Chapter 453: The Quarrel Between Laugh and Tears
Like the proverb says, all the hustle and bustle in this world is for money.
Nevertheless, what Tang Xiu didn't expect was that the security guard of this upscale villa complex was so easily bought. Just for a mere 20 thousand yuan, he told the paparazzi his cell phone number and specific address.
As always, people have their own will.
Deeply sighing inside, Tang Xiu's eyes shifted to Chi Nan, "How did the villa complex' office-holder deal with the security guard?"
"He's been fired. This is the most they can do," said Chi Nan.
"Now that the information about me has already been spread, they only have the option to do that." Tang Xiu nodded. "And what about the reporter?"
"He has been arrested under criminal charges of breaking into private residence and persistent—aggressive photography of other's privacy. As of now, the police have contacted the owner of villa #11, asking them to check and see if there's anything missing from their villa," said Chi Nan.
Tang Xiu narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile, "Is there someone from the police guarding villa #11 presently?"
"Yes, there are also the villa complex' security guards." Chi Nan nodded.
"I'm giving you a task. Sneak into villa #11 without being noticed by the police and security guards and steal some valuables," Tang Xiu nodded. "Since that paparazzi quite notorious, just make him stay in prison for several years."
Chi Nan's eyes turned bright. She immediately nodded and left.
Several minutes after, Chi Nan came back through the wall, and handed Tang Xiu a box. Smiling, she said, "It's done, Boss. I got the safe out. There wasn't much cash, but there were quite a lot of gold and silver jewelry and precious stones. Ah, right, I also found several interesting things."
"What interesting items?" asked Tang Xiu, confused.
While pointing to the black box, Chi Nan replied, "The items are in there. You can have a look at them, Boss."
Tang Xiu opened the box and directly dropped everything inside on the coffee table. Aside from several stacks of hundred dollar notes, many items were jewelry made of gold and silver. There were even several diamonds with five carats, at least.
Regardless, these things didn't interest Tang Xiu. What made him really interested was several other items. A sharp dagger, a small exquisite silver pistol, nylon rope, night-vision goggles, a set of special unlocking tools, and two black night-walk suits.
"Could it be that the owner of Villa #11 is a thief or something?"
Looking at a loss whether he had to cry or laugh, Tang Xiu couldn't help but comment.
"I think it's highly likely." Ouyang Lulu said, "Otherwise, how can there be unlocking tools there? Judging from the material quality of these tools… it's rather extravagant; it's actually made of gold. This set of unlocking tools, I suppose, can be converted into millions of yuan according to the present gold exchange price."
"Whatever he is, if the police were to find these things he'll be in trouble." Tang Xiu chuckled. "I'll help him deal with this! After paparazzi has been sentenced, I'll find the time to give these things back to him."
"Do you have further orders, Boss?" asked Chi Nan.
"No." Tang Xiu waved his hand and answered, "You can go back to your work!"
While gazing at the leaving Chi Nan, Ouyang Lulu grinned as she touched the diamonds on the coffee table. With swift reaction, Tang Xiu knocked her hand back and said with a smile, "Don't touch these things. I may not be a good person, but since the owner hasn't offended me, these things must be returned to him. If you like diamonds, buy it yourself."
"But, I have no money!" Ouyang Lulu spoke in a pitifully and downcast way.
"You have no money?" Tang Xiu rolled his eyes. "You are the famous and rich young lady Ouyang Lulu, how can you have no money? What joke are you playing, girl?"
She took out her wallet showed it to Tang Xiu, saying, "You see, there are six bank cards in my wallet, yet the balance added altogether doesn't add up to more than 30 thousand. I'm poor, you know; pitifully poor. I had never been this poor since I started my business when I was 15."
Unconvinced, Tang Xiu asked, "What happened to your money, exactly?"
"Got it all invested," said Ouyang Lulu with a forced smile.
Invested?
Upon hearing it, Tang Xiu suddenly looked spirited, and curiously asked, "What business did you invest in?"
"Not telling you." Ouyang Lulu shook her head. "You'll know in two days."
