Chapter 224

He Yuzhu confronts the British financial giant head-on

In the quiet private office, the cool air from the air conditioner flowed gently, dispelling the heat of the night.

The transparent floor-to-ceiling windows isolate the noise from the outside world, leaving only a calm and quiet atmosphere throughout the house.

Orion's deep, mellow voice came through the landline telephone receiver clearly.

His tone carried a rare sincerity, along with a hint of worry.

"Thank you, I will seriously consider your suggestion."

He Yuzhu gently stroked the cool solid wood tabletop with his fingertips, his expression calm and composed.

He knew that the situation in Hong Kong was complex and far more dangerous and complicated than it appeared on the surface.

"You're not just thinking about that simple thing." Orion's tone suddenly became more serious.

The breathing on the other end of the receiver was slightly subdued, carrying the warning of someone who had been through it all.

"I sincerely advise you that you are an outsider with shallow roots."

"One person alone cannot possibly defeat the established capital forces that have been rooted in Hong Kong for over a century."

"The Huo family, which was once incredibly powerful, has recently faced suppression and constraints, which is a prime example of this."

He Yuzhu's eyes darkened slightly, and he spoke softly, offering his advice.

"Thank you for the reminder. Please be extra careful in the near future and be wary of being implicated or targeted."

Orion chuckled softly, with a hint of confidence and arrogance.

His tone was firm, without the slightest fear.

"You don't need to worry about me."

"As long as he is still around, no one will dare to touch me in the slightest."

This has been the source of his confidence for a long time.

But the words of comfort on the other end of the phone instantly shattered his facade of confidence.

Orion's voice was clear and lucid, succinctly revealing the essence of the situation.

"Don't rely too much on the protection from above."

In the end, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself.

"To be honest, he will eventually leave this game, but you can never go back."

These words were direct and sharp, tearing away all false protection and wishful thinking.

A brief silence fell over the office. He Yuzhu nodded slightly, understanding in his heart.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, his tone filled with genuine emotion.

"I've got it in mind."

"To be honest, if it weren't for that crucial credit you secretly gave me before..."

"Given the entrenched factions and seniority barriers within the police department, my maximum potential is at most that of a police superintendent."

"Even if I had stayed until retirement, it would have been difficult to make any further progress, and I would never have reached the level I have today."

Upon hearing this, Orion revealed a rare hint of a playful smile, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"Heh, I never expected that someone as ruthless and domineering as you would be such a power-hungry person."

He Yuzhu smiled frankly, without any pretense, his tone open and transparent.

"Now that we've entered this system of rules, we're in the game."

Who wouldn't want to be in a high position, wield power, and control their own destiny?

"Only by standing higher can you see further, protect yourself, and protect those around you."

This is the most straightforward human nature, and also the most authentic law of survival.

"Okay, I understand. I won't take up any more of your time. I'll hang up now," Orion said.

Just as the call was about to end, another urgent instruction came through the receiver.

His tone was urgent, full of solemnity, and concealed an extremely dangerous warning.

"Wait, one last thing!"

"The rivals of those established capitalists and British conglomerates are far more ruthless than you can imagine."

"The games they can openly engage in are just the tip of the iceberg."

"Insidious schemes, assassinations, framing, and even the extermination of entire families lurking in the shadows are rampant; you must be extremely cautious!"

He Yuzhu's sharp glint softened slightly, and he responded in a deep voice.

"I understand. Thank you for your repeated reminders. I will remember this favor."

"It was just a small favor."

Orion's tone turned serious again, revealing a major trump card.

"By the way, I have a set of top-secret internal documents from Jardine Matheson."

"The content is extremely detailed. After reading it, you will definitely have a new understanding of these established conglomerates."

"It will also make you more cautious and prudent in your subsequent actions, and help you avoid fatal risks."

He Yuzhu's eyes lit up. He had been worried about lacking core intelligence on his opponent, so he immediately responded.

"it is good."

"I will have Madam Wang Cuiping personally deliver it to you. It's top secret information and will not be shared with any third party."

"Thank you for your hard work!"

"No need to be polite, it's just self-preservation. We're all on the same path."

As soon as he finished speaking, a crisp hanging-up sound came from the telephone receiver.

The office fell completely silent, with only Orion's final warning echoing in their ears.

They use more than just the methods they've revealed.

In just a few words, every sentence is piercing, revealing the cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness of Hong Kong capital.

He Yuzhu slowly stood up and walked his tall figure to the panoramic floor-to-ceiling window.

Below you is the brightly lit Victoria Harbour, offering a panoramic view of the entire Hong Kong skyline at night.

Neon lights crisscross the two sides of the river, stretching as far as the eye can see, with towering buildings and bustling traffic, showcasing the most prosperous and bustling times.

But even the most dazzling lights of the world could not penetrate the unfathomable depths of his eyes.

His eyes were dark and deep, calm as a cold pool, without the slightest ripple.

His eyes held a calm understanding of everything, as well as a sharp, ready-to-be-released edge.

A short while later, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

Wang Cuiping, dressed in a smart police uniform, walked steadily into the room.

He was holding a sealed leather file folder, tightly closed and covered with an airtight seal.

"Mr. He, Inspector Orion asked me to deliver the complete set of documents for Jardine Matheson."

She gently placed the file folder in the center of the desk, her tone solemn and respectful.

"This document is completely confidential and is for your exclusive use only. You are solely responsible for viewing it and may destroy or keep it afterward."

"Thank you for your hard work." He Yuzhu nodded slightly.

