Chapter 52: I Am the True Villain

These days, Qin Lang felt somewhat elated, as not long ago he relied entirely on Lin Li for everything he did. Ever since Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng began supporting him, Qin Lang realized for the first time what true comfort felt like. Although many matters within the company were beyond his understanding, he believed that as long as he followed Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng’s advice, everything would proceed smoothly.

Yet just as Qin Lang naively thought everything would continue without a hitch, circumstances abruptly changed. Lin Li arrived at the company, bringing Qin Lang along with him. Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng were present, as well as several other senior members of the Qin family. At first, Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng paid little attention, even feeling invulnerable. They knew that Lin Li would certainly have strong opinions about their recent actions, but neither worried, certain that Lin Li would not dare retaliate against them given their current status. Moreover, they held critical evidence against Lin Li, enough to ensure their advantage in any confrontation.

“Brother Lin, what’s this about?” Zhou Huaji asked, a hint of disdain in his tone. “Everyone’s been busy lately. Why gather us all here suddenly? Is there something else going on?”

Qin Lang sat in the chairman’s seat, with Su Lan at his side. Lin Li’s gaze swept across the faces before him, then he tapped the table lightly.

“I believe everyone understands our most pressing business at the moment. Yet last night, our warehouse was attacked—everything inside was consumed by fire.”

At these words, Lin Li’s cold gaze fell upon the assembled crowd. Instantly, several faces changed. Their fortunes could not withstand such a blow. The medicinal products manufactured by the Qin family were a staple in the market, and even a single month’s gap could allow new products to replace them.

Their anxiety was understandable, for anyone in their position would struggle to maintain composure—except Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng, who looked at Lin Li with unexpected interest. They had thought the incident could be concealed for some time, not expecting it to come to light so swiftly. Judging from Lin Li’s demeanor, he was clearly well-informed about the situation.

“Lin Li, whatever we do, evidence must come first. I haven’t received any reports from anyone yet,” Qiu Bisheng interjected. He and Zhou Huaji were planning to join forces to sideline Lin Li and Su Lan, thereby controlling Qin Lang. Through their recent observations, they had determined that Qin Lang was clueless about the Qin family’s operations, making him the perfect pawn.

Everything seemed poised for a smooth resolution, but no one anticipated Lin Li would step forward at this crucial moment.

“The reason you haven’t heard anything is because, since yesterday, I’ve had the news completely sealed. I know many here hope for the Qin family’s decline, but I must tell you—I will never allow such a thing. Whoever wishes harm upon the Qin family must first step over my dead body,” Lin Li declared, rising slowly, his icy gaze fixed on Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng.

“If you have anything to confess, now is the time. If I take action later, things won’t be so simple,” he said calmly.

Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng reacted as if possessed, leaping to their feet, staring at Lin Li and shouting, “Lin Li, what do you mean by this? Do you think we had something to do with the incident?”

Lin Li sneered. “You should know that the Qin family has always been a powerful rival to the Ning family. If someone within revealed the location of our warehouse to the Ning family, what do you think their response would be?”

As soon as Lin Li finished speaking, several elders rose to their feet. “Are you saying the warehouse’s destruction is related to the Ning family?”

Lin Li nodded.

“This matter is far more complex than we imagined. Not only was the Ning family involved, but so was Ye Aotian, the villain responsible for Qin Lao Da’s death. He and his men caused this disaster. Even though we placed skilled guards, Ye Aotian could not be stopped,” Lin Li sighed.

He could have assured everyone that the medicinal products had already been relocated, but that would not achieve his desired effect. Among those present, Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng held great influence—any direct action against them would surely provoke resistance. Therefore, Lin Li needed to maximize their culpability before proceeding, ensuring the resolution would unfold naturally.

Zhou Huaji and Qiu Bisheng had never expected events to take such a turn, and seeing Lin Li now, their expressions shifted dramatically. Zhou Huaji shouted, “Stop spouting nonsense! Do you think everyone here is a fool, ready to listen to your wild claims?”

Qiu Bisheng immediately stood and pointed at Lin Li, rebuking him loudly, “You conspired with outsiders to kill Qin Lao Da—I’ve yet to settle the score with you!”

Zhou Huaji hastily echoed, “That’s right! Don’t be fooled by Lin Li’s apparent concern for the Qin family—he’s been plotting to seize everything from us for a long time. Qin Lao Da died because he discovered Lin Li’s scheme. We are all Qin family members, and we do not lie—there is evidence.”

Zhou Huaji spoke loudly, as if only by such force could he convince the others. Yet he wondered, even at this stage, why Lin Li still showed no sign of fear. He could not fathom where this young man found such confidence.