Chapter 235: United with Young Master Shao

Chapter 235: United with Young Master Shao

Shen Qing received the teacup offered by Jian Yao, savoring the brew with a warm smile, awaiting Ye Qingli's and Deputy Xu's reactions.

Jian Yao cast a sidelong glance at Shen Qing, noticing her confident expression. A faint hint of a smile flickered in his dark eyes.

Shuang Fan Dong stood anxiously on the spot, ever since Mr. Shen's encounter with danger in Singapore, he had become overly cautious, constantly fearing unforeseen threats to Mr. Shen's safety.

Brother Biao, along with Huoniu and Dapu Hei, stood guard outside the private room, vigilant to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on Shen Qing's conversation.

As the seconds ticked by, Ye Qingli and Deputy Director Xu stood frozen in place as if struck by some sort of paralysis. Both of them stared intently at the document with dark expressions.

Shen Qing glanced at the pair, unperturbed. She then gestured for Jian Yao to pour her another cup of tea, savoring it slowly.

After Shen Qing had finished about three cups of tea, a glimmer of emotion finally appeared on Ye Qingli's face. "Is everything in this report authentic?"

Deputy Director Xu also fixed his gaze seriously upon Shen Qing.

Shen Qing replied with a smile, "Of course it is. I believe that both of you have likely heard whispers of this matter as well."

"How did you come to know all this?" Ye Qingli's gaze was skeptical as he stared at Shen Qing. "As far as I know, Miss Shen has been in Hong Kong since the beginning of the year and only came to Singapore after being ambushed at sea."

Ye Qingli truly had his ways, as he had managed to uncover Shen Qing's background in just a few short days. "Before that, you had your bodyguard come to Singapore to search for your biological mother..."

At this point, Ye Qingli glanced thoughtfully at Jian Yao, who had been by Shen Qing's side, taking care of her with meticulous attention.

Recalling how Brother Xiong had tried to escape Singapore by boat but was blasted back by the Golden Empress with one arm severed, his expression involuntarily became more solemn.

"Miss Shen, bringing up Brother Xiong's involvement in human trafficking in Singapore today – what is your intention?" Ye Qingli pressed. "If you hand this information over to the embassy, I believe Brother Xiong would have no chance of escaping."

"Brother Xiong might not be able to escape, but the boss behind him certainly could," Shen Qing stated bluntly. "I assume Vice Hall Master Ye is aware that there must be others in the Green Dragon Gang who are disloyal, like Brother Xiong."

Ye Qingli raised an eyebrow, surprised by Shen Qing's knowledge of gang rivalries.

How could she not know? The HK gangster films and crime dramas she watched in her previous life were not for nothing. Movies condensed reality into their essence, and watching enough of them naturally gave one some understanding.

Not to mention, Brother Dragon's madness had also taught Shen Qing much about the world of gangsters.

"Since Vice Hall Master Ye has investigated my background, you should be aware that I have enemies in Hong Kong who are also involved with pirates," Shen Qing continued. "And coincidentally, one of my enemies is somehow connected to Brother Xiong's trafficking activities."

This enemy was Su Qilan, even though she had been hanged by the British colonial government in Hong Kong. However, Shen Qing hadn't spared any effort in investigating the connection between Su Qilan, Lu Xiangjun, and the pirates.

Back then, the pirates on the high seas had intended to capture her alive for a bounty. In this world, those who wished to capture Shen Qing alive were likely only the Gu family and Lin Liping, due to her Purple Star fate, which was crucial to the Gu family's protective Goldfish Formation.

With the situation laid bare, Shen Qing naturally knew how to proceed with her investigation.

Brother Biao's connections in both the underworld and legitimate circles were impressive. Coupled with Brother Dragon and Qin Shili's assistance, Shen Qing swiftly uncovered that during her business dealings with Gu Shaoqian, Su Qilan, driven by financial desperation, had risked it all by partnering with pirates and Brother Xiong to traffic innocent women in Singapore.

Now that Su Qilan was dead, there was still a major player hiding in the shadows behind Brother Xiong.

Although Shen Qing had an inkling of the culprit's identity, without concrete evidence, handing these details to the embassy would only lead to a small fry being made the scapegoat while the real mastermind remained untouched.

Thus, Shen Qing focused her attention on Ye Qingli, the young hall master of the Green Dragon Gang, and Xu Fushe, the son of Old Xu.

"As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I now share a common adversary with the Young Hall Master, so I propose we cooperate to expose the person lurking in the background," Shen Qing said. "This information is my token of sincerity."

