Juling Pharmaceutical Group was the most renowned pharmaceutical giant on Qiyun Road and the leading enterprise in the local pharmaceutical sector. Headquartered in the area, it was a behemoth that ranked among the top even on a national scale.

Du Dingshan was the deputy general manager of Juling Pharmaceutical Group, in charge of the entire region covering Lingjin City and Wanghai Road. His office was located in Lingjin City's Yang Fan Building, occupying the entire top floor.

At that moment, Du Dingshan, dressed in a gray suit, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing silently out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. From there, he could overlook most of Lingjin City. On a clear day, he could even see Meihua Mountain in the distance.

"Mr. Du, I still can't get through to Director Zhao's phone," a slender, middle-aged man with a balding crown said, helplessly lowering his phone. "His driver, Tang Ke, is also unreachable."

This was Li Cheng, Du Dingshan's secretary. He had been by Du Dingshan's side for thirty years, serving as both a capable assistant and his most trusted confidant.

"Forget it. Don't bother calling anymore," Du Dingshan waved his hand dismissively. "I never would have thought that Qin Qiu had it in her. Not only did she handle Director Zhao, but she also scared that greedy old fool into silence."

"It seems this Qin Qiu has some connections," Li Cheng said.

Du Dingshan gestured. Li Cheng immediately handed him a cigar and, pulling out a match, skillfully lit it for him.

FZZT!

Du Dingshan took a deep drag. The flame at the tip flared brightly before a plume of smoke curled elegantly into the air.

"I underestimated her," Du Dingshan said, then asked, "Has Zhao Yinghu arrived?"

"I just got off the phone with him. He's already downstairs," Li Cheng responded before asking in confusion, "Mr. Du, this Zhao Yinghu is just a mere underworld boss, beneath our notice. Can he really be more useful than Director Zhao?"

"You should never underestimate anyone, especially someone like Zhao Yinghu who has clawed his way to the top over several decades." Du Dingshan's voice was filled with disdain. "Their methods are endless. Besides, many things can only be handled perfectly by such lowlifes.

"For example," he chuckled, "sending some people to cause trouble at a construction site so that the project cannot proceed smoothly."

"So, you're planning a two-pronged attack, Mr. Du?" Li Cheng chuckled.

Du Dingshan's expression turned serious. "We can't delay any longer. Once the other pharmaceutical giants gather in Lingjin City, I will lose my competitive advantage."

"Furthermore, the Martial Association also seems to be dispatching a group of top experts here soon. They claim it's to deal with someone who is opposing them, but I'm sure they're also determined to get their hands on the Qin Corporation's formula.

"That's why we can't delay any longer. We must resolve this quickly!"

Li Cheng nodded. "With two plans in motion this time, I'd like to see whether that woman, Qin Qiu, submits or resists."

As they were speaking, a knock came at the office door.

"Come in."

The visitor was dressed in a black silk suit, a Buddha amulet hanging from his neck. In his hand, he fiddled with a string of glossy, well-worn King Kong Bodhi beads. He strode in with a commanding presence, emanating a natural air of authority.

This person was, of course, Zhao Yinghu.

Du Dingshan cupped his fists slightly. "Lord Hu."

"Mr. Du, how can I help you?" Zhao Yinghu never liked beating around the bush, so he got straight to the point.

Du Dingshan smiled and gestured to the adjacent sofa. "Lord Hu, please, have a seat."

Zhao Yinghu didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down and spreading himself out commandingly on the sofa.

"Li Cheng, serve the tea." After instructing his secretary, Du Dingshan sat down as well. He smiled. "Lord Hu, there's a pharmaceutical factory under construction on Nan Street. I don't want its construction to proceed smoothly. Ideally, it should come to a halt. The longer, the better."

"Oh?" Zhao Yinghu raised an eyebrow. The mention of a new pharmaceutical factory on Nan Street immediately brought Chen Yang to mind, since the Qin Corporation he was affiliated with was building one there. Previously, some clueless fool had designs on that plot of land, and it was Zhao Yinghu himself who had tipped Chen Yang off. That was why the memory was so fresh. Later, rumors spread that the fool's son had been shot and killed.

Zhao Yinghu asked nonchalantly, "Do you happen to know the factory's name?"

"I don't know the specific name, but it belongs to the Qin Corporation," Du Dingshan said, pushing a cup of tea toward Zhao Yinghu with a smirk. "What's this? Lord Hu is taking an interest? Don't tell me there's someone in Lingjin City that even you don't dare to provoke?"

His words were not just arrogant; they were a direct challenge to Zhao Yinghu's capabilities.

Upon hearing the name "Qin Corporation," Zhao Yinghu's expression darkened. It was just as he had suspected.

Seeing Zhao Yinghu fall silent, Du Dingshan smiled and held up three fingers. "Get the job done, and the payment is three million."

"You're very generous, Mr. Du!" Zhao Yinghu laughed.

Du Dingshan leaned back comfortably on the sofa with his legs crossed, smugly awaiting Zhao Yinghu's reply.

However, to his complete surprise, Zhao Yinghu simply shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't take this job. I can't afford to offend the Qin Corporation, and neither can you."

Du Dingshan was stunned for a moment before he shook his head and laughed heartily. "Lord Hu, is the pay too low? Fine. Handle this beautifully for me, and I'll give you six million."

Money wasn't an issue; he had plenty of it.

Zhao Yinghu grew visibly displeased. "Mr. Du," he said coldly, "do you not understand what I'm saying?"

"Heh..." Du Dingshan chuckled, draping his arms over the back of the sofa. "Still not enough? How about ten million?"

There was a certain satisfaction in throwing money at people. The thrill was magnified when the other party was a reputed big shot. It's always about the money, isn't it?

However, to his utter disbelief, Zhao Yinghu shot up from the sofa, his right hand darting out to seize Du Dingshan by the throat.

"Cough... cough...!" Du Dingshan's face was a mask of horror. He struggled frantically, his face turning crimson as he coughed violently.

"You little bastard, who do you think you're putting on airs for?" Zhao Yinghu's eyes were like torches, his voice frigid. "If you look down on me, Zhao Yinghu, then why did you come begging for my help?"

"What do you think you're doing?!" Li Cheng's expression changed drastically. He pointed at Zhao Yinghu and roared, about to scream for security.

But the two young men standing silently behind Zhao Yinghu instantly drew daggers and pointed them at Li Cheng.

The words died in Li Cheng's throat. He snapped his mouth shut and stood obediently to the side, not daring to make another peep.

These guys really are a bunch of desperate thugs!

"Zhao Yinghu, you'd better let go of me this instant!" Du Dingshan choked out.

SPIT.

Zhao Yinghu spat contemptuously before releasing his grip.

Du Dingshan gasped for air. After straightening his clothes, he glared at Zhao Yinghu with venom in his eyes. "I call you Lord Hu out of respect. Do you really think that makes you some kind of royalty?"

"You're nothing!"

SMACK!

Zhao Yinghu's right hand shot out and slapped him hard across the face. The resounding crack sent Du Dingshan staggering back several steps. He spewed a mouthful of blood as he collapsed to the floor.

So that's why Zhao Yinghu had let go—to free up his hand for that slap!

"A word of advice: don't go looking for trouble with the Qin Corporation," Zhao Yinghu said coldly. "If you disturb 'that person,' your death will be a small matter. I'm afraid your entire Juling Group will be destroyed along with you."

Zhao Yinghu shot one last glance at the crumpled Du Dingshan before sweeping out of the room.

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