Chapter 420: Can’t Quit Halfway
Chapter 420: Can’t Quit Halfway
Fang Ping was in no hurry to prove that Zhao Yu was an evil sect member.
Out of the two suspects, one had already been confirmed while the other was highly suspicious.
At this moment, being half-concealed was the best option.
Fang Ping spoke for a while but did not continue further.
Zheng Minghong took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "For this matter, we will cooperate with every department and get to the bottom of this. If the evidence is definite, then rest assured we will not tolerate it!"
Fang Ping said faintly, "CEO Zheng, I’ve only stated one possibility. What if…both of them are not members of the evil sect?
"Including the ones earlier!"
Everyone frowned immediately. Fang Ping said mildly, "I think it is necessary to make reasonable hypotheses and doubts.
"If, I’m saying if, these guys are not actually evil sect members.
"Sometimes, the evil sect’s reputation is one that is easily used as a scapegoat.
"Are Liu He’s friends and relatives, himself included, linked to the two major companies?
"CEO Zheng, relax…"
Seeing that Zheng Minghong was about to speak, Fang Ping chuckled. "I’m only making a speculation. Speculating under a reasonable and fair condition. This includes the time in Auspicious Peace, the minister what’s-his-name from the Catacombs Intelligence Department. I think there’s a need to conduct a thorough investigation. Find out whether the guys from the two major companies are involved.
"This is because that guy is also giving me trouble. He insisted on detaining me and sending me to Capital City to be dissected…"
"Fang Ping!"
Zheng Minghong yelled, "That’s nonsense. Who’s dissecting you? You’re only asked to cooperate in the investigation!"
Fang Ping said softly, "Has the Catacombs Intelligence Department started sharing intelligence with the pill company now? Is the pill company a pill-manufacturing industry or an intelligence institution?
"Can such confidential information be disclosed like that?
"Although I’m no big shot, what they’re trying to investigate at that time concerns the significant Aura-concealing Technique!
"Even CEO Zheng knows this?
"Then, am I allowed to assume right now that CEO Zheng knows more news from the intelligence department than every other department!"
Zheng Minghong’s expression was constantly changing!
What sort of bullsh*t confidential information was this!
He was definitely not the only one who knew about this matter. So many others did too!
However, despite knowing certain things, Fang Ping was right. This was classified information of the intelligence department. By right, he should not know a thing.
Even so, Zheng Minghong felt that he had been wronged. If one did not believe him, one could ask the Grandmasters on the scene. How many of them did not know about this?
Although this would be slightly offensive, he would not be unjustly blamed for this!
Zheng Minghong said in a low voice, "I, Zheng Minghong, am definitely not the only one who knows about this! As a high-ranked martial artist, if we want to get to know certain things, the government won’t keep them from us intentionally as well. The Aura-concealing matter is a big deal…"
Fang Ping cut him off. "All I want to know is, where did CEO Zheng hear about this? There shouldn’t be a problem with this right?
"Who did you hear it from?
"Since you know about it, then it must be the people in charge who informed you. I doubt that I would tell you nor will the ones from MCMAU who knew about it.
"This means that the news was disseminated from the intelligence department.
"Can you please tell us about it. How do I say this? This matter is not a joke. I’m fine with it. It’s nothing if everyone knows this anyway. But, if they are bold enough to expose this today, they will be bold enough to leak even more higher-level intelligence in the future… Guardian Wu, I think this matter is more serious than the evil sect’s matter!"
Fang Ping was pleased inside. Zheng Mingrong took the bait too easily.
Zheng Minghong’s expression stiffened. Even other Grandmasters figured that they should zip their lips immediately!
Mother*cker. It was true that many people knew about this matter.
Others did not say anything. Even Zhang Dingnan knew about it clearly.
Of course, Zhang Dingnan could explain that he found out when he was in the Catacombs.
However, for the rest of them… everyone had their own news sources. It would not be odd to know certain things. Nevertheless, they could not admit that they knew. If they did, they had to explain how they found out.
Some people heard from their friends. If they said it out, they would be betraying their friends.
Perhaps the government would not do anything to these high ranks.
However, there might be significant changes to certain intelligence department’s higher-ups now.
