199: 199. Take care of yourself.

"Young Master Zhao, we can't do anything about this. Yes, yes, yes... it's our fault for not handling things well..."

"The higher-ups have pressured us, Young Master Zhao. How dare a small media company like mine court disaster?"

"Sorry, Young Master Zhao, it really can't be moved. That matter has to stop, otherwise the consequences will be very serious."

"Yes, yes, yes, it's very difficult for us being caught in the middle."

Inside the study of the Zhao family mansion, sandalwood incense wafted. Zhao Ruilong had just finished a series of infuriating calls. He slammed his phone heavily onto the huanghuali desk, making a crisp "snap" sound.

The confident smile that had been on his face had completely frozen, replaced by shock and anger.

"Trash! A bunch of trash!" he cursed in a low voice, his chest heaving violently.

The "routine inspections" and media offensive he had arranged were all called off within a few hours. The other party hadn't even shown their face, yet his carefully built-up punch landed on empty air.

These people couldn't even give a decent reason, stuttering and only saying things like "the higher-ups have pressured us," "courting disaster," and "serious consequences." This was completely different from his envisioned scenario where Tingfeng Energy would be in a desperate situation and ultimately have to bow down and beg for mercy!

The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. He got up from the luxurious sofa and walked towards the garden outside.

"Dad, something's not right."

Zhao Ruilong walked up to his father, Zhao Yiyu, and roughly explained the situation, his tone full of suppressed frustration. "Tingfeng Energy, they have some connections. As soon as our people made a move, the higher-ups immediately pressured us to stop. We didn't even make a ripple."

Zhao Yiyu, who had been calmly reading the newspaper with his reading glasses, slowly put down the paper upon hearing this. His brows furrowed, forming a deep "Chuan" character.

These matters were originally tacitly approved, or even instigated, by him. In the years he had presided over the Zhao family, no "golden egg-laying hen" he had set his sights on had ever escaped his control; it was merely a matter of the cost involved.

The speed of the other party's reaction and the level of intervention clearly exceeded the scope of conventional commercial competition.

"It seems someone is determined to protect them."

Zhao Yiyu's voice was low, carrying a hint of displeasure: "Have you found out who is reaching out from behind the scenes?"

Zhao Ruilong irritably tugged at his tie: "Dad, several departments have backed off, and the media doesn't dare to move. It seems Tingfeng Energy has found a powerful backer? Could it be Yu Tianxiong's past connections?"

Zhao Yiyu pondered, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest. A hint of doubt flashed in his shrewd eyes.

He had investigated Yu Tianxiong's background. He had some capabilities, but definitely not enough to silence so many parties simultaneously.

Just then, Zhao Yiyu's private phone, placed beside him, rang abruptly. His expression stiffened; the ringtone of this phone often meant unusual news.

So he didn't hesitate and immediately picked up the call.

"Old Zhao, it's me."

On the other end of the line came the voice of an old comrade, whose status was higher than his own, and who had retired to the second line but still held sway. His tone was not like their usual casual greetings, but carried an unusual seriousness: "How's everything at home lately? The children... haven't caused you any trouble, have they?"

Zhao Yiyu's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive: "Thank you for your concern, everything is fine. The children are also quite well-behaved."

The old comrade drew out his words meaningfully: "It's good that they are well-behaved. Old Zhao, at our age, some things we need to be open-minded about. Young people have drive, which is good, but they also need to know their limits. Especially in some areas, the waters are too deep, and the bottom is unclear. If you can avoid getting involved, then don't. Considering the bigger picture and staying safe and sound is a blessing. Don't let a moment of impulse bring unnecessary trouble to the family..."

These veiled hints instantly caused a fine layer of cold sweat to break out on Zhao Yiyu's back.

These few words, seemingly caring, were in fact all warnings.

He repeatedly responded: "Yes, yes, yes, Old Leader's reminder is spot on. I understand. Thank you for your concern, Old Leader!"

With that, the other party hung up.

Zhao Yiyu held the phone, which was now emitting a busy signal. His face instantly became extremely solemn, even carrying a hint of imperceptible paleness. Even this person personally called, warning him in such a subtle yet unmistakably clear way... The waters of Tingfeng Energy were probably unusually deep.

But having made such a big show of force before, how could the Zhao family simply back down now, looking so crestfallen?

Zhao Ruilong, standing nearby, saw his father's expression change after the call, which only made him more confused and annoyed.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Zhao Yiyu was about to speak when the doorbell rang outside the villa.

"Ding-dong..."

The father and son immediately fell silent. The butler quickly came in to announce: "Master, Young Master, there is a Mr. Pan outside, saying... he has something important to tell you."

The Zhao father and son exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

At this time, who would come uninvited?

"Please show him to the living room," Zhao Yiyu said in a deep voice, straightening his collar and trying to regain his composure.

The two came to the living room and saw a middle-aged man standing there, dressed in an ordinary dark Zhongshan suit, with a calm and reserved demeanor. His posture was straight, and his eyes were serene, like a deep pool of water.

