143: Chapter 141: Place the Chess Pieces 143: Chapter 141: Place the Chess Pieces If it were just about dealing with Zhang Guoli alone, then Tangyu wouldn’t need to go through such trouble, he could simply find an opportunity to storm in and take him down effortlessly, either killing or crippling him would be quite simple.
However, Tangyu felt that there was something more behind Zhang Guoli, but clearly, the power that he displayed was not trivial.
As the CEO of Shengshi Media, he was considered a figure at the CEO level of a medium to large company.
Although he wasn’t considered a major figure in the business circles of Donglin City, he still had a significant network of relationships.
Also, Zhang Guoli was known as the King of Plagiarism, holding many resources in the entertainment industry, exerting no small influence in Donglin City’s entertainment circles.
This was just the overt display of power; the unknown power behind him was that of a major player controlling several or even a group of local bullies like Brother Niu, comprising a substantial organizational force.
This force was involved in smuggling arms and trafficking drugs.
Tangyu had also learned about this power from Song Qingyu, a very strong and terrifying dark force that gave the police of Donglin City constant headaches.
The complexity involved in arms smuggling and drug trafficking indicated a vast and terrifying network of power.
This also showed just how deep the waters were that Zhang Guoli was navigating.
It was even possible that Zhang Guoli was merely a figurehead, with other powerful forces behind him.
After all, controlling such a large organization without a highly capable tycoon would be unreasonable.
From conversations with Brother Niu, Tangyu ascertained that Brother Niu was only involved in a small part of the drug export business.
One could imagine how many forces and powers were manipulating various channels behind the scenes.
So Tangyu knew that even if he were to topple Zhang Guoli, the trouble wouldn’t just disappear; instead, it would escalate, creating more problems and possibly alerting the big sharks behind the scenes.
This was a situation Tangyu didn’t want to occur and had to be prepared for.
Being able to uproot this dark force in one swoop would certainly be a good thing.
Furthermore, Song Qingyu had specifically asked for his help before, and this time, it wouldn’t hurt to lend her a hand as well.
This matter involved the safety of Liu Shanshan and Zhao Xinxin, which was something Tangyu would never allow.
It was even likely that it would involve other people from the company, which Tangyu also didn’t want to see.
Hence, after considering his options, Tangyu decided to make a move.
And this time, his approach had to be more than causing minor trouble or simply teaching Brother Niu a small lesson.
Zhang Guoli was the real target of Tangyu’s action this time, but trying to overthrow Zhang Guoli and the dark forces behind him naturally couldn’t be reckless, as that would only treat the symptoms and not the cause, and could lead to even more terrifying consequences and repercussions.
Therefore, Tangyu decided to position a chess piece, to slowly infiltrate and understand Zhang Guoli, then coordinate with Song Qingyu to eradicate this cancer of Donglin City.
Knowing both the enemy and oneself, leads to victory in all battles.
“How much do you know about Zhang Guoli?” Tangyu asked.
“Brother Li—my knowledge of Zhang Guoli isn’t extensive.
I just know that he’s officially the CEO of Shengshi Media, which is actually just a front company used for laundering his money.” people who know Zhang Guoli are aware that he’s been active in the underworld of Donglin, where he’s been very successful, controlling the entire West District of Donglin City.
He is considered one of the most influential figures in the West District.
His maneuvering in the underworld is extremely sharp, hence people in the West District fear him tremendously.
Currently, it seems like he still completely controls the underworld throughout the West District,” Brother Niu said.
“Oh,” Tangyu raised his eyebrows, it seemed that Zhang Guoli was indeed not simple; having unified the West District in the past, and considering Donglin City comprised five districts, being able to dominate the West District definitely marked him as a very capable individual.
No wonder he could maintain such a massive criminal organization, and even the police couldn’t do much about him.
“How much do you know about Zhang Guoli’s arms smuggling and drug trafficking operations?” Tangyu asked.
“This—” Brother Niu seemed somewhat hesitant.
Tangyu raised an eyebrow and asked, “What’s the problem?”
Brother Niu said, “It’s not that, Brother Yu, I really don’t know much about that.
After all, I’m not one of Zhang Guoli’s confidants, I’m just a small fry running errands for him.
Brother Li doesn’t let me know about some of his dealings.
At most, he would involve me in distributing some drugs.
I do know a bit about the drug trafficking operations.
Zhang Guoli’s drug business almost controls the entire Donglin City, and he also exports to other areas.
This network must be tremendously large.
It’s even possible that the other four district leaders are also involved.
As for the arms trade, I really don’t know about that; I’ve only heard it mentioned once by one of Zhang Guoli’s more reliable men, but it was only a brief mention, and I really don’t know any other details.
Overall, I’m not entirely sure how deep and terrifying Zhang Guoli’s power is, but I know it must be extremely fearsome—definitely far more formidable than the other district leaders.
He might as well be considered the most successful boss in Donglin City’s underworld.”
“It seems that Zhang Guoli really does have an exceptional reach, then.
Do you know if he has any notable backers or if he’s particularly close to any important figures?” Tangyu continued to inquire.
Brother Niu thought for a moment before shaking his head and saying, “Brother Yu, I’m not too sure about this.