Wu Chuan was also putting on a solemn look. Zhou Dingguo roared instead, "Zheng Minghong, are the affairs in the intelligence department something that you can participate in as you please?"
Zheng Minghong said in a muffled voice, "Commander Zhou, the intelligence department shared certain Catacombs information with us under the permission of the government!"
Zhou Dingguo replied coldly, "That includes other information that has nothing to do with you too? Does Fang Ping’s matter have anything to do with this?"
Last time, he was present at the scene too.
He had also heard the words Fang Ping said to Xue Ba and Wang Ying at the end. However, Fang Ping was only talking to himself at that time. He could say what he liked.
Right now, Zheng Minghong had let the cat out of the bag without being pressed… certain rules still needed to be obeyed.
If you broke the rules but kept it to yourself, though everyone knew it in their hearts, they would still tend to turn a blind eye.
Honestly, there were not many who knew about Fang Ping getting asked to cooperate with an investigation.
However, according to the regulations, this was not allowed.
Since he was in human society, the government and the organization still existed, one must play by the rules. Unless you could already disregard these rules.
Some people could but some could not.
At least, Zheng Minghong was not qualified yet!
Even Wu Chuan was still slightly far off. He had to obey the rules too.
Zheng Minghong was silent for a moment before saying, "I can straighten things out for everyone!"
Fang Ping said softly, "CEO Zheng pays so much attention to my every movement. He even knows clearly whether I’m assisting the investigation or going for a dissection. Fang Ping’s terrified.
"I’m only a Rank-5 but you’re a Rank-8 golden body powerhouse.
"Honestly, I really am somewhat overwhelmed.
"Since you understand me so well… It must be no big secret that I left MCMAU and returned to Sun City.
"This time, not many knew that I left MCMAU. After I returned to Sun City, I rarely went out too. For those who do not pay particular attention to me, will they even find out that I, Fang Ping, have returned?"
Zheng Minghong said coldly, "You, Fang Ping, have quite the reputation. Stop being so modest. Is it very hard to figure out that you’ll return to Sun City to celebrate the New Years? If the evil sect wants to kill you, do you think they have not the slightest hint about this?"
Fang Ping chuckled. "That’s true. If that’s the case, CEO Zheng may not be the one who leaked the information…"
"Do you know what the repercussions are for framing a Rank-8 martial artist?" Zheng Minghong said icily, "I’m not threatening. I’m only voicing out the truth. If anyone can cook up a story and start a rumor simply, under the condition whereby everyone was in a state of anxiety, who will have the mood to continue cultivating and fight bravely?"
Fang Ping shook his head, saying, "CEO Zheng, you’re overthinking. I will never blabber when I don’t have evidence. Do you think I don’t have any evidence for suspecting you, CEO Zheng? Your matters are really difficult to tell now.
"Also, let me say what’s on my mind. Since what happened last time when MCMAU’s ten plus Grandmasters went to Capital City and obtained the expansion right, there was already conflict between us both parties.
"Profits have a great impact on people. Am I suspecting you for no reason at all?
"I’ll admit that last time, I did all I could to plead the vice-chancellor to strive for that right. CEO Zheng, say, do you know I am the one who did that?
"Right now, Guardian Wu and the rest are here, do you dare to say that you don’t know anything about it?"
"I know."
"Since you know, then will MCMAU’s actions affect the pill company’s benefits? Right now, I suspect that you’re trying to attack me, sending me to my doom. Am I speaking nonsense?
"In today’s matter, the pill company’s staff is involved…"
"President Fang, I’m not a member of the evil sect…"
Before Zhao Yu could finish his sentence, Fang Ping turned around and yelled, "Shut up! Are you or are you not—I know better than you do! If you’re not part of the evil sect, then that’s even more terrifying. Since this has nothing to do with the evil sect, then that means that the pill company has already ignored the baseline. Ignoring the baseline and attacking me straight away!
"If you’re the evil sect member, that means that most of the people in the pill company are innocent. They don’t know
"But, if you’re not—humph!"
Zhao Yu’s expression turned ghastly immediately. Wu Chuan waved his hand suddenly, shouting, "Take them out!"
