Chapter 165: The Zhao Family's Threat

Zhao Yiman’s heart sank heavily as the situation before her grew increasingly complex.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to remain calm, turned to the plainclothes officer, and asked with a firm gaze, "An Xin, what do you mean by 'there's a problem'?"

An Xin furrowed his brow slightly, lowering his voice. "According to our investigation, Mr. Zhao's car accident was no accident; someone deliberately orchestrated it. We found suspicious brake marks at the scene, and a witness reported seeing a black sedan tailing his car the entire time leading up to the incident."

"A black sedan?" Zhao Deshan’s brows locked tightly together, a flicker of unease flashing through his mind. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, we are currently tracing the origin of that vehicle."

The plainclothes officer nodded, his gaze sweeping across the group, his tone growing even more severe. "Only, that car drove all the way to the national border and vanished!"

"What? It vanished?"

A tight band constriction gripped Zhao Yiman's heart, and as the family members exchanged glances, their anxiety visibly deepened.

She could feel the heavy urgency suspended in the air, as if everyone were holding their breath for a truth waiting to be unveiled.

"An Xin, are you saying that the black sedan might have slipped past our pursuit?"

"Not entirely, Mr. Zhao. The vehicle was located, but the driver was gone."

Nodding gravely, An Xin replied, "We pulled the surrounding surveillance footage, but near the national border, that car drove straight into a stretch of remote wilderness—and the people inside disappeared."

"It seems to have been meticulously disguised, leaving behind absolutely no traces."

Zhao Yiman’s heart tightened. Her father’s appearance just before the crash flashed across her mind—a scene she would never be able to forget for the rest of her life.

Unable to stop herself, she asked, "An Xin, is there anything we on our end can do to assist?"

"There is no need for everyone to be overly nervous," An Xin said reassuringly. "We will still mobilize all our resources to pursue this lead. We came by today primarily to brief you all, and we hope you won't worry too much."

"We in the police force will give everyone an explanation. Please rest assured, all of you."

We must find the owner of that black sedan and uncover the truth behind all of this.

The members of the Zhao family nodded one after another. Though unease still lingered in their hearts, encouraged by An Xin's words, a faint glint of hope flickered back into their eyes.

Zhao Yiman clenched her fists, resolving firmly that she would never allow anyone to harm her family.

At that moment, An Xin slowly walked up to Zhao Yiman and spoke, "We are concerned that someone is intentionally trying to target the Zhao family. For your safety, Miss Zhao Yiman, the police will implement comprehensive monitoring around you..."

Zhao Yiman was momentarily stunned, a complex wave of emotions churning within her.

She knew An Xin’s proposal was meant to protect her and her family, but the very notion of being monitored sent a shiver of discomfort through her.

"An Xin, I understand your good intentions, but I don't want my family to live in that kind of fear."

Looking at her, An Xin said, "I understand your perspective, but please believe me, this isn't to make you feel watched—it's to ensure your safety. We will minimize the disruption to your lives as much as possible."

Right then, the sharp ring of a cell phone shattered the tense atmosphere. Glancing at the screen, Zhao Yiman felt her heart skip a beat; the caller ID showed Uncle Li, her father's longtime friend.

She answered the call, and Uncle Li’s voice came through, sounding slightly urgent, "Yiman, get down to Nancui Market right away! Something has happened here!"

Zhao Yiman’s heart plummeted. Almost instinctively, she spun around and sprinted toward the exit.

Nancui Market was not far from here, but her mind was flooded with apprehension.

Uncle Li’s voice carried an anxiety that she simply could not ignore.

Running all the way, she pushed through the bustling crowds, her mind replaying her father’s fatal crash and An Xin's words over and over again.

Doubts surged like a tidal wave. Could all of this possibly be tied to the Zhao family? She had to find out the truth.

Upon arriving at Nancui Market, the scene before her left her frozen in her tracks.

The eastern side of the market was cordoned off with police tape. Several officers were busy at work, while onlookers whispered among themselves, their faces etched with curiosity and worry.

"Yiman!" Uncle Li waved from not far away, his face etched with anxiety. Walking over quickly, she asked, "Uncle Li, what happened?"

"That Great Yang Group is forcing us to hand over the market to them! They even claim the Chairman signed off on it!"

"My father just passed away, his body not yet cold—where on earth did this agreement come from?"

Zhao Yiman’s voice rang out chillingly, cutting through the clamor of Nancui Market like a sharp blade.

Su Li stood nearby and sneered, "Naturally, your father signed it while he was still alive. Feel free to check the date on the contract."

Glaring angrily at Su Li, Zhao Yiman felt a turbulent storm raging within her, utterly unable to believe the reality before her eyes.

Suppressing the fury boiling in her chest, she turned to Uncle Li, her voice trembling slightly, "Uncle Li, have you seen that agreement?"

Uncle Li shook his head, a look of utter helplessness on his face. "I just got here. The market staff have all been cleared out by the police, and I don't know the specifics yet."

Just then, An Xin hurried onto the scene as well, his brow furrowed as he scanned his surroundings swiftly.

Without beating around the bush, Zhao Yiman said, "Su Li, I must verify the authenticity of this agreement. The Zhao family’s assets are not something you can just seize whenever you please!"

Su Li let out a cold laugh. "Do you take the Great Yang Group for a bunch of amateurs who don't play by the rules? Every single clause is written down in black and white. This is just a copy, see for yourself."

Taking the copy, Zhao Yiman saw the handwriting was clear, yet the sight caused her heart to plunge into an abyss. Bearing her father's signature, the document was dated precisely the day before his car accident.

"This is impossible!" she gritted her teeth, glaring furiously at Su Li. "My father would never make such a decision!"

Su Li smiled faintly, triumph shimmering in her eyes. "Yet this is the fact, Zhao Yiman. You are free to investigate; all the paperwork is completely in order."

"Of course, you investigating is your business. Our business, however, will proceed according to schedule!"

Breaking in, An Xin said, "We need time to investigate the authenticity of this document. Su Li, you cannot simply force your hand like this."

"Time? Do you people still have time?" Su Li sneered coldly. "The Great Yang Group has already begun taking over the market. You don't have much time left. Besides, Officer, this matter has nothing to do with you. By all accounts, you aren't in a position to voice opinions here!"

A tight knot formed in Zhao Yiman’s chest as she realized the pressing urgency of the situation.

Turning to Uncle Li, she urged, "Uncle Li, come with me to the office so we can discuss this!"

Watching Zhao Yiman with a scornful smile, Su Li slowly said, "Fine. As industry peers, we'll give you enough time. Within three days, we will take over Nancui Market according to the rules... I hope you all will abide by the rules of the agreement as well!"

Consumed by anxiety, Zhao Yiman pulled Uncle Li quickly into the office and shut the door behind them, terrified that prying ears outside might overhear their conversation.