A hotel in Bird City.

A man with slicked-back hair was pacing back and forth in the room, his face full of anxiety.

Ever since he gave Zhou Wenbin those five million USD two days ago, he had been urging the matter of the more than five billion in project funds.

The day before, Secretary Xia had confidently assured him that the funds would start being disbursed the next day. Yet it's been two days, and not a dime has come through.

What's worse, now not only is the money nowhere to be seen, but the people on the other side can't be found either.

It's not just Zhou Wenbin; even Secretary Xia has vanished into thin air as well.

He's used all sorts of connections to inquire around, only to find out that the two haven't even gone to their offices these past couple of days. As for where they've gone, no one knows.

This has made him as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, and a sense of unease starts growing in his heart.

A few minutes later, the phone finally rings, and he eagerly picks it up.

"Hello, did you find out anything?"

"I just spoke to the office deputy director; he said that the night before last, Secretary Xia appeared at the disciplinary department! And then never came out again."

"Wha... what!?"

Upon hearing this news, the man's brain buzzes, instantly going blank.

He collapses onto the ground, his eyes vacant, feeling as if all his energy has been drained from him.

It takes him a long time to mutter to himself, "It's over, it's all over..."

Going into such a place and not coming out for a long time, even an idiot knows what that means.

He can't comprehend why they would do this; could it be Zhou Wenbin also...

With this thought, he suddenly snaps out of it, hurriedly picks up the fallen phone, and with the fastest hand speed of his life, buys a ticket back to Kashi.

Now it's not just about the money being gone; he's in danger too, after all, he has too many shady dealings with those two...

At this point, he only has the gap when he's not yet caught to quickly go back and seek help from his dying old man, or else his life won't be spared...

...

Beijing, Fu Wentao's villa.

After a good meal, the three went to the living room to drink tea.

Qi Yun took the opportunity to give the thumb ring previously worn by Emperor Qianlong to Fu Wentao.

"Thanks to Brother Fu for your timely help earlier, just a little token, I hope you won't mind."

He handed over a brocade box, inside which the jade thumb ring glowed warmly under the light.

"You rascal, you sure know my tastes." Brother Fu laughed as he took it, examined it for a moment and raised his eyebrows, "This thing has quite a background, doesn't it?"

Qi Yun poured him tea, his tone relaxed. "Hehe, supposedly used by Emperor Qianlong, I don't know if that's true."

"Oh?" Fu Wentao expressed curiosity, slipped the thumb ring onto his thumb, studied it against the light for a while, and then suddenly laughed, "Then I won't stand on ceremony with you."

"Don't be polite, don't be polite." Qi Yun replied with a toothy grin.

Fu Wentao nodded with a smile, picked up the teacup for a sip, then glanced at Qi Yun, "You rascal coming to me this time, nothing else to say?"

"If you have something to say, say it quickly," he continued with a teasing tone, "I'm getting old, I sleep early and will rest soon."

Qi Yun rubbed his hands, not awkward at all, "Hehe, there is indeed a small matter, I'd like to ask Brother Fu about."

"Go ahead." Fu Wentao folded his hands over his knees.

"Well, I know Brother Fu has widespread connections, I want to ask if you've heard of Charles de Gaulle Gwen?"

Fu Wentao furrowed his brow and murmured, "Charles de Gaulle Gwen?"

"Exactly." Qi Yun nodded, "Should be related to France."

After a moment of contemplation, Fu Wentao slowly spoke, "I don't know Charles de Gaulle Gwen, but there is indeed a Gwen Clan in France."

"Gwen Clan?" Qi Yun's eyebrows furrowed involuntarily, not expecting it to be more than an individual but a whole clan.

"Yes, this clan is quite mysterious. Many of their businesses are entrusted to outsiders to manage, they seldom appear themselves, and few outside know them." Fu Wentao concluded and turned to Qi Yun, "Why are you asking about this?"

Qi Yun sighed deeply and proceeded to recount the accidental discovery of the sunken ship and their side sending people to investigate him, although he kept the map secret.

"I can't figure out what they want exactly."

Hearing this, Fu Wentao tapped his fingers on his knee, and showed a thoughtful expression: "Considering you've already sold the salvaged items, there's no reason for them to keep an eye on you."