"Say, Lulu. Do you need to make it so mystifying?" Tang Xiu helplessly said. "Forget it, then. Since you don't wanna say, I don't feel like getting to the bottom of things anymore. Anyways, do you want me to lend you some money?"
"Nope. Not for the time being." Ouyang Lulu shook her head. "I'll naturally find you when I need it, though."
"Alright then. In any case, we're friends, so you don't need to be polite with me." Said Tang Xiu with a nod.
After saying that, he fished out his mobile phone and turned it on.
Ring, ring, ring…
However, less than two minutes after he had just turned it on, the ringtone of his phone sounded.
Tang Xiu looked at the number shown on the screen and saw that it was Jin Xingkui calling him. He immediately accept the call and smilingly said, "Old Brother Jin, are you looking for me?"
"Brother Tang, you finally turned your cell phone on." Jin Xingkui forced a smile. "You see, I've been calling you since yesterday; I called you nearly a hundred times. Anyways, how was it? Does it feel good to be a star?"
"You're joking me, Old Brother Jin," said Tang Xiu helplessly. "I have indeed been turning off my phone these days. I only turned it on occasionally if something happens. Ah, right, your purpose for calling me is…"
"The preparation on my side is done. I'll wait for you to see the site and then wait for your blueprint design," said Jin Xingkui.
After hesitating for a moment, Tang Xiu then said, "Okay! Tell me the address, I'll catch up with you now."
"Then I'll be waiting for you at the intersection of Futian Road and Guangming Road in Jingning District. The site is very close to that place," said Jin Xingkui.
"All right!"
After replying, Tang Xiu hung up the phone and looked at Ouyang Lulu, saying, "There's something I need to do, so I need to go you out…"
"Where are you going?" Asked Ouyang Lulu.
"I recently talked to a friend about a business cooperation. So I'm going to meet him, and survey the site while at it," said Tang Xiu.
"Business cooperation? What kind of business?" Asked Ouyang Lulu in astonishment.
"Real estate!" Tang Xiu smiled.
Upon hearing it, Ouyang Lulu was immediately interested and smilingly said, "I'll go with you then, Tang Xiu. If the architectural blueprints will be designed by you, my Ouyang Family also intends to become a shareholder."
"No can do. The shareholders of this cooperation have already been set." Tang Xiu smilingly said. "Your Ouyang Family have no hope of participating in it. But it's fine if you want to come along, though. Just don't thoughtlessly speak."
"Hmph, my lips are sealed? I'm not going then. Only watching you talk about business and making a fortune; except for being anxious but unable to do anything, what use do I have there anyway?" Ouyang Lulu curled her lips and harrumphed. "Just go by yourself! I'll stay here and wait for Xinya. Besides, she said she'll come immediately after she's done with her things."
"Got no problem with that. Then, you just stay here!" Said Tang Xiu with a nod.
Having said that, he stuffed all the things on the coffee table back into the safe box, and they carried it to the second floor. Just as he entered the study room, his finger flicked anf the safe box was immediately taken into his interspatial ring.
After changing to his everyday clothes, Tang Xiu bade Ouyang Lulu goodbye and left driving his car. An hour later, he reached the appointed place.
"Brother Tang."
Accompanied by a man and a woman, Jin Xingkui had already been waiting on the roadside as he quickly approached and smilingly greeted upon seeing Tang Xiu.
Tang Xiu looked at the man and the woman and smilingly asked, "Who are they, Old Brother Jin?"
"They are my trusted confidantes. They are also responsible for the surveying work of this site." Jin Xingkui smilingly said. "I'll give you the specific measurement data later."
"No problem," said Tang Xiu with a nod.
Quickly, under Jin Xingkui's guidance, Tang Xiu came to a deserted land. He only took a look at it once, and then began to observe the surrounding environment. Then, he found that the site was located in an excellent geographical location, and the transportation in the surrounding was quite convenient as well. There were also bustling commercial blocks and residential areas around it.
