<h4>Chapter 836: Chapter 836: Zhu Defu’s Suspicion</h4>


    "What do you mean by this?"


    Zhu Defu looked at Lin Fan with vignce. He waspletely different from a few months ago.


    After all, he had just solved a big case with a simple wave of his hand, and now he held evidence against him. What was on his mind at this moment, no one knew.


    "Uncle Zhu, it doesn’t mean much. I know you’ve been looking for Zheng Tianfang’s wife, Zhao Jiaqi, and she gave this to me. I’m giving it to you now, considering it as repayment for deleting the video of me at the mayor’s residence and keeping my affair with Chen Jiayi under wraps, helping me escape Guo Baoming’s investigation. Does that settle our debts?"


    Lin Fan admitted everything without any evasiveness.


    "Then where is Zhao Jiaqi?"


    Audio files can be backed up, and should this clear record be exposed, it would lead to huge trouble. Especially if Guo Baoming got hold of it, Zhu Defu would be doomed. So he pressed for answers.


    "In a ce only I can find. Uncle Zhu, rest assured, she originally used this to save her life. I’ve already talked to her, and handing over the documents truly ensures her survival. So she won’t pose any threat to you anymore. Besides, with my protection now, there’s no need for her to ckmail anyone. So I hope Uncle Zhu can let her go."


    Lin Fan naturally saw Zhu Defu’s intent. He smiled and spoke, implying their rtionship in his words.


    However, Zhang Caini gasped, sneaking a nce at Zhu Defu, unsure of how to react. She knew too well about Zhu Defu. Coming from a background in the public prosecution, he wasn’t just ruthless. Even if Lin Fan sincerely wanted to help him at this moment, he probably wouldn’t entrust his safety to someone else.


    "Lin Fan, you must understand that some things I can’t just ignore. After all, these matters concern not only my own safety; I have to answer to many people. So I still must trouble you to hand her over. But don’t worry, she’s one of us, so I won’t make things too difficult for her!"


    Indeed, a sh of coldness passed through Zhu Defu’s eyes. He didn’t trust Lin Fan, much less Zhao Jiaqi.


    "Uncle, can’t you trust even me, for Zhu Dan’s sake?"


    Lin Fan suddenly looked at Zhu Defu with some disappointment, but then came to terms with it. After all, their rtionship still lingered at the level of mutual exploitation; trust was out of the question.


    "Lin Fan, you need to know, the political arena is also a battlefield. Would you entrust your life to someone else? I trust you, but not her. This matter is better handled by me personally. Moreover, don’t forget you are also under mymand. If I encounter any trouble, Guo Baoming wille for you first, especially in the Xu family matter. He cannot ignore it."


    A true veteran, Zhu Defu didn’t directly threaten Lin Fan to influence their rtionship but used Guo Baoming to coerce Lin Fan. If things weren’t rified today, it would lead to serious trouble.


    "Uncle Zhu, don’t worry. Mayor Guo definitely wouldn’t interfere in my affairs; otherwise, how could the Xu family be apprehended without any chance to resist? I understand your feelings, but some things really can’t go your way."


    Lin Fan squinted his eyes, staring at Zhu Defu, "To be honest, this matter isn’t a big deal for me. After all,pared to what you have stored at the Liu Family auction house, it’s a mere drop in the ocean."


    "What do you mean by that!"


    Zhu Defu was taken by surprise, looking gravely at Lin Fan.


    "Hasn’t your informant told you that thest time the Liu family and Han family teamed up to handle Wei family’s retaliation for me, if I really wanted to stir things up, the items in the Liu family’s storage would be far more explosive than this matter. Of course, I’m not threatening you, nor am I squeezing you. I’m simply stating a simple fact that I don’t intend to harm you."


    Lin Fan tried to show he harbored no ill intentions, but from Zhang Caini’s expression, it was clear that eliminating Zhu Defu’s concerns was nearly impossible. The room fell silent, and after a long contemtion, Zhu Defu spoke again.


    "If that’s the case, why don’t you invite Zhao Jiaqi over? I’m currently swamped with work. Since she and Cai Ni are old acquaintances, she might as well keep herpany. Once I’m done with my tasks, we can discuss this matter thoroughly. What do you think?"


    "Mayor Zhu... are you ying the hostage game?"


    Lin Fan frowned, looking at Zhu Defu. The change in address also signified his change in attitude.


    He was clearly using Zhao Jiaqi to threaten him into silence, a tactic that’s been around for thousands of years and is no longer effective today.


    "Zhao Jiaqi isn’t avable, but I can introduce another woman to apany Sister Cai Ni at work. The question is, Uncle Zhu, are you weing her?"