiped out!"

Upon mention of Li Hengbo's Rebirth Group, Lin Dongfan was momentarily speechless.

Swallowing up the Rebirth Group was his own masterpiece.

In the end, it's power crushing wealth!

This should be the point Grandfather wants to make: the importance of power goes without saying; otherwise, Li Hengbo wouldn't have strained every effort to cling to Li Zhenyang's thigh while alive.

By contrast, look at the Lin family.

The Lin family now has power, but what about the future?

Lin Dongfan turned his head to look outside the gate.

In the courtyard, the children's laughter rang like silver bells, joyful.

Lin Fuxing and Lin Weishang were setting off fireworks, while Lin Zhao Xia covered her ears and hid behind her two brothers. Their innocent, beaming smiles were carefree.

Seeing this scene, Lin Dongfan couldn't help but feel a sense of concern.

The future ten, twenty years from now…

Who knows?

Lin Dongfan turned back, pondering, and said to Grandfather: "I have nothing more to say; I'll do as you say. But I don't want to go to the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commission; I want to be a local leader who benefits the region."

The so-called 'head of the household' means actual authority.

Upon hearing this, Grandfather Lin broke into a smile: "This is the fine grandson of our Lin family—responsible and decisive! Come, come, everyone raise your glasses and drink with me."

Under Grandfather's urging, no one dared remain seated and unmoving.

Even Chu Lingxi, who usually doesn't touch a drop, symbolically poured a little liquor into her cup, raised it to drink with everyone, and ended up sticking out her tongue from the spiciness.

Regarding the feasibility plan for Lin Dongfan's return to the system, it is divided into three steps.

Through the progressive path of 'state-owned enterprise executive — public institution staff — administrative staff,' identity conversion is achieved.

The first step is corporate reform.

The Zhengtong Group, which Lin Dongfan actually controls, will undergo business separation, cooperate with a large central state-owned enterprise, and establish a mixed-ownership enterprise.

The new enterprise will be defined as 'state‑controlled'; Lin Dongfan will contribute technology and management as equity, serve as general manager (with vice‑ministerial level treatment), and obtain a public‑institution post.

The second step is a lateral transfer.

After serving two years in the new enterprise, through organizational procedures he will be laterally transferred to another large state‑owned enterprise (such as the State Investment Group or Energy Group) as deputy general manager.

This process counts as 'cadre exchange within the state‑owned enterprise system,' encountering little resistance; at the same time, one can accumulate management experience in different fields and enrich one's résumé.

The third step is conversion of the post type.

After working in the state-owned enterprise system for three to five years, he transferred into an administrative agency via reassignment.

In this plan, a detailed 'advantage analysis' and 'risk response' were also listed. Lin Dongfan had to admit that his uncle had considered everything thoroughly.

This route is indeed feasible; almost every step has policy basis and precedent.

After eating and drinking to their fill.

Lin Dongfan accompanied his uncle for a walk in the courtyard, unable to resist asking: 'Uncle, that planning scheme has been in the works for Along time, right?'

From the day you took down Li Hengbo, I've been thinking.' Lin Zhenhua frankly admitted, 'Dongfan, Grandfather using Li Hengbo as a reference also involved consideration. Li Hengbo managed to turn the Rebirth Group into a listed company with a market value over 100 billion in just a few years—his ability speaks for itself.'

I understand: wealth without power cannot be retained.' Lin Dongfan also sighed, reflecting on his own journey; without family protection, he would have died long ago.

Lin Zhenhua advised all along: 'Your grandfather joined the revolution back then for what purpose? Not only to safeguard the Lin Family's foundation, but also to make this country better. I, your aunt and uncle, hold this belief as well. Now it's your turn; if you become a deserter, your grandfather will surely be furious.'

Lin Dongfan silently gazed at the ginkgo tree in the courtyard.

Golden leaves swayed in the wind, sunlight filtering through gaps casting mottled light and shadow.

He recalled many things.

He recalled the high spirits when he first entered the anti-corruption bureau, the fervent passion when investigating his first case, and also the anger and resentment when he was sidelined and framed.

The officialdom is like a battlefield; you can kill without seeing blood.