I immediately exchanged the check he lent me for Mr. Yang's, and in the gambling game, I won a full one hundred million US dollars!
One hundred million!
In less than an hour, a casino employee transferred my gambling funds to my account. Looking at the string of zeros in my hand, I couldn't help but sigh.
This money came too easily.
It seems that from now on, as long as I wear the Eye of the Storm ring, I will be virtually invincible at the gambling table!
After the business deal was finalized, Mr. Yang spoke with me alone one last time. This time, however, it wasn't about business; rather, he seemed to have developed some interest in me as a person.
He invited me into his lounge again, and this time he chatted with me casually for a while. When he asked me how I could win against the Japanese, I smiled faintly and didn't answer. Seeing that I didn't want to elaborate, he didn't ask any further questions.
“Chen Yang, I’m becoming more and more interested in you.” Mr. Yang looked at me and smiled. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve met a young man who has surprised me like you.”
He paused for a moment, then said to me, “From now on, you can have my personal friendship. Of course, if you are willing to accept it.” He smiled and continued, “From now on, you can tell others that you are my friend, Yang Er. Of course, I’m not being pretentious, it’s just that in reality, there are very few people outside who can be my friends. And in many situations, if you are willing to say that you are my friend, it will be of some unexpected help to you.”
His words sounded arrogant, but when they came from Mr. Yang's mouth, they carried not a trace of arrogance... It was precisely this tone that highlighted the confidence and domineering presence characteristic of an established, powerful family!
I immediately stood up and smiled to show that I was flattered.
Mr. Yang waved his hand: "Alright, regarding this business deal, I'll send someone to Vancouver, to your company, in a few days to handle the formalities for our cooperation. Leave those other matters to your subordinates. I admire you. You're welcome to visit Las Vegas anytime you wish… Oh, by the way, I recently bought a farm on the shores of Lake Ontario in Canada. In the summer, my family's young men and women and I will be going horseback riding there. You're welcome to come too. I'd like to introduce you to my son."
After saying these polite words, he didn't try to persuade me to stay any longer, but personally escorted me to the door.
I know that this deal was a success!
I didn't stay in Las Vegas any longer, and the next morning I flew back to Vancouver. Yang Wei was there to take us to the airport again.
On the way, Yang Wei and Qiao Qiao still seemed a little awkward with each other, and Yang Wei was very careful to avoid any physical contact with Qiao Qiao.
It's somewhat funny; in a verbal battle, ten Qiao Qiaos wouldn't be a match for Yang Wei. But if Qiao Qiao actually got close to Yang Wei, Yang Wei would immediately panic.
Before going through airport security, seeing that no one was around, I couldn't help but ask Yang Wei the question that had been on my mind.
"Yang Wei, you know I have a keen eye! But why didn't you ask me to go on stage and help you when your family's gambling expert suffered a crushing defeat?"
Yang Wei smiled gently, as if she had known I would ask this question. But then she sighed and said softly, "Xiao Wu, you're being a bit reckless." A hint of worry crossed her face. "You know, those who dare to disrupt our casino aren't ordinary organizations! The families involved are incredibly powerful! In that kind of situation, it's not a matter of winning or losing at the gambling table! If someone from our family wins, they naturally have nothing to say! But you're an outsider! If you go up and help us win, it's like ruining their plans! With the power of those families… if they retaliate against you afterwards… I'm worried it will cause you trouble!"
Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel touched. I sighed and said softly, "Yes, I understand... I was being stubborn and let you down."
Yang Wei smiled and said, "But you've at least gotten some benefits too. A hundred million US dollars means you won't have to worry about money for the time being. Of course, my uncle said that if they cause you trouble, just say you're a friend of our family, and it shouldn't be a big problem... It's just that my uncle values you so much right now... Sigh, Xiao Wu, this might not be a good thing."
"Oh?" I was taken aback, but Yang Wei didn't want to say more. She looked at the security checkpoint behind me and said, "Alright, it's getting late. Go in. In a few days, I'll bring a lawyer to Vancouver to find you and complete this transaction. We'll discuss the details then."
When we said goodbye, I shook hands with Yang Wei, while Qiao Qiao took advantage of Yang Wei's moment of surprise and hugged her, which startled Yang Wei so much that she almost screamed again.
This time, however, Qiao Qiao didn't do anything out of line. She simply hugged Yang Wei briefly and then let go. She blinked and said, "Yang Wei, oh Yang Wei... Actually, if it weren't for Xiao Wu, I think you're a pretty good person... Sigh..."