In the next moment, a few guys from the House of Guardian walked in the door. Then, they brought both of them away.
Zheng Minghong’s expression changed once more. Wu Chuan obviously believed that there was something wrong with Zhao Yu too.
Fang Ping turned to look at Zheng Minghong and said, "CEO Zheng, do you think Zhao Yu is a member of the evil sect?"
Zheng Minghong said coldly, "What’s the use of my opinion? Naturally, we’ll know once the results are out!"
He had walked into the trap earlier. This time, he would not be fooled anymore.
Fang Ping chuckled. "That’s true. We’ll wait then. Wait until they obtain an answer to this investigation! Once this has been investigated, the two major companies have to give me an explanation!
"I’m not considered much. It’s nothing even if I die.
"But, this is not a matter that concerns me alone. Today, they’re coming after me and my family members. How many powerhouses out there have no relatives and friends?
"If they are bold enough to kill me today, naturally, they will be bold enough to kill others in the future!
"It’s not like no one knows that I’ve been attacked. The entire Sun City has seen it. Three Rank-6s. That’s really generous of them!
"There are still two Peak Rank-6s hidden behind them. Out of 5 Rank-6s, three of them are Peaks. What a huge battle array!"
"Cough, cough!"
Beside him, the weapon company’s CEO let out a dry cough, saying mildly, "This has nothing to do with us."
What a joke. Fang Ping actually mentioned the two major companies together. Motherf*cker. Could you take a closer look at where Zhao Yu belonged to!
Fang Ping bowed and apologized, "Slip of the tongue. My apologies. But, our campus weapon production line has been expanded too. CEO Sun, I believe that you’re not that kind of person. But, there’s no guarantee that some evil sect members didn’t infiltrate into the weapon company…"
"Is this an unfounded suspicion?"
The weapon company’s CEO said mildly. "You don’t have a hold over me. You, Fang Ping, don’t always have the final say."
Fang Ping bowed once more, saying, "I apologize to CEO Sun, then. But, everyone says that the two major companies are not a division. Right now it seems, the weapon and pill companies don’t belong to the same body."
CEO Sun’s expression changed slightly. Sometimes, their source of confidence came from the power of standing on the same side together.
There was no way for him to acknowledge those words.
If they did not belong to the same body, that signified that he needed to make a clear distinction with the pill company.
However, after taking a look at Zheng Minghong, seeing him give a small nod, CEO Sun smiled faintly. "Of course we’re the same body. The pill and weapon companies belong to the government. Are you, Fang Ping, also trying to strip off the two major companies from the government?"
Fang Ping chuckled. "If that’s what you’re saying, the martial arts universities and the two major companies are of the same body too. Since we’re all of the same body, I think that it’s only natural that we continue expanding the production line. This also includes selling pills and weapons to the public…"
"Fang Ping, are you using the straw man fallacy to your advantage with all your endless pestering?" CEO Sun smiled faintly. "I don’t deny what you said about us being one body. Mankind is one body! But, a clear division of labor and having everyone doing their own part are also a guarantee of social order.
"Fang Ping, perhaps the martial arts universities are also trying to replace the role of the government?"
Fang Ping raised his eyebrows. ‘Old Sun is really hard to deal with.’
It was indeed difficult to discuss without having a hold on the weapon company. Fang Ping did not proceed. He changed the subject immediately. "If Zhao Yu is found guilty, I suggest carrying out a thorough check on the pill company! Zhao Yu is Nanjiang branch company’s CEO, this is a matter of great importance and must not be overlooked!"
"That’s the government’s responsibility!" Zheng Minghong replied coldly.
Fang Ping chuckled. "Yes. What you say is right. But I’m the victim, the person involved. Am I not supposed to voice out my opinions?
"Right now, my heavy injuries have not recovered yet. You helped me heal my injuries earlier. You should know how long it’ll take for me to recover.
"Moreover, without the imperishable substance, I may not be able to recover.
"Not only me, this includes NMAU Wang Jinyang. He’s also heavily injured and inches away from death.
"Although both of our abilities are weak, we may not be enough to represent martial arts universities as a whole. You’ve said it yourself, I still have quite the reputation. Don’t you think that you should give me a reasonable explanation and compensation?
