After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

If you try to kill a snake but fail, you'll get bitten instead.

Unless you are confident that you can kill it in one go and completely eradicate it by the roots.

Otherwise, if you startle it, it will hide and then try to kill you in secret.

Today they block your material truck, tomorrow they report you for violating regulations, the day after tomorrow they cause a safety accident at your construction site... it's impossible to prevent.

Boss Wu has been operating in the High-tech Zone for so many years; he's deeply entrenched, has many subordinates, and there are probably even more people behind him.

If you're going to touch him, either don't touch him at all, or you have to crush him completely, crippling him and his network so they can't get up.

A single, decisive strike to completely eradicate them.

But is he confident now? No. The intelligence system can help him find weaknesses, but it can't do the killing for him, much less cover up the truth.

He had just accumulated some wealth and built up his team; he couldn't afford to endure this kind of life-or-death struggle.

The risk is too high. We can't afford to lose.

Therefore, the word "kill" can only be etched into one's bones, and must never be shown on one's face first.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the fierce determination within him.

For now, we still need to take the path of negotiation and detours.

……

……

Juxian Pavilion, afternoon.

Instead of the viewing platform, Yang Ruyan led Gong Yuelong to a quieter tea room in the backyard.

Once the door is closed, the sounds outside are almost inaudible.

She didn't beat around the bush, "I've already spoken to Mr. Li, the client. Just contact him directly and say I introduced you."

Gong Yuelong didn't rush to agree, and looked up: "Boss Yang is well-informed."

Yang Ruyan smiled and said, "Brother Gong, don't be modest. You've taken on quite a few jobs these past few months. You did a great job with the power distribution room in the High-tech Zone. Engineer Sun praises it to everyone he meets."

They even broke Zhao Siyan's leg and threw him out of the market.

It's much quieter over there now. Everyone says that Boss Gong is principled, disciplined, and has a temper.

She paused, then looked at Gong Yuelong: "You're reliable, and your subordinates are obedient. So I think you might be able to manage this factory."

Having said all that, both sides have revealed half of their true nature.

She knew he wasn't someone to be trifled with, and he knew she was far more than just a messenger.

"Ten points. Back to back." Gong Yuelong repeated his previous offer.

Seeing a hint of doubt flash in Yang Ruyan's eyes, he explained:

"It means that once the client pays me a project fee, I will immediately pay you a corresponding brokerage fee based on a certain percentage. If the client doesn't pay, I won't have any money to pay you."

"Okay." Yang Ruyan nodded.

"Okay." Gong Yuelong didn't hesitate any longer. "I'll contact the client as soon as possible. We'll discuss the specific details after we've talked about it."

"Okay." Yang Ruyan stood up, signifying that she was seeing the guest out. "I wish you all the best, Brother Gong."

Gong Yuelong left the tea room. The sunlight was a bit dazzling.

The project has now been successfully connected.

Yang Ruyan's importance was probably greater than he had anticipated.

She was able to find out about Zhao Siyan's affairs, so she must have considerable influence.

The risks remain, especially with that Boss Wu.

……

High-tech Zone, Xinke Sensing Temporary Project Department.

Mr. Li's office.

Mr. Li, who was in his forties, wore glasses and an ordinary shirt, and looked at Gong Yuelong.

"Boss Gong? Have a seat."

He gestured to the chair opposite him, then sat down without much formality.

"She was introduced by Boss Yang. I have to give her face."

Gong Yuelong placed the qualification documents, photos of the completed projects from the previous small projects, and a simple record on the table: "Mr. Li, please take a look first."

Mr. Li didn't look at it, but instead said...

"To be honest, Mr. Gong, before you came here, quite a few people had tried to find me through various connections."

Some patted their chests and said they were familiar with so-and-so in the city, some hinted that they could handle all the trouble, and then there was this guy surnamed Wu who said directly that he was the one in charge in this area, and that with his team and resources, I could have a smooth process.

He smiled, a hint of sarcasm in his expression. "But I'm in the business of manufacturing precision instruments, not mining. My goal is to build a factory that meets all regulations, not to settle old scores."

He looked at Gong Yuelong again:

"When Miss Yang introduced you, my initial thought was that at least it was a reliable introduction."

But after seeing these few small jobs you've done, especially considering Sun's reputation, and after listening to what you just said…”

He paused for a moment, then said, "I think you at least know what I need here, and you're doing things in a down-to-earth manner. That's better than many other people."

"Don't worry, Mr. Li. When it comes to engineering, things are straightforward. Just list your requirements clearly, write the contract clearly, and we'll take care of the rest."

"Okay." Mr. Li seemed to have made up his mind. "This is our standard contract. The terms are quite detailed, especially regarding acceptance and payment milestones. Take it back and review it carefully, or have your legal counsel take a look. If there are no major problems, we can discuss the specific price and construction period based on this framework."

"Understood." Gong Yuelong took the contract.

Things went more smoothly than expected, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense.

What the client needs most right now is someone who seems reliable and capable.

The reputation he had built up from those seemingly insignificant small jobs, along with the recognition from Engineer Sun, had now become real bargaining chips.

"By the way," Mr. Li casually mentioned, "did Boss Yang say anything to you about Boss Wu?"

Gong Yuelong's expression remained unchanged: "I mentioned it once. We understand the rules, and we will follow the proper procedures to avoid delaying your important business, Mr. Li."

Mr. Li glanced at him for two seconds without replying, as if he was weighing something.

After a while, he finally spoke.

"Boss Gong, I don't just want the factory to be built. I want it to be built smoothly and put into production on time."

"The technical issues are one problem, but if we don't handle certain relationships well with the locals, problems will keep arising every few days, and that's another. I can't afford to waste time on that."

He paused for a moment and then stated clearly:

"So just telling me to try not to delay things isn't enough. It's far from enough."

You need to give me a satisfactory explanation regarding your relationship with that Boss Wu.

Whether they sat down and reached an agreement, or there were other ways to do it, I don't care.

But before I sign the contract with you, I need to see something tangible to prove that this construction site won't be shut down because of these kinds of problems. Am I clear enough?

He leaned back in his chair, his tone softening somewhat, but the underlying meaning remained the same:

"I have a preliminary approval of your expertise and abilities."

But to take on this job, you need two things: the ability to do engineering and the ability to handle things. You can't lack either.

Go back and think about it.

You can look at the draft contract, but whether or not to sign it ultimately depends on your solution to the issues I just mentioned.

"Understood," Gong Yuelong replied.

The door was half open, but the key was still hanging on the chain called Boss Wu.

A professional background is the key to getting started, but if you want to truly enter the inner sanctum, you first need to break through that invisible wall at the door yourself.

Mr. Li made his point clear: either prove you can handle it, or you can just look at this door.

……

Leaving the project site, on the factory road.

Gong Yuelong didn't rush to leave, but slowly strolled along the metal fence surrounding the project.

The sunlight baked the sheet metal until it was scorching hot, and the air smelled of freshly turned soil and undried cement.

He took out his phone and called Jiang Yan.