Chapter 342: Also a Tragedy

Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan didn't keep Zhou Ming and Du Peng for dinner at the central compound; leaders are always busy. After discussing the matters at hand, Zhou Ming and Du Peng were escorted out of Zhongnanhai.

In the car, Du Peng appeared somewhat dazed, clearly still not fully recovered from the recent events. Although Zhou Ming and Yang Dingguo's conversation inside Zhongnanhai was brief, it left a deep impression on him.

For Du Peng, the initial suggestion from Yang Dingguo for Zhou Ming to study abroad was a devastating blow. The reason was simple: who was Yang Dingguo?

He was a towering figure who had been at the helm of the central government for nearly a decade since his comeback, initiating the reform and opening-up policy that propelled the country onto an unprecedented path of rapid development. With his powerful leadership and sharp political insight, Yang Dingguo's suggestion to send Zhou Ming abroad indicated just how dire the situation was.

Before arriving in Yanjing, despite the troubles caused by Tan Qianjun, Du Peng had been bold enough to confront those from the Securities Regulatory Commission and the police. But now, he no longer had the courage to act so recklessly. Previously, he had harbored some hope, believing that Tan Qianjun, despite his actions, was still just a junior, and that someone would eventually deal with him. But Yang Lao's words had shattered his last bit of hope, leaving him in despair.

At this moment, no matter how unwilling Du Peng felt, he had to follow the elder's advice. Unexpectedly, Zhou Ming shook his head and spoke with unexpected determination.

Though his words sounded somewhat naive and youthful, they reflected genuine emotion and were not something just anyone could say. Many who spoke such words might not be able to follow through.

Zhou Ming's determination gave Du Peng a sense of confidence, even though he saw no immediate hope.

Du Peng and Zhou Ming had a close connection. Regardless of their personal relationship, from a practical standpoint, Zhou Ming's ideas and investments, whether in Nanjiang's Jinpeng Company, the highway shares, or the Shaqima Company in Yanjing, were all pivotal. Without Zhou Ming, these would falter, so even if they were strangers, Du Peng would still support him with everything he had.

However, showing determination was easy, but putting it into action was another matter. Despite Du Peng's trust and understanding of Zhou Ming, he couldn't help but ask, "Zhou Ming, are you really confident?"

Zhou Ming's answer was frustratingly vague: "Confidence is a belief. If you believe in it, it exists; if you don't, it doesn't."

Du Peng was left speechless, as this was no real answer. Fortunately, Zhou Ming added, "Let's go see Tong County." This redirected Du Peng's curiosity.

Du Peng's eyes lit up. He immediately asked, "Tong County? Why go there? Do you have a plan to implement there?"

Zhou Ming merely sighed, "If possible, I'd rather not carry out this plan. It's also a tragedy, and it's a tragedy that will evolve into a disaster for many families."

Zhou Ming's words puzzled Du Peng. He looked at Zhou Ming with confusion, not understanding how dealing with Tan Qianjun could turn into a tragedy affecting many families. Was it the Tan family? It didn't make sense; Zhou Ming wasn't someone who sympathized with his enemies, and if it was the Tan family's fault, they brought it upon themselves.

Zhou Ming didn't answer but reflected on a past event from his previous life.

In the current year of his past life, there was a shocking gunfight in the capital. A soldier stationed in Yanjing took a semi-automatic rifle from the military arsenal and went on a rampage from the military camp to Chang'an Street. This gunfight resulted in over a hundred casualties.

Although this might sound fantastical, it was real. The soldier indiscriminately fired on Chang'an Street, causing civilian casualties and killing a diplomatic family.

The capital police and armed police quickly mobilized, surrounding the area. Just when everyone thought the soldier would be quickly taken down, he miraculously engaged in street fighting, with hundreds of police surrounding him. Not only did he remain unharmed, but he also managed to kill and injure several people before finally being shot by a sniper after running out of bullets.

The soldier's actions during the gunfight, despite being shocking, highlighted his exceptional tactical skills, leading to the Chinese army being regarded as one of the strongest in the world. His tactics, widely reported by foreign media, were later emulated globally, such as the one-handed magazine change adopted by special forces worldwide.

Despite the impressive performance, the gunfight was ultimately a tragedy that no one wanted. The soldier's grievance stemmed from a disciplinary action and a tragic personal loss, leading him to seek revenge against society.

The tragedy was twofold: the soldier's personal grief and the innocent civilians and armed police who were killed. The incident deeply angered the central government, leading to the disbandment of the soldier's unit and punishment for many officers.

Zhou Ming focused on this event because he knew that the unit belonged to the Tan family. The incident's impact crippled the Tan family, providing the central government with the opportunity to address them. While political struggles were complex, this incident was the root cause.

Knowing this, Zhou Ming hesitated, uncertain about whether to use this event. After all, it was a tragedy affecting many families. Zhou Ming was not a cold-blooded person; he had previously acted out of ignorance, but now knowing the full context, he felt it was too cold-hearted to proceed.

"Get out of the car. What are you thinking about?" 

A sudden shout snapped Zhou Ming out of his reverie. He looked up to find the car had stopped, and Du Peng was already outside, waving at him.

Sigh! I hope it doesn't come to this. If we end up with no other options, I might have to be heartless.

Zhou Ming sighed internally and got out of the car. He and Du Peng then boarded their own car, with Du Peng driving them toward Tong County. At this point, Zhou Ming did not realize that due to his rebirth, many events might unfold differently from his past life's trajectory.

While Zhou Ming was conflicted, Tan Qianjun and his associates were pleased in Nanjiang. They had just received a call from the capital, informing them that Yang Lao and Chairman Du's urgent meeting with Zhou Ming and Du Peng was not to help them but to advise Zhou Ming to go abroad.

"Zhou Ming, Zhou Ming, rushing to the capital, thinking there would be benefits, huh? But Yang Lao has seen through everything. It's best for you to leave the country as soon as possible!" Jiang Chunhua said happily.

In contrast, Tao Guoling was less pleased. "What if Zhou Ming really goes abroad? What about our plan to eliminate him?"

"What difference does it make? Anyway, he won't be a threat to us anymore," Jiang Chunhua replied.

"Of course, it makes a difference," Tao Guoling said. "Sending him abroad is like letting a tiger return to the mountain. If we only expel him, it's no different from sending him back to Jingchu. We must eliminate him; we need to see him executed!"

Tan Qianjun then said, "Guoling, your obsession with Zhou Ming is too much. He's just a nouveau riche who makes some money. We should look ahead. Whether Zhou Ming lives or dies is irrelevant."

"It matters!" Tao Guoling insisted. "Zhou Ming must die! Otherwise, all our efforts are meaningless."

"Alright, we do want Zhou Ming dead," Jiang Chunhua said diplomatically. "But with him in the capital, under Yang Lao's watchful eye, it's not the right time to act. We should first finalize our arrangements in Lingnan."

"No!" Tao Guoling said. "If Zhou Ming doesn't die, I won't invest my money!"

Tan Qianjun was angered and questioned Tao Guoling, "What do you mean by that?"

"Brother Tan, I know I'm being stubborn, but please believe me. Zhou Ming must die. If we don't eliminate him, there will be endless trouble!" Tao Guoling said.

"Preposterous!" Tan Qianjun scolded Tao Guoling. Jiang Chunhua was at a loss for words. At this moment, seeds of conflict were being sown, leading to another tragedy and resolving Zhou Ming's internal struggle.