If this site was properly utilized, it could definitely rake in money after the development and construction.
"This place is excellent. All right, I decided to invest in this project. Give me a few days and I'll hand over the architectural designs to you. Afterward, we'll begin to discuss the cooperation contract. Once it is finalized, the project implementations are yours to manage, while I'll be sending some people to supervise the project." Tang Xiu seriously spoke.
"Supervise the project?" Jin Xingkui hesitated.
"Take it easy, brother!" Tang Xiu chuckled and said. "The construction of the project is still yours to manage. The supervision I mentioned is only for two aspects. First is pertaining the financial aspect, and second is related to the quality of the construction. They will not affect the construction of the project whatsoever, and they will only report back to me first if they find any problem."
"No problem, then," said Jin Xingkui with a smile.
After saying that, the smile on his face faded. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Brother Tang, there's something, but I don't know whether I should tell you now."
"You can tell me," said Tang Xiu.
"As a matter of fact, my company has encountered some problems lately." Jin Xingkui said. "If we don't solve these problems, I'm afraid it will be very difficult to launch the construction for the project in the near future even though we got your architectural blueprint."
"What problems are you talking about, exactly?" Asked Tang Xiu curiously.
"It's the Jindi Group. Have you heard about them?" Jin Xingkui forced a smile. "They're also a company that mainly engages in real estate business."
"Nope, haven't heard of them." Tang Xiu shook his head.
Jin Xingkui looked distracted, before he immediately nodded and said, "The Jindi Group's Boss is called Ye Wenhe, a rich and overbearing figure. Even though he is pretty much comparable to me, yet we have no time for civilities. We had some contradictions prior, when we struggled to get this project, but it wasn't a problem at first, since it was a normal rivalry for people in the same occupation or industry! However, in order to get this plot of land, there were some conflicts between us. Although this site was finally taken over by me, Ye Wenhe harbored resentment toward me inside. Before I was ready to develop this site, I had, in fact, already made early preparations. Even I some of the construction materials I bought were sent here. Recently, however, a group of youths in the community often came to instigate trouble. So I sent some people to investigate it, and it was found that Ye Wenhe was the one who incited that group of youths to do so."
Chapter 454: A Big Deal
"You meant that, once our project is started, it will also suffer the same problem?" Tang Xiu's brows wrinkled deeply as he faintly asked.
"I'm not 100% sure, but it's highly likely," said Jin Xingkui with a wry smile.
Nodding, Tang Xiu was very satisfied that Jin Xingkui told him this issue now. After all, both sides hadn't truly signed the cooperation contract yet. If he were to hide this issue, it would be quite a hassle once the project launched.
"Let us put away this issue for now. But if this problem arises arises, do let me know, and I'll solve it."
With a happy expression, Jin Xingkui rubbed his hands and said, "I had no choice but telling you about this matter, Brother Tang. Please don't blame me! But if I didn't tell you in advance, just the construction project itself would be delayed later."
"I'm glad you told me about this problem now. Anyways, let us not talk about this matter anymore. Give me the measurement data and survey of this site so I can be prepared after I go back," said Tang Xiu with a smile.
"All right!"
Jin Xingkui motioned for the woman beside him, as she immediately opened her briefcase and handed Tang Xiu a document.
After receiving it, Tang Xiu said, "All right. Then I'll go back first."
"Why don't we lunch together, Brother Tang?" Jin Xingkui quickly asked.
"No, I still have some matters to take care of," replied Tang Xiu while waving his hand.
Afterward, Tang Xiu drove back to Bluestar Villa Complex. Just after he entered the house, he saw Ouyang Lulu and Zhang Xinya walked from the inside while holding hands. There was a smile on their faces, which evidently showed that their mood was quite pleasant.
"Hello, big star! We were wondering whether you'd come for lunch! Anyways, the meal was personally sent by the Everlasting Feast Hall's Manager—Chi Nan, and they are already in the dining room!" Said Zhang Xinya with a smile.
