“But if that happens… and Thorin gets into this situation, given his greed, will he be satisfied with just five percent? He’ll slowly infiltrate… and very quickly! I don’t want all the great things I’ve done to end up benefiting someone else!” I was a little annoyed.
“But don’t forget, you also have leverage,” Yang Wei smiled. “Your leverage is the drug supply. It will take at least two years for the drug plantations in South America to recover! Two years!! During these two years, Sorin can only get drugs from the supply you provide! I know that the drugs you give him are all supplied by the Asian conglomerate, and that’s your leverage. If Sorin pushes you too hard, you can ally with the Asian conglomerate and have them cut off Sorin’s drug supply. Sorin won’t want to see such turmoil. So, for the next two years, he won’t dare to break ties with you… But after two years, it’s hard to say. After two years, the South American plantations will have resumed production, and then Sorin won’t need to rely on you for his drug supply…” Yang Wei concluded, “Otherwise, do you think Sorin would be so easy to talk to? Seeing such a big piece of meat in his mouth and not taking a bite? He has no choice but to try to get as much as possible. You must use these two years to strengthen yourself as quickly as possible. The stronger you are, the greater your chances of self-preservation in the future. After two years, if you are strong enough, Sorin won’t dare to do anything to you.”
“Easier said than done…sigh.” I sighed, “But this is North America! It’s a white world. I’m Chinese, I have yellow skin and black hair, and I’m different from all those white people. It’s so incredibly difficult for a Chinese person to succeed here.”
“Difficulty makes it challenging,” Yang Wei said with a smile, a strength in her eyes. “Back then, didn’t my family gradually rise up amidst the covetous eyes of those around us?”
Seeing my furrowed brows, Yang Wei suddenly smiled: "Besides the drug supply as leverage... perhaps you can think of other ways... um... for example, that princess might be a breakthrough for you."
I laughed exaggeratedly: "You're not suggesting I use my good looks to seduce you, are you?"
Yang Wei smiled: "I didn't say that, but you can think of other ways to use the princess to restrain old Thorin."
"And what about you? What's your uncle's attitude?" I asked Yang Wei.
Yang Wei's face turned solemn. She shook her head helplessly: "Chen Yang, don't be naive... Do you think my uncle would give up five percent to Sorin? He won't give up something he bought at such a high price. So, even if you agree to us selling the shares, my uncle won't be willing to sell. He just doesn't want to offend Sorin right now... so he has no choice but to push you to the forefront. Let me be frank, my uncle means that he hopes I can persuade you to make concessions and sell five percent to Sorin. As for our Yang family's shares, he won't give up a single penny."
My face darkened... because it was clear they were bullying the weak! Indeed, among the three forces, I was the weakest!
Yang Wei noticed the change in my expression and said softly, "Alright, let me tell you too. There's nothing we can do about this situation. Don't resent my uncle... This is business. From my personal standpoint, I will try my best to help you. Of course, that's on the premise of not harming our family's interests."
She paused for a moment, then said softly, "Xiao Wu, I'm sorry, but in this matter, I had no choice!"
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 103: Yang Wei's Scheme
As we stepped out of the airport, we saw Thorin's men waiting to pick us up. There was a stretched Lincoln limousine and bodyguards in black suits.
This time, Yang Wei and I came to Toronto without bringing many people with us. I only brought Hammer as usual. And Yang Wei was naturally accompanied by her black bodyguard, Hansen.
Once I got into that stretch Lincoln, I finally breathed a sigh of relief... This time, the princess didn't come to pick me up after all.
"Don't worry, your status is different now. Before, you were just a lackey, but now you're at least a local tyrant. Thorin won't allow his daughter to run wild anymore." Yang Wei, being Yang Wei, quickly saw through my thoughts.
This time, Sorin didn't arrange for us to stay at the lakeside resort. Instead, he put us in a five-star hotel in the city center that has been around for half a century. Although I still prefer staying in the lakeside villa, the person who greeted us told me that it was currently undergoing maintenance. However, tonight we will be going to Mr. Sorin's estate to have dinner with him.
