Special Forces Medic

"That's what you say, but you're taking too big a risk." The reason Hua Muyun could ultimately become the right-hand man of the Xiao Family was not without reason. Hua Muyun was a smart person; he would make choices, even in front of Xiao Zhenfeng, and decide whether to act or not. This wasn't merely an issue between A and B, but about mastering a family. As a leading figure, he couldn't afford to be careless in any decision.

He is a person who seeks profit, and Xiao Zhenfeng liked Hua Muyun precisely for this reason. His choices made after careful consideration were basically seen as final results by Xiao Zhenfeng.

"I rather think you're too risky. This matter happened so many years ago, and you're getting involved now as if it's child's play, aren't you? The Hua Family has endured till now by no easy means and is an outstanding presence within the municipal committee; there's no need to wade into this muddy water."

For the first time, Xiao Zhenfeng was hesitant and commented on Hua Muyun's decision. He wasn't here today to set plans and targets with him but rather as a friend to offer some advice. "To be honest, there's consideration from the top about promoting you up, and this is an opportunity for you."

This message had reached Hua Muyun as early as half a month ago. He had felt conflicted because, for the Hua Family, it was a leap forward. The Hua Family, different from other families, historically focused on politics as the highest form of career development. There were some who engaged in business, but most were from the more distant branches of the family, having hardly any direct connections.

Hua Muyun is a principled person, adept at handling business and political relations. He could merge business with politics, but would never involve his own family members to avoid giving opponents fodder to criticize and prevent any possibility, so he had no friends or companions within the Hua Family. This positioning put him at a high vantage point, and only when you understand that those high places are cold could you develop the mindset necessary for a leadership role.

Kings are often lonely.

"You have a troublesome kid, just like I do." Hua Muyun smiled as he mentioned Hua Qingyi. "I think after all the mistakes we've made in our lives, this is the one thing we did right. Qingyi came to me one day and said if the head of the Xiao Family wasn't Xiao Lin, he'd risk his life for the Dragon Soul. Do you know what this means?"

"Oh, it seems I'm not the only one under threat." Xiao Zhenfeng laughed heartily.

"It doesn't matter whether you enter the central government or not, as everything here is pretty much arranged; just depends on your side." Hua Muyun's face showed a rare sense of relief and determination. Xiao Zhenfeng couldn't completely understand what Hua Muyun was thinking, but he knew he couldn't persuade him to give up his current intentions. He felt grateful, or rather touched. So he raised his glass in a toast and finished it.

"Our kid at home is not one to listen to me. Now that you've brought Xiao Lin into the plan, you must ensure absolute success, as you're holding the lifeline of two families!" Although Hua Muyun was joking, Xiao Zhenfeng felt the pressure. Where Xiao Lin was involved, so would Hua Qingyi, like the same scenario with Hua Muyun years back.

"I have no assurance." Honesty is often not accepted or liked, and Hua Muyun nodded. If at this point Xiao Zhenfeng gave him a 200% assurance, he wouldn't have been so confident.

"Enough sentimentality; let's talk business." Hua Muyun timely shifted the topic. Excessive repetition of his resolve would only waver himself, as decisions have dual natures and people like them usually have a pathological mindset, weighing the bad against the good. So when a decision is made, it means there's no turning back. "Last week, maritime authorities seized a smuggling ship, searching it they found an iron box stamped with a spider emblem."

No one knew more about such boxes than Xiao Zhenfeng. He smiled knowingly. "Someone is declaring war on us."

Hua Muyun nodded. "The empty box is left in place with the Dragon Soul, so your plan to remove Xiao Lin from Yanjing might have to be postponed."

"The empty box is just a hint." Xiao Zhenfeng pondered for a moment before raising his eyes to Hua Muyun. "People should have already entered Yanjing. Let the Dragon Soul handle it, deploy additional personnel at all entry and exit areas for inspection. If nothing goes wrong, the goods will arrive in the next couple of days."

"I'm a bit worried about leaving it to the Dragon Soul." Hua Muyun had to voice his concern. "The current times are not like before; life is too stable, and morale has dropped considerably."

"The current Dragon Soul operates independently; even if it had been involved in past missions, they may not willingly engage now. With families of their own, their priority is to protect themselves." Hua Muyun brewed a fresh pot of green tea. After enough alcohol, for business discussions, one needs to stay clear-headed. "It's difficult now to mobilize those old-timers to exert effort."

Xiao Zhenfeng found Hua Muyun's concern quite acceptable. "In terms of official responsibility, the Dragon Soul certainly has a duty; you don't need to worry. I can still make them act. As for personal matters, they are more concerned than us. When pushed to the edge, naturally someone will do it for us."

Hua Muyun understood and laughed; he thought that person would soon appear; no need for him to rush.

"Two months ago, there was a drug-related death incident in the United States. I heard a suspect was caught on your end?"

"Yes, I let him go." Xiao Zhenfeng crossed his legs as the aroma of tea wafted over. "Set a long fishing line to catch a big fish. I let this person go, but discovered something interesting."

"Your report didn't mention anything about it."

"It was purely personal. I didn't expect it to be so closely aligned with that brat's side."

"Are you referring to the Wang Family?" Hua Muyun frowned. From Xiao Zhenfeng's report, no mention was made of the Wang Family. "The Wang Family has always been in business, with rumors of underground deals with gangs, but only minor ones like the Poison Dragon Gang."

"You've been too involved in politics. It's not Fatty Wang, but Wang Zhantian who's involved with gangs." Xiao Zhenfeng dismissed it lightly. "We've been keeping an eye on the American Gang for a while. Although they don't have direct ties with the Wang Family, there is factual evidence of their smuggling drugs and firearms. The American Gang is merely an intermediary. Do you know why the Wang Family fell so suddenly? Because their backing was shut down; foreigners are very pragmatic. When interest-related crises arise, their first thought is self-preservation." (To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)