After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

Lin Qin returned to her small courtyard. A gentle night breeze rustled the leaves on the grape trellis.

She stood under the eaves, gazing at the bright moon on the horizon, her thoughts swirling.

Tonight's victory is just the beginning. Boss Qian's imitation methods are endless. To completely solve this problem, we must start from the root.

Zhu Ling walked to her side and gently put his arm around her shoulder: "What are you thinking about?"

Lin Qin turned her head and saw her own reflection in his deep eyes: "I'm thinking about how to make Boss Qian give up imitation completely and obediently admit defeat."

Zhu Ling chuckled lightly: "You're just worrying too much. Boss Qian is nothing but a clown; he can't cause any real trouble."

"That's true, but we can't let our guard down." Lin Qin said seriously, "I understand the principle that you have to pull the weeds out by the roots, because they will grow back in the spring."

Over the next few days, Lin Qin began to formulate a counterattack plan.

First, she convened a closed-door meeting with Lin, the strategist, and several shop owners.

"Our market share has started to recover, but we can't stop here," Lin Qin said firmly. "We must press our advantage and completely crush Boss Qian!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, their fighting spirit high.

Lin, the strategist, spoke first and proposed a plan: increase publicity efforts, highlight the advantages of their own products, and at the same time lower prices to attract more customers.

"This plan is brilliant!" one of the shopkeepers agreed. "Once a price war breaks out, Boss Qian definitely won't be able to withstand it!"

However, another shopkeeper raised an objection: "Lowering prices may attract customers, but it will also reduce profits. If Boss Qian also lowers prices, we will suffer losses."

Lin Qin pondered for a moment and realized that this plan did indeed have risks.

Just then, Farmer Hong rushed over, his face filled with anxiety: "Boss Lin, something terrible has happened! My fields have been infested with insects, and this year's harvest is probably ruined..."

Lin Qin's heart sank. Hong Nongfu was her main raw material supplier. If he couldn't supply her, her business would be affected.

As if things weren't going to go wrong, headhunter Sun somehow managed to poach several of her key employees!

Pressure on cash flow, shortages of raw materials, employee turnover...

A series of problems followed one after another, making Lin Qin feel somewhat overwhelmed.

She rubbed her temples, feeling a splitting headache.

Seeing this, Zhu Ling tenderly pulled her into his arms: "Don't worry, everything will be alright."

Lin Qin leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and gradually calmed down.

She took a deep breath, her eyes regaining their fighting spirit: "Ah Ling, you're right, I can't give up! There must be another way..."

She sat bolt upright, her eyes gleaming as she looked at everyone: "I've come up with a new plan..."

Lin Qin suddenly straightened up, her eyes shining as she looked at everyone: "I've thought of a new plan..." Her tone was full of determination, like a ray of light piercing through the dark clouds.

"A new plan?" Strategist Lin's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked, "What plan?"

“We can no longer rely on a single raw material supplier; we must open up new channels,” Lin Qin said, emphasizing each word. “I’ve decided to import high-quality raw materials from other regions and cooperate with multiple suppliers, so that even if one supplier has a problem, we will have a backup plan.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Lin, the strategist, said thoughtfully, "This plan is good, but introducing new raw materials requires funds, and our current cash flow is already very tight."

Lin Qin smiled faintly: "Don't worry about that, I've already thought it through. We can solve the funding problem through pre-sales and membership systems. Pre-sales allow customers to pay in advance, easing our financial pressure; membership systems can lock in a group of loyal customers and increase long-term revenue."

"This idea is brilliant!" one shopkeeper exclaimed, clapping his hands in approval. "Pre-sales and membership system, killing two birds with one stone!"

Seeing Lin Qin's confidence, Hong Nongfu's anxiety lessened considerably: "Boss Lin, you are truly a genius! I will try my best to find a way to remedy the situation and strive to restore normal supply as soon as possible."

Lin Qin nodded and said softly, "Brother Hong, you've worked so hard. We'll definitely get through this together!" Her words were like a spring breeze, warming everyone's hearts.

Zhu Ling looked at Lin Qin from the side, her eyes full of admiration and love.

He walked over and gently patted her back: "Lin Qin, your wisdom and courage make me admire you even more."

