Fortunately, Jiang Lan hadn't completely lost her mind. During police questioning, she didn't reveal Xu Zhengyang's identity. This was because she suddenly remembered what her husband, Li Ruiyu, had said, and it was clear that what Li Ruiyu said was information that needed to be kept absolutely confidential. If—no, it should be said—the facts that Xu Zhengyang had demonstrated were basically enough to prove that he was indeed not an ordinary person, then this information needed to be kept secret.
This gave the police a headache and left them feeling helpless. Jiang Lan was uncooperative, only saying that she knew some information but not how she obtained it. Moreover, she was very arrogant, given her status. The police were at a loss for what to do and could only wait.
What frustrated the police even more was yet to come.
Around 3:30, they suddenly received a phone call from above, ordering them to immediately withdraw and return home, without any reason.
At the same time, the security department of Oriental Plaza also received a strict notice or order to withdraw completely. Even the original security personnel of the Grade A office building in Block C had to leave, and no one was allowed to stay.
They arrived quickly and dispersed quickly; the seemingly impenetrable security detail crumbled in an instant.
However, the grim situation did not truly end; on the contrary, it became even more alarming. Instead, a large number of armed special police officers, riot control vehicles, and vehicles marked with "Special Police" entered the Oriental Plaza Trade City, along with several military vehicles.
In a secluded and easily overlooked location, several snipers lay in wait, their guns aimed at the office building's main entrance.
Employees and managers of various companies were all astonished and uneasy. Good heavens, could it be that terrorists have planted a bomb in Oriental Plaza? Or have terrorists already occupied a floor of an office building? This is such a massive undertaking…
3:55.
A white Audi A4 drove into Oriental Plaza, circled the evergreen flowerbeds and musical fountain, and entered the Oriental Trade City, which consists of eight Grade A office buildings.
“Zhengyang…” Chen Chaojiang slowed down the car and looked at the SWAT vehicles and the heavily armed SWAT officers standing ready in the distance below Building C. His thin eyebrows furrowed.
"It's alright," Xu Zhengyang said calmly, his expression as serene as ever. He showed no anger or worry about the meticulous or even dangerous arrangements made here.
Chen Chaojiang, who was usually as cold as iron, found his palms sweating with nervousness.
This cannot be blamed on Chen Chaojiang's lack of courage. In anyone's eyes, Xu Zhengyang and Chen Chaojiang were about to be reduced to ashes by the powerful firepower at any moment.
Chen Chaojiang's willingness to listen to Xu Zhengyang and continue driving makes him arguably the bravest driver in the world.
"Why?" Chen Chaojiang finally couldn't contain his nervousness and asked a question.
"It's just a drill." Xu Zhengyang smiled very easily.
Chen Chaojiang couldn't laugh, nor could he relax. "Brother, this is no joke." The closer they got, the more clearly Chen Chaojiang could see that the sharp eyes of the armed special police officers were fixed on their slowly approaching Audi A4, like a pack of wolves eyeing a lone, fat sheep.
The white Audi A4 drove up to the entrance of Building C as if no one else was there and parked on the side of the roundabout.
Chen Chaojiang gritted his teeth, got out of the car first, and then opened the car door for Xu Zhengyang.
A black sedan door opened not far from the gate, and Li Ruiqing, dressed in a suit, strode out of the car with a forced smile on his face as he walked towards them.
Xu Zhengyang casually straightened the collar of his ordinary suit, then got out of the car with a nonchalant expression. He didn't look at Li Ruiqing, but instead looked up at the tall office building—it gave off a feeling of impending collapse. This was his second time here, wasn't it? He recalled his first visit, in Jiang Lan's office. Young and fearless, Xu Zhengyang, with his inferiority complex, had stubbornly engaged in a verbal battle with Jiang Lan, seemingly gaining some face, but actually only making her more despised. And now? Xu Zhengyang's face darkened.
Then, Xu Zhengyang turned around and gave Li Ruiqing a smile that was clearly just politeness.
"Zhengyang, hello!" Li Ruiqing finally couldn't wait for Xu Zhengyang to greet him, so he had to take the initiative and walk up to him with his head held high, extending his right hand.
"Hello." Xu Zhengyang extended his hand and shook hands with Li Ruiqing symbolically before stepping into the building.
Chen Chaojiang stepped forward to follow, but was tightly sandwiched between two plainclothes bodyguards.