After saying that, she stuck out her tongue, then grabbed my arm and pulled me into the security checkpoint.
Hammer followed behind, carrying the luggage.
Overall, the trip to Las Vegas was basically a success. However, I have a rather unfathomable feeling about Yang Wei's uncle, Mr. Yang Er! Especially what Yang Wei said before leaving—that she was valued by her uncle—might not be a good thing…
Let's put those thoughts aside for now. In any case, the deal is done.
Although I don't yet know what the future consequences of relinquishing my 15% stake in Huaxing Company will be—whether for better or worse—at least for now, I have no room for regret or consideration. I received a 1% stake in a casino, plus a cash payment of 30 million US dollars.
In addition, I won a hundred million dollars through gambling—of course, this was an unexpected windfall.
Of course, I also naively thought... that after the transaction was completed, I would sideline Huaxing Company, establish a new company, and then conduct smuggling operations through the new company...
However, this is an unreasonable approach. Yang Er clearly values the profits from smuggling, which is why he wants that 15% stake. Otherwise, Huaxing Company is worthless!
If I did that, it would be unreasonable, which would be tantamount to preparing to turn against the Yang family... And if I turn against the Yang family... the power of a truly powerful family like Yang Er to retaliate against me would be something I couldn't handle.
Sigh, after calming my chaotic thoughts, at least for now, I made a fortune of one hundred million dollars on my trip to Las Vegas... Just thinking about it is enough to make me secretly smile and feel excited.
I flew back to Vancouver, and to my surprise, Ciro didn't come to pick me up at the airport. Instead, he sent someone else. I didn't think much of it at first. I've never cared much about such formalities. However, the guys who came to pick me up all seemed a bit embarrassed and strange on the way.
However, I was preoccupied with my own thoughts and didn't pay any attention to it.
But when I got back to the repair shop, I was truly stunned!
As I entered the repair shop, I saw Xiluo being pushed out...
Yes, it was "pushed" out!
Xiluo was sitting in a wheelchair! This was the very wheelchair I'd been in a while ago while recovering from my injury. One of Xiluo's arms was bandaged and in a sling across his chest, his left leg was in a cast, and his face… his once handsome face was now bruised and swollen!
I was stunned! Seeing Xiluo's dejected look, I yelled and ran over, shouting, "What happened! What the hell happened?! What happened?! Who hurt you?! Who?!"
To my eye, it's clear that his injuries were caused by being beaten!
But in Vancouver, who doesn't know my name, "Fifth Master"?! Who doesn't know that Ciro is my "Fifth Master's" good brother?! Who dares to hit him?! And who could beat Ciro into this state?!
Xiluo looked dejected, but upon hearing this, he sighed and gritted his teeth, saying, "Xiao Wu... I'm... I'm sorry, I've embarrassed you! Damn it, but I'm just not as good as you, and I accept my defeat wholeheartedly!"
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Eighty-Three: The Challenge
Seeing that there were so many people gathered here, making a ruckus, I immediately shouted, "What are you all doing here? Go and do your own things!"
I sighed and let Qiao Qiao go back to her room first, while I personally pushed Xi Luo's wheelchair and brought him to the office.
I closed the door, turned around, and looked at Xiluo sternly: "Tell me, what exactly happened!"
In Vancouver, is there anyone who dares to mess with West Route?!
Xiluo's expression was somewhat strange. He lowered his head and gritted his teeth: "Xiao Wu, I am simply outmatched. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly!"
"Submit?" I roared, glaring at him. "Submit my ass!!" I slammed my hand on the table and yelled, "How can you be so foolish! Tell me honestly what's going on! Don't you understand?! You're my brother! You're the number two in our circle now!! Under these circumstances, how many people are secretly watching us, keeping an eye on us!! We've worked so hard to get to this great situation! But everyone knows that there are still countless people who don't submit to us! At the slightest sign of trouble, things could change at any moment!!"
My chest heaved with anger as I stared at Xiluo and said in a deep voice, "You need to understand! You are now the number two in the Big Circle! Since you're sitting in this position, you're no longer your own person!! You represent the face of the Big Circle! The reputation of the Big Circle!! The prestige of the Big Circle!! And my face, Xiao Wu's face!! Things aren't like before. Before, we were both small fry! Anyone could step on us! But not now!!! I'm telling you, not now!! Because those in the shadows are watching us! Watching whether we're tough enough! Powerful enough! Intimidating enough!! You've been beaten like this today, do you think the people outside don't know? Do you think they don't know!!"
