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After Jiao Datong was dragged away, Tyler Cui was about to call some reporters from Westwood City's news system, but before he could even dial, several news vans appeared outside the construction site. People carrying all sorts of camera equipment got out—these were the mainstream media reporters of Westwood City.
However, these reporters were blocked outside by the Navy soldiers and weren't allowed in. They were shouting and trying to negotiate, but the Navy soldiers wouldn't budge since they hadn't received orders from above. The reporters insisted they'd been invited, so both sides were stuck in a standoff. The reporters kept demanding an explanation, but the Navy soldiers had already pointed their guns at them, scaring the reporters pale.
Shawn Young turned his head and beckoned to the trembling William Wu not far away, saying, "Chief Wu, we're not done here yet. Take your men and keep things under control up front."
William Wu perked up and hurried over with Gordon Gao and the other police officers to maintain order.
Admiral Nathan Holland assumed Shawn Young had called the reporters and said, "Hmm... Shawn, you're quick! I just mentioned it, and you already got the reporters here."
Shawn Young was surprised and quickly shook his head, saying, "Commander Holland, I didn't call them. I haven't even dialed yet, and I don't know any of these reporters."
"Oh? Then who called them? Tyler, was it you?" Admiral Holland asked Tyler Cui beside him. Tyler Cui shook his head, waved his phone, and said with a wry smile, "Holland, I haven't even called yet. They just showed up—I have no idea what's going on."
"Uh... How did these reporters find their way here? Who tipped them off?" Admiral Holland muttered, confused.
While everyone was still puzzled, Robert Luo, who hadn't left yet, scurried over, bowing and nodding to them with a big smile. "Hello, chiefs! Sorry for the trouble—I'm the one who called those reporters outside. I want to hold a quick press conference here..."
"Hey, chubby, who are you? Don't you know I'm trying to handle business here? Now you're fighting me for the reporters—having fun, huh? Plus, you were just standing there silent, and suddenly you pop up. What's your angle?!" Admiral Holland didn't recognize Mo Xiangnan and immediately barked at him.
"I... I'm the contractor for the Eastwind Old Street demolition project. My name is Robert Luo, head of Southern Sky Group. My company is handling the resettlement and compensation for the residents here, but Mayor David Kay's son took over this part of the project, so I don't really know what went down between them. Mayor Kay asked me to come along today, so here I am. Honestly, I'm just the contractor—the real ones in charge of the compensation are Mayor Kay and his son Howie..." Robert Luo was desperate to distance himself from Jiao Datong. After what happened, he knew Jiao Datong was finished for good!
"Chubby... Are you thick-headed or what? Don't you realize Howie is skimming kickbacks from the demolition compensation and shortchanging the Eastwind Old Street residents? Anyone with half a brain could see he'd do that! House prices are sky-high now, and the compensation isn't enough for a new home! These ordinary folks can't take on Jiao Datong and his gang, and you let that kid mess them up. Do you have any idea how many people you've screwed over? Dammit!" Admiral Holland knew all too well about these dirty tricks and kept spitting at Robert Luo, not holding back his insults.
"Uh... Chiefs, to be honest, I know this stuff happens. But in Westwood City, David Kay is a big shot who controls everything with one hand. I'm just a businessman—sure, I have some clout in business, but this time I called the reporters to clear things up. It really has nothing to do with Southern Sky Group! The real masterminds here are David Kay and his son, plus their crew. I figure you chiefs want the truth out there too..." Robert Luo was sweating under Admiral Holland's booming voice, but he quickly steadied himself and shifted his stance.
"Heh... Word is, Robbie Black—old Luo Erhei—never does a losing deal. Jiao Datong just went down, and you switched sides in a flash. You really are a sly old fox! So, what's your next trick today?" Tyler Cui snickered, his tone full of meaning as he looked at Robert Luo.
"Uh... Sir, you actually know me?" Robert Luo was stunned—he'd run into someone who could call out his secret nickname, 'Luo Erhei' (Robbie Black), which only a handful of insiders ever heard. Today was just full of surprises—big shots popping up everywhere...
"Heh, anyone in Winston Wen's circle from Beijing—how could I not know? I know more about that old man's quirks than you do..." Tyler Cui replied lazily.
"Ah, so you know Old Wen! Yeah, I'm in his circle. Out in society, I'm a famous businessman, but in Old Wen's crew, I'm just a gofer, fetching tea for the real players. Since all you chiefs are here today, I'll do whatever you say..." Robert Luo was an old hand at this—he realized he was dealing with people who knew everything about him, but he had no clue who Tyler Cui really was. He couldn't keep his cool, so he confessed everything honestly.
"Oh, so this chubby guy is one of Old Wen's show-off types from Beijing? No wonder he talks in circles like Old Wen!" Admiral Holland said, suddenly understanding.
"Yeah, yeah, Old Wen's basically one of us now. Robbie Black, since you're his guy, make sure you handle things cleanly today. We won't give you a hard time! Just keep playing by the rules, and if you run into trouble, you'll have someone backing you up..." Tyler Cui said to Robert Luo.
"I understand, chiefs! You can count on me—I'll make sure everything's handled cleanly and properly! I promise!!" Robert Luo knew he'd made it through the danger zone, and swore his loyalty. As an old fox, he caught Tyler Cui's drift—they wouldn't make things hard for him, and he'd have powerful backing in business from now on!
Suddenly, Robert Luo felt his earlier decision was a stroke of genius—like fortune had smiled on him. The atmosphere had been turbulent, danger lurking everywhere. If he'd picked the wrong side, he'd be finished just like Jiao Datong. The twists and turns made him feel that the saying "wealth comes from danger" fit him perfectly.
Tyler Cui and Admiral Holland whispered to each other, then called Robert Luo over and murmured a few words. Robert Luo nodded in understanding. Admiral Holland then waved his hand, signaling his men to let the reporters in. The Navy soldiers immediately allowed the mainstream media reporters from Westwood City to enter.
Robert Luo straightened his Armani suit, perked up, and strode forward. In Westwood City, he was a household name—a nationally famous real estate tycoon. Reporters often interviewed him during property development projects, so they weren't surprised to see him. But today, seeing him alone at the construction site, surrounded by armed soldiers, the reporters' instincts kicked in—Robert Luo clearly had big news to share. They rushed forward and surrounded him.