Chu Tianxing's nose was practically twisted with anger. How dare this brat talk to him like that? Did he not know who he was dealing with?
Gritting his teeth, Chu Tianxing forced himself to calm down. "I am Chu Tianxing, of the Chu family in Guangnan."
"I know who you are. Big brother of Chu Baiwei and Chu Haoyuan. So what? Speak clearly or shut up!"
"Fine, fine, fine!" Chu Tianxing muttered three consecutive "fines," clearly enraged.
All he knew about Cao Yang came from files. He knew Cao Yang had some connection with his sister, even worked on her gloves. By all accounts, Cao Yang could have been considered a servant to their family… yet he was a biting one!
Anger boiled in Chu Tianxing, but he had to hold back. He was in deep trouble.
Sending operatives into another country without authorization, four went and only three returned… and Cold Wind, in his recklessness, blew up a police car, causing injuries to several officers. Japan was now hunting them down.
If it was discovered they were soldiers, Chu Tianxing would be in serious trouble—there'd be no way he could cover for it.
For others, this would be catastrophic. For him… he had a grandfather to shield him. But the incident would be a permanent blot on his record, potentially affecting his promotions in the future. Once his grandfather was gone, rivals could exploit it.
Sigh…
He couldn't understand it. All four operatives were elite of the elite. Ye Chen and Ma Dong, especially, were top-tier close-combat experts. How could they fail against a mere Cao Yang?
What should have been a smooth operation had turned into a chaotic mess.
After much reflection, he realized the problem was himself.
His grandfather had told him to capture Cao Yang. He could have applied for official approval first—slower, but safer.
Overconfident, he thought taking down Cao Yang would be simple and overlooked the locals assisting him.
If weapons and intel had been supplied from the start, they might have succeeded on the first attempt.
Instead, they exposed themselves, injured Jasmine, and only then tried again—leading to this disaster.
Chu Tianxing had read Ma Dong's report. Had Jasmine not been hurt, and with their team intact, they would have won easily.
Now, regret was useless. The problem had to be solved.
Suppressing his anger, he said, "Cao Yang, I think we should have a proper talk."
"I'm not talking to you. I want to talk to Han Qingshan." Cao Yang cut him off without a shred of courtesy.
Chu Tianxing slammed his fist on the desk in frustration, lit a cigarette, and called Han Qingshan.
"Han Shibo, this is Tianxing. I need to discuss something regarding Cao Yang."
He detailed the events in Japan. Han Qingshan was stunned. Chu Tianxing also explained his own situation, pleading that Han Qingshan not go to extremes with Cao Yang—after all, no one's life was worth more than a single hair of Xixi's.
He understood Han Qingshan cared for Han Xixi. His stubbornness was about face, reputation. Some valued honor above all, some didn't.
Now, Chu Tianxing had to find a face-saving way to resolve the situation.
"Fine, Tianxing. We'll do as you suggest."
Han Qingshan agreed to let Chu Tianxing negotiate with Cao Yang on his behalf.
"Cao Yang, I now speak on behalf of the Chu and Han families. You better show some respect!"
Cao Yang answered with a sneer:"Respect my ass! Do you even realize who's controlling the situation right now? You should mind your attitude, tuck away your arrogance!"
"Fine… fine… fine. Just tell me what it takes for you to release Han Xixi and Ye Chen."
"My demand is simple: release my brother and my woman, no restrictions on travel. Once they are safe with me, I'll let your people go."
Chu Tianxing scoffed. "Are you out of your mind? They committed crimes—they deserve punishment!"
"So there's no negotiation? Then I'll hand Ye Chen over to the Japanese first."
"Cao Yang! Can't you lose gracefully?!"
"Lose gracefully? I've already won this round. Explain to me—whose side is justice on?"
"Committing crimes should be punished! When they did it, didn't they know one day they could be caught?"
"Others commit crimes and go to jail. Your people commit crimes and you want them released? Who do you think you are?!"
Cao Yang's voice rose: "If you break the law and get caught, you deserve it. I've long accepted this world."
"But my friends… they weren't criminals! It's the Han family targeting me!"
Cao Yang laughed bitterly. "Why would the Han family target you? Were your friends innocent? Of course not. Everyone commits crimes. Why single out your people?"
"Are they guilty or not?"
"Your mistress Bai Xue runs Lushan Group. Doesn't she take profits from gambling and illicit activities?"
"Your little lover Lei Yu runs a gaming hall. Doesn't she pocket the profits?"
"Did your subordinates Liang Feng or Lei Dian commit murder?"
"Don't talk about mistresses—they're my treasures."
"How long has Bai Xue been in charge? Before her, Lushan Group existed. Why didn't you take action then?"
"There are dozens of gaming halls in Guancheng. Why only target Lei Yu's?"
"Liang Feng? He's innocent. He only killed to save police lives. Who he killed wasn't innocent?"
"Cao Yang, this is sophistry! No matter what you say, they committed crimes—and you embezzled state assets. That's undeniable!"
Cao Yang exploded. "Chu Tianxing, I could understand you so far, but embezzling state assets? Do you even know who's actually responsible? It's not me!"
"Your Chu family embezzled to help the Han family. Now that it's exposed, everything is pinned on me. You thieves crying 'stop thief!'"
Cao Yang was livid. The embezzlers were Chu Baiwei and Han family. He and Yang Xiaowan took the fall.
Previously, Yang Xiaowan's case was judged separately from Bai Xue's. Cao Yang wasn't caught; she took all the blame and got a life sentence!
Meanwhile, Chu Baiwei walked free—and even received praise in reports for cleverly uncovering corruption, saving billions for the group.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Your demands won't be met."
"Then there's nothing to negotiate?" Cao Yang prepared to hang up.
"Cao Yang, do you really think you've got the upper hand?"
"Do you really think we can't handle you?"