Lin Qin smiled slightly and leaned on Zhu Ling's shoulder: "Ah Ling, with you here, I have more confidence."

At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps outside the door.

A shopkeeper rushed in, panting: "Boss Lin, something bad has happened! The employees who were poached are back! But they brought back some unpleasant remarks, and it seems there are some small group conflicts."

Lin Qin frowned slightly, but quickly regained her composure: "I understand, I will handle it."

She stood up, her gaze firm as she looked at everyone: "Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's meeting. Next, I will address the employees' issues and ensure team harmony."

Zhu Ling held Lin Qin's hand tightly, her eyes full of support: "I'll take care of everything, you can go without worry."

Lin Qin smiled slightly, turned around and walked out of the courtyard.

Under the moonlight, her silhouette appeared even more resolute and composed.

She walked firmly toward the staff dormitory, already having a plan in mind.

Lin Qin pushed open the door to the staff dormitory, and a cacophony of sounds immediately filled her ears.

The familiar laughter and chatter were now mixed with sharp accusations and disdainful snorts.

The employees poached by Sun gathered in twos and threes, clearly divided and on edge, as if a full-blown fight was about to break out at any moment.

Someone crossed their arms and sneered sarcastically, "Hey, isn't this Brother Li who got promoted back then? How come you're back all slinking away again?"

"Hmph, they only remembered this wretched place because they couldn't make it on the outside!" another person chimed in, his tone laced with undisguised schadenfreude.

Brother Li's face turned a deep purplish-red, and he clenched his fists but dared not lash out.

He was headhunted with a high salary, thinking he would rise to great heights, but when he arrived, he found out that the other party only wanted to use him to find out Lin Qin's business secrets.

Now that his plan has failed and he's been kicked out, he's shamelessly returned, naturally becoming the target of everyone's criticism.

Lin Qin looked around, taking in everyone's expressions.

She didn't speak immediately, but slowly walked to the center of the room, picked up a glass of iced tea from the table, and took a small sip.

The cool tea slid down her throat, easing her tense nerves slightly.

She put down her teacup, cleared her throat, and spoke in a voice that, though not loud, was enough to quiet everyone present: "Everyone, I, Lin Qin, am back. I know there are some conflicts between you, and I understand your grievances and dissatisfaction."

"But I want to tell you that my team, led by Lin Qin, does not need intrigue or backstabbing!" Her voice was firm and authoritative, carrying an unquestionable authority. "I only look at ability, not background; I only reward contributions, and I do not tolerate evil."

"Starting today, I will be making some adjustments to the existing system and establishing a completely new promotion mechanism." Lin Qin paused, then continued, "Everyone has the opportunity to earn their due rewards through their own efforts, but the prerequisite is that they must bring value to the team; otherwise, I will show no mercy!"

She had Lin, the strategist, post the pre-prepared rules on the wall and explain the rules of each point in detail.

The new system is very clear, clearly outlining the responsibilities and promotion requirements for each position, while also adding performance appraisals and a bottom-ranking elimination system.

"As long as you have the ability, I, Lin Qin, will never treat you unfairly!" Lin Qin's powerful words echoed in the staff dormitory, gradually calming down the previously restless employees.

They looked closely at the rules on the wall, and a new light shone in each of their eyes.

Brother Li broke the silence first, bowing deeply to Lin Qin: "Boss Lin, I was wrong! I'm willing to accept the new system and start over!"

"Yes, Boss Lin, we're willing too!" The other employees also chimed in, feeling Lin Qin's sincerity and courage, and their hearts were filled with awe and admiration.

Looking at the scene before her, Lin Qin's lips curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.

"Then everyone, let's start working hard from today and prove our worth with your actions!" Lin Qin looked around and finally fixed her gaze on Zhu Ling, who was closely following her. Zhu Ling nodded to her and gave her an affirmative look.

She felt incredibly at ease under his intense gaze.

She turned to leave when she suddenly heard Zhu Ling's voice: "Qin'er, it seems there are a group of uninvited guests outside. They say they want to talk to you..." Lin Qin and Zhu Ling walked out of the staff dormitory, and a chilling atmosphere hit them.

Outside the courtyard, a large group of people stood in the shadows, each with an unfriendly expression, clearly indicating that they had come with ill intentions.

