Chapter 1389 - 1356: Response and Arrangements

“Has the message from headquarters not come through yet?”

Noon.

Yang Jian was in the office having lunch with everyone when he asked Liu Xiaoyu once again about what had happened earlier.

Liu Xiaoyu shook her head and said, “There’s still no message from headquarters. I called to inquire earlier, but didn’t receive a clear response.”

“Interesting.” Yang Jian’s lips curled into a smile, appearing somewhat cold.

Li Yang, who was focused on eating his steak, spoke casually, “With headquarters’ intelligence capabilities, investigating whether the Hungry Ghost event is happening domestically is a simple task. The appearance of the Hungry Ghost event always comes with a large-scale Ghost Domain, so it’s impossible not to find it. The lack of information from headquarters only implies that they don’t want to tell us about it.”

“In other words, headquarters already knows the location of the Hungry Ghost event. If they’re willing to take risks to keep it hidden, there’s only one possibility.”

Liu Xiaoyu asked, “What possibility?”

“Of course, it involves another captain. In fact, the person who initially infiltrated headquarters and stole the Hungry Ghost is likely one of the current captains. Only a captain’s status could make headquarters compromise because Cao Yanhua knows very well that if this matter is told to Yang Jian, internal conflict among the captains is inevitable.”

Li Yang said while refusing the beef in his mouth, his face expressionless, “Yang Jian is the Enforcement Captain. If we find the person who stole the Hungry Ghost, even if they are other captains, he has the authority to handle them, even to kill.”

“Cao Yanhua doesn’t want headquarters to lose a captain. The only way is to hide the information from us temporarily, and then let other captains quickly deal with the Hungry Ghost event, mediating afterward, like returning the re-captured Hungry Ghost and that Coffin Nail.”

“Only in this way can the contradictions in this matter be reasonably eliminated.”

Yang Jian drank his cola and said, “Cao Yanhua is gambling. If things get worse, he won’t be able to protect a captain, let alone himself. But at least I’ve become alert. After this, let Cao Yanhua resign. He’s managed headquarters for too long with the same old mindset, and frankly, I don’t like it.”

“You want Minister Cao to resign?” Liu Xiaoyu said, very surprised.

“I have the right to do so, don’t I?” Yang Jian said calmly.

Liu Xiaoyu looked puzzled and said, “But Minister Cao is diligent and responsible with his work, and this matter is also to take care of the overall situation.”

“That’s his overall situation, not mine. In my view, protecting a captain who stole the Hungry Ghost for the sake of the overall situation is extremely foolish.”

Yang Jian coldly stated, “His actions undoubtedly send a wrong signal to other captains, that as long as one becomes a captain, they can act with impunity, indirectly indicating that my position as the Enforcement Captain is meaningless.”

“What looks like caring for the overall situation is actually diminishing his authority. If we were in a favorable situation, Cao Yanhua’s approach might not be wrong. But in this situation? Without authority, he can’t even gather twelve captains. Nobody will respect headquarters.”

“When I was brought in as the Enforcement Captain, wasn’t the intention to use me to restore headquarters’ authority? Wang Xiaoming had the courage to know the old headquarters was no longer working, so he simply swept it aside, reshuffled headquarters’ management, then led by me, re-established headquarters. For this, he was even willing to pave a path for me with his own death.”

“In the end, the effect is evident. I successfully held the captains’ meeting. Now Cao Yanhua is managing headquarters with that old-method style and is even choosing to hide this incident from me. Isn’t he worried that I’d throw up my hands, resign from the Enforcement Captain position, and abandon the mess?”

Liu Xiaoyu’s face changed unpredictably as she listened, now somewhat understanding that Minister Cao seemed to have indeed done something wrong.

“The captain is very right. Headquarters is not the same as it was before; it’s a new headquarters. Based on positions, Cao Yanhua is still below the captains. Not to mention, merely hiding and not reporting the Hungry Ghost event and letting him resign is already very respectful. Of course, Cao Yanhua can refuse to resign, but he can’t afford the consequences.”

Li Yang nodded, not thinking Yang Jian’s approach was wrong; instead, merely having Cao Yanhua resign seemed to let him off easily.

“If Minister Cao resigns, who should be chosen as the new deputy minister of headquarters?” Liu Xiaoyu asked.

Yang Jian said, “Headquarters will never lack talent, especially management talent. I believe there are definitely more outstanding deputy ministers than Cao Yanhua. As to who will fill the position, I don’t want to interfere. Let them decide internally because no matter who replaces Cao Yanhua, they will know they can’t make the same mistake. The new deputy minister will be very clear that if I can remove Cao Yanhua, I can remove him as well.”

“Yang Jian, I’ve always believed you’re right, before and in the future,” Liu Xiaoyu said seriously.