After locking the car's door, Tang Xiu replied with a smile, "Come on. It's you who is a genuine big star, while my unwarranted reputation was due to a strange combination of circumstances. Besides, I don't think anyone will remember me after a few days."
"I dare say it won't happen," Zhang Xinya tenderly smiled. "Anyhow, my visit this time is because I'd like to invite you to be the special guest in my concert tomorrow evening."
"No no no. Please let me out of this, will you?" Tang Xiu hastily waved his hand upon hearing it. "I'm afraid I'll be in the headlines again the next day if I become the special guest in your concert. These days, I've already been living in deep distress, and I'll really go crazy if things continue this way."
"I really don't get it, Tang Xiu. Others would do anything just to become famous. But you're actually repugnant to becoming famous." Zhang Xinya tenderly smiled. "Care to tell me the reason?"
"It's because I like a quiet and tranquil life; I don't like to be the focus of attention wherever I go. I prefer becoming rich without many disturbances in life," said Tang Xiu.
"That idea of yours is kind of peculiar, you know." Zhang Xinya couldn't help chuckled. "But that's fine as well. You can still make a big fortune even if you don't rely on your fame. All right, tycoon Big Boss, shall we have lunch now? I'm afraid the food will become cold if we delay much longer."
"Then let us eat!" Said Tang Xiu with a faint smile.
Accompanied by both good dishes and beauties, Tang Xiu savored as he eat crisply.
After having eaten and drank to his heart's content, the two women picked up the leftovers and cleaned up the dishes. Just as Tang Xiu turned on his mobile, he received dozens of SMSs and missed calls' notifications.
His complexion slightly changed after giving them a cursory look.
Among them were several missed calls and an SMS from Yuan Chuling.
Without a second thought, Tang Xiu dialed Yuan Chuling's cell number and asked in a heavy voice after the call got through, "What happened? How did you get hurt?"
"Some people came over to make trouble when the fitness center was being renovated, and they were in large numbers. Some of the bastards were very strong; we were unable to beat them," replied Yuan Chuling bitterly.
"Where are you now?" Asked Tang Xiu in a deep voice.
"Shanghai First Public Hospital," said Yuan Chuling.
"Tell me your ward number, I'll coming," said Tang Xiu.
Immediately afterward, Tang Xiu walked to the dining room and said in a deep voice, "There's an urgent matter, so I must go out. You can treat this as your house."
Having said that, he ignored their questioning voices. He went straight to the courtyard, started the car, and drove away. After spending half an hour on the road he arrived at Shanghai First Public Hospital. Though it wasn't his first time there, and he also knew the President of the hospital, he didn't call anyone. He went straight to the Inpatient Department's ward on the 6th floor, where Yuan Chuling was being hospitalized.
At this time there were three sickbeds on the ward, where three youths were lying. Aside from Yuan Chuling, who was half-lying, the other two were wearing oxygen masks.
"Tell me about the situation in detail."
With a grim expression, Tang Xiu's vision shifted to Yuan Chuling.
Yuan Chuling's head was wrapped with a gauze and there were traces of blood seeping out. Traces of bloodstains could also be seen on his face, while his arms were also plastered. He looked really bad and miserable.
"Eldest Brother, we were really done in this time." Yuan Chuling said with a bitter expression. "It was because I looked for another construction team for the renovation. Back then I didn't want to hire them because the other party asked a very outrageous price. As a result, a group of people then came to our door the next day. Not only did they obstruct the workers, they also demanded compensation for emotional damage or something. At the end of the day, the disagreement led to a brawl, and now you see that two of my classmates have been injured, their wounds worse than mine."
After taking a deep breath, Tang Xiu asked, "How are their conditions, exactly?"
"Their lives are not in danger; however, they must rest for a few days due to the condition of their injuries. However, our present trouble is about the campus. If by chance the campus takes disciplinary action to punish us due to skipping classes -- or worse, expel us -- we'll really be done for," said Yuan Chuling.
"You don't need to worry about your campus. I'll find someone to help you out with that. Now, tell me about this construction team," said Tang Xiu.