The leader was Boss Qian, surrounded by several well-dressed businessmen, who were clearly his accomplices.

Mr. Qian gave a forced smile and cupped his hands in greeting: "Mr. Lin, how have you been? I've come to visit you today specifically to discuss business matters."

Lin Qin saw through his hypocrisy at a glance and sneered, "I dare not learn from Mr. Qian's business acumen. I haven't settled accounts with you for the last 'borrowing' of knowledge. What, what new tricks have you come up with this time?"

Mr. Qian's expression changed for a moment, then he smiled again: "Mr. Lin, you're joking. We've come with sincerity this time. As you know, the business world is fiercely competitive, and it's not easy for anyone. Why don't we cooperate and develop together? Wouldn't that be better?"

"Cooperation?" Lin Qin raised an eyebrow. "How do we cooperate? Does Boss Qian want me to hand over the secret formula?"

Mr. Qian chuckled twice: "Mr. Lin, you've misunderstood. What we mean is, we hope you can control your expansion speed and not squeeze our living space."

"Oh? I'm expanding my business, what's it to you?" Lin Qin's tone was icy. "Do you own this market?"

One of the businessmen behind Boss Qian couldn't help but jump out, pointing his finger at Lin Qin and cursing, "You bitch, don't push your luck! Do you think you can withstand a group of us working together?"

Lin Qin sneered: "Outnumbered and powerful? Who are you trying to scare? I, Lin Qin, am not easily intimidated!"

The atmosphere was tense, as if a single spark could ignite a major battle.

The businessmen brought by Boss Qian shouted and made a fuss, their words full of threats and intimidation.

In the courtyard, Lin Qin's employees also gathered, all filled with righteous indignation, ready to rush out and fight the other side at any moment.

Zhu Ling stood beside Lin Qin, subtly releasing a powerful aura that suppressed her arrogance.

He glanced coldly at Boss Qian and the others, and said in a deep voice, "Boss Qian, I advise you to think carefully. Do you really want to go against my Qin'er?"

Boss Qian's face was gloomy. He knew that Zhu Ling had a powerful background and dared not offend him easily.

But he was unwilling to give up, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "Your Highness, we are also just trying to survive. We hope you can understand."

"Survival?" Zhu Ling sneered. "Using such despicable means to survive, I don't think you deserve to live in this world!"

Just as the two sides were about to fight, Lin Qin suddenly raised her hand to stop everyone.

Her gaze was sharp as she surveyed the room before slowly speaking, "Mr. Qian, I'm giving you one last chance. Either you obediently admit defeat and get out of this market, or you can prepare to be completely crushed by me!"

Mr. Qian's face turned ashen, and he glared at Lin Qin through gritted teeth, momentarily at a loss for words.

The air was filled with tension, like a taut string that could break at any moment.

Just then, a clear voice broke the silence: "Mommy, I'm back!" A little boy with delicate features squeezed out from the crowd, hugged Lin Qin's leg, and said in a childish voice, "Mommy, who are they? Did they come to play with you?"

Lin Qin looked at her son's innocent face and her heart softened.

She bent down and picked up her son, saying softly, "My dear son, these people aren't here to play with Mommy. They want to bully Mommy, but don't be afraid, Mommy will protect you."

She turned to look at Boss Qian, "Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Mr. Qian looked at the child in Lin Qin's arms, a moment of hesitation flashing through his mind.

He knew that Lin Qin now had a weakness, and perhaps he could use that to his advantage...

His eyes darted around, a plan forming in his mind, and a sinister smile appeared on his face: "Boss Lin, we'll see!"

Boss Qian and his men left triumphantly, and the courtyard returned to its usual tranquility.

Lin Qin put her son down, looked at Zhu Ling, her eyes filled with determination: "Ling, we must win this battle!"

Zhu Ling nodded and held Lin Qin's hand tightly: "Qin'er, I believe in you!"

As night deepened, Lin Qin stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, lost in thought.

Mr. Qian's threat put some pressure on her, but she did not back down because of it.

She knew that this business war had only just begun...

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Lin Qin opened the door and saw Lin Moushi standing outside, his expression grave: "Boss Lin, I've heard some news..."