103 I Know My Limits

Jiangnan Province, Haitong City.

After receiving orders, Black Hawk and Red Scorpion immediately flew here.

They first contacted the leader in charge of investment promotion. Though this leader didn’t wield much power, his network was extensive and far-reaching.

His name was Wang Sheng.

Wang Sheng said, "On the day the bidding conference ended, Song Qingzhu fired Lin Qi. I suspect they might have overheard something… Lin Qi hasn't gone to work since, and I still haven't found out where he’s living."

Black Hawk’s face darkened. "You know where Song Qingzhu lives, right?"

Wang Sheng replied, "Yes, I do."

Black Hawk said, "Then it’s simple—we capture Song Qingzhu, and we’ll know where Lin Qi is."

But Red Scorpion stopped him. "It’s best not to alert them prematurely. If Lin Qi escapes, it will be a huge loss. Besides, Song Qingzhu is no ordinary local—she has strong manpower and financial backing. Let Wang Sheng investigate first. Ideally, we capture Lin Qi before sweeping them both up."

Wang Sheng agreed with the plan. "Please stay here for now. I will find out Lin Qi’s whereabouts as soon as possible."

In a mid-range residential complex.

Lin Qi had not gone to work for three consecutive days.

Neither Song Qingzhu nor Secretary Zhou reached out to him.

Lin Qi didn’t contact them either. He spent his days at home cooking and cleaning, thinking that if things didn’t improve, he might as well work as a deliveryman—that old job felt more secure.

Luo Feifei noticed something was off with him and asked, but he said nothing.

She didn’t press further.

Lin Qi counted the days on his fingers each day. According to the bidding rules, Song Qingzhu had to pay all the remaining funds within a week after the auction ended.

Once the two billion was paid, it would be Long Yue Group’s turn to take the stage, and Jinyang Group would become history, a thing of the past.

On the fourth day, Lin Qi suddenly had an idea and immediately called Tang Long.

Lin Qi said, "Let Jinyang Group off the hook. Don’t destroy them."

Tang Long, who always obeyed the young master’s orders without asking "why," finally couldn’t hold back today and asked, "Why?"

Lin Qi said, "I’ve been undercover around Song Qingzhu for days. I’m sure she’s not on ‘their’ side, but she’s extraordinary, with impressive skills. I suspect she’s from a secret organization. If I can make that mysterious group work for me, it will increase my chances of toppling Lü Wanfang."

Tang Long pondered briefly and said, "Young master, that’s a good idea, but will this secret organization really serve you?"

Lin Qi replied, "I’ll talk to Song Qingzhu."

Tang Long cautioned, "Don’t reveal your identity until you’re sure."

"Don’t worry, I know my limits." Lin Qi hung up.

He took a deep breath and called Song Qingzhu again.

As expected, she didn’t answer.

Predictable.

Next, Lin Qi called Secretary Zhou.

Secretary Zhou picked up but spoke angrily, "Lin Qi, what else do you want?"

Lin Qi said, "I need to speak with General Manager Song. Please have her answer."

Before Secretary Zhou could refuse, Lin Qi added, "You’d better have her pick up, because this affects whether Jinyang Group can survive!"

Secretary Zhou hesitated. "General Manager Song isn’t at the company."

"Where is she?"

"At home."

Lin Qi hung up and immediately left.

Yunze Lake Villa District.

Building 6, No. 12.

Song Qingzhu hadn’t left the house for four whole days.

She knew that in three days, once the two billion was paid, Jinyang Group would be finished.

She hadn’t completed the mission or passed the organization’s test. After that, there would be no way out but death.

Song Qingzhu spent her days in tears, also counting off how many days she had left to live.

Today, while lying silently on the sofa, tears streaming down her face, someone gently knocked at the villa’s front door.

"Who is it?" Song Qingzhu immediately sat up, like a startled bird.

"It’s me," came a smiling voice from outside.

What was bound to come had come.

Song Qingzhu’s heart sank, but she wiped her tears and composed herself, rising to open the door.

Outside stood the Fat Envoy and the Thin Envoy—one smiling warmly, the other icy cold.

"What are you two envoys doing here? Please come in…" Song Qingzhu tried to stay calm; every extra day was a gift.

The Fat and Thin Envoys entered without ceremony and sat on the sofa.

"You two are so busy, yet you came here—it truly honors me," Song Qingzhu said, bringing a teapot and pouring tea.

The Thin Envoy said nothing. The Fat Envoy smiled and asked, "Qingzhu, the March deadline is near. How are things on your end?"

Song Qingzhu replied calmly, "Don’t worry, victory is within reach."

With a sharp "clack," the Thin Envoy set down his teacup, his expression growing even darker.

The Fat Envoy’s smile vanished as he sighed deeply. "Qingzhu, do you think we’re fools?"