After Li Yuchun left.
Lin Fan looked at Long the Fifth and smiled: "Long the Fifth, we can continue now."
Long the Fifth felt conflicted at this moment.
Just now, Lin Fan could have exposed him in front of the Director of the Investment Bureau, and the government might have been furious, which would have led to trouble for the local bully.
But Lin Fan managed to save Long the Fifthâs situation with just one simple sentence.
"Mr. Lin, why didnât you tell Director Li the truth earlier?" Long the Fifth couldnât help but ask.
Lin Fan laughed: "Thereâs no need. I never like to go to extremes when doing things. I just hope you wonât make things difficult for Teacher Zheng anymore."
Long the Fifth said: "Yes, Mr. Lin is right. Iâve decided to waive Mr. Zhengâs debt. I promise not to trouble him again in the future. Mr. Lin can rest assured."
Lin Fan shook his head: "Thatâs not appropriate. 300,000 isnât a small amount. How can we take advantage of such a large sum? Letâs not idle away from taking whatâs ours. So, Mr. Long, calculate how much more Teacher Zheng owes you, at the regular interest rate."
Long the Fifth was very moved: "Mr. Linâs magnanimity is truly admirable, I am in awe!"
Long the Fifth quickly calculated that Zheng Yang owed a total of 400,000, including principal and interest.
This was calculated at a regular bank loan interest rate, which was quite reasonable and far less than the exorbitant 600,000 from loan sharks.
But even 400,000, Zheng Yang himself couldnât repay.
Lin Fan promptly paid Long the Fifth this amount, as he had agreed to help Zheng Yang repay the debt. The amount was reasonable, so he paid it willingly.
The 400,000 quickly reached Long the Fifthâs account.
Long the Fifth was greatly impressed with Lin Fan; despite the threats made today, Lin Fan responded with kindness, really paying off the debt, proving himself to be extraordinary.
"Mr. Lin, are you planning to come develop in Sanxue Town in the future?" Long the Fifth asked.
With the Investment Bureau Director so enthusiastic, it seemed likely Lin Fan planned to invest in Sanxue Town.
Lin Fan smiled and said: "Perhaps."
Long the Fifth immediately knelt down: "If Mr. Lin comes to Sanxue Town, I, Long the Fifth, am willing to serve Mr. Lin tirelessly!"
Lin Fan stood with his hands behind his back, smiling: "You wish to work for me?"
Long the Fifth said: "Yes, I am very familiar with Sanxue Town. There must be areas where Mr. Lin could use my services. I would be honored to assist."
Lin Fan said: "I conduct legitimate business, unlike the underground. If you want to work for me, youâll have to stop with the loan shark business."
Long the Fifth gritted his teeth, knowing that while loan sharking was highly profitable, it was unpleasant to manage. Many borrowers lacked repayment capacity, leading to debt collection, assaults, and ruination...
Honestly, loan sharking wasnât easy either, causing harm to both parties.
Long the Fifth said: "Mr. Lin, after returning, I will abolish the loan shark business and never engage in it again. Please rest assured, Mr. Lin."
Lin Fan nodded: "Good, I hope next time I come to Yun City, I will have a chance to need your service."
Long the Fifth was delighted, Lin Fanâs nod provided him an opportunity. Despite being a local underground boss, thereâs limited progress possible. If he could attach himself to Lin Fan, who knows?
Moreover, Lin Fanâs charisma indeed won him over.
Long the Fifth then took his leave with his men.
They came in three cars, radiating power, but left humbled.
The thugs were all curious about who Lin Fan was, to make their boss so deferential!
Long the Fifth said: "You know nothing. Why do you think Director Li from the Investment Bureau came personally? Because of Mr. Lin, the wealthiest person in Yun City!"
The thugs were all astonished.
Yun Cityâs wealthiest, and so young?
Too incredible, how did Lin Fan achieve this as Yun Cityâs richest person so young? It could only mean Lin Fan was extraordinary!
Then, all the thugs knelt down.
Meanwhile, Lin Fan sent off Long the Fifth and his men, feeling pleased. Long the Fifth was subdued, costing only a mere 400,000âa profitable exchange.
If someday he decided to invest in Sanxue Town, it would be advantageous.
For Lin Fan, it was the time to build connections. His Mortal Group aimed for a billion-dollar market value in the future.
As the commercial tower rises, challenges from those around will follow; these are not issues Lin Fan can resolve with a wave of his hand, making connections crucial.
Just like today, without his prior networking in Yun City, Long the Fifth wouldnât have been easy to handle.
"Things have finally been satisfactorily resolved. Teacher Zheng, you can relax now." Lin Fan said with a smile.
Thud!
Zheng Yang knelt before Lin Fan, tears streaming: "Thank you, Mr. Lin."
Lin Fan asked: "Teacher Zheng, do you have any future plans? Do you plan to stay in this small town?"
Zheng Yang said sentimentally: "I stayed here because I owed money to the underground money lenders and couldnât leave. Now the debt is repaid, I should leave. Iâll return to my hometown where my parents are buried in the mountains, making it convenient to manage their graves."
Zheng Yang looked at Loli and said: "Officer Luo, I know Iâve withheld clues for fifteen years, which must be frustrating for you. I can only apologize. I hope Officer Luo will solve the case soon."
Loli sighed inwardly; she was indeed frustrated with Zheng Yang but was also moved by his words.
Zheng Yang couldnât offer any more assistance.
Lin Fan and Loli also said their goodbyes and left. Their cars were parked in the market, having been brought by Zheng Yangâs tricycle earlier.
Zheng Yang said: "Iâll use the tricycle to take you both to town then."
The two had to take Zheng Yangâs offer, otherwise theyâd have to walk back, which was quite far and would take until nightfall.
Thus, the two got on Zheng Yangâs tricycle.
However, just as the tricycle started moving, there was a sudden tire burst, with a bang, startling everyone.
Zheng Yang got off, looked at the burst tire, and smiled wryly: "Well, now we canât go."
Lin Fan and Loli were flustered; what bad luck. Did they need to walk back to town? Lin Fan regretted not driving his Rolls-Royce to follow Zheng Yang earlier.
Zheng Yang thought of something and said: "Oh, I have a neighbor, Old Wang, who drives a taxi. Iâll see if heâs home and ask him to give you a ride."
Zheng Yang went briefly and returned with a taxi.
"Old Wang happened to be home resting today, and heâs willing to give you a ride." Zheng Yang smiled.
The taxi driver, a man in his forties, was very laid-back: "You two going to town, right? Hop in."
"Thank you."
Lin Fan and Loli thanked him and got in Old Wangâs car.
Old Wang drove the car, carrying the two towards Sanxue Townâs market.
They were driving when suddenly, a woman emerged from the roadside, holding a baby and frantically waving to intercept the taxi.
Old Wang originally planned to ignore her since he was resting and only accepted Zheng Yangâs request; he stepped on the gas to pass by.
Loli said: "Uncle, she seems to be in an emergency, stop the car and see whatâs wrong."
"Alright." Old Wang stopped the car reluctantly.
The woman, seizing her lifeline, approached quickly and anxiously said: "Driver, please take us to the hospital. My daughter has a high fever, I must get her to see a doctor immediately."
Lin Fan, with keen eyesight, noticed the baby in her arms looked pale. Something was wrong.
Lin Fan hurriedly opened the car door and helped her open the door, saying: "Get in quickly."