Chapter 336: The Hidden Knife Behind a Smile

Nanjing, I'm leaving, but not quietly. The closure of a nightclub and stock price manipulation are major moves that force my departure. But when I return in the future, I will shake things up and turn everything upside down. Just wait!

As Zhou Ming watched the Nanjing train station gradually disappear in the distance, he silently resolved this in his mind. This resolve set the tone for the domestic situation in the future.

Zhou Ming sighed deeply. When he came to his senses, he found Du Peng and Kong Xiaolin staring at him, which startled him. "What's going on? Why are you both looking at me like that?"

"Zhou Ming, are you okay?" Kong Xiaolin asked with concern.

Du Peng added, "Zhou Ming, what were you thinking just now? Your eyes were filled with killing intent!"

Zhou Ming was taken aback. He hadn't realized that his thoughts about recent events, about enduring and making up his mind in front of Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua, had given off such an impression. It seemed that those officials who could intimidate others without anger really had their ways. But Zhou Ming hadn't intended to put on a show for Du Peng and Kong Xiaolin.

Realizing this, Zhou Ming scratched his head and said apologetically, "It's nothing. I was just thinking about what happened in Nanjing. Like you, I'm also a bit unwilling to leave. After all, being driven out like this is pretty pathetic!"

"Pathetic doesn't even begin to describe it. It's absolutely pathetic!" Du Peng said. He knew that Zhou Ming had prepared to abandon everything in Nanjing when they decided to come. Despite Nanjing being their base, there was no good outcome from entangling with every problem. It was better to give up temporarily and wait for a chance to strike back decisively in the future.

So Du Peng continued, "But like you said before, a temporary retreat is for a better future counterattack!"

Zhou Ming chuckled, "When did I say that? Du Peng, stop making things up!"

"Boss Zhou, I believe in you. As long as you want it, no one can stop your progress!" Kong Xiaolin said to Zhou Ming.

Hearing Du Peng and Kong Xiaolin's blind confidence, Zhou Ming didn't know what to say. The difficulty of his future endeavors was akin to changing destiny, and he himself wasn't very confident—he was just gritting his teeth and going for it. How could these two be even more confident than him? It was as if this was not a retreat but a strategic move to abandon their base.

"Alright, I can only hope your optimism comes true," Zhou Ming said, spreading his hands. But despite saying this, he still understood that Tan Qianjun's methods would continue.

...

As Zhou Ming, Du Peng, and Kong Xiaolin left Nanjing by train, Tan Qianjun, Jiang Chunhua, and Tao Guoling were drinking in a luxurious nightclub bar.

With a toast, the three clinked glasses and drank heartily.

Putting down their glasses, Tao Guoling said with great satisfaction, "It's really great. That Zhou Ming guy has finally left Nanjing with his tail between his legs. It's a pity I wasn't there at the scene. Otherwise, when Zhou Ming turned around, I would have kicked his butt hard, making him eat dirt!"

Tao Guoling spoke passionately, gesturing as if Zhou Ming were right in front of him, despite his head and hands still being bandaged.

Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua also put down their glasses. Tan Qianjun said to Tao Guoling, "Guoling, you were recovering from your injuries at that time. Your health is more important. Otherwise, Xiaohua and I would have called you."

"I understand," Tao Guoling replied. "When we were growing up in the same courtyard and later ventured out as the first generation of revolutionary successors, when my family had troubles, it was you who supported me. Without you, I wouldn't even have the capital to fall, let alone see Zhou Ming leaving Nanjing like this."

"Yes! Thinking back to when the three of us left Beijing to venture out, Xidan was still posting big-character posters criticizing Yang Lao's new policies, and reform and opening up was still a topic of discussion. Our business was also suppressed. Back then, we had to be very discreet, ensuring that we were in good standing with our connections to avoid problems," Jiang Chunhua reminisced while pouring wine for Tao Guoling.

Affected by Jiang Chunhua's reminiscence, Tao Guoling also felt emotional. "Yes! Back then, it was just like being in the underground party. With no policies, everything we did was on the edge and had to be done covertly, like making movies. It's surprising how ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. What happened then feels like it happened just yesterday."

