Chapter 493: Lay Out
The 11th was a red-letter day and the sun was shining brightly, while the atmosphere seemed to be filled with a cheerful and merry mood. After Tang Xiu drove away from South Gate Town, he went straight to the Magnificent Tang Corp's General HQ. However, he was quite helpless, because the four security guards at the entrance didn't recognize him at all.
"Sir, you cannot get in without a working card. If you're really looking for someone here, please contact that person and let him come out to pick you up. You can then go inside after registering. I hope you can cooperate and help us do our work, Sir," said a middle-aged security guard, who stood straight with a serious expression on his straight face.
"This is probably the second time I got stopped at the door of my own company. Anyhow, I won't make things difficult for you since you're so dedicated to your duty. I'll call Kang Xia and let her speak with you," said Tang Xiu with a wry smile.
Kang Xia? The General Manager?
The four security guards looked surprised. Suddenly, they realized what Tang Xiu just said. This place was his own company?
Tang Xiu dialed Kang Xia's phone, saying that he got stopped at the entrance. Amidst Kang Xia's laughter, he gave the phone to the security guard in front of him.
A short while after, the security guard's expression turned into that of shock, then repeatedly nodded. Following that, he gave the phone back to Tang Xiu with a respectful manner and said, "Boss, please forgive us. We didn't know who you were before."
Tang Xiu patted his shoulder and smilingly said, "No worries. You did a good job. If you were to allow me inside without knowing who I am, then I would have questioned your ability and professionalism. Keep up the good work and the Magnificent Tang Corporation will surely treat you fairly."
Having said that, he stepped inside under the security guards' excited gazes. The business building and area now belonged entirely to the Magnificent Tang Corp. as its home office, yet Tang Xiu didn't know what method Kang Xia used, nor did he know how much money she spent. Shortly put, all the companies that were originally stationed in this edifice had all been moved out.
"Well, how was it, Boss? How does it feel not being allowed to enter your own building?"
Just as Tang Xiu came out of the elevator, he saw Kang Xia outside, smiling and looking happy. There was also Andy with her, whose eyes were especially bright. Nevertheless, Kang Xia's comment made Tang Xiu squeeze out a wry smile yet again.
Shortly after, the trio then came to the General Manager Office. After Kang Xia gave up her seat to Tang Xiu, she placed a stack of documents on the table and said, "Boss, some of these documents contain information about the financial state of our Magnificent Tang Corp since we started making profits. A few others are about the forces that have dispatched their investigation teams aimed at our Magnificent Tang Corp. Please have a look at them first, then we'll have a discussion about that."
Nodding in response, Tang Xiu then pointed to the sofa at the corner and said, "Please wait for me there. I'll read them first."
After a full two hours, Tang Xiu had finished reading all the information Kang Xia gave him. He got up and walked to the sofa in front of Kang Xia and Andy, and then sat down. After lighting a cigarette and taking a puff, he said, "The income of our company is quite good. At present our pockets can be considered to be quite plenty. Anyhow, there's something that piqued my curiosity, though. That is about those dozens company that used to be stationed in this edifice. What means did you employ to get them out?"
"Well, shortly put, benefits are prime motives," said Kang Xia with a chuckle. "Everyone comes due to profits and prosperity, and it is also commonly believed that another motive for people's activities in many cases is to seek reputation and the like. Thus, in this case, benefits, personal connections, and circumstances played their roles. I offered them a batch of Gods Nectar. That was what made them willing to move out."
Giving her a thumbs up, Tang Xiu praised, "Making you work for me and give your best for the company was truly the right choice. Anyhow, let us not talk about the financial affairs now. I've read all the information on the forces against our company. As of tonight, there will be a group of experts coming to Star City. I will need to make some arrangements, and then solve all those people."
"How are you going to solve them?" Asked Kang Xia, doubtful.
"I'll make them vanish from the world," said Tang Xiu lightly.
