Chapter 101: Self-Deception

After successfully intercepting the strategist and the protector, Lin Li was able to temporarily postpone the threats from the Star Palace organization. Even if the Southern Branch sent experts over now, it would take some time for them to arrive. Seizing this opportunity, Lin Li could better control the situation throughout Jiang City.

It was likely that Ye Aotian had no idea what had truly happened. Given his naivety, he probably assumed that his only failure was in the meeting with Luo Shanhe. He thought all that was needed was to arrange another meeting. Little did he know that after Luo Shanhe and his group arrived yesterday, they had completely lost control. Within the Star Palace organization, where rules were strict, Luo Shanhe and the others had never truly understood the real world. Lin Li had simply taken them to a nightclub once, and they were immediately won over.

Now, their minds were consumed solely by Lin Li, and the so-called Star Palace organization mattered little to them. Moreover, from the information obtained through Ning Yurou, Lin Li was fairly certain that Ye Aotian had indeed wanted to meet with Luo Shanhe, but all contact with him had been completely severed. With that, Lin Li no longer had to worry about other issues.

Holding significant liquid capital, it was time for Lin Li to consider taking over the Tianxin District project. If he could manage that project well, it would undoubtedly shift the Qin family's influence in Jiang City once again. Perhaps the city would no longer be dominated by the Four Great Families.

Su Lan had previously worried about Lin Li—if even one detail went wrong, he would be doomed. But no one expected that after a series of events, Lin Li would always manage to arrange everything perfectly. Even she had to admire him.

After the last incident, Qin Lang had become more motivated, causing fewer troubles. Everything was moving in a positive direction.

“Unexpected situations might still arise,” Su Lan said softly, looking at Lin Li. “Have you thought about how you’ll handle them?”

Tianxin District’s project, even she didn’t have high hopes for it. The required investment was enormous. Even if Lin Li succeeded in developing Tianxin District, what if someone else stole the fruits of his labor?

Lin Li smiled casually. “That’s why before taking on this project, I’ll sign contracts with them.”

“As long as this project is handed over to me, it cannot be transferred to anyone else within the next twenty years.”

“And I’ll guarantee its completion within ten years.”

In fact, the basic construction of Tianxin District was already finished. What remained was time to refine and perfect it. What Lin Li needed now was support from the higher-ups. If they agreed to his terms, everything else would proceed smoothly. Lin Li was confident they had no reason to refuse. After all, Tianxin District was a hot potato for everyone. Even the Four Great Families were unwilling to get involved.

The Tianxin District manager had negotiated many times, but no one wanted to invest such a huge amount and be entangled in these matters. Everyone knew this place was a bottomless pit, requiring unlimited funds. Even nationwide, few major corporations could handle a project of this scale, despite many previous attempts.

So when Lin Li made his straightforward demand, they agreed immediately, fearing he might back out at the critical moment. No one had ever made such a proposal before.

News of Lin Li taking on the Tianxin District project soon reached Ye Aotian’s ears. He was unaware of Lin Li’s agreement with the top brass and merely sneered.

“Seems Lin Li is still a fool, naively thinking the Qin family’s power alone can turn the tide.”

“There’s a reason no one has touched the Tianxin District project all these years. But if he wants to try, let’s give him that chance.”

“When he can’t handle it, we’ll step in.”

Ye Aotian glanced at Chen Along. He had already contacted the Star Palace organization regarding Luo Shanhe and the others. According to their report, those people had completely disappeared, prompting the Star Palace to send their shadow guards to investigate.

For Ye Aotian, even if they didn’t find Luo Shanhe and company, it didn’t matter much. From the start, he hadn’t fully supported the plan. His foster father had arranged for Luo Shanhe’s people to keep an eye on him, worried that Ye Aotian’s decisions would affect their layout in Jiang City.

But now, Ye Aotian not meeting with them was more suitable—it prevented his intentions from being exposed.

At present, the overall situation was under Ye Aotian’s control. After the Huxin District project started turning a profit, he would immediately focus on Lin Li’s Tianxin District. Once Lin Li faltered, Ye Aotian could quickly inject funds and seize control.

He also prized the future development of Tianxin District. If successful, the Star Palace organization would have a continuous flow of financial reserves, ensuring invincibility on the battlefield.

“If we handle Jiang City’s affairs well this time, I’m sure foster father will reward us handsomely.”

“So don’t think about anything else—focus entirely on your mission. No matter what, we can’t screw this up.”

Ye Aotian patted Chen Along’s shoulder, brimming with energy. Yet Chen Along felt something was off but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.