Chapter 831: Despising the Fence‑Sitters

By rights, the senior executives of domestic financial institutions are all sensible people.

Under such circumstances, it's impossible for them to give Zhao Tianyu an ultra‑fast loan.

Where did that guy Zhao Tianyu get so much money?

In the mayor's office, Lin Dongfan stood by the window, thinking for over half an hour; the more he thought, the more confused he became, and he simply couldn't figure out all the twists and turns.

Secretary Xiao Chen suddenly pushed the door open and, with great care, reported: 'Mayor Lin, Ye Zong of Mortal Group just called, inquiring about the situation over at Zhao Group…'

'Tell Ye Zong to put the plan on hold.' Lin Dongfan didn't turn around, his mood somewhat low: 'Zhao Tianyu has raised the money; the wages have already been paid in full.'

He didn't say the more crucial part—once the wages are paid, Wang Qigang will be like a tiger with wings, and he can justifiably call off Mortal Group's acquisition plan!

As things stand now, this matter is already hopeless.

Secretary Xiao Chen is also a sensible person; after a brief hesitation, he again ventured: 'Zhao Tianyu's funds are of unknown origin—what do you think, should we…?'

'Investigate!'

Lin Dongfan turned around and gave the order: 'Let Yang Qing investigate, covertly. Over two hundred million is no small sum. Zhao Tianyu's domestic routes are all blocked, so this money must have a source.'

'Understood.'

Xiao Chen withdrew.

Only Lin Dongfan remained in the office, continuing to think of a way to break the deadlock.

As for investigating the source of the funds, I also feel I can't rely entirely on Yang Qing.

Yang Qing is adept at investigating criminal crimes, but financial crimes are not his forte; moreover, that guy Yang Qing is currently on sick leave, and many resources cannot be mobilized.

At a critical moment, we still need to find another approach.

Having thought this through in silence,

Lin Dongfan dialed the number of the sweet‑but‑naive Chu Lingxi: 'Hey, wife, didn't you say Su Qingyu sponsored you two million last time? Tomorrow, arrange a meeting with him and let him come watch your rehearsal in person.'

'Okay, husband.'

The sweet‑but‑naive one doesn't ask why; after so many years of marriage, whenever Lin Dongfan gives her an instruction, she always cooperates unconditionally.

Friday afternoon.

The rehearsal hall of the School of Arts at Jianglan Daxue.

The melody of 'Su' floated in the air; eight girls leapt and spun on the wooden floor, their movements as smooth as flowing clouds and water.

Chu Lingxi stood at the edge of the venue, intently watching every detail; occasionally she raised her hand to signal a pause in the music, then walked over to correct the angle of a particular movement.

In the audience seats, a few people sat scattered about.

There were instructors from the arts college, a few students who had come upon hearing the news, and the specially invited guest Su Qingyu.

Su Qingyu sat in the exact center of the first row.

He was dressed casually today—a dark‑blue polo shirt, khaki pants, holding a program sheet and watching attentively.

When he received Chu Lingxi's call yesterday, he was somewhat surprised. She said it was the final rehearsal before the overseas competition, inviting the sponsor to come watch and offer some on‑site feedback.

Su Qingyu felt the excuse was rather far‑fetched; as the saying goes, each art has its specialty—what business does a layman like him have giving opinions on dance?

But he came anyway, after all, it was the mayor's wife's kind gesture.

As the music entered its climax, the girls' movements grew more vigorous. Su Qingyu was engrossed when he suddenly heard a few clear claps from behind: 'Good! Well danced!'

A very familiar voice.

Su Qingyu instinctively turned his head and saw a sight that made a black line appear on his forehead.

There sat Chu Lao Shi's husband—Mayor Lin—alone in a side seat at the very back, looking like an ordinary spectator just there for the fun; today Mayor Lin was dressed casually.

Could this be the real reason Chu Lao Shi invited me to watch the rehearsal?

Is Mayor Lin hoping to see me?

After a moment's thought, Su Qingyu felt it must be so, without a doubt. After all, he is the son‑in‑law of the Zhao family; a private meeting with Mayor Lin would inevitably raise suspicions.

But if they happened to meet by chance at the rehearsal, then there would be room for an explanation.

Thinking this, Su Qingyu quickly rose, whispered to Chu Lingxi and the others nearby, 'I'm going to the restroom,' and then walked down the side corridor toward the back rows.

When he reached Lin Dongfan's side,

Su Qingyu stopped, bowed slightly, and said, 'Mayor Lin, you too came to the rehearsal?'

'Mr. Su? What a coincidence.'

Lin Dongfan seemed to have just noticed Su Qingyu's presence; his smile held a hint of surprise, which left Su Qingyu speechless, thinking, 'Your acting is really good—it's a waste not to be a movie star.'

But Su Qingyu kept his surface respectful: 'It's a coincidence; as the sponsor, Chu Lao Shi gave me face and specially invited me to watch the rehearsal on site.'

'Lingxi told me today is the final rehearsal; I happened to be nearby on business, so I dropped by to have a look.' Lin Dongfan pointed to an empty seat beside him: 'Sit down and chat?'

'Sure.'

Su Qingyu sat down beside Lin Dongfan in an orderly fashion.

The music on stage continued, and the girls kept rehearsing, but it was clear that neither of them was paying attention to the stage; both were mulling over what to say.

'They're dancing not bad.' Lin Dongfan praised with a smile: 'Mr. Su, your generous sponsorship has really helped them out a lot.'

'Of course, supporting culture and the arts.' Su Qingyu said in a very official tone.

The two fell silent for a few seconds.

Lin Dongfan glanced at the stage, then suddenly asked: 'Zhao Group yesterday paid all its overdue wages—over two hundred million—in one go; have you heard about it, Mr. Su?'

'…I've heard.' Su Qingyu's heart strings tightened silently.

'Over two hundred million—that's no small amount.' Lin Dongfan said casually: 'I'm really curious—where did your Zhao boss suddenly rustle up that much money?'

'!!!'

When the topic turned to the source of the money, Su Qingyu grew nervous, his palms sweating.

'Here it comes!'

Mayor Lin indeed came prepared!

This is the real reason I was fortunate to become a specially invited guest!

Su Qingyu collected himself, carefully choosing his words: "Well… I'm not entirely sure either. Zhao Tianyu… he might have some private channels…"

"How could you pull out over two hundred million just like that through private channels?" Lin Dongfan laughed. "Manager Su, you're the Zhao family's son-in-law and operate in the same business circle—how could you not have heard a whisper?"

That question was very direct.

Su Qingyu felt his shirt damp again behind his back, and a chill ran down his spine.

He replied awkwardly: "Mayor Lin, I really don't know about this. As you know, I never have any say in the Zhao family, and Zhao Tianyu never discusses anything with me."

Really?

Lin Dongfan turned his head and glanced at Su Qingyu.

He then joked: "Manager Su, if you intend to sponsor the arts, why not go all the way? Throughout history, fence‑sitters have never ended well."

!!!

With that blow, Su Qingyu felt even breathing become difficult.

He never imagined Lin Dongfan would force him to pick a side so bluntly—in other words, to stab the Zhao family in the back.

He was actually willing to pick up the knife.

The question is—having seen Zhao Tianyu's ruthless methods, does he have the guts to deliver that backstab? With only one life to live, if the knife doesn't land right, he could end up dead.