Tong Haichuan

Huo Xuan had previously discussed Tianxing Jewelry's future with Lin Yue. They decided that while expanding into the mid-to-low-end market, they would also aggressively target the high-end jade market to drive the company's overall growth. Compared to other jewelry companies, Tianxing had an inherent advantage in jade sourcing, giving them the confidence to dominate the premium segment.

However, breaking into the high-end market was impossible without renowned master carvers on board. That was why Huo Xuan sought to recruit Su Pingnan.

When Su Pingnan heard the offer, he wasn't surprised—countless companies had tried to hire him before. With a faint smile, he settled back onto the sofa and said, "I've always valued my freedom and dislike being tied down."

Huo Xuan chuckled. "We won't impose any restrictions on you, Master Su. You'll retain the same autonomy you have now. Moreover, by partnering with us, we're prepared to offer an annual salary of at least 50 million yuan."

The figure made Su Pingnan pause. True, his current earnings ranged between 30 to 50 million a year—a significant jump from the 2 to 3 million he made a decade ago. But an extra 50 million? That was hard to ignore.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Pingnan finally said, "This is a major decision. I'll need time to consider. In a few days, I'll visit Jiangzhou personally to assess your company's operations."

Huo Xuan smiled. He knew the deal was halfway sealed. "Excellent. I look forward to your decision and hope we can collaborate in the future."

On his way back, Huo Xuan received a call from Shen Rong. "A journalist friend of mine wants to interview you," she said.

Huo Xuan, never one to seek the spotlight, declined outright. "I prefer to stay out of the public eye. It's not beneficial for me."

Shen Rong persisted. "This friend is the editorial director of Tianjing Daily—a deputy department-level official. Meeting him wouldn't hurt. Consider it networking."

Tianjing Daily was a state-run newspaper, and its editorial director held considerable influence. After a brief consideration, Huo Xuan relented. "Fine. I'm returning to Jiangzhou tomorrow, so if we meet, it has to be tonight."

"Great! I'll arrange the location," Shen Rong replied cheerfully.

That evening, at a quaint local restaurant, Huo Xuan met the editorial director of Tianjing Daily—a genial, middle-aged man in his forties with a warm smile.

"Ah, the hero himself! A pleasure to meet you," the man said, rising to shake Huo Xuan's hand.

Huo Xuan responded with a faint smile. "No hero here. Just an ordinary man. You, on the other hand, hold real influence at a state-run paper."

The man laughed heartily. "Enough with the flattery. Let me introduce myself—Tong Haichuan, Tianjing Daily. I initially wanted to interview you for an editorial. A part-time detective achieving such results? That's a story worth exploring."

"Director Tong, there's little to explore about me," Huo Xuan demurred. "My stint as a detective was just a whim. Who knows when they'll dismiss me?"

"You're too modest," Tong countered. "Shen Rong told me about your exceptional combat skills and investigative talent. Losing someone like you would be a blow to the police force."

After some small talk, the conversation turned serious. Tong's expression darkened. "Brother Huo, given your skills, I have a favor to ask—though it feels presumptuous to bring it up at our first meeting."

"Go ahead. If it's within my power, I'll help," Huo Xuan said.

Tong downed a shot of liquor, his face clouded with grief. "Three years ago, I was just a local reporter in a county under Tianjing's jurisdiction. There, I met an elderly couple who treated me like family—feeding me when I was too busy to cook, even doing my laundry. They'd lost their only son decades earlier and said I reminded them of him."

His voice hardened. "When developers—backed by the county vice-governor's son—launched forced demolitions with pitiful compensation, the couple resisted. Two months into their standoff, they were found dead at home. The police ruled it a gas leak."

Tong's knuckles whitened around his glass. "Their property was confiscated immediately after, and the demolition proceeded smoothly. I always believed they were murdered, but without evidence..."

He sighed. "Later, as editorial director, I pushed for a reinvestigation. Nothing came of it. I can't let them rest in injustice."

Huo Xuan listened intently before speaking. "Three years is a long time. The trail will be cold."

"I know," Tong admitted. "But I had to ask."

Silence fell. Logically, the developers were likely behind the deaths—yet without a crime scene or leads, the case seemed hopeless.

Then Huo Xuan recalled Hua Buyi's words about treating terminal patients: "We can't always change fate, but we can act with a clear conscience."

With a sigh, he said, "When time permits, I'll visit the county."

Tong brightened. "No rush! Just contact me whenever you're free—I'll personally accompany you."

Huo Xuan shook his head. "After three years, a few more months won't matter. I'm swamped lately."

"Understood. Thank you." Tong raised his glass in earnest gratitude