Chapter 193: Surging Emotions
Chapter 193: Surging Emotions
Zhan Yi, despite refuting his previous words, showed no hint of embarrassment. After all, he was willing to sacrifice his reputation for the company's interests.
However, someone below complained, "Mr. Zhan, how can you go back on your words? What about Mo Lan Company's credibility?"
Another person added earnestly, "We are also partners of Mo Lan Company. We hope the company will seriously consider the requests of its partners."
Zhan Yi gave them a cold look. For the company's sake, he was willing to lose face, but couldn't they understand the company's difficulties?
Chen Chuan glanced at the anxious members of the influential families, then turned his gaze to the black card in his hand, and finally looked at Zhan Yi.
Previously, Zhan Yi had specifically asked Gao Ming to investigate the origin and purpose of the black card, and the results were conclusive.
Initially, Zhan Yi had been concerned about potential issues with the card, but after thorough verification, it was confirmed that all the names on the card belonged to him, indicating that he was the rightful owner and that it was a legacy from his birth parents.
However, there was one issue with the card, but Zhan Yi didn't consider it important. He had already completed his task, and the fourth step was accomplished.
Noticing Chen Chuan's prolonged silence, Zhan Yi tried to prompt him, "Mr. Chen?"
Chen Chuan turned to him and slowly said, "I believe the matter in the Judgment Hall is now unrelated to your company."
"Yes, this matter has nothing to do with Mo Lan Company."
Zhan Yi nodded in agreement, thinking he understood Chen Chuan's intention. Since a decision had been made, the fate of those people was no longer their concern.
"Then, Mr. Chen, farewell," Zhan Yi waved goodbye to Chen Chuan and, with a gesture, led all the Mo Lan Company's security personnel away from the scene.
At that moment, outside the Judgment Hall, Supervisor Luo was tapping his knee with one hand, as if waiting for something. After a while, the messenger removed his headphones and said, "Supervisor, the reply has arrived. They say this is Mo Ren Company's recommendation card, and all the names on it indeed belong to this student, but..."
"But what?"
"The other side mentioned that the card seems to have been canceled ten years ago due to the presumed death of the holder."
Supervisor Luo was taken aback, his eyes narrowing in intensity. "Presumed death? Canceled ten years ago? Can they confirm that?"
"They're still confirming. The records show that, but they can't rule out errors due to the passage of time, so they dare not make a definitive statement. They need to consult the headquarters for further verification, which will take at least three to five days."
Supervisor Luo fell into deep thought. If the cardholder was presumed dead, the card would be useless. But Chen Chuan was clearly alive, making the situation more complicated. Was he using a false identity? Or was there another reason?
Regardless, if the cardholder was presumed dead, he could disavow the card, and Mo Ren Company wouldn't bother them over this matter.
The question remained whether to inform those people afterward. If Mo Lan Company changed its previous statement and decided to protect them, the back-and-forth might erode their trust, let alone expect cooperation. Perhaps they would even...
At that thought, Supervisor Luo suddenly realized a more severe problem, his heart skipped a beat, and sweat broke out on his forehead.
"Oh no!"
He immediately urged the driver, "Go back! Back to the company!"
"Shouldn't we wait for Assistant Zhan?" the driver asked subconsciously.
"Just drive!" Supervisor Luo's voice was strained, almost a growl.
"Yes!" The driver was startled and quickly started the car.
On National Avenue, as they approached Yangzhi City, a long convoy was in motion.
Specialist Cao received a telegram that had just been delivered, detailing the situation at the Judgment Hall. When Chen Chuan presented the black card, Specialist Cao didn't seem surprised.
His attention was drawn to another detail: when Chen Chuan showed the card, Mo Lan Company's representatives had immediately and humbly retreated, even abandoning their partners.
His eyes sharpened, like a predator spotting its prey.