As they entered the building and headed towards the elevator, Xu Zhengyang casually said to Li Ruiqing, who was walking beside him and even slightly behind because Xu Zhengyang's pace was a bit faster, "Should I say I'm flattered?"
"It was a last resort!" Li Ruiqing said with a laugh.
Li Ruiqing felt very uncomfortable, with a strange sense of being mocked. It seemed as if countless eyes around him were staring at him with doubt, astonishment, and ridicule. Who are you? And who is this seemingly ordinary young man? Why should you be waiting downstairs to greet him, especially since he seems to have more of an imposing presence than you?
Even when receiving foreign dignitaries, shouldn't it be done like this?
However, he had to do this, not only to appease Xu Zhengyang on the surface, but also because he had other motives. Shouldn't someone like Xu Zhengyang be treated like a visiting foreign dignitary, and indeed, the most distinguished guest?
Because Xu Zhengyang doesn't represent a particular country on Earth, but rather... the Celestial Realm.
However, the fact that such a high-level reception was accompanied by a show of force and intimidation seems rather ridiculous to the average person.
However, for people like them, they don't care whether something is funny or not; as long as the effect and purpose are achieved, that's enough.
Aren't these ridiculous, absurd, and sometimes ugly diplomatic etiquettes between countries a frequent occurrence?
After discussion, Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing concluded that they couldn't simply let Xu Zhengyang continue his antics; they had to at least adopt a firm stance. Otherwise, wouldn't Xu Zhengyang become even more lawless? Just like between two countries, constant appeasement and compromise will only embolden the other side to take advantage. Occasionally demonstrating a tough stance through military exercises can still be effective.
This certainly doesn't mean we're going to war and fight to the death.
Xu Zhengyang, whose vision and mind had not considered such a high level, couldn't help but find it somewhat laughable... because he really couldn't understand why humans always liked to think and do things based on wishful thinking, but in obviously serious situations, they forgot a very crucial and important link - that God can be omniscient.
Xu Zhengyang knew all about these little schemes and calculations perfectly well.
Xu Zhengyang would say he dislikes intrigue and scheming; they're all useless in the face of overwhelming power. It's precisely because Xu Zhengyang doesn't need to scheme, guess, or plot. When someone is fully aware of another's thoughts, intentions, and plans, and has the strength to counter them, is there any need for worry or thought?
Therefore, this deployment of heavy troops is, on the surface, a real-world counter-terrorism exercise.
No more than five people know even a little bit about the reason behind it; only the Li Ruiyu brothers and Jiang Lan know the truth.
It's getting more and more ridiculous.
Chen Chaojiang was blocked outside the elevator. Only Xu Zhengyang, Li Ruiqing, and two plainclothes bodyguards entered the elevator; Chen Chaojiang and two other bodyguards went up from the other elevator.
Slightly nervous, Chen Chaojiang's back was sweating, but his expression remained cold and stern, his narrow eyes icy and devoid of any warmth. Suddenly, Xu Zhengyang's voice echoed in his mind: "Don't be nervous."
The voice is very realistic, grand, and powerful.
Therefore, Chen Chaojiang's mood immediately returned to calm. Since he was already there, he might as well make the best of it.
When the elevator reached the eighth floor, the doors opened, and Xu Zhengyang stepped out, heading straight for Jiang Lan's office without looking back.
Li Ruiqing was somewhat embarrassed, while the two bodyguards were somewhat annoyed.
However, unlike Xu Zhengyang, who seemed to lack any manners or etiquette, they all silently followed.
At this moment, more than a dozen plainclothes officers were already on high alert at the company's reception desk and in the corridor, their eyes fixed on Xu Zhengyang like eagles.
As Xu Zhengyang approached Jiang Lan's office, he stopped, turned to look at Li Ruiqing, and nodded, seemingly apologizing for not waiting for her and for not walking in step with her. Li Ruiqing smiled and stepped forward.
Xu Zhengyang reached out and pushed open the door of an office next to him, looking at the person inside with a calm and still gaze.
The three people inside, who were whispering about what had happened that day, were all stunned when they saw Xu Zhengyang, their eyes filled with terror.
Jiang Feng, Gao Peixiang, and Lin Shasha.
"In this world, there's no medicine for regret that you can't buy." Xu Zhengyang said this lightly before turning and leaving.
The three people inside felt as if their bones had fallen apart, and collapsed onto the sofa.
