Chapter 253: He’s Provoked Us

"Zhou Ming, do you think Cao Jianning did this intentionally? Is it to bring us down?" Du Peng asked Zhou Ming.

"It might not be intentional, but it's definitely related to him," Zhou Ming replied.

Zhou Ming and Du Peng were standing by the door, smoking, waiting for Cao Jianning to arrive. After Tao Guoling and Hua Shao left the nightclub, Cao Jianning's pager went off immediately. Zhou Ming called back, and Cao Jianning said he would come over right away.

After a while, a luxury car arrived at the nightclub. Cao Jianning got out and, upon seeing Zhou Ming and Du Peng at the door, hurried over to shake their hands and apologize, "Consultant Zhou, Du Shao, I'm really sorry about today's incident. There were things I didn't anticipate, but I truly didn't expect it to cause you such trouble."

"Mr. Cao, you're too polite. This was an unexpected situation, and no one wanted or expected it to happen!" Du Peng replied politely.

Zhou Ming, however, observed Cao Jianning and thought to himself that Cao Jianning was indeed someone seasoned in the business world. His level of speech was high; he began with an apology and a casual remark about not having considered things, effectively silencing any reprimand Du Peng might have had. After all, if someone says they didn't consider something and apologizes, it's hard to keep pressing the issue.

Zhou Ming smiled in a formal manner and said, "Mr. Cao, it's not appropriate to discuss these matters at the door. Shall we go inside and talk?"

Cao Jianning nodded in agreement. He followed Zhou Ming into the nightclub and went to Kong Xiaolin's office, one of the few quiet places amidst the noisy environment.

Once inside and the door closed, Zhou Ming poured Cao Jianning a cup of water and asked, "Mr. Cao, could you explain what happened today?"

Cao Jianning took a sip of water and didn't rush to answer. After a sigh, he countered with a question, "Consultant Zhou, and Du Shao, you should have guessed what's going on by now, right?"

Zhou Ming's heart skipped a beat. Du Peng immediately asked, "Mr. Cao, are you saying that there's a real problem at home?"

Cao Jianning nodded silently, "Yes, a serious one. Just the day before yesterday, my father passed away in the capital."

Both Zhou Ming and Du Peng took a deep breath. For ordinary people, Zhou Ming and Du Peng would offer their condolences and advice to move on. However, given Cao Jianning's situation, this was not just about condolences. Cao Yinghua's position was too sensitive; he was a marshal and a pillar of the state who had helped the country through many crises. Without Cao Yinghua, Yang Lao wouldn't have been able to rise to power, and the reform and opening-up would have been impossible.

In the current political environment, the death of such a figure wouldn't just affect one person; it would trigger a series of reactions.

Zhou Ming asked, "So, does this mean there's a major upheaval in your family?"

Cao Jianning didn't respond immediately. After a moment of silence, he said, "Consultant Zhou, do you remember what we talked about the first time we met?"

Zhou Ming raised an eyebrow and asked Cao Jianning, "Mr. Cao, are you saying that your family is currently facing strong opposition in Lingnan?"

"Lingnan's local emperor? That description fits, but they might not be able to achieve it!" Cao Jianning said with a wry smile. "Before my father passed away, he repeatedly advised them not to cause trouble or go against the central government. But these people are just paying lip service. Now that my father is gone, they're immediately trying to seize control of the Cao family's influence."

"So, Mr. Cao, you're now a target for this faction, and they'll do everything they can to push you out, even holding a grudge against anyone who supports you?" Zhou Ming asked.

Cao Jianning confirmed, "Exactly. That's why it has dragged you into this. It's my negligence."

"This is outrageous!" Du Peng slammed the table in anger. "They're being unreasonable. How can they create trouble for anyone who comes into contact with you? It's absurd! Do they think we're easy targets?"

Zhou Ming pulled Du Peng back and said to Cao Jianning, "Mr. Cao, I understand your situation, which is why you're looking for help, right?"

Cao Jianning was momentarily stunned by Zhou Ming's question. He looked deeply at Zhou Ming, who smiled confidently. Cao Jianning then awkwardly said, "Consultant Zhou, some things are a bit complicated to explain, but it's not exactly as you think."

