Chu Baiwei pondered Cao Yang's words and decided to convey them.
Chu Zhenbei sneered upon hearing them. "What can he possibly do to make me uneasy? He's just a rabbit with a few tricks left, spouting threats and empty words."
Chu Baiwei shook her head. She knew Cao Yang. His words weren't empty—they were a prelude. When the time came, he would act with real bullets.
Chu Zhenbei frowned. Could he be planning to sneak back into China to target Han Qingshan? Or to void agreements affecting the Han family in the U.S.?
But what does that have to do with me?
Could he even want to kill me?
After a moment's thought, he shook his head. Cao Yang wouldn't do that—he cared about his family. Acting so would only push them into the fire.
But if not that… what else could he do?
"Shares," Chu Baiwei reminded him. "Cao Yang holds thirty percent of Nanyang Company. Nanyang Company owns eight percent of the Nanluo Oilfield. And he has a good relationship with Diana."
"You mean… he might sell his shares to Mobil?"
"Quite possible."
"Impossible. Unless he's a fool."
"Why would he just hold shares to collect dividends? Only a madman would sell them."
"Besides, his small portion can't change anything!"
"Dad, you don't understand Cao Yang. He's not motivated by long-term profits.
"You broke your promise this time; he's upset.
"If he's upset, he wants you to be upset. That's his goal. Money? He doesn't care about that."
"Also, don't underestimate the influence of his shares. There are only three shareholders. Two in agreement can fully control the company, including the fate of that eight percent in the oilfield."
Chu Zhenbei wasn't stupid. He realized the gravity of the situation.
Their Nanluo Petroleum was similar. Two shareholders in consensus could control the Nanluo Oilfield. He had considered this loophole, but the King of Nanluo and Situ Xinghe disagreed. Desperate to acquire the oilfield, he had ignored the risk.
"Situ Xinghe won't side with him."
"The Situ family won't. What about Prince Nanda?"
"He won't either. The king wouldn't allow it."
"Don't forget—the prince is studying in the U.S. On their turf, he has plenty of ways to act."
Chu Zhenbei closed his eyes, thinking. Americans could be despicably cunning; this could create unexpected complications.
Still, he couldn't understand Cao Yang's motive. Just to annoy him? That's childish!
He picked up the phone and called Cao Hua. "Mayor Cao, your nephew might make some reckless decisions. You need to advise him."
Then he called Situ Xinghe. "Mr. Situ, Cao Yang might sell his shares. I'm sure you don't want Mobil involved in your company. Persuade him… if necessary, make him disappear. After all, he's on your turf."
Indeed, they had guessed Cao Yang's intent correctly. He planned to sell his shares to Diana. The actual effect of this move depended on Diana and the resources of her backers.
This wouldn't gain Cao Yang any real benefit—but annoying Chu Zhenbei would satisfy him.
Back in his office, after hanging up with Diana, he had internal matters to deal with.
Last month, they lost $500,000. Cao Yang hadn't minded.
Some fools thought their boss was kind, giving people opportunities. In reality, he was just preparing to abandon his post and return home.
But things didn't go as planned. He couldn't leave yet, so he had to manage things properly.
Seventy members of Zhongyitang gathered for a meeting. Five people were tied up—three Taiwanese, one Hong Konger, and one Mainland Chinese. All had fled after crimes in their hometowns. Now tied up, none showed fear—just defiance.
Wu Qian read the accounts aloud, presenting evidence of embezzlement by these five.
"Last month, we lost $500,000. I traced it to these five. I wanted to give them another chance. This month? Another $1.5 million lost!"
"Our business yields massive profits. We can be caught, beaten, but we cannot lose money! Losing money in this business makes us look like fools!"
"According to our rules, how should these people be punished?"
"Three fingers cut off, expelled from the hall."
Cao Yang frowned. "So lenient?"
Wu Qian nodded. "That's what it says."
Cao Yang looked at Ah Hu. "Do you think this is appropriate?"
Ah Hu shook his head. "I don't know. I'll follow whatever the big brother says!"
"Good! Kill them all!"
At this, everyone turned to him. Kill them all? Wasn't that too cruel?
Ah Hu was stunned.
Cao Yang patted his shoulder. "Didn't you hear me?"
Ah Hu drew his gun, approached the five, and said, "Sorry, brothers!"
"Bang bang bang…" Five shots rang out. Five bodies fell into pools of blood.
"Boss…" Some tried to plead, but Ah Hu's shots were too fast.
Cao Yang scanned the room coldly, observing expressions.
"Think I'm too cruel?"
No one answered.
Cao Yang said coldly, "Out here, we're brothers. We should stick together.
"But never forget—who gave you shelter? Who feeds you?"
"Me and Miss Situ. We have plenty of money. I didn't kill them for their earnings—it's for their betrayal!"
"We provide resources for everyone. Losses? Ours. Profit? We take only thirty percent. Isn't that enough for you?"
"You're all gangsters. Honestly, haven't we been fair enough?"
The group exchanged glances, whispering to each other.
"Boss, I admit you and Miss Situ have treated us well. They were wrong, but killing over this? Too much!"
Heh…
Cao Yang coldly smiled at the speaker. "This is how we operate. Next time anyone dares, I'll do the same!"
"Those who accept it, stay. Those who don't, leave. I won't stop you!"
After exchanging glances, the speaker left with hands cupped in farewell.
Everyone watched his back, half-expecting a bullet from Cao Yang.
They overthought it. Cao Yang didn't shoot.
Seeing this, a dozen more stepped forward and saluted Cao Yang before departing.
They didn't think Cao Yang was wrong—they just thought he was ruthless!
Cao Yang didn't care who stayed or left. His eyes were fixed on Du Hao and Chen Wei. Of all present, only these two had potential worth his attention.