Tao Guoling looked at Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua. "So much has changed over the years, but what hasn't changed is our bond!"

"Guoling, don't say that. Hearing this makes me feel that Xiaohua and I didn't do a good job, causing you to end up like this. Originally, we invited you to seek revenge, but you still got injured. It's our fault for not taking good care of you!" Tan Qianjun said.

Tao Guoling shook his head. "Tan Ge, although I've been down lately, my mind is clear. I can tell who is good to me and who harms me. This has nothing to do with you and Xiaohua. It's Zhou Ming's fault. Your help in seeking revenge is appreciated, but it was my own fault for not handling things well, and I was hurt by Zhou Ming. How can I blame you?"

"Tan Ge, you are a good older brother. When we were poor in Beijing, you led us to trade goods, from military supplies to cotton and coal. You helped us accumulate wealth step by step. Now that I'm in this situation, you came from Beijing to help me get revenge. I'm truly grateful."

Tao Guoling's tone turned regretful. "But when you and Xiaohua came to the bar to find me, I treated you with that attitude. I shouldn't have acted like that."

Tan Qianjun patted Tao Guoling's shoulder and said, "Guoling, you don't need to blame yourself. After all, when your family encountered difficulties, we didn't have time to help. We didn't handle our own affairs properly either…"

Before Tan Qianjun could finish, Tao Guoling interrupted, "No, Tan Ge, this has nothing to do with you and Xiaohua. The events happened too quickly for anyone to react. I understand that. I misunderstood you, but you not only didn't blame me but insisted on helping me. I think you're truly loyal, while my thoughts were quite vile!"

Tao Guoling spoke while gulping his drink, as if trying to atone for his sins.

However, while Tao Guoling drank, he was deeply immersed in self-reproach and failed to notice the slight, sinister smiles on the faces of Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua as they subtly encouraged him to drink more.

If Zhou Ming were present, he would have seen this as a problematic drinking session. Perhaps there was some genuine emotion between Tan Qianjun, Jiang Chunhua, and Tao Guoling, but more was an entanglement of interests. After all, the first generation of red descendants who started as smugglers were mostly ambitious, and such ambitious individuals weren't likely to have strong, steadfast feelings.

But Tao Guoling was already carried away by Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua, not thinking about this aspect.

Or it could be said that Tao Guoling's recent depression had significantly changed his mindset. Coupled with his failure to take revenge on Zhou Ming and being shot by him, this had pushed his mindset towards collapse. At this moment, Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua's timely emotional appeals naturally made Tao Guoling see them as psychological support.

"Alright, Guoling, we're here to celebrate Zhou Ming's departure from Nanjing, not to drown you in alcohol," Jiang Chunhua said.

Tao Guoling nodded, "I understand. I know you're concerned and want to help. I also realize I shouldn't be like this, but I can't control my emotions."

Tan Qianjun added, "Guoling, I understand your emotions. I know you need to vent, but think about it this way. We've only driven Zhou Ming out of Nanjing. This is just the beginning. We still have to make moves in the rural industrial parks, highways, and other areas. If you're happy, you can wait until then. What do you think?"

Tao Guoling's eyes lit up. "Yes, exactly. Dealing with Zhou Ming is just the beginning. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate him!"

"Exactly. So Guoling, you need to stay calm," Jiang Chunhua said.

Tan Qianjun added, "Alright, Guoling, Zhou Ming will definitely be dealt with. But before that, we need to reclaim what belongs to us. Originally, the Lingnan region was developed by you and Xiaohua. But Zhou Ming messed up our plans. We need your help to rebuild this area."

"Me?" Tao Guoling was surprised. "I'm in this situation now. What can I do?"

"Guoling, don't underestimate yourself. You have great potential! Don't you remember what you used to do?" Tan Qianjun said. "You used to smuggle goods, making

 a lot of money from both domestic and international trades. You stored this money abroad. We need this money and your contacts to redevelop Lingnan."

"Rebuild it? I'll let you know immediately!" Tao Guoling said with great joy, not realizing that this was Tan Qianjun and Jiang Chunhua's true goal for today. Tao Guoling's decision now foreshadowed his future tragedy.