He didn't show any identification, but the aura of someone long in a position of power, exuding authority without anger, made Zhao Yiyu's heart tighten. He knew the other party must be from within the circle; this demeanor couldn't be faked.

"Mr. Zhao."

Pan Feng nodded slightly in greeting, his gaze calmly sweeping over Zhao Ruilong, who stood by, looking surprised and uncertain. He got straight to the point: "My surname is Pan. I've taken the liberty of visiting today simply to convey one message: regarding Tingfeng Energy, this matter ends here."

His tone carried an undeniable weight.

"This is the first and also the last notification. I hope the Zhao family can focus its attention and energy on more suitable and valuable areas. Some things are not yours, so don't reach for them."

Zhao Yiyu suppressed the turbulent waves in his heart. The other party dared to openly come to his door to warn him, so they must know his background. Zhao Yiyu forced a smile and tentatively asked: "Mr. Pan... Mr. Pan, may I ask where you hold your esteemed position? Could you please clarify..."

Pan Feng glanced at him, not answering directly, but simply stated Lü Chenxing's name and his own position calmly.

"Minister Lü's secretary, Pan Feng."

Although it was just a secretary title, who it represented behind the scenes, how could Zhao Yiyu not know?

That was someone who truly wielded national policy and had direct access to the highest authority!

His own father had only reached this position back then, but was now retired.

Instantly, Zhao Yiyu felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. His attitude became even more respectful, even carrying a hint of panic: "So it's Secretary Pan! My apologies, my apologies! Please, have a seat, have some tea... Is there... is there some misunderstanding here? Our Zhao family has always been law-abiding..."

"No need."

Pan Feng raised his hand to stop him, his tone unchanged, but his next words made the Zhao father and son feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar. "The nation's strategic layout does not tolerate interference or destruction by anyone in any way. My words are finished. Gentlemen, take care of yourselves."

With that, he did not linger another second. He nodded slightly and turned to leave the Zhao family living room decisively, the entire process from arrival to departure taking less than five minutes.

The living room fell into a deathly silence.

It wasn't until the sound of a car engine fading in the distance that Zhao Yiyu and Zhao Ruilong felt as if their strength had been drained, slumping onto the sofa.

Both their backs were completely soaked with cold sweat, the icy fabric clinging to their skin, bringing waves of lingering fear and shivers.

Zhao Ruilong's face was pale, his lips trembling slightly. Only now did he realize with utmost clarity how foolish and dangerous his previous actions had been!

He hadn't kicked an iron plate; he had kicked an unshakeable iron mountain!

The other party hadn't even uttered a single word of threat, merely stating facts calmly, but the oppressive feeling emanating from that higher level of power almost suffocated him.

"No wonder... no wonder that guy Xiao Hao was so hesitant and secretive before... He knew all along..." Zhao Ruilong murmured, his voice hoarse.

Zhao Yiyu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turbulent waves in his heart, and suddenly looked at his son, his eyes sharp and even carrying a hint of severity: "You idiot, are you tired of living a good life, eager to die? Didn't you investigate the other party's background before making a move? That involves the nation's strategic layout, and you still ran headfirst into it?!"

Zhao Ruilong was almost in tears: "Dad, I did investigate, but before... there really wasn't any of this. Who could have imagined that a company established two months ago would be involved in the nation's strategic layout? If I had known this, how would I dare to seek death, Dad! You have to believe me!"

Zhao Yiyu was furious at the sight of him: "Stop all actions against Tingfeng Energy! All of them! Tell everyone you've contacted to keep their mouths shut! The matter of Secretary Pan's visit today, and all previous actions, keep them buried deep! Act as if nothing ever happened! Do you understand?!"

"Yes! Dad! I'll handle it immediately!" Zhao Ruilong hastily agreed. At this moment, he no longer dared to harbor any improper thoughts.

After this ordeal, the Zhao family completely understood that the seemingly tempting "cake" was already surrounded by an insurmountable forbidden zone. Any hand reaching for it would be mercilessly severed by an invisible yet incredibly powerful force.

Zhao Yiyu suddenly snapped back to his senses, his face ashen, and he sternly shouted at his son: "Immediately! Stop all petty actions against Tingfeng Energy! All of them! Tell everyone you've contacted to keep their mouths shut! This matter never happened! Do you hear me?!"

"Yes! Yes! Dad, I'll handle it immediately!" Zhao Ruilong hurriedly responded, fumbling to pick up his phone. At this moment, he was left only with endless fear and relief, relieved that the other party had only warned him and not taken further action.

"Wait!"

Zhao Yiyu stopped the flustered Zhao Ruilong and instructed: "You go and apologize to the other party first, with a sincere attitude. This must be done perfectly, understand?"

Zhao Ruilong nodded like a pounding garlic: "I understand, Dad!"

After this ordeal, the Zhao family completely understood that the seemingly tempting cake was already an insurmountable forbidden zone.

Any hand reaching for it would be mercilessly severed...