Although Mo Ren Company was significant, its influence within the country might not surpass Mo Lan Company's. Yangzhi was Mo Lan Company's home turf, especially during their critical strategic planning. Yet, they had chosen to retreat, which might confirm...
No, it wasn't enough.
Out of instinctive caution, Specialist Cao took out a pen and wrote down several names, handing the paper to an assistant, "Send a telegram. Immediately detain these individuals..."
Wait!
Before the assistant could take the paper, Specialist Cao quickly retracted it. After a moment's thought, he said irritably, "This kid is handing us a knife. It seems we need to tighten the net earlier than planned."
At that moment, another radio operator removed his headphones and handed over a translated telegram. "Specialist Cao, telegrams from the Canghong Canal and Yuan An Corporation have arrived."
Specialist Cao took the telegrams and quickly scanned their similar contents. "As expected, they've noticed too." He looked ahead, his gaze intensifying, "Contact the Patrol Bureau. No need to wait. Start the arrests immediately!"
Meanwhile, at the Judgment Hall, after Mo Lan Company's departure, the members of the School Council felt extremely awkward.
They had clearly stated their allegiance, but with Mo Lan Company's sudden withdrawal of support, they were left in an embarrassing position.
Should Chen Chuan be expelled? Judging by the behavior of the Mo Lan Corporation, it seems they fear Chen Chuan has some powerful connections. Even the Mo Lan Corporation's people have retreated, so why would they continue? Obviously, they won't pursue matters that offer no benefits and might even backfire.
Just then, several officials from the Handling Bureau, who had been seated, stood up and approached them in front of everyone. With solemnity, they said, "We suspect that you have secretly conspired with the Mo Lan Corporation and certain families to harm Wu Yi students, and this is also related to an old case from three years ago. We need you to come with us for investigation." As they spoke, they gestured to the side, "Please."
"Investigation?" The school council member who had initially cooperated with the company looked at him in disbelief and laughed in anger, "What right do you have to take me away?"
Another council member spoke up, "We are school council members recognized by the Government Hall. Without an arrest warrant from the Central City Academy, you have no authority to arrest us!"
The school council members standing there also stared coldly at the Handling Bureau officials, showing no intention of cooperation. They weren't afraid of the Handling Bureau's forceful actions, not only because almost everyone present was on their side but also because, as school council members, they were qualified fighters themselves.
"They don't have the authority, but what about me?"
As a deep, aged voice spoke, everyone turned around. They saw an unassuming old man standing up from his seat. He had been there all along, sitting with them, but no one noticed him until he spoke, as if they had subconsciously ignored his presence.
The Wu Yi Academy's representatives were startled when they saw him, "Old Principal?"
This unremarkable old man was none other than the second president of Wu Yi Academy, Cheng Shang, currently holding an important position in the Central City Processing Bureau and serving as an advisor to the Central City Academy.
As soon as he appeared, the school council members who recognized him felt their hearts skip a beat. The sudden presence of an official from the Central City Processing Bureau, and in such a manner, made them sense that something was amiss.
Cheng Shang spoke calmly, "Follow them, and you'll have a nice long stay inside. It might not be a bad thing for you."
The council members glanced at each other, all of them giving up resistance. This was not only due to Cheng Shang's current position but also the force he represented. They were well aware that even if everyone present joined forces, they wouldn't be a match for this seemingly short old man.
The Handling Bureau officials immediately stepped forward, using the fighter's specialized handcuffs to bind them. Then, they led them away.
Cheng Shang turned to Chen Chuan, "Young man, did you figure it out earlier?"
Chen Chuan knew what he was asking and nodded.
Cheng Shang's eyebrows furrowed, "How did you figure it out? Did someone tell you?"
Chen Chuan replied honestly, "No, and I'm not the only one who figured it out. I believe many people noticed, but they made different choices."
"Indeed, there are many smart people in the world, but some are too clever for their own good." Cheng Shang nodded in agreement and then asked slowly, "Young man, are you coming?"
Chen Chuan answered with certainty, "Of course!"
Cheng Shang nodded, "Then I'll be waiting for you at the academy." As he spoke, he put his hands behind his back and walked towards the exit of the Judgment Hall. Several people who had been seated but went unnoticed earlier followed him out.
Their conversation left most people puzzled, but some realized what was happening, their expressions changing slightly as they hurriedly left.
Chen Chuan watched these people rush out, his gaze calm. Earlier, when he and Gao Ming had been planning for contingencies, they had identified an obstacle they couldn't bypass.
That was the Mo Lan Corporation.
If the Mutual Aid Society attacked him and he fought back, it would likely implicate the Mo Lan Corporation in the latter part of the conflict. This was because the power behind these people had intricate connections with the company.
However, as they pondered and analyzed the situation, and with the information Gao Ming had gathered from various sources, as well as the recent changes, they gradually discovered clues they had previously overlooked. When they pieced these clues together, they reached a conclusion that surprised them.
Perhaps they didn't need to worry about the Mo Lan Corporation at all.
Because, at this moment, the Mo Lan Corporation was facing a joint crackdown from other companies and unknown forces, and the situation was precarious, leaving them overwhelmed.
In fact, there had already been many hints and traces, the most obvious being the Bloodstain Gang. As the Mo Lan Corporation's pet dogs, they had been repeatedly attacked, with their branches blown up, and over a dozen leaders killed by the suspected bio-combat weapon, the Lie Juan Yao. The upper management was almost half-empty.
This was clearly an attempt to clip their wings and gradually test the Mo Lan Corporation's limits.
Previously, the Mo Lan Corporation had been in a constant struggle with the state-owned enterprise, Cang Hong Sky Canal, over water rights. They had been using illegal methods to eliminate nearby water plants and had already occupied numerous positions in the water department. They were on the verge of achieving their goal, but the Cang Hong Sky Canal had shown no reaction, which was the most abnormal situation.
When he took the Infinite Defense Certificate exam, Specialist Cao had shown unusual interest in him and Yangzhi City, subtly revealing that the upper echelons were increasingly focusing their attention here.
All the clues indicated that an unprecedented storm was about to arrive.
Therefore, they didn't need to worry about the Mo Lan Corporation; they could even ride this wave and take the opportunity to accomplish what they wanted.
Interestingly, when he was at the Patrol Bureau, Guan Yuming had repeatedly assured him of his support, speaking with unusual certainty and implying that as long as he didn't give in, nothing would happen.
It was worth noting that he hadn't mentioned having an Infinite Defense Certificate at that time, but the Patrol Bureau seemed to have an unusually strong reaction, as if they were aware of something.
Director Lei had repeatedly promised to guarantee his safety, encouraging him to go to Central City, especially in the face of potential threats from various powerful families.
There was a detail that was easy to overlook at Wu Yi Academy. At the beginning of the year, the third President Yan was transferred, replaced by the more experienced and older Fan Shoulu. Even earlier, Yan Xiaojing, the son of the former president, had been sent abroad under the pretext of cultural exchange and had not returned since.
Furthermore, the Mutual Aid Society's incident had caused a huge uproar, yet the Handling Bureau above had not taken any substantial action or intervention. They remained silent throughout the entire process, merely inciting some students to come forward, which hinted at something unusual.
All these signs indicated that Yangzhi City's violent institutions were already aware of something and had prepared in advance. He boldly speculated that the crackdown on Mo Lan Corporation might involve these institutions, and even if it hadn't reached the final stage yet, they had likely already established their advantage.
Zhan Yi's words earlier had no effect on him whatsoever.
Mo Lan Corporation was on the verge of collapse, and he was telling him all this?
Was it useful? At this moment, the faster one chose to side with Mo Lan Corporation, the quicker they would die. On the contrary, opposing them was the right thing to do.