"Are you going to kill them all, Boss?" Asked Kang Xia quickly, shocked.
"Nah, killing them is not a good idea," said Tang Xiu, shaking his head. "I'm preparing to pack them up and send them out of the country and quietly have them work at a mining area in Africa for several years. We will only let them go several years later, after the Magnificent Tang Corp possess plenty of power and capital. When that time comes, they will not be a threat to us anymore."
"I don't think this is a good idea," Kang Xia hesitated. "After all, if we only capture a group, others will keep coming at us. This method is nothing but a temporary solution that doesn't touch the root of the problem."
"Hence, like I said, I have to arrange something in advance. There's a saying that a fox can assume and borrow the strength and majesty of a tiger. You should understand that, right? If these forces think that we have the country involved, will they still dare to continue acting so rampant? Our products, on the other hand, will also be exported outside the country in the future, so I must also lay a few preparations in advance as well. Whoever dares to touch the Magnificent Tang Corp will have to suffer grave consequences, regardless of who they are."
With a thoughtful look, Kang Xia nodded and smiled, "All right. I'm quite relieved since you're handling the matter, Boss."
"Don't flatter me, alright?" Tang Xiu chuckled. "For now, immediately tell all the top executives of our company that the Italian Mafia Syndicate—Cubo Clan, and the United States' Brauns Group have been trying to buy them. I need to talk with them."
Kang Xia complied with the instruction and immediately took out her phone.
A few minutes later, four middle-aged men and women came to the General Manager's office. When they saw Tang Xiu there, their eyes immediately lit up and turned excited. Prior to this, these top executives had been restless and uneasy inside, afraid of those people who had been trying to buy them, yet they couldn't get a satisfactory answer from the company as for how to respond. But now, since the very Boss himself unexpectedly showed up, it was evident that he would act to solve this problem.
"Boss!" The four respectfully greeted.
"I remember all of you. Aside from Supervisor Yu Sasha, the three of you also attended our Magnificent Tang Corp's celebration party. That time you were all fighting against those troublemakers, too. For the case this time, I also learned from Kang Xia that you all have done a very good job in responding to the matter. That's great! I'm very happy to have dedicated senior executives like you all."
Upon hearing Tang Xiu call out her name, Yu Sasha smilingly said, "I did join in the fight that time, Boss. I used a wine bottle to smash them!"
Tang Xiu laughed, "You're great! Anyhow, there is an important task I want to give you. I just don't know whether you dare to accept it!"
"What task is it, Boss?" Asked Yu Sasha curiously.
"I'll give you a stack information for you to sell to those guys. After you get the money, tell them that some people from the State Special Department are currently eyeing them, so they must quickly leave after they get what they want," said Tang Xiu.
The four executives exchanged dismayed looks. None of them understood why would Tang Xiu plan such a thing.
Seeing their confusion, Tang Xiu smiled lightly and said, "Relax! The information is fake; it's main purpose is to make them confused. Additionally, I need them to spread out the news to their homeland that our State Special Department is involved in this matter."
"Are you trying to scare them out, Boss?" Asked Yu Sasha. "If they find that the information is fake, won't they be angered and retaliate against us?"
"I have something up my sleeve; they will never retaliate. I came this time exactly to solve this trouble and make sure it ends here, so that our Magnificent Tang Corp can enter its development track faster."
"We'll do it, Boss!" Said a middle-aged man executive seriously.
"However much you can sell this information for, all of the money will belong to you. I hope you can seize this opportunity," said Tang Xiu with a smile.
"Really?"
The four looked surprised. It was commonly known that men would die for riches, just as birds would die for food. Those people attempting to buy them had offered them quite a huge amount of money, so they were absolutely willing to take risks if that money would belong to them. What was more, it was not betrayal and was only a means to deal with the enemy. Thus, they would have no psychological burden nor have a guilty conscience in doing so.
****
At noon.
