Chapter 357: Ceding Power

After listening to Zhao Zhengxiong’s analysis, Ling Chen looked at him in a new light. He had always thought Zhao was careless, but he turned out to be meticulous, with a great sense of the bigger picture, not blinded by immediate, lucrative gains but rather able to see through them and act accordingly.

Before, Ling Chen thought only Jiang Hao was smart, but it seemed Zhao Zhengxiong wasn't bad either.

Ling Chen smirked and nodded, "You’ve thought it through well. Since you’re suggesting this, you must have a complete plan. Let’s hear it."

With Ling Chen’s affirmation, Zhao Zhengxiong felt encouraged and continued, "The Old City is our stronghold; we definitely can’t lose it. Moreover, the Central District is the center of East Sea City, the most prosperous area. We can’t let such a juicy slice slip away. The East District is adjacent to both the Old City and Central District, which makes it easy to manage. My idea is to only keep these three districts. We can give up the West District and South District to others."

"Good, I support your decision." Ling Chen didn’t hesitate; Zhao Zhengxiong’s analysis was logical and sound, making this the best arrangement. With that said, Ling Chen turned to Jiang Yunkai, "How is the progress with those four security companies?"

"After preliminary screening, only a bit more than thirty individuals meet the basic conditions."

Jiang Yunkai finished speaking, and Zhao Zhengxiong couldn’t help but complain, "Chen, don’t blame me for nagging, but isn’t Kai a bit too harsh? I sent over four hundred people, and not even one-tenth got selected."

"My plan is to transform the security company into a top-notch individual combat team; naturally, the selection must be strict. Give me half a year to train them; those thirty-plus people will be as effective as three hundred. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed."

"Really? That’s impressive."

It wasn’t just Zhao Zhengxiong and Nanrong Hao; even Ling Chen was somewhat skeptical, thinking Jiang Yunkai’s statement was an exaggeration.

Jiang Yunkai calmly said, "Those people are physically fit, and with the unique training method of my sect, there will absolutely be no problem."

"Alright, I’ll see the result after half a year." Ling Chen was no longer dubious, knowing that seeing is believing.

Leaving the courier company, Jiang Yunkai was just about to head to the security company, so Ling Chen gave him a ride along the way.

As the car merged into traffic, Jiang Yunkai glanced at Ling Chen, who was driving, and asked, "The people in the North City District can be troublesome, but with our abilities, it wouldn’t be hard to handle them. Why, then, did you let Zhao Zhengxiong exert so much effort?"

Ling Chen smiled, "The rise of a nation often requires enduring many hardships and difficulties. If things are too easy, no one will cherish what they have. We’re currently having a smooth ride, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Jiang Hao, Zhao Zhengxiong, including Nanrong Hao, used to engage in minor skirmishes; suddenly letting them take over the entire underground forces of East Sea City, do you think that’s wise? What I need is not just a force but a solid and mature team. For them, this is a process of growth and experience."

Hearing Ling Chen’s words, Jiang Yunkai gave a thumbs up, generously praising, "You really do have a far-sighted vision."

While they were talking, two Mercedes-Benz sedans suddenly sped up from behind and quickly overtook Ling Chen’s muscle car.

Have they finally made a move?

Ling Chen’s lips curved slightly; he had noticed those two Mercedes-Benz sedans trailing behind throughout the ride.

Looking at the two Mercedes-Benz sedans blocking the road ahead, Jiang Yunkai frowned, "Who are they?"

"We’ll find out soon."

As he finished speaking, the two Mercedes-Benz cars abruptly came to a harsh stop. Fearing a collision, Ling Chen instantly hit the brakes, bringing the car to a secure stop.

At that moment, two men in suits stepped out from the Mercedes-Benz cars and quickly approached the driver’s side window. Ling Chen rolled down the window, squinting at them, and asked, "What can I do for you, gentlemen?"

"Mr. Ling, our Miss would like to invite you over."

"Who?"

"Go, and you’ll find out."

"Not even willing to say a name; that’s really insincere. Tell your missus that I’m not free today; ask her to make an appointment."

The man in the suit coldly said, "Mr. Ling, you’d better cooperate with us willingly; don’t make it difficult. Otherwise, don’t blame us for not being polite."

Ling Chen grinned, a playful smile on his face: "Try it."

The two men in suits looked slightly cold, snorted lightly, reached out to grab the car door handle, and tried to forcibly pull Ling Chen out of the car. But just then, a van suddenly drove up from the left, parked next to the muscle car, right beside Ling Chen’s driver's seat. Following that, the window rolled down, and a face as cold as frost appeared before Ling Chen.

Seeing the person, Ling Chen smiled and said, "I was wondering who was asking me; turns out it’s Miss Qin."

Qin Wu signaled the two men in suits with her eyes, and once they stepped back, she turned her gaze to Ling Chen and asked, "Can we talk in the car for a bit?"

"Would I dare not show respect when Miss Qin asks?" Ling Chen said with a smile, pushed open the car door, and got into the van by himself.

Inside the van, apart from Qin Wu and the driver, there was no one else. Ling Chen felt a bit relieved; he was actually worried that Liu Yunsong might appear. Calming himself down, Ling Chen looked at Qin Wu’s beautiful face and asked, "What did Miss Qin want to see me about?"

"I want that weapon," Qin Wu got straight to the point. Without waiting for Ling Chen to respond, she continued, "I don’t want to bring up past events; I just want that weapon back. As long as your demands aren’t too excessive, I can agree to them."

A weapon?

So it was about that weapon called Tianling. Ling Chen suddenly understood but still felt puzzled, wondering why Qin Wu insisted on getting that weapon—was it very important to her?

Seeing Ling Chen in deep thought and not responding, Qin Wu couldn’t help urging, "So, is it possible or not?"

Ling Chen looked at Qin Wu meaningfully and said lightly, "Miss Qin seems to care a lot about that weapon. Does it have some special significance?"

Qin Wu’s expression faltered, realizing she had been too eager. To prevent Ling Chen from noticing more, she withdrew the urgency in her eyes and spoke emotionlessly, "You’re thinking too much. That weapon has special significance for my sect, so I want to reclaim it."

As if I’d believe you!

Ling Chen thought to himself. That weapon must not be simple; otherwise, right after falling out with Qin Wu and her Senior Uncle Liu Yunsong, and with Qin Wu’s hatred towards him, she wouldn’t come to him, lowering her stance and allowing him to name any conditions.

After going back today, he should study the weapon carefully to see what secrets it conceals.

"Ling Chen."

Qin Wu’s sharp call pulled Ling Chen back to the present.

"Miss Qin, I am very sorry, but I quite like that weapon, so I am not planning to part with it."

"You..."

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back now. Goodbye!" After saying that, not waiting for Qin Wu to speak again, Ling Chen had already opened the car door and walked out.

Getting back in his car, Ling Chen started the vehicle, first dropped Jiang Yunkai off at the security company, then drove back to Wealthy Manor alone and found the weapon placed in his bedroom.