Chapter 22: Bargaining with a Tiger
Wu Li Hong flipped through the notebook, her expression turning to one of utter shock.
Just as Chen Xue Wen had said, she had followed Zhou Wan Cheng for a long time. Spending most of her time in nightclubs, she had developed a sharp understanding of Peaceful City and even all of Peaceful Province’s major figures.
The names written in this notebook—though unfamiliar to Chen Xue Wen—were crystal clear to her. She knew exactly who these people were.
Among them were individuals who often appeared on television, true powerhouses capable of shaking all of Peaceful Province, men who could cover the sky with a single hand.
After scanning the contents, Wu Li Hong took a deep breath and said in a grave tone, “Chen Xue Wen, do you realize the weight of what’s inside this notebook?”
“If its contents were exposed, who knows how many major figures in Peaceful Province would end up behind bars.”
Chen Xue Wen remained composed. “Tell me about their identities.”
Wu Li Hong hesitated, then fixed her gaze on him. “I know what you’re trying to do!”
“You want to use this as leverage to force these big shots into clearing your name, to help you escape tonight’s situation and stay alive.”
“But Chen Xue Wen, let me remind you—what you’re attempting is like bargaining with a tiger!”
Chen Xue Wen’s expression didn’t waver. It was as if he hadn’t heard her words at all.
Growing anxious, Wu Li Hong raised her voice. “Chen Xue Wen, do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Do you really think you can hold these people hostage with evidence just like Zhou Wan Cheng did?”
“Let me tell you—it’s impossible!”
She started listing out her analysis, counting on her fingers. “Zhou Wan Cheng was someone with a massive network. He had powerful backers. Those big shots wouldn’t dare touch him recklessly, so they had no choice but to tolerate his threats.”
“But you? You have no background, no power. Any one of them could crush you with a flick of a finger.”
“Trying to negotiate with this notebook? You’re just signing your own death warrant!”
Chen Xue Wen glanced at her and replied calmly, “I understand everything you’re saying.”
“But do you think I have another choice?”
“In my current situation, I can either take a gamble with this notebook, or I can wait for death.”
Wu Li Hong opened her mouth but found no words. In the end, she could only sigh.
She thought about it carefully, then decided to tell him everything she knew about the names in the notebook.
Chen Xue Wen listened intently, analyzing everything rapidly in his mind.
By the time she finished, he had a clear picture of the power structures at play.
Zhou Wan Cheng’s business revolved around smuggling.
The big shots in the notebook? They were all connected to his trade.
But as Chen Xue Wen assessed their backgrounds, he realized that none of them had the influence to resolve his predicament.
They could support Zhou Wan Cheng’s business, but tonight’s matter was beyond their reach.
Frowning in deep thought, he suddenly asked, “Earlier, you mentioned that Zhou Wan Cheng had someone powerful backing him. Do you know who it is?”
Wu Li Hong shook her head. “I don’t. But I remember Zhou Hao drunkenly boasting that his father’s background was so deep that no one could afford to provoke him.”
Chen Xue Wen narrowed his eyes. “Judging from the way Zhou Wan Cheng handled things tonight, he must have killed before. When he did, who cleaned up the mess for him?”
Wu Li Hong’s eyes lit up. “Now that you mention it, I remember something.”
“Zhou Wan Cheng had ties to Fifth Master Hou from West City District. His business was under Fifth Master Hou’s protection.”
“Whenever Zhou Hao caused trouble he couldn’t handle, it was Fifth Master Hou who cleaned up the mess.”
Chen Xue Wen had heard of Fifth Master Hou—one of the real underground bosses of Peaceful City. His influence was immense, spanning both the underworld and the law. No one dared challenge him.
But he hadn’t expected Zhou Wan Cheng to have connections with such a figure.
Now that Wu Li Hong mentioned it, he recalled seeing some transaction records in the notebook—money flowing from Zhou Wan Cheng to Fifth Master Hou.
That confirmed it. Fifth Master Hou was part of Zhou Wan Cheng’s backing.
This realization gave Chen Xue Wen an idea.
He stood up immediately, picking up the notebook.
Ripping out half of the pages, he turned to Wu Li Hong and asked, “Will you do me one more favor?”
She hesitated, glancing at the torn notebook in his hands. After a brief moment of thought, she nodded. “What is it?”
Chen Xue Wen handed her the ripped pages. “I’m going to talk to Fifth Master Hou. Keep these hidden for me.”
Wu Li Hong’s eyes reddened slightly. She looked at him and whispered, “Are you insane?”
“You have no idea what kind of relationship Fifth Master Hou had with Zhou Wan Cheng! If he wants revenge for Zhou Wan Cheng, what will you do then?”
Chen Xue Wen chuckled. “If Fifth Master Hou seeks revenge, then I’ll fight my way out again.”
“If I survive, I’ll leave Peaceful City for good and run as far as I can.”
“If I don’t make it, send this evidence to the Provincial City Enforcement Team.”
Tears welled up in Wu Li Hong’s eyes.
She knew that going to Fifth Master Hou was a death wish.
Unlike Zhou Wan Cheng, Fifth Master Hou was a true kingpin. His bodyguards were leagues beyond those of any smuggler.
If Chen Xue Wen fell into his hands, there would be no escape.
“Alright. I promise!” Wu Li Hong bit her lip and nodded.
Chen Xue Wen smiled at her. “Thanks.”
“Now go. I have some things to take care of.”
Wu Li Hong hesitated, wanting to say something, but in the end, she turned away with tears in her eyes and disappeared into the snow.
Chen Xue Wen watched her leave, exhaling deeply.
His revenge was complete. Now, he had to fight for his survival.
If he won, he would reclaim his freedom.
If he lost, he would die.
He picked up a blade from the ground, walked over to Zhou Wan Cheng’s corpse, and severed his head.
Wrapping it up, he grabbed the bloodstained package, found a motorcycle in the courtyard, and rode off into the blizzard.
His destination—Fifth Master Hou’s residence.
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation