"It's always better to strike first than to strike later. Besides... once something happens, losses are incurred, people are injured or humiliated, what good is retaliation then?" Chen Chaojiang questioned bluntly. "Waiting passively like this is not a good approach. You know in your heart that this matter will not end here."
Xu Zhengyang nodded and smiled, "No rush, it'll be soon. Beijing is not Fuhe City. Here, we have to consider every aspect, and no one will give us face."
A hint of doubt appeared on Chen Chaojiang's cold face.
"You're cursing me in your heart, aren't you?" Xu Zhengyang put down his teacup, picked up a cigarette from his desk and tossed one to Chen Chaojiang. He lit one for himself, took a drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke, saying, "Chaojiang, I'm not planning on playing it safe. I'm just waiting for the best opportunity. I can't just send a challenge to the boss of Speedy Logistics Company, arrange a meeting place, have him prepare all his capable fighters, and then the two of us each grab a machete and go kill them all, leaving them trembling with fear, can we?"
Chen Chaojiang paused slightly, then said, "You always have more ideas than I do, and you're more thorough."
"You're too direct," Xu Zhengyang said with a smile, waving his hand.
"But you kept it from me, and I'm really annoyed," Chen Chaojiang said with a wry smile.
"Huh?" Xu Zhengyang was taken aback, then laughed happily: "Damn, so you do have things on your mind sometimes. I thought you didn't care about anything, haha."
Chen Chaojiang gave him a disdainful look.
Xu Zhengyang coughed twice, slightly embarrassed. He smiled and said, "To be honest, well, it's like this... How should I put it? The real boss of Speedy Logistics Company is Huo Zhendong. This guy is full of bad intentions and ruthless. He's quite capable, I suppose. That Zhang Tianshun is just one of Huo Zhendong's subordinates."
“You once said that you only have divine power in Fuhe City,” Chen Chaojiang interjected.
"Hehe." Xu Zhengyang chuckled. He understood what Chen Chaojiang meant; he was wondering how Chen knew about Huo Zhendong. Xu Zhengyang said, "Chaojiang, you know Zhang Tianshun drives around in a car every day. If he knew there was a ghost inside... wouldn't he be so scared he'd drive into a ditch?"
"Hmm?" Chen Chaojiang paused for a moment, then nodded as if he understood.
"In a few days, we're going to expand our business significantly..." Xu Zhengyang cheerfully picked up the phone and dialed Zhan Xiaohui's number:
"Xiaohui, how's everything going in the provincial capital?"
"Sir, Speedy's branch office can't do much here, after all, they don't have much influence here."
"I didn't ask you that. Is everything going smoothly at the branch office?"
"It's like this in the beginning. We haven't reached the break-even point yet, but everything in the company is going quite smoothly."
"Alright, let's go back to Fuhe City soon. Oh, by the way, contact Wu Juan again and see if she can find some more people with similar abilities to her. Let's expand the company a bit more."
"Huh?" Zhan Xiaohui was taken aback for a moment, and said, "Sir, if you move too fast, I'm afraid I won't be able to manage it..."
Xu Zhengyang said with a smile, "Give yourself some confidence."
"But what about funding..."
"loan!"
"good."
After hanging up the phone, Xu Zhengyang squinted and leaned back in his chair, rocking gently. He seemed to be talking to himself, but also to Chen Chaojiang, saying, "We don't have those people's cunning and treacherous ways. We don't have such high intelligence and insight, but we have spies. We can't guess what they're doing or thinking, but we can hear them, haha."
"Yes, we can beat them." Chen Chaojiang said coldly.
Xu Zhengyang was taken aback, then gave Chen Chaojiang a thumbs up with a smirk and said, "Don't be so direct, okay? Be more low-key."
...
January 26th, Sunday afternoon.
Outside the South Fourth Ring Road, on the north side of Wuhua Residential Area, which is adjacent to the west side of World Park, there are more than 20 two-story villas.
In the living room on the first floor of Villa No. 10, Huo Zhendong, dressed in a light yellow robe-like nightgown, sat casually on the sofa reading a newspaper. With his short hair and calm expression, he looked quite like a refined gentleman.
