The car navigated through several streets, eventually stopping at a large commercial building on the city's outskirts. The building's facade was adorned with various company plaques, and the ground floor housed elegantly decorated shops. Lin Yufeng parked in front of the Shenzhen Saroni Art Communication Company, where two security guards in navy blue uniforms stood at attention.
One of the guards greeted him warmly, "Brother Lin, it's been a while."
Lin Yufeng asked amiably, "Is Mr. Zhou in?"
The guard replied, "He's in the rehearsal hall."
Lin Yufeng proceeded to the rehearsal hall, hearing the strong rhythm of music and female vocals even before he opened the door. Inside, the hall spanned over 500 square meters, featuring a grand, aged-looking Roman-style set with broken columns scattered on the ground against a backdrop of a vast blue sky and wispy clouds. Recording and video equipment were scattered around, with wires running everywhere.
In the rehearsal area, apart from the lighting and sound technicians, a long-haired, bearded director wielding a pointer commanded the rehearsal with a severe, focused expression. Three young women, each around 20 years old, held microphones, their tall and beautiful figures further enhanced by their singing and dancing. Several meters away from the rehearsal area were a few long benches, where two individuals sat watching the rehearsal. A table in front of them held an ashtray, tea, keys, and a phone.
One of the seated individuals noticed Lin Yufeng's approach, waved, and turned to the person beside him, saying, "Mr. Zhou, Yufeng is here."
Zhou Jianhua, the man referred to as Mr. Zhou, was in his 40s and served as the chairman and general manager of Shenzhen Saroni Art Communication Company. He was a hometown friend of Lin Yufeng, having started his career in Shantou before moving to Shenzhen seven years ago to open hotels and nightclubs, earning a certain notoriety in the underworld. Zhou, known for his calm demeanor and extensive social experience, stood up to greet Lin Yufeng.
"Yufeng, what brings you here?" Zhou Jianhua asked cheerfully as they shook hands.
Lin Yufeng smiled, "Production and sales have stopped, so I had some free time. Thought I'd come by for a chat."
Zhou Jianhua said, "Have a seat. We're trying out a new act here: a trio of revolutionary girls performing old revolutionary songs with new arrangements and styles. It might catch on. You have a better ear for music than I do, so give us some feedback."
Lin Yufeng sat down, responding, "This is a comprehensive stage art, and taking my advice might cost you your investment. Zhao Qing mentioned that you and some others criticized me over dinner at Jin Hai Hotel the other day."
Zhou Jianhua's assistant tactfully moved away, finding a seat near the sound engineer.
Zhou Jianhua handed Lin Yufeng a cigarette and lighter, smiling as he said, "We were just having some drinks and got to talking about your lawsuit against Greystone. We voiced some concerns. Zhao Qing said we didn't understand the strategic need. We thought you might have handled the settlement request a bit harshly. There's no need to drag the media into it and create such a stir. As a prominent figure in the audio industry, you should maintain some decorum."
At that moment, the director in the rehearsal area shouted, "Stop, stop!" The music ceased abruptly, and the three young women looked at the director in confusion. He pointed his baton at a blonde girl, instructing her to repeat a dance move. As she complied, the director corrected her form with his baton, emphasizing the need for precise movements.
Lin Yufeng lit his cigarette, saying, "Decorum is not the issue now. Zhao Qing called from Beijing earlier. The evidence exchange just concluded. It turns out Greystone is a poverty alleviation company, operating like a household production unit in a poor village. They're doing work no one else would want to do, akin to old capitalist exploitation. Ding Yuanying is behind it. Defeat is almost certain. It's unbelievable."
Zhou Jianhua was taken aback, repeating, "Poverty alleviation?"
Lin Yufeng continued, "Yes, poverty alleviation, household production. You can imagine the scene."
Zhou Jianhua paused thoughtfully, then said, "Your bold statements have been heavily publicized. If you lose, how will you recover?"
Lin Yufeng replied calmly, "Making bold statements was to undermine the opponent's confidence and stir up media support. Do you think not making those statements would have prevented the jump? The market's collapse will lead to the company's collapse, followed by creditors swarming for repayment, and then bankruptcy and auction. Do you expect me to make a living by setting up a street stall? Things have reached a point where we must consider the mastermind behind this, Mr. Ding."
Zhou Jianhua stood up, saying, "This isn't the place to discuss such matters. Let's go to my office."
They left the rehearsal hall and entered Zhou Jianhua's office. Zhou fetched two drinks from the refrigerator, handing one to Lin Yufeng. They sat facing each other on the sofa.
Zhou Jianhua began, "Yufeng, forgive my bluntness, but your personality is bound to lead to trouble sooner or later, even without the Greystone incident. Zhao Qing mentioned this to me the first time he brought it up, saying you can't take it lightly. Just knowing Ding Yuanying is a friend of the Zheng Tian Group's president and that Han Chufeng gave him a car worth over a million shows this person isn't simple."
