Chapter 1374 - 1350: Certainty and Suspicion

Chapter 1374: Chapter 1350: Certainty and Suspicion

Hua Qingyi was severely injured; Quan Xianglin confirmed this from Shao Qinyi. Yet, despite this, he remained wary and uncertain if Hua Qingyi had truly severed ties with Xiao Lin.

"Was it really Xiao Lin who did this?"

"That’s what the people we sent reported." Shao Qinyi lowered his eyes. "Wang Zhanting was taken away by Xiao Lin. During their fight, Hua Qingyi was stabbed in the abdomen and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital."

Quan Xianglin shook his head. Entrusting Wang Zhanting to Hua Qingyi was originally a test for him. Now that the person has truly been taken away, the injury might just be a ploy of self-harm. "Investigate Wang Zhanting’s whereabouts again. If Xiao Lin took him, it’s likely he’s in Xiao Zhenfeng’s hands."

"Does the Chairman still distrust Young Master Hua?" Shao Qinyi asked casually.

"One must always be cautious. His childhood relationship with Xiao Lin makes it hard for me to believe he’s aligning with us for the Hua family." Quan Xianglin accepted the cigarette offered by Shao Qinyi. "In terms of strength, the Xiao Family doesn’t fall short of us, and from what I know of Xiao Zhenfeng, the designated heir is unlikely to change,"

"So, the Chairman suspects they’re conspiring together for inside and outside coordination?"

Quan Xianglin shook his head again, offering no further explanation to Shao Qinyi’s question. "What cannot be determined now is Hua Qingyi’s intent."

"Chairman, why can’t we just eliminate Xiao Zhenfeng? With both families at a standstill, your return time is running out." Shao Qinyi reminded Quan Xianglin, staying in Palermo for too long might not sit well with the Yanjing side.

"It’s not a problem." Quan Xianglin confidently waved his hand. "The Xiao Family isn’t making a move because Xiao Lin is actively moving outside. Since they’re so eager to get Wang Zhanting, it indicates they’ve found Mu Rongyun’s whereabouts. Xiao Zhenfeng wants to resolve the grudges from over a decade ago all at once, which aligns with my intentions."

"But..." Shao Qinyi wanted to say more but shrank back under Quan Xianglin’s glare.

"Assign a few people to follow Xiao Lin and a few to follow Hua Qingyi. If there’s any sign of contact between them, eliminate Hua Qingyi without reporting back to me."

"I’ll arrange that. Should tonight’s meetings be declined?"

"Tonight, we’re meeting the Minister of Security, we can’t decline. They’ve asked multiple times, prepare and we’ll go." Quan Xianglin’s discreet visit wasn’t entirely devoid of leaks. Although he didn’t wish to mix private matters with official business, it had some utility for him. Who knows what might happen later in Palermo.

At 7 PM, Quan Xianglin and Shao Qinyi promptly attended the meeting with the Minister of Security. The discussions covered various aspects, but Quan Xianglin waved them off, citing his visit as a personal trip and suggested that he could discuss it officially, which would be beneficial for both parties.

The other party was quite understanding and accepted Quan Xianglin’s words sincerely. As the meeting concluded amicably, Quan Xianglin suddenly shifted the conversation towards another crisis.

Shao Qinyi admired Quan Xianglin’s official tactics, every word fitting perfectly, neither alarming the other party nor dismissing the seriousness lightly.

Quan Xianglin’s personal matters quickly became official due to his strategic approach. After mutual alignment, he successfully positioned the Minister of Security on his side concerning the potential developments and gained their promise of assistance when necessary.

Quan Xianglin left, satisfied; having official support meant he had secured about a third of the victory.

On the way back, Quan Xianglin responded to work instructions via email. Despite gaining official support, Xiao Zhenfeng wouldn’t remain idle.

Quan Xianglin removed his glasses, rubbing his temples. The original plan was now on hold, yielding little gain but costing many people. Was it his lack of skill or the opponent’s strength? Such doubts were not shared with Shao Qinyi. He was also clueless about the post-strategy arrangements.

"Any movements from Xiao Lin?"

"As anticipated, Wang Zhanting was sent back to the Xiao Family’s estate in Palermo. Privately, he wasn’t with Xiao Zhenfeng, but rather stayed in Sin City, with two trips to ’Vaganai,’ where his woman is."

"Vaganai! The territory of the Eastern Three Provinces, how did I not think of the Dan Clan?" Quan Xianglin’s eyes gleamed.

"Chairman, Young Master Quan retaliated because Xiao Lin’s woman was involved, so I don’t recommend targeting Xiao Lin via Xia Xue." Shao Qinyi watched Quan Xianglin through the rearview mirror, like father, like son; both seemed to think alike. "From my dealings with Xiao Lin, leveraging his woman against him is less effective than instigating a rift between him and Xiao Zhenfeng."

"What do you mean by this?" The main difference between Quan Xianglin and Quan Mingyuan was that he didn’t have overambitious goals.

"Earlier, during interactions with Murong Lengyue, Xiao Lin had many disputes with Xiao Zhenfeng over the engagement. Xiao Zhenfeng’s attempt to eliminate Xia Xue with Murong Lengyue’s help further alienated Xiao Lin from the Xiao Family. So, I think we can exploit this."

"Xiao Lin and Xiao Zhenfeng have a rift? Are you sure?" Quan Xianglin asked in surprise. "If it’s as you say, Xiao Lin working for Xiao Zhenfeng isn’t of his own volition?"

Shao Qinyi paused before nodding slightly in an ambiguous manner.

"If that’s the case, we might be able to use this." Suddenly, Quan Xianglin felt uplifted. "Personally investigate the causes behind Xiao Lin, if we find a loophole, we might be able to recruit Xiao Lin, haha!"

Shao Qinyi looked at Quan Xianglin, a complex emotion in his eyes. He let out a hissing sound, seemingly hesitating, but he didn’t voice any objections.

Returning from the meeting site required passing the edge of a dim construction area, the place where Murong Lengyue and Xiao Lin were attacked. Perhaps due to this, the project there had been forcibly halted.

The tires bumped over a stone, causing a slight jolt. Quan Xianglin looked out the window. In the sky, newly cloaked in darkness, what seemed to be a large bird flew by and vanished in an instant, making him utter a puzzled sound.

"What’s the matter, Chairman?" Shao Qinyi inquired. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)