...I hesitated for a moment, realizing this was a difficult question to answer. I gently turned her head so she could look at me, and then, looking directly into her eyes, I said seriously, "Yan Di, I don't want to lie to you... Well, this matter is very complicated, and I'm afraid I can't explain it in just a few words..." Then I gave a bitter smile and said self-deprecatingly, "I can only blame myself for being such a jerk, so fickle. Whether it's you, or any of them... Actually, any man would be overjoyed to have a girl like me who loves me and is truly sincere towards me. But I'm so ungrateful... Sigh... In this matter, I'm the one who wronged you, and I'm also wronged them. But I want to tell you that today, when I marry you, it's because I truly love and cherish you from the bottom of my heart, without a trace of falsehood. As for them..." I hesitated for a moment.
Yan Di immediately covered my mouth, sighed softly, and whispered, "Chen Yang... do you know? Ever since I followed you back then, I've already decided in my heart that you're the one. I've decided you're my man! I'm very clumsy, I can't do anything, all I can do is take care of people. I can't help you much... I know that too. A man like you has a lot going on outside, and I never want you to be tied down, much less expect you to be by my side all the time. As for Qiao Qiao and Miss Yang... I can tell they're both very, very good girls, especially Qiao Qiao, who's been extremely good to me. So sometimes, I really feel bad, like I've stolen her man..." As Yan Di said this, her eyes reddened, and she almost burst into tears.
I quickly hugged her tightly, kissing her eyes repeatedly to wipe away her tears. I said softly, "Okay, don't overthink these things. If you're wrong, you're not wrong. Nobody's wrong, nobody's wrong, the only one who's wrong is me."
Yan Di let me hold her obediently, and whispered, "Actually, I know in my heart... Whether it's Qiao Qiao or Miss Yang, you can't let go of either of them. I also know that I can't possess you all by myself. My only request is that no matter what happens in the future, you can keep me in your heart... If one day..." Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she said in a trembling voice, "If one day you get tired of me and want to marry someone else, I will definitely leave you obediently and will never make things difficult for you."
Then she added, "Xiao Wu, after a few days, can you bring Qiao Qiao back? I know you have feelings for her. She has feelings for you too. I'm sorry to her. If she's willing, I can give her half of you... I will never make things difficult for you... If... if she really refuses to come back, I'll give her your position as your wife too."
"Nonsense." I scolded her in a low voice, and Yan Di immediately shut her mouth, not daring to say another word. I glared at her, deliberately speaking fiercely, "What nonsense are you spouting, you little brat! I'm warning you, you're married to me now, every single thing about you is mine! From now on, you're a member of the Chen family in life and in death! Hmph... Don't you dare say such nonsense about leaving! Leaving? Hmph, if you dare utter another word, I'll kill you! Understand?"
Yan Di knew I was telling these jokes on purpose to amuse her, and couldn't help but chuckle.
With just that smile, the lingering sorrow in the air finally vanished.
As I stepped out of the dressing room, the girls outside were already getting impatient, especially Xu Xin, who was the boldest of them all. She glared at me and laughed, "Are you done? Finished your lovemaking? Sigh, Yan Di is already yours, there's no need to rush, is there?" With that, the girls giggled and pushed the door open to go inside.
I rolled my eyes. This girl is increasingly disregarding my position as her boss. However, I had a vague feeling that she probably had some connection with Bucktooth Zhou. When Bucktooth Zhou initially recommended her, he only said she was a friend's daughter, but after the past six months, their relationship was clearly more complex than that.
I had just left the dressing room when I saw Xiluo approaching from afar, looking rather furtive. When he saw me, he paused for a moment, then coughed before putting on a serious expression: "Xiao Wu, what are you doing here?"
I have sharp eyes; I noticed he was holding a rose, but when he saw me, he quickly hid it behind his back. I was puzzled. This guy looked all smiles, clearly attracting attention... Could he have sneaked in here to see some girl? In the bridal dressing room behind me, the only one who might be connected to Xiluo was that fiery Xu Xin.
Thinking of this, a sly smile crept across my face. Xiro felt incredibly uncomfortable under my gaze, his handsome face turning bright red. I laughed heartily, walked over, patted him hard on the shoulder, and shouted, "You rascal, keep it up! Maybe it won't be long before you're the groom!"
