Chapter 170: An Unexpected Beginning

"Zhang Zong, do you really think this is just a simple business transaction?"

Jiangnan leaned forward slightly, his deep eyes flashing with a sharp light, as if they could see into people's hearts.

"This..." Zhang Qiang felt a chill under Jiangnan's gaze, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and the hand that lifted his teacup trembling slightly,

"Otherwise?"

He pretended to be calm, took a sip of tea, the scalding liquid making his teeth chatter, yet he forced himself not to make a sound.

A playful curve lifted the corner of Jiangnan's mouth:

"Zhang Zong, we're all sensible people; some things need not be said too explicitly."

"The Ye family was annihilated; the methods were cruel, far beyond ordinary vengeance. You step forward now—aren't you afraid it will backfire on you?"

"This..." Zhang Qiang's gaze flickered, evading Jiangnan's stare,

"I'm just a merchant, I only look at profit, I ask for nothing else."

"Besides, the Ye family is gone; their shares naturally go to whoever has the ability to take them."

Murong Wanxiu furrowed her brows slightly, about to speak, but Jiangnan halted her with a look.

Jiangnan lightly tapped the table, producing a rhythmic sound that struck Zhang Qiang's mind like a drumbeat, making him increasingly uneasy.

"Zhang Zong, you're blunt and quick, so I'll speak plainly."

"The Xingchen Plaza Project, you may join; General Manager Murong will not interfere on this side."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiang's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, which was quickly replaced by ecstatic joy:

"Really... really?"

"Of course." Jiangnan gave a slight nod,

"However, I have one condition."

Zhang Qiang nodded repeatedly, his demeanor respectful.

"Please speak, and as long as I can manage it, I will do my utmost!"

"I want you to help me investigate something." Jiangnan's voice was low and powerful,

"Regarding the truth behind the Ye family's annihilation."

"This..."

Zhang Qiang's face showed difficulty, hesitating.

"What, any problem?"

Jiangnan's gaze hardened, an invisible pressure enveloping Zhang Qiang.

"No... no problem," Zhang Qiang gritted his teeth,

"I will do my best."

"Very well, then I will await good news."

Jiangnan lifted his teacup, took a gentle sip, "Zhang Zong, please."

Zhang Qiang felt a weight lift, raised his teacup and drank it in one gulp; the scalding tea slid down his throat, bringing a burning sensation, yet it was nothing compared to the pressure he felt inside.

"Then... I won't disturb you two any longer, farewell."

Zhang Qiang stood, bowed slightly, and hurried away.

After Zhang Qiang left, Murong Wan finally couldn't hold back and spoke:

"Mr. Jiang, why did you agree to him?"

"This person obviously has issues; aren't you afraid he'll bite back?"

"Don't worry, he wouldn't dare," Jiangnan said with a confident smile,

"Since he wants to swallow the Ye family's shares, he must pay a price."

"Moreover, his trail might help us find some clues."

"Hope that's the case."

Murong Wan sighed, still feeling a bit uneasy inside.

"Don't worry, everything is under control."

Jiangnan grasped Murong Wan's hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, and offered her a reassuring look.

Murong Wan watched Jiangnan's steadfast gaze, and her inner unease gradually faded.

She believed this man would certainly uncover the truth and restore justice for the Ye family.

At that moment, Zhang Qiang, who had hurried out of the teahouse, got into a car, let out a long sigh, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead, a trace of malice flashing in his eyes.

"Damn, I almost slipped up," he muttered,

"Luckily I'm quick on the draw."

"But this kid is really hard to handle, actually trying to use me. Dream on!"

Zhang Qiang pulled out his phone and dialed a number:

"Hello, it's me, help me look up a person..."

"Yes, the more detailed the better, especially his recent whereabouts."

He hung up, started the car, and vanished into traffic.

…

Night fell, the city lights flickered on, and Jinghai City's night remained bustling and lively.

Jiangnan stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city's splendid scene, his gaze deep and contemplative.

Suddenly, a phone ringtone shattered the silence.

He picked up the phone; it was an unknown number.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Mr. Jiang, it's me, Zhang Qiang."

On the other end of the phone, Zhang Qiang's voice sounded slightly nervous.

"Oh? Zhang Zong, you have news so quickly?" Jiangnan's mouth curved into a slight smile.

"Yes... there are some clues," Zhang Qiang hesitated,

"But it's not convenient over the phone; let's discuss in person."

"Fine, you set the location."

Jiangnan was straightforward and decisive.

"How about... the Night Curtain Bar on the west side of the Xingchen Plaza Project?"

"Fine."

Jiangnan hung up, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He muttered to himself and turned to leave the room,

"It seems, this Zhang Zong, is more interesting than I imagined."

The Night Curtain Bar, located on the busiest commercial street of Jinghai City, is a hotspot for young people's nightlife.

Inside the bar, lights flickered, music blared, and on the dance floor men and women swayed freely, releasing the day's stress.

Jiangnan walked into the bar alone, standing out from the surrounding clamor.

He went straight to the bar, ordered a glass of whiskey, and sipped it alone.

Soon, Zhang Qiang hurried in, looking around, and finally spotted Jiangnan at the bar.

"Mr. Jiang, you're here."

"Alright, speak up. What have you found?"

Jiangnan spoke lightly, his gaze staying fixed on the glass in his hand.

"I discovered that before the Ye family was wiped out, they had contact with a certain person."

"Who?"

Jiangnan finally lifted his head and looked at Zhang Qiang.

"That person is named Zhao Wuji, the boss of the Black Tiger Gang, an underground force in Jinghai City."

"Black Tiger Gang?"

Jiangnan's brows twitched slightly; he seemed to have heard that name before.

"Exactly, the Black Tiger Gang," Zhang Qiang nodded,

"It is said that the Ye family and Zhao Wuji clashed over a piece of land."

"And then?" Jiangnan continued to ask.

"Then... I couldn't investigate further," Zhang Qiang said with a helpless expression,

"The Black Tiger Gang's influence is huge; I dare not go on."

"Scared?" Jiangnan looked at Zhang Qiang with a half‑smile.

"To be honest, a bit," Zhang Qiang admitted, nodding directly.

"Mr. Jiang, do you think what I've uncovered is enough?"

"If it's not enough..."

A faint glint flashed in Zhang Qiang's eyes, but his expression quickly returned to calm, followed by a wry smile.

"Mr. Jiang, the Black Tiger Gang is not to be trifled with; I can't afford to offend them."

"If you are willing, Mr. Jiang, I could act as your forward scout and gather intelligence on the Black Tiger Gang for you. What do you think..."

Jiangnan's gaze remained calm as it swept lightly over Zhang Qiang.

"Since you say that, it couldn't be better."

"If you can locate the Black Tiger Gang's base, General Manager Murong will certainly not block you from buying Ye Group's shares."

"As for the Di Jiang Group, I cannot determine their stance."