Inside a certain guest room at the Long's Dining Hall in Star City, two executives of the Cubo Clan were standing calmly before the window, observing the movements outside the room. There were also four burly men in black suits standing on both sides of the door with serious expressions on their faces, looking like a pair of bodyguards.
"Big Brother, do you think that Supervisor from the Magnificent Tang Corp will really sell the Gods Nectar formula to us? There are only five minutes left to the appointment, yet she hasn't appeared till now," Alessandro furrowed his brows deeply as his eyes kept scanning the entrance below.
Ashberford grimly smiled, "She must know how frightening we are. Now that she has promised to cooperate with us, I'm pretty sure she will bring what we want."
"What if she deceives us and gives a fake? We're getting the formula for the Gods Nectar, but we can't verify the authenticity of the formula at all," said Alessandro with a doubtful expression.
"She will never dare!" Said Ashberford. "The Chinese have a saying that one must do or give something in return for the money that has been received. Now that she dared to receive our money, she will never dare to sell a fake; she cannot afford to face our anger. Unless she doesn't want to live any longer."
Alessandro nodded, "You're right. We, the Cubo Clan, have always been the ones bullying others. Not the other way around. Anyone who dares to trick our people only has one fate, death! However, there's something I don't understand. That woman refused our offer previously, why would she suddenly change her mind now?"
"People will die for money like birds will for food," said Ashberford with a sneer. "She may be a bit timid, but she changed her mind after considering it for a few days. Besides, the amount of money we promised her is enough for her to travel to any city in the world. Pretty much enough to enjoy a comfortable life for her lifetime, mind you."
"Yeah, that makes sense. I… Oh, she's coming," Alessandro suddenly looked at the entrance below as his eyes lit up.
"I see her, too. Our people are already waiting for her and will bring her here. Prepare the money now. We'll transfer it into her account after we get the formula. I'm hella sure that she will go to some far and remote place after she gets the money. Those fucking bastards from the Magnificent Tang Corp will definitely be bewildered, since they will never expect that their Gods Nectar formula has actually fallen into our hands," said Ashberford.
Alessandro laughed, "If the composition in this formula enable us able to brew and produce Gods Nectar, our clan will definitely be benefited greatly. By then, your campaign to become the godfather of our clan will be easy, big brother."
Chapter 494: Variables
A happy smile fully covered Ashberford's rough face. He was already fantasizing about what he'd do when he became the godfather of the clan.
There was a time in the past when their clan controlled a lot of grey businesses in Italy, among which were business that posed risks. In recent years, due to the intentions of his father to reduce their number of grey businesses, they began to massively invest in honest businesses.
Therefore, after they appraised the Gods Nectar that was touted as the best wine in the world through a "special" channel, they immediately decided to contact the Magnificent Tang Corp in an attempt to get exclusive rights for selling it in the Italy market. The result made them disappointed, however, since the Magnificent Tang Corp didn't want to cooperate with them at all.
It left them with no choice, as his father's orders were akin to imperial orders. Hence, he had to obtain the Gods Nectar's formula either by hook or crook. Since the Magnificent Tang Corp didn't want to cooperate with them, they might as well produce the wine themselves.
Ashberford was a particularly astute person, yet he was proud and conceited. He could smell enormous profits from Gods Nectar through the sales figure of the Magnificent Tang Corp. If they could get this wine for their Cubo Clan, their clan would have their wealth multiplied within several years; even their clan's strength would be enhanced further.
Such a result would aid him in running for the position of the clan's godfather.
Knock, knock…
The door was knocked. Ashberford strode forward and opened the door himself. After seeing Yu Sasha standing outside, a bright smile appeared on his rough face, as he gentlemanly said, "Welcome, Miss Yu. Please come inside."
After Yu Sasha entered the room, she directly opened the conversation, "I got some problems. The formula for the Gods Nectar can't be handed over to you for now. But rest assured that I will give it to you after you've transferred the money into my account."