Then I walked away, and sure enough, after a few steps, I heard Xiluo breathe a sigh of relief behind me. I deliberately circled around and came back, hiding behind the flowers and peeking at the door of the dressing room. I saw Xiluo standing there awkwardly, gently knocking on the door a few times and saying something inside. Then I saw Xu Xin come out, looking at Xiluo with a half-smile.
The young man looked embarrassed, as if he wanted to say something, but his face turned red and he couldn't say a word. Instead, he simply handed over the bouquet of roses he had been carrying on his back.
I watched all of this unfold and couldn't help but shake my head inwardly. My brother is good at everything else, except he's too shy around women. Sigh, I've tried my best to teach him everything, from business to martial arts. But when it comes to picking up girls, he hasn't even learned a tenth of what I have.
Xu Xin, however, was quite the fiery young woman, showing no shyness whatsoever. Instead, she looked at Xi Luo with a smile. I couldn't hear what she said because I was too far away, but I saw Xi Luo's face turn even redder. She just gritted her teeth, unable to utter a single word. Xu Xin became even more smug and said a few more things, but Xi Luo stammered and nodded, unable to utter a single coherent sentence.
I finally couldn't stand it anymore, coughed loudly, and strode out from behind the flower bushes. Looking at the two of them, I laughed loudly, "Ha! The wedding hasn't even started yet, and you two, a best man and a bridesmaid, are you rehearsing here?"
When Xiluo saw me, she blushed even more. Xu Xin, however, was quite carefree. Looking at me, she deliberately laughed and said, "Hmph, didn't the groom leave? What's wrong? You couldn't bear to leave your beautiful bride inside, so you ran back?"
I walked up to Xiluo, patted him hard on the shoulder, and shouted, "Stand up straight! What's a real man doing chasing girls? What's there to be afraid of? You're not afraid of bullets, so why are you afraid of this swarm of women?"
After I slapped him, Xiluo's momentum immediately increased by three points. He looked up at Xu Xin, gritted his teeth, and said loudly, "Xu Xin, I'm inviting you to dinner tonight. You only need to say one thing: are you coming or not?"
This time he was bolder and said it, but his tone was blunt and stiff... I couldn't help but sigh. Who asks a girl out like that?
Xu Xin frowned, looking at Xi Luo without saying a word. But judging from the girl's eyes, I knew she was actually interested.
After a moment's hesitation, I smiled and said, "Xu Xin, my brother here is young and promising. You won't find another eligible bachelor like him in all of Vancouver. What are you still hesitating about?"
Xu Xin chuckled: "What's so good about him?"
"Great! Of course, great! He's simple-minded, straightforward, and has no ulterior motives. He's also honest and keeps his word! His words are like nails on the wall! A man like that will be the most devoted to his wife!" I said with a smile. "Moreover, he's young and promising. At such a young age, he's already the second-in-command of Huaxing, rich and powerful. He's only in his twenties, yet his net worth is already over ten million. His future is limitless! Most importantly, he's strong and skilled! If anyone bullies you, he can take on ten of them!"
As I spoke, Xiluo couldn't help but puff out his chest, becoming more confident.
Xu Xin suppressed a laugh, gave Xi Luo a flirtatious wink, her cheeks flushed slightly, and then quickly said, "Okay! In that case, as long as you can catch the bouquet tossed by the bride tonight, I'll go out to dinner with you!"
After saying that, she smiled and slipped inside. Xiluo, however, remained staring straight at the door.
I patted Xiluo hard, and Xiluo looked at me with a bitter face: "Does she... mean yes or no? Besides, what if I don't catch the bouquet?"
I reassured her, "Don't worry, when we turn around and throw the flowers at the wedding, I'll tell Yan Di to throw them where you're standing!"
Xiluo was relieved. Seeing his somewhat lost and dejected appearance, I sighed and thought: It really is time to find him a woman.
Later that evening, I finally got busy.
My wedding was attended by quite a few people of different statuses. Especially the representative sent by old Sorin! Now that Sorin and I are on very good terms, I naturally couldn't neglect his representative.
I was too busy today, so I sent my most capable subordinate, Xiao Zhu, to the airport to pick them up. I'd much rather stay far away from that princess, of course, but I absolutely have to meet with the other representative, Old Thorin's godson, Allen!
I met Allen and Her Highness the Princess in a small reception room in the house. This flamboyant princess was actually dressed quite formally today, and to my surprise, her frivolous air had diminished considerably; instead, a touch of composure had appeared in her eyes! Just as I was momentarily lost in thought, I shook her hand, and felt her gently hook her little finger around my palm, a hint of ambiguity in her eyes. I sighed then: old habits die hard!