“…No.” Xiluo lowered his head.
“That’s it!” I let out a long sigh. I said in a deep voice, “Then you can’t say such discouraging things! You were beaten up like this today. If we don’t retaliate fiercely, people will think our Big Circle is weak! They’ll think we’re powerful but actually lack real strength! Who are you? You’re Xiluo! Everyone in Vancouver knows you’re my brother! You’re the number two in Big Circle! You were beaten up today. You didn’t say a word, and you’re ‘convinced’? Tomorrow, those people secretly watching us will dare to come out and trample on us in front of us again! Do you understand?!”
“…Understood.” Xiluo’s expression was somewhat grim.
I sighed, went over and gently patted his shoulder, whispering, "I'm sorry, Xiluo... I didn't mean to scold you. But you need to understand that your words and actions now represent more than just yourself. You absolutely cannot say those weak or discouraging things! Because every action you take represents the Big Circle! You were beaten up today, and you might have your own reasons for not wanting to pursue it. But if word gets out, people outside won't know anything. They'll just say, 'The Big Circle's number two was badly beaten up, and he doesn't dare say a word.' Do you understand?"
"clear."
“Okay.” I sat down, right across from him. “Now tell me, what exactly happened?”
Things weren't as complicated as I'd imagined. Initially, I thought Xiluo had been ambushed and severely beaten. After all, the Big Circle has its share of enemies. But then I thought, if it were an enemy, Xiluo probably wouldn't have just been beaten up; he might have lost his life.
"Xiao Wu, as you know, our territory has expanded a lot recently. So, in order to control such a large area, we have been recruiting and expanding our outer network as much as possible."
I knew that, and I nodded: "And then?"
“Then…” Xiluo’s expression was somewhat complicated: “In the territory that was divided up this time, near Chinatown, on a street, we sent a few of our outer brothers to control it. The person in charge was one of our own. But just as they took over, news came back that some people on that street were not convinced by us, refused to pay protection money, and refused to follow our rules.”
I raised an eyebrow, and although I didn't say anything, my eyes already revealed a murderous intent.
"There's a martial arts school there... Well, actually, it's not very big, quite small. There are only about twenty people learning martial arts there, half of whom are just ordinary people who pay to train. There are only about ten real disciples. In places like Chinatown, in areas with a large Chinese population, it's normal to have martial arts schools. Even foreigners are used to practicing their so-called Chinese kung fu. After we took over that street, everything was fine, but that martial arts school refused to pay protection money... Actually, they don't have much money, so we didn't care whether they paid or not. It's just that the place is a bit strange. Originally, that street belonged to the Chinese gang, which was originally the Vietnamese..." The Southerners took it from the Chinese gangs, and now we've taken it back from the Vietnamese. But when we sent people over, they said they were only willing to pay 30% according to the old rules, claiming it was the standard. Many martial arts schools in Chinatown are actually organized crime groups, some even affiliated with Chinese gangs. But this one seems strange; they don't belong to any organization, appearing to be a genuinely simple martial arts school. It's said that when the Vietnamese controlled this area, they refused to cooperate. The Vietnamese just didn't have time to deal with them, and soon the Vietnamese were driven away by us.
Xiluo said so much in one breath, then looked up at me.
"Go on," I said slowly.
“Originally, I didn’t think it mattered whether we collected protection money or not, because we don’t need to rely on extorting money to support our brothers anymore. But after this family stopped paying, the business of the whole street was affected! The young men in the shops on that street all studied martial arts at the martial arts school. Seeing that we hadn’t done anything to the school, they all followed suit and stopped paying protection money. In the end, even the owner of a small bar on that street dared to challenge us. When our men went to talk business with him, he actually brought a few of his employees to confront us. One of those employees was a member of the martial arts school.” Xiluo sighed, “Originally, I didn’t want to cause trouble, but this has had a really bad impact. It’s made the whole street almost no longer ours. And when word got out, some people in the surrounding neighborhoods started to get restless. So I had the brothers who manage that area go and ‘negotiate’ with the people at that martial arts school.”
The word "talking the talk" that Xiluo used is slang, which means negotiation.
"Originally, I wanted to just make them back down and let it go. I didn't want things to get too unpleasant. I thought that once they paid a token amount, I could still retain the martial arts school. They seem to have a lot of influence on that street, and the other shops all have to cater to their whims."
"Then what?"
