This Is the Knife I Borrowed

His voice arrived before he did.

The speaker had a strong voice, and when he appeared before everyone, he carried himself with considerable presence.

He wore a refined tailcoat and white gloves, his face weathered yet resolute, his hair slicked back immaculately.

He was the only one who arrived, yet Su Lin herself was there to greet him.

This was a level of treatment Tang Shuang had never received, and it was clear Xu Shi held this middle-aged man in high regard.

Seeing him arrive, Xu Shi visibly relaxed.

Beside him, Lin Wenhua and Jiang Fengshan looked somewhat perplexed, even showing a hint of nervousness.

"Are you... Mr. Ning Wei, the Chairman's secretary from the 'Feather Pen' conglomerate?"

Tang Shuang, also curious, identified the newcomer.

"Indeed, I am. Greetings, everyone."

The man named Ning Wei bowed slightly, offering a brief nod to the assembled group. "Apologies for the intrusion."

"Feather Pen" was one of the six major conglomerates.

It was also a rather unique entity among them.

Within the six major conglomerates, "Serpent Coil" and "Shark Tooth" were top-tier military enterprises, while "Prism" dominated the biomedical field.

"Imaginary" controlled various media outlets, and "Dragon City" was the hidden overlord of Sin City.

In essence, these five conglomerates encompassed every facet of life in Night Sin City.

Compared to them, "Feather Pen" was far more low-key, to the point where many, when listing them, would momentarily forget its existence, wondering, "Oh right, who was the other one?"

Their industry was equally specialized – ever since the conglomerate's establishment, they had dedicated themselves to preserving various documents and materials across all fields, spanning from ancient times to the present.

As a result, they possessed the largest information database in Night Sin City, and even the most minute details could be traced back to them.

They also oversaw numerous foundations, established to incentivize individuals who made outstanding contributions in these areas.

This incentive was not limited by wealth or status; even those from humble backgrounds could potentially soar to great heights if they provided meaningful documents or published valuable academic research, truly transforming their fortunes.

This was remarkably accessible and represented the only hope for many from the lower strata to achieve success.

"Well, well, this is certainly quite the gathering, isn't it?"

Xu Shi feigned surprise. "First the Inspection Bureau, and now 'Feather Pen'... Secretary Ning, what brings you here?"

"It's like this, Chairman Xu."

Ning Wei looked at him, speaking respectfully and calmly. "A while ago, our company received a report detailing allegations that your company's Engineering Department Manager, Mr. Jiang Fengshan, is suspected of fraudulent activities within a foundation under our purview, amounting to approximately four million."

"Chairman Wen was very displeased upon hearing this, so he sent me to discuss it with you. He hopes you will act with impartiality and hand him over to us for disposition, without showing favoritism."

"Of course, we will follow proper procedures. We have already filed lawsuits with the Inspection Bureau and the Court of Arbitration, so please do not worry."

Hearing this, Jiang Fengshan's expression changed, and he finally recalled that he had indeed engaged in such activities to earn some extra money.

"Is that so?"

Xu Shi paused upon hearing this, then scanned Tang Shuang and Ning Wei with an expression of annoyance. "No, first the Inspection Bureau, and now you lot... Honestly, why is it that Jiang Fengshan alone is causing me so much trouble?"

"It's a bother. If you want to take him, just take him. I'm done with this!"

With that, he slumped back into his executive chair with an air of disgruntled resignation, as if being coerced.

However, in reality, he was inwardly delighted.

He had, after all, contacted "Feather Pen" himself. He knew from the outset that relying solely on Tang Shuang would be insufficient to bring down Jiang Fengshan.

While Lin Wenhua might tacitly allow him to deal with Xu Anbang, he would not tolerate him eliminating Jiang Fengshan.

After all, these two individuals held different levels of importance, and Lin Wenhua would undoubtedly do everything in his power to protect Jiang Fengshan.

What had just transpired was exactly as he had anticipated: with pressure from multiple sides, the Director would certainly be constrained.

Fortunately, during his previous verification with Jiang Chengcheng, Xu Shi had noticed that the research materials Jiang Fengshan had forcibly taken from her did not seem to have been fully reported to the company.

So, where did the missing portion go?

Following the trail, he discovered the truth – it turned out the old man had handed it over to "Feather Pen" to claim the reward money they offered, and for such a substantial sum.

In that case, there was no need for further discussion. The chip Jiang Chengcheng had given him was sufficient to expose his crimes in this regard.

"Feather Pen" might not care about Jiang Fengshan's character, nor would they be concerned about his mistreatment of Jiang Chengcheng.

However, they would not tolerate Jiang Fengshan deceiving them.

Not only would it lead to ridicule if word got out, but it would also damage their credibility.

Therefore, they might even be more zealous than the Inspection Bureau.

"Thank you for your understanding, Chairman Xu."

Ning Wei nodded, then turned to Tang Shuang. "I came in a hurry today without bringing anyone. May I ask Director Tang for your assistance?"

"...Alright, no problem."

Tang Shuang snapped back to attention and nodded firmly.

To be honest, she hadn't expected things to turn around like this at this stage.

Was this also Xu Shi's arrangement... She pouted, still a little unhappy.

After all, this way, it wouldn't be considered her bringing Jiang Fengshan to justice; it was more due to the intervention of "Feather Pen."

However, the outcome was the same, so she no longer dwelled on it.

"Mr. Jiang, then I'll have to trouble you to come with us?"

"...Wait a moment!"

Just then, Lin Wenhua slammed his hand on the table, clearly having just figured things out.

"Oh? Does Mr. Lin have any objections?"

Ning Wei looked at him coldly and reached into his chest, pulling out a badge. "I might as well tell you, this is a direct order from Chairman Wen himself."

"That nickname, 'old bastard,' was also me conveying Chairman Wen's attitude... Does Mr. Lin have any further advice?"

"I..."

Seeing the badge representing personal presence, Lin Wenhua instantly fell silent.

To be honest, he didn't necessarily take either Tang Shuang or Ning Wei seriously.

But if it was Wen Shengkui, the Chairman of "Feather Pen," that would be a different story.

Although he was usually low-key, the strength of a top conglomerate was undeniable... In fact, for a company engaged in the cultural sector to stand firm in Night Sin City with such a status was enough to explain everything.

Not to mention that Wen Shengkui wasn't like Xu Shi, a powerful figure who could have half his territory taken away... Lin Wenhua knew very well that he couldn't afford to offend him, and his own network of contacts was not enough to compare.

So, he could only watch as Jiang Fengshan was taken away right before his eyes, while Jiang Fengshan himself had long turned ashen.

Given that the other party could disregard his image and utter such vulgar words as "old bastard," one could imagine the fate that awaited him.

He had lost, suffered a major setback.

Jiang Fengshan was taken away in despair.

And as Lin Wenhua slumped back in defeat, he happened to meet Xu Shi's slightly smug, mocking gaze.

A borrowed knife to kill someone, you old coot.

This is the knife.