Chapter 114: Don't Let Anyone Die

It is not difficult to uncover the results of something within a few hours. Society is a giant pyramid, much like the traditional Chinese classification of the "three religions and nine schools," where the top tier includes Buddhas, the second immortals, the third emperors, and so on down to officials, ministers, and scholars. There are also middle and lower tiers.

Everyone has their own social status and their own social circle. Xiao Tianci had originally intended to make some moves in Las Vegas to be noticed, but when Tian Ni learned of it, he was surprised. Tian Ni had not yet reached that level of society; the fact that she knew about it, and that it had become gossip within her circle, meant someone had leaked the information.

The Chief Steward, Lin Jian, reported, "Boss, according to our investigation, the source of this news was a website for a wealthy club in Japan. Someone posted it there, and it was subsequently reposted by similar clubs and individuals worldwide. However, it has not yet appeared on mainstream networks or public websites. If necessary, we can shut them all down completely at any time."

*Thump... thump... thump...* Xiao Tianci practiced the simple movements Jingang had taught him. In Jingang’s words, while these moves were simple, once a person possessed enough power, the effect of executing them was entirely different.

In truth, having witnessed Jingang in battle several times, Xiao Tianci realized his style was remarkably simple. It was so simple that you knew exactly what was coming, yet even knowing he was going to strike, you couldn't dodge or block it. That was the most terrifying part. Jingang’s combat style was exactly like his name: pure power.

Lu Man, whose injuries had long since healed, was serving as Xiao Tianci’s sparring partner. Thanks to modern medical technology and his own martial arts training, he followed Jingang’s instructions, repeatedly performing fixed motions without actually retaliating.

"Whew..." Xiao Tianci finally stopped, drenched in sweat but feeling much better. The burning sensation of carnal desire was not easy to bear. He tossed his gloves to Lu Man and took a towel from the Chief Steward. "Hmph, why shut them down? What’s a little gossip like this? I’m sure the world’s tabloids have already assigned me a harem of thousands, along with all the extravagant lifestyles they imagine I lead. That isn't the point."

He draped the towel over his neck, his breathing steadying, and took a glass of water from the Chief Steward. Lin Jian said, "I have already had them focus on the club where this originated. Here are the detailed records."

Xiao Tianci waved a hand dismissively. "What’s the point of looking? It’s clearly related to that Japanese professional gambler from the other day."

Lin Jian pulled out another document. "Boss has a good memory; it is indeed that man. He is a wealthy individual in his own right. Our technicians quickly breached the club's server, accessed their user data, and identified the source of the post. His name is..."

Xiao Tianci slammed his glass down onto the document in the Chief Steward's hand. "If it were anyone else, I’d investigate the motive. But since it’s a damn Japanese person, and that same bastard at that, who cares who he is? Send someone to break his hands and find a way to strip him of all his money."

With a serious expression, Xiao Tianci added, "And don't kill him. That’s against the law. Besides, killing people at every turn is too bloody. We are wealthy gentlemen, not hitmen or bandits, understood?"

The Chief Steward nodded knowingly. "Boss, your compassion is as deep as a Bodhisattva's. I will see that it is done." A good subordinate knows that when the boss sings, you must play the gong.

The hardest part of life is the bitterness of parting, the feeling of being untethered, which is the most agonizing thing of all. Having vented his frustration and discussed the matter, Xiao Tianci stopped dwelling on it.

Hearing Lin Jian’s words, Xiao Tianci smiled with satisfaction. "Ha, good, I like it. Your talent for flattery is improving." As he spoke, he left the basement gym and headed to his office, with Lin Jian following behind. The most frightening thing about the Chief Steward was that his expression remained identical whether he was telling a joke or flattering his boss. Over time, Xiao Tianci had realized that Lin Jian was actually quite talkative and witty, but he only spoke when spoken to, always maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor.

"I am merely speaking the truth."

Xiao Tianci sat down and said, "Enough jokes. Go have someone handle this, and remember my instructions."

"No loss of life."

As he watched Lin Jian depart, Xiao Tianci suddenly realized that as one's status and position change, so do their actions and the weight of their words. When did his casual remarks begin to decide the fate and life of another person?

Is this the power of money? Or should it be the power of authority? Perhaps there is no difference; they are just different forms of influence. Dealing with this Japanese man is trivial, but he must constantly remind himself never to lose his way.

The Japanese... he had caused such a stir, yet they remained quiet. Having completely detached themselves from the U.S. economy, they were desperate to use economic strength to regain power, or perhaps even pursue aggression. Why were they so silent now? Perhaps, like other nations, they were simply waiting.

Xiao Tianci did not dwell on it. Aside from the United States, every other country was exceptionally calm. This calm was the silence before an explosion, but Xiao Tianci would ensure that the explosion was not directed at him.

He quickly connected with Xu Guowei. Within two minutes, Xu appeared on the screen.

"Good morning, Boss."

*Morning?* Xiao Tianci realized it was morning in the United States. He nodded and smiled faintly. "Good morning. Though it’s quite dark on my end!"

