Chapter 169 Dealing
Shen Jingqi's heart was filled with anger and unease. He felt that someone like Wang Mian would certainly make life difficult for Zhao Xinyi and Yang Haotian.
Shen Jingqi and Li Baiyu got into the car. He was contemplating strategies to counter the situation, but Wang Mian's influence was vast, and he couldn't come up with a good plan right away.
At that moment, his phone rang again. He glanced at the screen, it was Yang Haotian's number.
He quickly answered the call, "Hello, how are you? Wang Mian didn't give you a hard time, did he?"
"I'm fine, Jingqi, don't worry about me." Yang Haotian's voice sounded a bit weary, "I just spoke with Wang Mian's mother, and she... she advised me to be cautious during this period, saying Wang Mian might target me."
Shen Jingqi's heart sank. He hadn't expected Wang Mian's mother to actively warn Zhao Xinyi about this. It surprised him, and it also gave him a slight favorable impression of her. At least Wang Mian's mother cared about Yang Haotian's safety.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," Shen Jingqi said firmly.
Yang Haotian chuckled softly on the other end, "Shen Jingqi, don't joke. With Wang Mian's influence, how could you possibly protect me?"
"Trust me, I'll find a way," Shen Jingqi said. "During this time, try not to go out alone, and if anything happens, make sure to inform me immediately."
"Okay, I got it," Yang Haotian's voice carried a hint of emotion, "Thank you, Shen Jingqi."
After hanging up, Shen Jingqi felt even more burdened. He understood that even though Yang Haotian said he believed in him, deep down, he was surely filled with anxiety and fear.
He had to quickly find a solution; he couldn't let Yang Haotian live in fear.
Shen Jingqi began to inquire about Wang Mian's background and area of influence. However, Wang Mian operated discreetly and had a powerful network, making it difficult to find any weak points.
Within half a day, bad news arrived from Zhao Xinyi's side.
The company she was interning with suddenly announced that they were laying off employees, and Zhao Xinyi's name was prominently on the list. Shen Jingqi knew this was Wang Mian's doing from behind the scenes, trying to coerce Zhao Xinyi into submission.
Shen Jingqi found Yang Haotian and Zhao Xinyi, seeing her looking dejected.
"Xinyi, don't be too upset. If this job is gone, it's gone; we'll find another one," Shen Jingqi consoled.
Zhao Xinyi forced a faint smile, "It's okay, I've thought it over. At least I can take this time to rest and adjust my state of mind."
Shen Jingqi knew Zhao Xinyi was putting on a brave face. Losing her job was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her. Additionally, Wang Mian's threat still loomed, preventing her from feeling at ease.
"Rest assured, I will definitely find a solution," Shen Jingqi said once more.
Zhao Xinyi looked into his determined eyes, and a warmth surged in her heart.
Shen Jingqi visited some influential friends, hoping to gain their assistance. However, upon hearing Wang Mian's name, they all shook their heads in refusal.
Shen Jingqi did not give up and continued to seek other avenues. He even considered reporting to the police, but the thought of Wang Mian's powerful network made him abandon the idea. He knew even the police wouldn't dare to easily challenge Wang Mian.
When Shen Jingqi was at a loss, Li Baiyu suddenly handed him a number.
Li Feiyang was an elder of the Li Family, holding a prominent position. Charitable and decisive, he was a hero in many people's eyes. If they could secure his help, their chances against Wang Mian would significantly increase.
Shen Jingqi immediately contacted Li Feiyang, explaining the whole situation. After listening, Li Feiyang remained silent for a long time.
"Jingqi, I've heard of Wang Mian. His influence is indeed large. But our Li Family is no pushover. Don't worry, I'll help you resolve this issue," Li Feiyang said.
Upon hearing this, hope welled up in Shen Jingqi's heart. He knew that as long as Li Feiyang intervened, Wang Mian would be no real threat.
However, things weren't as simple as Shen Jingqi imagined. Though Li Feiyang agreed to help, he also cautioned Shen Jingqi that Wang Mian might have even greater powers backing him. Acting rashly could lead to more significant problems.
Shen Jingqi fell into contemplation, understanding Li Feiyang's concern. But he couldn't just stand by while Zhao Xinyi was in danger.
"Uncle, I understand your concerns. But I can't just watch Xinyi fall into danger. I implore you, please help me find a way to counter Wang Mian," Shen Jingqi said.
Li Feiyang, seeing his determined gaze, felt a surge of admiration. He knew Shen Jingqi was a responsible and courageous person. He resolved to assist Shen Jingqi no matter what.
Li Feiyang quickly investigated Wang Mian's background and scope of influence. Indeed, there was a powerful force supporting Wang Mian, intertwined with some business dealings.
Li Feiyang shared this information with Shen Jingqi, advising him to prepare mentally. Although Shen Jingqi felt some unease hearing it, his resolve was stronger. He knew that no matter how powerful Wang Mian's influence was, he wouldn't give up on protecting Yang Haotian and Zhao Xinyi.
While Shen Jingqi and Li Feiyang were meticulously planning to confront Wang Mian, shocking news arrived from Zhao Xinyi.
She had suddenly gone missing!
Shen Jingqi thought, this must be Wang Mian's doing. He must have kidnapped Zhao Xinyi to force him into submission.
Shen Jingqi immediately contacted Li Feiyang, informing him of Zhao Xinyi's disappearance. Upon hearing this, Li Feiyang quickly gathered his men to search for Zhao Xinyi's whereabouts.
Soon, Shen Jingqi received a mysterious call. A low voice came from the other end, "Shen Jingqi, do you want to save Zhao Xinyi? Then come to the abandoned factory in the Western Suburbs."
Upon hearing this, Shen Jingqi's heart tightened. He knew this call had to be from Wang Mian. He immediately contacted Li Feiyang to share the news and then, together with Li Baiyu, drove to the abandoned factory in the Western Suburbs.
The inside of the abandoned factory was pitch black, with only a few dim lights swaying in the wind. Shen Jingqi and Li Baiyu carefully entered the factory, full of vigilance in their hearts.
"Wang Mian, come out! I know you're here!" Shen Jingqi shouted loudly.
At that moment, a figure emerged from the darkness. Tall and imposing, with a stern face, it was Wang Mian.
"Shen Jingqi, you dare to come indeed," Wang Mian sneered, "I thought you would be too scared to show up."