Chapter 331 - 179: Madness

Chapter 331: Chapter 179: Madness

When Yang Haishan arrived at the conference room, a pile of account books was already waiting at his seat. Prompted by his assistant, he spread open the latest cash flow statement. Several of his trusted financial staff huddled around the table, nervously performing final checks and preparing for the fund transfer.

"Chairman, all the liquid capital we can mobilize is here." The finance director pointed to several numbers circled in red on the statement and said cautiously, "Withdrawing a hundred million won’t be a problem, it’s just... at the end of this year..."

"Just deal with the immediate problem!"

Yang Haishan waved his hand irritably. "Delay the launch of the new production line by half a month. First, get the money the province requires. The books need to look clean—we can’t let anyone see that we’ve diverted project funds. And as for the three hundred million on the accounts, sort through it as quickly as possible. See how much of that bad debt you can recover."

The three hundred million in his account was just a figure on the books; in reality, the money had rotted away long ago.

Just as Yang Haishan finished speaking, a BOOM suddenly echoed from outside, followed by an invisible wave that swept through. The lights in the conference room flickered violently a few times.

Everyone looked up, stunned.

Yang Haishan’s heart skipped a beat. He shot to his feet, rushed to the window in a few strides, and threw open the heavy, soundproof panes.

He saw the night sky to the south of the factory complex illuminated by a dazzling golden light. The light was majestic and righteous, carrying an indescribable aura of authority, faintly forming the spectral image of a complex seal. Even from a great distance, one could feel the inviolable power it contained.

’An official seal?’

Yang Haishan’s pupils contracted. A terrible premonition washed over him like a splash of ice water, spreading instantly through his entire body. That was the direction of the security office.

Almost simultaneously, the Communication Array in his badge began to vibrate frantically, the frequency so rapid it was unnerving.

He answered instinctively, and the factory manager’s distorted shriek immediately came through:

"Chairman, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened! That group from earlier... they have an official seal from the Cabinet’s Civil Affairs Bureau! The one in charge said... our... our men just attacked them... now..."

The factory manager was incoherent.

Yang Haishan’s mind went blank. He couldn’t even make out the manager’s report. Suddenly, he remembered the order he had just given.

"Beat them up first..."

Those words echoed in his mind like a curse.

’It’s over.’

Yang Haishan felt his vision go black, his ears ringing. It was as if all the blood had instantly drained from his body, leaving him ice-cold.

Panic, like icy vines, wrapped around his heart, squeezing tighter and tighter.

But in the wake of that extreme fear, a suppressed, violent rage shot up from the darkest corner of his soul, like a striking viper.

’I’m dead either way...’

’Why should I be the one to go down?!’

’If I’m going down, I’m taking everyone with me!’

He thought of Wang Yanzhi from the banquet earlier. ’If a major incident happens on his first day in office, can he really wash his hands of it? He might even help me cover it up.’

Desperation gave way to malice.

Yang Haishan spun around, his face a mask of terror and rage, but his eyes held a mad resolve. Then, he spoke a calm command into the Communication Array:

"Listen up. There’s been an accidental fire at the factory complex. Treat all unidentified outsiders as looters taking advantage of the chaos..."

...

「The Yang Family Estate.」

It was late at night, but the inner residence of the Yang Family Estate was still brightly lit.

In the main hall, Yang Wenqing’s parents were making small talk with Li Yi and Sun Yan. Li Yi appeared extremely cautious and reserved, while Sun Yan, on the other hand, was a relative of the Yang family and made sure to keep the conversation flowing. The atmosphere was pleasant enough.

When Yang Wenqing returned, he briefly greeted his parents before beckoning Li Yi and Sun Yan toward the study.

Once in the study, Yang Wenqing personally poured them both some tea.

"There’s no need to be so formal at my home." Yang Wenqing sat down in the host’s seat, a placid smile on his face. "I invited you two over for a couple of reasons. First, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Second, you’re both new to the area, and I wanted to discuss some matters that are better not said at the branch office meetings."

He picked up his teacup, blew gently across the surface, and his calm gaze swept over them.

He had a history with Li Yi, who had also been recommended by Wang Ren, so he was a known quantity. Sun Yan had been put forward by the Sun family, whose interests were deeply intertwined with the Yang family’s, which also guaranteed his loyalty.

Placing these two in charge of the upcoming security posts for the Port District and Warehouse District was a key part of his strategy to solidify control over the New District’s public security forces. Meeting at his home fostered a sense of closeness and trust, and was far less formal than a meeting at the branch office would have been.

"Section Chief Li, the Lingshan New District is at a critical juncture where we need people, especially experienced and trustworthy veterans to take the lead." Yang Wenqing got straight to the point. "Brother Wang Ren recommended you to me, and I know you as well, so I took the liberty of having you transferred over. I hope you don’t mind."

Li Yi accepted the teacup with both hands and said quickly, "As long as you trust me, Director Yang, I will not let you down. I’ll do everything in my power to handle any task you give me."

He didn’t put on any airs despite once being Yang Wenqing’s superior.

"Good. That’s the spirit."

Yang Wenqing nodded, satisfied with his tactful attitude. "The specifics of your duties will be laid out at the branch meeting tomorrow. For now, familiarize yourself with the New District. Stay in close communication with Director Liao over at the Civil Affairs Bureau, as well as our branch’s Deputy Director Wang Hai. If you’re ever unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to find me."

"Yes, Director," Li Yi replied solemnly.

Next, Yang Wenqing turned to Sun Yan. Given the kinship and intertwined interests between their two families, the conversation that followed was similar in substance to the one he’d just had with Li Yi.