Xu Guowei realized his mistake and smiled slightly before reporting, "Boss, the two domestic companies, Xiao Family One and Xiao Family Two, have been fully established. I have contacted both target companies. One refused, and the other is considering it and will give an answer in three hours."

To Xiao Tianci, this was just an idea or an acquisition, but for those people, these companies were the lifeblood of their families for generations. However, this society was one of survival of the fittest. Wolves do not pity sheep simply because the sheep cannot fight back.

The rules of the food chain apply, and business has its own set of rules. While different, the essence is the same: the survival of the strong.

Xiao Tianci said with satisfaction, "Very good. For the one that refused, begin a full-scale acquisition immediately. As for the one considering it, once the time is up, don't waste another second. Oh, and everything regarding the research, production, and manufacturing of arms domestically is ready. You just need to send someone to handle it."

Xu Guowei was truly shocked that his boss had actually pulled this off. This was China, after all. Many internationally accepted methods simply didn't work there. The country had some of the strictest gun control laws in the world, and the private sector was rarely allowed to touch defense industries. Even though the Xiao family was of Chinese descent, their core business was abroad—how could the authorities allow this? It was miraculous. Just how did his "prodigal son" boss manage it?

Xiao Tianci enjoyed Xu Guowei's astonishment before saying, "The acquisition of Xiao Family One and Two starts now. I have a list here; follow it."

Xu Guowei collected himself and nodded. "Yes, Boss. Please rest assured, I will complete it as soon as possible." Xu understood that the actual acquisition process didn't involve him personally—he only handled the legal aspects—but he had been exhausted lately. He couldn't even go out anymore without bodyguards.

The public didn't know Boss Xiao, so Xu had become the primary target of scrutiny. Even Zhou Ao and the others weren't spared, though Zhou Ao was better off, as his status had always been under media attention. Xu Guowei, while a world-class lawyer, rarely dealt with the media. Most importantly, his boss was erratic; a single command could keep him and his team busy for several sleepless nights.

"Boss, although the Xiao family has been involved in defense before, the scale wasn't large. If there is no foundation, many things are difficult to resolve."

Hearing this, Xiao Tianci remembered the expression on Old Zhao's face when he had been blackmailed—a brief moment that had made Xiao Tianci chuckle inwardly.

"Don't worry about that. I have already negotiated. Someone is fully responsible for equipment, installation, and training. We will discuss the details further once I arrive in the United States."

*The United States?* Xu Guowei was stunned. How did he pull this off? Suddenly, he realized the implication and warned, "Boss, since you went missing, the U.S. government has searched for you multiple times. They even came to me. Now, at this time..."

Xiao Tianci tilted his head and laughed. "Why should I be afraid? I haven't killed, set fires, or committed terrorist acts. Don't worry, I have my own arrangements. Just focus on the company. Specifically, for the companies acquired by Xiao Family One and Two, you must clarify all issues. When I need them, I want absolute control. That is your job. As for the merger and unified deployment of the companies, I will find someone else to handle that."

"Yes!" Even without Xiao Tianci’s reminder, Xu Guowei wouldn't have dared to slack off.

The rest of the conversation involved tedious details that Xiao Tianci didn't want to micromanage. Even so, the summary of recent affairs regarding Mei-Hua, the Xiao Family companies, and other assets took nearly four hours.

Finally ending the call, Xiao Tianci closed his eyes and leaned back into his large chair, rocking slightly to relax his body and mind.

The faint fragrance of tea drifted to his nose, refreshing him instantly. He opened his eyes to see the Chief Steward had placed a cup of tea in front of him. Xiao Tianci smiled and downed it in three gulps.

"Boss, Huo Feng and Miss Mei Ge came by earlier, but since you were in a meeting, they didn't come in," Lin Jian said, refilling the tea.

"Oh?" He took another sip. "What for? Was Little Ge missing me?"

"Miss Mei Ge was certainly thinking of you. They came to invite you to a late-night snack. Seeing you were busy, they said they would wait for you to finish."

Xiao Tianci checked the time. "It’s this late? Why wait for me? Tell them to eat and get some sleep." He shook his head, finished the tea, stood up, and headed toward the small dining room.

The luxury jumbo jet was like an airborne castle, equipped with everything from swimming pools to basketball courts. The small dining room on his level could host a hundred people. As he walked, his mind kept flashing to Huo Feng. The issue of Little Ge’s over-reliance on him had to be addressed. He couldn't promise to let her follow him everywhere, but he had to find a way to handle it.

He pushed open the door and stopped in his tracks. Both Huo Feng and Little Ge had fallen asleep on the sofa. He shook his head helplessly. *How did they fall asleep on the sofa?* He looked at Huo Feng, then at Little Ge. He could carry Little Ge away, but Huo Feng?

Suddenly, Xiao Tianci smiled, turned his head to look at the Chief Steward, then back at the sleeping Huo Feng, and then back at the Chief Steward...