The next day, Yang Ling was ready to execute his plan against Chen Fan, starting with targeting the Zhang family. Early in the morning, he called his corporate office to arrange a significant financial maneuver.
"Mr.Yang," a respectful voice came from the other end of the line.
"Begin shorting Zhang family's company shares," Yang Ling's tone was cold and decisive.
"Understood. We'll commence the operation immediately," the executor replied, fully aware of the gravity of the task.
Yang Ling did not want Chen Fan to leverage the Zhang family's power to establish a foothold in Jingdu. Although he never regarded the Zhang family as a real threat, his opponent was the protagonist, the chosen one of fate, so he had to act cautiously.
Suddenly, he received a call from his foster father, Zhou Guoshan.
"Ling'er, have you recently encountered someone claiming to be the Dragon God?" Zhou Guoshan's voice carried a hint of concern.
Yang Ling frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Yesterday, Yue Yao used the Zhou family's resources to investigate, and it seems to have alerted my foster father. He calmly replied, "I only have some connection with the Dragon God; I haven't met him personally."
Zhou Guoshan was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "This Dragon God has a grudge with one of our family's elders. If necessary, inform me immediately." Such a coincidence, Yang Ling thought: Chen Fan's master actually has ties with my family. I had assumed he was living a carefree, reclusive life, but it turns out he's hiding like a rat. "Dad, don't worry, everything is under control," Yang Ling reassured.
Zhou Guoshan paused again and then said, "Your sister is already on her way to find you."
The brief moment of sentiment was instantly swept away. Yang Ling's heart tightened; his sister always interfered with his plans under the guise of protecting him. He knew Zhou Guoshan understood this as well, which was why he hastily ended the call, fearing Yang Ling's reproach.
Standing there, holding the phone, Yang Ling felt time stand still, the wind swirling around him.
"Young Master, what's wrong?" Yue Yao noticed something amiss with Yang Ling and asked with concern.
Yang Ling turned around and quickly assured her, "It's nothing, just some family matters."
Yue Yao stepped forward to help Yang Ling adjust his suit. Yang Ling, recalling Yue Yao's teasing from the previous day, quickly moved aside, saying, "No need, I'll do it myself."
Yue Yao's expression immediately turned pitiful, her eyes reddening, and her voice carried a hint of tears, "Young Master, are you abandoning me? If I've done something wrong, please tell me, and I'll change."
Seeing her pitiful look, Yang Ling's heart softened. "Alright, you can help me."
Yue Yao wiped her eyes, her sorrow vanishing as she happily ran over to skillfully adjust Yang Ling's tie. Yang Ling sighed inwardly, thinking, "I've been tricked again."
After adjusting his tie, Yue Yao gently asked, "Young Master, is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Yes, contact the second-in-command of the Heroes' Society and tell him I have a business proposition."
"Yes, Young Master, I'll arrange it immediately."
A few hours later, when Sun Peng received Yang Ling's invitation, he felt a mix of emotions. As the second-in-command of the Heroes' Society, he had gained significant power and reputation in the underworld. However, to the high and mighty aristocrats, he was merely a gang leader. Being invited to meet Yang Ling, a person even the elite sought to curry favor with, filled Sun Peng with both excitement and anxiety. He pondered, "Why would someone like Yang Ling seek me out? Is it good or bad?" Various possibilities flashed through his mind, ranging from hopeful cooperation to potential danger.
After quickly preparing himself, Sun Peng instructed his driver to take him to the agreed location.
Meanwhile, Yue Yao informed Yang Ling that the meeting with Sun Peng was set and asked about his plan. Yang Ling simply said, "Kill with a Borrowed Sword," before letting Yue Yao into the passenger seat and driving his Lamborghini to the arranged venue.
Yue Yao had chosen Jingdu's most renowned high-end teahouse. This teahouse, like a recluse, exuded the enchanting charm of Eastern aesthetics with its low-key elegance. The intricate carvings and paintings were like precious works of art, and its understated opulence resembled the grace of a scholar. The blue bricks and gray tiles seemed like sleeping history, exuding aristocratic elegance. Its reputation in Jingdu was unparalleled, and its membership system was extremely strict. Ordinary members were all influential figures in Jingdu; having money and power did not guarantee membership, but those with it were undoubtedly the elite.
Inside, the teahouse was meticulously decorated, with a serene environment where the fragrance of tea lingered like gentle smoke, filling the air. The elegant furnishings resembled an art exhibition, and the magnificent decor was like a dream palace, the two complementing each other to create an exquisite and refined atmosphere. Every detail was crafted with care, poetic and picturesque, captivating all who entered.