Wang Cuiping did not linger. After nodding in acknowledgment, she turned and quietly left the office.

The heavy solid wood door closed, isolating the room from all outside noise.

He Yuzhu reached out and picked up the file folder, gently tearing open the sealing strip with his fingertips.

He pulled out a thick stack of printed paper and handwritten information, and quickly spread them out.

This is far from a simple company profile or business introduction.

This is clearly a blood-stained record of colonial plunder and crime spanning a century!

On the paper, each word is clearly written, recording the sordid background of Jardine Matheson's century-long rise.

The document begins by clearly documenting the dark origins of Jardine Matheson, which began in 1832.

They made huge profits and accumulated their initial capital by relying on the black ointment trade and using bloodlust to build their fortune.

It has grown stronger step by step, step by step, by step, over the blood, tears and lives of countless people, and taken root in Hong Kong.

Over the next century, it gradually encroached upon and infiltrated Hong Kong, eventually monopolizing its core lifeline.

Ultimately, they firmly controlled Wharf Holdings, a vital maritime hub and port giant.

Wharf Holdings controls all channels for import and export shipping in Hong Kong, and holds sway over the lifeline of cargo ships, docks, and warehouses.

It is the absolute core of the city's trade, goods, and wealth.

After a century of dedicated work, Jardine Matheson's roots have become deeply intertwined.

They have deeply penetrated every corner of Hong Kong's economy, shipping, trade, and officialdom.

Silently absorbing the richest nutrients from this land, it nourishes its vast capital empire.

After reading the basic information at the beginning, He Yuzhu already understood.

This demonstrates the deep-rooted nature and immense power of such century-old British conglomerates.

It was hundreds or even thousands of times more terrifying than he had previously estimated!

They are not ordinary business rivals, but top-tier tycoons entrenched in Hong Kong.

Clues can be gleaned from the scattered details recorded in the documents.

The Keswick family, currently in charge of Jardine Matheson, wields immense power.

It can directly exert pressure on the Hong Kong government from a distance and interfere with municipal decisions and trade policies.

This level of power far exceeds the scope of ordinary commercial enterprises, making them almost like local tyrants.

He Yuzhu gently brushed his fingertips across the cold, lifeless handwriting on the paper, and murmured to himself softly.

"Orion secretly did me an enormous favor and gave me a top-notch gift."

"If I were to rely solely on my own intelligence channels for verification and analysis..."

"It would take at least several months to uncover the hidden foundation and core essence of Jardine Matheson's century-old history."

He was perfectly aware of the deeper meaning behind Orion's actions.

The other party is subtly hinting at, showing goodwill, and forming an alliance.

In this game dominated by the British Hong Kong government, the rules have never been fair.

He Yuzhu was ultimately an outsider who had entered the game from nowhere, without local roots or upper-class connections.

Even if he holds the power of Taishan Security, controls Yellow River Industry, has abundant financial resources, and possesses exceptional skills.

However, it faces a top-tier capital firm like Jardine Matheson, which has been deeply rooted in the industry for over a century, delivering a devastating blow.

Personal strength and commercial wealth seem insignificant and easily defeated.

A dragon can only coil up; a tiger can only lie down.

The Huo family serves as a stark reminder of how they were recently crushed and hampered by capital.

The opponent employs a variety of overt and covert tactics, which ordinary people are powerless to resist.

Thinking of this, He Yuzhu's lips slowly curved into a cold and piercing smile.

All the tenderness in his eyes vanished, leaving only a fierce determination and sharp edge.

"You have the resources, the power, and the underhanded tactics to scheme and plot against us at every turn."

"Does He Yuzhu not have any trump cards or means to break this deadlock and retaliate?"

His gaze returned to the most crucial page of the file, his eyes suddenly sharpening.

The most fatal weakness of the Jardine Matheson Capital empire is clearly marked on the paper.

Wharf Holdings!

This is a giant cluster of wharves and warehouses covering the entire port.

It is a core transit hub in Jardine Matheson's global trading network!

It is the main artery and blood vessel that supports the continuous flow of its enormous wealth!

The entire supply of goods and turnover of Jardine Matheson Department Store depended entirely on Wharf Holdings.

The entire Jardine Matheson shipping empire's fleet scheduling and cargo throughput are supported by Wharf Holdings.

A continuous stream of huge cash flows, trade profits, and monopoly gains.

More than 90% of the output comes from Wharf Holdings, a single core node.

If this lifeline is severed, Jardine Matheson's vast capital empire will be instantly paralyzed!

He Yuzhu's eyes were sharp, his tone low and resolute, carrying the determination to launch a thunderous counterattack.

"Since you disregard the rules and use any means necessary to attack me and kill me."

"Then I'll strike first and cut off the lifeline you depend on for survival!"

Once you've made up your mind, act immediately!

Without further hesitation, He Yuzhu picked up the landline phone on the table.

Dial the number quickly with your fingertips to connect directly to the headquarters of Taishan Security Company.

The moment the call connected, a calm and solemn male voice came from the other end of the receiver.

"Hello, this is the headquarters of Taishan Security Company. What are your instructions?"

"Shi Bin, it's me, He Yuzhu."

Upon hearing his boss's voice, Shi Bin on the other end of the phone immediately stood at attention.

His tone instantly became respectful and solemn, filled with absolute obedience and awe.

"Boss! Please give your orders! Everyone is on standby!"

He Yuzhu spoke in a steady, forceful voice, issuing the highest-level combat readiness order.

