The King of Urban Mercenaries
Chapter 354 - 354 354 Borrowing Gu's Sword to Eliminate the Traitor Fang Part 2

354: Chapter 354: Borrowing Gu’s Sword to Eliminate the Traitor Fang (Part 2) 354: Chapter 354: Borrowing Gu’s Sword to Eliminate the Traitor Fang (Part 2) Around 11 in the morning, the sun shone brightly.

A number of black Mercedes sedans, escorting a limited-edition Bentley Musanne, slowly drove into the grounds of the Zhonghai City Council.

In Zhonghai, there were numerous individuals and organizations that could assemble such a motorcade; however, very few were granted permission to enter the grounds of the City Council.

As the door of the limited-edition Bentley opened, an elderly man with meticulously groomed hair and an air of natural authority stepped out, thereby identifying the owner of the motorcade.

By financial power alone, he could be ranked among the top five tycoons of Zhonghai—the current head of the Fang Family—Fang Zhentao.

Fang Zhentao, dressed in a black, fitted Zhongshan suit, exuded a sense of austerity.

For those unfamiliar with Zhonghai’s upper society, it would be difficult to associate Fang Zhentao, in his traditional attire, with Fang Wenxi, who once made a billion-dollar bet with Lin Fei.

In earlier years, when Fang Zhentao was fully in charge of the Fang Family’s internal and external affairs, his presence within the walls of the Zhonghai City Council was not unusual.

Moving back ten years, Fang Zhentao was a frequent guest at the City Council.

However, in recent years, as he gradually retreated from the foreground, with intentions of spending his twilight years peacefully within the Fang family estate, Fang Zhentao has rarely been seen within the walls of the Zhonghai City Council.

With a new generation replacing the old, compared to ten years ago, there were not many within the City Council who could still recognize Fang Zhentao.

Yet, this did not diminish Fang Zhentao’s own imposing presence.

The passage of time and his advancing age had not lessened his authority; rather, with the financial growth of the Fang Family, his stature in the hearts of the political leaders at the City Council had progressively increased.

Just like, compared to ten years ago when parking was an issue, the Fang Family’s motorcade could now enter the City Council’s grounds unimpeded.

A decade ago, Fang Zhentao often needed favors from the Zhonghai City Council.

But now, he had become a target for those political leaders in Zhonghai to curry favor with.

Because the actions of the Fang Family could, to a degree, even influence the economic situation of Zhonghai!

After alighting from the car, Fang Zhentao stood next to it, looking around, perhaps reminiscing, then leisurely walked towards the administrative building of the Zhonghai City Council.

…

“It’s rare for Elder Fang to visit personally.

Today, I will make an exception and offer you some of my treasured premium Da Hong Pao tea,” said Gu Lanzi, her eyes as soft as autumn waters, wavering slightly, her nose high and graceful, and her skin pale.

In the entire administrative building of the Zhonghai City Council, Gu Lanzi, the deputy leader in charge of Zhonghai’s economy, was undoubtedly the most elegantly beautiful.

“It’s an honor for me that Deputy Leader Gu holds me in such high regard.

Also, I came uninvited this time out of necessity, and I hope for your understanding,” Fang Zhentao said as he sat in the guest area, his tone lacking any regret for coming unannounced, instead subtly carrying a sense of accusing.

“Elder Fang, you are too serious.

At your venerable age, a simple phone call would suffice, no need to come all the way here.”

Being able to hold her position as a deputy leader in Zhonghai, Gu Lanzi was evidently no pushover.

Having somewhat guessed Fang Zhentao’s purpose, and already harbouring thoughts of declining, she did not take kindly to his veiled accusations.

“People tend to become lazier as they age.

However, some matters can’t be clearly discussed over the phone.

My visit is driven by urgency.

I implore you, Deputy Leader Gu, to please find a way to prioritize and expedite the establishment of the support fund,” Fang Zhentao slightly softened his earlier confrontational tone and made a direct appeal while playing on their good relationship.

Gu Lanzi, having prepared tea, brought it over to Fang Zhentao and sat opposite him.

She countered softly but decisively, “If you’re here for the support fund issue, Elder Fang, I’m afraid you may be disappointed.”

“Deputy Leader Gu, surely you aren’t implying that the Council has found a better option and so the Fangxing Group is no longer involved?”

“If Elder Fang thinks that, then there’s indeed a misunderstanding.

I can assure you, very confidently, that Fangxing Group is still our primary choice for the support fund.”

Hearing this, Fang Zhentao relaxed slightly, took a sip of his tea, and responded, “Since we are the primary choice, I assume what remains are some procedural issues.

Since you are responsible for the support fund, you surely have the ability to expedite the process.

The sooner the support fund is put into effect, the sooner Fangxing Group can accelerate its growth, and the government will also benefit financially from it sooner.

It is beneficial for both parties, so why not proceed?”

“What Elder Fang mentioned is precisely my hope as well.

However, you should be aware that since the missed opportunity with Meishilin, there has been quite a bit of negative media about your company.

The matter of the support fund is highly significant.

If we grant this fund to your company now, the media might criticize the government.”

“If Deputy Leader Gu is concerned about media speculation, I believe it is unnecessary,” Fang Zhentao said, setting down his tea cup and staring intently at Gu Lanzi with a mild sparkle in his eyes.

“You must be aware of the recent incident where Mu Shanshan, the CEO of Mu Group, was taken by the police for an investigation.”

Gu Lanzi was momentarily tense but kept her expression steady, “I have heard about that.

But I’m unclear what that has to do with the public relations issues that your company is facing.”

“With Mu Shanshan being taken in for investigation, and Mu Group potentially facing closure, I plan to use this opportunity to fully acquire Mu Group.

This move would not only allow Fangxing Group to break free from our public relations predicament but also prevent the potential unemployment crisis that would arise from Mu Group’s closure.

This is precisely why I’ve come uninvited to urge you to expedite the support fund,” Fang Zhentao continued, seeing that he might have impacted Gu Lanzi.

Seeing Gu Lanzi slightly stunned, Fang Zhentao eased his tone and added, “I’ve laid out my intentions quite clearly, and I hope, Deputy Leader, that you understand my earnestness.

Regarding the support fund—”

“You needn’t say more, Elder Fang.

The strength of your company is well recognized.

However, Mu Group has also shown considerable growth in these past years.

I believe that in the short term, Mu Group won’t be facing closure.

The support fund issue is of great importance—unless your company can demonstrate a broader profitable future, I’m afraid I can only apologize,” Gu Lanzi resisted.

“If this is your final decision, Deputy Leader Gu, I—deeply regret it!”

Fang Zhentao stared deeply at Gu Lanzi for several seconds, then firmly stood up and strode out of her office…