"Unless..." At this point, he glanced at Qi Yun again, his tone flat, "Unless they want to confirm something with you, or there's something else you have that interests them."

Qi Yun heard this and his heart tightened.

No wonder some people's businesses are so successful; damn, these people are truly shrewd, figuring out his secrets with just a few words.

Just as he hesitated, wondering how to respond to the other party, the butler walked in.

"Master, it's time to rest."

Fu Wentao nodded to the opposite party, then stood up and looked at Qi Yun with a faint smile: "Since you're the kid who brought me gifts, if you really can't handle it, you can call me."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun immediately stood up as well, baring his teeth and replied: "With Brother Fu's words, I feel much more at ease."

"Alright, both of you go. I need to rest now." Fu Wentao waved his hand and headed for the second floor.

After leaving the villa, Qi Yun felt much more relaxed. Although he hadn't gathered detailed information about Charles de Gaulle Gwen, at least he had Fu Wentao's promise. If he really encountered unsolvable trouble, he could ask for his help.

However, relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself, so he must also make the necessary arrangements himself.

"Brother Qi, let me take you to a fun place." In the back seat of the Maybach, Li Yaohua wore a mysterious smile.

Qi Yun had the intention to refuse, but he didn't want to hurt the other's feelings, so he smiled and nodded in agreement.

...

The next day, Qi Yun made a visit to Elder Tong and then set out to return to Bird City.

At 5 PM, the plane landed at the new airport, where Zhong Rui came to pick him up.

"Boss, a woman claiming to be from Maple Capital visited the company several times over the past few days to see you."

"Maple Capital?" Qi Yun queried suspiciously, "What does she want with me?"

Zhong Rui replied while driving: "She didn't say. She wishes to meet with you in person."

"I checked online. She said that company is based in Shanghai and was just established, but it seems quite formidable."

Qi Yun nodded slightly: "Then ask her to come to the company tomorrow."

"Alright."

Soon, the car drove into Golden Collar Villa.

Qi Yun took a quick shower and then called Ah Jiao and a few others to gather at a new rented apartment.

In the living room, he solemnly instructed them: "I need you to make a trip to France to investigate a person for me."

"I don't have much information at the moment, only the name, Charles de Gaulle Gwen, possibly related to the Gwen Clan."

"Prepare to depart tonight. Once there, prioritize your safety, and contact me immediately if anything happens."

Ah Jiao, Ah Jie, and Lao Hei all responded, "Alright, boss."

Qi Yun nodded slightly and turned to Niu Da: "You go along too, provide covert protection."

"Okay." Niu Da nodded.

"Make sure to stay hidden. Don't investigate openly."

"Understood." They hurried away after receiving their assignment.

Qi Yun took out a pack of cigarettes, gazing out the window.

With Ah Jiao's acumen, he trusted they would not encounter any problems.

Before finishing a cigarette, Qi Yun suddenly slapped his forehead, secretly thinking he'd forgotten something important.

He checked the time on his watch, then grabbed his phone to call Zhong Rui.

"Quickly find a way to purchase a carload of teddy bear toys and deliver them to my house. I need them tonight!"

"Huh? Oh, okay." Zhong Rui responded, bewildered.

...

In the morning, Qi Yun was having breakfast while checking the intelligence system panel in front of him.

[Current Intelligence Points: 36]

[Today's Intelligence 1 (Red): Zhou Hongchang, captain at the Shanshan County Bureau, is eager to progress and plans to visit you and Zhang Dayong tonight in Bird City, bringing substantial gifts]

Qi Yun remembered the name Zhou Hongchang. It was him who ventured into the desert's depths to rescue them and also owed a favor in the matter concerning Ai Shan.

"Wanting to progress is good..."

If he could help, he wouldn't mind lending a hand.

[Today's Intelligence 2 (Red): Ignacio and his teacher found a map in a historical record, which closely resembles a marked location on a sunken ship map]

Upon seeing this intelligence, Qi Yun stroked his chin, wanting to ask more about the details, but as he pulled out his phone, he remembered that it was still dawn in Spain and would have to wait until the afternoon.

[Today's Intelligence 3 (Red): Qiu Jiahao inadvertently discovered someone monitoring him 24/7]

A chapter with a minor ailment should be posted around midnight.

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