Chapter 305: Autumn Wind City Has No Rival Anymore

In the guest room of the Lin’s Inn, upon hearing that Lin Dong had returned, Ling Zhengyang let out a sigh of relief. These past few days had felt like an eternity to him.
He had lost—completely and utterly.
This was hard for Ling Zhengyang to accept.
He had rushed to Autumn Wind City in high spirits, thinking he had finally encountered an opponent worth his effort. But instead, he was utterly defeated; in fact, it seemed he was merely an opponent worth a little attention in their eyes.
Ling Zhengyang had always believed he had high expectations of Lin Dong, but it turned out they weren’t high enough.
Since he started managing Maple Forest Restaurant at the age of thirteen, Ling Zhengyang had never lost. He had never thought he could keep winning forever either. Occasionally losing a few times to a cunning opponent was something he could accept.
But this time, he lost to someone his own age, and to such an extent that even free services couldn’t help him recover. This was unacceptable to Ling Zhengyang.
What was even more unacceptable was that, having lost so badly, he couldn’t even leave quietly without anyone noticing.
After adjusting his clothes to ensure his robe was neatly folded, Ling Zhengyang greeted Ma Chun, washed his face in the room, took a deep breath, and resolutely opened the door to face Ma Chun outside.
Ma Chun smiled and gestured for him to go, saying, “Young Master, please!”
“Thank you, Manager Ma,” Ling Zhengyang replied calmly.
Ma Chun grinned and led Ling Zhengyang downstairs.
In the backyard, Lin Dong sipped Hongyun Tea, sitting with his legs crossed, feeling both relaxed and slightly nervous.
When the Spirit Stone Fan was introduced, Ling Zhengyang’s only plan to hold off customers was to use free services for a few days while coming up with a strategy.
Now, seven or eight days had passed since the Spirit Stone Fan was introduced. It was likely too late for Maple Forest Restaurant to find another solution. Even free services probably couldn’t counter the intense heat generated by the Spirit Stone Fan. With Ling Zhengyang staying at Lin’s Inn these past few days, his decision to admit defeat seemed almost inevitable.
But nothing is absolute. Even something as certain as the sun rising in the east—until it rises, one can never be 100% sure it won’t rise in the west.
Lin Dong’s only concern was some unexpected complication arising out of nowhere.
Seeing Ma Chun lead Ling Zhengyang out of the courtyard, Lin Dong tried to calm himself down before standing up to greet them.
When they were less than five meters apart, both bowed at almost the same time. Ling Zhengyang’s voice, tinged with distress, came first: “Shopkeeper Lin, after waiting seven or eight days, I’m finally glad you’ve returned.”

Lin Dong had originally intended to praise Ling Zhengyang for his energetic and graceful demeanor as an opening remark. Hearing this, he laughed and said, “If I had known the third young master wanted to see me, I assure you, even if gold coins rained outside, I would never leave home.”

Ling Zhengyang smiled helplessly. He could tell from Lin Dong’s words that there was no sarcasm, but he still couldn’t help but associate Lin Dong with the role of a winner. Ling Zhengyang believed that if he were the winner and Lin Dong came to ask for reconciliation in person, he would surely also refuse to leave, even with gold coins falling outside.

Seeing Ling Zhengyang’s expression, Lin Dong wasn’t sure if he had said something wrong and didn’t know what else to say. He simply stretched out his hand and said, “Third young master, please!”

“Manager Lin, please!” Ling Zhengyang quickly replied politely.

The three of them went to the stone table. Ma Chun immediately poured a cup of tea for Ling Zhengyang and refilled Lin Dong’s cup before they sat down slowly.

Ling Zhengyang took a sip of the tea, praised it as good tea, and then asked, “Manager Lin, you must know why I’m here this time, right?”

Lin Dong didn’t pretend and nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, the third young master must be here to reconcile with me.”

“That’s right!” Ling Zhengyang said with a bitter smile, picking up his teacup. “Manager Lin, you’re really clever. When I came here, I even boasted that I’d return to the capital in two months. But instead of letting me go back in two months, you not only kept me away from the capital but also made me lose so much that I don’t even have enough money to return. I wonder if selling Maple Forest Restaurant will be enough to cover it…”

Lin Dong’s heart stirred. It sounded like Ling Zhengyang intended to give Maple Forest Restaurant to him in exchange for some money. But why would Ling Zhengyang do that? Lin’s Inn had pushed Maple Forest Restaurant into a corner, but after all, it could just close for a year or two. If there was a chance to revive it, it could reopen; if not, it could be sold. There was no need to cut off its future now, let alone sell it to the enemy. If this became public, it would be as if Maple Forest Restaurant had submitted to Lin’s Inn.