My impression of that Allen is: this guy is not simple!
This man was of medium build, with beautiful, soft brown hair and a handsome face, though a small mustache added a touch of shrewdness and cunning. He was impeccably dressed in a suit and spoke with great tact. His demeanor carried a subtle air of authority, suggesting he was someone who frequently gave orders. Considering that old Thorin had groomed him as his successor, it seemed this man held a rather high position within the Hells Angels!
"Mr. Chen, I bring you Mr. Sorin's greetings and best wishes, as well as a gift from Mr. Sorin. I hope you like it."
The two noble racehorses that Sorin gave me are too big for my current house to accommodate. However, I've already arranged for a room in a warehouse near the dock to be used as a stable for them to stay there for a while... In a few days, I plan to move to a bigger house and have my own private horse farm, then I'll make further arrangements.
"Yes, thank you." I then asked, "I heard Mr. Thorin hasn't been feeling well lately..."
Before I could finish speaking, the princess interrupted with a smile, "My father is fine, it's just an old ailment he's had for many years. He also said that if it's convenient, he would like to invite you to visit Toronto. This fall, he would also like to invite you to go hunting together."
Before the princess could say anything more, Allen raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Alright, Mr. Chen must be very busy today, so we won't take up any more of your time. Please make yourself at home... We'll just stay here for a cup of tea and a rest."
The princess glared at Allen but didn't say a word. I was slightly surprised, and just as I was about to politely say goodbye and leave, I inadvertently caught a glimpse of the princess standing beside Allen, gently stroking the back of his hand...
I noticed this very subtle movement, but I didn't say anything. I pretended not to see it and walked out of the room, but I couldn't help feeling a little strange...
This princess has actually hooked up with Allen? This might not be a good thing.
I am well aware of my deal with old Thorin. I will help him support the princess's ascension to the throne, and even if old Thorin is no longer around, I can still serve as an ally for the princess... But this Allen... as the originally planned successor, Allen's final fate is definitely not good!
Given old Thorin's cunning and worldly experience, he will undoubtedly conduct a thorough purge before passing the throne to his daughter! He'll eliminate anyone who might threaten her position! Under such circumstances, Allen's future will likely be quite precarious.
But now... it seems the princess is having an affair with him...
I shook my head. These are all things for the future. And they're not problems I need to worry about.
I had some tea brought to the lounge, and then I went to see the other guests. Martin wasn't there this time; he apparently went on vacation to the Caribbean after we finished our business meeting. He only called to congratulate me and sent one of his assistants with a gift before leaving.
Afterwards, I received several guests, including a few Hollywood stars. Lei Xiaohu, because of the film's promotional work and the need for his cooperation in post-production, had only just caught a flight back that day. Jessica and the elderly Bruce couple were also on the same flight. As for the other big-name stars, I didn't invite them. Inviting too many people would be too much trouble.
However, just Lei Xiaohu, Jessica, and the old Bruce couple were already enough to attract attention. Although I had sent fifty men to maintain order and security around the wedding area, I was still worried that reporters might sneak in. So as soon as Lei Xiaohu and the others arrived, I quickly led them into the lounge area inside the house.
Lei Xiaohu even ran to the dressing room to change his clothes, because today, he would also be one of the best men.
A little later, the eldest brother arrived with a group of boys from the martial arts school. As soon as Lei Xiaohu saw his father, he became as respectful as a mouse seeing a cat, fearing that his eldest brother would scold him.
I know there's been a lot of gossip about Lei Xiaohu in the media and entertainment news lately. Actually, I know the inside story; most of it is just hype to promote the movie, and Lei Xiaohu is mostly innocent. But his senior brother is very strict, especially with scandalous news, which really gets him angry.
Fortunately, the eldest brother didn't say anything today, he just glared at Xiao Hu, and Xiao Hu obediently stood behind him. The eldest brother gave me a handwritten calligraphy scroll: "May you have a long and happy marriage."
It's said to be written by my senior brother himself—hmm? I didn't know he had such beautiful handwriting. Although I don't really know how to appreciate calligraphy, I'm still grateful for his thoughtfulness. I told someone to take it away and keep it safe. But then I saw a group of kids from the martial arts school surrounding Lei Xiaohu, asking him all sorts of questions. After all, Xiaohu's status is different now; he's a Hollywood movie star.
I settled the guests in and handed these matters over to Xiao Zhu. That kid is smart and quick-witted, making him perfect for public relations.