"Immediately activate the company's highest-level red security contingency plan! No time limit on readiness!"

"Key protection targets: My own villa and residence, A Lang's entire family, Gu Yuanheng's entire family, Xu Damao and all his core family members!"

"You will personally lead the team and have full authority over all protective measures; there must be no oversights!"

"All personnel have been re-equipped with the latest standard weapons and equipment previously delivered by Ah Feng, and are on standby with live ammunition!"

"I reiterate, this is absolutely not a drill!"

"The opponent is most likely a foreign outlaw, a professional mercenary, or a top-tier assassin—extremely powerful and ruthless!"

"Grant all field team members the highest level of armed defense authority! No need to report an attack; kill on sight!"

Shi Bin's voice was strong and clear, carrying the indomitable fighting spirit of the Taishan Security Guard.

"Understood! Don't worry, boss! Everyone will hold the line!"

"Unless all members of my Taishan Security team are wiped out in battle, no one can harm you or your family in the slightest!"

"Deploy immediately!"

"Furthermore," He Yuzhu added, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Immediately notify Bai Yifeng and have him come to my private office to see me as soon as possible. It's an urgent matter."

"Roger that! I'll contact Captain Bai immediately and have him come right away!"

The call was quickly disconnected, and the entire Taishan Security combat machine instantly went into full-speed operation.

Everyone from top to bottom is on high alert, entering a state of first-level combat readiness.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye.

There was a gentle knock on the office door, the rhythm steady and orderly.

"Enter."

The door opened, and Bai Yifeng, dressed in black combat uniform, strode in.

With an upright posture, sharp eyes, and an air of composure and competence befitting a professional agent, he exudes confidence and skill.

He strode to his desk, bowed, and waited for instructions.

"Boss, I've arrived. Please give me your instructions!"

He Yuzhu looked up at him, his gaze sharp, getting straight to the point.

"Old Bai, I'm giving you a maximum of 48 hours."

"I need to obtain all the latest top-secret intelligence on Wharf Holdings, a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson, and its entire shipping operations."

"Details down to every cargo ship voyage, every cargo manifest, and every warehouse section."

"This includes the port area's 24/7 security deployment, patrol routes, sentry post distribution, and real-time movement of key personnel."

"Is it possible?"

Bai Yifeng's eyes were firm, and without the slightest hesitation, he accepted the order in a deep voice.

"I guarantee the mission will be a complete success! I will personally lead the infiltration and verification team; there will be absolutely no mistakes!"

He Yuzhu nodded slightly and continued to refine the plan and make precise arrangements.

"We will be closely monitoring all high-value cargo ships that are scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong within the next three days."

"Precision industrial instruments, rare precious metals, scarce military raw materials, and high-end luxury goods are all marked."

"Accurately identify the corresponding berth number, the location of the dedicated warehouse, the configuration of guard personnel, and the complete loading and unloading schedule."

"The entire operation is top secret. All team members will maintain one-way communication and are strictly prohibited from communicating privately to prevent leaks."

"Remember, Jardine Matheson has been deeply rooted in the industry for many years, with a dense network of informants and extremely strong defenses. We must never underestimate them."

Bai Yifeng responded solemnly, his tone serious.

"Yes, boss! I will carefully select the most reliable and experienced field team members to carry out the mission!"

"Infiltrate discreetly throughout the entire process, never revealing your identity, and meticulously gather all critical intelligence!"

"Also, pay attention to personnel allocation," He Yuzhu carefully instructed, demonstrating his thorough consideration.

"Your intelligence gathering team, their operational route, and their personnel list."

"Make sure to avoid Shi Bin's security team, with everyone performing their duties and tasks clearly defined."

"There must be absolutely no conflicts, overlapping actions, or mutual interference among personnel."

"Understood! The two tasks are completely different in nature, and I will strictly stagger their deployments to ensure they do not interfere with each other!"

Confirm that all deployments have been completed and that nothing has been overlooked.

He Yuzhu raised his hand and pointed to a black briefcase with a combination lock on the side of his desk.

The box had a precise lock and a heavy body, pressing down on the table.

"Here is one million Hong Kong dollars for the activity. You may use it as you see fit."

"Personnel management, infiltration of posts, intelligence acquisition, and operational expenses are all reimbursed based on actual costs."

"We must obtain the most accurate core intelligence as quickly as possible."

Bai Yifeng stepped forward, picked up the briefcase, felt its weight, and nodded solemnly.

"Thank you so much, boss! I promise I won't let you down!"

After receiving the order, Bai Yifeng turned and quickly left to begin deployment.

With the issuance of two key instructions, security at Mount Tai was put into full-speed operation.

The entire professional combat system is implemented with the highest efficiency and standards.

All immediate family members, elderly people, and children of the He family villa were urgently recalled to the residence.

The entire villa was completely sealed off, doors and windows were reinforced, and security was established to eliminate all potential hazards.

Shi Bin personally led the entire elite Shadow Special Forces team of Taishan Security to the post.

The team members were all dressed in black, with upright postures, sharp eyes, and restrained demeanor.

Each person was equipped with the brand-new standard M1 rifles, riot shotguns, fragmentation grenades, and full sets of gas protective gear supplied by Afeng.

All concealed firing positions, rooftop vantage points, and perimeter guard posts are manned by designated personnel.

The system provides comprehensive, unobstructed monitoring of all activity within a 100-meter radius of the entire villa.

