_1Bai Xuechao thought for a moment and said, "I think this is a good opportunity to cut ties. We should let go, delegate authority, and let them make a fuss. Then we'll take the chance to consolidate the industry on our side."
"Don't you think this is also a great investment opportunity?" Xiao Ming said.
"Down south, it's not just the river sand business that's vacant now, but also docks, shipping, building materials, and other related enterprises. If handled correctly, it's easy to earn millions more in profits each year."
Bai Xuechao shook her head, "Mr. Xiao can rest assured, I love money, but I'm not so greedy as to lose my senses.
"The industries you're talking about are almost all entwined with the underworld. If I get involved in those, what's the point of losing four million on pork?"
Xiao Ming finally smiled again, "Good, you can resist the temptation to expand. This shows you truly want to get out, and my efforts haven't been in vain."𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
Bai Xuechao pursed her lips with a light smile, filled his wine glass, and her demeanor did not carry the slightest hint of being a domineering older sister. She was gentle and charming.
"As for letting go and delegating authority, that's not enough," Xiao Ming continued, "You should encourage them, even give them financial support.
"But at the same time, you must keep a close eye on their actions. The moment you spot any signs of trouble, you must report it immediately."
"Ah?" Liu Jianqiang opened his mouth wide, "This... wouldn't this mean asking Sister Bai to betray her loyalty and be a traitor?"
Xiao Ming sneered, "Do you think you can really become a Buddha on the spot just by putting down the butcher's knife? Thinking you can clean up your act without a price to pay? There's no such cheap deal in the world.
"The pork money is for buying a way out, and reporting is a show of loyalty. With both strategies in place, you may actually manage to escape the life quickly.
"Moreover, those people's actions are already a blatant betrayal of Xuechao. They do the first, you do the fifteenth. It's tit for tat. What's wrong with that?"
Liu Jianqiang was rendered speechless, his expression clearly showing he was not yet accepting."
Xiao Ming was not surprised by this.
Although Liu Jianqiang wasn't a good bird, having done his fair share of bad deeds, he was nonetheless a traditional man in the underworld, placing great value on loyalty.
It was for this reason that he had not avoided this man, otherwise, he would not have said those words just now.
"As long as you do these two things well, those above will see your resolve. If anyone still troubles you, tell me. I will find a way to help you.
"In short, if you want a brighter future, just obediently follow my plan.
"Given our history, I would certainly not harm you."
After finishing the serious conversation, Xiao Ming finally turned his attention to Gu Xiangmeng, who had been silent all along.
"Mengmeng."
"Ah?"
Startled, Gu Xiangmeng dropped her chopsticks.
"Are you okay? You're so distracted. And your face is so red. Do you have a fever?"
Hearing his concern for her, Gu Xiangmeng felt sweet inside and shook her head, "I... I'm fine."
Her voice was no louder than a mosquito's hum.
Xiao Ming frowned, "How come you've become shy after only a few days of school? Where's that fierce spirit from before, when you would dare to stab and bite?
"Let me tell you, I sent you to study for a diploma and learn vocal music because I plan to make you a big star. Facing the spotlight every day in the future, the demure nature of Lin Daiyu won't do."
"What? You want Gu Xiangmeng to enter show business?" Bai Xuechao asked in surprise, and Gu Xiangmeng also raised her face.
"Nonsense! Why else would I specifically have her learn vocal music, if not to display her at home as a life-sized music box for my amusement?" Xiao Ming said, "Mengmeng's voice is pleasant and ethereal, a natural gift. She is also beautiful. It would be a waste for her not to enter the entertainment industry.
"I asked you to shut down the freelance modeling agency and switch it to an entertainment media company for this reason.
"In the future, Mengmeng will be your trump card, and the boost you'll need for your rise. You must treat her well, understand?"
"Who are you to decide my future? I don't want to be any damn star!"
Suddenly, Gu Xiangmeng stood up and ran out.
Xiao Ming looked baffled, "Is that girl off her meds or what?"
Thinking of something, Bai Xuechao gave a bitter smile and said, "It's nothing. Women can get irritable for a few days every month. You shouldn't mind it. I'll talk to her later."
What could Xiao Ming do? He could only grumble a few words before wrapping up the dinner party.
Having drunk quite a bit, Bai Xuechao had Liu Jianqiang, with his underlings, drive Xiao Ming home.
When Xiao Ming got out of the car and was about to enter the building, two men blocked his way. On the stairs sat a bare-chested bald man, burly and coarse, nonchalantly picking at the dirt under his fingernails with a switchblade.
"Are you Xiao Ming?" he asked without even lifting his eyelids.
"That's me," Xiao Ming nodded. "What can I do for you gentlemen?"
The bald man stood up and walked down slowly, "It's not us who have business, but you've got yourself into trouble.
"Someone sent us to have a little chat with you."
Xiao Ming arched an eyebrow, "Who sent you?"
"Hey! Are you stupid or something?"
The bald man slapped Xiao Ming's face with the flat of the blade, "Instead of asking pointless questions, you better start worrying about yourself! Piss me off, and you're in for a world of hurt."
"Alright then!" Xiao Ming sighed, "Who are you? And who do you roll with?"
The bald man smiled arrogantly, "Listen up, my name is Ma Biao. People in the underworld call me Biao. I run the whole of North City."