Chapter 287: A Drop of Blood

I also didn't say anything further.

From Zhang Zong's expression, it was clear that he really wanted to ask about Zhou Wei's situation.

But he still held back and didn't ask.

He paused for a moment,

"Why did you help persuade Xiao Shitou to recognize me?"

"There's no conspiracy; you don't need to doubt. Letting Xiao Shitou recognize you also gives him an explanation, letting him know his origins."

That's how I operate; I never hide anything. What belongs to whom belongs to them.

Of course, if you doubt it, then never mind. Just pretend I didn't say anything.

Zhang Zong, you haven't returned for many years. I never imagined that after more than twenty years, we'd be sitting here chatting.

"Yeah, Jianqiang, I never expected so many things to have changed beyond recognition.

This time I came back from the south, which could be called a return to old haunts. In truth, I mainly came back for Xiao Shitou.

Because only when one grows old does one realize that children are important.

All these years I've struggled out there, however, I always feel a lingering regret around me.

Old now, old now, thinking about it, home is still best, and having children and grandchildren filling the house is good.

So I returned without any hesitation.

Seeing Xiao Shitou grown into a full-grown young man, I felt very gratified.

The future development of Da Heng Group will rely on the younger generation. Right now, Da Heng Group's development is very stable.

Zhang Zong's meaning here was deliberately to say that the future of Da Heng Group will still be handed over to Xiao Shitou.

Of course I could hear his words clearly,

After Zhang Zong finished speaking, he stared at me.

I also stared at Zhang Zong.

We communicated with our gazes.

Some things cannot be spoken outright,

Zhang Zong again seemed to be reporting that Da Heng Group's development is stable. That made me not worry for the time being.

I just smiled.

I was quite skeptical of Zhang Zong's statement; some matters he mentioned don't count, after all he has several superiors above him.

I lifted my teacup and took a sip of water,

"Zhang Zong, after returning, have you ever had the hometown's lamb soup?"

"I've had it; it's still the same as before, unchanged after all these years. Ah, the familiar taste in my memory," Zhang Zong sighed.

At this moment, Ruan Wei spoke from beside me,

"Brothers, are you going to chat all night? How are we going to solve this matter? I'm still tied up here.

Can you hurry up? Stop talking about lamb soup; let's get to the point."

Oh right, Ruan Wei is still bound. I was chatting with Zhang Zong and forgot about him.

I said to Zhang Zong, "Then get to the point, Zhang Zong, I don't believe you.

You simply cannot replace Ruan Wei. We must take Ruan Wei away, and only when we deem it safe will we release him."

"That's not acceptable; otherwise, I won't come. I met you precisely to replace Ruan Wei. This matter is non‑negotiable," Zhang Zong refused.

"Zhang Zong, don't say it can't be negotiated. If I didn't have Ruan Wei in my hands, what I'm saying would still be correct,

Now it's different; I have Ruan Wei in my hands, and you are here too. At worst, we can all go down together.

Anyway, I'm already like this, a fugitive, and I won't think of clearing my name for the rest of my life.

Die early, be reborn early. Lao Wai, strip Ruan Wei's clothes again, splash cold water on that kid's body, freeze him to death tonight," I shouted angrily.

Lao Wai replied from beside me, "Let me say, we still need to undress him; we shouldn't have clothed that kid in the first place. Shi Yong, bring a basin of cold water from the house."

After speaking, Lao Wai began to strip Ruan Wei's clothes.

Ruan Wei struggled fiercely, then said to Zhang Zong, "Zhang Zong, what are you here for? To rescue me, not to add fuel to the fire.

You can't replace me; listen to what Mr. Zhao says. Mr. Zhao, stop stripping my clothes. I don't want to die,

I beg you.

Let this elder brother rest,

You tell me what to do; I'll follow your word."

When Zhang Zong heard Ruan Wei speak like that,

He immediately put on a smiling face and said to me, "Jianqiang, look at yourself, the conversation was going so well just now, we even talked about lamb soup, and now you suddenly act.

Since you disagree with me replacing Ruan Wei, propose a solution.

If there's something to say, say it properly."

"If there's something to say, say it properly. This matter can only be solved this way: Zhang Zong, you go out for a while, pull back all the people you brought,

let us safely drive out of Chengzhongcun.

Then, we will take Ruan Wei away.

I'll say it straight: we will take Ruan Wei to Lanling.

After arriving at Lanling, we will release Ruan Wei.

Then you go to Lanling to fetch Ruan Wei.

That way both we and Ruan Wei will be safe."

After Zhang Zong heard me finish,

He immediately asked, "If you Zhao Jianqiang change your mind midway, what then? You go to Lanling, kill Ruan Wei, then run away. We can't catch you. We'd just fall into your trap."

Damn, this old kid is reminding me to kill Ruan Wei and then run away.

Looks like he also has a conflict with Ruan Wei.

I laughed heartily: "Zhang Zong, really no need to worry, I am a man of my word."

Rest assured, Chief Ruan, this person is fine, though he's a bit of a tiger brat, I like him a lot.

Stop wasting time; we'll set off now. You go, have your men withdraw. Go to Lanling to fetch Ruan Wei.

Zhang Zong stood up reluctantly,

The matter of Zhao Jianqiang still needs discussion. I feel taking Chief Ruan away is too unreliable.

How about this: I propose a condition—release Ruan Wei, and I guarantee you leave safely.

If we keep talking like this, there's no point, Zhang Zong, are you forcing us to act, only when you see blood will you know we're serious.

It must be done my way," I shouted.

Zhang Zong also shouted: "Who is Zhao Jianqiang, I know.

Hmph, I know how daring you are. Chief Ruan, don't be afraid, please trust me.

I won't let them take you away, otherwise your life will be gone. Right now, outside are our people, they wouldn't dare lay a hand on you.

Ruan Wei looked at me, then at Zhang Zong; he was a bit confused and didn't know who was right.

It seems this Zhang Zong is forcing me to act, insisting Ruan Wei shed some blood, that's what makes him happy.

At this moment I looked at Ruan Wei,

Then I said: "Chief Ruan, did you see? Hmph, it's you who are forcing me to act.

Then I won't be polite."

"Mr. Zhao, is there something we can discuss? Zhang Zong, could you not say that? I'm now in their hands. I'll go with them; Zhang Zong, you withdraw your men," Ruan Wei said.

"Chief Ruan, listen to me, you mustn't fall for their trap; they won't let you go. Rest assured, they don't dare act.

If they dare lay a hand on you, I'll immediately bring in the outside assault, capture them all, and then none of them can escape," Zhang Zong continued nagging.

"They can't run, what about me, Zhang Zong, this place isn't tying you up?" Ruan Wei was angry.

Zhang Zong still persisted.

Fine, then let Ruan Wei shed some blood, so Zhang Zong will be satisfied.

I shouted at Shi Yong: "Shi Yong, take the knife, give Chief Ruan some blood, let Zhang Zong see whether we truly have courage."

Shi Yong pulled the knife out of his chest again.

Ignoring Ruan Wei's pleas, he stabbed a slash into Ruan Wei's arm,

The blade cut, and blood from Ruan Wei's arm spurted out.

Ruan Wei cried out in pain loudly.