The residences of Ah Lang, Gu Yuanheng, and Xu Damao are located inside and outside.

Countless silent, vigilant security personnel have also quietly appeared in the shadows.

They may appear to be ordinary passersby or casual patrons on the street, but in reality, they are all heavily armed and on high alert.

On the other side, Bai Yifeng's entire reconnaissance team split into smaller units.

The team members changed their identities and discreetly infiltrated the Xiangjiang Port area.

Some applied for temporary security jobs in the port area, some joined shipping as odd jobs, and some disguised themselves as crew members.

At the same time, they spent heavily to bribe key personnel such as port area dispatchers, warehouse supervisors, and guards.

They quietly wove a vast and intricate intelligence network, silently gathering intelligence.

Everyone knew that tonight would be a sleepless night, for a fierce battle was about to begin.

As night deepened, dark clouds obscured the moon, and the entire Hong Kong was plunged into a deep twilight.

The evening wind was cold and bleak, and the streets and alleys were silent, making it the perfect time for murder, robbery, and assassination.

It was 11 p.m., the moon was dark and the wind was high, and all was quiet.

Several unlicensed black heavy trucks sped up on a secluded street outside the He family villa.

The piercing screech of brakes suddenly shattered the silence of the night!

squeak--!

The wheels screeched against the ground, making a sharp, piercing sound, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop a hundred meters away from the villa.

The heavy truck doors were pulled open all at once!

Dozens of elite assassins, dressed in full camouflage combat uniforms and with their faces covered by masks, swiftly disembarked from the vehicle!

All of them were armed with imported assault rifles and submachine guns, and their waists were covered with grenades and explosives.

Their movements are crisp and clean, their training is excellent, and their steps are synchronized, demonstrating the level of top-tier professional mercenaries.

They are far beyond the reach of ordinary street gangs and gang thugs!

The masked leader raised his hand and made a simple tactical gesture.

Dozens of assassins quickly split into groups, took turns providing cover, and advanced rapidly.

With a clear objective, they aimed directly at the He family villa in the center, intending to launch a forceful assault and break in!

Several elite team members rushed forward, heading straight for the villa's wrought iron gate, ready to violently break it down!

boom! boom! boom!

A deep, heavy sniper shot suddenly rang out, tearing through the darkness!

The concealed firing ports pre-installed on the second floor of the villa flashed with fire one after another!

The Shadow Squad snipers, positioned on high ground, fired with pinpoint accuracy, hitting their targets every time!

The three mercenary vanguards at the forefront didn't even have time to react.

As if struck hard by a heavy hammer, he instantly froze and collapsed to the ground!

Blood burst forth from his forehead and chest, killing him instantly. He fell silently into a pool of blood.

An ambush! A 100% pre-planned ambush!

The mercenary leader's pupils constricted, and a chill ran through him.

He instantly sensed something was wrong and shouted a warning to the entire team!

"Ambush! Everyone spread out! Take cover! Get out of the way quickly!"

Before the words had even finished, the dense bushes on both sides of the villa...

Two dark figures suddenly stood up, their movements as swift as cheetahs!

The riot shotgun in his hand roared to life!

Boom! Boom!

A deafening gunshot echoed across the area, and a barrage of fan-shaped steel balls erupted instantly!

Three mercenaries who attempted a flanking maneuver and a surprise attack were instantly covered in steel balls!

His body was covered in blood and gore, he was riddled with bullets, and he collapsed heavily to the ground!

Inside the villa, a red alarm blared loudly, its piercing sound echoing throughout the entire mansion!

Within the internal dedicated communication channel, Bai Yifeng calmly and steadily issued his instructions instantly.

His voice was cold and ruthless, carrying a decisive and ruthless tone.

"Team A must hold all exits at the main gate and prevent any strong attack!"

"Team B, quickly eliminate the remaining enemies on the flank, preventing any flanking attacks!"

"Team C will closely monitor the back windows and blind spots of the courtyard wall to prevent anyone from scaling the wall and sneaking in!"

"All personnel hold their positions and avoid showing themselves unless absolutely necessary; provide crossfire coverage across the entire area!"

"Kill all enemy soldiers without exception, leaving no survivors or potential threats!"

The foreign mercenaries who launched the surprise attack were completely stunned and routed!

The intelligence they had previously received was extremely limited, only knowing that the target was an ordinary wealthy businessman.

The mission instructions were simple and brutal: act swiftly, create chaos, and kidnap key members of the He family.

In their prediction, the wealthy businessman's bodyguards were all ordinary security guards, easily defeated.

But the opponent they are facing now has fierce firepower, excellent teamwork, and professional tactics!

Their offensive and defensive systems, firepower configurations, and tactical skills far surpass those of regular police forces!

It's the hardcore combat power of a top-tier special forces unit!

After a brief moment of shock and confusion, the group of desperate mercenaries were completely enraged.

The violent and murderous aura that had been lurking on the edge of life and death for many years finally erupted.

Using the walls, trees, and vehicles as cover, everyone fired back furiously!

Assault rifles and submachine guns roared in rapid succession, bullets whistling through the night sky.

Gunshots rang out in waves, flames rose and fell, and smoke instantly filled the entire block.

The interior of the villa's secret chamber had already been fully secured.

He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang safely hid with all the elderly and children in their family.

The heavy alloy doors of the sealed chamber isolated most of the gunfire and fighting.

Xiaoman held He Ningxue tightly as she sobbed softly, terrified by the intense gunfire.

Gently and softly comfort the child, trying your best to soothe the fear in their heart.

