"Squeak," the wooden door was pulled open, and someone stepped inside, moving to sit opposite the man, kneeling upright.
A cup of green tea was pushed before him, the man’s face concealed behind swirling tea fumes, emanating an indescribable air of mystery in the dark night.
He raised the purple clay teacup in front of him, took small sips, and after finishing the tea, set the cup down and carefully began to speak.
"The investigation team has already been formed to start probing into Gao Dongting. Everything is proceeding according to your plan. Next, Liu Qingfeng’s days are unlikely to improve, and his meeting with Lan Xiping will also be postponed indefinitely."
After Tianlu Bank entered Chunzhou, it achieved great success. As planned, three more cities across the country will be chosen for entry, and the selection of these three locations will be particularly meticulous.
Among northern cities, although Qingzhou is unremarkable, it occupies a critical transportation hub with tremendous development potential.
Liu Qingfeng is an ambitious individual. Months ago, it was discovered his confidant had met with Lan Xiping’s secretary—this is not a promising sign.
Coincidentally, this happened when Xie Beichun ran into trouble, leaving room for broader speculation.
Planning ahead, this day of striking the fatal blow has long been anticipated.
The man uttered a faint "Hmm," and said, "Lan Xiping is a meticulous person. Before understanding Qingzhou’s situation, he won’t act rashly. Qingzhou is likely no longer under consideration."
"Sir, there’s always the possibility of an exception..."
The man chuckled lightly, "The decision-makers at Tianlu Bank are quite intelligent. While abroad, they operate as financial oligarchs, but when entering the domestic market, this approach becomes unsuitable. To establish stable footing, they have to make some sacrifices to earn the trust of those in power. Do you know why Tianlu Bank developed so rapidly in Chunzhou?"
"Subordinate is dull."
"Because Lan Xiping allocated half their profits to urban development projects. The upcoming investment plans will only further solidify Yan Ting’s position. Xie Beichun is merely a speculative and unscrupulous businessman. Besides his greedy and unprincipled nature, what can he offer Yan Ting? Perhaps Yan Ting has long wanted to get rid of him."
A flash of light gleamed within the man’s slender fox-like eyes.
"I am not Xie Beichun, and Liu Qingfeng is not Yan Ting. If Lan Xiping is truly intelligent, he won’t dip his hands into these murky waters."
For someone so young to rise to his current position, Lan Xiping is undoubtedly sharp—almost unnervingly so.
The person opposite lowered his head respectfully, "Sir, your foresight leaves no room for flaws. Subordinate is in awe."
The man snorted softly, "Spare me your flattery. Speak—what is that girl up to now?"
"Miss seemed to grow suspicious last night, but today she quieted down, staying home without going out..."
Seemingly noticing the other’s hesitation to continue, the man arched an eyebrow, "What is it you want to say?"
"Sir, do you remember the girl in red who stunned everyone with her equestrian skills at the stables?"
"I remember. One of Yu’er’s friends."
"Miss greatly trusts her. Even last night’s incident was not kept from her. I can’t help but feel this girl isn’t simple. Might there be some problem with her identity?"
The man fell into contemplation, seemingly recalling the girl’s appearance and expressions, a trace of interest emerging in his fox-like eyes.
"I recall seeing her rather close to a member of the Liu family at the stables."
"Youthful affection is nothing unusual."
The man lowered his gaze, took another sip of tea, and his indifferent tone was colder than the moonlight outside the window.
"Perhaps she can be of some use."
Assistant Wen suddenly remembered something else, "Sir, the Feilian Group’s CTF cybersecurity competition will be held in a few days. Our company has maintained a long-standing cooperative relationship with the Feilian Group. Will you be attending in person this time?"
"Of course, I will go—to see if there are any promising talents."
The Feilian Group’s strength lies most prominently in cybersecurity, a field that absolutely must not be misused. If promising talents are found in this competition, they can be recruited and gradually nurtured, eventually reducing the group’s reliance on Feilian.
After all, no one wants their lifeblood held in someone else’s hands.
In the detention center.
Chen Shu knew he was finished the moment he learned Gao Jie was released.
Despair consumed his entire night. He had even written his suicide note.
Now, he couldn’t count how many times he’d licked his lips. Dinner had been too salty, leaving him painfully thirsty.
Just as he came across a patrolling guard, Chen Shu hurriedly begged the officer for some water.
If he was going to die, he refused to die parched.
The small hatch on the iron door was opened, and a bottle of water was tossed inside, rolling to rest at Chen Shu’s feet.
Overwhelmed by thirst, Chen Shu thought little of it, grabbing the bottle, unscrewing the cap, and guzzling it down in one go.
Chen Shu let out a satisfied burp.
Suddenly, his brows furrowed tightly as he abruptly reached up and clutched the collar of his prison uniform.