Twenty had left, five had been killed, leaving around forty remaining.
Cao Yang waved his hand, signaling Ah Hu and the others to deal with the bodies.
"They're all fugitives, undocumented—burying them won't cause any trouble," he said.
"Brothers, I'm not usually a killer, but today, I had no choice!"
"The Zhongyitang is just starting out. We're making money, and yet some people sabotage it. If I easily let them leave, any of you could be next. If the consequences are too light, everyone will dare to act recklessly!"
"But since you chose to stay, I, Cao Yang, will not treat you unfairly. I promise! As long as you remain loyal, don't betray your brothers, I will make sure you get rich! Even if you die, I'll take care of your families!"
"Yes! Boss!" Ah Hu and Jimao led the affirmation, and the others followed.
The bodies were removed, blood cleaned up, and the others dispersed. Only Cao Yang and Wu Qian remained in the room.
"B-Boss…" Wu Qian's legs trembled.
In his twenty-plus years, he had never witnessed a killing, let alone five at once. And the evidence that sealed their fate was all uncovered by him. Had he indirectly caused their deaths?
"You okay?" Cao Yang smiled at him.
"I… I graduated," Wu Qian stammered.
"That's great! You can switch from part-time to full-time. Tomorrow, I'll arrange a private office for you as my Chief Financial Officer! Work hard for me—I won't treat you unfairly!"
"No, no…" Wu Qian shook his head repeatedly. "I won't come tomorrow… I…"
He wanted to ask about the introduction letter Cao Yang had promised, but swallowed his words. Losing it here wouldn't be worth risking his life.
"What? You're refusing me? Denying me face?" Cao Yang asked.
"No! No! I just want a proper job. I'm not cut out for gang life!"
"Who said you were joining the gang? You just manage the money, that's all. No fighting, no territory wars."
"But…"
"No buts. You could count numbers elsewhere—or help me. We're all Chinese—I won't harm you."
Wu Qian shivered. Just moments ago, the five killed were Chinese too, and they still died.
After hesitating, he finally spoke: "Boss, about the introduction letter you promised when I graduated…"
"I don't need it now. I want to develop my career back home. Please, let me go."
Cao Yang sighed. "Are you really set on leaving?"
"Yes!" Wu Qian nodded forcefully with his eyes closed.
Cao Yang looked at him deeply and slowly opened a drawer.
Wu Qian panicked, thinking Cao Yang was about to shoot him.
But Cao Yang took out a cigar.
"Don't worry, I'm not a maniac. I'll honor my promises.
"And don't worry about going back home. I know you want to stay in the U.S. I won't force you.
"Miss Diana will come soon. I'll have her write your letter."
Just as he spoke, Diana arrived.
She wasn't alone. A figure in strange clothing accompanied her.
The figure was clearly a woman, dressed head-to-toe in black robes, her face covered by a veil, completely concealing her features.
"Who is this?" Cao Yang asked, eyes on the woman in black.
"No need to ask, Mr. Cao," Diana said, ignoring an introduction and going straight to business.
The more she avoided an introduction, the more curious Cao Yang became. Traditionally, someone hiding their face was ugly.
Now, in modern society, beauty is an advantage. This woman was with Diana, who clearly respected her. She must have power and background—no need to hide her face due to looks.
Based on this, Cao Yang assumed she was unattractive. His interest immediately waned.
"Mr. Cao, how much do you plan to sell your shares for?"
Cao Yang smiled, raising a finger.
"Ten billion?" Diana was shocked. Cao Yang was daring.
Cao Yang frowned. He had already borrowed thirty billion—ten billion was impossible.
Then he realized she likely meant U.S. dollars.
"Ten billion USD it is. Originally, I wanted 10 billion RMB. But we're acquaintances, after all."
Diana shook her head vehemently. "Impossible, Cao Yang. The most we can offer is five billion."
"Five billion? My cost is more than that!"
"Situ Meixin said our shares are worth ten billion RMB!"
"She lied. Unextracted oil is just talk."
"And even if it's worth ten billion, your thirty percent is only three billion RMB. Giving you five hundred million USD is already a premium!"
Cao Yang went silent. He realized he had been tricked by Situ Meixin.
Back then, she said ten billion to make him put up five billion. Lacking funds, she "lent" him three billion. His "value" was his relationship with the Cao family—worth two billion. He had still profited.
But now, factoring in the forty billion sent to Nanda, he hadn't gained anything. All effort wasted!
Damn Situ!
"I don't care! I want ten billion USD!"
Cao Yang stood firm. He knew Diana's backers were wealthy and powerful. Buying his shares was more about a foothold than value.
Diana whispered something to the woman in black, who responded quietly.
They spoke so softly, Cao Yang couldn't hear. He didn't mind, leisurely watching them.
Then he noticed Wu Qian still standing in the corner.
"Miss Anna, pause for a moment."
Diana frowned.
Cao Yang gestured to Wu Qian. "You met this young man before. You promised to write him a recommendation. Please do so."
For Diana, writing a letter was easy. She asked Wu Qian which company he wanted to apply to.
Wu Qian had never imagined he'd have a choice on Wall Street. Excited, he said, "I… I want to go to JPMorgan."
Diana wrote the letter with flourish. Wu Qian treasured it, constantly nodding and thanking Cao Yang profusely, before leaving the office.
Afterward, Diana continued discussing with the woman in black, who finally nodded slightly.
Diana smiled. "Mr. Cao, we…"
"Wait," Cao Yang interrupted with a wave.
His phone rang—it was Situ Meixin.
Cao Yang's lips curved into a smile. Just making Chu Zhenbei uncomfortable wasn't enough—now it was time to hurt the Han family…