"It seems only better satellite communication equipment can establish contact with the outside world. Perhaps all our communications are being monitored!"
Long Jiuhua's expression grew increasingly grim. After reminding everyone, he cast a deep look at Zhao Shijun.
"Zhao Shijun, think carefully. Have you offended anyone significant recently?"
Long Jiuhua's tone was tinged with urgency. The current situation was undeniably abnormal.
Everyone's gaze fell upon Zhao Shijun. Those present were all intelligent individuals with a strong sense of impending danger. In an instant, a collective desire to retreat washed over them. This place was unsafe. If necessary, they would have to evacuate. As businessmen, their own interests were paramount. Faced with potential losses, they would undoubtedly strive to minimize them. Retreating now might be the best option.
Zhao Shijun, who had managed to maintain some composure, found his emotions instantly strained by Long Jiuhua's question and the collective scrutiny. He took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and shook his head. "President Long, I truly haven't offended anyone recently. It's just that the casino incident was a bit high-profile, but it shouldn't have caused such a significant stir. I only wanted to use this opportunity to deal with our disloyal butler and consolidate my position!"
With the situation escalating, Zhao Shijun laid bare all his actions. He was now pleading for help from these people. Whether they could overcome this crisis depended entirely on them. If they were willing to exert themselves, there might be a chance. If not, Zhao Shijun's pleas would be in vain. There seemed to be no other more convincing argument to solicit their assistance. Ultimately, it all boiled down to self-interest.
With this in mind, Zhao Shijun quickly added, "Esteemed elders, this is the first time I've encountered something like this. But I can confirm that I haven't offended anyone recently. This incident is sudden and very peculiar. Are they truly preventing our Zhao family from rising? Am I being targeted just because I've made some money?"
If these words were spoken under different circumstances, they might have garnered sympathy. However, coming from Zhao Shijun now, his intention was clear: he wanted to tie everyone to his fate. The others were seasoned veterans, and the more he insisted, the more suspicious it became. Their gazes flickered, eventually settling on one person: Long Jiuhua. Everything now depended on Long Jiuhua's decision. As the President of the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and the overseer of national commerce, Long Jiuhua's status was transcendent. His personal assets might not even be significantly less than Zhao Shijun's, and his influence and deterrent effect were far beyond Zhao Shijun's reach.
At this moment, Zhao Shijun also focused his gaze on Long Jiuhua, awaiting his response.
"Let's wait a bit longer. Let's see if there are any further developments at the Zhao family ancestral home..."
After a moment of hesitation, Long Jiuhua made his statement. However, as he was midway through his sentence, his wristwatch began to vibrate urgently. The rapid frequency prompted Long Jiuhua to accelerate his movements. A single glance caused his expression to change drastically. The message was concise, containing only four words: "Leave the scene!" The text was encrypted, so the people around could only see Long Jiuhua's changing expression, not the information conveyed on his watch.
As everyone watched in astonishment, wondering why Long Jiuhua's face had contorted so, he suddenly said sternly to those beside him, "Go!" Two personal bodyguards followed closely, moving away at a speed that ordinary running could not match. This left the surrounding crowd dumbfounded.
"Elder Long, what's going on?"
"President Long, what happened? Please explain!"
Several people hurried after him, creating a commotion. Zhao Shijun, jolted awake, cursed Long Jiuhua for deserting him at a critical moment and quickly pursued.
"President Long, what are you..."
Before Zhao Shijun could finish his sentence, the sound of roaring engines echoed from below the mansion. War vehicles arrived, all bearing the markings of the Kyoto Military Region. Elite soldiers disembarked, swiftly surrounding the mansion.
"People from the Military Region? Are these guys crazy?" Zhao Shijun exclaimed upon seeing the situation outside. He then gestured, and numerous people emerged from the mansion's surroundings – the hidden bodyguards. However, upon seeing the elite soldiers outside, at least a third of them cowered. The previously convivial wine reception completely collapsed. Everyone stared at the scene in horror, completely bewildered by what was happening.
"President Long, what's the deal with these Military Region personnel?" someone caught up to Long Jiuhua, asking anxiously. Long Jiuhua had clearly received a message prompting his earlier departure, but he had still been a step too late. Therefore, he must know what was happening. Long Jiuhua looked back at the questioner and finally sighed helplessly. "I don't know the specifics. But one thing is certain: these people are not to be trifled with. Since we can't escape, let's unite. I believe even the high officials will have to consider the gravity of the situation!"
"Yes, everyone, don't panic. They're just some crude barbarians. I'll put pressure on their superiors right now!" Someone produced a satellite phone, clearly underestimating the people outside.
"Hmph, this is outrageous!"
"Exactly, we must teach them a lesson this time!"
"They think they're so powerful just because they're holding guns? Hmph, truly ignorant!"
"I donate so much money to your Military Region every year, and this is how you repay me? Get out of my way!"
At some point, someone walked to the entrance and began shouting insults at the soldiers guarding it. The commotion was significant, drawing the attention of many. To everyone's surprise, the soldiers' response was decisive.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out. The man who had been shouting fell silent, his wide eyes filled with terror and disbelief. He had no chance to comprehend what was happening, as the bullet hole in his forehead had ended his life. The scene fell into dead silence, halting everyone's actions. Even Long Jiuhua's eyes widened in horror, and he gritted his teeth, "How dare they do this? Whose order is this?!"
Zhao Shijun began to tremble uncontrollably. He had never imagined that people from the Military Region would dare to open fire. Were these people truly insane? Didn't they know the identities of those present today? The impact of a death occurring here would be immense. Had they not considered that? Or were they intending to… kill everyone here?!