Yang Ling stepped out of his Lamborghini, shining like a brilliant star descending to the earth. Yue Yao followed closely. At the entrance, the hostesses, dressed in qipao, resembled blooming flowers, bowing slightly and displaying their graceful figures and charming beauty. Although they could not match Yue Yao, they were still top-tier. Their gazes, filled with admiration, constantly drifted towards Yang Ling. "Young Master, good health," they greeted in unison, their voices as sweet as oriole's song. Yang Ling was accustomed to such scenes and simply responded with a nod, "Good," before heading to the reception. The receptionist's face lit up with a familiar smile upon seeing Yang Ling.
"Young Master, welcome! Please, follow me upstairs," she said respectfully and warmly.
"Thank you, Zhao Rou. Here is a token of appreciation for your hard work," Yang Ling said, handing her a bank card. Zhao Rou quickly declined, "We cannot accept your money, Young Master. We are already grateful for the opportunity to work here, earning a high salary without harassment from frivolous young masters, thanks to you and Madam Shen." Yang Ling smiled and insisted, "Please, take it as a token of my appreciation." Zhao Rou, touched and grateful, replied, "Then I thank you on behalf of my sisters, Young Master." She gracefully led Yang Ling and Yue Yao to their private room.
On the way, Zhao Rou spoke, "Young Master, the room is prepared as per your instructions, and Mr. Sun Peng is on his way."
"Good, thank you," Yang Ling replied softly.
"It's our honor to serve you, Young Master," Zhao Rou said, her smile even sweeter. Soon, Zhao Rou brought Yang Ling and Yue Yao to the private room door and respectfully said, "Please, come in." Yang Ling nodded and entered the room with Yue Yao.
The private room was elegantly decorated, with exquisite furnishings and a faint fragrance that lingered like mist, soothing the senses. After sitting down, Yue Yao poured a cup of tea for Yang Ling and then stood quietly by his side, waiting for Sun Peng's arrival.
Before long, there was a gentle knock on the door. Zhao Rou gracefully stepped in, leading Sun Peng. As soon as Sun Peng entered, he bowed deeply towards Yang Ling, "Hello, Mr. Yang!" Yang Ling smiled slightly, making a gesture for him to sit, "No need to be so formal, please, have a seat."
Sun Peng appeared restless, clearly nervous. His eyes flickered between Yang Ling and Yue Yao, trying to gauge their intentions.
Yang Ling smiled and said, "No need to be so tense, I just need you to do something for me."
Sun Peng, trembling and apprehensive, replied, "Mr. Yang, please tell me. It would be my honor to serve you." Yang Ling chuckled, seemingly satisfied with Sun Peng's humility. He then asked, "Sun Peng, what do you think of Tan Long?" Sun Peng froze at the question, quickly responding, "Tan Long is my big brother. I've always followed him. He is kind to his subordinates, and everyone respects him deeply." Realizing something was off, Sun Peng cautiously inquired, "Mr. Yang, why do you ask?"
Yang Ling smiled slightly and slowly said, "No particular reason, I just want you to help me get rid of Tan Long."
Sun Peng was startled and immediately stood up, sweating profusely. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and his voice stuttered, "Mr. Yang, you mean..."
Yang Ling's smile remained, but his tone turned icy, "Sun Peng, kill Tan Long, or I will kill everyone in the Heroes' Society. You should understand, I am not negotiating with you, I am commanding you. You have no choice."
Sun Peng felt as if his head had been struck by a heavy blow, leaving him dazed and confused. He didn't understand Yang Ling's motive, but it was clear Yang Ling was a demon, demanding that he kill his most respected brother without any room for negotiation. His heart was in turmoil, struggling with the impossible choice between his brother and the entire Heroes' Society.
"Mr. Yang, Tan Long has been kind to me, I..." Sun Peng's words were cut off by Yang Ling's cold interruption. "If you do not comply, I will ensure you and everyone in the Heroes' Society suffer."
Yang Ling's voice was as cold as ice, freezing Sun Peng's blood.Sun Peng felt his head buzzing, fully aware that Yang Ling's words were not mere threats. At this moment, he felt utterly trapped, with no way out. "Once you get rid of Tan Long, I will support the Heroes' Society. You won't need to worry about the Zhang family either; I've already taken care of them." Sun Peng swallowed hard, his voice heavy with despair, "I... I understand, Mr. Yang." Yang Ling nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and patted Sun Peng's shoulder, "Good. I hope you won't disappoint me."
After Yang Ling and Yue Yao left the private room, Sun Peng sat alone in his chair, feeling completely drained of strength, his body limp. He had no idea how to face the impending decision, knowing that no matter what choice he made, he would inevitably endure unbearable pain and consequences. Sun Peng stared at the door of the room, recalling Yang Ling's cold words, and felt an increasing sense of dread in his heart.
（Sorry for updating so slow, tmr will upload 2 chapters as usual,tq)