"If it’s the evil sect that’s assaulting me, I suggest that the government make a clean sweep of the evil sect!
"If they can assault me in front of the masses today, what about tomorrow?
"Can martial artists like us really place our trust in the government and trust that our family members will be safe?
"When we enter the Catacombs, who will protect our families?
"At the time when our confidence has wavered, who will pay for all of this?
"Today, traces of the evil sect members have been detected in the pill company and I would like to make a thorough investigation, why can’t I?
"Your family members are safe and sound. As a Rank-8 powerhouse yourself, you can ignore everything. What about me?
"Do I deserve to die then?
"Aren’t we supposed to get to the bottom of this?"
Beside him, Wu Kuishan said mildly, "I think we need to investigate this. Moreover, it should be an integrated investigation of all departments instead of self-inspection and self-correction!"
Zheng Minghong’s expression was extremely horrifying. Here came the main point!
As an enterprise with over 10 trillion assets, to conduct a thorough investigation… evil sect’s matter aside, there would definitely be some existing problems.
Would an 80-year-old enterprise, one that was a monopolistic and profiteering one too, had no problems at all?
No one would be bold enough to claim that!
Zheng Minghong suppressed the irritation he was feeling inside. He exclaimed coldly, "MCMAU has no authority to do so!"
Wu Kuishan replied, "As a Rank-8 martial artist, I have the power to make this suggestion. I will hand in a suggestion letter to the central and along with others, we will hand it in as a joint declaration!"
He continued, "When our soldiers and comrades fought bravely at the forefront, shedding their blood and laying down their lives, we have the obligation to ensure the safety of their loved ones!
"From what I see, assaulting Fang Ping isn’t something surprising.
"But, by assaulting his family members, this is definitely unforgivable and is a serious matter that must not be ignored!
"Since the pill company’s martial artist is involved in this, then they must be thoroughly investigated. This must never be tolerated!"
Beside him, Fang Ping was slightly speechless. ‘From what you’re saying… Why did it sound like I deserved to be killed?’
Fine. At least Old Wu was standing on his side. He would not rectify it then.
Zheng Minghong exhaled gently. He took a good look at Wu Kuishan, nodded, and said, "Fine, we’ll cooperate with the government."
"This needs to be announced to the public."
"Wu Kuishan, don’t go overboard!"
Wu Kuishan shook his head, saying, "This is to pacify the people. CEO Zheng should be aware of what I’m saying. Right now, everyone’s watching and waiting for a result.
"If we don’t announce it to the public, how are we supposed to pacify the people?"
Zheng Minghong said coldly, "Fine. Announce it to the public. I’d like to see whether you can do things unrestrainedly, doing whatever you wish!"
Even if they found a problem, could Wu Kuishan bear the responsibility?
Would he really announce it to the public truthfully?
Fang Ping had nothing to lose, though. He said indifferently, "I can’t even save my puny life anymore, why do I still care about this? At worst, I’ll just die. Did CEO Zheng really think that I will take into account the so-called general interest and sacrifice myself?
"But, if I die, some people won’t get away with this too!"
"What am I afraid of?
"If a Rank-6 comes and kills me now, maybe a Rank-7 will come tomorrow. If you don’t give me an explanation and a guarantee, who knows whether my head will be chopped off tomorrow!
"In the next few days, I’ll have Dean Li and the rest protect me personally. If I didn’t die, then I’ll announce the results fairly!
"If I’ve ruined the general interests, that’s not my responsibility either. At worst, it’ll be the death of me. There’s no difference.
"With my injuries, even I start to wonder whether I can live to see the day when it comes."
"Are you threatening us?"
"No. I don’t dare to do it either. The weak are food for the strong. I’m only a Rank-5 martial artist, how can I be brave enough to threaten a Rank-8 powerhouse? I’m already afraid whether I will land my instructors in trouble for involving them in this, not to mention threatening you.
"Perhaps one day, MCMAU will be completely wiped out. That’s a possibility.
"It’s fine if I die. But if I drag MCMAU down, then I won’t be at ease even after I die."