Ashberford's face changed. Though he was quite upset, he tried to restrain himself and asked, "May I know what kind of problem it is?"
Yu Sasha stayed silent for a moment before answering, "Last night, the Magnificent Tang Corp.'s General Manager contacted someone from China Special Department. And now the entire Magnificent Tang Corp is under the protection of the country. If not for me getting the Gods Nectar's formula ahead of time, I would have no means to get it now."
The Chinese Government?
There was a look of fear in Ashberford's eyes. He knew perfectly well the situation in China. It would be very troublesome once the government got involved in this matter. Nevertheless, he secretly rejoiced inside because of Yu Sasha's boldness and intelligence by getting the Gods Nectar's formula ahead of time.
"Miss Yu, I believe you have figured out what kind of existence our Cubo Clan is in these last few days. I don't want to threaten you, but you should already know the fate of whoever deceives us. Give me your account number, I'll order someone to transfer the money to you now."
After thinking for a while, Yu Sasha finally told Ashberford her account number with a firm expression. The bank account she gave him, however, was not from a Chinese bank, but from a bank in Switzerland.
Several minutes later, a middle-aged man who was sitting in front of a laptop looked up and spoke to Ashberford, "Boss, this Swiss bank account is newly approved, but the name and the information are more or less the same as hers."
"That's quite a smart move, Miss Yu," said Ashberford with a laugh. "A Swiss bank may disclose some information pertaining to their clients, but most of it remains confidential. Anyhow, we have just transferred the money to this account. It's impossible for others to know that you suddenly have a huge sum of money in your account. Even if you continue working for the Magnificent Tang Corp, there won't be no danger at all if you keep your shoes dry."
"Regardless of that, we—Chinese have a saying that it's better to make a ship that can last for all time," replied Yu Sasha.
Giving her a thumbs up, Ashberford then turned his head and said, "Transfer the money to her."
"Copy that!" The middle-aged man sitting before the laptop immediately inputted a string of account numbers, and then began the transferring process via online banking. Two minutes later, 10 million USD had been transferred to Yu Sasha's account.
"Miss Yu, the money has already been transferred to you. When will you give me the Gods Nectar formula?" Asked Ashberford.
"I've taken quite a risk coming here today. It wasn't easy for me, either, because the top executives of my company are under surveillance by the people from the State Special Department. Hence, meeting during the day won't do. But I'll be at the Star City's River Street Old District at 12 o'clock tonight. I'll be waiting at the entrance of the supermarket with the Gods Nectar formula."
Ashberford nodded, "Do you mind if I send people to secretly follow you? Besides, we have already given you 10 million USD. It will be very troublesome for us if you run away, you know."
"Feel free to follow me if you want to," said Shasha lightly. "But I gotta warn you, though. Once I return to the Magnificent Tang Corp I will probably be under tight surveillance from the Chinese officials. It's best not to send people to follow me if you don't want yourself to get exposed."
"Got it. I know the situation and what to do," said Ashberford.
Yu Sasha didn't say anything more after that. She straightly left the room and vanished very quickly at the entrance of the Long's Dining Hall.
Meanwhile, the same course of the events was also taking place in another 5-star hotel ten kilometers away from there. Only, the buyer this time was not the Cubo Clan, but the person-in-charge of the Brauns Group from the United States. Certainly, a company as wealthy as the Brauns Group offered a higher price. They offered 20 million USD to buy the formulas of the Gods Nectar, Skin Care Lotion, and Scar Removal Cream.
****
Dusk arrived. Inside an auto garage shop on the River Street of Old District of Star City, more than a hundred experts of the Everlasting Feast Hall had quietly arrived there. The entire site was full of people, yet nobody spoke.
Among these people, except a dozen or so core experts of the Everlasting Feast Hall, the rest were all peripheral members. They might not be as strong as the core experts, but they were still many times more powerful than common people.
"Boss, Tie Zhongkui is reporting. Ready to accept orders!"