Today, he could have done nothing and quietly awaited the outcome, but he didn't want to simply go with the flow. Instead, he wanted to be a driving force.
He wanted to accelerate this process, not wait for half a year or even a year.
After discussing with Gao Ming, he discovered a crucial point in the confrontation between various powerful forces—a point where, as an individual, he could intervene and influence the grand scheme of things.
That was to present the Yuanren Corporation's recommendation card at the Judgment Hall.
He didn't bring out this card to protect himself but to test the strength of the forces targeting Mo Lan Corporation.
It was like holding a sharp blade and flicking its tip in front of them.
After revealing Yuanren Corporation's name, if Mo Lan stubbornly refused to back down, it would show that they still had the confidence. But today's concession completely exposed their weakness! More importantly, they exposed this weakness, turning their soft underbelly upwards, and the surrounding giants, who had been watching with predatory eyes, would immediately pounce, eager to tear them apart and devour them.
When Cheng Shang asked if he wanted to join earlier, he was asking if he wanted to participate in the crackdown on Mo Lan Corporation. Such a significant event—how could he possibly miss it? Of course, he had to take part!
If it were a commission, it might take years before he got such an opportunity again. He might even be able to obtain the Armored Defense Certificate in advance and increase his overlapping time with the second self.
As the people at the table gradually left, the Judgment Hall became empty. Chen Chuan straightened his clothes, adjusted his collar, turned around, and politely addressed the Judge who was still sitting there: "Your Honor, you haven't announced the judgment yet."
The Judge was startled, then his expression turned solemn. He straightened his Judgment Robes, picked up the prepared verdict, slowly stood up, and began to read: "This court rules that Wu Yi Academy student Chen Chuan's actions during the Old Factory Incident were in self-defense. The charges against him are not established. If there are any objections, they can be appealed to the upper court. The judgment is concluded. Yangzhi City Judgment Court, 93rd year of the Dajun Republic, August 21st."
After finishing, he picked up the bronze hammer and struck it against the base of the Xiezhi statue. Then, looking at Chen Chuan, he said in a gentle tone, "Student Chen, the judgment is concluded. You may leave."
Chen Chuan nodded at him, turned around, and walked out under the watchful eyes of the Judge and the lingering sound of the bronze statue.
In the front hall, he found that most of the people who had just left were being taken away by the Patrol Bureau's officers one by one. Gao Ming approached from the side, smiled, and said, "It's about to begin."
"Yes," Chen Chuan agreed.
Gao Ming said, "Brother, I told you that this game would start with you, and it will also end with you."
Chen Chuan smiled, looked up at the clear sky and the sunlight shining on everyone's heads, and said, "It's not the end, but a new beginning."
At the Patrol Bureau's station near the Judgment Court, Guan Yuming was on the phone. "Sir, we've arrested everyone."
"Keep a close eye on them. The storm is about to hit, and we need to stay steady."
"Yes," Guan Yuming thought for a moment, then asked, "Sir, why did we act ahead of time?"
"We had to act to avoid alerting the snake."
Guan Yuming pondered for a moment, then realized what was happening. He whispered, "Is it because of that card of Chuan's...?" He couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what exactly is that card?"
"I've already asked. It's a recommendation card from Yuanren Corporation, but it's a canceled and useless card."
"A useless card?"
Guan Yuming chuckled and said, "So he brought it out to..." He paused mid-sentence, realizing Chen Chuan's true intention. "I knew it, that kid..."
They had been slowly tightening the net, repeatedly testing the waters, and might have continued doing so for a long time. After all, when facing a giant like Mo Lan, no one wanted to be the first to charge in.
But with Chen Chuan killing so many members of the Mutual Aid Society, they could selectively arrest some people under this pretext without raising too much suspicion from Mo Lan Corporation.
However, Chen Chuan's actions were like pressing the fast-forward button, pushing all the forces from behind, forcing them to act, leaving them with no choice but to move!
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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