Upon hearing this, Ye Qingli glanced at the documents in his hand – they contained the evidence he sought.

With these proofs, he could cleanse the traitors within the Green Dragon Gang. To Ye Qingli, Shen Qing's information was like a ray of warmth in a freezing winter.

Ye Qingli's body reacted before his mind, and by the time Shen Qing lifted her gaze, he had already taken a seat across from her.

After a moment of hesitation, Vice-Secretary Xu followed suit and sat down.

"Miss Shen, I'd like to hear your plan," Ye Qingli initiated the conversation, aware that Shen Qing had sought them out for business due to their influential backgrounds, seeing potential profit in the partnership.

Yet, Ye Qingli was not offended. For it was often through mutual interests that people bound themselves tightly together. Besides, Shen Qing hadn't done anything morally reprehensible in pursuit of profit; on the contrary, she had inadvertently lent him a significant favor.

Doing business with Shen Qing would prove beneficial for both him and the Green Dragon Gang. Why would he not welcome such an opportunity?

Yet, it was unforeseen that Shen Qing, at merely seventeen or eighteen years of age, possessed such keen insight into human nature, and was so astute and adaptable in social situations.

Gazing at Shen Qing's smiling, crescent-eyed expression, Ye Qingli recalled the first time he had encountered her. Despite being in a desperate situation, she had somehow managed to turn the tables and triumph.

"Miss Shen, I truly regret not having met you sooner." Ye Qingli gazed at Shen Qing with admiration, wishing he had been born in the mainland or Hong Kong, and lamenting that their acquaintance came too late.

Otherwise, he wouldn't mind having such a brilliant and charming partner by his side.

At this thought, Ye Qingli cast a slightly envious glance at Jian Yao.

Jian Yao returned the cold glare, his slender fingers gripping Shen Qing's chair. He dragged both her and the chair in front of him, the ruthless and possessive gesture leaving Shen Qing momentarily stunned.

Meeting Shen Qing's puzzled gaze, Jian Yao reached out to pat her head, reminding her, "Mr. Ye just said he regrets not meeting you sooner."

Ye Qingli felt as if a knife had pierced his heart. He was certain that Jian Yao was intentionally making him uncomfortable.

Shen Qing's reaction to Ye Qingli's 'regretting not meeting sooner' comment was devoid of any emotional fluctuations. Jian Yao, watching her, maintained a cold expression, but the corners of his lips lifted slightly.

Her mind preoccupied with business and uncovering the mastermind behind it all, Shen Qing failed to notice the jealousy simmering among the men present.

She shared her business idea with Ye Qingli, "I want to establish a food company in Xingzhou and expand my pastry shops throughout the city..."

Real estate was undoubtedly lucrative, but Lu Xuanjing was already in that industry. Besides, a successful food company could generate profits comparable to real estate.

However, Shen Qing's base was in Hong Kong, and she couldn't fly to Xingzhou every day for business. Thus, partnering with a reliable local entrepreneur was the best strategy.

Ye Qingli, a highly educated overseas returnee, had worked at the renowned Wall Street, demonstrating his economic prowess.

Teaming up with him in Xingzhou was like holding a pair of twos and then drawing a full house – the odds were stacked in Shen Qing's favor.

Shen Qing suddenly felt grateful for the storm that had swept her onto Xingzhou's territory, otherwise how would she have encountered Lu Nanxing? How would she have expanded her business in Xingzhou?

Fortunately, with air travel, business ventures might be initially hectic, requiring frequent trips between locations. But traveling by plane wouldn't be overly troublesome.

How could one earn money without being busy in business?

Looking at Ye Qingli with a bright smile, Shen Qing's sparkling eyes made him feel like he was her chosen lucky cat.

Still, Ye Qingli truly admired Shen Qing's business acumen. Just listening to her outline the general operational model made him think Mr. Shen was exceptional.

This was because Mr. Shen's proposed business model was well-established, and in this era, few people would choose such a method to manage chain stores—employing regional managers to oversee store managers, who in turn managed their staff, while keeping the regional managers under the company's direct control, manipulated from headquarters...

Of course, this model was mature, as it was commonly adopted by large corporations decades later. Shen Qing simply borrowed an existing solution, adapting and refining it for the 1970s environment to ensure better suitability for the corporate management structure of the time.