Zhang Tianshun sat casually on the sofa opposite the coffee table, smoking a cigarette, and said, "Brother Dong, why don't we just burn down the Jinghui Logistics office and warehouse in the provincial capital of Hedong? That way, they won't give up."
"No rush, take it slow. Don't they have connections, money, and influence? Let's just wear them down." Huo Zhendong said calmly without looking up.
"Hehe..." Zhang Tianshun chuckled and wiped his mouth, "Cut a few off and they'll all behave."
Huo Zhendong raised his eyelids and smiled, "Don't think about killing people so easily. Haven't you served enough time in prison yet?"
Zhang Tianshun said, "There are a few guys down there who haven't been in there before. They're not afraid. These silly boys are always envious of those of us who have been in there. They wish they could cause some trouble and go in for two years."
"Oh." Huo Zhendong nodded, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Is everything arranged for tonight?"
Everything is ready.
"Hmm." Huo Zhendong put down the newspaper, picked up his teacup, took a sip of water, and said with a smile, "Tianshun, from now on, you guys shouldn't get involved in any fighting or killing. Let the younger guys handle it. Also, don't tell them what to do directly. Be subtle and hint at it in your words. They'll understand."
Zhang Tianshun smiled and nodded, saying, "Dong-ge is so caring and thoughtful."
Huo Zhendong leaned back on the sofa, narrowed his eyes, and said with a cold smile, "Huang Zhicheng has become increasingly wealthy over the years, and he's been deliberately distancing himself from us, trying to stay away from us. Heh, this is a good opportunity to give him a warning..."
"Brother Dong, how about we find a chance to teach his son a lesson? Give him a heads-up."
"No need. Don't provoke Huang Zhicheng. Having him as a friend is a good thing. You can't go too far in anything, or you'll block your own path."
"Brother Dong is very thoughtful."
The two men were talking with great seriousness, their conversation brimming with a sense of conspiracy, like something out of a movie. One was a loyal and capable subordinate, the other a wise, composed, and imposing underworld boss.
only……
Sitting next to Huo Zhendong, the ghost messenger Wang Yonggan shrugged and said, "Why isn't it as good or interesting as it looks in the movies?"
Sitting on the sofa next to him, Su Peng said, "There's always suspense in watching a movie, but we know all about these things between the two of them, so it's naturally boring."
"And then what happened?"
"The adults will naturally make the arrangements."
“That’s true.” Wang Yonggan said listlessly, “It’s really strange. I wonder what the master is thinking? He could just order us to beat these two up with the Soul-Slaying Ruler, or possess them and make them pour boiling water on their heads. That would be so much more exciting!”
"Don't do anything reckless!"
"Hey, you don't need to remind me, how could I dare! Sigh." Wang Yonggan shook his head.
The two ghosts were talking, which naturally didn't disturb the conversation between the two people in the living room. After Huo Zhendong and Zhang Tianshun exchanged a few more words of laughter, Zhang Tianshun said goodbye and got up to leave.
Wang Yonggan stood up and said to Su Peng, "Well then, I'm leaving. Oh, by the way, I'll report this news to the magistrate later, okay?"
Su Peng smiled and nodded, knowing that Wang Yonggan was eager to contact the City God at any time to curry favor and gain credit.
Wang Yonggan bowed gratefully to Su Peng, then scurried after Zhang Tianshun, wagging his tail and dancing wildly, singing: "Friend, oh friend, do you remember me? If you have new plans, don't tell me, don't tell me..."
Su Peng couldn't help but laugh, but in his heart he wondered if the City God was being too lenient by assigning such a villain to be a ghost messenger.
Meanwhile, not far to the east of the villa complex, in World Park, Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang, along with Xu Rouyue and Ouyang Ying, were chatting and laughing as they entered a spooky adventure cave. Tickets were ten yuan per person. Ouyang Ying giggled and insisted on sitting with Xu Zhengyang, because she needed a sense of security when she was scared, something her best friend Xu Rouyue obviously couldn't provide. And Chen Chaojiang… well, although handsome and cool, he was cold as ice, colder than a ghost. Xu Rouyue, on the other hand, didn't mind sitting with Chen Chaojiang, because she always treated her brother's friends like brothers.
Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang had no idea what strange and wonderful things might be inside this so-called thrilling adventure cave; they were just playing along with the two girls.
Soon, after boarding one of those small cars that slowly glided along the tracks, the four of them sat in two seats, one in front of the other and about a minute apart, and set off one after the other.
Xu Zhengyang and Ouyang Ying led the way. The cave was dimly lit and eerie, with a somewhat terrifying atmosphere.
As soon as they entered the cave, Ouyang Ying clung tightly to Xu Zhengyang's arm, cautiously looking around, but said with a grin, "A ghost is coming out soon, so be careful and don't be scared..."
Xu Zhengyang smiled wryly, "Are you afraid or am I afraid?"
The images of ghosts and monsters projected under special lighting appeared on the stone walls on both sides, which were extremely terrifying. Ouyang Ying had already begun to show signs of dodging, but she still curiously peeked around. Xu Zhengyang, on the other hand, found it very boring. Let alone these fake things, even if they were real ghosts, they would be trembling with fear when they saw him. What was he afraid of?
At a bend in the road...
The car slid slowly, and as soon as it turned a corner, a sudden flash of light appeared in the darkness on the right side where Ouyang Ying was sitting, and a ferocious and terrifying ghost wailed and pounced out.
"Ah—" Startled, Ouyang Ying turned and threw herself into Xu Zhengyang's arms, hugging him tightly.
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, it's fake, it's fake." Xu Zhengyang quickly comforted her, thinking to himself that these girls were really strange. They were clearly timid, but they were also incredibly curious about these kinds of things. Sigh.
But... Ouyang Ying smells so good, and... she's so soft...
It feels so good!
Xu Zhengyang's heart pounded; he became nervous and blushed.
Volume 4, City God Chapter 157: You've taken a fancy to that girl?
Outside the Thrilling Adventure Cave in World Park.
Xu Zhengyang, both amused and exasperated, explained to the staff and nodded in agreement to compensate them for their losses. Chen Chaojiang stood coldly to the side, watching Xu Zhengyang take out a thousand yuan to compensate them, then turn and smile at him. Chen Chaojiang's pale face showed a hint of embarrassment, and he pursed his lips, saying, "This is not fun at all."
“The problem is… a lot of people want to visit, but unfortunately we’re missing a scenic spot.” Xu Zhengyang sighed and patted Chen Chaojiang on the shoulder. “Let’s go.”
A few minutes earlier, after Xu Zhengyang followed Ouyang Ying, whose face was flushed with embarrassment, out of the adventure cave, he stood outside waiting for Chen Chaojiang and Xu Rouyue to come out.
Xu Zhengyang was still a little worried because his younger sister was timid and weak-willed, and he was afraid that she might get seriously injured.
However, due to the excellent soundproofing, no sound could be heard coming from inside. Beside him, Ouyang Ying kept her lips pursed, head bowed, and face flushed. Inside the cave, overwhelmed by fear, she had instinctively thrown herself into Xu Zhengyang's arms and clung tightly to him. Xu Zhengyang, like an older brother, had put his arm around her shoulder, comforting her and encouraging her. But… she could hear that Xu Zhengyang's heartbeat was noticeably faster.
As a result, the sensitive girl became even more shy, yet felt a sense of novelty and sweetness in her heart.
Actually, the entire process from boarding the sled into the cave to exiting takes less than two minutes. What's truly terrifying is that at the bend in the road, a blue-faced, fanged demon suddenly leaps out of the darkness.
Unexpectedly, a moment later, they heard surprised shouts and complaints from the staff at the entrance, followed by Chen Chaojiang coldly pulling Xu Rouyue out. Xu Rouyue looked embarrassed and gave her brother a wry smile, while two staff members followed behind them, their faces full of resentment.