“It seems Thorin doesn’t intend to see us right away.” I smiled.
Yang Wei shrugged: "Don't worry, Sorin is a smart man... Well, he actually wants to give me more time to persuade you. Because, in reality, Sorin is using our family to pressure you, while I'm acting as a lobbyist to convince you to give up some shares. So he won't rush to see you; he'll only happily meet you after I've convinced you..."
Although we were in the car provided by Thorin, we didn't hold back our conversation. The partition between the driver's seat and the rear passenger compartment had been raised and was soundproof. And given Thorin's status, he wouldn't have placed any listening devices or anything like that in the car... because if such things were discovered, it would be beneath his dignity.
We checked into a deluxe suite at the Leroyal Meridian Kenning Edward Hotel. After putting my luggage in my room and quickly washing up, I immediately ran to Yang Wei's room. Actually, she was staying right next to me; our room was at the end of the hallway.
After I knocked, Yang Wei opened the door and let me in, while sighing, "Chen Yang, don't you know you should let the lady rest for a while?"
I looked at Yang Wei. She had obviously changed her clothes. The clothes she wore outside today were thrown on the bed. Now she was wearing a silk robe, and her hair was loose and draped behind her head. This outfit added a touch of gentleness to her.
"Sorry... if it's inconvenient for you, I'll come back later." I felt a little awkward... it was obvious that Yang Wei was planning to take a shower first.
"Never mind. Have a seat." After she finished speaking, she led me into the room.
The luxury suite's wine cabinet was stocked with the hotel's beverages. Yang Wei opened the cabinet and glanced at it briefly. She took out a bottle of Martini and two wine glasses. She sat down across from me, poured me a glass, and smiled, "Alright, let's discuss how to deal with that old fox, Thorin, tonight."
Seeing my expression, she smiled again: "Don't worry, I had Hansen check the room, there are no eavesdropping toys here. Thorin should know that. With our status, our bodyguards are experts in this area. If he did something so childish, he would only make a fool of himself."
I felt relieved, and after considering it for a moment, I said, "You mean I have no choice but to give up five percent of the shares?"
“Please note… I said at least five percent, ‘at least,’ do you understand?” Yang Wei’s tone was very serious.
"Hmph!" I sneered.
“I know you’re still not convinced. Five percent. That’s at least five million dollars in net profit for him every year. And given your current growth trajectory, that figure could at least double in the next two years. That share is very valuable right now. But as I just discussed with you on the plane, you have no other choice.”
"It's not that I'm upset about the five million in profit each year," I said calmly. "Even if it were ten million, I wouldn't be this angry. It's just that this is a gateway, a breakthrough for him. Once he gets in, he'll find all sorts of ways to erode and erode my shareholding!"
“But we’ve calculated it, that’s at least two years from now. In those two years, he’ll still need a large supply of drugs, so he won’t turn against you for two years. And…” Yang Wei thought for a moment, “Even after two years, you might not need to be afraid of him anymore. First, those two years are enough for you to develop your strength to a point where he can be wary of you… Uh, another point, Chen Yang, do you remember, I told you that Sorin is currently going through a legal process, and he’s very ‘eager’ to go through it. His actions are too big, his pace too fast! He’s completely gone down the wrong path. In my estimation, Sorin’s power is currently in a period of decline… Hmm. In two years, he will have gone through a considerable legal process, but the more his legitimate business progresses, the weaker his influence in the underworld will be… At the same time, have you thought that as he goes through a legal process, it will actually benefit you?” Yang Wei said, smiling as she looked at me.
My eyes lit up immediately: "You mean... Thorin will become..."
