Chapter 809: Yet Another Trouble
Even if it's just a guess, Ye Shikai is sure that Luo Shiqi is definitely involved in this underground market. But this black market isn't all "shady deals." According to Luo Shiqi, cultivation resources are also popular "trade favorites" on the black market, and many influential families are involved.
"So, are you part of it too?" Ye Shikai said coldly. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yanran, who seemed so delicate and fragile, was also involved in the underground market.
"Mr. Ye, you are right. Not only am I involved, but I can boast that I'm actually a tycoon." Zhao Yanran showed a faint smile, seemingly proud of her achievements. However, Ye Shikai didn't think there was much to be proud of; after all, he's the Netherworld King, and in Europe, who wouldn't respect him? But the hardships of it all, only he knew. The deeper you're involved in this kind of thing, the thinner your life becomes.
"Oh, how much of a tycoon are you?" Ye Shikai smiled faintly, only to see Zhao Yanran slowly extend four fingers, a gesture that made everyone gasp at the measure of her "real power."
"Forty percent of the market."
Even Ye Shikai was a bit shocked. He didn't have a concrete figure on how big Yanjing's underground market was. But on the other hand, if even he didn't know how big it was, it only reflected just how vast the underground market must be. Otherwise, why couldn't it be precisely calculated?
"Couldn't tell, Ms. Zhao, you're quite the rich tycoon," Ye Shikai quipped. And she's just been running a wedding company? She's practically an "invisible giant."
"Mr. Ye, are you mocking me?"
"You could take it that way."
"But do you know that a woman like me, without such a background, do you think I'd be this 'carefree' now?" Zhao Yanran's tone turned serious. Ye Shikai could understand her. As one of Yanjing's four great beauties, if she didn't have enough power herself, she'd be fated to be conquered by others. Su Qingyu is backed by the Tianya Group, and Chen Yuxin even comes from a large family. Without support, she'd be as fragile as duckweed.
"You're right. Actually, I never intended to argue with you. In fact, I quite admire you." Ye Shikai smiled lightly. "So, is this the reason you're being hunted?"
"One of the reasons, perhaps," Zhao Yanran said calmly.
"One of? Then what are the other reasons?" Ye Shikai grew more curious. Could there be other reasons?
"This... I'd rather not say."
"Ms. Zhao, I'm doing the questioning here. Confession leads to leniency, resistance leads to severity."
"Alright, don't say any more. I'm not buying what you're selling." Zhao Yanran changed her tone again. "Besides, I'm also a victim in this incident. I was shot at, nearly killed. Instead of catching the culprit, you're shouting at a weak woman like me. Do you think that's appropriate?"
"A weak woman? I dare to bet on my dignity, you're definitely not a weak woman," Ye Shikai sneered sarcastically.
"Alright, regardless, what you should be doing now is catching the culprit. I need to go; business awaits," Zhao Yanran laughed carelessly.
"That's none of your concern anymore, but I think it's better for you not to leave," Ye Shikai paused. "They failed to kill you this time, but there'll be a next time, and another next time if that doesn't work. For now, this is the safest place."
"My safety is not your concern," Zhao Yanran said coldly. "My lawyer will arrive shortly. I appreciate your kindness, but regarding safety, there's no need for your attention."
.......................................
"What, you just let her go like that?" Zhang Ting shouted.
"Nonsense, she didn't commit a crime. How could I have kept her?"
"Did she say anything?"
"Haha, nothing gets through to her. What else could I do?" Ye Shikai cursed viciously. This woman was as stubborn as the Worm Sect's Sect Leader, Wuyan. After all, he's her savior, yet she shows such disdain.
"Bastard, I'm going to drag her back," Zhang Ting shouted in anger, almost wanting to take action.
"Stop, are you crazy?" Ye Shikai shouted. "Our task now is still the demon exorcist case."
"Hmph, alright, I got it."
Thud, thud, thud.
At this moment, Tianjing led several members of the Divine Weapon Special Group over. Ye Shikai was a bit dismissive, judging by the looks on their faces, guessing they probably hadn't made much progress.
"How'd it go? Any findings at the timber market?" Ye Shikai pretended to be concerned. Tianjing remained silent, but Shen Wu, with his fiery temper, almost charged in to punch someone.
"Ye, what kind of nonsense are you spouting? You're clearly trying to make our leader look bad!" Shen Wu yelled. Tianjing quickly stepped in to stop him.
"Wow, how did I make them look bad? Oh, no findings, huh? That's really a shame." Ye Shikai looked innocent with a righteous appearance. "No worries, next time I take action, it'll be a sure win."
"Hmph, a weasel wishing a chicken a happy New Year," Shen Wu said fiercely.
"Mr. Ye, regarding the demon exorcist issue, we'll have to trouble you a lot," Tianjing gave a wan smile. Failing to catch the demon exorcist naturally made him very upset. Of course, he wouldn't get angry at Ye Shikai's mockery. For the bigger picture, these were trivial matters.
"Of course, no problem. As for the timber market matter, just leave it to me. I believe it's an important clue." Ye Shikai nodded.
Office.
"Hey, that girl seemed to have a grudge against you, triggered at the slightest thing."
"Uh, it's mainly because of some earlier conflicts," Ye Shikai laughed awkwardly. During their first meeting, he had found a National Security Bureau badge in Shen Wu's underwear. Apparently, the little girl held quite a grudge.
"Hmph, you're stirring trouble everywhere. I think one day, you'll end up getting killed by someone."
Ring, ring, ring.
At that moment, Ye Shikai's phone rang unexpectedly. Looking at the caller ID, it turned out to be Ghost calling.
"Hello, what's up?"
"Boss, Moon God's birthday is coming soon. Selena's been pestering me every day. Are you really going to make me deliver your gift?" Ghost was still acting as the go-between for Ji Qian's birthday. In reality, Ye Shikai wasn't avoiding it due to psychological barriers; he was simply too busy.
"How about this, Boss? You invite her to Yanjing, saying there's a surprise. Maybe she'll agree." Ghost suggested.
"This... probably won't work." Ghost didn't know, but Ye Shikai was quite clear. Ji Qian harbored an inexplicable hatred for Yanjing and was unwilling to come. He speculated that it was related to the Ji Family.