It's hard to imagine how this devilish person could have appeared at the headquarters of Huatong Company.
At the door of Jiang Lan's office, there were two plainclothes men with gloomy eyes. When they saw Xu Zhengyang coming, they intended to stop him, but at Li Ruiqing's signal, they stepped aside and let Xu Zhengyang push the door open and enter.
Upon seeing Xu Zhengyang enter the office, Li Ruiyu, who was sitting on the sofa, shifted slightly but ultimately did not get up. His expression was as steady as a mountain, his eyes calm and deep, yet exuding a powerful aura of authority. He nodded slightly to Xu Zhengyang, gesturing for him to sit on the sofa opposite him.
Upon seeing Xu Zhengyang enter, Jiang Lan, who was sitting behind the large desk, suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, and an inexplicable fear gripped her heart.
Before this, Jiang Lan was still stubbornly and irrationally thinking that others had wronged her. But when Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing suddenly withdrew a large number of police officers and replaced them with heavily armed special police to protect the place, and a large number of real military experts in plainclothes entered the company, Jiang Lan was really scared.
Clearly, Li Ruiyu's actions were not a joke, nor were they intended to protect Xu Zhengyang.
So, everything he said was true?
At this point, Jiang Lan realized that Xu Zhengyang, whom she had always thought was a country bumpkin and good-for-nothing, had no right to be so arrogant.
What is he planning to do now? Take revenge on me? Kill me?
Xu Zhengyang completely ignored Jiang Lan's stubborn yet slightly frightened gaze. He calmly sat down on the sofa, took out a cigarette, lit it, and then looked at the two plainclothes men standing by the door. In a matter-of-fact tone, he quietly instructed, "You two can go outside first."
The two bodyguards were taken aback, then looked at Li Ruiyu.
Li Ruiyu nodded. The two bodyguards stared at Xu Zhengyang with wary and warning eyes before swiftly leaving and closing the door behind them.
Then, the room fell silent.
Everyone seemed to think that today's meeting was somewhat absurd, somewhat pointless, and somewhat... pointless to talk about.
"Zhengyang, tell me, what are your conditions?" Li Ruiyu finally sighed, shedding his imposing demeanor, and spoke calmly.
Xu Zhengyang raised his left hand, palm facing Li Ruiyu, signaling the other to be silent. He then slowly lowered his hand, turned to look at Jiang Lan, who had been wearing a stern face as if she were about to devour him, and slowly said, "Jiang Feng, Gao Peixiang, Lin Shasha, if they were all dead, would you feel guilty towards them?"
A flicker of fear and confusion crossed Jiang Lan's eyes, before she coldly said, "Are you really that bloodthirsty and cruel? Just because you're different from ordinary people?"
"So, you can say things like that too." Xu Zhengyang curled his lips into a contemptuous sneer.
Jiang Lan's face flushed instantly, then turned ashen. This was mockery, a critique of her. Yes, Jiang Lan, you would say such things? Haven't you always used your status to bully others? Have you ever considered the lives of others?
“Zhengyang, if this leads to someone’s death, it won’t end well.” Li Ruiyu’s voice became steady, with a hint of sternness.
"What? You all care about human lives now?" Xu Zhengyang glanced at the three men, his lips trembling, like a leader criticizing subordinates. He said with obvious anger, "High and mighty, self-righteous, treating the lives and fates of ordinary people like dirt, not even letting go of a patient who has become demented, and even dragging his family into it. Riding on ordinary people's necks and pressing them down is not enough, you also have to leave a pile of dog shit! Is this how you care about human lives?"
Having said that, Xu Zhengyang pointed at Jiang Lan and said authoritatively, "You deserve to die..."
"So what if I die?" Jiang Lan glared, and in that instant, she erupted with the stubbornness and shrewishness typical of a shrew. "If you have the guts, kill me now. I know you have the ability. Come on! Kill me!"
Xu Zhengyang ignored her and turned to look at Li Ruiyu, his anger undiminished. He said in a deep voice, "What do you think I should do?"
Li Ruiyu clenched his fists tightly, his face horribly gloomy.
Li Ruiqing sighed, got up and sat down next to Xu Zhengyang, and said calmly, "Zhengyang, let's not talk about this from the perspective of our respective statuses. Let's treat it as a misunderstanding between ordinary friends. It will be much simpler if we talk about things like this. What do you think?"
“Xu Zhengyang, not everything can be controlled by you,” Li Ruiyu said coldly.
