The very next morning, a major upheaval rocked the administration of Eastbrook. The Chief Inspector, He Tianlong, citing health issues, resigned from his position, followed by the Inspector General, Zhou Xiaobo. These two were heavyweights in Eastbrook, and their simultaneous decision to retire carried significant implications. Eastbrook’s administration was left in a state of panic, with everyone on edge.


    Rumors circted wildly among the public, with gossip flying everywhere. However, byte morning, the new Inspector had quelled the chaos with decisive actions.


    That afternoon, Ye Nantian and others received approval for several plots ofnd intended for the “New School Society” pilot project, as well as the venue for next month’s medicinal trade. They were overjoyed to receive the contracts. Jiang Jian, with a flush of excitement, remarked, “Just as expected, all of Mr. Xiao’s decisions had been approved from above!”


    Xiao Lianughed heartily and nodded, “It’s funny, we were preparing on how to approach He Tianlong and others, only to find Mr. Xiao had already sent them packing with just a slight maneuver!”


    “Under such a big tree, it seems we’ll have good shade to enjoy from now on!” Ye Nantian said with profound emotion.


    Talking thus, these three former high-ranking members of the Eastbrook Old School Society were filled with dreams for the future and resolved to follow Xiao Shun to the end.


    That night, as thenterns were first lit, Eastbrook finally regained its calm after a day of turmoil. The world never stops spinning for anyone; tides rise and fall, the moon sets and the sun rises, and life goes on-that is the true order of things!


    At 6:30 PM, Xiao Shun, dressed in casual sports attire, apanied the elegantly dressed Cao Wanqing to a private club on the outskirts of town, owned by Ye Nantian, where a wine party was being held tonight. The Eastbrook Film Festival had concluded the night before, and the event now drew many local celebrities and socialites.


    As they were about to enter the club, Cao Wanqing nced at Xiao Shun in his ck sports outfit and said, “Maybe you should change; you look quite out of ce standing next to me!”


    “It’sfortable!” Xiao Shun replied, adjusting his cor nonchntly. Looking good was never his concern;fort was paramount.


    With that thought, he noticed Cao Wanqing’s bare skin reddened by the cold, as the temperature outside was barely three degrees. He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders, saying, “Let’s go inside quickly. If we stay out much longer, I’m afraid you’ll catch a cold.”


    Touched by his gesture, Cao Wanqing sighed inwardly, her feelings mixed.


    Once inside, they were immediately enveloped in warmth, thanks to the powerful central heating, which made the biting cold outside quickly forgotten. The hall was filled with elegantly dressed guests, likely of high social standing. Long tablesden with exquisite food and drinks lined the sides of the hall, though few were eating; most were busy with their drinks.


    Xiao Shun, who hadn’t had his dinner yet, gravitated towards the food. Just as he finished a piece of cake, Cao Wanqing eximed in surprise, “Look, that’s Yang Shoucheng, the big boss of Riverdale Wireless. I didn’t expect him to attend tonight’s party!”


    Xiao Shun, more concerned about filling his stomach than who was present, was about to get more food when two people entered through the main door.


    His casual gaze sharpened as he saw the man and woman, and he smiled with interest. Their eyes met, and a palpable tension filled the air.


    After a brief standoff, the middle-aged man approached Xiao Shun with a confident stride, chuckling, “Mr. Xiao!”


    Following him, the woman also greeted, “Mr. Xiao.”


    In the face of their polite approach, Xiao Shun returned the gesture, “Mr. Qiu, White Tiger Envoy!”


    Qiu Zhan nodded, his tone loaded with meaning, “Who would have thought that in such a short time, Eastbrook would be your yground!”


    Xiao Shun smiled lightly, “Master Nie is generous, and I could only ept his offer graciously.”


    Hearing this, Qiu Zhan’s eyes sparkled fiercely as he sized up Xiao Shun. He knew of Nie Jiuchong’s defeat at Xiao Shun’s hands and the resultant shock.


    After a moment, Qiu Zhan smiled slightly and said, “The loss of a city is inconsequential in the grand scheme. However, Mr. Xiao, persisting alone might prove dangerous. If you share Hanging sk Inn with my Central ins Old School Society, I’ll cease my cooperation with the Southeast Old School Society and turn a blind eye to yourNew School Society’s activities.”


    Xiao Shun was slightly surprised to hear about the cooperation between the Southeast and Central ins Old School Societies. He quickly understood the reason behind it-probably because Nie Jiuchong realized he couldn’t handle Xiao Shun alone but was too proud to publicize this, opting instead to ally with Qiu Zhan against Xiao Shun.


    After figuring this out, Xiao Shun yfully asked, “Mr. Qiu, you’re interested in the Hanging sk Inn?”This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    “Of course!” Qiu Zhan said, hands sped behind his back, a slight smile on his face.


    “My request is modest; just half for me, and you can continue to expand the New School Society’s territory in the southeast without my interference.”


    Hearing this, Xiao Shun burst intoughter.


    “Ha ha, Mr. Qiu, why make it soplicated? Since you’re interested in the Hanging sk Inn, I might as well give it to you!”


    “What!?” Both Qiu Zhan and hispanion were taken aback, as they had always known Xiao Shun to be not so easily cooperative.


    Seeing their puzzled faces, Xiao Shun smiled lightly.


    “Just have your Central ins Old School Society fully affiliate with my New School Society. Then isn’t my Hanging sk Inn also your Hanging sk Inn? Not just half, you can have it all!”


    Qiu Zhan snorted angrily, realizing he had been yed by Xiao Shun, then stormed off with a flick of his sleeve.