Mysterious Awakening

Chapter 574: Chapter 571: Demanding

The duration of this meeting was longer than the last one, with most of the discussion centered on how to deal with the issue of the Ghost Paintings.

Wang Xiaoming presented several key strategies based on the clues and information available, but many were skeptical and didn’t fully believe in his proposals, since everything was conjecture and had not been confirmed.

Cao Yanhua seemed to have made a decision as well, demanding that the ghost masters within the city find the source within three days; if they could solve it, that would be best, but even if they couldn’t, under no circumstances could they allow the Ghost Painting incident to erupt.

The meeting came to an end around eleven in the morning.

And so, the action on the Ghost Paintings began silently.

Some withdrew, while others wanted to join in the fray for the position of team leader. Of course, there were not a few like Yang Jian who planned to lie low like a salted fish.

...

Although everyone had their own ideas, action was still underway.

"That’s all for today’s meeting. You can all begin taking action. Also, Jang Shangbai and Yang Jian, stay behind. I have something to say to you two.”

At the end, Yang Jian and Jang Shangbai were singled out.

Both were well aware that this was because of the prior incident and Cao Yanhua intended to mediate.

"Brother Tui, there won’t be any trouble, right?” Feng Quan hesitated before preparing to leave, “I won’t go too far for now, just staying around headquarters for a bit. If you guys really start fighting, just shout and I’ll rush in immediately.”

"Don’t worry, a fight won’t break out,” Yang Jian said. “But we can talk about forming a team later; I’ll also take this opportunity to ask about Tong Qian’s matter. Just wait for me at the Ping’an Hotel.”

"Okay.” Feng Quan nodded and then left.

Zhang Lei, Huang Ziya, and Wang Jiang said their goodbyes and departed as well.

Xiong Wenwen was also escorted out of the meeting room by designated personnel.

The once somewhat crowded meeting room was now left with only Yang Jian, Cao Yanhua, Jang Shangbai, and Old Qin, who sat motionless in a chair on the side. As for Wang Xiaoming, he seemed uninterested in this power struggle; he left faster than anyone, apparently preparing for the Ghost Painting incident.

"Vice Minister, if you’re looking to break up the fight, I think we might as well forget it. You might not manage to persuade us,” Yang Jian began, breaking the stalemate as soon as others had left.

Cao Yanhua’s eyes shifted slightly, “What happened in the social circle was indeed over the line, but continuing to fight is not a solution for either of you. Right now, we need to prioritize the big picture.”

"If it were truly about the big picture, the social circle wouldn’t have struck first,” Yang Jian said with a cold smile. “They ignored the big picture, so why should I care about it? If you think I’m easy to bully, Vice Minister, then you might as well fire me. I can do without being the team leader; I’d rather retire in Dachang City and wait for death.”

"Given my current state, I’m not sure I can live into my sixties or seventies, but hopping around for a decade or so shouldn’t be a problem. That would be better than being confusedly killed by someone.”

Cao Yanhua’s lips twitched.

He dared to fire Yang Jian, and higher-ups would dare to suspend him. If news of Yang Jian leaving headquarters were to spread, foreign forces would likely scramble to woo him, especially at this critical time when any issue with a team leader candidate could trigger a series of chain reactions.

That’s why he didn’t want to see Jang Shangbai and Yang Jian locked in a death match.

"It hasn’t yet reached a point where things can’t be settled,” Cao Yanhua said coldly. “Let’s do this, you give a condition, and I can discuss it with the social circle. Jang Shangbai, you also step back. This whole situation was a wrongdoing on your part, and you should understand how severe the consequences could be.”

Jang Shangbai then said, “Many issues are not for me to decide alone. I have my opinions, but if Yang Jian chooses reconciliation, I will do my best to assist.”

He knew that if headquarters intervened, things could get very complicated. It wasn’t about simply killing Yang Jian and being done with it but about weighing future gains and losses.

Therefore, reconciliation was possible.

