NOVEL NEXT Chapter 586: Pitfall (1)
Giant Merchant Star remains the same as before, bustling and vibrant.
The entire planet is divided into four areas: east, west, south, and north, each with its own commercial center.
Of course, Tang Rao went to the eastern district, because the eastern district is the true center. The other three districts combined can't compare to the eastern district of Giant Merchant Star.
Here, there are tens of thousands of businesses, and every single one is of exceptional quality.
They bring in huge economic benefits for Giant Merchant Star every year.
However, speaking of Spirit Stone earnings, Tang Rao could say with confidence that Illusion City could definitely match half of the businesses here combined, or even more.
And as the coverage continues to expand, the earnings will keep on increasing.
It's probably because of this that Giant Merchant Star wants more.
After all, if nothing unexpected happens, the resources of Spirit Stones that Tang Rao controls will surpass the entire Giant Merchant Star in a few years.
At that time, the status of Giant Merchant Star will be challenged.
No merchant would like to see someone else grow bigger and stronger until they themselves have nowhere to go.
"Mr. Gong, where are you?" Tang Rao used Illusion City to contact Gong Jianliang.
Because of Illusion City, Gong Jianliang has been promoted and got a raise. Now, he is in charge of the entire eastern district, holding significant power.
Certainly, regardless of the power he holds, he's still working for others.
The real power of Giant Merchant Star still lies in the hands of a few individuals.
And who these individuals are, Tang Rao isn't very clear. The big shots of Giant Merchant Star are always shrouded in mystery.
"Mr. Tang, is there something you need? I'm dealing with some matters." It wasn't long before Gong Jianliang replied, but he sounded somewhat anxious.
"Dealing with matters, I see. Then carry on with your work. I'm currently in the eastern district of Giant Merchant Star. Once you're done, come find me at Jiuxian Building. I have something to discuss with you." Tang Rao said and then ended the communication through Illusion City.
...
Gong Jianliang is very anxious, so anxious that it's affecting him entirely.
Even though he hasn't become a true core figure of Giant Merchant Star, normally he wouldn't know the plans of the top brass of Giant Merchant Star, but due to various coincidences, he does know that this attack by the Heavenly Demon on the Moon was a trap set by Giant Merchant Star.
So, hearing that Tang Rao was seeking him out, Gong Jianliang's first thought was: could Tang Rao know about it?
"No, this matter must be reported to the higher-ups." Gong Jianliang tapped his fingers on the table.
But just as he stood up, Gong Jianliang furrowed his brows and sat back down.
His position in Giant Merchant Star is not low now, so he deals with many matters. The more he deals, the clearer he sees the ruthlessness of those big shots in Giant Merchant Star; the phrase "no business without deceit" fits them perfectly as if it's taken straight out of a textbook.
Giant Merchant Star has not fully penetrated the secrets of Illusion City, meaning they cannot create another Illusion City. This also means that for the time being, Giant Merchant Star won't completely fall out with Tang Rao, because if they do, Giant Merchant Star will be the one to suffer.
The share that Tang Rao is giving now won't be given after a fallout.
So if Tang Rao is here to settle scores, coming forward and reporting at this time might lead to being made a scapegoat by the higher-ups.
"No, no, no, it's better to pretend I don't know anything about this." Gong Jianliang muttered as he patted the table.
As for meeting Tang Rao, Gong Jianliang decided he should still go.
But before going, it would be better to have someone test the waters first.
It was Ling Feier who introduced Tang Rao back then. Thanks to Tang Rao, Ling Feier has now taken over the position he held before.
"Ling Feier."
"Mr. Gong, do you need something?" In Illusion City, Ling Feier's response came through.
"Mr. Tang Rao has arrived at the Jiuxian Building. I'm momentarily tied up and can't get away, so would you please go entertain him for a bit? Oh, and by the way, ask Mr. Tang Rao about the purpose of his visit this time. If there's something I need to be aware of, then I must prepare in advance," Gong Jianliang said.
"Mr. Tang is here? Okay, I'll go right away," Ling Feier had no idea of the many thoughts going through Gong Jianliang's head.
What she knew was that she owed everything she currently had to Tang Rao.
Without Tang Rao, she wouldn't be in the position she held now.
"Mhm, go ahead," Gong Jianliang replied, then cut off the communication.
...
Ling Feier quickly arrived at the Jiuxian Building, and after looking around the lobby for a while, she did not find Tang Rao.
"Miss Ling, over here," Tang Rao called out, raising his hand to signal her, just as Ling Feier felt puzzled.
Ling Feier looked toward Tang Rao, slightly confused.
"My surname is Tang," Tang Rao called out, as he had cast Illusion Technique over his face, of course, Ling Feier couldn't recognize him.
Hearing this, Ling Feier instantly understood and approached him in a few quick steps.
"Miss Ling, long time no see, you've become even more beautiful, huh. How are you? Have you been promoted and started on a new journey in life?" Tang Rao asked with a smile.
"I have you to thank for that, sir," Ling Feier said with a smile.
"Ah, come on, that's because you had the eye to recognize a hero. If it hadn't been for your steadfast determination back then, you wouldn't have had this opportunity, right? By the way, did Mr. Gong send you here?" Tang Rao asked, squinting his eyes.
Seems like Gong Jianliang must know something. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been nervous when talking to me; otherwise, there would have been no need to send Ling Feier to meet me first.
Sending Ling Feier over is almost certainly an attempt to gauge my intentions first.
"Yes, Mr. Gong is now in charge of the Eastern District. By the way, Mr. Tang, do you have any important business in coming to Giant Merchant Star this time?" Ling Feier asked.
"Mhm... Yes, quite important," Tang Rao nodded and smiled.
"Are you going to discuss it with Mr. Gong? Then I won't pry further," Ling Feier said with a smile.
"Don't you want to know?" Tang Rao inquired.
"If Mr. Tang wishes to tell me, he naturally will; if Mr. Tang prefers not to say, then asking would be in vain," Ling Feier blinked, looking very lively.
What a smart and tactful girl she is.
"Actually, it's not a secret. I can tell you, just lean in closer," Tang Rao gestured for Ling Feier to come closer.
Ling Feier didn't think much of it and instinctively leaned forward.
Tang Rao whispered into Ling Feier's ear, "You know about the incident a while ago, when the Moon was attacked by the Heavenly Demons from other domains, right?"
Ling Feier immediately nodded, "I saw that broadcast, Mr. Tang Rao... you were so cool."
Saying this, Ling Feier couldn't help but show a hint of admiration and blush on her face.
"You're aware, that's good. I'll tell you, actually, those Heavenly Demons from other domains, that was your Giant Merchant Star's meddling," Tang Rao said softly, his face brimming with a smile.
In an instant, the smile on Ling Feier's face froze, and her mind thundered with shock.
What! Those Heavenly Demons from other domains were dispatched by Giant Merchant Star? That's impossible!
Giant Merchant Star has always had a cooperative relationship with Tang Rao, and the partnership has been very pleasant. Through Illusion City, Giant Merchant Star has made an extremely large amount of Spirit Stones.
This can't be!
"Tang..." Ling Feier instinctively started to explain, but Tang Rao didn't give her the chance, covering her mouth in the blink of an eye.
"This matter, within the entire Giant Merchant Star, no more than five people know. Now that you're aware, do you understand what this means?" Tang Rao squinted his eyes, smiling radiantly.