The impression readers have of Purple Flute Returns—if you have time, please check it out—Zhang Xingming was seated, feeling like his head had ballooned by a full circle. He was stunned.

All along, he had believed he understood the background of Shengshi Dynasty perfectly. In fact, he had inquired: a young man from a northern city made a fortune speculating on raw jade, and because he was attending university in Jiangzhou, he opened this shop on Nanjing Road—nothing more.

With a bit of pocket money, this person thought he could break into the jewelry industry and establish himself on Nanjing Road? Zhang Xingming disdained even to offer a sneer. Never mind how deep the waters of the jewelry industry run, just the rent on Nanjing Road—it was uncertain whether he could even make enough to cover it.

Thus, he hadn't taken Wang Zhuo or Shengshi Dynasty seriously at all. In his mind, dealing with such an opponent required no effort. Today, he’d send the Urban Management Bureau (Chengguan) over to cause trouble; tomorrow, he’d call the Fire Department to mandate a temporary shutdown for inspection. A few rounds of this, and the opponent would surely go bankrupt.

Zhang Xingming had even planned the subsequent moves and had already begun public relations. He had the connections left by his father, and money to grease the wheels; doing these things was second nature to him, incredibly easy.

As for whether the relevant departments would be swayed to his side? That wasn't even a question. Even the courts often favored the plaintiff over the defendant—surely the relevant departments wouldn't refuse to take benefits from Zhang Xingming after taking them from Shengshi Dynasty?

Zhang Xingming was offering them a two-way stream of income: one, the direct benefits he provided, and two, exposing Shengshi Dynasty’s weakness, showing everyone it was a soft persimmon easily bullied.

Today was the debut of the vanguard—the Urban Management squadron. When Zhang Xingming, watching the excitement from behind the window of his Tianyuan Jewelry’s second floor, saw Wang Zhuo trip that plainclothes Chengguan officer named Huang Song, he was so excited he almost cheered. Daring to strike a Chengguan? This escalated the situation significantly; the minimum penalty would be detention, no escape.

What followed was even more satisfying for him: even the hastily arrived Chengguan squadron was swept away by the audacious young boss next door. This, this—this was simply a legendary, fiercely bold youth! Zhang Xingming could already foresee his rival's fate: criminal detention, public prosecution, sentencing, or at the very least, re-education through labor.

Once the boss was serving time, the shop definitely couldn't stay open. Amidst his delight, Zhang Xingming felt a pang of regret. If simply showing the Chengguan’s face was enough to handle the opponent, why did he waste resources treating the inspectors, the fire safety officials, and the tax auditors to dinners?

Regardless, Boss Zhang’s mood remained excellent. So, when he received a call from Zhang Dongsheng at the Chengguan Brigade office, he readily agreed, promising to take Zhang Dongsheng and the brothers who helped out to a nightclub for a grand time after everything was settled.

Since Zhang Dongsheng had helped him accomplish this major task, he felt giving him several tens of thousands in return was only right. Wasn't a man simply living for reputation? You give me face; I'll give you even more face.

Next, Zhang Xingming watched from the second floor as the Chengguan vehicles arrived, Director Zhang arrived, the Enforcement Brigade arrived, and they even brought out the sealing tape... Wait, why were two uninvited guests here too?

Through the second-floor window, Zhang Xingming was only about ten meters from Zhang Dongsheng, close enough to clearly make out his expression. He stayed hidden only to avoid suspicion, lest the people from Shengshi Dynasty noticed him and suspected his involvement.

Although he couldn't hear what Zhou Mi was saying, Zhang Xingming quickly sensed the shifting dynamics. Moments later, Zhang Dongsheng and the two men entered the neighboring shop. Zhang Xingming caught the scent: someone important had arrived to back up Shengshi Dynasty.

What kind of person could make Zhang Dongsheng so obedient? Zhang Xingming puzzled over it endlessly. After a moment of hesitation, he called Zhang Dongsheng, intending to glean some intelligence before making his next move.

