Inside the tea room, after a round of pleasantries among the three, Li Yaohua directed the conversation to the main topic.

"Chen, there's no need for pretense with you. This time, I specially came from Beijing because someone messed with Qi Yun here, and I must stand up for him."

"I don't know anyone here in Shanghai, only you, Brother Chen, so I need you to step in."

Chen was well aware that Li Yaohua did not seek him out at this time merely for a cup of tea.

As for only knowing him in Shanghai, it's something to listen to but not take seriously. Considering the connections behind him, going directly to an office for tea wouldn't be an issue.

However, some things are better left unsaid; he wouldn't take the initiative to reveal anything. He just nodded with a light smile, "Tell me the situation."

"You should tell it, Qi," Li Yaohua signaled to Qi Yun, then pulled out a special supply cigarette from his pocket, offering one to each of them.

Seeing that Li Yaohua had set everything up, Qi Yun wasted no time and recounted the details of the situation.

After hearing it, Chen frowned and pondered for a moment, "I've heard of this Xiong Jun, not clean-handed. If you want to act against him, it's fine, but..."

"Ji Liyang is hard to deal with. He has close ties with some people above. To take him down... honestly, I don't have that kind of power."

Chen's words were straightforward, not beating around the bush, reflecting again the close relationship between him and Li Yaohua.

Li Yaohua lit a cigarette with a flick, took a couple of drags, and slowly spoke, "You don't need to worry about the people behind him. Our demands aren't unreasonable. Just have him bow his head to my brother."

"If he thinks he's strong enough and wants to bring out the people behind him to fight, then you don't need to get involved in this matter."

At this, Li Yaohua paused, lightly flicking ash from his cigarette, and said meaningfully, "Qi isn't just a friend; he's even had drinks at my boss's house."

Chen held his teacup in mid-air, took another look at Qi Yun, and after a moment chuckled, "Alright, I get it. I'll handle this for you."

"It's about time to deal with these people; they're getting too overbearing…"

The group chatted in the tea room for over half an hour, after which Chen left first.

Meanwhile, in Puxin District, at the top-floor office of Tianyang Group.

Xiong Jun placed the esteemed Buddha Head obtained from Qi Yun on the desk and said to a middle-aged man sitting in a chair, "Mr. Ji, I brought what you wanted."

This middle-aged man was the same individual who had purchased the Bronze Cauldron at last night's auction—Xiong Jun's backing, Ji Liyang.

Ji Liyang picked up the Buddha Head, examined it closely, then placed it back on the table, saying softly, "Hmm, hopefully, you didn't stir up trouble."

Xiong Jun forced a smile, "No, but that kid Qi Yun isn't too willing to give in, wants to confront me."

"Heh, then play along with him, but don't make too much noise." Ji Liyang's tone was unconcerned, even knowing Qi Yun had connections, he didn't take it seriously.

"Okay, I got it."

Ji Liyang waved his hand, "Yeah, you may go. Make sure the matter at the docks is handled well, leaving no loose ends."

"Yes, yes, I know what to do." Xiong Jun repeatedly bowed, backing out of the office.

After he left, Ji Liyang took out a rarely used phone from a drawer, and dialed a number.

"The goods have arrived. Complete the paperwork and ship them to London asap along with this batch."

"After the items in the Buddha Head are taken out, don't expose them yet, wait for my arrangements."

...

On the other side, after meeting with Chen, Qi Yun and Li Yaohua returned to the hotel, waiting in the coffee shop in the lobby for news.

"Is this Chen guy in officialdom?" Qi Yun stirred his coffee, asking casually.

Li Yaohua nodded, "Yeah, he's pretty straightforward, since he agreed to help, he certainly will do his utmost."

Qi Yun asked no more, took out his phone, and called Duan Pingyu, "When can the people arrive?"

"Contacted people are all domestic, they'll be here by noon at the latest," Duan Pingyu replied briefly.

"Alright, let's stick to that plan. Be careful out there, stay safe."

"I will be careful."

After hanging up, Qi Yun turned to Chen Wei, "Brother Wei, when the people arrive, take them to handle things, and call me when it's done."

"Okay." Chen Wei nodded.

...

In the afternoon, a temporary task force spearheaded by Yopu New District began conducting checks on businesses within its scope, including tax, commerce, and fire safety inspections; the first stop was Tianyang Group.

In Puxin District, inside Tianyang Group's office building.

Ji Liyang was seated in a spacious office chair reviewing financial statements when a knock came at the door.

"Come in!"

The office door swung open, an assistant rushed in with quick steps.

"Chairman Ji, a temporary task force from the district has suddenly come to our group for inspection!"

Upon hearing this, Ji Liyang frowned, "Task force? No prior notification?"

"None." The assistant shook their head. "They just arrived after lunch without warning."

Ji Liyang pondered slightly, "What are they checking? Who's leading?"

"Starting with the finance department; they plan to expand from there. It's led by Director Hong," the assistant answered truthfully.

Ji Liyang realized, going straight for the finance department wasn't just a routine check.

The finance department is the core of any company. For a corporation like Tianyang Group, which pays over ten billion in taxes annually, the financial operations are bound to be complex, not lacking some unsavory practices.

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