Although she respected her superior, Cao Yanhua, the situation was different. She trusted Yang Jian’s judgment more, as Yang Jian was the leader in the supernatural field within the country, whereas Cao Yanhua was not. The insider’s view surely surpasses that of an outsider unless bias is involved.

“Captain, since it’s said, how should the Hungry Ghost matter be resolved?” Li Yang finished a whole steak, then sipped some red wine before asking.

Yang Jian said, “Considering past favors, I will finally give Cao Yanhua a dignified way out. Since he doesn’t want me to know, I’ll pretend I don’t know. If he can resolve this issue smoothly, I’ll do as he wished and not hold the person who stole the Hungry Ghost accountable. However, resignation is still unavoidable in the end.”

“The first Coffin Nail is likely now in another captain’s hands. Do we need to retrieve it afterward?” Li Yang asked.

“Depends on the situation.”

Yang Jian didn’t continue the conversation. After a few more bites, he said, “Zhang Liqin, these dishes don’t suit my taste; go to the restaurant and have them replaced, and Jiang Yan, you go, too.”

“Alright, President Yang.” Zhang Liqin immediately stood up and left with Jiang Yan.

After they left, Yang Jian continued, “Li Yang, notify the others of a meeting at two o’clock this afternoon. I estimate the aftermath in Baishui Town is completed, and Huang Ziya should have returned. As for Feng Quan, let him stay at the Ghost Post Office for now, as they need him more there.”

“Okay, I’ve finished eating, so I’ll go inform them now,” Li Yang said, standing up.

Time passes quickly.

After lunch and a short break, it was two o’clock in the afternoon.

By this time, more people had arrived in the office. Li Yang had called Tong Qian, Wang Yong, Xiong Wenwen, and Huang Ziya; everyone had arrived except for Feng Quan.

“Xiao Yang, why do you hold meetings every now and then? I’m very busy, you know, and haven’t finished my homework yet.”

Xiong Wenwen looked unhappy, having a lot of homework recently because he stayed at the company to watch over Zhao Xiaoya a few days ago.

Tong Qian calmly said, “Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing too important; it’s just been a while since we gathered. I thought we could use this time to organize the team. Anyway, we’re idle, so let’s prepare for a rainy day,” Yang Jian said.

“I see,” Huang Ziya smiled slightly. “I thought you called me back for your wedding, Captain.”

Yang Jian said, “First, bring out the supernatural items you have.”

“No problem,” Wang Yong said.

Though the others didn’t quite understand, they still took out their supernatural items.

A bloodstained dagger, a bamboo tube deciding life and death, a strange hook, an old doorknob, special dice… Supernatural items were laid out one by one. Most of these were obtained by Yang Jian from the supernatural circle, and some were spoils of battle.

“After this, I want to confirm the ownership of the supernatural items once and for all so that any potential conflict can be avoided,” Yang Jian said. “Wang Yong, the iron shovel you had is in Feng Quan’s hands now. It suits him better, so I’ve decided to let him keep it. What do you think?”

Wang Yong said, “I have no objection. The cost of using that supernatural item is significant and not quite suitable for me. If I could exchange it for other supernatural items, that would be ideal.”

“Some of these supernatural items you’ve used before, others are new I’ve brought out. Pick what suits you, and we’ll consider the rest later,” Yang Jian said.

He also took out some supernatural items he usually doesn’t use, ready to distribute to his teammates.

We can’t just think about improving ourselves; enhancing the team’s strength is also crucial.

“Let Daddy Xiong go first, I want to take back the talisman tube from before, plus these dice.” Xiong Wenwen jumped off the sofa immediately, rushed to the coffee table, and took away two supernatural items.

The others looked on without any objections.

The Ghost Talisman and Ghost Dice have too many uncertainties, not suitable for most ghost handlers’ use, but Xiong Wenwen has a premonition ability, which makes them perfect for him.

“I want the yellow paper and the doll.” Huang Ziya smiled and took a tattered piece of yellow paper and a strange bruised doll.

The strange doll was acquired by Yang Jian from Room 301 in Dachuan City, from the Republican era ghost handler Meng Xiaodong.

“Give me the doorknob and hook, these things suit me better,” Li Yang said, taking away two items.

The doorknob is connected to the Ghost Gate; the Ghost Gate is placed in the safe house, and only the doorknob can open it, which fits him well.

Tong Qian said: “I need the Ghost Incense and the ring; these two items are more suitable for me.”

The Ghost Incense was obtained from Wang Xiaoming at headquarters, and the ghost ring, resembling polished bone, was handcrafted by Yang Jian as his second supernatural item, which is highly effective. As long as there are three people wearing the ring nearby, it won’t be discovered, and can even avoid attacks from fierce ghosts.

“Since no one wants this bloody dagger, I’ll take it,” Wang Yong chose last, taking the dagger reminiscent of a murder weapon.

Yang Jian said: “One supernatural item is too little for you, I’ll give you a rope circle, which is a supernatural tool from headquarters.”