As he said those words, Fang Ping stood up suddenly, giving a bow to a few MCMAU Grandmasters, saying, "Dear instructors, you don’t have to involve yourselves in these matters anymore. Let me, the student, handle it myself.
"It’s better for me to die alone than to drag everyone down.
"If my death alone can solve every problem, then that’s worth it too."
As he said that, tears welled up in Fang Ping’s eyes. Choking with sobs, he said, "I have overestimated my abilities, with my ability as a Rank-5, I attempt in vain to leverage some people’s profit. How could it possibly end well for me!
"I should have guessed and understood it earlier.
"After I die, I hope the university will cancel a few of the previous policy changes. Reduce both pill and weapon production scale back to how it was earlier.
"I have experienced great kindness ever since I enrolled in MCMAU. After today, I hope all you instructors will take care of yourselves. You must never avenge me!"
As soon as the words left his lips, Fang Ping bowed all the way down, wiped his tears, and said, "I’ll drop this matter and not look into it further. Please return, instructors!"
After Fang Ping had said those words, he turned and started walking out.
At this moment in the concourse, everyone seemed greatly puzzled.
Although it was most likely that Fang Ping was putting on a show… he was not completely unreasonable.
For a short while, none of them said anything, seemingly waiting for something.
In the end, they waited and waited. They waited to the point that Fang Ping was about to walk out now. Zheng Minghong just refused to speak.
Fang Ping was cursing madly in his heart. This fellow knew what he wanted, yet he was just so stubborn.
Right now, there was no way he could quit halfway now!
Zheng Minghong let out a cold humph when he saw this. Naturally, he knew what Fang Ping and MCMAU wanted.
However, did Fang Ping really think that by having a hold on him, he could then obtain everything he wanted?
Zheng Minghong could only say that he had been overthinking.
Whether Fang Ping was playing the fool to gain sympathy or uncovering the truth, if the two major companies refused to give in, what could he do?
Seeing that Fang Ping was caught in an awkward situation, Wu Kuishan suddenly laughed. He shook his head slightly and said, "Fang Ping, you’ve learned something new today, right? Certain things aren’t that easy.
"Not everything you say will happen the way you want it to be.
"If you want to help MCMAU fight for benefits and achieve things that the predecessors have not, then you’re still slightly lacking.
"Your ability was also slightly weak."
Fang Ping turned around suddenly. With a peculiar look on his face, he asked, "What vice-chancellor is saying is…"
"You talked so much nonsense with them. Would anyone even take a Rank-5 martial artist like you seriously? Reasons are not for verbalizing."
Wu Kuishan chuckled gently. "Also, stop treating me, your vice-chancellor, like trash. Take this opportunity, let me teach you that sometimes, when we’re supposed to be tough, we must be tough. If they don’t give it to us, we’ll rob it!"
"Wu Kuishan!"
Zheng Minghong suddenly felt that things were not going so well. Wu Kuishan was notoriously known for his sinister character. He felt like something was wrong when he said those words all of a sudden.
What did Wu Kuishan want to do?
Rob… What a joke. What was he going to rob?
Wu Chuan could not help but take a look at Wu Kuishan. With a solemn look on his face, he said with a low voice, "Vice-chancellor Wu, enough is enough!"
Wu Kuishan burst out laughing. He nodded his head, saying, "Of course. Why don’t we do this? Everyone else leaves while I discuss with both CEOs alone. How’s that?"
Fang Ping was at a daze. He said immediately, "Vice-chancellor, I’ll stay!"
Wu Kuishan took a look at him, smiled, and said, "Alright, since you want to become MCMAU’s vice-chancellor, you can stay. As for the rest, please leave us. There will be a result to this matter."
Everyone else was frowning. What was Wu Kuishan trying to do exactly?
Not only them, the two CEOs had ghastly looks on their faces. What was Wu Kuishan trying to do?
Compared to Fang Ping, this sinister fellow was much harder to deal with.
Though he did not display any kind of behavior recently, in the last few years, when the old vice-chancellor had been focusing on campus affairs, Wu Kuishan had been handling external affairs.
No matter how cunning Fang Ping was, he was still quite tender when compared to Wu Kuishan.
Furthermore, their abilities could not be mentioned in the same breath.
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