“He’ll become more careful about his reputation,” Yang Wei said calmly. “One reason he hasn’t used any methods against you yet is that he needs to maintain a good relationship with you because of his drug business… Another reason is that Sorin is currently trying to whitewash his image; he’s trying his best to move closer to the mainstream… At the same time, he hopes to wash away his image as a drug dealer and underworld boss in front of mainstream society… And with his efforts, he should achieve some success in two years. But by then… he will have paid a huge price. If he dares to use those violent underworld methods against you then… isn’t he afraid of ruining the positive image he’s built up with so much time and money? After all, you’re not a nobody. If he wanted to deal with a third-rate nobody, he could just do it behind the scenes. But you already have considerable power. If he wanted to get rid of you, he wouldn’t be so ruthless! Isn’t he worried that another gang war would damage his image?”
That makes sense!
I sighed with admiration, looked at Yang Wei, and said sincerely, "Yang Wei, to be honest... I really admire you. These complicated things, once they enter your mind, you can immediately analyze so many things, and find so many weaknesses and entry points... Sigh, if only you could always be by my side to remind me."
I spoke from the heart; I truly lack a strategist like Yang Wei by my side… But as soon as I said it, the atmosphere in the room shifted slightly. I saw Yang Wei's eyelashes tremble slightly, and a blush seemed to flash across her face. She gave me a meaningful look. I immediately realized that my words had been somewhat ambiguous.
What I said was just a simple sentence, but given the special status and relationship between Yang Wei and me, it immediately created something subtle...
Finally, Yang Wei sighed, glanced at me, and gave me a mocking smile: "I've been reminding you all along... if your girlfriends get jealous, let's see how you handle it."
She seemed to be doing it on purpose, actually using the word "girlfriends," which made me blush and my heart race.
Fortunately, Yang Wei didn't intend to dwell on this topic. She merely gave me a slight jab before immediately changing the subject: "Xiao Wu, you met with Sorin tonight, and he'll definitely want to talk to you alone... Then, I suspect he'll use one of two methods: coercion or bribery. I think since you understand your situation, you might as well agree... But Sorin is a very greedy guy... Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to swallow up the entire Canadian underworld in twenty years! Although I told you it was five percent... in actual conversation, he'll definitely ask for much more!! But I've estimated that five percent should be his bottom line. As long as you stick to that number, no matter what he says, don't give in. You need to understand that although you're much weaker than him now, he doesn't dare to turn against you right now."
"Okay," I nodded. Then a question popped into my head: "What price should I offer? I mean, I'm willing to give him five percent, I'm willing to accept that! But I can't just give it to him for free. What price should I ask for?"
Yang Wei smiled genuinely this time, her smile sly: "I think you can get some very good things from him."
Seeing Yang Wei's confident smile, I suddenly felt a strange sense of confidence in her!
Yang Wei stood up, walked to the cabinet, opened her suitcase, and took out a document.
She returned to my side with the documents, gracefully raised her wine glass, and handed the documents to me.
"What's this?"
Yang Wei took a small sip of her drink: "This is a portion of the shares in a company that Sorin bought some time ago. If you decide to sell five percent to Sorin, then I suggest you don't take his cash... Xiao Wu, you just won 100 million from the Japanese in Las Vegas, and my uncle also gave you 30 million in your deal... You can say that you don't lack cash right now, what you lack is a tool to help you make money!! And this company, I've done thorough research and calculations, if you take it over, it's very likely to become a goose that lays golden eggs! And the ridiculous thing is, Sorin himself doesn't even know the benefits of this company, he only bought it for some other reasons. So my advice to you is... you can ask for a portion of the cash, plus the company!! I guarantee that within two years, Sorin will definitely regret transferring this company to you."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 104: Luxury
We arrived at old Thorin's manor at exactly eight o'clock in the evening.
As we stepped out of the stretch Lincoln, Yang Wei took my arm. We were both dressed in formal evening wear, making us a truly handsome couple.
Yang Wei wore a pearl-colored Versace evening gown, while I wore an Armani suit that Yang Wei had carefully chosen for me. I must say, these women truly have a talent for dressing. In this respect, men simply cannot compare.
In my opinion, attending a dinner party simply requires taking a shower, changing into a clean and crisp shirt, and wearing a formal suit to show respect to the host.
