Chapter 1254 - 1233: The Art of Persuading Liu Yi
The hardline tactics didn’t cause the boss of ’Wagang’ai’ any loss or leave him without options. On the contrary, such toughness put the Eastern Three Provinces into a dormant state. No matter how turbulent the outside world was, he steadfastly held onto his own piece of pure land, doing nothing, choosing to remain still to counter the motion.
Early this morning, he received another report from his subordinates that his warehouse in the northern part of Palermo was shut down, with losses amounting to tens of millions. This was the most severe incident in history; even Dan Ning, who was usually calm, furrowed his brows. If this continued, they would run out of resources even before the opponent made a move.
"Boss, if we don’t take action soon, we’re really going to be defeated and sent back packing," the trusted aide worriedly remarked nearby.
"Wait a bit longer, let’s see if there’s any news from Black Street." The words lacked confidence. Nearly two weeks had passed already, with more and more outposts being picked off. It was clear the opponent was targeting him intentionally. Yet, the real issue was a new force rising in Palermo. Reportedly, its scale wasn’t large, but it had already stolen several of his businesses. If this continued, they would eventually be replaced. However, there was no movement from Xiao Lin’s side, making it harder for him to make decisions, unsure if Shao Qinyi would strike again.
"Boss, can the people from Black Street really be trusted? I think they are also deeply troubled now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You haven’t been out much, have you? That Xiao kid’s woman has been facing suppression in Sin City recently, supposedly due to the incident involving the kidnapping of Murong Lengyue. If he can still look after you now, that would be strange."
"Don’t let me hear such words again. No matter what, Young Master Xiao is the savior of the clan leader." Dan Ning reproached his trusted aide in a deep voice. Despite disliking Xiao Lin, he disliked these words of sowing discord even more.
"Yes, got it!"
"Are there any other matters? If not, invite the people from the Assassin Group over."
"Boss, there is one more thing, although I’m not sure if it’s worth reporting, it’s not anything major."
"Let’s hear it."
"We were monitoring Shao Weihua’s actions, and recently a Chinese man appeared by his side, seriously wounded and recuperating at the club. Shao Weihua seems to hold him in high regard."
The Eastern Three Provinces paused for a moment, having already guessed who this person was. It was just unexpected that Xiao Lin managed to persuade Hua Qingyi. "Hmm, just leave him be, don’t worry about it. For now, we keep an eye on Shao Qinyi and his group. Pete’s presence here isn’t that simple; it seems likely Shao Qinyi has already allied with the American Gang."
"Oh, have the people sent out returned yet?" Dan Ning suddenly asked before his subordinates left.
"No news yet."
"Bring the people from the Assassin Group over." Not a single one returned; it’s likely they won’t come back. The Eastern Three Provinces lit a cigarette, and under the smoke, his shadow appeared extremely vague. When people have nothing to do, they tend to daydream, especially someone like him who falls into self-fantasy due to the conflicts deep within.
Xiao Lin’s plan was fraught with crisis at every turn, akin to putting oneself in a deadly position to seek survival, but his plan went beyond that. From his viewpoint, it was too broad with too large a scope to control. Moreover, there are few who would use themselves as bait, let alone someone with his status. Yet, as Xiao Lin mentioned, he was merely part of Sin City, unrelated to the Xiao Family. You claim it isn’t connected, but does stating it make it so? If something were to happen because of this, it might be acceptable for his ’Wagang’ai’ to be destroyed, but dragging the entire Dan Clan down would not be acceptable at all!
Exhaling a mouthful of smoke, the Eastern Three Provinces stood up. Behind him, the door silently opened and a person, as expressionless as a ghost, appeared behind him.
"Liu Yi!" Through the reflection in the glass, he watched this unresponsive figure. "Do you know why I can recognize you among you all? Because you have a pair of eyes very similar to someone’s. Even if the face changes, the eyes won’t."
Without expression, Liu Yi listened, giving no feedback, as Dan Ning shrugged. "I’ve had my suspicions about your relationship with Xiao Lin. To be honest, your presence makes Xiao Lin extremely cautious, which is rare for him. If you know something, perhaps you should tell me something? If you’re hostile towards him, I have an opportunity for your Assassin Group here."
Liu Yi raised an eyebrow but continued to remain silent. Dan Ning continued. "Now, there’s someone who wants Yelu Shou’s life, which relates to our survival. But I know Xiao Lin has taken on this matter alone. What’s your Assassin Group’s take on this?"
"The Assassin Group does not participate in any inter-group business. If you want us to do something, just say it outright. If it’s about giving up on revenge, then there’s nothing to discuss."
"Ah, no, quite the opposite. I’m not stopping you from doing this; rather, I’m offering an opportunity. However, I have a small request." Noticing Liu Yi’s inquisitive look, Dan Ning chuckled. "I understand the Assassin Group’s principles, but this time, since it’s related to the Dan Clan, perhaps keeping them alive might be better than killing them, right?"
Liu Yi let out a snort and left as he came, whether it was seen as agreement or not was uncertain. Dan Ning only knew the first part of the task was done. Whether Yelu Shou’s life would be spared remained unknown.
Gazing through the glass into the distance, two cars attracted his attention. In the nearly forgotten region of ’Wagang’ai’ in Palermo, cars of such a high standard rarely came. The spiraling cars turned a corner and parked right at his door.
Ah! They’ve finally arrived. The wait was worthwhile, Dan Ning mused, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
Shao Qinyi was led in, catching a glimpse of a shadow from the corner of his eye. He turned his head slightly, pausing, and stared at the gradually disappearing figure, asking abruptly, "Just now, that person..."
"Please, this way."
Shao Qinyi murmured, nodding apologetically. The people behind him also looked towards the now-empty corridor, not seeing clearly since they were standing behind Shao Qinyi.
Dan Ning stood at the stairway, taking in Shao Qinyi’s bewilderment completely. Where there’s interest, there’s opportunity.
"Welcome, to ’Wagang’ai’!" (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)