Chapter 357: You Are the Key

"Is this... am I seeing things, or has he gone mad?"

Duo Peng stared blankly, unable to comprehend the message from the pager. How could Tao Guoling, once their adversary and now deeply involved with Tan Qianjun, suddenly send such a message? Tao Guoling, who had been in conflict with them since an incident orchestrated by Zhou Ming, now appeared to be seeking help. It was unthinkable.

Zhou Ming, however, just smiled slightly. "I don't know if Tao Guoling has lost his mind, but I'm certain your eyes are fine, Duo Peng. Something unexpected must have happened in Nanjing."

"Should we go back to Nanjing to find out what happened? It's surprising that Tao Guoling, a prominent figure, would seek help from us, his opponents," Duo Peng suggested, eager for action.

"Do you think it's appropriate for us to go back now?" Zhou Ming asked with a hint of amusement.

"Duo Peng, are you worried that Tao Guoling might be playing some trick? Don't worry; we have a team of Central Security Guards with us. Unless the entire Lingnan Military District gets involved, their ability to protect us is unquestionable. When I borrowed them from the old man, he granted me full authority. Taking them out of the capital should be within that scope," Duo Peng said confidently, patting his chest.

"And with the mess we've stirred up, if Elder Yang and Chairman Du find out, they'll certainly be furious. Going to Nanjing might actually serve as a way to avoid the storm," Zhou Ming added.

Duo Peng nodded vigorously. "Exactly. I'd rather not be punished by my family."

Seeing Duo Peng's anxious expression, Zhou Ming found it amusing. It was clear that his experience in the Red Mansion of Beijing had been quite traumatic. Nonetheless, Duo Peng was right about one thing: if the higher-ups knew what had happened, they would indeed be enraged.

"Absolutely outrageous!"

In an office southwest of Zhongnanhai, Du Zhongyuan's furious roar echoed. Across from him sat another elder, who, unlike Du Zhongyuan, was calm and smiling. It was none other than Yang Dingguo, the highest practical leader of the country.

"Yang Lao, it was my negligence. I had lent a team of Central Security Guards for their protection, but I didn't anticipate they would exploit this opportunity to use these guards for their own purposes. It's audacious and disrespectful!" Du Zhongyuan said.

Yang Dingguo then replied, "Alright, Comrade Zhongyuan, don't be too harsh. After all, young people like Zhou Ming and Duo Peng often act impulsively and make decisions without considering the bigger picture. It's normal for them to overlook the broader implications. Besides, their actions aren't entirely wrong; they're merely exposing criminal acts, though the method was somewhat extreme."

Du Zhongyuan's anger was not just due to the exposure of a high-ranking official's criminal acts in front of numerous media. It was also because one of the individuals involved was his grandson. While he could issue an administrative order to arrest his own grandson, it was unnecessary in this case, as he was actually supportive of Zhou Ming's approach.

Unable to arrest them but still needing to express his frustration, Du Zhongyuan let off steam by chastising Zhou Ming and Duo Peng.

As an old comrade, Du Zhongyuan understood Yang Dingguo's temperament. He knew Yang Dingguo would not pursue the matter too seriously, which allowed him to take a more lenient stance.

With Yang Dingguo's support, Du Zhongyuan said, "Indeed, young people are often reckless and don't think things through. They act on impulse, making things worse."

Seeing that Yang Dingguo remained silent, Du Zhongyuan asked, "How should we handle this situation?"

Yang Dingguo pondered for a moment before responding, "First, let's suppress the news and prevent foreign media from reporting it. Additionally, let's have the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection investigate the matter."

"What about Tan Li?" Du Zhongyuan inquired.

"Let's suspend his duties for now," Yang Dingguo said, which effectively sealed Tan Li's fate.

"Long live! Tan's family is finished!" Duo Peng exclaimed in excitement after receiving this news, much to Zhou Ming's relief.

"Zhou Ming, did you hear? This is a direct order from Elder Yang, halting Tan's position and involving the CCDI in the investigation. With our crucial evidence, Tan is doomed, and once he's out of the picture, the Tan family will crumble!" Duo Peng said, thrilled.

Zhou Ming, though pleased, was more restrained and teased Duo Peng, "I heard, and I can also smell the stench from your mouth."

Zhou Ming was indeed relieved and happy, especially because, unlike Duo Peng, he did not have a powerful family backing him. Zhou Ming was alone and vulnerable, making him susceptible to others' manipulation and threats.

At that moment, one of the Central Security Guards, who had been quietly observing, moved slightly as a knock sounded at the door. The guard opened it to reveal a gruff voice.

"I'm Tan Li. Is Zhou Ming and Duo Peng here?"

Tan Li?

Upon hearing the name, Zhou Ming and Duo Peng exchanged stunned glances. They never expected Tan Li, the head of the Tan family, would come to their door.

Zhou Ming pondered for a moment and then allowed the guard to let Tan Li in.

As Tan Li entered, Zhou Ming and Duo Peng were shocked by his appearance. Compared to the confident figure at the press conference, Tan Li now looked ten years older overnight. His hair had turned gray, his clothes reeked of smoke, and his eyes were bloodshot. He seemed worn out and exhausted.

Zhou Ming greeted him, and Tan Li replied with a wry smile, "Zhou Ming, you're quite the joker. There's no longer a Tan Secretary."

Zhou Ming didn't insist on the formality. "Alright, since you're our elder, I'll call you Uncle Tan. May I ask why you've come to see us today?"

"I wouldn't come if there were no reason. I know my secretary did something very excessive, and I wanted to apologize to you," Tan Li said, bowing deeply.

Duo Peng was astonished, unable to believe his eyes. The powerful Secretary Tan from yesterday, now humbly apologizing, was an incredible sight.

Duo Peng glanced at Zhou Ming, who remained calm but was internally shocked. The idea of Tan Li, a proud figure, lowering himself to apologize to someone like Zhou Ming was unbelievable.

"Uncle Tan, before you say more, I don't understand why you're apologizing. Do you think an apology will make a difference?" Zhou Ming asked.

Zhou Ming's question wasn't random. He knew that even with his efforts, he alone couldn't topple the Tan family without external support, such as the mysterious force that had assisted him.

Zhou Ming wasn't sure who that force was, but he was confident that Tan Li, as the head of the Tan family, knew.

Tan Li provided a shocking answer: "I have a good sense of people. If it weren't for your intervention, none of this would have happened. You are the key."