He Yushui stood quietly by the communicator in the secret room, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Despite the nervousness and worry in my heart, my eyes remained firm as I stared intently at the communication screen.

Every gunshot and every boom outside made everyone's heart clench.

But deep down, everyone holds the same unwavering belief.

Trust He Yuzhu, trust Taishan Security, they will definitely protect the safety of the whole family.

He Yuzhu stood quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window in the study, overlooking the fierce battle outside.

His posture was upright and composed, his expression was cold as ice, and his eyes remained completely calm.

Looking at this group of unscrupulous professional killers who come to your door in the dead of night to slaughter and wipe out entire families.

All that remained in his heart was a chilling coldness and an absolute ruthlessness.

These people are incredibly audacious!

Backed by powerful financial backers, they dared to openly carry out a gun massacre in Hong Kong.

In less than thirty minutes!

The intense gunfire outside the window suddenly subsided until it completely stopped!

The entire neighborhood returned to deathly silence, with only faint traces of gunpowder smoke drifting in the wind.

The last remaining mercenary attempted to escape by scaling the wall.

He was shot dead on the spot by Shi Bin with a precise headshot from fifty meters away!

All resistance forces surrounding the villa have been wiped out!

On the internal communicator, Shi Bin's steady and powerful voice rang out right on time.

His tone carried the solemnity of post-war cleanup.

"Boss! The entire threat has been completely eliminated!"

"A total of thirty-six attacking mercenaries were killed in this battle, and none escaped!"

"Two of our team members were seriously injured and five were slightly injured. All the injured have received emergency treatment and are not in life-threatening condition."

He Yuzhu's eyes flickered slightly, and he gave the order in a deep voice.

"Prioritize and do everything possible to rescue seriously injured team members and properly care for the wounded."

"Clean up the battlefield thoroughly and carefully examine all corpses and equipment."

"Were any survivors?"

Shi Bin reported the facts truthfully, his tone grave.

"The entire process has been completed, and no survivors remain."

"These attackers are all elite professional mercenaries, fierce and fearless."

"Several critically wounded enemies attempted suicide attacks before dying."

"They were all decisively killed by the team members, completely eliminating the potential threat."

"Furthermore, all captured weapons and their serial numbers were found to have been completely erased by human intervention."

"Without any clues, the other party acted extremely meticulously, deliberately erasing all traces."

He Yuzhu's eyes flashed even colder, and he understood what was going on.

Completely erase weapon serial numbers, leave no clues, and fight to the death.

This is definitely a top-notch team of assassins carefully hired by the Jardine Matheson Group.

The objective was simple and brutal: to launch a surprise attack in the dead of night, wipe out the entire family, and leave no trace.

"Understood."

"All personnel should be placed on Level II alert to prevent a second counterattack from the enemy."

The moment the call ended, the landline phone in the villa's living room rang urgently.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The shrill ringing of the phone late at night was particularly striking in the quiet room.

He Yuzhu slowly walked downstairs and reached out to pick up the receiver.

Orion's languid voice, tinged with annoyance and anger, came from the other end of the phone.

His tone conveyed displeasure at being disturbed while staying up late.

"Who's calling in the middle of the night? If you don't have a valid reason, I'll have you stand guard at the pond all night to reflect on your actions!"

"Orion, it's me, He Yuzhu."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Orian instantly abandoned all his laziness, his tone becoming tense.

"What? A call so late at night? What serious incident has happened?"

He Yuzhu spoke calmly as he slowly recounted the devastating attack that had just occurred.

"Someone led a group to violently attack my house late at night."

Orion's heart sank, and his voice rose sharply.

"Covering up the mess?! They actually dare to take direct action?"

"Hmm," He Yuzhu responded calmly, his tone utterly indifferent.

"The attacking force consisted of a full platoon, all of them professional mercenaries and assassins."

"Equipped with fully automatic assault weapons, grenades, and demolition equipment, its firepower configuration is extremely luxurious."

"I suspect that my house wasn't the only place attacked. You can check the other locations."

Upon hearing this, Orion couldn't help but let out a suppressed curse.

"Fuck! Are they insane?!"

"This is Hong Kong, a city governed by the rule of law! Not a border peninsula! Not a wild, uncivilized monkey kingdom!"

"In broad daylight, in the dead of night, in a bustling city, they dared to use armed forces of military strength to massacre this entire family!"

He Yuzhu spoke in a cold tone, revealing the most helpless reality.

"But in this territory, they're the ones who call the shots now."

Orion took a deep breath, suppressing the raging anger in his heart, and pressed for an answer.

"How are your family members? Are they injured?"

"Everyone is safe and sound, without a scratch."

"Five of our security personnel sustained minor injuries and two sustained serious injuries, while the attacking enemy was completely annihilated."

There was a moment of complete silence on the other end of the receiver, lasting for a full two seconds.

A startled sound came from Orion, who gasped in shock.

"Hiss... Just what kind of terrifying combat power does your Taishan Security have?"

"This level of skill is several times stronger than that of the police department's regular special training major crime unit!"

"You wouldn't happen to be a member trained according to the special operations standards of regular overseas battlefields, would you?"

He Yuzhu spoke calmly, without arrogance or impatience.

"I don't have extra time to train them myself."

"All their tactics, skills, and combat capabilities are the result of their self-discipline and hard work in real combat day and night."

Orion's tone was full of envy and regret, and he couldn't help but sigh.

"If my officers possessed such formidable fighting skills, why would I worry about being constrained by factions!"