It turned out that when the sled Chen Chaojiang and Xu Rouyue were riding through that corner in the cave, a blue-faced, fanged demon suddenly roared and pounced out of the darkness. Xu Rouyue screamed in terror, but instead of rushing into Chen Chaojiang's arms, she shrank back and covered her face in fright.
Whether it was because Xu Rouyue frightened Chen Chaojiang and made him angry, or it was his instinctive reaction, Chen Chaojiang struck like lightning, punching the fake evil spirit through its skull and destroying all the electronic components inside.
Well, even though it was supposed to cost 40 yuan for four people in two minutes, Xu Zhengyang thought it was way too expensive.
Now, two minutes, four people, and it cost 1,040 yuan—even more expensive!
Fourteen hundred yuan could be used as paper money to boil a pot of tea, sigh. Xu Zhengyang felt helpless and pained, but he wouldn't complain.
The four of them weren't affected by the incident. Chen Chaojiang remained cold and indifferent, Xu Zhengyang wore a smile, seemingly uninterested in anything, while Ouyang Ying and Xu Rouyue were having a blast, riding electric cars, boating, taking pictures, and generally enjoying themselves immensely. However, Ouyang Ying subtly and shyly distanced herself slightly from Xu Zhengyang, her previous playful and carefree demeanor in front of her older brother gone.
Wang Yonggan followed Zhang Tianshun to the parking lot opposite Jinghui Logistics. In the warehouse office of Speedy Logistics Company, after listening to Zhang Tianshun's instructions to his subordinates and the several phone calls he made, Wang Yonggan reported the news to the City God through the Ghost Messenger token.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhengyang and his three companions were in a small, elegant courtyard in the World Park.
This small courtyard is named Hanyuan. From the houses and decorations to the pavilions and corridors, everything within is antique and full of charm. The rare, bright winter sun shines almost blindingly into the courtyard, making it even more tranquil and elegant.
Having just finished touring some of the exquisite handicrafts in the rooms, Xu Zhengyang and his companions sat on the wooden corridor in the courtyard, admiring the tranquil stream and artificial rocks below. Although it was rather chilly, it brought them peace of mind and a sense of tranquility and comfort.
Not far away, inside the circular gate of Hanyuan Garden, there is an open space on the left side between the gate and the corridor, where two old craftsmen are selling some brightly colored, exquisite clay figurines and small handicrafts.
"Rouyue, come on. Let's go buy some knots and hang a few more in the room..." Ouyang Ying said with a smile, pulling Xu Rouyue along.
Xu Zhengyang smiled as he watched them walk in that direction, then turned to Chen Chaojiang and said, "I think many of the carvings inside are not as good as yours."
"Go back and find some wood; it's been a while since we've carved anything," Chen Chaojiang said, nodding as if reminded by Xu Zhengyang.
Xu Zhengyang smiled and said nothing more, his eyes half-closed as if enjoying the comfortable and tranquil environment of the courtyard. In his mind, he had already instructed Wang Yonggan and Su Peng to keep a close eye on Huo Zhendong and Zhang Tianshun, and to send another message in the evening.
Over there, Xu Rouyue and Ouyang Ying were picking and choosing, chatting with the two veteran artists.
Just then, a tall girl carrying a camera walked in through the round gate. The girl's clothes were unremarkable; she wore a thick camouflage uniform, with a small backpack that looked like it came from a military surplus store slung over her left shoulder, and on her feet... she wore a pair of shiny black military boots. Her attire was also unremarkable; a pair of light brown sunglasses perched on her delicate, upturned nose; her long, black hair flowed back, revealing her fair forehead and slender, willow-leaf-shaped eyebrows, which were casually held in place by a hair clip, swaying slightly as she walked.
Yet this girl, dressed so simply and casually that she wouldn't normally attract attention, was nonetheless quite striking, drawing the gazes of the sparse tourists lining the courtyard corridors. She was indeed very beautiful, exuding an air of arrogance; her chin was slightly tilted back, the corners of her lips curled up, and she seemed to be chewing gum. Upon entering the park, she surveyed the surrounding scenery, completely oblivious to the stares of other visitors.