After some reflection just now, he had already calmed down considerably.

"Yang Jian, what’s your answer?” Cao Yanhua asked. “The social circle has made a mistake, and a lesson should suffice. But I can guarantee this one time; if there is a next time, I won’t need you to speak up, I will personally order the dismantling of the entire social circle.”

To him, taking the opportunity to suppress the social circle was sufficient. Truly destroying it was out of the question.

So as long as the objectives of headquarters were met, he did not want the situation to worsen.

"Children need to be taught a lesson when they make mistakes, adults making mistakes calls for more than just a lesson,” Yang Jian stated. “I can sit here alive at this meeting today not because I am a team leader candidate but because I am cautious enough. If one’s life can be bargained with, then perhaps Jang Shangbai, you should set your conditions and see what they might buy your life with.”

Jang Shangbai’s expression changed slightly; there was a hint of embarrassment in his eyes.

This Yang Jian simply did not take him seriously enough. Although he had reservations about Yang Jian, he couldn’t allow such arrogance and insolence.

Cao Yanhua said, “Yang Jian, don’t say these biting words. I know you’re reasonable, or else a fight would have broken out earlier. Make your condition. Continuing to fight benefits no one, and I am also aware that you refuse to back down out of concern for future retaliation from the social circle. But as long as you agree to reconcile, I can vouch for you in the name of headquarters. Your feud ends here; there will be no acts of retaliation.”

Yang Jian’s gaze fluxed slightly.

He didn’t trust anyone, nor any promises. He only believed in the cruel reality.

Because reality does not lie.

But he also understood that it would be difficult to destroy the social circle alone, especially with Cao Yanhua intent on preserving it.

Headquarters and the circle probably had many unclear relationships as well.

It was like the business dealings between two companies.

"I don’t like this,” said Yang Jian, fixing his gaze on Cao Yanhua. “But since you asked me to propose a condition, I do have one. If the social circle can meet it, I will immediately drop the previous issues.”

Change his mind?

Jang Shangbai was somewhat surprised; he had not expected this bull-headed youth to actually be persuaded.

Or was it that Yang Jian had been pretending all along? That he wasn’t as reckless as he seemed?

"You say,” said Cao Yanhua.

"The social circle has something that I want,” Yang Jian said, pulling out a photo from his pocket.

The photo showed a pair of scissors entangled with black hair, old and rusty.

Ghost Scissors!

The two characters on the photo were exceedingly clear.

Cao Yanhua furrowed his brows, seemingly seeing this object for the first time.

But Jang Shangbai’s expression changed abruptly, somewhat astonished, “Where did you get this photo from?”

"Of course, I have my channels. I’ve made my offer, so can your side agree?” Yang Jian said in a deep voice.

Jang Shangbai’s gaze flickered, “I need half a day to give you a reply.”

Feeling Cao Yanhua’s pressing stare, he didn’t outright say it was impossible, but could only muster up the courage to give it a try.

"Remember, you only have half a day. If you can’t do it, by tomorrow morning I will shut down all of your circle of friends’ industries,” Cao Yanhua added pressure on behalf of Yang Jian at this time.

"Let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll give you a reply as soon as possible,” Jang Shangbai said pensively, picked up the photo, and left.

Seeing how hurriedly he left, Yang Jian couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh, “He won’t agree because that thing isn’t in Jang Shangbai’s hands. I thought he would drag it out for a day, but since he said half a day, I will give him half a day for Cao Yanhua’s sake. I want to hear definite news before six this evening. Now that I’ve made my offer and set the time, that’s me taking a step back.”

"If he refuses or tries to bluff, then Cao Yanhua, don’t bother with it anymore. This is my final bottom line; don’t put me in a tough position.”

Cao Yanhua spoke, “I will put pressure on them. After all, it’s just a supernatural object; it really doesn’t make sense to refuse. Let’s leave your issues with them there for now. You head back first, and I’ll notify you if there’s any news.”