"Mr. Cao, it's fine as long as we understand each other. No need to elaborate," Zhou Ming said, waving his hand. "But this matter, Du Peng and I can't ignore."

"Consultant Zhou… Du Shao, are you willing to get involved?" Cao Jianning asked, astonished.

Cao Jianning had expected Zhou Ming to refuse help after realizing his intentions. After all, meeting at the teahouse at noon was intended to provoke Zhou Ming and Du Peng into action.

Cao Jianning had anticipated Zhou Ming's reaction but was surprised when Zhou Ming expressed willingness to get involved.

"If I had known about this in the afternoon, I might not have gotten involved. But now, I definitely want to address it," Zhou Ming said.

"Why? Just because it's evening now?" Cao Jianning was even more puzzled.

Zhou Ming nodded firmly, "Because Du Peng and I are passionate young men!"

Du Peng chimed in, "Exactly. Mr. Cao, you weren't on-site today. You don't know how arrogant Tao Guoling and Hua Shao were. They came here, smashed up our nightclub, and claimed they were helping us renovate. They even said they were people we could never offend. Damn, do they really think they're kings of Lingnan? If we don't show them some consequences, they won't know who they're messing with!"

Zhou Ming patted Du Peng to calm him down and continued, "Mr. Cao, that's the situation. Simply put, your family has made us angry."

Cao Jianning was speechless, looking at Zhou Ming and Du Peng in disbelief. He found it hard to believe that Zhou Ming and Du Peng were acting on impulse. While it might be credible for Du Peng to have some youthful temper, Zhou Ming, from their interactions, appeared very mature. Cao Jianning sometimes felt Zhou Ming had the soul of a fifty-year-old in a twenty-something body.

If Zhou Ming had heard Cao Jianning's thoughts, he would have given him a thumbs up and shouted, "Congratulations, you guessed right!"

Seeing Cao Jianning still looking thoughtful, Zhou Ming said, "Mr. Cao, if you're having trouble understanding, don't worry about it. Du Peng and I are here to help. Don't overthink it."

Cao Jianning gave a wry smile, "Consultant Zhou, if someone else said this to me, I would be very pleased. But with you, I have to dig deeper because you're quite formidable."

"Mr. Cao, I'm not sure if you're praising me or criticizing me. Is that why you came to find me?" Zhou Ming teased.

Cao Jianning awkwardly replied, "I have no choice. I've known Consultant Zhou for a while now, and I trust both you and Du Shao."

Zhou Ming waved his hand, indicating he wasn't offended, "I understand. But since you're so worried, let me be clear. I'm a businessman. I want a stable environment for my business. Here in Lingnan, Du Peng and I are unprotected, so we need to find a backer, like Secretary Chen Yunfei from Nanjiang."

Cao Jianning was relieved, nodding. Although he didn't think this was the entire reason, it was certainly an important part.

Cao Jianning thought for a moment and said, "I understand, Consultant Zhou. As long as our Cao family stabilizes, as long as your business doesn't violate national regulations, I can guarantee your stability!"

"Thank you, Mr. Cao," Zhou Ming said. "But remember, actions speak louder than words. So, Mr. Cao, first, you need to update us on your family's situation."

"Of course."

Cao Jianning, having anticipated these questions before coming, quickly explained, "The situation at home is not too complicated. My elder brother wants to protect the Cao family's interests in Lingnan and use the stock market and other factors as leverage to negotiate with the central government."

"That's a dead end," Zhou Ming said. "The central government won't tolerate an independent kingdom."

"That's what I think too, but my elder brother doesn't…" Cao Jianning said, considering his words. "Or rather, my elder brother and his group think differently. For example, Tao Guoling, who came to find you today, is one of them."

"One of them, or the most important one?" Zhou Ming asked.

"The most important one!" Cao Jianning confirmed.

Zhou Ming nodded and leaned back on the sofa, "Understood. Then let's start with him!"

Cao Jianning looked at Zhou Ming, initially thinking he must have misheard. After confirming again, he was astonished, "Zhou Ming, are you planning to take action against Tao Guoling?"

"Perhaps. After all, he was so arrogant when he came here today. There should be a price to pay," Zhou Ming said.

Cao Jianning had no words for Zhou Ming's response. At that moment, he felt Zhou Ming's words were rather bold.