He Yuzhu spoke up at the opportune moment, offering his bargaining chips for cooperation.

There's no need to feel envious or wistful.

"Immediately bring a team to investigate the scene and take over the crime scene."

"Tonight's bloody battle is another great achievement for you."

Orion snapped back to his senses instantly, his tone decisive and crisp.

"Okay! I'll lead a team to the scene immediately! You must be on high alert!"

"I understand."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu dialed several dedicated lines.

They contacted Xu Damao, A Lang, and Gu Yuanheng, the three core partners, one by one.

The security situation and safety status of the personnel at each of the residences were checked one by one.

The responses received were all consistent: the entire process was smooth, with no disturbances or unusual activity.

After confirming that everyone was safe and sound, He Yuzhu's tense nerves finally began to relax.

He deliberately downplayed the issue, telling everyone it was just ordinary harassment and there was no need to panic or worry.

To avoid causing panic and confusion among the group, which could affect subsequent plans.

After hanging up the last comforting phone call, a cold glint flashed in He Yuzhu's eyes.

They had thoroughly figured out the opponent's core objectives.

"It seems that my opponents have thoroughly investigated my true identity and trump cards."

"They know that I am the actual controller of Yellow River Industry and multiple industrial chains."

"Tonight, we will spare no effort to deploy our elite mercenaries and completely sever ties."

"The target is precise, solely to annihilate the He family, eradicate them completely, and eliminate any future trouble!"

Under the cover of night, the sound of police sirens rose and fell from the distant streets.

Waaaaah!

The urgent, sharp sirens of police cars and ambulances grew louder as they rapidly approached the villa district.

Several police cars and ambulances quickly parked outside the perimeter cordon of the villa.

Orion, dressed in a police uniform, with a gloomy expression, quickly got out of the car.

His gaze swept over the mercenary corpses lying haphazardly on the ground, the shell casings scattered everywhere, and the mottled bloodstains.

His eyes were filled with raging anger, and his face was so dark it was almost dripping with water.

He strode into the villa's living room and sat down directly on the sofa opposite He Yuzhu.

After a long silence, he slowly spoke, his tone extremely heavy.

"What? These people are not just looking for revenge or causing trouble."

"Their actions tonight are clearly aimed at wiping out your entire He family!"

He Yuzhu remained calm, his tone steady yet firm.

"Whatever their purpose, they dared to come to my door with knives and guns, intending to take my life."

"Be prepared to perish here and pay the price."

Orion frowned deeply, his face showing difficulty, and asked in a deep voice.

"So, what are your plans next?"

He Yuzhu's gaze was sharp and direct, stating the core demand.

"I need complete information on all senior key personnel of Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong."

Upon hearing this, Orion's expression changed drastically, and he quickly shook his head to dissuade him.

"No! Absolutely not!"

"Taking action against Jardine Matheson's top management rashly would create too much of a stir and have far-reaching consequences!"

"This will inevitably trigger a full-scale counterattack from British-owned conglomerates, causing widespread turmoil and chaos throughout Hong Kong!"

He Yuzhu's eyes were cold, and his tone was filled with suppressed anger and resentment.

"Then tell me, what should I do?"

"Our opponents came to our door armed and attempted to wipe out our entire family!"

"Am I destined to passively take the beating, wait to die, and swallow my anger?"

Orion was speechless for a moment, unable to utter a word or respond.

Seeing the other party's silence, He Yuzhu raised his voice and went straight to the point.

"Protect citizens, maintain stability, punish criminals, and uphold justice."

"Isn't this the most basic duty of you police officers and public officials?"

Orion looked conflicted, struggled for a long time, and finally gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Wait for my message, and I will immediately communicate with my superiors and negotiate internally."

He Yuzhu raised his hand slightly, his tone carrying a subtle warning.

"You'd better give me an answer as soon as possible."

"Otherwise, I cannot predict or control what will happen next."

"I'll borrow your study for a bit while I make a phone call to discuss things," Orion said in a deep voice.

"Please go ahead."

Orion turned and strode upstairs, entering his private study to continue his work.

While the situation was quietly unfolding upstairs, the door to the secret room downstairs slowly opened.

The He family members walked out one after another, and their tense minds finally relaxed a little.

He Daqing frowned, his face full of worry, as he looked at his son.

His tone was tinged with lingering fear and doubt as he asked softly.

"Zhu Zi, what kind of mortal enemy have you offended?"

"This show of force tonight is clearly aimed at the entire He family, isn't it?"

He Yuzhu turned to look at his elderly father and comforted him gently.

"Father, it's just capital competition and conflict of interest in the business world."

"The other side is powerful and unwilling to accept defeat; they are simply seeking revenge."

He Daqing was still full of confusion and lingering fear.

"What kind of business rival would be so ruthless as to come to your door, shoot you, and wipe out your entire family in revenge?"

Old Master Chen, who was standing to the side, was very experienced and saw through the situation immediately, so he spoke up to offer advice.

"Zhu Zi is right."

"At this point, it's no longer a problem that can be solved by backing down."

"They've already drawn their swords; they want our lives."

"Even if we take the initiative to back down and make concessions, the other party will never give up easily."

Chen Lanxiang's eyes were filled with lingering fear and unease, and her face was full of worry.

Holding her son's arm, she asked softly.

"Zhu Zi, is our house still safe from now on?"

I was really panicking.

He Yuzhu gently comforted his family, his tone calm and resolute.

"Mother, don't worry."