But when Yang Wei found out about my plans, she sighed and teased me for being so clueless about social situations. In the end, she practically dragged me back to my room and spent almost an hour getting me ready! She even had a hotel hairstylist do my hair. She also had a limited-edition Omega men's watch bought for me. I only recognized the brand logo, but I didn't know which model it was. Anyway, Yang Wei picked it out.
What impressed me even more was that Yang Wei didn't slow down at all while helping me get dressed. She practically changed her clothes in my room, and even took a shower in my suite—which made me a little embarrassed.
When we arrived at Thorin's manor at eight o'clock, I had been completely transformed from head to toe, exuding an air of nobility, especially with my tall and imposing stature. A commanding presence had developed between my brows, while Yang Wei walked beside me with a serene smile... Such a combination, especially in a world where most people were white, naturally attracted a lot of attention immediately.
Old Thorin's estate... to be honest, in my opinion, it's practically a king's castle!!!
The white building before me is entirely constructed in the Gothic castle style… pure white marble, coupled with a rich Gothic aesthetic. Of course, this massive structure isn't a medieval antique; it was newly built here six years ago by Thorin at a considerable cost! You could say this is the royal palace of the underground kingdom of Thorin!
The enormous flower-covered swimming pool was surrounded by lawns made of an expensive broadleaf grass imported from the Netherlands, a variety said to remain green for most of the year! And this was just a portion of the flower garden I saw; it was at least a thousand square meters! The parking lot in front of the castle was already filled with luxury cars, and seven or eight burly men in black suits were acting as greeters. Behind the castle, there was a private golf course, a racecourse, a helipad…
What saddens me even more is that, because Thorin loved racing, he even built a standard racetrack behind his castle!
“That was for the four Ferrari race car prototypes he collected,” Yang Wei explained in a low voice as she introduced the cars to me, clearly not a first-timer. She then added with a smile, “However, it’s said that the track hasn’t been used even once since it was built. Because at Thorin’s age, it’s really not suitable for driving a Ferrari F1 car anymore. The racecourse, on the other hand, is quite nice; Thorin keeps two very rare thoroughbreds.”
Looking at the castle in front of me and listening to Yang Wei's introduction, I couldn't help but sigh.
Seriously, comparing yourself to others is just infuriating!
Originally, all I wanted was to live in a big house with a garden and a swimming pool, which I already felt was a very luxurious life... But compared to old Thorin... it was practically the life of a beggar.
“Actually, everyone knows about old Thorin’s eccentric habits. This guy is said to have the blood of a certain European nobleman. It’s just that that was from many generations ago. Old Thorin didn’t have a good life when he was young, but after he became rich, he especially liked this kind of aristocratic luxury life… You’ll know when you go inside the castle and see the decorations.” Yang Wei smiled.
"Just how much money does he have..." I couldn't help but sigh. "A castle like this must cost a fortune every year just to maintain..."
"At least five million dollars. The maintenance of that helipad, the helicopters, the professional racetrack, the race cars, the racetrack, the horse track, the thoroughbred racehorses, and the related personnel... the maintenance and renewal of the lawns, the maintenance of the other buildings in the castle, and some daily expenses... This estate alone costs Thorin at least five million dollars a year. And please note that this does not include the cost of the banquets he hosts here... Each of these banquets costs a fortune, and old Thorin hosts many banquets here every year."
I whistled.
In other words, if I give him that 5% share, the annual profit will only be enough for him to barely cover the most basic expenses of maintaining such a small estate!
"Even Bill Gates doesn't live like this," I said with a wry smile.
"You think Bill Gates is really the world's richest man?" Yang Wei scoffed. "That's just what the media calculated. There are plenty of people in the world who are richer than Bill, but they just don't disclose their wealth."