The valiant and powerful Tie Zhongkui finally arrived, as he stood before Tang Xiu and reported respectfully.
Nodding to him, Tang Xiu then said, "Your mission will be quite difficult, since your opponents should be very strong as well. What I'm tasking you with is to capture those people from the Cubo Clan, an Italian mafia syndicate, and the people from the Brauns Group, a United States company, who are currently in Star City. Capture all of them and send them abroad via special means, and then dump them on our mining area in Africa as forced labor. Additionally, send some people to keep them under surveillance there. In the case they are trying to escape, you can kill them."
"Consider it done, Boss," said Tie Zhongkui in a deep voice.
Tang Xiu nodded and took out two sheets of information. Handing them over to Tie Zhongkui, he said, "This is the information on the members of the Italian mafia in Star City, and the other one is on people from the United States company, Brauns Group. All of the names listed in these two documents must be captured. Certainly, this document may not have information on some of them if they haven't been investigated yet. Still, you must find all of them and drag them to the mining area in Africa."
"Affirmative!" Answered Tie Zhongkui respectfully.
Tang Xiu take a quick glance at everyone around, and said, "Twenty of you come with me. There are some arrangements that need to be done separately."
Immediately, 20 seasoned burly men stood under Tie Zhongkui's command.
Following that, Tang Xiu distributed some forged credentials that were made in the afternoon and then said in a deep tone, "Your task is very simple. You all will pose as people from the State Special Department and will appear in the vicinity of the Magnificent Tang Corp. If you guys encounter suspicious persons, do not alert the enemy. Take a look at these photos and memorize their faces. If these four were to appear, do check them out and question them. Do remember that the interrogation must be simple and casual. After that, let them leave."
"Affirmative!" The 20 strong men then memorized Tang Xiu's orders.
With all the arrangements properly placed, each and every one of them vanished from the auto garage shop. However, Tang Xiu didn't leave, but turned and walked into a room next to the repair shop.
"Has everything been arranged properly?" Asked Kang Xia with a smiling face.
"Yeah, everything's done," said Tang Xiu with a nod. "Let's wait until 12 sharp to draw all the fishes in the net."
"Are you not going to follow them?" Asked Kang Xia.
"If I still have follow them for such a trivial matter, then they are useless," Tang Xiu shook his head. "Relax! These core members of the Everlasting Feast Hall are the cream of the crop. They will definitely be able to deal with this issue easily, for they have done this many times already. I, however, am now thinking about another issue."
"What is it?" Asked Kang Xia, confused.
"It's about the people from Japan," answered Tang Xiu.
"Ah, about that Yamamoto Family from Japan. They did send people, requesting a cooperation with our Magnificent Tang Corp, but I rejected them," said Kang Xia. "There have been no other movements from them until now, though."
"I already know the situation on their side. The young lady of the Yamamoto Family, Kuwako Yamamoto, is someone under me. She received an order two days ago, assigning her to command a group of experts and come to Star City. Their purpose is the same as the Cubo Clan and Brauns Group. They are preparing to buy the top executives of our company and steal the formulas of our products."
"Oh!! When did you turn Kuwako Yamamoto into one of ours, Boss?" Asked Kang Xia, astonished.
"About a few months ago!" Said Tang Xiu.
"Is she reliable?" Asked Kang Xia again, looking worried. "It's not like I'm discriminating or something, but her people are… I'm afraid that…"
"Nah, don't worry about it. Her life is in my hands, so she will never dare to betray me," Tang Xiu waved his hand. "Besides, she also has another identity. She's the future Master of Japan's Northstar One Blade School. And I have the intention to nurture and train her well since I will use her as a springboard to control the authority and wealth of some organizations in Japan."
Knowing Tang Xiu well, Kang Xia knew that she didn't need to be worried since he was so sure about it, though she was clueless about what method Tang Xiu had employed.
"Boss, since Kuwako Yamamoto is one of us, then what exactly are you worried about?"