After Teacher Yang hung up, Qin Chuan let out a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to say something, he was startled.
"What are you guys doing? Why are you staring at me like that?"
Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong were both staring intently at him, their gazes sending shivers down his spine.
"Qin Chuan, a smoke! A smoke!"
Zhou Zongrong was the first to react. He nimbly picked up the cigarette pack on the table, offered Qin Chuan a cigarette, and threw one to Xiao Guodong as well.
The three old smokers puffed away, filling the office with a misty haze, like a wonderland.
"Qin Chuan, your friend from Longcheng is rather extraordinary!"
Zhou Zongrong said in a low voice.
They had clearly heard the entire conversation between Qin Chuan and Teacher Yang. With their keen judgment, they were certain that Qin Chuan had not been bragging.
The female friend on the other end of the phone seemed to have immense influence and indeed knew a great deal about the Han family in Longcheng.
Especially that last sentence, "Give me half an hour," was delivered with such crispness and absolute confidence that only someone with considerable ability could speak so boldly.
Qin Chuan, pleased that his show of prowess had landed well, responded with a smile, "My friend's influence is indeed considerable."
"However, given the current situation, as long as the Han family poses no threat to us, I'd rather not trouble her for now."
Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong nodded in understanding. Although they were unsure of Qin Chuan's relationship with Yang Zimo, they were seasoned individuals who understood that favors, at times, were precious.
Especially those from influential people, they were to be used sparingly. It was best not to ask for help unless absolutely necessary.
For now, obtaining some basic intelligence on the Han family was enough.
Yang Zimo was truly efficient. When she said half an hour, she meant precisely half an hour, without a minute's delay.
With the whirring and clicking of the fax machine, intelligence on the Han family from Longcheng began to arrive, a considerable amount – over a dozen pages.
"So much?"
Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong were astonished. While shocked, their excitement was palpable.
At the same time, Qin Chuan received another call from Teacher Yang.
"Mhm, the fax has been received."
"Don't worry, there's no trouble with the Han family yet. We're just preparing for the worst. If it truly comes to that, I will ask for your help."
Qin Chuan said to Teacher Yang.
After a long while, he finally hung up and looked at Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong.
"How is it? What do you think of this intelligence?"
Xiao Guodong, excitedly holding the papers, grinned, "This is incredible, it covers almost all of the Han family's businesses and connections."
"My heavens, Qin Chuan, your friend is truly something, incredibly capable!"
Zhou Zongrong was also thrilled. They had expected basic information, not such detailed intel.
Qin Chuan, with curiosity, picked up a few pages and began to read carefully.
They detailed the businesses run by the Han family. They owned five coal mines in Jin Province alone, located in cities surrounding the province, each larger than the last. Additionally, they had two mines in Meng Province.
Just seeing the number of coal mines made Qin Chuan's heart race. The Han family's power was far greater than he had imagined.
Of course, the Han family wouldn't own all of these seven coal mines outright. Much like his own businesses, they likely held significant shares. But even so, it was an impressive feat. The annual profits from these seven mines would undoubtedly be astronomical.
Qin Chuan exchanged information with Xiao Guodong beside him. This time, the content focused on the Han family's network of connections. After a brief glance, Qin Chuan's expression grew even more somber. Any one of the entities listed was far beyond his current reach.
"I'll make copies of all this and take them back!"
Qin Chuan announced.
Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong nodded. The smiles had vanished from their faces, as the information had deeply shocked them, their arms trembling slightly.
"Does Secretary Ye know about this Han family matter?"
While making copies, Qin Chuan suddenly asked, as if remembering something.
"No, we haven't told Secretary Ye yet!"
Xiao Guodong replied.
"I think we should tell him. Secretary Ye has connections to the Han Shifei brothers' affairs. More hands mean more strength."
Qin Chuan continued, "Besides, Secretary Ye's background is also very strong."
Zhou Zongrong and Xiao Guodong exchanged glances and finally nodded, "You're not staying in the capital for long, are you?"
"Not necessarily. I have a lot of matters to attend to in the capital, so I can't stay for more than a few days."
Qin Chuan mused.
"Then let's arrange a time to get together with Secretary Ye another day."
Zhou Zongrong suggested.
"Certainly!"
Qin Chuan nodded and then, taking the copied documents, walked out of the office.
It was already close to noon, and the sun was quite hot.
Sitting in the car, Qin Chuan took out his phone and called Li Ya, informing her of his return and asking if she was at the garment factory.
Li Ya was very excited to receive Qin Chuan's call, and they agreed to meet at the construction site.
Then, Qin Chuan called Ye Meiyun, telling her he was back and invited her for lunch at the construction site.
Before he knew it, the powerful sedan had arrived at the construction site.
Sitting in the car, Qin Chuan saw a tall building rising from the ground, with only the final finishing touches remaining. This was the second phase of his construction project, and after so much time, it was completed, matching the scale of the earlier buildings. It would be ready for sale soon.
Qin Chuan signaled for the car to drive closer. As the sedan stopped, Qin Chuan got out and saw Wang Ying, the construction manager, leading a group of people from the stairwell, seemingly about to leave for the day.
They made eye contact, and a look of great surprise spread across Wang Ying's face.
"Boss Qin, you're finally back!"
Qin Chuan smiled and stepped forward, teasing, "Wouldn't it be better if I didn't come back? No one to nag you, no one to restrict you!"
"Oh, come on! We'd rather you be back. It's actually easier this way! Your elder brother and that guy Zheng Chengdao are too strict with supervision!"
Wang Ying began to complain. Since Qin Chuan's departure, the construction site and the sand quarry had been managed by his elder brother, Qin Yang, and Zheng Chengdao. With them in charge, Qin Chuan had left with peace of mind.
"Manager Wang, you're talking bad about us behind our backs again!"
"Be careful, I'll get you drunk at the next banquet!"
Just then, a resonant voice called out. They all turned to see three figures striding confidently from not far away. These three were none other than Qin Yang, Zheng Chengdao, and Chen Jinyu. They had clearly received news of Qin Chuan's return and had rushed over, their faces filled with undisguised excitement.
A smile involuntarily curled Qin Chuan's lips.
At that moment, a familiar Audi car sped towards them from a distance, kicking up dust. The car stopped in front of Qin Chuan, and a stunning, sophisticated older woman with a hot figure and exquisite features quickly alighted. Her fair, long legs were incredibly eye-catching, almost blindingly so. She looked at the young man she hadn't seen in over two months, her beautiful eyes shining with overwhelming emotion. Qin Chuan gazed at her quietly and then, with a smile, opened his arms. Li Ya could no longer contain her longing and, disregarding the eyes of the many people around them, threw herself into his embrace.