Chapter 22: Dealing with the Tiger

Wu Lihong flipped through the notebook, her expression one of utter astonishment.

Just as Chen Xuewen had said, she had spent a long time following Zhou Hao, and having primarily frequented nightclubs, she possessed a fairly solid understanding of the prominent figures in Pingcheng and throughout Pingnan Province.

The names and faces recorded in the notebook—people Chen Xuewen might not have recognized—were individuals whose true identities were crystal clear to Wu Lihong. Among them were influential figures frequently seen on television, the kind of powerful people who could truly command the winds and rain across Pingnan Province, wielding influence that could cover the heavens with a single hand.

After reading through the contents, Wu Lihong took a deep breath and said in a grave voice, "Chen Xuewen, do you even realize what this notebook represents? If the contents of this book were to be exposed, I don't know how many high-ranking officials in Pingnan Province would end up behind bars."

Chen Xuewen remained calm. "Tell me the identities of these people."

Wu Lihong did not answer. Instead, she stared at him. "I know what you're trying to do. You want to use this evidence to blackmail those figures, to force them to resolve tonight's situation, clear your name, and buy your survival. But Chen Xuewen, let me warn you: doing this is no different than asking a tiger for its skin."

Chen Xuewen’s expression remained as still as water, as if he hadn't heard her.

Growing anxious, Wu Lihong raised her voice. "Chen Xuewen, do you understand what I'm saying? Do you think that by holding this evidence, you can threaten those powerful people just like Zhou Wancheng did? I’m telling you, it’s impossible."

She began counting off on her fingers. "What kind of man was Zhou Wancheng? He had a massive power base and someone backing him up, which is why those big shots didn't dare move against him and had to submit to his threats. But you? You are different. You have no background, no power; those people could crush you with a single finger. In this situation, going to them to bargain with this notebook is no different than seeking your own death."

Chen Xuewen glanced at her and said indifferently, "I understand all that. But do you think I have any other choice? In my current predicament, it's either take a gamble with this book or wait for death."

Wu Lihong opened her mouth to speak, but ultimately, she could only sigh. Chen Xuewen was truly backed into a corner; he had no choice but to try. After a moment of contemplation, she finally laid out the identities and backgrounds of every person listed in the notebook for him.

As she spoke, Chen Xuewen analyzed the information in his mind. Once she finished, he had a clear picture of the landscape. Zhou Wancheng had been in the smuggling business, and these powerful figures were all tied to his operations. After carefully reviewing them, Chen Xuewen realized that no single person on the list was capable of resolving his immediate crisis. While they had provided business support to Zhou Wancheng, the current situation was beyond their reach.

He pondered for a moment, then looked at Wu Lihong. "You mentioned earlier that Zhou Wancheng had other forces backing him. Do you know who exactly was supporting him?"

Wu Lihong shook her head. "I don't know. Zhou Hao once got drunk and slammed the table, boasting that his father had a deep background and that no one dared to provoke him."

Chen Xuewen frowned. "Judging by the way Zhou Wancheng acted tonight, he must have killed people before, right? When he did those things in the past, was there no one there to help him cover his tracks?"