"Eldest Brother, I know that your Kung Fu is good, but don't try looking for them, please," said Yuan Chuling quickly. "Those who hit us are from the construction team, while the rest were only some local rascals. Two or three of them were really strong, and obviously, they knew Kung Fu."
"Cut the crap and just tell me!" Tang Xiu knitted his brows. "You don't need to care about anything else."
Hesitating for a moment, Yuan Chuling then honestly told Tang Xiu what he knew about the other party. Afterward, Tang Xiu stayed in the ward for a while before leaving.
Flames of anger had been ignited inside him.
After coming back from the Immortal World, his first friend, and the one he had the best relationship with, was Yuan Chuling. In the beginning, when he was being bullied at the Star City First High School, Yuan Chuling was always the one who came forward to stand up for him. When he was compelled to move classes, Yuan Chuling was also the only one who unhesitatingly stood out and left with him.
Despite feeling some deep down inside toward the existences of the so-called friends, brothers, and the like... However, for Yuan Chuling, who had pulled him out of the pit of his own heart, he would never sit by and do nothing.
After leaving the hospital, Tang Xiu then drove his car toward the address Yuan Chuling told him -- New Dream Renova Company.
The façade of New Dream Renova Company was quite imposing and stylish. There were two beautiful reception ladies dressed in long skirts at the entrance; they bowed, greeting and expressing best wishes toward the few guests who walked inside.
"Welcome, Sir."
Upon seeing Tang Xiu's arrival, the two women bowed and let out genial smiles.
However, Tang Xiu's face remained detached. After entering New Dream Renova Company's entrance and seeing the luxurious decorations as well as the amicable employees inside, he secretly sneered.
"Hello, Sir. May I ask if there's anything I can do for you?" Said the youth politely after he approached.
"I have a big deal to discuss. I need to talk to your Boss," said Tang Xiu.
The young man looked at him and carefully sized him up. He vaguely felt that Tang Xiu looked somewhat familiar, but he couldn't recall where he had seen him. Immediately nodding, he smilingly said, "If so, please follow me to the VIP room. I'll immediately notify our manager."
Nodding, Tang Xiu then followed the young man to the VIP room. After several minutes of wait, the VIP room's door was pushed open and a well-dress middle-aged man looked at Tang Xiu with a smile on his face, taking several steps forward and smilingly greeting him, "Hello, Sir. I'm the New Dream Renova Company's Manager. You can call me Manager Li. May I ask how I should address you, Sir?"
Tang Xiu waved his hand and replied, "The reason why I waited for you is that the young man's position who brought me here is not high enough. Hence, I had no choice but to directly contact your company's owner. I have a big business deal to discuss, one that perhaps your New Dream Renova Company may not necessarily able to carry it out. Therefore, I need to see and have a private discussion with your Boss in person."
Manager Li slightly frowned. He then probed, "Sir, this big deal, may I know what is it…"
"It's the complete renovation of a luxurious residential area," said Tang Xiu in a deep voice.
Manager Li stared blankly. He then asked once again, "This luxurious residential area you are talking about is…"
"I'll only talk about it with your Boss," said Tang Xiu coldly.
Manager Li fell into silence. Then, he slowly nodded, "Sir, our Boss is currently out. If you must meet him, please wait here. I'll immediately call him when he's back."
"All right!"
Tang Xiu fished out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it up, and took a deep puff before he nodded and replied.
As for Manager Li, he slowly and carefully observed Tang Xiu. Thus, he didn't miss the cigarette smoked by Tang Xiu, as well as the world-class brand watch worn around his wrist. Although he couldn't figure out Tang Xiu's identity, he was certain that Tang Xiu was definitely a rich man for the apparels and world-class brand watch he was wearing; they were things that ordinary people couldn't possess.
After making the call, instead of going straight back to the VIP room, Manager Li quickly rushed to the first floor entrance. There, he looked to his plump Boss who just got off from the car. With a smile on his face, he said, "Boss, the client is very young, but he seems to be a rich man. I know that from the watch on his wrist; it should be worth several million yuan."