After being reborn, I refused to be a sucker, and my whole family was dumbfounded.

Chapter 537

"Song Gui?"

Shi Gandang frowned, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "A mayor parachuted in from elsewhere dares to oppose my Shi family? What is he anyway!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned back to his desk, picked up the phone, dialed a number, and asked, "Old Chen, it's me. What's going on with the fire department? You can't even handle a small company like Lingyun Group? Didn't you promise to take care of it perfectly for me?"

A deep voice came from the other end of the phone, tinged with helplessness: "Old Shi, it's not that I don't want to help. Everything was arranged with the fire department, but for some reason, that old guy Song Gui used his connections in the provincial capital."

"The pressure came directly from above, and we had no choice but to retreat. You know, when the provincial government intervenes, I can't withstand it."

Shi Gandang's face darkened, his fingers tightening around the phone, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "The provincial capital? Song Gui has this ability? Old Chen, don't tell me you can't even handle this little thing! I've given you so many gifts over the years, and I've never shortchanged you during holidays, and now you want me to bow down?"

Old Chen on the other end sighed: "Old Shi, it's not that I didn't try my best. Song Gui himself is not a threat, but the faction behind him carries some weight in the provincial capital."

"This time they've spoken. I advise you to keep a low profile and not to confront Lin Ling head-on. Otherwise, if things escalate, it won't be good for your Shi family either."

Shi Gandang sneered, hung up the phone, and slammed the receiver on the table with a loud bang.

He turned around and cursed, "We've given so many gifts, and they can't even handle this little thing. These bastards are all heartless good-for-nothings!"

Shi Qian stood to the side, head down, not daring to speak.

He stepped forward and whispered, "Patriarch, this matter cannot be left like this. Lin Ling is so arrogant that even the connections with the fire department and the Ministry of Health can't keep him in check. Where does that leave the Shi family's reputation? The upper echelons of Nanzhou are all laughing at us. If we don't teach him a lesson, how will the Shi family maintain its standing in the future?"

Shi Gandang remained silent for a moment, his eyes burning with rage.

"That kid Lin Ling is truly fearless. The Shi family has been operating in Nanzhou for a century; my Shi family's wealth could bankrupt his Lingyun Group. This nouveau riche dares to go against me?"

He paused, a sinister smile appearing on his face. "Shi Qian, you're right. This matter can't be left unresolved. Doesn't Lin Ling think he has Song Gui backing him up? I'd like to see how long he can hold out."

Shi Qian nodded quickly: "Master, what do you plan to do? We can't rely on the fire department and the health department, do we have any other ways to deal with him?"

Shi Gandang snorted coldly and sat back in his chair: "I have plenty of ways to deal with him. If the fire department and the health department can't be relied on, I have other ways. Doesn't Lin Ling think he's very capable? I'll let him know that he can't withstand the wrath of the Shi family."

A flicker of excitement flashed in Shi Qian's eyes, and he whispered, "Patriarch, you mean...?"

......

Inside the mayor's office, a faint aroma of tea filled the air. Song Gui sat behind a large desk, his bald head reflecting a soft glow under the light.

There was no smile on his face, but rather a hint of murderous intent. He held a fountain pen in his hand, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, making a rhythmic sound.

Secretary Liu stood aside, holding a newly delivered document, and reported: "Mayor, the personnel from the fire department, health department, and transportation department have been withdrawn from Lingyun Group. The Shi family is probably in a daze too."

Song Gui raised his head and coldly swept his gaze over Secretary Liu.

His brow furrowed slightly: "What's the Shi family's reaction?"

Secretary Liu was taken aback for a moment: "Mayor, I heard that the Shi family's butler was just thrown out of Lingyun Group and is probably going back to Shi Gandang to complain right now. The Shi family won't let this go so easily."

Song Gui snorted coldly, put down his pen, and leaned back in his chair.

“I know that kid Shi Gandang too well. His refined manners are all an act; deep down he's ruthless, vicious, and vindictive. This time, Lin Ling has given him a hard time, so it's no wonder he's flipping the table.”

Secretary Liu nodded: "Then what should we do? You're determined to protect Lin Ling, but the Shi family has deep roots in Nanzhou."