The thieves, all with their unique skills, put on a bizarre show of returning the stolen goods to their rightful owners.

This spectacle left the public in shock. Everyone was puzzled, "Aren't these thieves just impersonators? Despicable thieves shouldn't be like this, how could they look so pathetic? They even seem a little cute. Impossible!"

"This is so embarrassing, so embarrassing, we've lost face completely." Brother Zhu shook his head at the state of his underlings, overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness.

"Well, your guys sure have character," Qian Wuchang finally squeezed out this phrase, gloating.

"Get lost!" Brother Zhu shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Haha..." Qian Wuchang actually laughed out loud for once.

Through the extensive coverage by journalists, the reputational damage suffered by Chu Group was suddenly and completely restored.

Truth be told, the thieves had no choice, especially those skilled in the art of theft. Normally, they took great pride in their craft; now they felt like crying. The more items they had to return to the owners, the greater the risk, naturally bringing worry.

"Today is definitely a bizarre day for thieves. Who would've thought that thieves, who usually skulk around like mice, detested by all, would turn into meek existences that don't retaliate when beaten or curse when scolded, like wronged little wives. It's laughable and tear-inducing at the same time." A journalist humorously commented.

The viewers in front of the TV couldn't help but turn their heads and laugh.

"I've always said that the Chu Group has steadily progressed through its capabilities. How could so many negative rumors suddenly arise? It turns out it was all a plot by the Ma Family. Ma Qianqiu always appeared amiable in the public eye, but who knew he was such a bastard." This thought echoed in everyone's mind.

The customers at the Chu Group's store, whose items were stolen, either received compensation or discounts on the products, and thus left happily.

As for the few employees who attacked the Chu Group, they were promptly dismissed.

Ye Fan, Mengyao, and others watched the TV screen and couldn't help but laugh.

"Now that the issues have been resolved, with the Ma Family being the scapegoat, the reputation and integrity of the Chu Group will reach new heights," Mengyao analyzed. "Even if we could restore our public image without exposing the Ma Family, the comparison still serves as tremendous advertising."

"From media voices to public opinion, with everyone unanimously attacking the Ma Family while supporting the Chu Group, we've completely resolved this crisis," Qiu Wen said. "However, the best defense is an offense. We can't wait for the five families to make their move before reacting. We must take the initiative and fiercely teach those blind bastards a lesson."

"Master, what should we do next? You have a plan, don't you?" Shen Yaqing inquired.

"First, we target the Ma Family to intimidate the other four families. If they have the sense to weigh their options, fine. If not, we'll resort to drastic measures. Even though the five families wield great influence, even targeting one of them would cause a huge ripple. But at this moment, if we don't strike first, we fear they might make a lethal move," Ye Fan stated calmly. "So, we'll seize the initiative."

"Damn it, we must bring these little bastards to heel; otherwise, they'll continue to treat us like we're weak. Just because they're old mercantile sharks doesn't mean they can disregard the Chu Group," Qiu Wen said indignantly.

"Come with me to get things done, and have Du Xueqi and the others protect Mengyao," Ye Fan instructed Qiu Wen.

"Got it, Master," Qiu Wen responded promptly.

"By the way, where are those two guys you brought back?" Ye Fan inquired.

"They're waiting," Qiu Wen naturally understood that Ye Fan was referring to Brother Zhu and Qian Wuchang.

"I'll go check on them. You get your people to find out Ma Qianqiu's whereabouts. Once we have accurate information, we'll act," Ye Fan directed.

With the plan in place, Qiu Wen mobilized the Ye Gang to start working.

Ye Fan appeared beside Brother Zhu and Qian Wuchang.

The two, who were originally seated, became immediately jittery, stood up straight, and looked at Ye Fan with great respect. They had only recently learned about the true identity of the Ye Gang's leader and were now quite anxious to meet him in person.

"B-b-boss, please, please have a seat," the two stammered, hurriedly offering a seat.

Ye Fan was the boss of Ye Gang; their calling him 'Boss' was a way to gain some face, imagining themselves as his subordinates. In truth, they really wanted to be part of Ye Gang, but compared to those who were already established within Ye Gang, they were significantly inferior.

Despite having their own influence, they were no match for Ye Gang.

"Sit down," Ye Fan instructed casually after taking a seat.

Brother Zhu and Qian Wuchang exchanged a glance, too timid to sit down. Sitting with the mastermind behind Ye Gang seemed beyond their courage and qualification.

"Boss, if you have any orders, just command us; I'll stand and wait for instructions," Brother Zhu offered, straightening his posture.

"Me too, I'll just stand here," Qian Wuchang said nervously.

"There are no such formalities, must I compel you to sit?" Ye Fan said calmly.

"No, no, we'll sit, we'll sit right away," they quickly sat down but only perched on the edge of their seats, not fully sitting.

"Brother Zhu," Ye Fan glanced at Brother Zhu, just about to speak when Brother Zhu interrupted, quickly standing up, and fearfully said, "Boss, how could I deserve such respect from you? Just give orders, I'd die ten thousand deaths without regret. Please don't scare me like that."

Brother Zhu was on the verge of tears, his legs trembling.

Qian Wuchang also stood up with Brother Zhu, no longer daring to sit. His expression was a mix of fear and helplessness.

"With such little ambition, how do you plan to mix in this world? I'm not going to eat you; why are you so afraid?" Ye Fan said helplessly.

"Boss, with your status, you can't be unaware of it."

"The dignified leader of Ye Gang, ruling over Dongfang City's underworld; if you so much as stomp your foot, we would tremble three times, wondering if a storm is brewing or rain is coming."

"In front of you, we are not even worth mentioning. If you were to order us around, we would be more comfortable. But when you're courteous, we genuinely feel afraid."

Brother Zhu and Qian Wuchang wiped their cold sweat, their backs chilled, and spoke with trepidation.

It's not that the two are ingrates; it's just that in the underworld, their status compared to Ye Fan is worlds apart.

They had every reason to be nervous.

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