Although Zhan Yi was going back on everything he had just said, effectively slapping himself in the face, he didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed.

’Everything for the company’s benefit. What does personal pride matter?’

Just then, however, someone in the crowd shouted in protest, "Mr. Zhan, how can you go back on your word? What about Molan Company’s credibility?"

"That’s right. We’re partners with Molan Company, too. We hope the company will give its partners’ demands serious consideration," another person pleaded, their tone grave and sincere.

Zhan Yi shot them a cold glance. ’For the company’s benefit, I’ve already thrown my pride to the wind. Can’t you people be more considerate of the company’s difficult position?’

Chen Chuan, however, glanced at the panicked members of the influential families. He then averted his eyes, looked down at the Black Card, picked it up, and slipped it into his breast pocket.

Previously, he had specifically tasked Gao Ming with investigating the card. He had finally learned of its origin and purpose.

He had initially worried there might be an issue with the card, but it was ultimately confirmed that the owner’s name on it was his. This meant he was its true owner, and that it was a legacy from his parents.

’There was, however, one issue with the card. But that wasn’t important. He had done what he needed to do; the fourth step was complete.’

Seeing that he remained silent, Zhan Yi ventured, "Mr. Chen?"

Chen Chuan looked at him and said slowly, "I trust this matter before the Judgement Court no longer has anything to do with your company."

"Yes, what’s happening here has nothing to do with Molan Company."

Zhan Yi nodded at once. He believed he understood Chen Chuan’s meaning. ’Since the decision has been made, the fate of these people is no longer our concern.’

"In that case, Mr. Chen, we’ll be taking our leave." He gave Chen Chuan another friendly nod, then with a wave of his hand, led all the Molan Company security personnel away from the area.

Meanwhile, outside the Judgement Court, Manager Luo was slowly tapping his fingers on his knee, seemingly waiting for something. After a while, a communications officer removed his headset. "Manager, we have a reply. They say the card is indeed a Recommendation Card from Original Man Company, and the owner is, in fact, the trainee. But..."

"But what?"

"Our contact says the card was apparently canceled ten years ago when the holder was declared dead."

Manager Luo froze, his gaze hardening. "Declared dead? Canceled ten years ago? Are you sure?"

"They’re still confirming it. They said that’s what the file says, but they can’t rule out errors due to how long it’s been. So they’re not willing to say for certain. They need to double-check with their head office, which will take three to five days, minimum."

Manager Luo sank into thought. ’If the cardholder was declared dead, then the card is useless. But Chen Chuan is obviously alive. The situation is complicated. Is he an imposter? Or is there some other explanation?’

’But regardless, if the cardholder is officially dead, he could simply refuse to recognize the card’s validity. Original Man Company wouldn’t make trouble for them over something like this.’

’So, should he inform those people that Molan Company has reversed its position and is willing to protect them after all? But after flip-flopping like this, they would probably never truly trust us again, let alone cooperate. They might even...’

As this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly realized a far more serious problem. His heart lurched, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"This is bad!"

He immediately urged the driver, "Go back! Back to the company!"

"Aren’t we waiting for Assistant Zhan?" the driver asked reflexively.

"I said, drive!"

Manager Luo’s voice was extremely suppressed, the words practically forced from his throat.

"Yes, sir!" The driver, startled, quickly started the car.

A long motorcade was driving along National Path, fast approaching Yangzhi City.

Specialist Cao took a telegram that had just been passed to him. Information about the situation at the Judgement Court was being constantly relayed to his location. He showed no surprise when he read that Chen Chuan had produced the Black Card.

What caught his attention was something else: the moment Chen Chuan produced the card, Molan Company had backed down almost instantly. And it was a deferential retreat, one where they were even willing to abandon their partners.

His eyes sharpened instantly, like a predator that had spotted its prey.

’Original Man Company may be massive, but its domestic influence isn’t necessarily greater than Molan’s. Yangzhi City is practically Molan’s home turf, and they are in the middle of a critical strategic deployment. Yet they chose to back down now. Does that mean it’s confirmed...?’

’No, that might not be enough.’

Guided by his cautious instincts, he took out a pen, jotted down a few names on a piece of paper, and handed it to a nearby aide. "Send a telegram. Immediately have these people detained..."

’Wrong!’

But before the aide could take it, he snatched the paper back. After a moment of deep thought, he grumbled, "This kid... he’s handing us the knife. Looks like we’ll have to spring the trap ahead of schedule..."

Just then, at another radio set, an operator took off his headset and handed over a decoded telegram. He turned and said, "Specialist Cao, we’ve received telegrams from both Canghong Celestial Canal and Yuan’an Company."

Specialist Cao took them immediately. After reading the two similar messages, his voice turned grim. "Just as I thought. They’ve noticed too." He stared ahead, his gaze now even sharper than before. "Contact the Patrol Bureau. Don’t wait. Start the arrests now!"