Ling Tian was deeply moved. He knew in his heart that things were not as easy as the old man made them out to be; it was far from a simple favor.
Ling Tian had personally experienced the immense power of the Gao family. Despite his extensive network, he had been helpless against them. If it hadn't been for Old Lu's intervention this time, Wang Bingxia and her father might still be imprisoned.
It was clear that the Lu family must have paid a considerable price to achieve this. The resources mobilized and the connections leveraged were astonishing. In short, Ling Tian owed a massive debt of gratitude.
"Old sir, I know my trouble this time is immense. Without your help, I would likely have been troubled for quite some time."
"Haha, young man, you are too modest. While the Gao family is formidable, you are no ordinary person either. If it truly came down to a fight to the death, the Gao family would likely be troubled as well," the old man said with a smile, as he was very clear about Ling Tian's background.
The things Ling Tian had done in Japan were classified at the highest level, and coincidentally, this elder held that clearance, allowing him to access relevant information.
"However, Ling Tian, the people of the Gao family are not to be trifled with. Although they have temporarily retreated due to my warning, I know they will not give up.
They have received my warning for this year. What I can do to you now, but after a year, when this old body of mine is gone, they might make a move against you again, perhaps even more fiercely!"
Ling Tian's heart sank upon hearing this. He knew that what Old Lu said was highly probable.
"Old sir, what should I do? Please guide me!"
"Good, I will show you a path!
You must know where your advantage lies. You are a doctor, a top-tier doctor, and I have many old friends who also need top-tier doctors.
This year might be a bit tough for you, helping some of my old friends with their ailments. Rest assured, they are all grateful people. Even if I'm no longer around, they can protect you!"
Upon hearing this, Ling Tian's mind was settled. He now had two plans regarding the Gao family's intentions.
The first plan was, of course, to fight fire with fire. However, given the Gao family's status, engaging in a direct confrontation could potentially cause a widespread uproar and a massive stir.
The second plan was the one proposed by Old Lu.
Since Ling Tian was now a member of the Bao Jian Bureau, with the old man's help in facilitating introductions, he would have the opportunity to treat other elders, forging good relationships. He believed that those he saved would surely protect him.
After all, everyone faced birth, aging, sickness, and death. No one wanted to die if they could avoid it.
And a top-tier doctor could very well be their only hope for survival. Therefore, those people would undoubtedly protect Ling Tian, and the Gao family would not dare to act rashly against him. Even if they made minor moves, they would have to be cautious.
"Alright, old sir, I will do as you command!"
After checking the old man's health, Ling Tian took his leave and returned home. Wang Bingxia immediately rushed into his arms, and they wept with joy.
...
Zhang Xu was the manager of the finance department at the Beijing branch of Bing Tian Pharmaceutical. He was a high-level executive with significant authority, responsible for all company accounts and tax matters.
His annual salary, including bonuses, exceeded one million yuan. This salary level was considered top-tier within the industry.
However, humans are inherently greedy. Zhang Xu was not satisfied with his income because the sales and production departments, due to their greater contributions, received larger bonuses. Some department heads even earned four to five million yuan a year.
At this point, someone approached Zhang Xu and informed him that a major figure wanted to acquire Bing Tian Pharmaceutical. However, Bing Tian Pharmaceutical would certainly not sell, which would require certain methods, and these methods would need Zhang Xu to operate them.
Zhang Xu was initially hesitant to agree because the plan proposed by the other party involved criminal activity. However, upon hearing the terms offered, he immediately agreed.
Ten million US dollars, a villa in the United States, green cards for his entire family, and the relocation of his entire family to the United States!
Moreover, the money was earned incredibly easily. He didn't have to do much; the other members of the finance department had also been bribed. He just needed to sign off on the approvals and keep the matter quiet for a few days. Before the incident came to light, they would all be sent to the United States!
Imagine, ten million US dollars was enough for them to achieve financial freedom, live a life of luxury in the United States, and enjoy it for the rest of their lives.
Thus, they planned and executed this operation. When it was time to pay taxes, the tax amount was transferred to an offshore company account.
Such large transfers required Zhang Xu's review and signature. Having been bought off, he readily signed.
Although Bing Tian Pharmaceutical's head office would conduct audits, they only did so at the end of each month. They exploited this time difference.
Then, tax inspectors arrived and, using this charge, took away the Wang father and daughter.
The day before the incident, Zhang Xu and three other colleagues who were involved in the matter took a plane to the United States.
To their surprise, after arriving in the United States, they transferred to another flight to a city on the southern border of the United States, then crossed the border into Mexico, a country known for its cacti and corn.
Zhang Xu began to feel that something was amiss. He wanted to ask the people who brought him about what was going on. The person told him that Bing Tian Pharmaceutical was currently investigating the matter thoroughly and that they were bringing Zhang Xu and the others here to conceal their tracks and avoid scrutiny.
They were then confined to a large house on the edge of the desert, with miles of desert surrounding it.
At this point, the four of them felt that something was wrong, but they dared not resist, as the man who brought them was carrying a gun.
Besides that man, there were six other people in the house, guarding them closely, making escape impossible.
Their mobile phones were also confiscated, leaving them with no way to contact the outside world.
The leader of the group was named Gao Tu, a subordinate of Gao Lu Jie. He was the one who spearheaded the operation to bribe Zhang Xu and his colleagues and bring them to the United States.
Four days after their arrival, the satellite phone carried by Gao Tu suddenly rang.
"Young Master Gao, what are your instructions?"