Chapter 4040 — Paying a Call
The Blossom Guardian · Page 1 of 3
But things were better now. Not only at the Santie Pavilion, but everywhere else on North Island, the Enforcement Hall's wanted notices were plastered on every wall. To say nothing of ambushing Wei Zhao, Xu Lingchong did not even dare show his face. At least for the time being, Wei Zhao had no need to worry about his threats.
Yet he who takes no thought for the future will surely find trouble at hand, and before long Wei Zhao received bad news: Hong Zhong was about to leave North Island.
As the incoming vice-president of the Hong Clan Merchant Association's headquarters, Hong Zhong's departure had been a foregone conclusion the moment the appointment was issued. What truly gave Wei Zhao a headache was what Hong Zhong told him before leaving.
"Young Hero Lin, as you requested, I have instructed headquarters not to make your status as honorary vice-president public. Only the president and a few senior executives, such as the standing vice-presidents, know of it. Set your mind at ease," Hong Zhong said.
"Mm, thank you for the trouble, Elder Hong." Wei Zhao breathed a sigh of relief.
It was only natural to do so. As a newcomer to the Qingyun Pavilion, if he suddenly bore a status as flashy as that of honorary vice-president of the Hong Clan Merchant Association, it would be begging for hatred. There would surely be those who envied and resented him, and that would run counter to Wei Zhao's aim of quietly building up his strength.
Yet Hong Zhong's next words made his expression shift slightly. "I leave today for Middle Island to take up the post of vice-president. Barring any mishap, the new steward of the North Island branch will arrive within a couple of days. Young Hero Lin, you would do well to be on your guard against this man."
"How so?" Wei Zhao's gaze sharpened.
"This man is named Si Haitao. He was formerly one of the four regional inspectors of the Hong Shadow Group at Middle Island headquarters, charged specifically with supervising branch stewards. This time, seizing on the vacancy at the North Island branch, he spent no small effort to secure the stewardship." Hong Zhong paused, then said, "There is one thing you do not know, Young Hero Lin. Previously, Nantian Guan came knocking to coerce me into revealing the true identity behind your other name. At that time, what he used to threaten me was a personal letter written by Si Haitao himself."
"So this Si Haitao is on very close terms with Nantian Ba and his lot?" Wei Zhao could not help feeling a headache at this.
Given his friendship with Hong Zhong, it would be a simple matter to seek the Hong Clan Merchant Association's help in the future—for instance, in purchasing things like the Heart-Devouring Linglong Grass. Even if someone else took over, with a word from Hong Zhong, a vice-president with real authority, it would pose little problem.
But if this successor proved to be an adversary on close terms with Nantian Ba and his gang, then seeking such favors from the Hong Clan Merchant Association would be harder than reaching the heavens.
Even though Hong Zhong was his superior, a branch steward was a local lord with enormous autonomy. On a small matter like this, one that touched no principle, if the man set his mind against cooperating, even Hong Zhong would be powerless against him.
"Indeed. Moreover, this man comes from the Hong Shadow Group, and his skill at intelligence and surveillance far surpasses ordinary men. Once he fixes his eyes on you, it will be hard to keep any secret. So you must be on your guard, Young Hero Lin." Hong Zhong cautioned him again and again.
Wei Zhao nodded. "I understand. Thank you for your concern, Elder Hong. On your journey to Middle Island you will no doubt face many challenges as well. I wish you smooth sailing and steady promotion!"