Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

Li Xiangyang shook his head in response to Chen Guodong's question.

He only knew that Zhao Zhiqiang owned a transportation company, but he hadn't looked into the specifics.

“That’s the problem,” Chen Guodong said. “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. If you want to fight back, you must first figure out your opponent’s hand.”

What do you mean?

“I suggest you investigate Zhao Zhiqiang’s company’s operations first,” Chen Guodong said in a low voice. “From my experience, companies that are prone to underhanded tactics often have their own problems.”

Li Xiangyang seemed to be deep in thought. Indeed, if Zhao Zhiqiang's company was doing well, why would he target him like this?

"What exactly should be investigated?"

"Financial status, vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, operating permits..." Chen Guodong counted on his fingers, "These are all legal and publicly available information; anyone can access them."

Li Xiangyang's eyes lit up. This was indeed a good idea, both legal and effective.

“Furthermore,” Chen Guodong continued, “you could also start with the customers. Find out about the service quality of Zhao Zhiqiang’s company and see if there are any customer complaints.”

"Will this work?"

“Of course it works.” Chen Guodong smiled. “If their service quality is indeed problematic, you can win over customers with superior service. This is the most legitimate way to compete.”

Li Xiangyang nodded repeatedly. This idea was indeed much better than Wang Ergou's suggestion of "fighting violence with violence."

“However,” Chen Guodong changed the subject, “while the investigation is underway, you should also take necessary precautions. Since they dared to use such despicable methods, it shows they've reached a point where they'll stop at nothing.”

What suggestions do you have?

"First, install dashcams in every vehicle; only with evidence can we protect our rights," Chen Guodong said. "Second, establish emergency plans so we can respond quickly to any unforeseen circumstances."

Li Xiangyang quickly took out paper and pen to write it down. These suggestions were all very useful.

“Finally, and most importantly,” Chen Guodong stood up, “no matter how provocative the other party is, you must remain calm. Emotional decisions often lead to disaster.”

"Thank you for your guidance!" Li Xiangyang said sincerely.

After seeing Chen Guodong off, Li Xiangyang sat alone in his office, carefully reflecting on the conversation they had just had.

The old man's appearance was somewhat unexpected, but his advice was indeed very pertinent.

However, Li Xiangyang also understood that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Since Chen Guodong is a consultant, he wouldn't really help for free; it seems he's convinced that I'll become his client.

"Forget it, I'll try it as he says first. If I can't handle it myself, it's okay to spend money even if I have no experience," Li Xiangyang muttered to himself.

The next morning, Li Xiangyang began investigating Zhao Zhiqiang's background. He first went to the Industry and Commerce Bureau to check the registration information of Tongda Transportation Company.

"Director Li, why are you investigating this?" Xiao Li from the Industry and Commerce Bureau, who knew Li Xiangyang, asked with some curiosity.

"I'd like to learn about the situation in our industry," Li Xiangyang smiled. "Know yourself and know your enemy, right?"

According to documents obtained from the Administration for Industry and Commerce, Tongda Transportation Company was established eight years ago with a registered capital of 500,000 yuan, and Zhao Zhiqiang is the legal representative. However, this is only superficial information and does not reveal any problems.

Next, Li Xiangyang went to the transportation management department to inquire about Tongda Company's operating permits and vehicle annual inspection status.

"The company you're looking into..." The clerk frowned as he flipped through the files, "There are indeed some issues."

"What's the problem?" Li Xiangyang's heart skipped a beat.

"Several of their vehicles are nearing the end of their annual inspection period, and two others have been fined for overloading," the clerk said, pointing to the record. "According to regulations, vehicles that have been overloaded more than twice are subject to close monitoring."

Li Xiangyang secretly noted this information. It seemed that Zhao Zhiqiang's company wasn't as well-regulated as it appeared.

After leaving the transportation management department, Li Xiangyang visited several large enterprises, ostensibly to seek cooperation, to learn about the service quality of Tongda Company.

“Tongda?” The purchasing manager of the East China Steel Plant shook his head. “They used to be our partner, but they terminated the contract last year.”

Why terminate the contract?

"The service quality was poor. Delays were frequent, and the rate of damaged goods was high," the purchasing manager recalled. "Most importantly, their boss was arrogant and never admitted responsibility when problems arose."

Li Xiangyang heard similar things at two other companies. It seems that Tongda Company does indeed have a bad reputation.

The investigation lasted three days, and Li Xiangyang had basically figured out Zhao Zhiqiang's background. Tongda Company appeared to be a large company, but its internal management was chaotic, its service quality was poor, and it had some records of violations.

"This information is very useful." Li Xiangyang sorted through the collected data, already having a plan in mind.

Ten minutes later, Li Xiangyang called Wang Hu to his office.

"Director Li, you wanted to see me?"

"Sit down and talk," Li Xiangyang gestured to a chair. "I want you to do something for me."

Li Xiangyang told Wang Hu in detail about the findings he had gathered over the past few days, and then said, "I need you to take a few people and follow Tongda Company's vehicles every day."

"Follow them?" Wang Hu asked, somewhat puzzled. "For what purpose?"

“Record their violations.” A shrewd glint flashed in Li Xiangyang’s eyes. “Since they like to report others, then we’ll report them too.”

Wang Hu suddenly realized: "You mean, treat them as they treat you?"

“That’s right.” Li Xiangyang nodded. “But remember, we must do it openly and honestly. If we discover they have indeed violated regulations, we should report it immediately.”

"Understood!" Wang Hu was eager to try. "Leave this to me, I guarantee I'll complete the task!"

After assigning Wang Hu his tasks, Li Xiangyang picked up the phone again and dialed Captain Liu's number from the county traffic police team.

"Team Leader Liu, it's me, Li Xiangyang."

"Director Li, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Here's the thing, I want to report a transportation company for overloading," Li Xiangyang said calmly. "As a legally operating business, I have an obligation to maintain industry order."

"Oh? Which company?"

"Tongda Transportation. I have evidence that they frequently overload their vehicles, and their vehicles also have issues with annual inspections."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before Captain Liu said, "Director Li, are you sure you have evidence?"

"Of course. I'll send the materials over right away."

After hanging up the phone, Li Xiangyang organized the investigation materials and drove to the traffic police station himself.

"Captain Liu, this is the evidence I've collected." Li Xiangyang placed a thick stack of materials on Captain Liu's desk. "It's all publicly available information obtained through legal channels."

Captain Liu flipped through the materials, his expression growing increasingly serious.

"Director Li, these materials... are very detailed."

"I discovered it by chance," Li Xiangyang said casually. "As a colleague, I felt it was necessary to remind the relevant departments."

Captain Liu nodded: "We will verify this carefully. If the situation is true, we will deal with it seriously."

After leaving the traffic police station, Li Xiangyang felt much more relaxed.

Even if everyone knows that their report is a counterattack, it is by no means unfounded in the face of facts.