Chapter 99: Hero of the People

The submission of Xu Biao and the other major factions signaled the complete withdrawal of all underground forces from Qian City, marking the end of an era. Now, throughout every street and alley, not a single petty thug collecting rent or protection fees could be seen.

On this day, as soon as the citizens heard the news, they hurried to buy countless fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate. Many spontaneously gathered outside the pharmaceutical factory, eager to tell the security guards, "Thank you, you are the people's heroes." The guards on duty were moved to tears, experiencing for the first time in their lives the honor that came with their profession.

Some citizens even crafted a grand plaque, hanging it above the entrance of the pharmaceutical factory. It read: "Factory of Heroes," with the inscription, "Presented by the People of the City."

On this day, all the factory employees walked with a lightness in their steps, as if floating. In response, the city decided to create a people's hero. Mo Han gave the opportunity to Li Qilang, instantly making him the focus of Qian City and a hero in the hearts of its people.

The city held a special commendation ceremony for him, thrusting Li Qilang fully into the public eye. Li Shujie, though he said nothing, felt his eyes grow moist as he watched his son hold the hero's plaque and accept the acclaim of the masses.

He had always held high hopes for his son, but as he grew up, Li Qilang showed no inclination for politics. Several jobs arranged for him to learn and gain experience had ended in dismissal due to repeated absenteeism. Li Shujie had nearly given up hope. Unexpectedly, after learning martial arts from Mo Han, Li Qilang accomplished something remarkable.

The underground world of Qian City was vast and complex, and even Li Shujie himself had been unable to purge it entirely. Yet his son succeeded. Though he knew the main credit belonged to Mo Han, Li Qilang had certainly played his part. This brought him great comfort.

"Please rest assured, everyone," Li Qilang declared passionately at the ceremony, "our pharmaceutical factory will soon establish the largest security company in the city.

For now, those security guards without assigned posts will fully assist the authorities in maintaining Qian City's public safety. Our goal is singular: to make Qian City a forbidden zone for underground forces, to eliminate any trace of such groups within the city, and to prevent outside factions from entering. We are committed to providing everyone with a city where you can work and live in peace!"

The audience erupted in applause at his words.

"Li Hero," the charming host asked, holding out the microphone, "I heard your security guards had several deadly confrontations with underground forces. Weren't you afraid at the time?"

"Not at all," Li Qilang replied, shaking his head.

"Why not? Those underground figures are notoriously savage. Weren't you worried about getting hurt?" the host pressed.

"Anyone who practices martial arts is bound to get injured. Such wounds are nothing," Li Qilang paused, then continued, "If enduring a few injuries means providing Qian City with a safe and comfortable environment, it's absolutely worth it."

Again, the audience applauded, agreeing that Li Qilang answered perfectly.

"When you get hurt, do you go to the hospital?" the host asked.

"No, we take the Revitalizing Pill produced by our factory. For ordinary injuries and bruises, one pill and you're fine by the next day," Li Qilang answered.

"The Revitalizing Pill? Is that the miracle fitness medicine that Dongjia Group has been heavily promoting recently?" the host inquired.

"Yes, that's the one. It's set to be released in a few days. I encourage everyone to try it. I'm not just advertising; its efficacy is genuinely remarkable," Li Qilang said earnestly.

Those watching at home who had already used the Revitalizing Pill nodded in agreement, fully endorsing Li Qilang's words.

"But there's one thing," Li Qilang continued. "We discovered that Dongjia Group had colluded with Yuzhou's underground forces, attempting to stir up trouble in Qian City. Therefore, our company has decided to revoke Dongjia Group's status as general distributor, placing them on our blacklist. We will no longer cooperate with them, so if you see Dongjia Group selling any of our products, they are definitely fake. As for who will be our new distributor, please check our company website for updates—we'll announce it there."

Recalling how Dongjia Group had broken their contract to assist Zuo Wenshan, Li Qilang had no intention of letting them off lightly.

As expected, his announcement sparked outrage among both the live audience and those watching at home. Everyone chanted, "Down with Dongjia Group! Get them out of Qian City!" Many vowed to blacklist Dongjia Group and boycott their products from now on.

Meanwhile, Yan Yutang, watching from his television, trembled violently, angered to the point of vomiting blood.

He had succumbed to Zuo Wenshan's threats and enticements, ultimately betraying Mo Han and the pharmaceutical factory by breaking their contract.

But Zuo Wenshan had been killed by Mo Han, and now it was too late for regrets. In recent days, Yan Yutang had visited the factory several times, hoping to beg Mo Han's forgiveness, but Mo Han wouldn't even let him through the gates.

He was terrified. Mo Han had dared to kill Zuo Wenshan—how could he spare someone as insignificant as Yan Yutang? He knew that if he angered Mo Han, Mo Han would not hesitate to kill him as well. Yan Yutang desperately wanted forgiveness, but hadn't been able to meet Mo Han. With Li Qilang's live interview at the ceremony, Dongjia Group had been thrust into the eye of the storm.

Especially since Li Qilang had openly accused them of colluding with Yuzhou’s underground forces—an accusation that could not be more damaging. The city was now cracking down hard on all underground organizations, and Dongjia Group was destined to become the target for countless officials seeking to make their mark.

He was certain their only option was to file for bankruptcy and dissolution immediately, to salvage whatever assets remained; otherwise, they would be devoured until nothing was left.

"Our Qilang has grown up," Li's mother said, tears streaming down her face, overjoyed at her son's accomplishments.

Li Shujie, deeply agreeing, replied, "It's only because Mr. Mo doesn't seek fame or fortune that the credit fell to our son."

"That's why, when he wanted to learn martial arts from Mr. Mo, I wholeheartedly supported him. Look how quickly he became a hero for the whole city, the pride of our family," Li's mother said, smiling.

Li Shujie said nothing, but the joy on his face was hard to conceal.

"When he comes home tonight, have him invite Mr. Mo and his family over for dinner," Li Shujie suggested suddenly.

He knew Mo Han's true identity—that of the Chief Instructor of the War Department, wielding power far greater than his own. Mo Han was discreet and avoided publicity, so last time, Li Shujie had refrained from revealing his status. But now, with his son learning martial arts from Mo Han, he intended to seize the opportunity to strengthen this connection.