Chapter Fifty-Seven: Pulling Out the Nail

Reaching the entrance, Zhou Xuan watched Wei Lian and Uncle San preparing to hail a taxi. A thought crossed his mind, and he said with a smile, "Wei Lian, I think the company should buy two cars. You drive one, and the company can use the other. For expenses under one million, you don't need to report to me; just sign off on them yourself."

After observing him for some time, Zhou Xuan found Wei Lian to be quite capable as a company general manager. Skills could be honed over time, but as long as a person possessed integrity, Zhou Xuan felt comfortable entrusting the company to him.

Zhou Xuan only needed to oversee the broader direction; he could leave the rest to Wei Lian. After all, Zhou Xuan was still a student and was not based in Rongcheng, making direct management somewhat inconvenient.

"Understood, thank you, Mr. Zhou." Moved by Zhou Xuan's trust, Wei Lian expressed his gratitude.

Zhou Xuan patted Wei Lian and Uncle San on the shoulders, encouraging them, "Spend the next two days organizing and selecting the promotion staff to be sent to various regions. Book the tickets in advance and set off next Monday. Be sure to pick those who are bold and driven, promote them to lead the local branches, and get the promotion work moving."

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhou. We will certainly live up to your expectations and capture the national internet cafe management software market within six months," Wei Lian and Uncle San said in unison, their eyes filled with firm confidence.

"Good!" Zhou Xuan watched as the two men hailed a taxi and drove off. He then got into a car with Deng Cheng, heading toward the Deng family villa.

The vehicle cruised slowly through the streets of the High-Tech Development Zone. Although still somewhat desolate, many areas were under construction, with high-rise buildings steadily rising.

Leaning back against the seat, Zhou Xuan looked straight ahead and said slowly, "Deng Cheng, have you all thought of any ways to curb the expansion of the Tengfei Group?"

Deng Cheng drove carefully. Upon hearing Zhou Xuan's question, he thought for a moment and replied, "I'm not entirely clear on the details, but I do know one thing: ever since the provincial leader arrived, they swiftly promoted a new mayor from Yangcheng. Since then, life hasn't been easy for my father, Uncle Wang, and Uncle Yu."

Zhou Xuan mentally listed the thirteen key figures in the provincial committee. He immediately knew that the "Uncle Yu" Deng Cheng referred to must be Deputy Secretary Yu Xiangyang. Only his significant influence had allowed Wang Chang'an, the Organization Department head and father of Wang Ximing, to remain in his position six months after the provincial leader's arrival. Otherwise, given the leader's assertive style, Wang Chang'an would have either had to defect or been replaced long ago.

However, as the power struggle intensified, Wang Chang'an's situation grew increasingly precarious. They were currently overwhelmed and had no time to spare for the Tengfei Group. Otherwise, a small outfit like Tengfei would never have been able to stir up such trouble.

Zhou Xuan had no effective way to intervene in these political struggles. Fortunately, Jiang Yun had been rescued from Heizhugou, and the Wang and Deng families had established a connection with the Jiang family in the capital. Otherwise, based on what happened in his previous life, both families would likely have suffered a crushing defeat this year.

"Given your relationship with the Jiang family," Zhou Xuan said, "they shouldn't be able to do much to you, should they?"

"It's precisely because of that connection that they haven't made a major move yet. But if something goes wrong on our end, they might use it as a pretext to cause us trouble. That's why, in the face of the Tengfei Group's relentless pressure, we haven't taken any action. We're afraid of being caught off guard if we give them an opening," Deng Cheng said with a hint of distress.

Zhou Xuan could see that the current situation was highly unfavorable for them; the frustration of having to endure constant slights was weighing heavily on them.

"Heh, that's not a long-term strategy. You know as well as I do that constant defense eventually leads to defeat. Since they've placed a wedge in your side, you must strike it down firmly. You cannot let them establish authority, or else you'll all be at their beck and call." Since his rebirth, Zhou Xuan's personality had changed; he could no longer smile and accept a slap to the face.

If someone offended him, they would have to pay the price, regardless of how powerful they were.

Deng Cheng looked up at Zhou Xuan, shook his head in surprise, and said, "Zhou Xuan, that is a genuine vice-provincial level official. It's not easy to force him out. Even if there were a problem, the provincial leader wouldn't let him fall. Otherwise, where would he save face? How would he carry out his work or establish his authority in S Province?"

Deng Cheng felt that Zhou Xuan was being too naive; it was simply an impossible task.

Zhou Xuan smiled. "Given the relationship between the Tengfei Group and that mayor, don't you think there are underlying issues? Besides, when he was in Yangcheng, his public reputation wasn't exactly stellar. If we investigate properly, I believe we can uncover some problems."

"Zhou Xuan, you're thinking too simply. If it were that easy to find problems by investigating, all the corrupt officials in China would have been caught long ago. Without concrete evidence, you can't touch them. And don't think evidence is easy to find—the moment you start looking, you'll meet resistance. You know as well as I do that some people won't let us investigate properly." Having been by Deng Ting'an's side for so many years, Deng Cheng knew that things weren't always as simple as wanting to investigate and then doing it.

"Heh, that won't be up to them," Zhou Xuan said with a cold, mocking sneer, as if signaling that a storm was about to break.

Seeing Zhou Xuan's demeanor, Deng Cheng shook his head, unable to understand where Zhou Xuan's confidence came from.

Half an hour later, Zhou Xuan arrived at the Deng family villa. In the study, he met Deng Ting'an, the chairman of the Blue Sky Group, once again.

"Uncle Deng, it's been a long time," Zhou Xuan said with a smile.

Deng Ting'an, dressed in casual attire, said happily, "Zhou Xuan, you're here. Sit down and let's talk."

"Heh, I hope I'm not intruding."

"Haha, how could it be an intrusion? Your presence brings light to my home. In the future, feel free to come over whenever you like; don't be a stranger." After exchanging pleasantries, Deng Ting'an shifted the topic: "I heard your company is in trouble, and that the Tengfei Group is the one behind it?"

"Just a minor nuisance, nothing for you to worry about, Uncle. But I didn't come here today for that. I wanted to discuss something else, though it is somewhat related to my current troubles," Zhou Xuan said solemnly.

"Oh? What is it? Tell me in detail," Deng Ting'an asked, his interest piqued.

Zhou Xuan paused, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Deng Cheng has already told me about the current situation. I think I can do you and Uncle Wang a small favor and pull out that thorn."

"What!" Deng Ting'an's calm expression turned to one of shock. He replied gravely, "Xiao Zhou, this is no joking matter. A vice-provincial official is not someone who falls easily."

As a seasoned fox who had been in business for decades, hearing this from a sixteen-year-old middle school student felt absurd; he simply could not believe it.

"I'm not joking. I have concrete intelligence. He has many improper connections with the Tengfei Group, and I know exactly where the evidence is—evidence sufficient to ruin both him and the Tengfei Group forever."

"Ah!" Deng Ting'an gasped, unable to believe that Zhou Xuan possessed such sensitive information.