Chapter 297: Contact Zhang Zong

Shangguan Zhuren laughed,

"It's as if no one asked, Li Ming, you say your opinion."

"I think it's too unsafe; this Zhang Zong hasn't been seen in over twenty years, and he's still an opponent—how could he possibly help us willingly?"

"If he defects, we're done," Li Ming said worriedly.

"Hmm. Xiao Long, you should also give your opinion," Shangguan Zhuren nodded.

Xiao Long took a puff of a cigarette,

"Shangguan Zhuren, my opinion is to contact Zhang Zong. I haven't met Zhang Zong before, but my grandfather's analysis just now is correct."

Between people, it's all about using connections or exchanging benefits. Only things that benefit him will he definitely consider.

Behind this Zhang Zong are many people pulling his strings; he certainly won't be the boss. The Da Heng Group is a piece of fat meat, and so many people want to eat it.

For the Da Heng Group to easily hand over to my brother Xiao Shitou is extremely difficult. So Zhang Zong currently needs help, and strong help at that.

My grandfather once told me that defeating an opponent often starts from within the enemy. Xiao Long finished speaking, then looked at us nervously.

I led the applause for Xiao Long.

Shangguan Zhuren, Shi Yong, and Li Ming all applauded Xiao Long.

Xiao Long felt a bit embarrassed.

"Xiao Long is right; we can take a risk. If this approach with Zhang Zong doesn't work, we'll think of other methods—people can't be killed by holding in urine. Jianqiang, you first try contacting Zhang Zong. See his attitude, then we'll decide."

If he wants to cooperate with us, he will proactively come to talk with you in detail.

If he lets you come over, then we'll forget about this matter.

I nodded,

"All right, it's already night. I'll contact Zhang Zong tomorrow. Everyone, rest early; we're all tired from today. Meeting adjourned."

Then everyone went back to their own rooms to rest.

After returning to the room, I lay on the bed and recalled the past,

When Xiao Shitou was young, just when he came over with Zhou Wei.

Seeing my shy appearance, he carefully called me "dad."

Sigh, I never imagined that after over twenty years, I'd still have to let Xiao Shitou call someone else "dad." Moreover, that person is our enemy.

Just thinking about it is heartbreaking.

But there's nothing we can do about all this.

Xiao Shitou's background is also pitiful.

I'm not his biological father, nor is Zhang Zong; his real father is Song Erguang, who died long ago.

Only I and Zhou Wei know about this. Zhou Wei is also unconscious.

Now the only person who knows about this is me.

Should I tell Xiao Shitou about this in the future or not?

Making him acknowledge Zhang Zong as his father has already been a blow to him.

If we then tell him that his biological father is Song Erguang, how would he think of Zhou Wei, and could he bear it?

It seems I'll have to keep my mouth shut for life.

I slowly fell asleep.

The next day after I had breakfast,

I found Zhang Zong's phone number.

I want to try contacting Zhang Zong; living in Huaihai like this isn't a long-term solution.

On the surface it's calm as water; who knows what Kong Shi and his group will do next.

We know nothing.

We can't just surrender.

I dialed Zhang Zong's number.

After a moment, Zhang Zong answered.

Zhang Zong's voice came through the phone.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Zhang Zong, I'm Zhao Jianqiang. I haven't seen you in several days, and I've missed you."

"Zhao Jianqiang, where are you, and how dare you call me?" Zhang Zong said flusteredly over the phone.

I laughed,

"Zhang Zong, what's up? I just want to get in touch with you, see if you're nervous. I'd like to chat with you—if it's convenient, fine; if not, forget it."

"No, this is fine, it's convenient." Zhang Zong said.

"Zhang Zong, the other day when we met in the old city, I once brought up the matter of Xiao Shitou acknowledging his relatives. I've thought about it for a long time and decided to settle it. So I'm calling you to let you know."

"No, Zhao Jianqiang, you still have the mood to talk about this? A few days ago, didn't they go to Qi He to surround you? You should figure out how to secure a foothold, and still have the leisure to talk about Xiao Shitou's matter." Zhang Zong asked, not understanding.

"Don't worry, Zhang Zong, they can't catch me. After hanging out with you for so long, if I didn't even have this bit of ability, that would be losing your people." I laughed.

Zhang Zong could only smile and say: "Zhao Jianqiang, are you praising me for running fast last time?"

"Not at all, Zhang Zong—I have much to learn from you. After leaving Zaocheng, being able to thrive in the south is impressive."

I also ran away, but now I can't even leave Zaocheng.

Once I leave Zaocheng, I'm completely lost—I don't know anyone.

This is the gap.

In the past, working with you, I admired you and was good at directing behind the scenes.

You point where, and I and Wu Xiezi will strike there.

Even though I'm not working with you now, I also admire you; behind the scenes, I easily took over Da Heng Group.

In front of you, I am just a failure.

Losing is losing; I admit defeat.

You make me lose, yet I am wholeheartedly convinced. I said admiringly.

Jianqiang, don't praise me like that. You have always been a very good talent; it's just that our paths differ.

But to be honest, I have a good impression of you. It seems that in this Da Heng Group matter, you truly have some misunderstanding about me.

My original intention was to help you.

To help you get through this crisis. But because of my own actions, this situation arose.

I know you hold a grudge against me.

I feel there's no need,

Flies don't target seamless eggs; if your business develops normally, without blind expansion, without favoritism, without reckless management.

All problems must be sought within oneself. Do you think what I say is right? Zhang Zong said earnestly.

I also said seriously: "Zhang Zong, if you had come back a few years earlier, these things could have been avoided; your criticism is correct."

In front of you, I am just an elementary school student.

What you said about these situations are all facts,

After Da Heng Group let Southern Group take it over, I have been reflecting.

I used to hate you, but after reflecting, I truly don't hate you anymore.

Zhang Zong, my current situation is such that I could be arrested at any moment; once arrested, there is no chance of survival.

Before being arrested, I want to do something worthy of my child,

that is, the matter of Xiao Shitou,

I won't let Xiao Shitou deny his kin,

let him live a lifetime in pain; I want to tell him the true situation.

Zhang Zong, I don't know if this wish can be fulfilled for me.

Hearing me say this, Zhang Zong fell silent on the phone for a moment,

"Jianqiang, this matter not only pains Xiao Shitou, but also pains me; seeing my own son whom I cannot recognize, we glare at each other every day,

My heart feels like being cut by a knife; I am already at this age.

How many more years do I have left to live,

After wandering outside for so long, I have left nothing behind.

Xiao Shitou is my only longing; I desperately want to return to Zaocheng, for what purpose, if not for him,

For him, if in my lifetime he can call me 'dad' once, I would be satisfied.

Jianqiang, you being able to say this makes me feel you are sincere.

Good, everyone can speak their heartfelt words,

It's not convenient to discuss this matter over the phone.

If you trust me, tell me where you are; I'll come find you, we'll meet and discuss in detail, how about that? Zhang Zong said over the phone.