If he lost, he could just accept it. There was no need to throw away all hope and give the enemy an even bigger gift. Surely Ling Zhengyang wasn’t really short of money to return to the capital?

Unable to figure it out, Lin Dong turned to Ma Chun beside him.

As soon as Ling Zhengyang finished speaking, Ma Chun also frowned, unable to understand his words. Seeing Lin Dong looking at him, he felt a spark of realization.

“The messenger birds we use to send messages have been injured recently. There have been no updates from the capital for several days. I was wondering if the third young master could tell us about the situation in the merchant guild?”

Ling Zhengyang let out a soft sigh. The reactions of the two of them disheartened him. Lin Dongyi’s competence was beyond doubt, but in terms of wit, he still fell short compared to Manager Ma. Lin’s Inn hadn’t been around for many years, yet it had managed to hire such a highly intelligent manager. Lin Dong and the others exchanged glances, both thinking strangely that this third young master turned out to be a sentimental person. There was nothing they could do; Lin Dong couldn’t interrupt either, so he could only wait. Finally, Ling Zhengyang realized his mistake, smiled apologetically, and said, “To be honest with Manager Lin and Manager Ma, I received the news eight days ago. Unforeseen changes have occurred in the guild—Grand Tutor Fu appeared in the court and strongly advocated for the abolition of the Supervision Council and changes to the guild regulations. The group of distinguished scholars rallied in support. Just the day before yesterday, the External Idle Party also began to back Grand Tutor Fu’s proposals… If nothing unexpected happens, the situation is about to take a dramatic turn. Manager Lin is truly remarkable for having such a close relationship with Grand Tutor Fu—congratulations!” Lin Dong and Ma Chun exchanged glances, both seeing ecstasy in each other’s eyes. In fact, as soon as Fu Tongshan disappeared suddenly and Tianwei Pavilion stepped in to suppress the news, Lin Dong had guessed this outcome. But matters of the court were not something an ordinary person could fathom; only when it was confirmed could he feel truly at ease. With a quick thought, Lin Dong understood why Ling Zhengyang had given him such a generous gift right from the start. Clearly, Ling Zhengyang thought Lin Dong could guess this outcome because of his close relationship with Fu Tongshan and the information he received from him. If he didn’t give a gift, even if Lin Dong reported Fenglin Restaurant through Fu Tongshan, it might not cause much real harm to the restaurant itself, but it could surely doom its managers, chefs, and staff in Qiufeng City. Killing twenty or thirty people at once, and including their families, could affect even over a hundred people. With subordinates taking the blame, the managers and chefs of Fenglin Restaurant’s other branches would live in constant fear. Realizing this, Lin Dong laughed. Initially, he had planned to make up even more absurd rumors about Fenglin Restaurant to suppress them, and at the same time, suppress Lin’s Inn’s fabricated guild rumors as well. Who would have thought that Ling Zhengyang would mistakenly think he had a very close relationship with Fu Tongshan? This was a stroke of luck! Since it was beneficial, Lin Dong naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to clarify his relationship with Fu Tongshan. Rubbing his chin, Lin Dong picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said casually, “How much silver does the third young master plan to raise from Fenglin Restaurant?”