Then he took out a grass rope circle and handed it to Wang Yong.

Wang Yong, not being shy, accepted it.

Even though he got the least amount of stuff and handed out the shovel covered in grave soil he previously had, he understood that joining the team without making a mark indeed doesn’t warrant more resource allocation, so he voluntarily gave way.

“Additionally, the Ghost Mirror is for team use, and the Ghost Taxi is also for public use. This time I’m taking it out too, and now this car will be parked in this safe house here.”

Saying this, Yang Jian pointed to the safe house beside him.

“Apart from that, the substitute dolls and red-white Ghost Candles, each of you take one.”

Yang Jian took out several substitute dolls and Ghost Candles, distributing one to each person.

“Wow, Xiao Yang, you’re quite loaded!” Xiong Wenwen exclaimed in astonishment.

“This is the benefit of being the Enforcement Captain, I just took a bit from headquarters,” Yang Jian said casually.

Since he can utilize headquarters resources, why not use them to boost his team’s strength?

He had thought of this long ago, but had been too busy to remember it before.

Huang Ziya playing with her dense black hair, laughed and said: “I’m afraid you’ve emptied your captain’s reserves this time, should I thank you tonight?”

“No need,” Yang Jian rejected with a cold face.

“That’s true, you have Jiang Yan and Huang Ziya by your side, obviously you don’t need anyone else,” Huang Ziya sighed.

Li Yang said: “How long can your body last? You’re no longer alive, who would be interested in you? You can only fool ordinary people with this flesh.”

Everyone knows that Huang Ziya’s figure and appearance are crafted with the Deceiving Ghost Necklace, which is fake, no matter how stunning, it won’t matter to them.

“Shut up,” Huang Ziya retorted.

“The preliminary distribution is over now, if you have any objections, speak up now, because after we’re done, no more opinions are allowed,” Yang Jian glanced at the crowd and said.

“No objections.”

“I have no objections either, this distribution is pretty good.”

“Same here. No objections.”

After everyone expressed no objections, he nodded: “Good, then let’s settle this matter. And this box of grave soil cut from Feng Quan’s body, leave it here. When he returns next time, whoever is on duty should give it to him, along with the substitute doll and Ghost Candle.”

He pointed to the remaining gold box, leaving Feng Quan’s share.

After this distribution, Yang Jian’s remaining supernatural items are few, aside from the long spear in his hand, there’s only the Ghost Scissors and the Deceiving Ghost Necklace, along with an ineffective bracelet that Sister Hong gave him initially, the rest are commonly used items like Ghost Candles, Corpse Oil Lamp, substitute doll, Ghost Money.

Most commonly used items are not supernatural, they’re consumable tools.

The meeting continued, and Yang Jian discussed the upcoming Black Umbrella supernatural event with everyone, as he is supposed to handle it soon.

Yet, at this moment, Liu Xiaoyu hurriedly knocked and entered the office downstairs.

“Yang Jian, it’s confirmed, the Hungry Ghost incident happened in Dadong City, and the person in charge there is Wang Chaling, one of the captains.”

No matter how the headquarters tries to conceal it, the situation must spread, they cannot keep it hidden.

“So it’s Wang Chaling, not surprising. This guy always stays hidden. Back then, when I demanded his Wang family’s ancestral mansion, he didn’t dare to resist, now it seems there might be a guilty conscience involved,” Yang Jian smiled coldly, adding: “But the news arrived too late, normally, the Hungry Ghost incident should have been resolved before reaching my ears. Cao Yanhua will try every means to nip it in the bud.”

“Looks like Wang Chaling is truly useless, can’t guard against the Hungry Ghost, can’t solve it either; really makes one wonder why he took such big risks to steal the Hungry Ghost.”

Despite the complaint, Yang Jian also felt a bit puzzled inside.

Wang Chaling carries a curse, controlling horrifying ghosts from his deceased parents and grandparents, especially his grandparents are extremely frightening, even Yang Jian himself is wary. Handling the Hungry Ghost shouldn’t be too difficult, so why hasn’t he succeeded?

“Now that we know who it is, Yang Jian, what will you do next? Are you going to Dadong City?” Liu Xiaoyu curiously asked.

The others also looked at Yang Jian.

Everyone knows Yang Jian personally imprisoned the Hungry Ghost. Had it not been stolen, the Hungry Ghost and Coffin Nail would belong to him, now that the thief’s identity is confirmed, surely he won’t let it go lightly.

Yang Jian said: “This matter isn’t ours to handle; let Cao Yanhua deal with it. Let’s keep pretending as if we don’t know. There are many other captains at headquarters, none of them are weak, so this matter ultimately can be resolved. It’s not as if without us it can’t be done. After all, the Hungry Ghost’s intelligence has long been known, I plan to settle accounts after everything ends.”

“That’s pretty good,” Li Yang said: “We can’t always be the ones to turn to whenever something major happens.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com

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