Yuan Gang couldn't help but give a thumbs up, concluding that no merchant was a good person.
Gu Tongbao shrugged, saying nothing more.
Ye Longlin spoke at the opportune moment, "So, if he doesn't get the money, he should come looking for you again. When that happens, I hope you'll contact me."
Wantongbao, despite lacking martial prowess, was the only person who became an SS-class criminal solely by dealing in information.
Such a person, in a certain aspect, was more dangerous than a martial artist.
"Gentlemen, would you care to join me for a simple lunch? Tianzong had invited me to lunch today, but with the scandal that broke out in the Tian family, he also declined. If you two don't mind our humble abode, I'd be honored to host you for a simple meal."
Yuan Gang frowned slightly, "Tianzong?"
Gu Tongbao nodded, "He is the son of the Tian family patriarch and his mistress. The Tian family is a martial arts family and looks down upon commerce, hence they entrusted commercial matters to Tianzong, the son of the mistress. He has never been part of the Tian family's core circle, but he is a young man with some means.
Today's newspaper incident has also significantly affected his company, so he sought my help. After all, his company uses the Tian family's name. Since the stock market opened this morning, its price has been continuously dropping."
Ye Longlin narrowed his eyes slightly, "Agree to him."
Yuan Gang immediately understood Ye Longlin's intentions and nodded.
As Ye Longlin's confidant, how could he not know his lord's thoughts? Since they had to go to the Tian family in the afternoon anyway, it was better to let him lead the way.
Perhaps the boss also wanted to see this Tianzong?
"Since you two are so inclined, I'll make arrangements immediately."
Gu Tongbao promptly took out his phone and dialed his assistant, directly instructing, "Inform Tianzong that the lunchtime meeting is still on, and I'll be treating him. However, I'll be bringing two friends."
The assistant immediately replied, "Understood, Mr. Gu. I'll contact Mr. Tian right away."
"Gentlemen, if you don't mind, please come to my office for some tea."
At the same time, due to pressure from various parties, Wu Haoran was forced to release the person, leaving him feeling helpless and resentful.
In fact, Wu Haoran also knew that Tianyi must be behind this. After all, Tian Shishi, who had only recovered for a year, certainly didn't have the connections to manage such a vast network. Therefore, this matter could only be attributed to Tianyi, or rather, the Tian family's machinations.
"Director Wu, are you really letting them go just like that? It hasn't even been twenty-four hours!"
A member of the investigation team said with resentment. Tian Shishi had now been confirmed to be involved in this matter, and all evidence pointed to her. Thus, the case was almost settled!
Wu Haoran sighed deeply, "There's nothing I can do. The pressure is too great. The connections of the Tian family and the Martial Arts Association are not to be trifled with. Even I can't withstand them, as the ramifications of this matter are too widespread."
"Alright, then we'll expedite the investigation. Once we have proof, we'll arrest them immediately!"
Wu Haoran nodded, then held the business card in his hand and fell into silence.
He remembered the words of that legendary figure and also remembered that if he ever got out, he was told to contact him and resolve things his way.
But he clearly knew what "his way" entailed.
Yesterday, most of the people from the Martial Arts Association and the Tian family were gone. Only a few survived, but they were all left in a vegetative state. If that person intervened, it would likely mean death.
It was rather troublesome.
"Forget it, I'd better notify that person. I'll explain the situation clearly, it's not that I can't handle it."
He sighed and took out his phone, sending a text message to Ye Longlin.
Twelve noon.
The Grand Century Hotel, Sky Terrace Banquet.
The Grand Century Hotel was a five-star establishment in Qing City. Floors forty and above were designated for receptions, banquets, and other events, all of which were quite expensive. Of course, even more so were the Sky Terrace banquets on the top floors.
From the height of over sixty stories, one could overlook the changes in the river and cityscape. The price was naturally steep, allowing views of several districts of Qing City.
The starting price alone was twenty thousand.
"Mr. Tian, what's the matter that you're rushing to meet me? However, I don't have much time; I have a meeting in the commercial conference room this afternoon."
As Gu Tongbao arrived on the rooftop, he saw Tianzong sitting at the table, his face looking troubled.
"Mr. Gu, don't joke. With this incident in the Tian family, I'm almost driven to despair. I've had little to no contact with the Tian family over the years, yet I still have to give them dividends from my company's profits. It's not easy for me. The Tian family is already wealthy enough, why do they have to do things that violate the law and moral boundaries?"
Gu Tongbao spread his hands, saying helplessly, "Who knows? But I only know that this matter shouldn't have anything to do with you, as you are merely an outsider to the Tian family. After all, they'll just investigate, and it won't cost you much."
"Mr. Gu, I don't believe you haven't been watching my family's stock market. It's plummeted like a dog. If it continues to fall like this, who can bear it?"
Tianzong was also a middle-aged man, similar in age to Gu Tongbao, and was also a bachelor of considerable wealth.
He had always wished to enter the Tian family's core circle, but the Tian family had barely paid any attention to him.
In their words, Tianzong's bloodline was impure; he was not from the patriarch's lineage and could only handle miscellaneous tasks on the periphery.
"Then there's nothing I can do. I'm just an outsider. Their affairs shouldn't involve me. Oh, you mentioned you had two friends, invite them up so we can meet them. Perhaps they might have some ideas."
Tianzong was truly troubled now, having never expected the Tian family to do such a thing, which had severely impacted all of the Tian family's businesses, and him the most.
"Then you'd better be prepared."
As the words fell, Ye Longlin strode in. Yuan Gang closed the door behind them before standing guard behind Ye Longlin.
"And who is this?" Tianzong asked with a hint of confusion.
Gu Tongbao introduced, "Mr. Ye, this is Mr. Yuan."
Upon hearing Gu Tongbao's introduction, Tianzong's expression grew serious. He nodded slightly and greeted them with a smile, "Mr. Ye, Mr. Yuan."
"It's like this, Mr. Ye wants you to take him to the Tian family to handle some matters. However, as you know, the roads in Qing City are complicated, so this meal was arranged to save time."
Gu Tongbao said with a chuckle, seemingly with no other intentions, at least not at this moment.
Tianzong nodded, "This city is like that, there's nothing to be done. However, I'd like to ask, Mr. Ye and Mr. Yuan, what business do you have at the Tian family?"
Yuan Gang sneered, "Nothing much. If you really want to know, it's not impossible to tell you, but it depends on whether you can handle it."