“A thousand taels!” Ling Zhengyang replied without hesitation. “With a thousand taels, it’s enough for us to return to the capital.”
Lin Dong and Ma Chun couldn’t help but laugh—not out of mockery, but because Ling Zhengyang’s earnest expression was amusing.
Ling Zhengyang’s face instantly turned red.
“One hundred thousand taels of silver!” Lin Dong pondered for a moment before speaking. “Of course, on the condition that the Maple Forest Restaurant remains intact, with all its furniture and decorations untouched.”
“One hundred thousand taels?”
Ling Zhengyang was stunned, while Ma Chun grew anxious. He wanted to speak but was afraid Lin Dong might have other plans.
If it could be sold for a thousand taels, and the owner demanded one hundred thousand taels, there must be other motives. Given the owner’s character, he certainly wouldn’t show mercy or talk about fairness.
Lin Dong nodded slowly. Ma Chun was right—he indeed had other intentions.
Ling Zhengyang had created a stir in the merchant community and used his influence to drive down prices. Lin Dong was furious and resolved not to rest until the Maple Forest Restaurant was ruined. But Ling Zhengyang, faced with a sudden reversal of fortune and the destruction of his reputation over a decade’s work, had never resorted to official channels, power, or even ruthless tactics in retaliation. In truth, Ling Zhengyang was a truly honest merchant.
Spending one hundred thousand taels to please Ling Zhengyang, Lin Dong believed, would yield returns far exceeding that amount in the future.
“Why?” Ling Zhengyang asked, puzzled.
“The greatest advantage of the Maple Forest Restaurant lies in its network of connections—whether official or from powerful factions. Across the entire Great Han Kingdom, it’s hard to find even a few merchants who can rival it,” Lin Dong said nonchalantly. “The third young master disdains such tactics. As a winner, I see taking advantage of the situation as only natural, but I also disdain extortion. Given the value of the Maple Forest Restaurant—just its antiques, paintings, and land is worth at least two hundred thousand taels—and adding the reputation that comes with owning it, paying one hundred thousand taels is already considered taking advantage of the situation.”
Ling Zhengyang remained silent, staring intently at Lin Dong’s calm demeanor. A sense of finding a kindred spirit arose in his heart.
Merchants are both businessmen and human beings. They must not forget profit, but nor should they forget being human.
Ling Zhengyang had encountered people with similar beliefs before, but it was only today that he met his first peer with the same ideals.
At that moment, Ling Zhengyang suddenly felt that this trip to Autumn Wind City was not in vain.

Taking a deep breath, Ling Zhengyang said in a solemn tone, “Brother Lin, I heard that the new red wine introduced by your Lin’s Inn is comparable to Jade Dew. I wonder if Manager Lin would be willing to have a few drinks with me, a defeated opponent?”
“Don’t call me Brother Lin; Manager Lin sounds better,” Lin Dong said with a smile as he looked at Ling Zhengyang. He only wanted to leave a vague impression in Ling Zhengyang’s mind, not really be regarded as a close friend, let alone become friends with him.
Otherwise, Lin Dong believed he would surely soften his heart in the future.
Although he wasn’t an honest businessman, he still had his principles and would never be ruthless to his friends for profit.
Ling Zhengyang smiled bitterly. The third young master of Fenglin Restaurant actually couldn’t make friends either. This was the second time he had tried to get close to someone who was uninterested.
“Ma Chun, prepare a transfer contract,” Lin Dong ordered Ma Chun. After Ma Chun stood up, Lin Dong turned to Ling Zhengyang and said, “Third young master, how about we finalize the transfer of Fenglin Restaurant’s land deed today?”
Ling Zhengyang nodded helplessly. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Manager Lin, are you interested in selling us the Lingshi Fans and VIP cards from your Lin’s Inn? As for the price, I assure you it won’t disappoint you.”
“I’m not interested,” Lin Dong refused without hesitation.
Ling Zhengyang frowned slightly and stared straight at Lin Dong, his eyes regaining a hint of sharpness. “If Manager Lin thinks that the Lingshi Fans, VIP cards, plus two signature dishes, are enough to allow Lin’s Inn to open branches all over the Great Han Kingdom just like Fenglin Restaurant, then you might be overestimating Lin’s Inn’s strength.”
Lin Dong replied calmly, “Give it a try!”
“I’m sure Manager Lin has heard of my second brother’s style,” Ling Zhengyang said after organizing his thoughts. “Since I lost so badly this time, I believe he will start paying attention to Lin’s Inn. If he learns about Manager Lin’s ultimate goals and the wonders of Lin’s Inn, I’m afraid he’ll also can’t help but come here like me.”
“Is that so?” Lin Dong asked with a smile.
Ling Zhengyang nodded seriously. After thinking for a while, he said, “If Manager Lin can content himself with the Qiufeng Mansion, I can temporarily hold back Lin’s Inn’s Lingshi Fans, VIP cards, and… Manager Lin’s ambitions.”
“Then thank you for your kindness, third young master,” Lin Dong said calmly. “Actually, it doesn’t matter.”
“It doesn’t matter?” Ling Zhengyang was surprised. “Has Manager Lin never heard of my second brother?”