"I will arrange for everyone to relocate tomorrow and move to a new, secluded and secure residence."

"To completely eliminate future troubles and prevent my family from ever being in danger again."

Chen Lanxiang couldn't help but sigh with deep emotion, her tone filled with endless weariness.

"I thought coming to Hong Kong would be a chance to live a comfortable and peaceful life."

"I never expected it to be even more dangerous than in mainland China; I have no peace every day."

"If I had known it would be this turbulent and dangerous, I would never have ventured out in the first place."

The old lady beside her had experienced many ups and downs and saw things clearly, so she offered words of comfort.

"Just stop saying such discouraging things."

"If we hadn't ventured out and made our way in the world, we might not be living such a stable and prosperous life now."

Chen Lanxiang sighed, feeling utterly frustrated and helpless.

"I just feel really uneasy."

"In the past, it was understandable that people were caught up in war and had no choice in their lives."

"In this peaceful era, with stable lives, why is there conflict and bloodshed everywhere you go?"

The old lady spoke softly, revealing the true meaning of life.

"Where there are people, there are interests; where there are interests, there is conflict."

"If everyone were peaceful and content, that would be the most abnormal and strange thing."

Chen Lanxiang was still filled with resentment and murmured softly.

"Isn't it good enough for our family to live a peaceful and stable life?"

Xiaoman laughed out loud from the side, showing her understanding and maturity.

"Mother, this is not like you at all."

"You used to be the most supportive of Brother Zhu as he ventured out and worked hard, and you never held him back."

A gentle melancholy and timidity welled up in Chen Lanxiang's eyes.

"I used to be young and bold, fearless."

"Now that I'm older, I've become more timid and have more worries."

"I'm really afraid that something might happen to Zhu Zi. This family can't withstand the slightest storm."

He Yutuo, standing to the side, feigned grievance and jokingly teased her.

"So, Mother wasn't afraid of my eldest brother getting into trouble before because we were adopted?"

"Are you worried about your older brother getting into trouble now because you're concerned that we'll have no one to back us up?"

These words instantly dispelled the oppressive and heavy atmosphere in the room.

Chen Lanxiang was both angry and amused, and she raised her hand to deliver a swift and powerful slap across the neck.

"You little rascal, you're talking nonsense!"

As he spoke, he casually grabbed a feather duster from beside the sofa, pretending to whip it as a punishment.

The house was instantly filled with the warm sounds of family members laughing and playing.

Just as the atmosphere was beginning to ease.

A soft cough came from upstairs, interrupting the noise downstairs.

Everyone fell silent instantly, knowing that Orion had ended his call.

He Yuzhu stepped upstairs and entered the smoke-filled study.

The room was filled with smoke and littered with cigarette butts, a testament to the immense pressure Orion had been under.

Orian held a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers and gestured to He Yuzhu to ask if he wanted one.

He Yuzhu shook his head slightly, looked directly at the other person, and got straight to the point.

"So, what was the final conclusion reached by the authorities?"

Orion stubbed out his cigarette, looking tired and helpless, and spoke in a deep voice.

"The reply from above is—they can't handle this matter."

He Yuzhu's eyes darkened slightly as he continued to press for answers.

"And then what? How will the matter be characterized and handled?"

Orion looked up, his eyes filled with complex emotions, revealing the cruel reality.

"From this moment on, you and I are completely bound to the same boat."

He Yuzhu smiled slightly and asked in return.

"Oh? So you've been completely abandoned by your superiors?"

"Don't put it that way," Orion said with a helpless, bitter smile.

"But from now on, I can no longer use that superior's name for protection."

He Yuzhu spoke calmly, succinctly revealing the advantages and disadvantages.

"It may not be a bad thing."

"Sever all ties of dependence and cut off all false support as early as possible."

"From now on, you will not be constrained in your actions; on the contrary, you will be more free and insightful."

Orian's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at He Yuzhu.

"What exactly did you know in advance?"

"Why are you always able to predict situations and see through people's intentions?"

He Yuzhu didn't answer but asked a question in return, his tone calm and composed.

"How many years has that person been in power?"

"About six years."

Orion blurted it out instinctively.

"Six years is actually enough time to solidify the foundation and for the situation to change."

He Yuzhu sighed softly.

Orion's heart skipped a beat; he instantly understood the unspoken meaning and dared not elaborate.

"Alright, let's leave this sensitive topic at that. I won't ask, and you shouldn't mention it either."

He paused for a moment, then posed the most crucial question that had been on his mind.

"Putting all that aside, I just want to ask you one honest question."

"Where do you plan to return to in the future?"

Upon hearing this question, the faint smile that Orion had left on his face vanished completely.

Instead, there is exhaustion, determination, resentment, and a sense of helplessness with nowhere to go.

He took a deep breath of the remaining smoke, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

After a long silence, he finally dropped all pretense and spoke frankly.

"He, you're right."

"I can't go back to that place."

The smoke from his fingers slowly swirled and dissipated, like his bygone past.

"The so-called family, bloodline, and roots have long since become mere shells."

"In such a large family as the Trench, perhaps my father still cherished family ties."

"But the rest of the clan have long regarded me as a stain on the family and a lifelong disgrace."

"The name Orian Trench has long been completely erased and rejected by the family."

"If it weren't for my elderly mother still living in our homeland, I would be separated from that island and that family."

"There is no longer any connection or entanglement between us."

He stubbed out his cigarette sharply, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp and resolute.