Xu Zhengyang craned his neck slightly, frowning and glaring at Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing. He forced out the words in a low voice, "Don't play the good cop/bad cop role in front of me… Even now you're still thinking about how to use me, how to profit from me, huh?" Xu Zhengyang's lips curled into a sneer, his ruthlessness growing more pronounced. "This is blasphemy against God. On one hand, you don't want God to interfere in human affairs, but on the other hand, you want to use God for your own benefit…"
The Li brothers couldn't help but tremble, too embarrassed to speak.
Having one's thoughts exposed to one's face is always embarrassing; moreover, Xu Zhengyang said it was blasphemy against God. The consequences…
So Li Ruiyu and Li Ruiqing were speechless for a moment.
“Huatong is a big company, listed overseas, and very famous…” Xu Zhengyang leaned back, exuding an air of authority, and glanced at the Li Ruiyu brothers, but not at Jiang Lan, saying, “We can’t let it collapse just because we’ve lost a direct leader. That would harm the interests of too many people. I don’t know much about running and managing a company, so you two can arrange suitable candidates from now on. As for the shares, consider them Bingjie’s.”
"Xu Zhengyang, who do you think you are?" Jiang Lan stood up angrily. Before, Xu Zhengyang ignored her tough words, and Jiang Lan was a little smug, thinking that Xu Zhengyang was speechless because of her tough attitude. Now she realized that Xu Zhengyang did not take her seriously at all.
Xu Zhengyang turned to look at her, and said with some pity, "You've always been pursuing a self-righteous kind of success, but in the end, you'll be a loser. Your failure lies in your own character, which is just too poor..."
"You..." Jiang Lan began to retort, but was abruptly stopped by Xu Zhengyang's raised hand gesture. Xu Zhengyang continued, "Back then, because of your strong personality, you attempted to control Li Ruiyu with your own abilities, forcing the Li family to serve your Jiang family. However, you never expected that your grandfather, your husband, and even your maternal family wouldn't support you, viewing you as a madwoman. Therefore, you failed. You fantasized about ascending to political power, becoming a globally renowned Iron Lady in politics, but unfortunately, you lacked the strength and ability. You were resentful, yet you truly failed. You started a company, becoming a globally renowned internet company, but from the company's initial establishment, whether in terms of technology..." In terms of tactics and management, your ability only stems from your family background, which allows you to gain the trust of many. Deep down, you know that none of the shareholders truly believe in your abilities; they are merely using you. You are a failure. In your family life, you have always been cold towards your husband, son, and daughter. You value family ties but neglect them. You are arrogant, forever immersed in your queenly dreams, yet ultimately, you are disregarded by everyone. Even when they respect you, it's only out of familial consideration. A failure; utter failure, utterly useless, has led to your twisted mentality. You create trouble out of nothing, oppressing the kind and weak to gain a sliver of self-satisfaction from those in power…
"Xu Zhengyang—!" Jiang Lan completely lost her mind. She grabbed the teacup on the table, trying to smash it at Xu Zhengyang, but after raising the cup, she couldn't bring herself to throw it. She just stood there, holding the cup blankly, her face contorted with fear and astonishment...
Both Li Ruiyu and his brother were stunned on the spot. They knew all too well how cruel it was to peel back the skin of an extremely hypocritical person with a perverse sense of self-esteem.
Xu Zhengyang did not stop, and calmly continued, "Back then, because of your strong will and willfulness, your marriage was in crisis. Your kind and gentle mother-in-law was carrying Bingjie home, which led to the car accident. In other words, you indirectly caused your mother-in-law's death. You are a murderer! You have never reflected on your mistakes, but you still resent your husband and the Li family... You are utterly hypocritical. Since you wanted to divorce, you forced this sad and pitiful marriage to continue for the sake of your reputation."
At this point, Xu Zhengyang looked at Li Ruiqing again and said coldly, "You all always believe that your biological daughter's illness was caused by a shock, but you have never thought about what caused this shock!"
"Status, reputation, and power have made you lose all your humanity!"
Xu Zhengyang pointed at the three people in the room, his voice like the sound of a millstone: "Those in high positions do not know the coldness of high places. They look down on the common people and think highly of themselves. In their words, they call the common people at the bottom 'earth crabs' and 'country bumpkins.' Go back three generations and look at your ancestors. Who among them was a king or general?"
"Forget your roots!"