Chapter 28: The Combination Lock

Fang Nian searched through his memories again and again, and suddenly, it came to him.

"Isn’t this exactly what my grandfather recorded in the notes he left me? In fact, compared to Xiao Xuefeng’s version, my grandfather’s notes are even more profound."

Turning this over in his mind, Fang Nian smiled and looked at Xiao Xuefeng, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.

“President Xiao, if I’m not mistaken, this set of mechanisms must be the handiwork of Zuo Feng, the genius master of mechanism construction from Zone 3, yes?”

Xiao Xuefeng was shocked at these words. Indeed, this set of mechanical props had been begged from Master Zuo Feng by his grandfather. If not for wanting to rope the Xia family into their expansion plan today, he would never have brought it out.

But Xiao Xuefeng never dreamed that this “scrap collector” from Zone 4 actually had such insight. Still, he calmed down quickly; so what if he recognized it? After all, they’d have to reveal it to the Xia family eventually.

“That’s right. It is indeed Master Zuo Feng’s work.”

With Xiao Xuefeng’s confirmation, the crowd gasped in awe and immediately began recording the information from the three-dimensional projection. Everyone present was an expert in designing mechanical devices, and of course they knew Zuo Feng’s reputation. Rarely would they see his work in person, so none wanted to miss this opportunity.

Seeing the crowd’s reaction, Xiao Xuefeng felt as though he were feasting on hot pot among beggars—arrogant and imperious, his gaze toward Fang Nian grew even more disdainful.

“Brother Fang, I know you also worked in the field of hunting ground mechanisms in Zone 4. But compared to our Xiao family, your little workshop is hardly worth mentioning. As for Master Zuo Feng’s creations—those are simply beyond your reach. Today you’re lucky enough to broaden your horizons, so watch and learn. Opportunities like this don’t come often.”

Xiao Xuefeng was brimming with pride, and with this hint, the others caught on as well.

“Oh, so that’s why he came in with President Xia—turns out he’s her live-in husband.”

“I have to admit, he’s a handsome fellow. No wonder President Xia took a liking to him.”

“Being handsome is useless. Just look at his clothes—he’s dressed like a beggar. Didn’t you hear what President Xiao said? The rumors are true—his family really does run a general store in Zone 4. How could someone like that possibly be worthy of President Xia?”

“Sigh, if it weren’t for the company, President Xia would never have married him. Fate really does play tricks on people.”

Fang Nian was long accustomed to such cold sarcasm and naturally paid it no mind.

“President Xiao, since you’re here today to help the Xia Corporation solve its problems, and you’ve brought out something of such value, I imagine you must have conditions as well?”

Fang Nian cut straight to the heart of the matter. Xia Moyan, too, understood that Xiao Xuefeng was not one to show his hand without expecting something in return—she had simply not yet exposed this fact.

But Fang Nian… Well, perhaps it was just as well; they would have to face it sooner or later.

Seeing Fang Nian take the initiative, Xiao Xuefeng didn’t bother with pleasantries.

“Good. Since you’ve brought it up, Brother Fang, I’ll state my terms for Moyan. As you all can see, to help the Xia family participate in this year’s Hunting Tournament, our Xiao family has put forth something of real value.

In return, our demands are modest. If the Xia family agrees to transfer 20% of Xia Corporation’s shares to us, the Xiao family will present all of Master Zuo Feng’s mechanism props in full, and we will deepen our cooperation with the Xia family in the future.

After all, holding shares makes us family. For the sake of our own business, the Xiao family will give its all to help the Xia family overcome its present difficulties. What do you say?”

Xia Moyan’s expression turned grim. Twenty percent of Xia Corporation’s shares—this was nothing short of daylight robbery. It was clear Xiao Xuefeng was here to take advantage of their crisis. Yet before Xia Moyan could speak, Du Men, who had been silent all along, suddenly erupted in anger.

“Boy from the Xiao family, what gives you the nerve to speak so brazenly here? Is this how your father, Xiao Zhen, raised you?”

Du Men was furious. Zuo Feng’s works were certainly enticing but not enough to warrant such a steep price.

Xiao Xuefeng, knowing that Du Men was well-respected in the circle, didn’t dare retort as he did with Fang Nian.

“Elder Du, you can’t put it that way. I think the Xia family’s situation is already no secret in our circles—if you want to turn things around, unless the Xia family takes first place in this year’s Hunting Tournament, there’s little hope.

It’s not that I look down on anyone here, but with the designs you’ve produced, you’d be lucky to get an F+ rating. Hoping to win the tournament with these—it’s laughable.

If the Xia family loses this time, I think Moyan is even clearer than I am about the losses you’ll face. So I urge the Xia family to consider my terms for the greater good, and not let a moment’s stinginess ruin decades of hard work.

Of course, you all know the Xiao family is never short of partners. I’m sure the Xu and Jin families would be eager to work with us instead. If that happens, I’m afraid winning the tournament will be even harder than reaching the heavens.”

Xiao Xuefeng’s words, though harsh, hit home for everyone in the Xia Corporation. The current situation was exactly as he described—if they lost the Xiao family’s cooperation, they’d be pushed straight into the arms of the Xu and Jin families.

In that case, with the Xia family already beset on all sides, their predicament would only grow more dire. They might well fall from the ranks of the leading families in District 16.

Xia Moyan lapsed into silence. She knew that any decision she made now might determine the Xia family’s very survival, so she had to be cautious. Her palms were already drenched with sweat, a testament to the immense pressure she faced.

Just then, a warm hand gently patted her cold one. She turned to see Fang Nian.

“Don’t worry. I’m here.”

With that, Fang Nian stood and walked to the three-dimensional projection, pointing to a set of combination locks displayed there.

“President Xiao, since you’re asking for shares in Xia Corporation, shouldn’t you offer something of greater value? Master Zuo Feng’s work is precious, but it’s already a bit dated. Take this combination lock, for example—it’s actually quite simple.”

Xiao Xuefeng was momentarily stunned, then quickly put on a look of disdain.

“Oh? Then please, Fang…”

But before he could finish, the answer had already appeared on the projection.

“The numbers on this lock are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Based on the hints given on the lock core, the code consists of three groups, each with three numbers, for a total of nine digits. According to the method of division, if we split them into three groups, the sum of the numbers in each group must be 21.

There are two possible groupings: (3, 7, 11), (5, 6, 10), (4, 8, 9) or (3, 8, 10), (4, 6, 11), (5, 7, 9). Finally, when building the hunting ground, we choose a set as the code according to the design clues provided.”

Without giving Xiao Xuefeng a chance to respond, Fang Nian pointed to two clocks displayed nearby and continued,

“If everyone thinks the first combination lock is too simple, then let’s take a look at Master Zuo Feng’s masterpiece, ‘The Chaos Clock.’”