"Miss Shen, you possess a keen business mind. I'm very interested in your proposal..." If his initial interest was a result of weighing the pros and cons, Ye Qingli now genuinely wanted to participate. For Ye Qingli, the allure of being a gang boss paled in comparison to that of becoming a successful businessman.

While the two conversed, Deputy Director Xu quietly ate his meal.

He wasn't skilled in business; he was an investigator.

Actually, Deputy Director Xu was well aware of Shen Qing's intention in inviting him, which was to let him witness the evidence of women being trafficked.

The memory resurfaced of Brother Xiong approaching Old Xu with two boxes filled with treasures, pleading for leniency. Now that he had stumbled upon this, he could not simply pretend nothing had happened.

Their father-son relationship had long been severed.

Despite the shattered family ties, Deputy Director Xu remained steadfast in his pursuit of his original dreams and justice. This was the path he walked with growing determination.

In the past, Old Xu had taught him to follow this path through his own actions. Now, Old Xu had succumbed, becoming part of the corrupt circle.

But Deputy Director Xu refused to live that way. After all, when one comes to this world, it's essential to hold onto ideals and persevere for them, or else what's the point of living?

He devoured his meal in large bites, and as his hunger was sated, his expression grew increasingly resolute.

Finished with his meal, he tossed his utensils on the table and stood up, addressing Shen Qing, "Miss Shen, go ahead with your business. I'll take care of apprehending the culprits."

A man in his early twenties, handsome and well-groomed in a crisp uniform, gazed at Shen Qing with a fiery intensity. His words seemed like both a promise and an oath, fueled by passion and righteousness that burned within his very being...

After their meal at the Goddess Hotel with Ye Qingli and Deputy Director Xu, they all went their separate ways.

Given that Ye Qingli and Deputy Director Xu both had pressing matters to attend to, business deals, of course, were not concluded in a single day.

Shen Qing arranged with Ye Qingli to meet the following afternoon to continue their discussion on business cooperation.

As Brother Biao watched Ye Qingli and Deputy Director Xu rise to depart, he turned to Shuang Fan Dong and inquired, "When you invited journalists to expose Secretary Li's alliance with the Green Dragon Gang last time, did Deputy Director Xu assist you?"

"Yes, Deputy Director Xu was the one who brought in the journalists, and they're people under his protection," replied Shuang Fan Dong truthfully. He then looked at Brother Biao and asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

"I reckon Mr. Shen has his own plans," said Brother Biao to Shuang Fan Dong. "You're more familiar with Singapore than we are. Keep a closer eye on any recent developments with the Green Dragon Gang and the Xu family. Especially the relationship between Old Xu and Deputy Director Xu, father and son. Any news, you should inform Mr. Shen immediately."

Shuang Fan Dong felt a mix of emotions upon hearing this. No wonder Mr. Shen relied more on Brother Biao.

No matter what the situation, Brother Biao would always have a strategy in mind beforehand. Moreover, with just a glance or a word from Mr. Shen, Brother Biao could grasp the unsaid meaning behind it.

Shuang Fan Dong genuinely felt ashamed in comparison. Not only did he fail to find the person Mr. Shen asked him to locate in Singapore for a long time, but his involvement in business dealings with his relatives almost put Mr. Shen in harm's way.

"Brother Biao, in the future, please kindly point out my shortcomings when I fall short," said Shuang Fan Dong. "I also want to accomplish tasks beautifully for Mr. Shen."

Hearing this, Brother Biao clenched his fist and playfully pounded Shuang Fan Dong's chest. "We brothers shouldn't speak such formalities. Rest assured, the four of us brothers will always support and help each other."

"Certainly, we're all brothers," Huoniu and Dapu Hei replied with laughter.

They had forged their brotherhood in times of poverty and hardship. Now, as bodyguards for Boss Shen, they had improved their own and their families' lives significantly.

Their bond as four brothers remained unbroken.

Such a dependable brotherhood was something they all cherished deeply!

"Tell me, did that youngster meet Shen Qing today and obtain evidence of human trafficking?" Old Xu sat in his study chair, his gaze heavy as he asked the person on the phone.

"Yes, should we stop him from pursuing this, Old Xu?" the voice on the other end inquired.

After a moment's deliberation, Old Xu responded, "Of course not. We can't let him continue investigating. If this matter escalates, it won't bode well for any of us." Pausing, he added, "And don't take his life!"

After ending the call, Old Xu pondered for a while, grabbed his coat, and left for a familiar local tavern to have a drink.

The tavern owner, seeing Old Xu, was momentarily startled before respectfully inviting him inside.

