As Qin Chuan drove his car at breakneck speed to the suburban villa, a large crowd had already gathered.
The Lin siblings, Shan Xiongjin, and Wang Bailin were all present, along with many elites from the Avengers. They were all gathered in the villa's main hall, seemingly arguing about something with great fervor.
The moment Qin Chuan pushed open the door, the heated argument in the hall abruptly stopped, and all eyes turned towards him.
"Boss, you're back!"
Zheng Chengdao, Yao Dong, and Elder Brother Qin Yang, who had been waiting by the main entrance, rushed forward excitedly. Qin Chuan's disappearance for a full day had worried them greatly.
Qin Chuan was the backbone of everyone. Without him, they felt awkward and out of place, like transparent figures unable to contribute to any conversation, let alone intervene.
"Mm, you've all worked hard!"
Qin Chuan casually took off his outer clothes and handed them to Zheng Chengdao. Wearing only a fitted short-sleeved shirt, he strode forward.
"Boss Qin, where did you go? Why wasn't your phone working?"
"Don't you know this is a sensitive time!"
However, before Qin Chuan could get close, someone stood up and questioned him loudly.
Zheng Chengdao, following behind him, frowned. Qin Yang stopped in his tracks. As for Yao Dong, his eyebrows shot up, a murderous aura flared in his eyes, and he stared coldly at the man.
Did he not want to live, speaking to his boss like that?
Qin Chuan stopped and looked at the man questioning him. His name was Xu Jiguo, a mine owner of considerable renown with assets in the tens of millions. He was considered a mid-to-high level force within their alliance.
"Everyone, I am truly sorry! My apologies! My apologies!"
"I left my phone at the hotel yesterday and forgot to bring it. I only realized it when I went out to meet friends."
Qin Chuan clasped his hands together and bowed slightly as a sign of apology.
Seeing Qin Chuan's humble attitude, Xu Jiguo, who was already full of anger, could not vent it and merely let out a cold snort.
"Qin Chuan, Kong Nanchao is dead!"
Shan Xiongjin said.
"I just heard the news myself, which is why I rushed back immediately."
"This is a serious matter. Kong Nanchao's death at this time is a double-edged sword. We may need to reconsider our next plan!"
Qin Chuan said solemnly.
"Boss Qin, I've asked everyone here, and they all say they didn't act independently. Of course, many here wouldn't have the capability to kill Kong Nanchao."
"You didn't do this, did you?"
Suddenly, Wang Bailin, seated in his wheelchair, asked.
Silence fell upon the surroundings. All eyes were fixed on Qin Chuan, observing his every move and even subtle facial changes.
Qin Chuan noticed the gazes of those around him, paused, then chuckled and said, "You don't suspect me, do you?"
"I went out alone. I didn't bring any of my subordinates, as you all saw! How could someone as weak as me infiltrate the heavily guarded Han family's private hospital to kill Kong Nanchao."
"Moreover, Kong Nanchao's death at this time would be a mixed blessing for us, perhaps even more of a detriment. Am I that foolish?"
The people around him remained silent.
"I believe this was definitely not done by Qin Chuan. He is our alliance's strategist and advisor. Many of our previous plans were his ideas. Kong Nanchao's sudden death has disrupted all our plans, and everything needs to be re-discussed from scratch."
Lin Ting stepped forward and said.
"I also believe this wasn't done by Qin Chuan, because Kong Nanchao's death is more detrimental to us at this moment."
Lin Xiang also spoke up.
"Qin Chuan is certainly not someone who acts impulsively. Throughout our journey, we've generally understood his methods and personality."
Shan Xiongjin frowned deeply. "Then it's strange. Who would be so eager to have Kong Nanchao dead? I refuse to believe Kong Nanchao died from his injuries."
The atmosphere turned silent and oppressive. Kong Nanchao's sudden death was too significant an event.
It was believed that soon, the entire Dragon City would be under strict martial law, with police heavily managing and inspecting everywhere. Their gathering here would certainly be discovered.
Therefore, it was likely that after tonight, everyone would have to return to their respective places, and meeting would not be as convenient.
At the same time, it would invite full retaliation from the Kong family or the Han family, which was the detrimental aspect.
"Qin Chuan, don't you have a mysterious ally on your side? Did you call to ask him?"
Shan Xiongjin asked again.
"I already called and asked him personally on my way back. The other party denied it was them."
Qin Chuan replied.
On his way back, Qin Chuan had indeed called Qi Yan to ask if she was responsible for Kong Nanchao's death, as within the entire alliance, Qi Yan had the strongest desire for revenge and the greatest wish for the Han family's ruin.
Moreover, she had the capability. Unfortunately, Qi Yan directly denied it and expressed her surprise at the news.
"Actually, Kong Nanchao wasn't a good person either. The bad deeds he committed for Han Guangyao over the years are innumerable. If Han Guangyao is the main culprit, then he was the biggest accomplice."
Wang Bailin, sitting in his wheelchair, said, "If someone indeed infiltrated the hospital intending to harm Kong Nanchao and trigger internal conflict within the Han family, it's highly possible."
"Also, there are many others who wanted Kong Nanchao dead. For example, Han Zongren from the second branch of the Han family. If Kong Nanchao dies, it would be most beneficial to his side."
This remark was like a jolt of realization. Upon hearing Han Zongren's name, everyone's eyes lit up. Upon closer consideration, it seemed to be the case.
Within the entire Han family, Han Zongren was the one most disadvantaged at the moment, gaining no benefits. Naturally, he was resentful and had even reached an agreement with the Kong family disciples to fight together.
If they were Han Zongren, Kong Nanchao's sudden death would undoubtedly infuriate the Kong family, possibly leading to a complete rupture with the Han family.
At that time, it would be the best opportunity for Han Zongren to seize benefits amidst the chaos. It would be ideal if both the Kong family and the Han family were decimated, to the point of mutual destruction.
"The Han Zongren family truly has such a motive."
Qin Chuan said.
"However, all of this is just our speculation. Next, we need to discuss our own matters."
"Firstly, we cannot use this place as our base of operations anymore. Everyone will disperse and return to your homes for now. Maintain contact via phone."
"If there is any news, notify everyone immediately."
Wang Bailin nodded. "Qin Chuan is right. Kong Nanchao's death will cast a shadow over Dragon City. The police will likely search every house and conduct strict investigations on all outsiders."
"We cannot stay here any longer."
"It's best to leave now. If we leave late, unexpected incidents might occur."
Shan Xiongjin said decisively, "Then I will start moving my people now."
Everyone nodded and went to gather their respective teams.
Qin Chuan also gathered all his people and told them to go home.
They had been in Dragon City for a long time. There were still many businesses back home, new developments that hadn't been put up for sale, as well as the decoration company, sand quarry, electronics factory, etc., all of which required personnel.
"Little Chuan, what about you? Aren't you going back?"
Qin Yang asked.
Qin Chuan replied, "I need to take advantage of this brief window to visit the Beijing laboratory. There are still many things waiting for me there. Brother Dao accompanying me is enough."
"Boss, we still have Blood Wolf, Meng Qi, and the other two here. What should we do with these three?"
Yao Dong said.
Qin Chuan pondered for a moment and then had someone call the Lin siblings over…
Given the current sensitive situation, bringing the three, Blood Wolf included, would be very inconvenient. For now, they had to entrust them to others for 'care'.