75: Chapter 75 Internal Family Strife Erupts! Sofia Trapped in a Deadly Situation

After Li Wei finished sharing the news, Lin Chen fell into deep thought.

The Grocery Store fell silent instantly. The sounds of neighbors walking outside gradually faded away. A sliver of morning light slanted through the crack in the door, casting a narrow band of light on the floor. Floating dust danced quietly in the light, and the space was so still that only the ticking of the old wall clock remained.

Li Wei stood before the counter. Seeing Lin Chen silent, he didn't dare disturb him and just waited quietly for instructions. He knew clearly that the Sophia Family's affairs were too significant; one wrong move could pull the Slum District they had just stabilized into a vortex.

Lin Chen's finger lightly tapped the counter surface. After a few seconds of silence, he raised his hand to press the invisible earpiece by his ear.

"AI, retrieve complete information on the Sophia Family's internal conflict. Focus on the identity of the usurper, the forces on both sides, and Sophia's current situation."

A cold electronic voice immediately came through the earpiece with an extremely fast response: "Command received. Retrieving local power database... search complete."

"The Sophia Family's internal strife was initiated by her biological brother, Thorne, with the aim of seizing control of the family. Over the past three days, Thorne has controlled 70% of the family's strongholds and cut off all of Sophia's external communications. He currently has her besieged within a Private Club in City West. Her situation is extremely dangerous."

Li Wei's expression changed, and he lowered his voice: "It's actually her own brother seizing power? That's ruthless, Brother Chen. He's trying to wipe her out completely."

Lin Chen's brow twitched slightly. He didn't respond, just continued listening to the AI's report.

"Thorne acts aggressively. Since taking power, he has been purging dissenters on a large scale. Many of Sophia's trusted subordinates have been captured, and the remaining personnel are unable to break through the siege. She is now in a state of isolation and helplessness."

After hearing this, Lin Chen slowly leaned back in his chair, his eyes calm as he assessed the situation.

He had no personal relationship with Sophia and had even clashed with her informants before. Logically, he could completely stay out of their family infighting and watch the tigers fight from the sidelines.

But on second thought, the Slum District had just settled down. Once Thorne successfully seized power and colluded with other forces, he might extend his reach into the Slum District. At that time, the peaceful lives the Chinese neighbors had just gained would be disrupted again.

Li Wei saw Lin Chen weighing the pros and cons, stepped forward half a pace, and took the initiative to speak: "Brother Chen, Sophia did help us Chinese several times before. Now that she's in trouble, we can't completely ignore it. How about I go check the situation?"

Lin Chen looked up at him, his gaze sharp: "You want to scout the situation?"

"Yes." Li Wei nodded, his tone firm. "I'll go in disguise and hang around nearby to watch the commotion. I won't reveal my identity; I'll just feel out Thorne's background. If we really face off in the future, we'll know what we're dealing with."

Lin Chen was silent for a moment, thinking this plan was sound.

He didn't intend to rashly save her, but he had to understand the opponent's background. This was basic risk management.

"Alright." Lin Chen spoke slowly, emphasizing every word. "Remember three things: don't get exposed, only scout, and don't intervene. No matter how fierce the fighting inside is, don't get involved. We are just watching the show, not entering the arena."

Li Wei patted his chest and promised: "Don't worry, Brother Chen. I know the rules. I won't make a mistake!"

"Also," Lin Chen added with more weight, "focus on Thorne's true strength—how many men he has, what gear they're using, and whether he's connected with other forces. The more detailed the information, the better."

"Understood! I'll stay hidden the whole time and report back as soon as I have news."

Li Wei finished and turned to grab his coat. Just as he took two steps, a red AI pop-up window suddenly appeared before Lin Chen's eyes.

His eyes narrowed, and he immediately called out: "Wait a moment."

Li Wei paused and turned back in confusion: "What is it, Brother Chen?"

Lin Chen stared at the pop-up content, his voice deepening: "The AI just found that Thorne isn't just causing internal strife. He secretly colluded with the Black Bear Gang outside the city long ago. They gave him a large number of men. Now his strength is more than three times Sophia's."

Li Wei's face changed instantly: "The Black Bear Gang? They're ruthless and tough. Thorne actually dared to collude with outsiders. He's really pushing Sophia to her death."

"So you must be even more careful," Lin Chen warned. "Thorne is like a rabid dog right now, biting anyone he sees. If you're discovered, don't explain—just run. I'll have the AI guide you."

"Got it, Brother Chen!" Li Wei felt a warmth in his heart and didn't dare be careless. He grabbed an old coat from the counter and put it on, making himself look ordinary and inconspicuous before turning to walk out.

Lin Chen sat behind the counter, watching Li Wei's figure disappear through the door, his finger still tapping the counter.

The internal conflict of the Sophia Family was no longer a simple power struggle; it had drawn in external enemies.

This pool of water was deeper than he had imagined.

What he could do now was stabilize the Slum District, guard his own territory, and at the same time, figure out the opponent's background—not seeking trouble, but never fearing it.

Silence returned to the Grocery Store. The sunlight moved slowly, and the band of light on the floor gradually lengthened.

On the other side, Li Wei walked out of the Grocery Store, intentionally keeping his head down and acting like an ordinary passerby, leisurely walking toward the club in City West where Sophia was trapped.

Just as he turned the corner and entered a secluded alley, he didn't notice at all that in the corners on both sides of the alley, two dark figures slowly raised their heads.

The two wore peaked caps, their gazes sinister, locked onto Li Wei's back. A cold smile appeared on their faces.

They were Thorne's subordinates, planted in the Slum District in advance specifically to keep an eye on Lin Chen and his group.