Chapter 58: Meeting the Titans

Tick, tick, tick...

For a moment, the study was silent, the ticking of the wall clock ringing clearly in the ears. Deng Ting’an quietly watched Zhou Xuan, as if pondering just how much truth there was in what Zhou Xuan had just said.

After a long pause—perhaps ten seconds, perhaps thirty—Deng Ting’an exhaled deeply, his face revealing a rare excitement. “Zhou Xuan, are you sure what you just said is true? Do you really have concrete evidence?”

“Absolutely! I have no reason to lie to you. We should be on the same side now. Since I know Brother Deng and Uncle Deng, and Liu Ze has already approached me, even if I wanted to back out, it’s impossible, right?” Zhou Xuan didn’t want to get involved in such matters so soon; it would expose him to many people, including potential enemies in the future.

As if making up his mind, Deng Ting’an said solemnly, “If that’s the case, I’ll take you to meet two people.”

Zhou Xuan knew exactly who he meant and nodded. “Alright.”

Deng Ting’an then made a call to Wang Changan in front of Zhou Xuan and spoke about Zhou’s situation.

The two continued to drink tea and chat, waiting for the next call.

Watching Deng Ting’an’s fluid and graceful tea-making, Zhou Xuan found it curious how so many high-ranking people enjoyed tea and even mastered the art of brewing, relishing the process itself.

As he poured tea, Deng Ting’an said, “I don’t even know how to describe you anymore. You’ve brought me too many surprises and shocks.”

Zhou Xuan remained calm. “Uncle Deng, you’re too kind. It was just fate. Actually, if you live your life without standing tall and upright, what’s the point? Maybe, as it is now, your tolerance hasn’t earned you goodwill from others. Perhaps you think that one day they will be defeated and brought to justice. But, Uncle, have you considered whether Blue Sky Group can wait until that day?”

Zhou Xuan’s words struck a chord in Deng Ting’an’s heart, making him question whether their previous strategies had been too weak.

Indeed, perhaps patience could temporarily ease the situation, but if you lose the initiative and the enemy presses on relentlessly, ultimately losing the chance to strike back, what good is it?

In this deadly feast of survival, only the one who laughs last is the true victor. If Blue Sky Group becomes mere nourishment for Tengfei Group, even if Liu Teng is destroyed when the scandal breaks years later, will Blue Sky Group still have a voice then?

The answer was clearly no. As for what happens then, it would be decided by the victor, not the fallen Deng family who wouldn’t see a dime.

“You’re right. Some things can’t be compromised,” Deng Ting’an said somewhat wistfully. “But some matters truly are beyond our control.”

Deng Ting’an’s concerns were understandable, and Zhou Xuan, reborn with a second chance at life, felt he couldn’t keep compromising whenever trouble arose.

“Ding ding ding...” The phone rang. Deng Ting’an answered immediately.

Two minutes later, Deng Ting’an returned, smiling. “Two uncles want to meet you tonight. Feel free to speak your mind.”

Zhou Xuan sipped his tea and smiled. “Alright! I’ll leave everything to Uncle Deng’s arrangements.”

As night fell, Zhou Xuan followed Deng Ting’an out from the side of the villa through a shadowed path, then veered toward another villa not far away. Inside, they boarded a modest BMW and left the compound.

“Uncle Deng, aren’t we being a bit too cautious?” Zhou Xuan asked.

Deng Ting’an smiled. “Liu Teng has many spies watching me. It’s better to be careful. After all, this matter is extraordinary. Everything must be handled with caution.”

“Alright,” Zhou Xuan conceded, admiring Deng Ting’an’s cunning. They even had their own people stationed near the villa, and the side door was hidden so well that anyone passing by would only see a solid wall, never suspecting it could open.

After about an hour’s drive, the car stopped in a quiet courtyard.

They stepped out and were greeted by a man in his mid-thirties.

“Director Deng, the boss is already waiting inside.”

“Thank you, Secretary Wang. Let’s hurry,” Deng Ting’an said, pulling Zhou Xuan along as they wound their way into a quiet room.

Inside, three people sat speaking in hushed tones.

One was around fifty, bearing a striking resemblance to Wang Ximing—this was none other than Wang Changan, the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee member and Organization Minister. Another was a vigorous elder wearing glasses, exuding authority without anger—Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Yu Xiangyang. The third was a man in his thirties, listening respectfully; this was Qiao Yingbo, the Public Security Bureau chief of the provincial capital, a former soldier and loyal subordinate of Secretary Yu.

“Old Yu, Old Wang, this is Zhou Xuan. I’ve brought him here. If you have any questions, ask him,” Deng Ting’an said warmly, indicating a close relationship with the two officials.

Seeing the two elders, Zhou Xuan respectfully greeted, “Uncle Yu, Uncle Wang, pleased to meet you. I’m Zhou Xuan.”

Since he regarded Jiang Yun, Deng Cheng, and Wang Ximing as brothers, this mode of address was fitting.

Yu Xiangyang nodded at Zhou Xuan. “Zhou Xuan, finally meeting you today. I must thank you in person for saving Jiang Yun in Heizhugou.”

Hearing this, Zhou Xuan humbly replied, “Uncle Yu, you’re too kind.”

After some polite conversation, Zhou Xuan learned the identity of the younger man—Qiao Yingbo, the provincial public security chief.

“Zhou Xuan, Old Deng called me earlier and told me about your situation. It really surprised us,” Wang Changan said, eyes wide with astonishment. “Since you saved Jiang Yun earlier this year, your name has come up often. We were curious about your talents in writing and computing, but never expected you to be running a company here and getting entangled with Tengfei Group. And now you’re caught in the province’s power struggle. We never saw this coming. You must understand, if you slip up even slightly in this fight, there’s no turning back. Even with Jiang Yun’s family support, there’s little hope.”

“I know, but I’m already caught in the vortex. It’s best to strike at the snake’s weak spot and solve all problems at once,” Zhou Xuan said boldly, his confidence moving the others. They wondered where his courage came from.

Zhou Xuan smiled calmly, showing no fear. Although this was the first time facing such high-ranking provincial officials—figures once seen only on television—Zhou Xuan’s skills and decades of life experience from his past life left him unshaken.

Wang Changan exchanged a glance with Yu Xiangyang, then looked at Zhou Xuan. “Good. Then tell us what you know.”