There were quite a few guests tonight. As we entered the castle gates, the row of dolphin columns on either side were so thick that it would take at least two people to encircle them. The banquet was divided into two venues, an inner and an outer one. On the lawn outside, there was a row of tables with sterling silver tableware and polite waiters, some even wearing wigs, suits, and bow ties… To my surprise, they all spoke French!
“These are French waiters hired at a high price,” Yang smiled and said, “and also a characteristic of the luxurious lifestyle most admired by European nobles.”
Yang Wei seemed very familiar with the place, and within just two minutes of us walking in, she had already greeted three guests.
“This is the mayor of Toronto… um, this is a provincial senator…” Yang Wei introduced the guests to me in a low voice. She also whispered, “The scale of this banquet tonight is much higher than the one we attended last time at the hotel. Old Thorin seems to have put a lot of thought into it.”
It seems Thorin values me as a guest quite a bit. We had only been in the castle hall for two minutes. I was still admiring the magnificent murals on the surrounding walls and the European-style reliefs—Yang Wei had told me that many of them were genuine—when Thorin arrived before us.
Old Thorin had a full head of silver hair, clearly dyed, and looked very energetic. He wore a classic-style suit, exuding a dignified and noble air, and carried a cane with a pure silver handle. His eyes were bright, and he laughed heartily. He walked up to me: "Oh, Chen Yang, young man. Welcome... Ah, Weiwei, you're even more beautiful than when I last saw you."
Yang smiled and politely thanked me a couple of times, while I was just about to shake hands with Sorin when he suddenly gave me a hug without saying a word. Luckily, I reacted quickly and avoided an awkward situation.
“Good. Young man, I knew you were a fine fellow!” Thorin laughed heartily. “Look, it hasn’t been long, and you’re already the famous Fifth Master on the West Coast. You’ve done a much better job than Mr. Fang.” He added casually, “Oh, by the way, I regret Mr. Fang’s misfortune. Well, I suppose you’ve already received my condolences.”
"Yes. Thank you," I replied steadily. At Eighth Master's funeral, Sorin sent someone with gifts.
Thorin was beaming today, looking incredibly energetic. Behind him were two middle-aged men; one was clearly a highly skilled fighter, probably a bodyguard, while the other, with a deep, thoughtful gaze, was likely Thorin's personal assistant.
"Alright, young man, now that you're here, make the most of this wonderful evening." Sorin winked at me, speaking in a friendly tone as if I were an old friend: "There are plenty of passionate and beautiful girls here tonight, and I think they'll all be interested in you, this now-famous young talent." Then he turned to Yang Wei and smiled, "Oh, Weiwei, you don't mind me saying that, do you?"
"Of course not." Yang Wei smiled very appropriately.
Thorin was so affectionate towards me that he even made me stay close to him, then took me around the banquet hall and introduced me to the distinguished guests with great enthusiasm. Watching him pat me on the shoulder and lavish praise on me in front of others, I even felt a sense of absurdity... as if a father were praising his son.
I felt really uncomfortable with his affectionate attitude... You see, we haven't known each other for very long, and we've only known each other for a very short time. Of course, I know this is the rule of the game, so I'm trying my best to play along.
Finally, Sorin led me to a relatively quiet environment. He gently raised his hand, and a waiter came over with several glasses of wine. We each held one. Sorin seemed to just remember me, looked at me, and said with a gentle smile, "Chen Yang, I heard you've been doing quite well in Vancouver lately! Your maritime business is booming."
I sneered inwardly: Heard? Hmph, they're probably just green with envy!
Arriving here tonight, I'm even more certain of Thorin's intention to get five percent! With his immense wealth, he spends a huge sum of money every year maintaining just one estate... how could someone like that possibly care about a mere five percent?!
Clearly, he doesn't want that 5% for the paltry five million in annual dividends! He wants much more!! He wants the opportunity to enter the game! He wants to be a part of it!!
He looked at me with a smile, a smile so warm and full of joy... but I felt like a frog being watched by a poisonous snake!
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 105: Perverted Coercive Methods
My silence lasted less than half a minute, and then I quickly burst into laughter.