"Let's talk about joining the Guo family after I pass the third round of assessment."
"I'm used to being free. Even if I join the Guo family, I won't be much help."
Liu Tiezhu's tone was vague, but his meaning was clear.
Guo Qixing paused, immediately understanding Liu Tiezhu's intent.
"Brother Tiezhu, maybe I misspoke earlier."
"What I meant was to cooperate with you, not to restrict you into working for the Guo family."
He had originally thought that showcasing the full strength of the Guo family would win Liu Tiezhu over.
Unexpectedly, Liu Tiezhu wasn't buying it at all, even showing signs of aversion.
Now he had to settle for a lesser goal, abandoning the idea of recruiting him.
"I understand what you mean, Brother Qixing. Let's talk after I pass the third round."
Liu Tiezhu replied and headed back to the barracks first.
Meanwhile, in Jiang He's barracks, the atmosphere was extremely tense.
Jiang He, Zhang Zhiliang, and Liu Zhigao all wore furrowed brows.
Jiang Tianliang colluding with the Li family—this was undoubtedly a huge stroke of luck for them.
But if mishandled, good fortune could turn into disaster.
This was no longer just about their personal stakes; it involved the entire Ming family.
All three knew that there were likely Li family plants within the Ming family's upper echelons.
If they couldn't deal with these people, those same people would crush them without mercy.
"Brother Jiang, should we report this to Third Master?" Zhang Zhiliang couldn't help asking.
Jiang He nodded: "We definitely need to report it, but we have to prepare first."
"Jiang Tianliang is one of Second Master's men. Once we confirm evidence of his collusion with the Li family, even if we score a major merit, we'll indirectly offend Second Master."
"Second, there are definitely Li family moles among the Ming family's top brass."
"If this isn't handled properly, not only will we fail to pin down Jiang Tianliang, but those moles will turn the tables on us."
This matter, concerning the entire Ming family, was beyond their control.
So before making a move, they had to be fully prepared.
Liu Zhigao thought for a moment and said: "How about we detain Jiang Tianliang first and hand him over to Second Master, then send people to gather evidence?"
"Before Second Master can react, let Third Master deal with Jiang Tianliang."
"That way, we earn the merit and don't have to worry about the Li family's moles retaliating."
After hearing this, Jiang He waved his hand in rejection.
"No, that's acting first and reporting later."
"Besides, Jiang Tianliang might not leave any evidence."
Zhang Zhiliang chimed in: "Then what do we do? Are we just going to give up on this golden opportunity?"
Jiang He said: "Of course we can't give up."
"I'll go talk to Third Master tomorrow and have him dispatch the Blood Squad to keep an eye on Jiang Tianliang. Once we confirm the evidence, Jiang Tianliang won't be able to escape."
This approach not only secured the merit but also nailed Jiang Tianliang—a win-win.
The next day, Liu Tiezhu woke up early.
After breakfast, Zhang Tielin quietly came to his side and told him he had delivered the message to Yang Hua.
After discussing that, Liu Tiezhu couldn't help asking: "What was Jiang He's reaction when he heard about Jiang Tianliang?"
Zhang Tielin answered truthfully: "After Brother Jiang heard my report, he just took out two thousand yuan and sent me off."
"But he'll definitely report it up the chain. I believe action will come soon."
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu felt a bit relieved.
As long as Jiang He reported it, the Ming family's higher-ups would surely take action.
They chatted for a bit, and when Zhang Tielin saw Jiang Tianliang approaching with a dark face, he made an excuse to slip away.
"You little bastard, if you've got guts, follow me."
Jiang Tianliang's icy voice reached him before he even got close.
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu couldn't help but laugh.
Was this son of a bitch so furious he'd lost his mind?
Saying that—was he worried Liu Tiezhu wouldn't know there was an ambush outside?
Coming back to his senses, Liu Tiezhu looked at Jiang Tianliang and said flatly: "Idiot, who do you think you are?"
"Why would I follow you?"
Jiang Tianliang didn't get angry, instead sneering: "Hah, all balls, no spine."
"Too scared to come with me in broad daylight? With guts like that, you think you'll pass the third round?"
"Idiot, your taunts don't work on me."
"You think I don't know you've got people waiting outside?"
Liu Tiezhu mocked Jiang Tianliang with a sneer, directly exposing his scheme.
Jiang Tianliang's face stiffened. He hadn't expected his meticulous plan to be completely under Liu Tiezhu's control.
According to his plan, he'd first provoke Liu Tiezhu, ignite his anger, then lure him out and kill him.
Now it was clear his little trick was useless.
"How did you know I had people stationed?"
Seeing his plan exposed, Jiang Tianliang stopped pretending.
Liu Tiezhu smiled and said: "Want to know? Kneel down and call me 'Dad,' and I'll tell you."
"Go to hell—"
Jiang Tianliang flew into a rage and raised his hand to strike.
Instead of dodging, Liu Tiezhu leaned in and taunted: "Idiot, if you've got the guts, hit me."
Jiang Tianliang's hand froze mid-air, unable to bring it down.
This was the camp. If he struck first, Liu Tiezhu would have the right to fight back.
Besides, judging by Liu Tiezhu's reaction, it seemed he was waiting for that very move.
"You little bastard, you want me to make a move? I won't give you the satisfaction."
"I don't believe you can hide in this camp forever." Jiang Tianliang withdrew his hand and said coldly.
Liu Tiezhu laughed: "Don't worry, when I do go out, you probably won't be around to see it."
"You think your dealings with the Li family are flawless?"
At these words, Jiang Tianliang's face instantly changed.
"You little beast, what are you babbling about? When have I ever had anything to do with the Li family?"
"If you don't explain yourself today, I won't let you off."
Liu Tiezhu shot back without mercy: "Go to hell, will you? I'm standing right here and you don't dare touch me, and you talk about not letting me off?"
"I suggest you hurry up and destroy the evidence of your collusion with the Li family. If it falls into the Ming family's hands, you're done for."
"And let me give you a heads-up—Auditor Jiang and the others already know."
At this, Jiang Tianliang was completely stunned.
"You little bastard, you're slandering me! I won't let this slide."
After coldly threatening Liu Tiezhu, Jiang Tianliang hurried away.
At that moment, he had no mind to deal with Liu Tiezhu anymore; destroying the evidence of his collusion with the Li family was the priority.
As soon as Jiang Tianliang left, Liu Tiezhu waved Zhang Tielin over.
"Go back now and tell Jiang He that Jiang Tianliang is destroying evidence."
Hearing this, Zhang Tielin couldn't help but give Liu Tiezhu a thumbs-up.
He had been wondering why Liu Tiezhu would tell Jiang Tianliang that the Ming family had discovered his collusion.
Now he realized Liu Tiezhu had dug a bottomless pit for Jiang Tianliang.
By deliberately tipping him off to destroy the evidence while having Jiang He send people to watch, they'd catch him red-handed. Jiang Tianliang would have no way out.