"No, there’s still one more matter. I have something else to discuss with the deputy minister,” Yang Jian said, pushing a document forward.

"This captaincy, as you wish, I can relinquish it, but

Cao Yanhua was somewhat surprised. Last time he had persuaded Yang Jian but to no avail; he still wasn’t planning on giving up the captaincy; how come he suddenly saw the light this time?

"State your conditions. As long as they’re not excessive, I can satisfy them,” Cao Yanhua said without the slightest hesitation, prepared for this discussion.

It would indeed be a good thing for headquarters if Yang Jian were willing to give up a position.

After all, there were too many uncertainties after Yang Jian became captain. Many people were really uneasy, having seen everything he had done, especially resolving the issue of Wang Xiaoqiang, Wang Xiaoming’s brother, which was quite a thorn. But Yang Jian’s merits were there, undeniable; not making him captain would hardly be convincing, so convincing him through a trade was the only option.

"This will require some careful discussion,” Yang Jian said with a smile creeping on his lips.

The smile was cold but also sly.

Cao Yanhua steadied himself, feeling that this Yang Jian was getting more and more difficult to deal with. He didn’t seem at all like a high school student; that apparent recklessness and impulsiveness were merely a good cover.

But no matter what, Yang Jian was highly credible, never fooling anyone, especially strong when dealing with supernatural incidents.

If that weren’t the case, Cao Yanhua wouldn’t be so tolerant of Yang Jian.

It’s not the flaws that people fear, but the lack of strengths.

"Retain my rights to form a team and appoint the next person in charge of Dachang City, plus withdrawal from the Ghost Painting case, a supernatural item, and three Ghost Candles,” Yang Jian listed his demands.

Cao Yanhua immediately replied, “The right to form a team must remain with the captain; otherwise, who could control you later on? However, I can give you no more than six spots to form a small team. As for the next person in charge, you can recommend someone, and the headquarters will consider it. You cannot withdraw from the Ghost Painting case; besides, you can choose either the supernatural item or the three Ghost Candles.”

This almost cut Yang Jian’s requests in half.

"If it’s going to be like this, then I should also have the right to refuse future tasks from headquarters. It wouldn’t be fair to have me do a captain’s job without being one,” Yang Jian countered.

"That’s acceptable, provided you’re responsible for the area near Dachang City. You can refuse tasks, but not under special circumstances,” Cao Yanhua felt this was feasible as well.

Yang Jian asked, “What counts as a special circumstance?”

Cao Yanhua explained, “A-level and S-level supernatural incidents are special circumstances.”

"All right, but I won’t be the first to get involved,” Yang Jian said casually.

"Now you’re being unreasonable,” said Cao Yanhua.

Yang Jian argued, “If I get involved first in every incident, then how long do you think I’ll survive?”

"Fine, I agree,” Cao Yanhua conceded.

Yang Jian shrugged, “Since that’s settled then let’s write up a contract. It’s no good without proof; I’ll be at too great a loss if later on you don’t honor it.”

Cao Yanhua didn’t speak but just stared at him.

Yang Jian remained unfazed, his expression calm.

He knew that his ability to make these demands was not due to the captaincy, but because of his conflict with the circle of friends. Cao Yanhua did not want him to continue his strife with the circle.

The best outcome would be for Yang Jian to give up the captaincy in exchange for some compensation, with the circle providing reparations and certain assurances.

This way, both parties could be satisfied.

Nonetheless, Yang Jian couldn’t help but feel like he was taking advantage of the situation.

But as circumstances demanded, Cao Yanhua had no choice but to grudgingly agree.

He believed that once this contract was signed, Yang Jian would truly become uncontrollable.

"Let’s deal with the present situation first. Yang Jian’s problems are not that serious after all; at least he’s somewhat reasonable,” Cao Yanhua thought to himself.

Compared with the current state of affairs, Yang Jian’s personal issues were hardly worth mentioning.