Han Shifei, as the leader of the largest underworld force in Yongnan County, possessed power far beyond that of petty figures like the Guo family. His ability to casually produce ten million previously was a testament to this.
Therefore, Qin Chuan understood this would be a tough fight. He was facing his first truly formidable opponent since his rebirth, someone he had to treat with utmost seriousness. His current foundation was still quite weak.
In terms of financial resources, he couldn't compare to Han Shifei.
In terms of connections, he likely couldn't either.
In terms of manpower, the gap was probably considerable.
All these factors indicated that Han Shifei would be a difficult adversary. Especially since Han Shifei was a seasoned gangster, unpredictable and prone to resorting to underhanded tactics. Who knew what dirty tricks that old rogue might employ?
There was also a crucial aspect: Qin Chuan's current construction project was in collaboration with Han Shifei. If they fell out, the supply of sand would be immediately cut off. Sand was an indispensable building material for construction. If Han Shifei stopped supplying it, the project would halt.
"In the past, I considered setting up my own sand quarry. It's 'black gold,' a foolproof business. But I shelved the idea back then due to fear of Han Shifei's influence," Qin Chuan mused. "I didn't expect to be unable to avoid him in the end!"
"Brother Dao, Yao Dong, and Xiao Guang, I have a question for you," Qin Chuan said.
"Boss, feel free to ask anything," the three replied, their attention immediately focused.
Qin Chuan paused, then asked Bai Xiaoguang to summon his elder brothers. Liu Dong was not called, as Qin Chuan considered only these five to be truly trustworthy. If he was to confront Han Shifei, many things needed to remain confidential.
Soon, Qin Yang and Qin Gang arrived. The brothers had been on external surveillance and were unaware of what had transpired in the colored steel room. This brief half-hour could potentially reshape the power dynamics of Yongnan County.
"Xiao Chuan, what's wrong? Why did you suddenly call us both here?" Qin Er Ge, the more impatient of the two, asked as soon as he entered. Qin Yang, being more composed, picked up a piece of leftover watermelon from the table and began eating, quietly waiting for his third brother to speak.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, it's like this..." Qin Chuan briefly recounted the events. The usually carefree Qin Er Ge was stunned into silence, his eyes wide and a visible aura of hostility beginning to form between his brows.
"Damn Han Shifei, I'll curse his ancestors for eight generations!" Qin Yang didn't curse aloud, but the grim expression on his face said it all.
"Xiao Chuan, whatever you decide, we'll follow your lead!" Qin Er Ge urged anxiously. Although he knew Han Shifei was formidable, when it came to the safety of his family and their future, he was ready to confront anyone, no matter how powerful. It was the spirit of "daring to pull down the emperor if one risks their skin." Even a cornered rabbit would bite.
"The most critical issue we face right now is sand!" Qin Chuan stated. "This is where our connection with Han Shifei is strongest. Before we completely break ties, we must resolve this matter first!"
"To avoid being controlled by Han Shifei, we need to find another source of sand immediately."
"Boss!" Bai Xiaoguang interjected. "This problem will be difficult to solve. Han Shifei is undoubtedly the overlord of the sand quarry industry in our county, monopolizing the business! No one else will sell us sand, and no one else has such a large supply capacity!"
Qin Chuan nodded. "I know, which is why what I'm about to say is the key point!" The five men eagerly leaned in.
Qin Chuan surveyed them and slowly continued, "Originally, I intended to establish my own sand quarry, but time is of the essence, and Han Shifei won't give us time. Our county is close to the Yellow River, just a step away from Shaanxi Province! Shaanxi has sand quarries, and I don't believe Han Shifei's influence extends to quarry owners in other provinces!"
Before Qin Chuan could finish, the eyes of the five men in the colored steel room lit up.
"Boss, you mean we should contact sand quarry owners in Shaanxi beforehand..." Yao Dong quickly followed up.
"Not just contact, but directly finalize cooperation!" Qin Chuan declared decisively, as he knew a complete rupture with Han Shifei was inevitable. While this would increase transportation costs, no one would quibble over minor expenses at this juncture. If they could bring down Han Shifei, his sand quarries and other assets would become theirs, a far more lucrative reward.
"Who is willing to go and handle this for me?" Qin Chuan asked.
"Xiao Chuan, I'll go!" Qin Er Ge immediately volunteered. He was no longer the country bumpkin he was more than half a year ago. Following Qin Chuan, he had learned much and met many people.
"Xiao Guang, you go with Second Brother to handle this matter!" Qin Chuan instructed. "Leave now! This card has fifty thousand yuan, the password is six fives. Be careful, both of you." Qin Chuan deliberated for a moment before handing over a card from his bag.
Bai Xiaoguang nodded firmly. "As long as I'm there, I guarantee nothing will go wrong!" With that, they left together.
"Brother Dao!" "Yao Dong!" After the two departed, Qin Chuan turned his attention to Zheng Chengdao and Yao Dong. They instinctively straightened up.
"I need detailed information on Han Shifei, including his businesses, his key subordinates, even how many mistresses and children he has. The more detailed, the better!" Zheng Chengdao and Yao Dong both nodded and then strode out of the colored steel room.
Only Qin Chuan and his eldest brother, Qin Yang, remained.
"Big Brother!" Qin Chuan called out. Qin Yang instinctively straightened up. Upon closer inspection, one could see a flicker of rage and passion deep within the usually honest and kind Qin Yang's eyes. It was evident that Han Shifei's actions had truly pushed an honest person to their limit to evoke such a reaction.
Qin Chuan noticed this and quickly reassured him, "Brother, don't worry, for now, Han Shifei definitely won't move against us within three days!" Qin Yang remained silent.
Qin Chuan didn't press further. "Your task is to look after our construction site..." Before Qin Chuan could finish, the flicker of passion in Qin Yang's eyes quickly faded, replaced by a sense of disappointment. He had just witnessed how Qin Chuan assigned tasks: Qin Gang and Bai Xiaoguang were sent to Shaanxi to secure sand supplies, while Zheng Chengdao and Yao Dong were to investigate Han Shifei. When it came to him, his task was simply to watch the construction site, a role that had essentially not changed from before.