After all, this piece of land involves tremendous economic interests, and Ma Wenjiang wasn't raised to be easily frightened. It's unlikely that Tao Yaoyang would intimidate him into handing over the land with a few words.

The opposition may have a stronger background, but they are not so easily manipulated either.

Therefore, he revealed the sickening strategy that the four of them had previously devised. Even though they might not keep the land, they wouldn't let Tao Yaoyang get it easily.

"Very well, you've come up with this plan and want to pursue litigation. I'm not surprised."

With a confident smile, Tao Yaoyang continued, "In fact, I've always anticipated that you wouldn't be willing and would want to go to court. So, even if you didn't reach out to me first, I would have contacted you, to urge you not to harbor unrealistic fantasies and to recognize reality sooner."

"Oh, why do you say that?" Ma Wenjiang tried his best to remain calm, feigning ignorance.

He thought further that, indeed, the bases of the four of them weren't very clean, but insisting they broke laws was somewhat far-fetched.

And after so many years, even if someone wanted to dig up their past, it wouldn't be easy.

The only real concern for Ma Wenjiang now was Tao Yaoyang's background power, which they couldn't counter.

Offering a thirty percent share was the most they could provide after multiple discussions; giving more would be like cutting flesh, which none of them were willing to do.

"I've already said, you know very well what you've done before. You can't stand up to investigations by relevant departments. I advise you to abandon your fantasies, recognize reality, and accept the fact that the land will be reclaimed. Stop causing trouble, or you'll suffer the consequences."

Tao Yaoyang's remarks were gentle, akin to an old friend patiently advising in a soft whisper.

But both Ma Wenjiang and Sun Yanhong detected a cold undertone in his words.

After several changes in Ma Wenjiang's expression, he managed a smile: "Thank you for your advice, President Tao. We've taken note of it. But we're all lawful businessmen who have never broken the law. Perhaps you've misunderstood us..."

"Stop!" Tao Yaoyang raised a hand to interrupt him, "Spare us your nonsense. It's up to you whether you want to listen or not. Let's continue eating, and when we're done, you can leave. I'm done talking."

After saying this, Tao Yaoyang ignored them and continued his conversation with Chen Feng.

This left Ma Wenjiang and Sun Yanhong quite embarrassed.

They forced themselves to eat a bit more, then Ma Wenjiang suggested leaving: "President Tao, since there are significant differences between us, we'll take our leave first. Let's discuss this another time."

Ma Wenjiang knew it would be pointless to stay any longer. Neither side was willing to compromise further, and talking more might only incite further conflict.

Having failed to settle the matter here, they could only figure out another solution later.

Tao Yaoyang politely nodded at him.

As a result, Ma Wenjiang and Sun Yanhong quickly stood up to leave. It wasn't until they were outside the Wenhua Inn, walking in silence, that Sun Yanhong finally asked, "What do we do next?"

"We'll discuss once we get back. Master is waiting for us," Ma Wenjiang said, his brow furrowed.

…

In the private room, after Ma Wenjiang and Sun Yanhong left, Chen Feng curiously asked, "They refuse to give up the land. What do you plan to do?"

Tao Yaoyang sneered, "Since they refuse a toast but take a penalty drink, we'll proceed as necessary." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"Are you planning to get someone to investigate them?" Chen Feng asked inquisitively.

Tao Yaoyang glanced at Chen Feng and asked, "What do you think is the best approach?"

Chen Feng shook his head, "I wouldn't know, nor do I wish to get involved in your affairs with them."

"Then just wait and see. These hyenas have always disgusted me, exploiting policy loopholes, engaging in speculation, and trading. This time, I'm going to teach them a good lesson," Tao Yaoyang said.

Seeing Tao Yaoyang's confidence, Chen Feng, though curious, refrained from further questioning.

…

Back at the secluded private room of the Hidden Forest Club, Li Bingcong and Guan Yongsong immediately inquired about the situation once Ma Wenjiang and Sun Yanhong arrived.

Sun Yanhong, with a troubled expression, explained it to them, causing their faces to darken too.

"Now, what do you say we should do?" Sun Yanhong asked the two, primarily focusing on Guan Yongsong, hoping the Master would have a good solution.

The other two also turned their gaze towards him.

Guan Yongsong didn't disappoint them. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "It seems now we have to prepare for the worst. I've inquired about the official reclaim document for the land; it's due in the next couple of days at most. At that point, all we can do is file a lawsuit and drag it out as long as we can. This tug-of-war might still leave room for negotiation."

Li Bingcong worriedly said, "You all know, out of the four of us, my past record is the most unclean. I've been involved in demolition and lending. If Tao Yaoyang wants to dig up my past, I'm afraid I'll end up behind bars. I think maybe we should concede a bit more share to him, and we can all profit together."

Guan Yongsong reprimanded coldly, "It's apparent that they want the whole thing, not cooperation. Even if we concede a bit more, how much? Even if we give half, they might not agree."

Ma Wenjiang nodded, "Master is right. He really wants it all, taking everything, both the pot and the soup. He plans to take us down."

Sun Yanhong couldn't help but curse, "This Tao Yaoyang is a bully, relying on his family background to deliberately bully us."

Hearing these words made the other three feel somewhat awkward. Bullying wasn't unfamiliar to them; they had done it from time to time.

Moreover, were they really "weak"? Clearly not.

Guan Yongsong said, "Little Hong, if you can get your dad to speak to Old Mr. Zeng about this, it might turn things around. Otherwise, we're left with only the legal battle."

Hearing this, Sun Yanhong was opposed, "How many times do I have to say? I haven't spoken to my dad for years. Besides, the bond between him and Old Mr. Zeng is wearing thin, and he won't use it for this."

Upon hearing this, Guan Yongsong sighed, "Then it seems we're left to wait for the lawsuit."

Li Bingcong also sighed, "It was all going so well, and now it's come to this—dammit! What if he really digs into our past?"

Ma Wenjiang reassured, "Don't worry. I see there's a high chance they're just trying to scare us. We shouldn't lose our cool. Moreover, it won't be easy digging up our past after all these years."

"Let's hope so," Li Bingcong let out a long sigh again.