Chapter 44:
Even a fool would know that this wasn't the right time for action. So after giving Lin Qi a fierce glare, Michael quickly left.
In just a few minutes, Mr. Fox walked in with a puzzled expression. He closed the door, noticed the gifts, and said with a smile, "I saw Michael earlier, he seemed really angry?"
Lin Qi nodded, gestured toward the items he sent, and casually remarked, "He came to seek my forgiveness, which I didn't give."
Upon hearing Lin Qi's reply, Mr. Fox sighed. He walked over to the nearby round chair, sat down, and casually picked up a piece of fruit, taking a bite; it was quite juicy.
The shops and stalls within the hospital were all hospital-owned businesses, which were crucial for many people's livelihoods. Therefore, they naturally dared not be perfunctory. This was also some inherent advantage brought about by commercialization or capitalism - that was, competitiveness.
Those lacking competitiveness, whether individuals, businesses, or industries, would swiftly be eliminated in the wave of capitalism. To prevent being part of this eliminated group, they aimed to maximize their competitive advantages.
Swallowing the fruit, Mr. Fox hesitated slightly but continued, "Actually, resolving this matter amicably is best. If we push Michael away, the tax bureau might not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear."
In Mr. Fox's view, Lin Qi had achieved the desired outcome: winning against Michael, who now sought forgiveness. So, compromising to solve the issue would save face for both sides.
This approach was typical for Mr. Fox and his ilk. They might sometimes exert pressure on law enforcement agencies that posed a threat to them, but they never actually went for the jugular. Frankly speaking, they were in a mess themselves. Today, they might bring someone down, but soon, new forces would come after them. That was why they were careful to know where to draw the line; it was best for everyone to get along.
Mr. Fox actually found Lin Qi's actions a bit too extreme. He implied, "You've embarrassed the tax bureau, and they'll keep an eye on you."
This statement wasn't entirely wrong but not entirely right either.
Lin Qi turned to look at him and asked a question, "Mr. Fox, even if I stop now, do you think when things have escalated to a federal level, it would come to a stop just because a mere Sabin City Federal Tax Bureau Director said so?"
"No!" he lifted a finger to emphasize, "Those above want to see who made them lose face, and those below aim to regain some dignity from me. Whether I forgive Michael or not, they'll still keep an eye on me."
"In three to five days, they'll start causing trouble for me. If I forgive Michael now, it'll only make them think I'm a young person without any influential connections, someone they can easily bully, someone weak."
"Since whether I forgive him or not won't change the situation I'm about to face, why should I forgive him?" He said, chuckling. "Since the decision's made, there's no point in thinking of a way out. The more you overthink, the less courage you'll have."
Mr. Fox's expression changed slightly. He pondered with a furrowed brow before nodding in agreement with Lin Qi's thoughts, "You've got a point. Then what should we do next?"
From the start, no one was entirely at fault. If there was any, it was Michael targeting the wrong person.
If Lin Qi didn't resist, he'd ultimately be the one in trouble. Either Michael would get him thrown into prison, or people like Mr. Fox would quietly plot against him.
Therefore, someone had to fall. Success often relied not solely on one's effort but also on using the bodies of the failed as stepping stones.
If Lin Qi's speculation was correct, the tax authority would likely commence an investigation and gather evidence against him. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies beyond the tax authority might also begin probing into his situation.
However, Lin Qi wasn't overly concerned about this problem, "We're legitimate businessmen, Mr. Fox. Actually, this could be a huge opportunity for you and your business."
Talking about matters related to himself piqued Mr. Fox's interest. He tossed the half-eaten fruit into the trash, wiped his slightly sticky fingers with a silk handkerchief from his pocket, and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Sabin City is under scrutiny from higher authorities. They will definitely dispatch investigation teams or request the local law enforcement units to clean up the chaotic city streets. When that happens, people will inevitably disappear. Isn't the vacuum left behind after their disappearance precisely your opportunity?"
Lin Qi's voice carried a tantalizing tremor as he said, "Just imagine, if the entire city had only you... "
Mr. Fox gulped, his heart pounding rapidly. He'd never considered such a thing before because territorial boundaries weren't decided with just a few words; they were traditions from years gone by.
Every industry must have its rules; only with rules could there be order. If one wished to recklessly expand their business scope, broaden their base, as long as that idea arose, others would warn them not to act recklessly, or else they would be going against everyone else.
This was a kind of fixed thinking logic. No one, regardless of who they were, could afford the cost of an all-out war. Sabin City was just a small town; they didn't possess the audacity, courage, means, or resources of those in larger cities.
However, Lin Qi painted an enticing picture. The prospect of owning an entire city for himself, all the profits filling his own pockets just the thought of it would make his body tremble in excitement.
But he quickly shook off this unrealistic fantasy. He sighed, saying with a rueful smile, "I'd love to, but it's impossible. Firstly, I know my business is illegal. Secondly, I can't declare war against others; I wouldn't win."
Expanding in the underground world meant bloodshed, and each bill would be tainted. Stirring up others' interests led only to death to quell anger.
Mr. Fox only ran a finance company. He had a few people under him, but weren't strong enough, numerous enough, or ruthless enough.
"You'll know when the time comes. I'm just telling you this so you're mentally prepared," Lin Qi waved his hand.
On the other side, Michael, thwarted by Lin Qi, headed straight to prison. In a couple of days, it would be Michael Junior's trial. Now, he hoped even more that Michael Junior would recant and deny his own wrongdoing.
On one hand, this aimed to link Lin Qi to the case. As long as he could prove that he was framed and slandered by Lin Qi, the incident where Lin Qi was hospitalized after being beaten by him could be interpreted as a different kind of forgivable mistake by the public.
Since Lin Qi tried to kill his kid with a ring, his attack on Lin Qi had no relation to his authority or identity. He positioned himself as a father, merely doing what a father should.
Public opinion would shift from suspicions of his involvement in criminal activities to sympathy. His job and family would remain unharmed.
On the other hand, if that plan failed, while he still had some power, he needed to quickly pull Michael Junior out. Perhaps, in the future, he could seek help from his former boss to secure a job for Michael Junior.
Based on these points, he had to have another conversation with Michael Junior.
However, how could he know that the events between him and Lin Qi had not only become federal news but were also known among the prison inmatesthey could read newspapers, a protected activity.
When Michael Junior realized his father was in grave trouble, his idea of recanting vanished. He rejected the guards' request for a visit because intervening in his matters might give grounds for accusations of abusing authority, making things more complicated.
His thoughts were correct. Only by saving Michael could this family have a future. Sometimes, however, the minds of young people... would inexplicably encounter problems.
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