Zhang Dongsheng’s phone was off. It had been on when he arrived on Nanjing Road, but now it was dead.

Zhang Xingming felt things were going south. Zhang Dongsheng turning off his phone probably meant he was afraid Zhang Xingming would call and accidentally expose him. This indicated the two arrivals had very powerful connections, connections Zhang Dongsheng dared not offend.

Zhang Xingming immediately grew restless and dispatched a trusted manager downstairs to inquire. The manager quickly returned with news: the one speaking among the two arrivals was Zhou Mi, the top secretary to the head of the Provincial Department of Construction. The other one seemed even more formidable.

Zhang Xingming instantly panicked. Anyone familiar with the heroes of Jiangzhou knew Zhou Mi; he was the foremost secretary to one of Jiangzhou's top power brokers, definitely among the "Mister" tier in the eyes of ordinary businessmen or citizens. And this "Mister" was accompanying another, more mysterious "Mister," specifically to sort things out for Shengshi Dynasty? What play was this?

With time dragging like years, Zhang Xingming relentlessly dialed Zhang Dongsheng’s mobile number, only to be met with the consistent message that the phone was switched off. Finally, he watched the Chengguan officers leave crestfallen, the work crew pack up, and those two dignitaries depart. Meanwhile, the fellow next door named Wang Zhuo was leisurely standing in the middle of the street, hands on his hips, admiring the newly hung signboard of his shop...

Having assaulted several Chengguan officers and yet standing there brazenly without consequence, Zhang Xingming's heart plummeted to the absolute bottom. This was a complete victory for the other side.

Only now did Zhang Xingming realize how isolated his information network was, how insufficient the resources he commanded. Zhou Mi alone was someone he couldn't reach even if he climbed to the top of a skyscraper, scaled a cloud ladder, and stood on tiptoe. He had no one of sufficient rank to appeal to for intervention, and nowhere to inquire about the situation’s progress.

He could only pray that his opponent would drop the matter, but that possibility was nearing zero. The other side hadn't just had Zhou Mi call Zhang Dongsheng’s superior to recall the Chengguan; that suggested they would not let the matter rest easily.

While lost in anxious thought, the phone on his desk rang. The caller ID displayed Director Zhang Dongsheng, sending a jolt through Zhang Xingming.

“You, Zhang, you’ve brought me monumental trouble. Don't blame me for not protecting you.” Zhang Dongsheng’s voice was as cold as if transmitted from the South Pole, laced with deep resentment: “The Municipal Party Committee leaders are now paying close attention to this matter. I have to go to Shengshi Dynasty to beg for forgiveness immediately. You handle yourself!”

Snap. The signal cut off. Zhang Xingming’s last thread of hope shattered. The phrase “Municipal Party Committee leaders” alone was enough to give him severe trouble.

“Boss, look! Director Zhang and Captain Zhu are back!”

The manager’s voice startled the chaotic mind of Zhang Xingming. He rushed to the window and looked down. He saw Zhang Dongsheng and Zhu Yonglong, two old acquaintances, escorting a stout, pot-bellied middle-aged man. The three walked with heavy steps toward the entrance of Shengshi Dynasty. This middle-aged man was none other than the Director of the Urban Management Sub-bureau for Nanjing Road and the surrounding area—Zhang Dongsheng's direct superior.

Seeing this lineup for "begging forgiveness," Zhang Xingming's vision went dark, and he collapsed to the side.

Ten minutes later, Wang Zhuo, having come to demand accountability, was flexing his fists, preparing to give Zhang Xingming a beating. However, he saw a 999 ambulance pull up outside. Zhang Xingming, with fresh blood streaming from his forehead, was being lifted onto a stretcher by two paramedics.

Faking it? Or a tactic of self-harm? Wang Zhuo wasn't sure. A glance with his X-ray vision confirmed it wasn't fake. Boss Zhang’s forehead bone tissue was slightly dented; a little worse and it would have been a skull fracture.

