Zheng Zhiyuan’s solemn expression made Ye Fan nod calmly.
“President Zheng worries about matters in Jiangcheng, and I naturally won’t obstruct you. However, you promised me earlier that you would clear my name. Please don’t forget that.”
After smiling at President Zheng, Ye Fan left.
Watching Ye Fan’s retreating figure, Zheng Zhiyuan’s gaze deepened, and a flicker of coldness flashed in the depths of his eyes, disappearing as quickly as it appeared.
Late at night, Shen Bao went to brief his subordinates. Ye Fan was alone in his room.
Law enforcers stood guard, ensuring no one from the Dark Alliance could escape.
Just as Ye Fan finished his ablutions and prepared for bed, there was a knock on his door.
Opening the door, he saw Zheng Zhiyuan standing outside, holding a bottle of red wine.
“I’m bored late at night and wanted to share a drink with Brother Ye. Would you be amenable?”
With a faint smile on his face, Zheng Zhiyuan asked Ye Fan.
Ye Fan naturally wouldn’t refuse and invited Zheng Zhiyuan in.
“President Zheng has such refined leisure; how could I possibly refuse?”
Saying so, he took out two wine glasses from the cabinet and placed them on the table.
The two sat down, each pouring themselves a glass of wine.
“Twenty-year-old Polish red wine. This is a good wine I’ve cherished for many years.”
Looking at the red liquid in the glass, Ye Fan took a light sip, finding it sweet and fragrant.
“Indeed, a fine wine,” Ye Fan commented with a smile, setting down his glass.
Hearing Ye Fan’s praise, President Zheng’s smile widened. “Brother Ye, how much do you know about the Dark Alliance?”
Leaning back in his chair, President Zheng asked with a profound gaze.
“The Dark Alliance?”
Ye Fan paused. He knew Zheng Zhiyuan’s visit wasn’t just for a drink. There must be something else, and it seemed to be related to the Dark Alliance.
“The Dark Alliance is the underground king of Jiangcheng’s antique circle, composed of four major families. Their strength should not be underestimated; almost every family has a history of over a hundred years,” Ye Fan stated calmly, having learned this information from Elder Ji.
Zheng Zhiyuan nodded. “You are correct. The Dark Alliance is indeed the underground emperor of Jiangcheng, not only because of their deep foundations but also because of their exceptional appraisal skills. In Jiangcheng’s antique trade, there are only a few Level 2 appraisers on the surface. However, in reality, all four major families have Level 1 appraisers. But these are old antiques; they rarely appear in public and only surface when their family’s survival is at stake.”
Zheng Zhiyuan’s gaze swept over the window, his eyes holding a trace of coolness.
“Therefore, what you see are merely the overt four major families. If you truly anger them, the consequences will be unimaginable.”
His tone grew increasingly serious, and Zheng Zhiyuan turned to look at Ye Fan, his gaze complex.
Ye Fan, meanwhile, frowned slightly, scrutinizing Zheng Zhiyuan.
“Are you suggesting I shouldn’t provoke Liu Yuan and the others, President Zheng?”
A hint of confusion flickered in his eyes, Ye Fan asked with bewilderment.
What was Zheng Zhiyuan’s purpose in seeking him out? He kept bringing up the four major families, yet they were already opposed to the City Lord’s mansion. At this point, did he still intend to protect their interests?
But why had he told Lin Yue about Liu Yuan’s affairs earlier?
This Zheng Zhiyuan was perplexing Ye Fan. Which side was he truly on?
Seeing Ye Fan’s reaction, Zheng Zhiyuan chuckled, his gaze fixed on Ye Fan’s face.
“I know what you’re thinking, but I can tell you one thing right now: I am not with the four major families; they are my rivals. The reason I’m telling you all this is so you know that confronting the four major families with your own strength will likely lead to nothing but a dead end. And now, you’ve disrupted Liu Yuan’s plans and acted against him; this feud is already established. Whether you kill Liu Yuan or not, they won’t let you off easily.”
A cold smile played on Zheng Zhiyuan’s lips, his expression tinged with slyness.
Given his character, it was unprecedented for him to say so much to Ye Fan.
However, Ye Fan’s brow furrowed. He understood Zheng Zhiyuan’s intention now: he was blackmailing him!
Using the four major families’ retaliation as leverage explained why he had described their terrible power in such detail. This Zheng Zhiyuan was truly trying hard.
Ye Fan also let out a cold laugh. “Thank you for your warning, President Zheng. However, since I’ve already offended them, do you have any good solutions to deal with this?”
Since Zheng Zhiyuan had put so much thought into this, he must have a fallback plan for him. This was his true purpose for visiting tonight.
As expected, Zheng Zhiyuan smiled and nodded. “After all, you are a rising star in Jiangcheng’s antique circle, and our future hope. How could I stand by and watch you get into trouble? I have already discussed it with City Lord Lin. As long as you surrender to us from now on and stand on our side, then if the Dark Alliance makes a move against you, it will be equivalent to declaring war on the City Lord’s mansion. City Lord Lin naturally won’t stand idly by, and the Dark Alliance will also be wary, not daring to act rashly against you.”
Zheng Zhiyuan watched Ye Fan’s expression, awaiting his reply.
He had laid out the gravity and benefits of the situation clearly to Ye Fan. In his opinion, Ye Fan had no reason to refuse him.
However, Ye Fan’s answer left him stunned.
“If the City Lord’s mansion can protect me, why don’t they directly go to war with the Dark Alliance?”
Ye Fan met Zheng Zhiyuan’s gaze, a faint smile in the depths of his eyes.
Seeing Ye Fan’s expression, President Zheng didn’t know how to answer for a moment.
Ye Fan, meanwhile, picked up his wine glass and took a drink.
“I know the Dark Alliance is powerful, but the barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes. If they dare to retaliate against me, I will let them know what it means to collapse.”
His eyes narrowed, and a terrifying chill suddenly erupted from him.
At that instant, the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
This sent shivers down Zheng Zhiyuan’s spine.
Unable to help but shiver, Zheng Zhiyuan finally sighed. “Ye Fan, I hope you will seriously consider my proposal. Our goals are the same: to eradicate the Dark Alliance, this tumor in Jiangcheng’s antique circle. Since that is the case, why can’t we cooperate? I know you have reservations about the City Lord’s mansion, but it is best not to contend with officials. In Jiangcheng, the City Lord’s mansion is the sole authority. Anyone who tries to fight the City Lord’s mansion will only meet a dead end in the end. Why waste your bright future for your own ideals? I can guarantee you that as long as you help the City Lord’s mansion eliminate the Dark Alliance, the City Lord’s mansion will not treat you unfairly. In the future of Jiangcheng’s antique circle, you, Ye Fan, will be the one in charge. What do you say?”
Zheng Zhiyuan once again dangled a great temptation.
This time, even Ye Fan couldn’t help but be tempted.
What he had always wanted was to establish himself firmly in Jiangcheng and be free from danger.
And now, this was an excellent opportunity.