I’ve only heard that Zhang Guoli has a fairly good relationship with a certain prominent family in Donglin City.
Also, he’s quite close to a deputy mayor.
That’s about all I know.”
“Oh, do you know which family?” asked Tangyu.
Brother Niu shook his head, “I’m not too clear on that.
It’s just one of the top powers in Donglin City, for what I guess, it should be one of the ‘Famous Five Families.’ It’s unlikely to be one of the ‘Four Honors’ as they wouldn’t really associate with someone like him, and the ‘Seven Rich’ generally don’t involve themselves in the underworld.
Only the ‘Famous Five’ are likely to.”
“Oh, Donglin City has such divisions of power, tell me more about it,” Tangyu said, showing some interest.
He had heard of the ‘Seven Rich’ once before but wasn’t clear on the specifics.
Brother Niu glanced at Tangyu, seemingly surprised that he wasn’t aware of this, but didn’t dare to ask more.
He immediately explained, “The ‘Four Honors’ are the four most powerful families in Donglin City, true magnates with incredibly solid positions in the city, no force can shake their prestige.
The ‘Four Honors’ are: the Su Family, Zhao Family, Huangfu Family, and Jiang Family.
The foundations of these four families are extremely strong, and describing them as having an exceptional reach is completely fitting.
Any of these families, just by stamping their foot, could shake the entire Donglin City.
For decades, no power has dared to challenge the authority of these four families.”
The Su Family and the Zhao Family — this reminded Tangyu of Su Yaoji and Zhao Ya.
Both individuals had significant backgrounds.
Could it be that they were daughters of these two ‘Four Honors’ families?
“The ‘Famous Five’ consist of: Guo Family, Yang, Chu Family, Xiao Family, and Sun Family.
The influence of the ‘Famous Five’ is only second to the ‘Four Honors.’ Figures such as the mayor and other high-ranking officials often come from these five families.
They control political circles and are also involved in business circles.
Meanwhile, the ‘Seven Rich’ are: Lin Family, Wang Family, Hu Family, Li Family, Zhou Family, He Family, and Zhang Family.
The ‘Seven Rich’ families are primarily business-oriented, arguably the seven biggest business conglomerates in Donglin City, each with a market value exceeding hundreds of billions.”
Tangyu nodded, now understanding that the Lin Family was one of the ‘Seven Rich.’ It seemed Donglin City truly was a place with hidden dragons and crouching tigers, very deep waters, and highly complex powers.
Each one was very formidable.
“This is interesting, very interesting indeed.
It looks like my life in Donglin City won’t be so mundane after all.
I always need to find something to work on.
Brother Niu, you should be very clear about what I need you to do.
This time, I am going to involve the police of Donglin City too, and I intend to completely root out Zhang Guoli.
As long as you can provide more clues and solid proof, we can eradicate Zhang Guoli quickly.
Any difficulties, just tell me directly.
You should know what to do, I suppose you’re smart,” said Tangyu.
“I understand, I know what to do now, Brother Yu,” Brother Niu replied.
Tangyu could tell that Brother Niu was somewhat giving him the runaround, and said, “You might not believe I can take down Zhang Guoli, or you might even inform him about this.
It’s normal for you not to trust me now, I understand that.
However, I must remind you that if I don’t help you with your illness next month, whether you can survive is entirely up to your fate.
That’s all I’ll say.
If you cooperate, there will definitely be benefits for you in the future.
If not, I’ll handle it myself.
If you don’t have any useful information before your illness strikes next month, don’t bother looking for me.
Alright, decide what you should do.” After finishing, Tangyu stood up and left.
Without a thorough threat, Brother Niu definitely wouldn’t simply obey.
Having Brother Niu work for him could save a lot of trouble, or else it’s merely a bit more hassle.
Tangyu certainly wasn’t afraid of Brother Niu informing Zhang Guoli.
If he did, he’d be a fool, throwing away his own life.
After Tangyu left, Brother Niu slumped in his chair, his gaze flickering with complex emotions, a myriad of thoughts flashing through his mind.
He was fiercely struggling internally.
After a long silence, Brother Niu’s eyes suddenly sharpened and became resolute.
He bit his teeth and clenched his fists, “I’ll gamble.
It’s a dead end otherwise, and this might just be the chance I need to fulfill my ambitions for many years.
It’s rare to take a life-changing bet.
Brother Yu feels as deep as the ocean; since I have no other options, I must trust him.
I’ve been in this game for so many years and have never heard of such a remarkable person.
Brother Yu’s identity must be extraordinary.”
Having dealt with Brother Niu’s matter and left the Wanchuan Bar, Tangyu felt slightly better.
However, the potential threat posed by Zhang Guoli was still giving him a headache.
Tangyu knew that he couldn’t rush this matter and could only take it step by step, counteracting whatever moves Zhang Guoli played next.
Considering the situation, it was also time to have a serious talk with Song Qingyu.
Thinking of Song Qingyu, Tangyu’s lips slightly curled up, revealing a strange smile.
Looking at the time, it was almost twelve o’clock.
Tangyu frowned slightly, remembering that Lin Feifei was still waiting for him to come home to sleep.
Shaking his head as there was no helping it — this past week had been too busy, except for last night, he had been returning home late every night.
He got in the car and sped off toward the Princess Apartments.