"You?"
Ye Qingping stared steadily at the anxious face before him, his expression shifting.
Compared to Zhou Congrong and Xiao Guodong, Qin Chuan's situation was considerably more complicated. The Han family's primary target for revenge was him; in essence, Qin Chuan was directly responsible for the downfall of the Han brothers. Zhou Congrong and Xiao Guodong were merely icing on the cake. Without Qin Chuan, the Han brothers would undoubtedly still be living comfortably.
Furthermore, the Han brothers had also issued a statement, specifically asking Zhou Congrong and Xiao Guodong to relay their message: they intended to retaliate against Qin Chuan.
Additionally, Qin Chuan was not a public official. Compared to Zhou Congrong and Xiao Guodong, there were far fewer scruples regarding him.
Considering all these factors, the situation Qin Chuan faced was much more severe than that of Director Zhou and Deputy Director Xiao.
"Qin Chuan, don't blame me for speaking harshly, nor should you think we are ungrateful or disloyal. Your situation is far more complex than Director Zhou's and Deputy Director Xiao's."
"If you could remain safely in Yongnan County like them, then perhaps I would still have some capacity to protect you," Ye Qingping said slowly, after a long period of deliberation and careful choice of words.
As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere in the private room became incredibly oppressive. All eyes fell on Qin Chuan, each person's expression complex.
"However, if you stay in Yongnan County, what about your businesses outside? Especially the MP3 project you recently launched, which is in Longcheng, a territory controlled by the Han family," Ye Qingping continued.
Qin Chuan's expression grew increasingly grim. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.
"Qin Chuan!"
Xiao Guodong couldn't bear to see this. The situation made it seem as though they were abandoning him. In the matter of the Han brothers, they had benefited no less than Qin Chuan. All three of them had been promoted and enriched because of it. Now, to be unable to offer protection—anyone in their position would surely feel it was unfair!
But reality was indeed cruel. It wasn't that they didn't want to protect Qin Chuan, but that they lacked the ability. The Han family had too much influence, so much so that even their level of authority was precarious, requiring Ye Qingping's assistance. If Qin Chuan wanted safety, he could only stay in Yongnan County and not go anywhere. But was that even possible?
The oppressive atmosphere in the spacious private room grew heavier, like a massive stone pressing down on everyone's hearts. Everyone felt incredibly restless, lighting cigarettes one after another. Soon, the room was filled with a haze of smoke.
"Qin Chuan, why don't you put your outside businesses aside for now and lie low?" Zhou Congrong suggested hesitantly.
"At your age, to have built businesses of this scale is already remarkable. Even without those outside ventures, everything we have in our county is enough for you to live very comfortably. In all of Yongnan County, no one can compare to you." Ye Qingping added, "Our Ye family does indeed come from the capital, and we have some influence."
"But that influence often only extends to gaining some favors within a small scope in the capital. In places like Longcheng, let alone me, even elders in my family wouldn't have enough influence to intervene."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
Xiao Guodong quickly chimed in, "As long as the green hills remain, there will be wood to burn. Qin Chuan, you are still very young. Endure for a few years, and once the Han family cools down, you can slowly develop."
"Secretary Ye just said that as long as you stay in Yongnan County, he can provide you with protection!"
Wang Ping'an added at the end, "This is not the time for impulsive actions!"
Amidst the chorus of pleas, Qin Chuan merely lowered his head and smoked silently, one cigarette after another. After an unknown period, he slowly lifted his head.
Ye Qingping, Zhou Congrong, Xiao Guodong, and Wang Ping'an, who had been watching him intently, all let out a gasp of shock. Qin Chuan's usually calm and gentle jet-black eyes were now blood-red, looking terrifying.
"Qin Chuan, are you alright?" The four were filled with anxiety, worried that the day's events might cause some change in Qin Chuan's disposition, which would be disastrous.
"I'm fine!" Under everyone's worried gaze, Qin Chuan slowly grinned, revealing a row of pearly white teeth. Yet, his eyes remained terrifyingly red, like an ancient beast awakened.
"I heard everything you just said. Don't worry, I'm not someone who doesn't understand reason, and I understand everyone's difficulties. So, I don't resent anyone," Qin Chuan said with a smile, baring his teeth.
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Their greatest fear was that this incident would create a rift between them, which would be a tremendous loss for both sides. Qin Chuan's current strength in Yongnan County was absolutely formidable; no businessman could match him. Without a monumental reason, no one would want to fall out with Qin Chuan. This was the most direct manifestation of a merchant's rise to power. When your strength reaches a certain level, everywhere you go, you find friends and goodwill.
"However... asking me to give up my businesses in Longcheng and even the capital and henceforth cower in this small county, afraid to go anywhere, is absolutely impossible!"
Just as everyone's spirits began to lift, Qin Chuan's words made their hearts tighten once more.
"Qin Chuan, you..." Wang Ping'an anxiously tried to speak, but Qin Chuan raised his hand to stop him.
"Everyone, please stop talking. I know you all mean well for me, but I have reasons to go to Longcheng and the capital that I cannot ignore!" Qin Chuan said resolutely, his tone unwavering.
What a joke! Not to mention the MP3 factory in Longcheng, even if there wasn't one, Teacher Yang was there. How could Qin Chuan not go? As for the laboratory in the capital, it was a technological framework that Qin Chuan had painstakingly built. It was the most critical link in his future business layout; how could he abandon it so easily?
Moreover, Qin Chuan truly didn't believe that the Han family in Longcheng had the influence to affect the capital. To prevent future incidents, he had already included the young masters Ye Huaian and Zhong Dongyao as shareholders, and even Qingbei University was a major shareholder—an early strategic move. If the Han family truly had the power to easily destroy the laboratory, then Qin Chuan would have no complaints about losing to such an opponent.
"If this Longcheng Han family wants to retaliate, then let them come!"
"I, Qin Chuan, am not intimidated!"
As he spoke, an extremely sharp aura emanated from Qin Chuan, like a peerless sword unsheathed.
"If I were to be scared by just one sentence from the Han Shifei brothers as they left, forcing me to hide in this insignificant Yongnan County and never venture out again, then I might as well give up on my dreams of building a large and strong business and pack my bags to leave!"
Witnessing the overwhelming dominance Qin Chuan displayed, Ye Qingping, Zhou Congrong, Xiao Guodong, and Wang Ping'an were deeply shaken. At that moment, the four finally understood why Qin Chuan could build his business so rapidly and forge such strong connections. The courage and daring possessed by this young man before them were truly beyond any of them. Such a person was born a true dragon, and few hardships or obstacles could truly contain him.
"Qin Chuan, rest assured!"
"As long as I hold this position as secretary, I will absolutely protect your family and friends!" Ye Qingping declared loudly.
"And us!" Seemingly inspired by Qin Chuan's immense courage and boldness, Zhou Congrong and Xiao Guodong also spoke up.
"Thank you all!" The red glow in Qin Chuan's eyes gradually faded. He clasped his fists and thanked everyone.