The stretcher was rushed out. A man resembling a manager hurried up to Wang Zhuo and whispered anxiously, “Boss Wang, Boss Zhang instructed me to pass a message while waiting for the ambulance. He no longer dares to claim Tianyuan Jewelry. As long as you don't make things difficult for him, you can have whatever you want...”

Wang Zhuo stared at him dumbfounded, finding it both absurd and laughable. Was Zhang Xingming scared witless, or had the fall scrambled his brains, to offer such a massive concession just to apologize? To give up his business?

In truth, Zhang Xingming wasn't making that offer out of cowardice or confusion. He understood the power of the "Guo Qi" (National Artifact/Vessel) perhaps too well. Having provoked such immense trouble, the other party could devour him whole without spitting out the bones. Forget his small Tianyuan Jewelry; he had witnessed multi-billion dollar listed companies completely wiped out.

As Wang Zhuo pondered, Director Huo, who had followed him, spoke coldly, “This fellow Zhang knows when to advance and retreat. He knows he’s provoked someone he absolutely cannot afford to offend. This is abandoning the chariot to save the king.”

“He brought this upon himself; he cannot escape the consequences,” sighed Zhang Dongsheng beside him, his remark double-edged, referring as much to himself as to Zhang Xingming.

“He wishes he could have it that easily,” Wang Zhuo scoffed. “Do I care about his lousy company? If I actually took it, I would be falling right into his trap.”

“Boss Wang, you misunderstand. He wouldn't dare,” Director Huo hastily seized the chance to redeem himself. “If you are still uneasy, leave this matter to me, Huo. I guarantee I will make this Mr. Zhang hand over this company under terms satisfactory to you, with all procedures and paperwork being perfectly legal and proper.”

Wang Zhuo glanced at him. He was quite tempted by this proposal. If Shengshi Dynasty intended to expand, the neighboring Tianyuan Jewelry was exactly the pillow one receives when needing sleep.

Although having the Chengguan handle this acquisition was slightly conspicuous, Zhang Xingming was in the wrong to begin with, and with Qin Xue forcefully in charge now, who would dare gossip about it? Moreover, Zhang Xingming was the one who used a desperate, destructive scheme against Shengshi Dynasty; Wang Zhuo’s counter-strike, even if it meant utterly destroying Tianyuan Jewelry, was a deserved end.

Given the circumstances, the only consideration left was to ensure the appearance wasn't too ugly.

“Let’s put this aside for now; I’m busy,” Wang Zhuo vaguely dismissed Director Huo’s offer. “As for personnel changes within your Chengguan team, I don’t think any major shifts are necessary. Punish them moderately with fines or salary reductions—what do you think?”

Zhang Dongsheng and Zhu Yonglong could hardly believe their ears. They had expected at least dismissal, or worse, criminal prosecution for bribery. They never imagined the matter would be resolved so lightly. What trick was this master playing?

In fact, those two were too close to the situation to see clearly, but Director Huo understood perfectly. With just those few words from Young Boss Wang, he could ensure that the foolish Zhang Dongsheng and Zhu Yonglong would be his errand boys for a considerable time to come. This kind of readily available, obedient labor was better than hired help.

Even though he guessed Wang Zhuo’s calculation, Director Huo still had to accept the favor. Otherwise, he, the Director, would also face disciplinary action. Now, a major issue had been scaled down, and a small issue resolved. He would probably just receive some criticism and a few scoldings after returning—having the matter settled like this was better than anything else.

Thus, the high-ranking and low-ranking leaders of the Chengguan Brigade heaped on their thanks. Zhang Dongsheng and Zhu Yonglong even beat their chests, promising future loyalty, almost submitting a declaration of surrender.

After seeing off the chastened Chengguan officials, Wang Zhuo stood once more in the middle of the street, sizing up Shengshi Dynasty and the adjacent Tianyuan Jewelry. He couldn't help but feel tempted. If he could swallow Tianyuan Jewelry, knock down the wall, and merge the two spaces, that would indeed be excellent.