Pouring Old Xu a drink, he commented, "It's good for young people to be ambitious. Even if he were my own son, I wouldn't really wish harm upon him!"

At eight o'clock in the evening at the Xin Zhou Hospital, when Brother Xiong regained consciousness from his coma, he was still gasping in terror.

This was because his mind was filled with the horror of being bombarded by the Golden Queen on the high seas. Gazing at the hospital ceiling and inhaling the antiseptic smell, Brother Xiong was momentarily stunned, convinced that the bombardment had been a nightmare.

He attempted to sit up in bed, but the mere movement sent searing pain shooting through his right arm. That's when he realized he was missing an arm...

Brother Xiong's pupils constricted. The terror was not a dream; it was a grim reality.

And the death list from Killer A filled him with fear. He wanted to pull out the IV tubes and flee the hospital that very night. But with only one usable hand and severely injured, he was utterly incapable of moving.

"Someone...!"

As Brother Xiong began to summon his underlings, the hospital room door was suddenly slammed open from the outside. Amidst the thunderous crash, one of Brother Xiong's minions flew in and crashed onto the floor.

Brother Xiong's gaze turned fierce as he stared at the entrance. There, Deputy Director Xu, who had just kicked his subordinate, entered the room with handcuffs in hand...

#Shen Qing, the newly crowned female tycoon of Hong Kong, has been found in Singapore...# At this moment, Hong Kong Television was broadcasting news about Shen Qing.

The moment Lord Lu learned that Shen Qing had been found in Singapore, the knot in his heart finally eased, bringing some relief.

It was their fault towards Shen Qing. If Shen Qing were to vanish without a trace in the open sea, it would haunt Elder Lu for the rest of his life with guilt.

Upon learning that Shen Qing was safe and sound, Elder Lu finally heaved a sigh of relief, tears streaming down his face.

Meanwhile, the elderly matriarch sat on her bed, her gentle hands caressing her belly as she pondered over what name to give her daughter once she was born.

Suffering from dementia, the elderly matriarch no longer recognized even Elder Lu. Her memories had regressed to decades ago when she was first pregnant, leaving one to wonder if it was a tragedy or a curse.

In North Point Palace, Shen Hainan subconsciously turned up the volume of the radio upon hearing the news. Knowing that Shen Qing was alive and well in Singapore, she let out a deep sigh. She had always known that Shen Qing wasn't so easily defeated, and her instincts had proven true.

As Shen Hainan listened to the radio with mixed emotions, Shen Yimin sat on the sofa watching TV news.

Upon realizing that Shen Qing was still alive, his expression was a mix of emotions. Glancing at his pregnant lover who was eating an apple, he muttered, "I heard this child is a boy. Once he's born, I'll have an heir, wouldn't that be better than two daughters?"

"The doctor confirmed it's a boy," his lover replied with a smile. However, knowing that Shen Qing was still alive, she couldn't help but recall the piercing gaze Shen Qing had given her belly during their last encounter.

Did she know something?

Unease crept into the lover's heart as she looked at Shen Yimin, who appeared more aged due to nightmares preventing him from sleeping. "Darling, I'm about to bear your son. When will you marry me into the family?"

What was infuriating was that Shen Yimin's position as the main wife had been taken by Yu Feifei. Shen Yimin couldn't divorce her either. Even if he took her in, she could only be a concubine.

But at this time in Hong Kong, concubines were recognized. It was better than being an illicit lover with no status.

"I'll marry you once you give me a son," Shen Yimin caressed his lover's belly, chuckling merrily.

With a son, he would have someone to back him up even after he died and went to the underworld. He wouldn't have to fear Li Ruyu or those wicked spirits from the Shen family.

All because of the nightmares he had every night due to the vengeful spirits seeking retribution.

Shen Yimin firmly believed in ghosts and the underworld. Not only did he constantly seek help from exorcists and curse-breakers, but his villa was also adorned with all sorts of charms and spiritual weapons.

But what good did it do? He still had nightmares, and the bloodied debt collectors in his dreams frightened him to the point where he dared not sleep at night. As a result, he grew increasingly haggard, looking as if he could die at any moment.

His lover, on the other hand, wished for Shen Yimin to live longer. Otherwise, how would she, without any legal status, lay claim to Shen Yimin's wealth when he was gone?

Lost in the thrill of having an heir, Shen Yimin failed to notice the greedy gaze his lover cast upon him, as if he were a plump sheep ready for slaughter...