Chapter 407: Support
Chapter 407: Support
Lan Shenan listened to Chen Chuan's words, realizing that he wasn't just making small talk earlier. She felt slightly relieved and proceeded to explain the difficulties they were currently facing in detail.
In truth, the situation wasn't complicated. The Lower City District was interconnected with an extensive tunnel system, allowing access to almost every area of the Upper City District.
Moreover, the Lower City District was home to the largest black market in the entire Central City. Certain essential items had to be purchased from the Upper City District, so there were numerous logistics businesses operating in this area.
Lu Tong Logistics used to be one of the major teams, but in recent years, they had encountered several serious issues. On one occasion, they even lost an extremely important shipment.
After paying a substantial compensation fee, internal conflicts arose within the team due to disputes over profit distribution, eventually leading to a split.
The most crucial team members were then poached by their competitor, Venom Ant Express. Adding insult to injury, the team's original manager and financial officer disappeared together, causing the entire logistics organization to come to a standstill. The remaining members had no choice but to seek their own paths.
Lan Shenan was originally part of the security team, and she, along with those unwilling to leave, took over the business and strived to restore some operations. Although it was not as prosperous as before, their previous reputation allowed them to continue operating in certain areas.
However, Venom Ant Express did not stop there. They continuously used violent means to drive them out and suppress their business, especially in the past two months, where they had faced frequent attacks.
If it weren't for the presence of Lao Bian, a Tier Three Fighter, on their team, their opponents might have shown less restraint. The team itself was also composed of numerous security personnel, making them experienced in handling low-intensity battles. Otherwise, they might not have been able to hold on.
But even Lao Bian couldn't be relied upon.
This Tier Three Fighter had a huge appetite, constantly demanding various resources and money from them, yet he never took the initiative to engage in combat. Instead, he would only step in to mediate after others had attacked them.
This time, Lan Shenan had reached her limit with Lao Bian's demands, so she no longer intended to continue their cooperation.
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and asked, "I'd like to ask a question. For Lu Tong Logistics to have grown to its current scale, it must have had the backing of a certain power. Who was your original supporter?"
Lan Shenan replied, "Our original backer was the Iron Fist Gang, but they no longer exist. I'm not sure about the specifics, but I know that when Lu Tong Logistics encountered problems, they were already struggling to handle their own affairs. They disbanded even faster than us."
She continued, "I've only heard from seniors that the Iron Fist Gang's supporter seemed to be the Golden Control Company, but I'm not certain about that."
Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment. There were numerous companies in Central City, and the Handling Bureau primarily focused on medium and large-sized companies. However, he vaguely recalled this Golden Control Company because it was a security company.
Any company associated with the use of force, regardless of its size, would be on the Handling Bureau's watch list. Furthermore, this company had some connection with Linked Heavy Control and seemed to have encountered trouble last year, eventually being merged by them.
No wonder, then. Many gangs relied on companies for financial and technical support, and businesses in the Lower City District thrived only with the backing of gangs. Once they lost their financial backers and muscle, they became like lambs to the slaughter, waiting to be divided by others.
"I understand the situation now," Chen Chuan said. "How many Tier Three Fighters does the other side have?"
"Several? No, just one," Lan Shenan replied after some thought. "Chen Xiao Ge, the resources in the Lower City District can't compare to those in the Upper City District. Most Tier Three Fighters are supported by large gangs and teams. If Lu Tong Logistics' previous business hadn't been so successful, they might not have been able to afford someone like Lao Bian."
She sighed, "That's why I've been tolerating Lao Bian all this time. Without them, we wouldn't be able to find anyone else."
"Just one?" Chen Chuan asked, deep in thought. "I can help you resolve this issue. But have you considered that even if this problem is solved, as long as you don't have sufficient backing, similar situations will arise again in the future. Even if it's not Venom Ant Express, other forces will still target you."
Lan Shenan candidly said, "I've thought about this. Chen Xiao Ge, if you're willing, after this matter is resolved, we'd like to borrow your name to deter others for a while.
During this time, we'll give you a portion of our additional profits. Although our business isn't as good as before, we can still provide a considerable amount. We'll use this time to contact some powers and seek their support, which will help stabilize our team."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly, appreciating Lan Shenan's clear thinking and understanding of the key points. She also had a plan for the next steps, whether it could be achieved or not remained to be seen, but the approach seemed feasible.
"I'll need some information about the Tier Three Fighter backing Venom Ant Express," he said. "Also, please provide me with Lao Bian's information as well."
