Chapter Index

    The next day.

    Early morning.

    Yijing Grand Hotel.

    “Young Master Kong, I apologize for disturbing you. I must beg for your understanding—I’m desperate to save my son.”

    Lan Guangming looked at the man across from him, Kong Tianjing, with a face full of apology. The deep bags under his eyes clearly showed he hadn’t rested well the night before.

    It’s understandable. His only son was trapped in prison, and on top of that, might be killed by someone there. If he could still sleep well under such conditions, it would be shocking.

    Kong Tianjing, dressed in his pajamas, still looked half-asleep as he casually responded, “Director Lan, what disturbance? Though I don’t quite understand what you mean by being desperate to save your son.”

    He had already been informed by his bodyguard about the major incident last night.

    But now, he pretended to know nothing, because he wouldn’t want to be connected to any criminal case.

    He could commit murder or arson, or have others do it for him, but no trace of dirt could be left on him.

    In this regard, he was just like Xu Shaochen.

    People like them are willing to do anything, but would never leave a blemish on themselves. Because once a stain appears, it becomes challenging to clear it.

    Who knows when some malicious person might use that stain to attack you?

    Lan Guangming forced a stiff smile. “Young Master Kong, to be honest, something unexpected happened last night, and my son is now in prison. I was hoping you could lend a hand and get him out.”

    “Sigh, Director Lan, I’ve known Lan Cheng for quite some time too. I also feel bad that he’s in prison, but I’m powerless to help.”

    Kong Tianjing wore a troubled expression. He wasn’t about to do a thankless task.

    Seeing Kong Tianjing’s feigned concern only inflamed Lan Guangming further. “Young Master Kong, my son was following your orders against Xu Shaochen. You can’t just burn the bridge after crossing it and abandon him now!”

    “Clang!”

    As soon as Lan Guangming finished speaking, Kong Tianjing slammed his wine glass onto the table, his face darkening. He glared at Lan Guangming with a hostile look. “Director Lan, you’re not getting any younger. Surely, you know the saying, ‘You can say anything, but don’t speak recklessly.’”

    “I have no grudge against Xu Shaochen. Why should I go after him?”

    Lan Guangming realized he had misspoken and quickly apologized. “Young Master Kong, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I was just worried about my son and spoke without thinking.”

    “Hmph! I’ll let it slide this time. I don’t want it to happen again. Please, see yourself out.”

    Kong Tianjing snorted coldly. Whether Xu Shaochen lived or died, he wouldn’t admit any connection to the event.

    Of course, he was certainly hoping deep down that Xu Shaochen would die.

    Lan Guangming took a deep breath. “Young Master Kong, if you’re willing to save my son, I will reward you handsomely.”

    “Director Lan, I’ve already said—I can’t do anything about it. But I believe the law will definitely grant Lan Cheng the justice he deserves.”

    Kong Tianjing replied, sounding righteous and sincere.

    “Young Master Kong, do you know why my son ended up in this situation?” Lan Guangming asked.

    Kong Tianjing stayed silent, thinking: Wasn’t it because he tried to kill Xu Shaochen to curry favor with me, only to end up with nothing to show for it? Could there be some other reason I’m unaware of?

    Lan Guangming continued, talking as though to himself, “It’s because this involves a great fortune. Someone has developed a special medicine for AIDS, and now, both the formula and the samples are in my hands. Would this interest you, Young Master Kong?”

    Last night, after Lan Cheng obtained the samples and formula, he had them sent directly to Lan Guangming. Parents are, after all, the most trustworthy.

    After all, he still had to focus on ambushing Xu Shaochen last night. With so many people involved, he couldn’t risk carrying the items with him.

    “Director Lan, are you joking with me?”

    Kong Tianjing narrowed his eyes, though despite his words, he was beginning to believe it.

    “I wouldn’t dare to joke with you, Young Master Kong. Whether it’s real or fake, you can judge after I explain everything to you…”

    To increase credibility, Lan Guangming recounted the entire story from start to finish.

    Kong Tianjing remained silent after hearing it all. After some time, he finally said, “Give me the items, and I’ll get Lan Cheng out.”

    The special medicine and formula for AIDS—Kong Tianjing could easily imagine how much profit they could yield.

    If he could get his hands on them, the Kong family would undoubtedly become the wealthiest in Jingcheng. And once they had money, the possibilities would be endless.

    “Young Master Kong, it’s not that I don’t trust you; in fact, right now, I trust no one. I’m willing to give you the items, but only after my son is released.”

    Lan Guangming replied firmly. He feared that Kong Tianjing might take the items but not follow through.

    Kong Tianjing laughed coldly. “I, Kong Tianjing, have never gone back on my word. Our Kong family can’t afford to lose face like that.”

    “Besides, you’re in no position to negotiate with me right now. This situation is too shocking. How do I know the items are even real?”

    “So, either you give me the items now, and I’ll do everything to free Lan Cheng; or you can leave, and I’ll pretend we never had this conversation.”

    Kong Tianjing’s arrogance and extreme confidence stemmed from the environment he’d grown up in, where almost nobody dared to defy his orders.

    But that didn’t mean he was foolish. Clearly, Lan Guangming needed his help, so how could he possibly yield?

    Lan Guangming’s face shifted between determination and hesitation. In the end, he gritted his teeth and said, “Fine, I’ll trust you this once, and I hope you won’t let me down, Young Master Kong.”

    He had no other choice. Right now, only Kong Tianjing could save his son.

    Money can always be earned again, but if his only son dies, who will be there to inherit all the money in the future?

    “A man’s word is as good as gold.”

    Kong Tianjing laughed heartily and extended a hand to Lan Guangming.

    He never expected that coming to Yijing for a vacation would lead to such a wonderful opportunity.

    As for Xu Shaochen and Yun Changsheng, they could wait. After all, what could be more important than making money?

    ……

    Inside the detention center.

    Lan Cheng, Ye Changfei, and the others were all being held here, waiting for their sentences before being transferred to prison.

    Of course, Ye Changfei was safe because Xu Shaochen had already informed the police that Ye Changfei was one of their undercover agents.

    “Lan Cheng, come out. Someone’s here to see you.”

    A few minutes later, a police officer brought Lan Cheng out.

    The person he met was none other than his father, Lan Guangming.

    “Dad, what’s the situation outside?”

    Seeing his father, Lan Cheng was not surprised. At this moment, apart from his own father, there was probably no one else who would come to see him.

    Seeing the somewhat downtrodden look on Lan Cheng’s face, Lan Guangming felt a pang of heartache, further solidifying his resolve to rescue him as soon as possible.

    “Things have exploded outside. Xu Shaochen uploaded last night’s video online, and it’s causing a huge stir. I only have a few minutes, so I’ll make this quick.”

    “I’ve given the formula and samples of the special medicine to Kong Tianjing. The deal is that he’ll get you out.”

    Chapter Summary

    Lan Guangming meets with Kong Tianjing at Yijing Grand Hotel, pleading to save his son, Lan Cheng, from prison. He offers a formula and samples of an AIDS special medicine in exchange for Kong’s help. Kong initially feigns ignorance but shows interest in the offer. Lan, desperate, agrees to give the items after his son is released. Meanwhile, at the detention center, Lan Cheng is informed by his father that their situation is dire as Xu Shaochen has made a video public. The chapter ends with Lan Guangming’s desperate efforts to save his son.

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