Chapter 117: Ye Aotian Strikes Again

"Have you heard? Work has actually resumed in the Tianxin District, and apparently, it’s been going on for three months now."

"Is that so? Such a major event, yet I haven't heard a soul mention it. I wonder what's really going on."

People in the streets and alleys were buzzing with the news. They were curious whether this investment would drive up property prices in the Tianxin District in the future. However, someone nearby immediately threw a bucket of cold water on the conversation.

"If it were anyone else, maybe, but just think—the ones taking over this project are the Qin family."

"I think we all know how that group made their fortune. Even if they’ve shed their criminal past over the years, you can’t get rid of the cold-blooded nature in their bones."

"You don’t actually think these people are capable of benefiting the public, do you? At the end of the day, they’re just using this as a platform to boost their own image and take the opportunity to whitewash their reputations."

"In their hands, the Tianxin District project will only be turned into a hub for entertainment. Expecting it to benefit the common folk is just a pipe dream."

The others offered no objections to this sentiment. After all, having lived with them for so many years, they generally understood that this was exactly how things were.

...

"Even though the Tianxin District project has been progressing steadily during this time," Su Lan said, looking at Lin Li with a face full of concern, "the public’s perception of you remains deeply divided. I had hoped that even if this project didn’t yield any direct benefits, it would at least improve the Qin family's reputation."

She never expected that, despite Lin Li pouring his heart and soul into helping them, they would still be met with such harsh criticism. Anyone unaware of the truth would truly believe the Qin family were heinous villains.

"Since we’ve decided to do this, there’s no need to care about what others think," Lin Li replied. "No matter how much they say, my attitude won't change."

From the very beginning, Lin Li never intended to use this project to change his image. He was simply completing his goals step by step. As long as the Tianxin District project could be finished within the deadline, even if it were only a semi-finished product, it would be a tremendous help to him. Therefore, from the start, he hadn't cared about what these people said.

Just then, Fang Tai hurried inside. "Brother Lin, I’ve just received some news."

"The old men of the Four Great Families have gathered together. It seems they are dissatisfied with our recent actions and want to use this opportunity to target the Qin family."

In the past, Qin Guosheng had once tried to elevate the Qin family’s power, but he had never expected to face a simultaneous challenge from the Four Great Families. Under those circumstances, even with all his strength, he dared not take such a risk and had to abandon the matter.

Yet, nobody expected that after all these years, just as Lin Li was about to secure the entire Tianxin District project, these people would jump out once again to target them.

"I was already seething with anger last time, and now they dare to look for trouble again? Do they really think the Qin family is that easy to bully?" Fang Tai gritted his teeth, clenching his fists as he looked at Lin Li. "I think we need to teach these guys a harsh lesson. Only then will they understand how they should treat us."

Lin Li had known for a long time that the Four Great Families would eventually join forces against him. "The current situation isn't enough to unite the Four Great Families. The real problem is Ye Aotian."

Things were progressing steadily in the Hucun District, but Ye Aotian lacked sufficient capital. The hundreds of millions he had managed to secure from the organization had ultimately fallen into Lin Li’s hands. Luo Yang hated Lin Li to the core but was powerless to stop him. Ye Aotian hadn't appeared in Jiangcheng for a while, and Lin Li had almost forgotten about this "destined protagonist."

But now, with the Four Great Families uniting against the Qin family, Lin Li immediately realized that Ye Aotian must be pulling the strings from the shadows. However, even if he had the intention, success would depend on ability. As the saying goes, success is in the hands of men. Ye Aotian had his methods, and Lin Li naturally had his own ways to counter them.

Fang Tai leaned in immediately. "Brother Lin, I knew you must have already thought of a way to deal with these old fossils. Why don't you tell me how you plan to arrange things? I will support you with everything I've got."

Lin Li glanced at Fang Tai. "It would be good enough if you lot didn't cause trouble for me; there's no need for you to get involved in the rest. However, the fact that the Four Great Families have united is indeed something that cannot be ignored."

"Have someone spread the word so that everyone understands the Four Great Families are joining forces to suppress our Qin family."

What Lin Li needed to do now was to appear weak to the enemy. After all, he was doing work that would benefit the common people of Jiangcheng. By positioning himself as the underdog, he could naturally garner public sympathy, which would place immense pressure on the Four Great Families. Whether they could withstand this public opinion offensive would depend on their own capabilities.

It had to be said that Lin Li’s most proficient skill was striking at the heart. No matter what capabilities the Four Great Families possessed, they would find it difficult to handle Lin Li on this front.

"But even so, we still can't make targeted changes," Fang Tai said, still somewhat worried. Even Su Lan agreed. "I think we could negotiate with them and let them participate in the investment for the Tianxin District project. Wouldn't that dispel their desire to target us?"

After all, completing the subsequent stages of the project would require a massive amount of capital. Su Lan’s suggestion wasn't necessarily a bad idea.

Lin Li, however, remained indifferent. "Bowing to the Four Great Families is out of the question. Besides, we have nothing to worry about. You don't actually think those four old men can truly cooperate, do you?"

"If the Four Great Families were truly united, why would Jiangcheng look the way it does now?" Lin Li sneered. He held no regard for this so-called alliance. Such a coalition was something he could shatter with ease.

What truly worried Lin Li, however, was Ye Aotian. That guy had been brewing something for so long; he certainly wasn't up to any good.