"From this day forward, Hong Kong will be my battlefield and my only home."

"William is such a mediocre idiot, holding the high position of Chief Superintendent, yet he does nothing but occupy the post."

"All they do is suck the blood and flesh of Hong Kong, collude with capital, engage in corruption and profiteering, and cultivate their own private cliques."

"He's blocking more than just my path to promotion."

"It is also the path forward for countless police officers who genuinely want to maintain Hong Kong's peace and stability and work diligently!"

"It is the biggest obstacle to the entire city's efforts to eradicate darkness, move towards light, and restore order!"

He Yuzhu listened quietly, his eyes calm and undisturbed.

They accurately captured the resentment and ambition that had been building up deep within the other person's words for many years.

He saw things clearly; Orion appeared to be a British gentleman in appearance.

The interior has long been torn apart by the dark chaos, factional infighting, and capital manipulation of Hong Kong.

Utterly disillusioned with his homeland, deeply resentful of the corrupt system, and desperately gambling with his own fate.

All of this forms the best foundation for the two to form a complete alliance and break the deadlock together.

He Yuzhu stopped beating around the bush and directly exposed the other party's deepest ambition.

"Your real goal is to completely overthrow William and take his place."

A fierce glint suddenly flashed in Orion's eyes, which he no longer concealed.

"It's not just William!"

"I will completely eradicate all the deeply entrenched corruption and financial malpractices behind him!"

"Those parasites and scum who live off the police system!"

"They consolidated their position and extracted profits by protecting gangsters, accepting bribes, and colluding with British conglomerates!"

"They are the true root cause of Hong Kong's chaos, rampant corruption, and rampant triads!"

"William is nothing more than a puppet they've put on the stage, a tool for making money, a money-sucking puppet!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Orion got up and walked to his desk.

He picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and the tip flew across the paper, quickly writing down three names.

It includes each person's precise identity, background, job authority, and the forces behind them.

The handwriting is sharp and powerful, clear and logical, and easy to understand at a glance.

[Chen Nian: Legislative Council member. He outwardly presents himself as approachable and compassionate, cultivating an image of integrity. In reality, he is the top front man for the Kowloon West Number Gang. He uses his legislative power to provide political asylum to the gang, obstruct anti-triad operations, and freeze budgets for its rectification. He also secretly has substantial illicit financial dealings with a trading company under Jardine Matheson.]

[Liu Chang: The core figure in charge of logistics within the Police Force. He controls the procurement of equipment, allocation of supplies, and financial expenditures for the entire police force, making him the force's top moneybags. He has a long history of colluding with British-owned suppliers for corruption and profit, and maintains close ties with his uncle, a high-ranking official at Wo Shing Wo. He has connections in both the legal and illegal worlds.]

[Luo Hui: Nicknamed "Smiling Tiger," chief advisor of the Heshenghe triad. He controls all of the triad's legal businesses, illicit financial transactions, and legitimate public relations. Ruthless and calculating, he is the true mastermind behind the triad. Recently, he has been frequently contacting mid-level executives at Jardine Matheson Land Development, forging a deep partnership.]

After writing down all the information, Orian pushed the entire note in front of He Yuzhu.

His eyes were incredibly sharp, and his tone was solemn and serious.

"These three people are the ones who are blocking me, blocking Wang Cuiping, and blocking all upright police officers."

"The three most stubborn, intractable, and deeply entrenched stumbling blocks!"

"Chen Nian has been obstructing policies, powers, and budgets for the anti-gang campaign in the Legislative Council, hindering progress from top to bottom."

"Liu Chang engaged in corruption and exploitation within the police force, cultivated his own clique, and hampered efforts to rectify the situation."

"Luo Hui was in charge of the gang, supplying them with illicit funds, controlling thugs, and carrying out dirty work."

"I highly suspect that this was a mercenary raid on your house tonight."

"The mastermind behind it all is Luo Hui!"

"Holding out Heshenghe to act on behalf of Jardine Matheson, and then completely severing any financial ties afterward!"

He Yuzhu's gaze fell on the handwriting on the paper, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and he understood immediately.

Orion stared intently at him, then presented the final alliance deal in an extremely solemn tone.

"He, I know your power, methods, and trump cards are far beyond what ordinary people can imagine."

"I don't need you to get your hands dirty and kill people yourself."

"Hong Kong has always been rife with chaos, with gang warfare, revenge killings, and accidental deaths being commonplace."

"I just want these three people to disappear completely, or to be utterly disgraced and imprisoned!"

"Completely remove these three venomous black fangs that are deeply rooted in Hong Kong!"

"And what I give you in return will be more than enough to satisfy you!"

Orion's tone suddenly became more forceful, each word ringing out firmly and each sentence sincere.

"I will utilize all my oversight authority and the full resources of my internal investigation department!"

"Keep a firm grip on tonight's mercenary attack and thoroughly investigate the mastermind behind it!"

"Completely eradicate all branches and establishments of Wo Shing Wo in Kowloon West!"

"Unearth all the irrefutable evidence of Heshenghe's secret collusion with Jardine Matheson, their illicit financial dealings, and their hiring of murderers!"

"At the same time, I will stay within the limits of the rules."

"We'll give your Kowloon Tong project the green light from start to finish, clearing away all approval obstacles and artificial barriers!"

"As long as William falls, I'll smoothly take over!"

"The entire landscape of West Kowloon has been completely transformed! Your businesses, your strategic layout, your network."

"We will establish a firm foothold on this land, and no one will be able to challenge us!"