Shadows in the City

The road to the city stretched long and quiet, the distant glow of the skyline gradually illuminating the darkening sky. Inside the truck, Chen Wei and Yu Jian sat in silence, their minds preoccupied with the escalating tensions surrounding Xiaolong.

"This meeting needs to go smoothly," Yu Jian finally spoke, gripping the steering wheel. "If we secure more funding and allies in the city, we can keep Tang Jun's influence from spreading."

Chen Wei nodded. "We need resources, but we also need leverage. If Tang Jun is trying to move against us, I want something in my hand that forces him to think twice before acting."

They drove into the heart of the city, where towering buildings loomed over narrow streets, a stark contrast to the quiet village of Xiaolong. Their destination was a private club—one of the few neutral grounds where powerful players met behind closed doors. A business associate, Liu Zhen, had arranged a meeting with potential investors who could back their project and shield them from external threats.

As they entered, the dim lighting and hushed conversations signaled the presence of individuals who operated in the gray areas of business and politics. Liu Zhen greeted them with a firm handshake.

"I hear Tang Jun has been circling like a shark," Liu Zhen remarked, leading them to a secluded table. "You're smart to seek allies before he tightens his grip."

The discussion that followed was tense but productive. Chen Wei laid out the stakes, emphasizing Xiaolong's potential and the dangers posed by outside interference. Some investors expressed hesitation, wary of Tang Jun's reputation, but others saw an opportunity.

"We'll consider the offer," one of them finally said. "But you'll need more than promises to keep a man like Tang Jun at bay."

As the meeting concluded, Chen Wei and Yu Jian stepped back into the cool night air. They had made progress, but the real challenge was yet to come.

"Something doesn't feel right," Yu Jian muttered, scanning their surroundings.

Chen Wei followed his gaze—and then he saw him. A man leaning against a parked motorcycle, watching them from across the street. He wore a casual leather jacket, but his posture was too rigid, his stare too focused.

Without a word, Yu Jian veered into an alley, circling around to flank the observer. Chen Wei remained still, waiting. The man seemed to sense something was off and turned to leave, but it was too late—Yu Jian intercepted him.

"Who sent you?" Yu Jian demanded, grabbing the man by the collar.

The stranger smirked. "I was just enjoying the city air."

"Don't play games." Chen Wei's voice was low and cold. "You were watching us."

The man said nothing. He twisted free from Yu Jian's grip, his movements quick and practiced. Within moments, he disappeared into the crowd, vanishing into the neon-lit streets.

Yu Jian exhaled sharply. "That wasn't just some thug. He was trained."

Chen Wei's jaw tightened. "Tang Jun's watching us more closely than we thought."

They had secured a few allies, but now, it was clear—the battle had truly begun.