Chen Chuan never underestimated any opponent. Having prior knowledge would make it more convenient to solve problems, and he wouldn't reject any method that could save effort. Moreover, the cleaner and more efficient the solution, the greater the deterrence effect it would have on others.
After hearing Lan Shenan's words, Chen Chuan knew she had agreed to his request. "What about Old Bian's information... Will Chen Xiao Ge be a threat to us?" she asked.
Chen Chuan looked at her and said, "I'm not sure how he'll choose, but we should be prepared."
Lan Shenan also had concerns, but now that she had made her decision, she wouldn't back down. She had intended to remind Chen Chuan, but he had already anticipated it, which made her feel reassured by his reliability.
"Alright! I'll start gathering information immediately. If Chen Xiao Ge needs anything else..." She tapped her Boundary Token and opened a communication link with Chen Chuan, "Just let me know directly."
Chen Chuan added the contact and nodded, "Good, I'll reach out to Captain Lan if needed."
Lan Shenan was a decisive person. After settling the matter with Chen Chuan, she immediately gathered the team leaders.
Once everyone arrived, she didn't mention Chen Chuan right away. Instead, she brought up Old Bian's request for an additional twenty percent. The team members were outraged, with Xiao Ding being the first to voice his disagreement.
The others also felt that Old Bian had gone too far. The team had already reached their limit, and yet he still wasn't satisfied.
Seeing the team's agitation, Lan Shenan finally revealed that she had convinced Chen Chuan to help.
The team members were instantly energized, and Old Cao asked in surprise, "Xiao Nan, is Chen Xiao Ge willing to help? Did you just go and persuade him?"
Lan Shenan shook her head, "It wasn't me who persuaded him. Chen Xiao Ge agreed because of the relationship with his master and Lu Ke."
"So, it's Mr. Yu's favor," someone added.
Everyone agreed that an Upper District resident with a proper identity, a Tier Three Combatant, wouldn't be interested in their small operation. His willingness to help was likely due to personal connections.
Yun Jie spoke up, "I knew it. We should have found a more reliable person. Old Bian can't be trusted."
Xiao Ding was the most excited, "Yes! I've never liked that old man's face. Now that we've gotten rid of him, we won't have to put up with his attitude anymore."
In the 1619 book bar, a version without any mistakes!
Old Shen, who was in charge of finances, had doubts. He didn't understand combat and wasn't sure about Chen Chuan's capabilities. "Xiao Nan, Chen Xiao Ge looks so young. Is he capable?"
Not only Old Shen but also Old Cao and Yun Jie had their reservations. They knew nothing about Chen Chuan, while the Venom Ant Express's fighter was rumored to be extremely fierce. Old Bian had repeatedly emphasized Chen Chuan's strength, which had left a psychological shadow on them over time.
However, Lan Shenan had full confidence in Chen Chuan. She had witnessed his fight with Wei Wusheng on video. Although she was only a Tier Two Combatant, as a fighter, she could discern certain nuances. She had her own criteria for judgment.
She spoke with certainty, "Uncle Shen, Old Cao, Yun Jie, trust me. Chen Xiao Ge is more than capable. He can definitely handle the Venom Ant Express's fighter."
"That's good to hear."
Despite their lingering unease, Lan Shenan's words calmed them down a little.
After discussing with the team, Lan Shenan meticulously planned the next steps. She then went alone to an area away from the group, where the vehicle lights were gathered, and contacted Old Bian.
The Boundary Token played an old, dramatic waiting sound. After a short while, Old Bian answered, "Xiao Nan, have you considered my offer? The other side has been talking to me. This situation is different from before. You need to think it through."
"Uncle Bian," Lan Shenan said, "we've discussed it, and this matter might drag you into a fight with the other side's fighter. We feel bad about it, so we've decided not to trouble you. We'll handle it ourselves."
"Xiao Nan, if you think twenty percent is too high, I can try to lower it a bit, considering our past favors..." Old Bian said.
Lan Shenan replied seriously, "No, I can't let you take a loss. You were right before; if not for the past favors, you could go anywhere. There's no need to bother with us younger folks.
We've been a burden to you these days, but now we understand. We'll handle our own affairs and won't trouble you anymore."
There was silence on the other end, and the call ended.
Lan Shenan ended the communication and turned around decisively. She walked back towards the gathering of vehicles with determined steps.
On the other side of the Boundary Token, Old Bian sat with a sullen face. He looked like a fifty-year-old man, but he was actually sixty-nine. Despite some loose skin, his body remained robust.
He let out a cold laugh, "You want to kick me out? It won't be that easy!"
...
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(End of Chapter)
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