Then, taking advantage of the time I had, I pulled Xiluo aside and asked him a few questions carefully.
When I saw the princess and that Allen earlier, I had some doubts in my mind. Something just didn't seem right, so I finally couldn't help but pull Ciro aside to ask him for clarification. I've been away from Vancouver for more than half a year, and Ciro has been supporting the family business, including the contacts with the Hells Angels. He's been handling all of that.
"Has there been any movement from Old Thorin in the last six months?" I frowned. "I mean... any unusual movement, like any turmoil within their upper echelons? Something like a purge?"
Seeing my serious expression, Xiluo didn't dare joke with me. After thinking carefully, he shook his head firmly: "No! There wasn't a large-scale purge, but two people were replaced. One was that Thorin replaced the head of their legitimate company. Now, the person in charge is that princess, but everyone knows it's a front, because Thorin sent a trusted confidant to be the princess's deputy. Also, on the East Coast, Thorin is still involved in smuggling, but things haven't improved much. So, a month ago, Thorin replaced the leader there. It's said that they found out the man had embezzled company funds, and Thorin got rid of him. Then he promoted Allen to the position. It's said that Thorin has always valued Allen highly; he's very capable. I think Thorin hopes Allen can boost the smuggling business on the East Coast. Other than that… that's all."
I nodded, frowned, and thought for a moment. Then I carefully asked Siro a few more questions, but Siro's answers didn't offer many valuable clues—and, after all, it's difficult for us to get much information about the internal workings of the Hells' Angels. The two pieces of information that Siro knew were already widely circulated.
...the princess was replaced as the head of the legitimate business...and Allen was sent to engage in smuggling...
I asked again, "Is the princess in charge of their company's legitimate business? How's this girl doing?"
Xiluo scoffed, "What does this woman who only knows how to seduce men know? I heard that in less than a month, the company lost a lot of money... Well, this news is being kept secret. But we did have a business relationship with Sorin back then, and we had a share in their legitimate business, so we know this information. But this time, it seems that old Sorin is determined to support his daughter, so he sent a lot of people to assist her, and it took several months for the situation to stabilize... But this princess still causes trouble from time to time, and I heard that her subordinates are already exhausted from cleaning up her messes. I don't understand, Sorin is so smart all his life, how could he let his daughter run wild?"
"What about the smuggling business?" I asked. "That Allen, he doesn't seem like a simple man."
Xiluo smiled and looked at me, saying, "Little Wu, are you testing me? Smuggling is a different business. Don't be fooled by how booming our smuggling business is here; it's because we're on the West Coast! Across the Pacific is Asia! The economic levels of North America and Asia are vastly different, which is why smuggling is profitable! But the East Coast is different! It's bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, and across the Atlantic is Western Europe! Western Europe's economic level is similar to North America's, so smuggling has inherent disadvantages. No matter how hard they try, it's difficult to make any progress. I've heard that Allen is very capable, but he hasn't achieved much in the past few months. I've only heard that Old Thorin is really good to him. Although the business hasn't improved, Old Thorin, in a fit of anger, has replaced his subordinates one after another, but he hasn't touched Allen. It seems that although Old Thorin is harsh on others, he's quite good to his godson and truly trusts him."
After listening, I frowned and thought for a while, then finally nodded and sighed.
It seems that old Thorin has begun to take up the sword and prepare for an internal purge!
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but sneer.
Xiluo looked at me and said in a deep voice, "Xiao Wu, is something wrong?"
I shook my head, looked at Xiluo, and slowly said, "Xiluo, you are the person I trust most. When I went to America, I put you in charge in Vancouver, and you've really grown a lot in the past six months. But there are some things you still need to hone your judgment on, understand? You didn't understand this matter; you were misled by the smokescreen. Although most people would think the same way you do, you're not an ordinary person. You should learn to see through the surface and see the more important things inside!"
Seeing Xiluo's humble and eager-to-learn expression, I simply closed the door, walked back, and laughed, "In my opinion, this matter is actually quite simple... I think old Thorin is probably brewing a major internal purge!"
I chuckled and pointed downstairs: "Right now, Allen is sitting in that lounge downstairs. I'm afraid it won't be long before old Thorin's blade comes down on his neck."
Siro shook his head: "I don't understand, but now it seems that old Thorin clearly trusts him a lot. He has great faith in his abilities. The smuggling business hadn't been doing well before, so old Thorin placed his hopes on him. Even if he didn't do well, old Thorin would only blame his servants, but he wouldn't touch Allen in the slightest."
