Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 547: Confirming the Tunnel Location and the Next Step

"Director Zhang, let me get straight to the point. I want to know if there have been any suspicious people around the Taolin District Police Station recently, or if there have been any places under official control." A gleam of light flashed in Zhang Hanlin's eyes. He obviously did not expect that Li Hongchang, the son of the richest man and a notorious playboy, called him over to ask about something that seemed to have nothing to do with him.

While Zhang Hanlin was trying to figure out Li Hongchang's true thoughts, he slowly said, "Taolin District is a poor and backward area with a mix of good and bad people. I didn't expect that Master Li would pay attention to this place? However, I know everything about Taolin District. Master Li has asked the right person."

Li Hongchang smiled slightly. He knew very well that people like Zhang Hanlin, although rough on the surface, were actually very thoughtful and would not reveal their true colors easily.

So he did not respond directly to Zhang Hanlin's question, but continued to guide the conversation in a more tactful way.

He shook his head slightly and sighed, "Director Zhang, you are too serious. Although Taolin District is poor and backward, in my opinion, it is also a place full of gold. What's more, my Li family also has a lot of businesses in Taolin District, and recently we are preparing to start a new business. How can we not pay attention to this place?"

As he said that, he changed the subject and returned to the main topic: "I heard that there have been some unusual movements near the Taolin District Police Station recently. I wonder if Director Zhang has heard of it? Or, has he found any place under official control?"

Zhang Hanlin's eyes gleamed brighter when he heard this. He picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip, seeming to think about how to answer.

After a moment, he put down his teacup and slowly said, "Mr. Li is indeed well-informed. To be honest, there has been some unrest around the Taolin District Police Station recently. Some unidentified people are wandering around, seemingly looking for something. As for the places under official control... hehe, in a place like Taolin District, where isn't there a few controlled corners?"

When he said this, he deliberately paused, as if he was observing Li Hongchang's reaction.

Li Hongchang's expression remained unchanged, and he just waited quietly for Zhang Hanlin's next words.

Zhang Hanlin nodded inwardly when he saw this. He knew that although Mr. Li looked like a playboy, he was actually no ordinary person. So, he continued, "But Mr. Li, please rest assured. As long as I am here, Taolin District will not be in chaos. I have already sent people to secretly monitor those unidentified people. As for the places under official control, it seems that they will not affect Mr. Li's business."

After he said this, he sat up straight and waited for Li Hongchang's response.

Li Hongchang listened to Zhang Hanlin's words, and he had some calculations in his mind. He knew that if he wanted to get more information from Zhang Hanlin, he had to give him some sweet treats.

So, he pretended to be interested and asked, "Oh? Director Zhang is really powerful and knows even such secret things. I wonder if Director Zhang can tell me a little bit about what those unidentified people are looking for? Also, what are those places under official control that you mentioned?"

Zhang Hanlin was secretly pleased when he heard this. He knew that Mr. Li had finally taken the bait. But he did not answer immediately. Instead, he pretended to sigh deeply and said, "Mr. Li, these things are not ordinary secrets. If you want to know the truth, you may have to pay a price."

Li Hongchang sneered in his heart, but he remained calm on the surface. Instead, he pretended to be anxious and said, "Director Zhang is right. I am willing to pay a price for this. As long as Director Zhang can provide valuable information, the benefits will naturally be inevitable."

As he spoke, he took out a banknote from his pocket and handed it to Zhang Hanlin: "This is five thousand dollars, a small token of my appreciation. I hope Director Zhang will be satisfied."

Zhang Hanlin took the check, and a gleam of greed flashed in his eyes. He knew that Mr. Li was indeed generous, and five thousand dollars was not a small sum. But he was not satisfied with this, but wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to get more benefits. So, he deliberately hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said: "Mr. Li is really straightforward. Since you are so sincere, then I will tell you a secret."

He moved closer and lowered his voice, saying, "The backyard of the police station, which was originally a storage room, has long been controlled by Chang Tai's people. There are people guarding it day and night, and everyone entering and leaving needs to go through strict inspections. I guess that may be the place you mentioned under official control."

Li Hongchang's heart moved. He knew that this conversation was not in vain. The information provided by Zhang Hanlin was very valuable. He nodded calmly and said, "I see. Thank you Director Zhang for telling me. I hope Director Zhang can accept this benefit."

As he spoke, he took out a larger banknote from his pocket and handed it to Zhang Hanlin. Zhang Hanlin took the check and smiled even more brightly.

Zhang Hanlin put the check into his pocket with satisfaction, a smug smile on his face. He really didn't care about Li Hongchang's real intentions. What he cared about was the tangible benefits, the yellow and white things that could make his life more comfortable.

Li Hongchang looked at Zhang Hanlin's greedy face and couldn't help but sneer in his heart.

But he maintained a nonchalant attitude on the surface, looked at Zhang Hanlin with a pointed look and said: "Director Zhang, I, Li Hongchang, never took money for nothing. I hope that the information provided by Director Zhang is authentic. In addition, I hope that Director Zhang can keep the content of our discussion today confidential."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hanlin immediately stopped smiling and looked serious.

He understood what Li Hongchang meant. This was a reminder for him not to forget his duty, and also a warning for him not to reveal the secret.

He nodded and replied, "Master Li, rest assured. Although I am Zhang Hanlin, a ruffian from the bottom of society, I will guarantee the authenticity of the news after receiving Master Li's money. In addition, I came to Master Li's house tonight only because Master Li wanted to start a business in Taolin District and needed my help. As for the rest, I forgot everything the moment I walked out of the gate of Li's house."

Li Hongchang listened to Zhang Hanlin's words and couldn't help but secretly praise him for being smart and sensible. He knew that although such a person was greedy for money and lustful, as long as he could give enough benefits, he could become a chess piece in his hands. He smiled and nodded, expressing his satisfaction with Zhang Hanlin.

Zhang Hanlin was relieved when he saw this. He knew that he had made the right bet this time. Li Hongchang, the son of the richest man, was indeed generous and looked like a playboy, but in fact he was meticulous and difficult to deal with. But as long as there were benefits to be gained, Zhang Hanlin was willing to work for him.

The two smiled at each other knowingly, and the deal was successfully concluded. Li Hongchang got the information he wanted, and Zhang Hanlin also got tangible benefits.