“Then…” Xiluo smiled bitterly, “Of course, they couldn’t reach an agreement.” Xiluo seemed a little embarrassed as he said this, and whispered, “The person in charge of that area is one of our brothers who came from here. You know him well; it’s Dajiang. This guy Dajiang brought his men to talk to them, but they couldn’t reach an agreement in two sentences, and then a fight broke out. As a result, Dajiang was beaten out the door and was injured. Both of his arms were dislocated.”
I frowned.
I know Dajiang, we're pretty close. He came from the gym at the auto repair shop, and people from gyms are usually pretty good fighters, one of the better fighters around here. So, even with these connections, Dajiang brought his men and got beaten up and thrown out the door, dislocating both his arms?
"They said that if we don't provoke them, we'll leave each other alone." Xiluo was also a little annoyed: "I didn't intend to cause them any trouble, but everyone on that street was watching the martial arts school's actions. Once they saw that the martial arts school had beaten our people, none of them were willing to bow down to us."
"And then, you personally led the men there?" I asked, frowning.
“Yes.” Xiluo gritted his teeth, then looked ashamed. “Xiao Wu, I’ve disgraced our martial arts circle! I brought a few of my old brothers with me, going there with the attitude of challenging them. I was unconvinced that they could beat Dajiang like that, but when I got there, the people from their martial arts school started taunting us, saying that if we were so capable, we should all send someone out for a one-on-one duel. I agreed. I thought that if I was going to do this, I should do it well, so that everyone could see it! If I brought a gun to deal with them, it would only make others look down on me.”
What happened next was obvious.
The two sides agreed on the spot to fight five rounds, best of three. If we win, that martial arts school will have to bow down to us from now on; if we lose, we will have to leave that street.
In the first match, Xiluo sent out an old guy from the gym, while the other side sent out a disciple from a martial arts school. As a result, our guy only lasted for less than five minutes before being knocked down.
Xiluo could tell that his opponent's fist was very hard. He was worried about making a mistake. After thinking it over, he realized that the men he brought were all top-notch fighters. The others were about the same level as the brother who lost the first match. If the brother in the first match was not good, then most of the other brothers were probably not good either.
So, Ciro went up by himself. Anyway, there was no rule saying that one person could only fight one match. If you were skilled enough, you could even win three matches in a row by yourself.
Ciro played in the second match.
Xiluo is the best fighter in the auto repair shop's gym besides me. I've trained him for a long time; I've taught him a lot of kung fu, and even the vicious techniques that those two old masters, Lao Mao and Lao Kong, taught me when I was in the Big Circle, have also taught him a lot. You could say that Xiluo's skills are now quite impressive!
Even so, in the second match, Xiluo's victory was not easy. He fought for more than ten minutes with a young man in his twenties before finally kicking him down.
In the third match, Ciro played by himself again, but he encountered a tough opponent.
The opponent sent someone to fight Xiluo who looked to be less than twenty years old! But it was this young man who caused Xiluo a lot of trouble!
According to Xiluo, the young man was very agile, had heavy punches, and defended himself tightly. He initially engaged in a hit-and-run battle with Xiluo, but Xiluo managed to close the distance after taking a punch himself. Even so, Xiluo didn't gain the upper hand.
“I was already quite exhausted by then,” Xiluo sighed. “I knew that if I kept going at it, even if I won, I wouldn’t be able to fight the next match. So I had to finish this quickly, which meant I had to go all out.”
Upon hearing this, I frowned slightly.
Heavy blow!
I taught Ciro's heavy-hitting moves!
When I first arrived here, I punched a leather sandbag to pieces in front of everyone! Later, Xiluo pestered me for a long time, wanting to learn that move. But this move was a secret technique my master taught me! It can't be easily passed on! And my master also forbade me from using such a powerful strike! Because if such a move were used and it hit someone, it would either kill or seriously injure them! It would cause trouble!
But then I thought, since we're already in the underworld anyway, and we always fight to the death when we encounter enemies, teaching Xiro this special skill would give him some means to survive. So I taught Xiro that skill!
Xiluo has been training diligently for about half a year, but this kind of heavy-handed punch isn't something you can master easily. If his punch lands solidly now, it would probably have three to five tenths of the power of my punch.
Fortunately, that's the case...
Seeing the situation was turning against him, Xiluo went all out! He deliberately took a hit from his opponent, then seized the opportunity to close the distance. He delivered a punch straight to the opponent's chest!
With that punch, the young man broke several ribs and coughed up blood! He collapsed to the ground! After winning with that powerful blow, Xiluo immediately caused trouble!