"Mr. Ling, these are all trade secrets. How can you ask me to share them with you? We’re all businessmen, we must abide by certain rules."

"Rules?" Ling Chen chuckled, "Chairman Qu, you’re talking to me about rules? Fine! I’m someone who likes rules the most; no rules, no boundaries. Let me ask you, how did that fire at Changlong Technology’s branch last time happen?"

Upon hearing this, Qu Guanying’s expression subtly changed, and the smile on his face quickly disappeared.

"Mr. Ling, I don’t understand what you’re talking about. That fire was just an accident; what’s it got to do with me?"

Ling Chen shook his head and said: "Chairman Qu, you’re really asking for trouble refusing to cooperate. You should know well who I, Ling Chen, am. Do you really want to force me to use means before you tell the truth? To save you from complaints that I’m bullying you, I’ll give you one chance to explain the whole story clearly. Regardless of the role you played, I won’t blame you. But remember, you only get one chance. If you don’t cherish it, I won’t offer a second. You’d better think carefully."

Qu Guanying frowned and said: "Mr. Ling, I think you have it wrong; I completely don’t know what you’re talking about. If you think I have something to do with that fire, you’re welcome to call the police and have them investigate. If there’s nothing else, you’re free to leave with your people; I have other matters to deal with."

"Chen, what’s up with this guy?" Jiang Yunkai asked quietly from the side. He had received a call from Ling Chen early in the morning, asking him to bring some people to Yihai Technology, but nothing beyond that, leaving him unclear about the situation.

"This guy is making trouble for Wanqing," Ling Chen casually explained. He understood the specifics but saw no need to inform Jiang Yunkai too much. According to the intelligence from Zhu Hong, Yihai Technology should be backed by Yingtai Group. To eliminate competitors, the group orchestrated the fire, aiming to get rid of Leng Feifei and Nanrong Wanqing, including the two who snuck into the villa last night.

Initially, Ling Chen had no intention of poking into such messy affairs as long as they didn’t provoke him. Yet, they repeatedly took action. Had it not been for that person intervening last night, the kidnappers would likely have killed Nanrong Wanqing. Hence, he wanted to settle the matter today while in town.

Since Yingtai Group is the investor behind Yihai Technology, he didn’t believe Qu Guanying was unaware of the situation.

"Chairman Qu, earlier I wondered whether you were truly innocent. Now, it seems you’re definitely involved."

Upon hearing Ling Chen’s words, Qu Guanying said deeply: "What do you mean by that?"

"You should be well aware of who I, Ling Chen, am. The entire underground world of Beijing is under my control. In this big city, who isn’t respectful when they see me, fearing to offend me? But from your tone just now, I can tell you didn’t take me seriously. So, either you’re a brave man with no fear, or you have a strong support. I think you belong to the latter. Do you think that clinging to Yingtai Group as a big tree allows you to act with impunity?"

The mention of Yingtai Group visibly caused a twitch in Qu Guanying’s eye. Seeing his expression change confirmed Ling Chen’s speculation.

"Kai!" Ling Chen made a gesture.

Jiang Yunkai immediately understood, stepping forward and delivering a swift kick. Instantly, Qu Guanying’s legs gave way, and he knelt down with a thud.

"You... what are you doing?"

Ling Chen smirked, leaned forward and said: "I just wanted to inform you that not only Yingtai Group can kill, but I can too. You tell me, if I throw you from here, would you die?"

Qu Guanying turned pale, urgently saying: "Ling Chen, I...I warn you, you better leave immediately, otherwise I’ll call the police."

"Alright." Ling Chen pulled out his phone and tossed it in front of Qu Guanying, saying: "Go ahead and call, make it quick. Once you’re done, I’ll throw you out, anyway it won’t take much time." Pausing, Ling Chen stared into Qu Guanying’s eyes and said slowly, word-by-word: "Let me tell you, don’t hope for luck. If I don’t get what I want today, I definitely won’t let you live. If you doubt it, feel free to try."

After hearing this, Qu Guanying glanced at the phone on the floor, hesitating to pick it up. After a long moment, he gradually lifted his head and asked: "What exactly do you want to know?"

"Is Yingtai Group your backer?"

Qu Guanying hesitated, his eyes flickering as though he was struggling intensely within himself. "Still not willing to speak?" Ling Chen narrowed his eyes, with a hint of menace in his voice. Feeling the fierce gaze, Qu Guanying trembled slightly, hurriedly nodded: "Yes. You’re right, they are connected to me through an overseas venture capital company. They said they’re optimistic about Yihai Technology’s prospects and wanted to increase investment. However, Changlong Technology is a troublesome competitor, it must be dealt with."

"So they orchestrated that fire?"

"Yes. It was all their planning; I wasn’t involved."

"What exactly did you do?"

"I...I just arranged accommodation for the people sent by Yingtai Group, and didn’t inquire about anything else."

"Give me their numbers and addresses. If you don’t want to be implicated, then after I leave, go to Hongyu United Investment Company and accept their acquisition proposal. Understand?"

"I..." Qu Guanying wanted to say something but swallowed his words as he met Ling Chen’s sharp gaze, not daring to utter another word.

Leaving Yihai Technology, Ling Chen took out his phone and called Xia Mutong. He had already obtained the addresses from Qu Guanying, and now there was no need for him to personally handle the rest. Xia Mutong had just arrived in Beijing, and handing her this case would not only solidify her position but also enhance her reputation.

"Kai, you guys head back first, I’ll contact you if anything comes up."

"Okay."

Returning to his car, Ling Chen started the engine, planning to make a trip to the hospital. Su Mei had just sent a message saying that Qi Yong had woken up. The whereabouts of the perpetrator are unknown, so it’s a good time to ask Qi Yong; hopefully, he’ll reveal the assailant’s identity.

While driving halfway, Ling Chen suddenly slowed the car, glancing at the rearview mirror with a playful smile on his face.

Relentless, from Yihai Technology all the way here, do they really think he’s easy to bully?