The defamatory remarks against Jian Tao, the online turmoil had quieted down, yet the hearts of the influential figures were filled with shock, unable to calm for a long time, particularly the leaders of related departments who showed peculiar expressions.

A leader directly called Zhao Feipeng.

This leader deeply understood who made that call, it was Old Fu, who ordered him not to meddle in this matter, but how could he remain calm when the aura behind it made him sigh in admiration.

"Patriarch Zhao, you have indeed connected with a remarkable figure; if you had informed me earlier, I would have cooperated with you in deleting the posts. How could it cause the big figures above to personally intervene?" The leader spoke with full enthusiasm, but there was a unique undertone in his words, naturally blaming Zhao Feipeng for not telling him the truth and going over his head to pressure his superiors.

Of course, these were minor grievances, there really wasn’t any blame placed on Zhao Feipeng. The reason for this call was to follow along Zhao Feipeng’s line, cozy up to the higher-ups, and hope to gain some status.

"It’s a misunderstanding, I’m still in the dark, unsure of what’s happened?" Zhao Feipeng exclaimed urgently, "Whoever it was that resolved this so quickly, I too was at a loss, yet since Minister Wu says so, he must know the inside details. Please inform me, so the Zhao Family knows whom to thank. Of course, Minister Wu has also put in a great deal of effort, and gratitude is certainly due."

Zhao Feipeng had grievances against Minister Wu, for when he sought Minister Wu’s help initially, Minister Wu’s attitude was ambiguous.

Now, with this kind of attitude again, Zhao Feipeng could only play along, losing money as a means to avoid disaster is no problem. If he could extract some useful information from Minister Wu, spending some money was no big deal; he had plenty of ways to deal with people like Minister Wu.

"Patriarch Zhao, please, Wu here didn’t help much, as the saying goes, ’reward should not go to those who haven’t contributed,’ your gratitude is something I cannot bear." Minister Wu said with a beaming smile, "If Patriarch Zhao can bridge connections for me to meet the esteemed figures above, I would be eternally grateful. In the future, don’t hesitate to command me for anything, within my role, I would refuse no obligation and certainly assist Patriarch Zhao."

Minister Wu focused all his energy on getting to know an influential figure through Zhao Feipeng. As for the gratitude Zhao Feipeng mentioned, he dismissed it entirely. Although it was a significant favor, it paled in comparison to forming a close bond with a major figure.

Zhao Feipeng was pondering over who it was that helped the Zhao Family, struggling to uncover the inside story.

Both held their own intentions; neither really believed each other’s words, only using it as an excuse to probe one another.

"Minister Wu, what you said, I truly have no knowledge of, I really don’t know anything." Zhao Feipeng said earnestly.

"Patriarch Zhao, this isn’t quite right; I’ve respectfully consulted you, yet you keep your lips sealed?" Minister Wu said in displeasure, "Regardless, we have a relationship; you help me, I help you, reciprocating favors, right? Now, I truly have something to ask of you, how can you hedge, saying you know nothing?"

"I’m more wronged than Dou E, Minister Wu, please, give me a hint, enlighten me, see if I can guess." Zhao Feipeng said, setting a small trap, hoping to glean some useful information from Minister Wu’s words.

Minister Wu, being a sharp individual, naturally understood the implications of Zhao Feipeng’s words. He solemnly said, "Orders from above say not to speak carelessly. It’s not that I won’t tell Patriarch Zhao; it’s just that I, Wu, have my difficulties."

"I understand Minister Wu’s difficulties, it’s my rudeness." Zhao Feipeng became polite.

"So, does Patriarch Zhao truly not know who helped the Zhao Family?" Minister Wu asked gravely.

"Of course, if I knew, how could I not tell Minister Wu?" Zhao Feipeng said sincerely.

"It seems I’ve been impudent, disturbing Patriarch Zhao." Minister Wu also became courteous.

The two chatted for a long time, neither able to extract useful information from the other.

Reluctantly, they ended the call.

"That old fox Zhao Feipeng, he can really put up a front. I’ve humbled myself three times, yet he still won’t tell me the truth. If it weren’t for the intervention of a major figure, would someone like Old Fu call me?" Minister Wu said indignantly, "It seems this is Zhao Feipeng hitting me back for not handling the matter he’s entrusted well; I must personally visit Zhao Feipeng to learn about the major figure helping the Zhao Family. If I could latch onto Old Fu, my future would be secure."

Minister Wu set his mind to cling to someone more powerful.

For this, he was racking his brains, exhausting his mind.

"Who? Who holds such power to achieve this?" After dismissing Minister Wu, Zhao Feipeng began pondering this question. Since Minister Wu was unwilling to disclose too much, he could only start considering from those around him.

The person helping the Zhao Family shouldn’t be an invisible figure, there must be traces to follow.

Previously, the Zhao Family had never been so prestigious, but now, causing such a stir within the circle, the Zhao Family’s glory was fully displayed, even someone like Minister Wu had changed, not to mention how other business families viewed the Zhao Family.

Zhao Feipeng, more than anyone, wanted to know, when the Zhao Family was so mighty, who exactly helped the Zhao Family?

This was a great favor, Zhao Feipeng certainly couldn’t treat it carelessly.

Especially for such a remarkable figure, gratitude was necessary; it’d be great if he could also foster a good relationship.

"The onlooker sees more of the game." Zhao’s mother watched the old man in deep thought and spoke, "Besides Mr. Ye, there are few in Dongfang City who could achieve this."

"Indeed, why didn’t I think of him, I overlooked him." Zhao Feipeng’s eyes sparkled then dimmed, "He’s suspected of harming our son; even though I want to befriend such a person, I won’t spare a glance at someone suspected of harming our child, not even in death."

"With all your years as the head of the Zhao Family, you don’t understand such a simple truth, instead insisting on getting stuck in details." Zhao’s mother scolded, "If Mr. Ye truly wanted to harm our son, he wouldn’t have saved Xixi, and he certainly wouldn’t be helping Xiao Tao now."

"That’s because he feels guilty, wanting to ease his conscience." Zhao Feipeng had his own judgments.

"You fool, if that’s the case, why did Xixi encounter a kidnapping? Why was someone deliberately targeting Xiao Tao? Can’t you see that since Xiao Hai’s death, someone has been opposing us?" Zhao’s mother said loudly.

"..." Zhao Feipeng began to ponder seriously.