"That's exactly why it's even more dangerous!" I sighed.
Who is Allen? He was Thorin's chosen successor! Someone like that would definitely hold a high position within the Hells Angels! And he would certainly have his own faction! But the problem is—now, at my urging, Thorin has changed his mind! He's decided to leave his position to his daughter! This makes Allen a character who must be eliminated!
Look at Thorin's series of moves!
It's clear they've put the legitimate business under the princess's name—we all know now that old Thorin has shifted his focus to laundering his assets! I'd bet the vast majority of the Hells Angels' wealth has already been laundered and registered under that legitimate conglomerate!
The future of the Hells' Angels lies in aligning themselves with the mainstream! By doing this, old Thorin is essentially handing over the future to his daughter!
As for Allen?
It's ironic! Entrusting him with the entire smuggling operation on the East Coast… it sounds like a very trustworthy position. But even Shiro understands that the East Coast smuggling business has inherent weaknesses! This isn't something that can be changed by human effort, but rather it's a result of the economic disparities between the two regions! Even if Allen is incredibly capable and powerful, it's difficult for him to make a significant impact! While entrusting him with the entire region's smuggling operation seems like a prestigious position, a gesture of great trust, it's actually a demotion in disguise!
As for "taking out his anger on his subordinates, he changed his subordinates again and again, but never touched Allen."
This is even more terrifying! What does this mean? It means that old Thorin has already begun to clip Eren's wings!!
Batch after batch was replaced—no need to ask, those who were replaced were definitely Allen's trusted subordinates!
...The butcher's knife has already been raised!
I patiently explained the situation to Xiluo, and after listening, he remained silent for a long time before finally sighing in admiration.
However, I frowned again: "It seems that this princess is having an affair with Allen again... Hmm, I hope nothing goes wrong... Hmph, but these are all problems that old Thorin should be worrying about. Hmm, I'll remind old Thorin sometime... It's just that old Thorin, a ruthless man, has such a good-for-nothing daughter, it's enough to give him a headache."
However, I still had a hunch and instructed Xiro, "I told you to send someone to keep an eye on the princess. Did you send anyone?"
Xiluo nodded: "Don't worry, I've sent three of our capable men to keep an eye on her."
I nodded and added, "Not just the princess, but also Allen... and all his entourage. Keep a close eye on them all. I don't want to get involved in the Thorin family's affairs, but today is my wedding, and I don't want their business to cause me any trouble. Hmm... I don't think Allen is a simple character! Old Thorin will probably have to put in some effort to get rid of him, and with his precious daughter causing trouble, it won't be easy. What I'm most worried about is that Allen's fall from favor has a lot to do with us. If he holds a grudge against us and causes us trouble, that would be bad. Especially today, keep a close eye on him."
After giving these instructions, I tidied myself up and went out to greet the guests.
*****************
The wedding was scheduled for 3 p.m., and it was already 2 p.m. Most of the guests had arrived, except for a few people of unusual status who were absent.
Looking out into the courtyard now, it's much livelier. The hired band is playing music, and everyone in the courtyard is impeccably dressed. Even the mob bosses are wearing suits and ties. And these mob bosses, attending an event like this, are naturally accompanied by female companions… Luckily, I had already anticipated this. I know very well that most of these mob bosses' women aren't exactly saints either; they're either prostitutes, high-class prostitutes, or mistresses or kept women. I've given the order: everyone, dress neatly! Especially the female companions of these mob bosses—whether mistresses, concubines, or other women… I don't care, there's only one condition! Dress appropriately and neatly!
Heavy makeup, flashy outfits, and "unique" hairstyles—nothing was acceptable! As for the female companion brought by a gang leader, she was probably from a biker gang; she had an afro, exposed midriff with five or six rings piercing it, and her nose, ears, and tongue were covered in all sorts of random metal rings and nails… I immediately ordered Ciro and his men to throw her into the street. The gang leader, realizing he'd offended me, was terrified and kept following Ciro around apologizing.
It's not that I'm being pretentious, hypocritical, or forgetting my roots.
Normally, I'm not exactly a saint myself. These guys around me—the ones who like to swear, the ones who like to curse, the ones who like to dress weirdly, even those with punk haircuts—I don't care. But today is my fifth brother's wedding! Bringing in this bunch of people, cigarettes in hand, swearing constantly, dressed so strangely… damn it! What if they scare my delicate bride half to death!