“The current leader of Maple Forest Restaurant is cunning and ruthless…” Lin Dong said with a smile, “But your third young master isn’t bad either. Didn’t he fail in Autumn Wind City? Just meet force with force—second young master or third young master, in my eyes they’re pretty much the same. Another one won’t make a difference.”
Ling Zhengyang’s face instantly turned red, filled with shame and defiance.
“My second brother’s tactics are far beyond what I can compare to. For him, profit always comes first. If he knew about the Spirit Stone Fan, the VIP card, and Manager Lin’s ambitions, I’m sure he’d regard Lin’s Inn as the biggest threat to Maple Forest Restaurant. By then, he’d stop at nothing. Besides, my second brother is far smarter than me. If he came, Lin’s Inn wouldn’t last even a month.”
Lin Dong simply hummed in response, offering no further explanation. In his view, Lin’s Inn would eventually have to face Ling Weifeng. Although it might take longer, Lin’s Inn could strengthen itself a bit more. But facing him sooner didn’t mean they had no chance of winning.
If Ling Weifeng were just sneaky, it might be tolerable, but if he dared to use force against Lin’s Inn, Lin Dong certainly wouldn’t sit idly by. At worst, he’d make Ling Weifeng return to the capital lying down.
Seeing Lin Dong’s attitude, Ling Zhengyang felt frustrated. This man was far too arrogant.
The conversation stalled, and Lin Dong had no intention of forcing trivial talk. He continued sipping his Hongyun tea, at ease. Across from him, Ling Zhengyang hesitated repeatedly… but after opening his mouth many times, he still couldn’t utter a word. Every time he saw Lin Dong’s indifferent expression, his defiance was swallowed back down.
Helplessly, he realized this man did indeed have reason to be arrogant. If anyone was arrogant, it was him. Defeating Lin’s Inn in two months and then returning to the capital—how confident he had sounded back then!
But now, just thinking about it made Ling Zhengyang wish he could burrow into a hole. His bold promises were now nothing but arrogant nonsense.
He certainly didn’t have the right to call Lin Dong arrogant.
The awkward silence was finally broken by Ma Chun’s arrival.
Ling Zhengyang didn’t bother to read the contract carefully handed to him. He glanced at it briefly before signing.
Lin Dong gave Ma Chun a signal, who smiled and took out the prepared 100,000 taels of silver, placing it in front of Ling Zhengyang. “Third young master, it’s not even noon yet. How about we head to the government office to sign the documents?”
Ling Zhengyang nodded, slowly turning his gaze toward Lin Dong.

For the document transferring the land deed, the seller must be present in person to sign and seal it, while the buyer does not necessarily need to be there personally; it’s fine to just leave an imprint if available. There is a considerable distance between Lin Ji Inn and the government office, and Lin Dong naturally didn’t want to waste time. Smiling, he stood up, bowed, and said apologetically, “Third Young Master, I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I’m afraid I can’t accompany you to the government office. What do you think…”
“No problem!” Ling Zhengyang breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and bowed. “It’s important for Manager Lin to handle his urgent matters. For the land deed document, it’s sufficient to have Ma Guanli present.”
Lin Dong nodded and said, “In that case, Third Young Master, please forgive me for not seeing you off further.”
“Manager Lin, see you again soon!”
Ling Zhengyang turned around and, at Ma Chun’s invitation, strode toward the courtyard gate.
Throughout the whole process, neither of them mentioned the words Lin Dong had said earlier—that he would see Ling Zhengyang out of the city.
In Lin Dong’s eyes, victory was already within reach, and Ling Zhengyang was a worthy opponent worth respecting. There was no need to trample on him and spit on him afterward.
In Ling Zhengyang’s eyes, his wounds were already severe enough; since Lin Dong had shown mercy, there was no reason for him to add more salt to his wounds.
Watching Ling Zhengyang walk away quickly beside Ma Chun, until that somewhat desolate figure disappeared completely from the courtyard entrance, Lin Dong clenched his right fist tightly and swung it several times. Deep in his heart, the long-suppressed excitement and joy finally erupted like a volcano, covering his entire face with a thick layer of enthusiasm and delight.
He was convinced that from this moment on, the restaurant industry in Autumn Wind City would belong to Lin Ji Inn.
Once the other six allies of Maple Forest Restaurant were crushed and the Spirit Stone Fans were taken back from them, no major restaurant in Autumn Wind City would be qualified to compete with Lin Ji Inn for ordinary wealthy clients.
Even for the super-large restaurants, once the cooking skills of the chefs brought by Yu Mudan improved by another level or two, Lin Ji Inn’s advantage would remain unshakable.
By then, the major restaurants could only rely on geographical location and the novelty factor to get a small share of business from Lin Ji Inn.
From Xilan City to Autumn Wind City, Lin Ji Inn had finally overcome yet another major obstacle.