Lin Yufeng responded, "I based my judgment on Greystone's background, considering only standardized, modern models. Who would have thought a company run by a few enthusiasts would be involved in poverty alleviation? On the other hand, Ding Yuanying indeed has no financial ties with them and didn't even know them before. Zhihui knew about this last year, not now."
Zhou Jianhua said, "Perhaps this was a trap from the start."
Lin Yufeng replied, "Not perhaps, it is. Zhao Qing and the others are on a flight back, and we need to discuss this with Lawyer Jiang. The issue is whether to withdraw the lawsuit or continue. I need to come up with a decision."
Zhou Jianhua asked, "Threaten him? Or eliminate him? Bribery won't work—Marquis has already offered a sky-high price. If bribery could work, Marquis would be the one facing the lawsuit now."
Lin Yufeng asked, "How would you handle this with your methods? I want to hear your thoughts."
Zhou Jianhua stood up and paced the room, thinking deeply. After a long pause, he placed a hand on Lin Yufeng's shoulder from behind and said somberly, "Yufeng, let it go. Forget about the audio business. Highs and lows are part of life. Don't dwell on it. Come work with me. If you want to start your own thing, I'll help. If you want company, we can join forces. Leave Lesheng to Zhao Qing and the others."
Lin Yufeng asked, "Am I really the only one who has a place at the table in China's audio industry?"
Zhou Jianhua said, "Killing isn't difficult. The challenge is eliminating the aftermath. The assassin and anyone who knows become lifelong liabilities. Avoiding that also isn't hard; losing 1 million at a designated casino in Macau will leave no trace. You can afford 1 million now and post-bankruptcy. It's simple but avoiding a guilty conscience is hard. Living with a murder on your conscience is a lifelong, incurable disease. And this is just one aspect; there are more."
Lin Yufeng nodded, "Makes sense. Tell me more."
Zhou Jianhua continued, "Killing Ding Yuanying won't save Lesheng. It will accelerate its collapse because you rely on market perception and public opinion. The underworld deals with killings daily, but it's always about profit. If the market can't save you, what's the point of killing him? If you can't compete, what's the worth of all the trophies you've snatched? Does Ding Yuanying have a personal vendetta against you? He's helping the poor. Are you truly afraid of poverty, or are you just saving face?"
Lin Yufeng nodded again, "Agreed."
Zhou Jianhua added, "Moreover, the underworld isn't exclusive to anyone. What you can buy, so can others. 1 million can buy your criminal safety but not your overall security. Han Chufeng can give Ding Yuanying a car worth over 1 million, showing their close friendship. Zheng Tian Group's president wouldn't hesitate to spend to protect him. The woman who sponsored the top ten audio evaluations runs a casino. Can you be sure she wouldn't spend to protect him? Killing to protect yourself is one thing, but what's the point if it means digging your grave?"
Lin Yufeng said, "It seems the law of the jungle applies everywhere."
Zhou Jianhua said, "That's just weighing pros and cons. More importantly, you, Lin Yufeng, have contributed to Chinese Hi-Fi audio. You're a hero to enthusiasts. For that, your life has been worthwhile. Whether standing or lying down, you should be a good man. This stain will ruin you, not just for this lifetime but for everything you've achieved. No amount of money can stop enthusiasts from calling you scum."
Lin Yufeng leaned back, a bitter smile on his lips, "If losing meant only losing money, I wouldn't be so troubled. But it's my reputation! That's not something you can paint over like a woman's face."
Zhou Jianhua said sincerely, "Brother, I'm not a good man. I'm a seasoned rogue. I consider you a friend, so I'm speaking frankly. Others can do this, but you can't. You came to me, implying you're considering such methods. I've been in the underworld long enough to know it's not all-powerful. Rules exist, with dos and don'ts. Being ruthless isn't the underworld; that's being a thug."
Zhou Jianhua retrieved a Smith & Wesson CS45 from his bedroom nightstand, placed it in a new black leather briefcase, and handed it to Lin Yufeng, saying, "This is a good gun, with seven bullets. Whether or not you plan to use it, you can't let me tarnish your name. If you ever want to kill him, face him like a man. Since killing Ding Yuanying won't save you, don't waste money on cowardly means. Keep the 1 million for your brothers; it's better spent than wasted."
Lin Yufeng examined the gun, placed it back in the case, stood up, and said, "Thank you for your advice, brother. I have a clearer mind now. I'll keep the gun for now."
Zhou Jianhua said, "I repeat, highs and lows are normal. Don't take it too hard." He walked Lin Yufeng out of the office to the Saroni Company's entrance, where they bid farewell in the light rain.