Black Stone Gang!
A sharp glint flashed in Li Feng’s eyes. The last time Yu Ping was kidnapped, Lin Sheng’s helpers were from the Black Stone Gang. What a coincidence that he’d cross paths with them again. But how could someone like Liu Shichao be collaborating with the Black Stone Gang?
After rescuing Yu Ping, Li Feng had specifically investigated the underground forces in Tianhai City. There were three major factions, all powerful and not to be trifled with, each with thousands of core members and tens of thousands of peripheral ones. Among them, the Black Stone Gang was the strongest.
The Black Stone Gang was an old faction, standing in Tianhai City for decades, with deeply entrenched influence. They primarily dealt in arms, controlling eighty percent of the country’s underground arms trade. Their leader, Yuwen, was the second boss of the gang, a formidable figure who had single-handedly unified a fractured Black Stone Gang years ago. Known as Master Wen, he was highly respected and held great prestige.
Would such a gang, led by the cunning Master Wen, collaborate with a playboy like Liu Shichao?
The Liu family was indeed prominent in Tianhai City, but compared to the Black Stone Gang, one of the city’s three major underground forces, they were far inferior. If the Black Stone Gang wanted a partnership, they’d deal with the Liu family, not a wastrel like Liu Shichao.
“Young Master Feng, this is your only chance to raise funds. The Black Stone Gang’s underground money lender is safe and reliable. Just mortgage your Xiangfeng Investment shares to them, and you’ll get ten billion in three days. Then you can start a company with Young Master Liu,” Li Quan said.
“What about the interest? When do I repay it?”
“Three percent interest, repay the principal and interest in a year,” Li Quan explained, worried Li Feng wouldn’t understand. “Young Master Feng, three percent is high, but that’s how underground money lenders work. Without high interest, they can’t survive. As long as you repay the principal and interest in a year, it’s fine.”
“What if I can’t repay it?”
Three percent interest on ten billion meant three hundred sixty million in interest alone per year. That was worse than a loan shark. Even Li Feng was stunned by the rate.
“Young Master Feng, don’t you trust Young Master Liu’s abilities? He’s a top graduate in economics and management, running companies for years. All his companies are thriving. This time, he says it’s a high-profit venture, at least tenfold in a year. No need to worry about making money,” Li Quan said with a smile.
Li Feng sneered inwardly. He didn’t know Liu Shichao’s capabilities, but even with Hu Yuanyuan’s skills, guaranteeing tenfold returns in a year was impossible. Liu Shichao wasn’t like him, coming from centuries in the future with advanced knowledge.
Guaranteed profits? Hmph. If he really partnered with Liu, the ten billion would probably vanish in three days, and his Xiangfeng Investment shares would end up in the Black Stone Gang’s hands.
“Young Master Feng, what do you think?” Li Quan looked at him expectantly.
“If that’s the case, let’s give it a try. Li Quan, arrange a meeting with Young Master Liu and the underground money lender’s person in charge. I want to talk with them properly,” Li Feng said, not refusing. Since he was going to play along, he had no reason to back out.
“I knew Young Master Feng would agree. But, Young Master Feng, until the company starts making money, don’t tell your parents about the underground money lender. Once you’re successful, you can surprise them,” Li Quan urged repeatedly as he left.
Li Feng’s gaze was icy. This time, let’s see who outplays whom.
…
United States, Microsoft Headquarters, President’s Office.
Bill sat at his desk, sipping milk while reviewing emails. As Microsoft’s president, he had an immense workload daily. Even with a team of over a dozen elite secretaries, many tasks still required his attention.
Bill was highly efficient, finishing ten emails and making several calls before his cup of milk was done.
Though busy, he enjoyed the feeling. As the world’s richest man, he didn’t work for money but for the joy of it.
Just then, an email caught his attention, one from China.
Reading it, Bill’s expression shifted from initial disdain and disbelief to surprise, shock, and incredulity.
His reaction drew the attention of his secretary, Lux, who had been with him for ten years and knew him better than anyone. She’d never seen such a range of emotions on his face. What had happened? Was someone trying to acquire Microsoft?
“Get Jackson,” Bill’s voice snapped Lux out of her thoughts, startling her. Jackson was Microsoft’s technical director. Why was the president calling him now? Was it a technical issue? Had something gone wrong with Microsoft’s products?
Though she wondered, Lux didn’t hesitate and quickly called the technical department.
Soon, Jackson, Microsoft’s technical director, arrived at the president’s office.
“President, you called for me?” Jackson was slightly annoyed. As technical director, he had a lot on his plate. He’d been dealing with a technical glitch, and if it weren’t the president calling, he’d have ignored it with his temper.
Bill didn’t speak, just pushed his laptop toward Jackson.
Jackson glanced at Bill, puzzled, noticing his unprecedentedly grave expression. His heart skipped a beat. Had something happened, something technical, or why else call him?
Looking down at the laptop, he saw an email on the screen. Though confused, given Bill’s expression, he didn’t ask questions and read on.
But soon, Jackson’s face changed, muttering in disbelief, “How is this possible?”
Without hesitation, he leaned over the laptop and started working.
Half an hour later, Jackson looked up. “President, this is a groundbreaking invention. It could transform the entire computer industry. We must secure this technology, or it’ll be a fatal blow to Microsoft.”
Bill nodded gravely. “So this technology is real?”
“Yes, and the critical parts are specially encrypted, impossible to replicate. If we try to copy it, the whole system will collapse,” Jackson confirmed.
Bill nodded. “I didn’t expect China to have such an expert. Jackson, do you think we can secure this technology?”
“We can, but it’ll come at a steep cost.”
Bill said gravely, “Jackson, this is critical. Go to China immediately. We can’t afford to fail, no matter the cost.”
