Chapter 368: There Are Mountain Paths And Water Paths

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Jiang Junlin and Lu Zhiyuan sat silently, though they were younger, they displayed an air of unapproachability. Gu Ziyu found it rather irritating, thinking, “Dad and Uncle are really so arrogant!”

During his time with Chen Liangdong, Gu Ziyu gradually learned one thing. Even someone as influential as Chen Liangdong still had moments of helplessness, and Old Zhang was even higher in status. Born as a privileged child, Old Zhang had experienced some hardships in his early years, but for the most part, he was used to receiving compliments and obedience from others. Young people like Lu Zhiyuan and Jiang Junlin were probably a rare encounter for him.

Chen Liangdong was also in a difficult position. Negotiations were discussions and judgments; you give one condition, I give another. It could be a negotiation if both sides were willing to engage, but when they both showed an unwillingness to negotiate, it became challenging.

Old Zhang said, “Lu Zhiyuan, the blood flowing through your veins is that of the descendants of Huaxia. You’ve also brought honor to the country for many years, winning numerous championships. I believe you can prioritize the greater good.”

Lu Zhiyuan smiled faintly and replied, “I am a businessman, and businessmen pursue profit.”

Old Zhang nodded, “Very well, then let’s talk about profit. The focus of Black Hawk should shift to City A. If we obstruct you, it will be hard for you to establish a foothold. You’ve taken away numerous markets from the Triad over the years, thanks to your abilities and the financial environment. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“Is Old Zhang suggesting that you can get Jiang Junlin to agree and share this piece of cake with me?” Lu Zhiyuan succinctly returned the ball to him, putting pressure on Jiang Junlin at the same time.

“The Triad’s Dark Web must obey orders,” Old Zhang firmly stated, “I promise, it will be provided.”

Jiang Junlin chuckled and said, “The Triad’s Dark Web won’t be used for personal gain. I will make my own decisions, and it won’t be under Old Zhang’s jurisdiction. Does Old Zhang want the Triad’s Dark Web to be at your disposal?”

Jiang Junlin openly disrupted the conversation, and Lu Zhiyuan calmly sipped his tea, enjoying the spectacle.

Old Zhang furrowed his brows, “Jiang Junlin, this is a matter of discipline. You cannot let personal grievances affect the bigger picture.”

“Neither Lu Zhiyuan nor 1 have personal grudges. We both prioritize the bigger picture,” Jiang Junlin said calmly, “The Triad’s Dark Web has repeatedly thwarted Black Hawk’s financial attacks, driven them out of the domestic financial market, and recouped numerous losses. Now, you want to invite the wolf into the house. 1 would like to ask Old Zhang, what kind of bigger picture is this?”

Chen Liangdong stepped in to mediate, “Naturally, we won’t just give away half of the cake to Black Hawk for nothing. If Lu Zhiyuan wants this share, there will naturally be conditions. Jiang Junlin, you can also state your terms.”

Lu Zhiyuan chuckled, “Since Jiang Junlin and I can discuss matters together, what do we need you for?”

Jiang Junlin feigned confusion, “I was thinking the same thing.”

Everyone fell silent.

This was perhaps the first time they were so united in their opposition.

Old Zhang was caught off guard; in the end, he had his own agenda.

Lu Zhiyuan said, “Lin Qing was too impatient to obtain the Triad’s Dark Web and stumbled. He was just a pawn. There are plenty of people who want the Triad’s Dark Web. Old Zhang, you may not have been aware of this incident, but can you guess who was behind it? Can you guess it, but Jiang Junlin and I can’t? There are only a few of us in total. If we join forces and serve you, your family will rise to even greater heights. The Triad and Black Hawk will both become tools in your hands. What a clever plan.”

Jiang Junlin calmly stated, “Old Zhang, cooperation requires sincerity. 1 don’t care about what Lu Zhiyuan wants, but my requirement is clear. The Triad’s Dark Web doesn’t allow anyone to interfere. Regarding my collaboration with Black Hawk, you can’t provide any assistance. Many others can offer what you can, and I could work with them instead. Why should 1 choose to work with you? Don’t forget, 1 don’t fall under your jurisdiction, even though you want me to hand over half of the market to Lu Zhiyuan with just a word.”

Old Zhang took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said, “The Triad’s Dark Web has been exposed, and everyone wants a piece of the pie, inserting their own people. You can’t keep everyone out.”

“That’s your concern,” Jiang Junlin replied with a faint smile. “If you want to cooperate with me, you have to help me handle it. If I can handle it myself, why should 1 cooperate with you? You need to establish cooperation with me first, then we can discuss my collaboration with Lu Zhiyuan. Cooperation, cooperation… the order is crucial.”

Lu Zhiyuan chimed in, speaking calmly, “Old Zhang, my views align with Jiang Junlin’s. You also need to establish cooperation with me first to facilitate my collaboration with Jiang Junlin. Otherwise, this negotiation will be utterly meaningless.”

Lu Zhiyuan and Jiang Junlin echoed each other, nearly raising Old Zhang’s blood pressure. Gu Ziyu watched from the sidelines, knowing that Old Zhang had a feeling that he might not be able to persuade them. That’s why he had brought Chen Liangdong in, at least as a layer of assurance. He also subtly conveyed to them that Chen Liangdong would be on their side. Unfortunately, neither Jiang Junlin nor Lu Zhiyuan took the bait.

“Young people are so stubborn, unwilling to compromise even a little,” Jiang Junlin remarked. “Old Zhang, I know you’re aware of our conflict and how challenging it is for us to collaborate. That’s why 1 called you here to negotiate openly and transparently, with no doubts. Old Zhang, you mentioned providing what 1 need. 1 can agree to it. The Triad’s Dark Web has eleven departments; you can assign five people however you like. It’s not realistic to have none of our people involved. Can you accept that?”

Jiang Junlin furrowed his brows, a typical business negotiation tactic. “Three people, and one of them must be from National Security.”

Chen Liangdong’s eyes lit up.

Old Zhang frowned, and Jiang Junlin said firmly, “This time, I managed to escape Lin Qing’s assassination attempt. With National Security’s help, I owe them a favor, which I’ll repay by helping them.”

“Agreed!” Old Zhang reluctantly consented. He knew that dealing with this matter would require a lot of effort and might upset many people.

“On this basis, if you are willing to negotiate with Lu Zhiyuan, then, Lu Zhiyuan, what do you want?” Old Zhang asked.

Lu Zhiyuan remained composed, smiling as he replied, “I have no desires or special requests. Regarding the cake-sharing you mentioned, there’s no need to worry. Whatever Black Hawk wants, I will strive for it myself. 1 prefer to keep control in my own hands.”

Jiang Junlin had anticipated this and wasn’t surprised, but Old Zhang was deeply shocked. “Lu Zhiyuan, your identity has been exposed long ago. You can hardly move freely here.”

“Mountains have their paths, and waters have their ways. No need to trouble yourself,” Lu Zhiyuan said, unyielding. He glanced at Gu Ziyu and chuckled, “This negotiation has never held much attraction for me. If 1 have any requests in the future, 1’11 come to you naturally.”

“You…” Old Zhang’s face turned ashen..