Chapter 326: Useless Little Brother‑in‑law? No, This Is a Ticket to a New World!

The shout "I'll do it" rang like thunder on flat ground, exploding through the spacious office, its echo even carrying a violent tremor that Lin Yueqiang himself hadn't noticed.

Lu Fang's excitement gradually subsided, replaced by a scrutinizing sharpness bearing a thousand‑pound pressure.

She didn't say "Great!" or "I believe in you" or any encouraging words; instead she slapped the brand‑new notebook and Parker fountain pen with a "pop" onto the desk in front of Lin Yueqiang.

"Words alone aren't proof; written words are evidence. Within three days I want to see a complete exhibition‑area design plan, a material procurement list, and a budget sheet precise to the minute. As for manpower, besides the two workers who originally handled mountain goods, I'll give you two flexible slots; you go to the market and pick whoever you deem suitable. If you can persuade them to work with you, I'll transfer them over."

"Budget: I'll initially allocate five hundred thousand. Remember, this is an advance limit; every cent must be accounted for—where it's spent and why. If your plan convinces me, later funding won't be an issue. But if you mess up…"

Lu Fang paused, leaned slightly forward, her gaze turning as cold as a knife, "You go roll your bedding back to the hotel right now, start by cleaning the rooms, and earn back the full five hundred thousand you lost, penny for penny, and give it to me. The Lu Family treats its children equally; you may lack ability, but you must not lack responsibility."

These words, devoid of any familial warmth, fell like a bucket of icy water over Lin Yueqiang's head, instantly freezing the fiery passion that had just ignited, leaving his limbs cold.

His mind buzzed, his vision dimmed, and all he could hear was his own heavy breathing. Five hundred thousand… a figure he never even dared to dream of. Lose, and he'd have to spend his whole life scrubbing toilets to repay it.

This isn't child's play; it's real gold and silver business, a gamble that stakes his entire life! He felt a violent suffocation, his lips turning white, and instinctively flung a desperate gaze at the silent‑as‑a‑mountain Lu Qingshan in the corner, hoping his brother‑in‑law would say something, even just to ease the atmosphere that threatened to crush him completely.

The office was death‑quiet, even the ticking of the wall clock's second hand could be heard clearly.

Lu Qingshan finally set down the celadon tea cup, its base striking the expensive rosewood desk with a crisp "ding". The sound was small, yet like a hammer, it struck each person's heart precisely, instantly shattering the stagnant air.

He rose slowly, his 1.85‑meter lanky figure exuding an invisible pressure, and the office's aura seemed to shift with his movement. He didn't look at Lu Fang, but walked straight to Lin Yueqiang's side; the hand wearing a Patek Philippe star‑sky wristwatch gave the trembling shoulder—shaken by Fear—of his little brother‑in‑law a firm pat.

"You two‑sister said it, that's the rule. In business, first the petty, then the gentleman."

His voice was flat, yet seemed to carry a penetrating power, like a warm current that instantly dispersed the cold and chaos in Lin Yueqiang's heart.

"Don't fear spending money, and don't fear making mistakes." Lu Qingshan leaned slightly forward, his warm breath brushing Lin Yueqiang's ear, speaking in a voice only the two could hear, word by word, "Go all out. The family will back you up. But the opportunity comes only once; if you can't seize it yourself, even immortals can't help."

Finishing, he straightened, grabbed his coat, and before leaving gave Lu Fang a faint, knowing glance, his mouth curving, "Yueqiang is my brother; I trust his judgment."

His words hung in the air as he reached the doorway, without a hint of hesitation.

Lin Yueqiang stood dumbfounded, his shoulder still seeming to retain his brother‑in‑law's palm warmth and undeniable strength.

"The family will back you up."

"The opportunity comes only once."

"I trust his judgment."

Those words echoed repeatedly in his mind like rolling thunder, crushing all Fear and hesitation into dust! He suddenly clenched his fist, nails digging into his palm, the sting jolting him awake. He lifted his head, his blood‑red eyes fixed on the brand‑new notebook and pen on the table—no longer a five hundred thousand burden, but his sole ticket out of mediocrity toward a new world!

"Second sister, don't worry!" he stepped forward, his voice hoarse yet resolute, "In three days I'll definitely place a proposal that satisfies you on your desk!"

His gaze was no longer lost or fearful, but burning with fierce fire, like a fully awakened Majestic Lion, baring sharp fangs!

……

Leaving the Star River National Specialty Market, Lu Qingshan settled into the smooth, quiet black tiger‑head Mercedes, but didn't have the driver start the car immediately.

He leaned against the soft Nappa genuine‑leather rear seat, and Lin Yueqiang's newly blazing eyes floated in his mind.

This kid finally got forced out.

A raw jade only shines after the harshest carving. As for Lu Fang's harsh words, they were merely necessary strikes. Even if the problem were fifty million instead of five hundred thousand, for Lu Qingshan it would still be just a harmless tuition fee paid for his little brother‑in‑law.

But those words can't be spoken; the path must be one that Lin Yueqiang walks out of himself, step by step.

He picked up the car phone and dialed the home number.

The phone rang a few times, then Lin Yue'e's gentle voice came through: "Qing Shan?"

"Mm, it's me. Just came from second sister."

"Yueqiang? He didn't come back with you?" Lin Yue'e's tone carried an unmistakable worry.

"He can't return; second sister gave him a task, so he'll be busy these days," Lu Qingshan said lightly.

"Assign a task? What task? He's clumsy; better not cause trouble for second sister."

"It's not causing trouble," Lu Qingshan smiled, "it's to let him take full responsibility for the design and layout of the entire 'Guan Dong Shan Zhen' exhibition area. This little brother‑in‑law of mine has some talent; he never had a chance to use it before and was looked down upon."

On the other end, the line fell silent abruptly; after several seconds, Lin Yue'e's breathless, incredulous voice came: "Really? Let him… let him take full charge? Such a huge matter… My god, can he actually do it?"

"Whether he can or not, you'll only know after trying. You, as his older sister, call him later, give him more encouragement. Men sometimes just need the closest person to give them a push from behind."

"Mm! Mm! Got it!" Lin Yue'e's voice was already tinged with uncontainable joy and a proud sob, "I'll go right now! Tonight I'll buy an old hen and stew it for him! Let him really nourish his brain!"

He hung up, and Lu Qingshan's smile deepened.

"With family harmony, all affairs prosper; with the rear stable, he can charge forward without hesitation."

His gaze returned to its usual depth and calm, and he lightly instructed, "Go to the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau."