Chapter 124: A Heart-to-Heart Among Three

Xiao Tianci quickly made contact with Qinglong. Upon hearing that the "Soldier King" had sought out his boss, Qinglong pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "There shouldn't be any issues on this side for now. Although the Qinglong Mercenary Group is developing rapidly, it is still far behind the Soldier King; we are not yet significant enough to warrant his attention."

Xiao Tianci remarked, "I've been thinking about a certain possibility. The Soldier King might have wanted to recruit you but failed. Now that you are working for me, will he..."

Qinglong immediately shook his head, stating with great certainty, "That is absolutely impossible. The Soldier King is not that kind of person. Otherwise, he could have easily forced me to stay, used Fire Phoenix to coerce me, or even eliminated me back then. Yet he did none of those things and even helped me quite a bit."

Xiao Tianci had never met the Soldier King personally, so while he nodded to acknowledge Qinglong’s perspective, he remained skeptical.

"Then what is his purpose in inviting me this time? If it’s not related to mercenary affairs, I have no connection with him!"

Qinglong replied, "Boss, if the Soldier King is extending an invitation, you don't need to worry about safety. If you're concerned, I can accompany you..."

These are turbulent times, and Xiao Tianci cannot help but be cautious. Currently, he is playing a delicate game in many areas. Xiao Tianci raised a hand to stop him, "No need. Whether I go or not is still up in the air."

Since it had nothing to do with the mercenary group, Xiao Tianci felt relieved. He had plenty of other troubles and projects; one more wouldn't make a difference.

"How is the 'Super Soldier' project progressing?" This was Xiao Tianci’s primary concern. As the head of the immense Xiao family and the world’s richest man, he found himself with no one to rely on, forcing him to be cautious every time he stepped out of his door.

Mentioning this brought a look of joy to Qinglong’s face. "We have found over seventy people. With this leverage in our hands, we don't fear them refusing. However, because we need to find mentors of a certain caliber to ensure our 'Super Soldier' project is top-tier, these candidates require strict selection."

Xiao Tianci nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. This is the top priority. Don't worry about my affairs; I will handle them." He wanted to ensure Qinglong wouldn't be distracted by his own situation.

Qinglong said, "Boss, please rest assured."

After ending the conversation with Qinglong, Xiao Tianci sat in contemplation for a while. Chief Steward Lin Jian found an opportunity to speak: "Boss, if you don't go, I'm afraid it won't look good. The Soldier King likely has no malicious intent, and we could prepare thoroughly. If we simply refuse, we would be offending him. I feel it isn't worth it."

Most of the time, Chief Steward Lin Jian would not offer an opinion unless Xiao Tianci asked, but this matter was of great importance. He knew well that the Soldier King was an old fox whose influence over the decades was so vast that even world powers gave him a measure of respect.

Furthermore, unlike Ivanov or Legers, if you offended the Soldier King, he would act more directly than a ghost—he would simply wipe you out completely. Lin Jian knew clearly that with their current manpower, clashing head-on with the Soldier King was suicide.

Xiao Tianci reached out as Lin Jian handed him a cigar. He took a few puffs. "I’ve thought about that, but in the current situation, if I leave, things are prone to go wrong."

Xiao Tianci knew perfectly well that he was currently negotiating with his cards on the table. Staying in the U.S. meant he was safe for the moment, but if he left, someone would surely strike in the shadows.

"Boss, is the aircraft carrier fleet really that important?" Regarding Xiao Tianci’s insistence on buying the fleet, Lin Jian was puzzled. He had been raised to know what he should know and not ask about what he shouldn't, but this time, he truly didn't understand.

Xiao Tianci looked at Lin Jian and King Kong. He had pondered this many times before finally saying, "The 'Meihua' deal is a probing move. Others might not know, but we know clearly that we have completely lost contact with the research lab. You should understand what the absence of the lab implies."

Even King Kong nodded in realization. Xiao Tianci looked at him and added, "In terms of martial arts, that lab is the source of true power. With it, you have everything. That is why I can be so arrogant right now; they are so furious they could vomit blood, yet they can't do anything to me."

"Hoo..." Xiao Tianci took a deep breath of smoke. "You have to realize that if we don't make a scene now, we won't have any peace. I still haven't figured out how complicated this situation is, but I feel we are getting closer to the truth. Including the catastrophe that befell the Xiao family—damn it, from the moment I first heard of it, I knew it was impossible. Such a massive tragedy, and yet the world remained strangely quiet."

Xiao Tianci took a hard drag on his cigar. "The key to the Xiao family, as the world knows, is technology. What kind of technology does the Xiao family possess? Damn it! Though the tech the Xiao family released was always just a step behind developed nations, it spanned many fields. I don't know if my emergence was expected or unexpected by others. But regardless, I am definitely being watched like a hawk."

"It’s normal. How we play our game—you say nothing can be seen on the surface. The Xiao family possesses the world's greatest wealth, but inheriting that is like holding a bomb. Whether it's a timed bomb or one waiting for someone to light the fuse, no one knows. When the Chief Steward couldn't reach the lab through normal channels, I knew things were going south. The lab is our capital, the foundation of the Xiao family’s recovery. Without it, you could say we have no value left."

Xiao Tianci sneered, "Hmph. King Kong, setting aside everything else, look at 'Ghost.' If he really wanted to kill us, with just the few of us lonely birds left, could he have done it at any time?"

King Kong hadn't said it, but he hadn't expected the boss to realize it so early. During the battle that day, he knew something was wrong. Ghost was only slightly weaker than him back in the day. If he had appeared, or if Hu Wu had, or even if no martial arts experts had shown up at all—that would be abnormal.

Xiao Tianci continued coldly, "They are all bastards, just waiting. Do you know why I had to collapse Meihua the moment I took charge? Hmph, if I hadn't destroyed Meihua immediately, we would have been exposed long ago. I truly don't know what the situation would have been like then. Meihua’s primary source of technology was the Xiao family lab. Now that we don't have it, if Meihua hadn't collapsed first, people would have come for us soon. Now, at least, we have excuses."

Xiao Tianci leaned back on the sofa, exhausted, and closed his eyes. "Damn, I wanted to be a carefree tycoon with endless money to spend, but I’m afraid of having the money and no life to enjoy it. Now that I know someone wants the Xiao family's technology, surely someone wants my life, and perhaps others want something else entirely? I don't know anymore."

Having heard so much, the three of them—who had been together for so long—were finally having a real conversation. Lin Jian looked at King Kong, who nodded back. The Chief Steward smiled bitterly. "Boss, actually, it’s the same for King Kong and me. The Xiao family suddenly left only the two of us. At the time, I even made a bet with my father that I didn't want to be the steward, and King Kong had received the master's permission to live his own life on that island after this year. That is the real reason we didn't attend the gathering. I didn't expect..."

"Oh... so that’s how it was." Xiao Tianci stood up and looked at the Chief Steward and King Kong. "Actually, I found it strange at the time that almost everyone from the Xiao family had gathered, even the experts from the island, yet the two of you were left out. I even suspected you then, but now there is nothing to suspect. We are bound together."

"Heh... heh..." Xiao Tianci shook his head with a smile. "Alright, enough about the past; it’s useless to be sentimental now. The key is how we walk the path ahead."

King Kong said, "Boss, I will do my best to break through to the realm where 'Hard Qi' yields to 'Yin.' That will at least ensure your safety."

"Good," Xiao Tianci said. "Improving your personal strength is important, but more importantly, how can we build our own power? Individual strength is limited, and we face an unknown number of enemies."

Xiao Tianci looked around. "If this place isn't secure, then they are truly formidable."

Lin Jian and King Kong didn't understand what he meant. Seeing their confusion, Xiao Tianci recounted his previous two experiences, then looked around the communication room. "This place has been specially treated. All signals can only be transmitted through special channels. If even this isn't secure, then we might as well admit defeat."

It was too profound. King Kong suddenly remembered the boss asking if there was a technique for 'transmitting voice through secret channels' back then. So that was the reason.

Chief Steward Lin Jian said, "Boss, these people shouldn't be enemies. If they were enemies with such technology, they wouldn't need to make any noise. They could just monitor you if they wanted to know anything."

Xiao Tianci said nonchalantly, "Sneaky or not, whoever they are, I don't have time to deal with them. The real problem is how we continue. Normal commercial channels can no longer create miracles. Since the Xiao family still has these assets, let’s spend some money and go bankrupt in style."

King Kong said, "Boss, I don't understand business, but as long as you need me to do something, I will."

Chief Steward Lin Jian bowed elegantly. "I am the Chief Steward of the Xiao family, at your service."

"Ha... ha... ha..." Xiao Tianci laughed, punched them both lightly, and said happily, "Excellent. From now on, we will struggle and strive together. We have both brains and brawn." He patted Lin Jian and King Kong on the shoulders. "As for me, I am the leader of this group. Actually, I’ve already planned it all out."

Lin Jian asked, "And the aircraft carrier fleet matter?"

Xiao Tianci replied, "These things aren't actually rare; people have used all sorts of methods to make money. But they play small. I have the ability to amplify these counter-intuitive things ten thousand times, so it seems even more absurd."

Being able to talk about these things with Lin Jian and King Kong put Xiao Tianci in a great mood. Before, there had always been a barrier between the three of them, which felt uncomfortable. Now that it was broken, things were quite simple.

Xiao Tianci continued, "The carrier fleet is difficult, but the more challenging and difficult something is, the more interesting it becomes. For nothing else, just the ability to make the U.S. and Russia sell their carrier fleets would be enough to shock the world."

Lin Jian suddenly realized, "Oh, so the boss's plan to acquire media outlets and form a media empire is to broadcast the clash between the U.S. and Russian fleets? The U.S. and Russia have gone through many cold and hot wars, but they have never fought a full-scale war. If we can get their carrier fleets, it would be equivalent to a medium-scale war. The ratings would definitely break records."

Xiao Tianci nodded. "You guessed one part, but only one part. That’s just the small stuff. There are many long-term ways to make money behind that." He stopped there and said, "Alright, that’s further down the road; we need to take things step by step. For now, let’s discuss how to solve our current problems—how to deal with the Soldier King's invitation and what to do with that clingy Tang Bing. As for how to make the U.S. and Russia sell their carriers, I already have some ideas, but we must proceed slowly."

King Kong was no good at scheming, so Xiao Tianci looked at Lin Jian. The Chief Steward’s eyes darted around as he whispered a few words. King Kong listened and revealed a faint smile.

Xiao Tianci laughed happily, "Ha... ha... good! Let’s do exactly that."

Chapter 125: Breaking His Virginity

Fire Phoenix had been practicing at the shooting range for a while, and her mood had improved significantly. She didn't actually dislike Tang Bing; it was just that her mood had been bad at the time, and he was just unlucky. But with him messing around and Xiao Tianci's previous guidance, she had mostly recovered. After finishing her target practice, she finally felt hungry.

Checking the time, she realized over two hours had passed. She hadn't eaten dinner, no wonder she was starving. Well, never mind, she’d go grab something good. Where to? Right, she’d find Little Gege, take her to eat, and go for a stroll. It looked like Xiao Tianci had received an invitation from the Soldier King and might be heading out soon.

As she walked and thought, she reached the top floor. Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she heard a familiar voice—it was Xiao Tianci, and... that Tang Bing. From afar, she could hear them laughing and talking.

Fire Phoenix felt strange. Not wanting to run into them, she slipped behind a corner.

Before they even appeared, a laugh echoed: "Ha... ha... Brother, we really hit it off! Since you’ve come to see your big brother today, we must have a blast. Let’s go drink and sing!"

"Big brother, I... I really don't know what to say."

Xiao Tianci was affectionately hugging Tang Bing as they walked over, laughing and chatting. Chief Steward Lin Jian and King Kong followed behind. King Kong looked at the Chief Steward, still feeling that his plan was a bit unstable.

The Chief Steward, however, remained very confident, wearing a professional smile. He felt as if everything was under control.

Fire Phoenix listened to their conversation from around the corner, feeling baffled. How long had it been? They were already this close? And they were going to drink and sing? Hmph, not learning anything good. No, she had to follow them and see if he was doing anything to betray Sister Ni'er.

Xiao Tianci, that big lecher, couldn't be trusted for a second. Who knew if he was going to...

As Xiao Tianci and the others got into the elevator, Fire Phoenix headed for the stairs. It was late, and hardly anyone used the stairs in such high-rises. Her speed was several times faster than the elevator. She had already found a spot to watch them from a distance as they came out and got into a car.

In the room, Xiao Tianci had ordered over a dozen hostesses. Tang Bing, who had intended to have a drink and a good chat with Xiao Tianci, was immediately swarmed by the women.

Struggling to break free from the siege, a slightly drunk Tang Bing said, "Big... big... brother, let’s go back. I... I can't... anymore..."

Xiao Tianci poured two more glasses of wine and handed one to Tang Bing. Tang Bing still had some sense left and shook his head. "No... no... I can't... really... can't..."

Xiao Tianci thought to himself, *We've only just begun.* "Brother, you said you wanted to call me big brother, and you won't even give me this much face?"

Tang Bing hurriedly said, "No... no... it's not that... brother... I really can't..."

Xiao Tianci downed his drink in one gulp and turned the glass over; not a drop remained. "Brother, I drank first as a sign of respect. You handle it yourself. If you recognize me as your big brother, drink it. If not, whatever. There’s a saying: 'A light touch shows shallow feelings, a full gulp shows deep ones; no drink means no feelings.' I say our brotherhood is ironclad—what’s a little blood from drinking? Come... drink..."

As he spoke, Xiao Tianci glared at the women, thinking, *Damn it, I paid you to get him to drink, and you haven't even knocked him out yet.* The women didn't know who Xiao Tianci was, but the money was real, so they swarmed in, touching and pouring.

Tang Bing tried to block them from touching his sensitive spots while dodging the alcohol, but with so many attacking, he was groped plenty, yet he didn't drink much more.

The women next to Xiao Tianci had initially tried to cozy up to this big spender. Xiao Tianci, while Tang Bing was still conscious, had acted as if he were demonstrating for him, laughing and hugging the women.

However, Tang Bing had been suffering, constantly surrounded by a pack of female wolves. Watching Tang Bing being force-fed, Xiao Tianci thought to himself that this kid was truly special; it must have something to do with his body.

Damn, mixing four or five types of high-proof liquor—he had drunk at least three pounds. Although he looked like he was about to collapse, he just kept holding on. Xiao Tianci thought, *I didn't expect martial arts to have this benefit.*

When Tang Bing was almost done for, the women around him kept rubbing against him, causing him to curse under his breath, which made them sit still, not daring to make a sound.

Xiao Tianci patted the two women beside him. "Go..."

These women, who sold themselves in such places, knew exactly what this big-spending boss meant. A group of even more aggressive women swarmed in for a new round of heavy pouring. Later, seeing that Tang Bing was about finished, Xiao Tianci had the club owner bring in three of the most beautiful women to take Tang Bing back to the hotel.

Watching them leave, Xiao Tianci took a breath and asked, "Are you sure about this?"

Chief Steward Lin Jian said confidently, "Boss, rest assured. Didn't I tell you I studied Feng Shui? I also know a thing or two about the I Ching, Bagua, and physiognomy."

Xiao Tianci sighed, "What a waste!"

The Chief Steward asked, puzzled, "What is a waste, Boss?"

Xiao Tianci laughed. "Heh, I meant it’s a waste that you aren't a professional fortune teller."

Laughing, they walked out. "Xiao... Tian... ci..." An angry voice, a familiar voice. Xiao Tianci looked toward the sound and saw Fire Phoenix, her face full of fury, her eyes red.

*Huh? Why is she here? By the look of her, something happened.* Xiao Tianci didn't think much and walked over. "Fire Phoenix, what's wrong? Why are your eyes so red..."

Fire Phoenix raged, "Xiao Tianci, are you even human? You have a wife, and Sister Ni'er is so good to you. How can you run to a place like this to mess around?"

*Oh, so that's it.* Xiao Tianci couldn't help but laugh. "Heh... heh... I wondered what it was. What’s wrong with coming here to have some fun? There’s nothing abnormal about this. It’s a legal entertainment venue. I used to come out often to accompany clients back in the country!"

Fire Phoenix was speechless. It was true, he had walked out alone, but... just now, Tang Bing... Hmph, he wasn't a good guy either; who knew what they had done inside.

Because King Kong was at the door, Fire Phoenix hadn't dared to get too close and hadn't seen the scene inside.

Seeing her expression, Xiao Tianci shook his head helplessly. "Let's go, get in the car, and we'll talk back home." Looking at her, he knew she must have seen Tang Bing come out.

Though Fire Phoenix couldn't find a reason to argue, the thought of Xiao Tianci coming to such a place made her feel uncomfortable.

"Hmph..." She turned to leave. Xiao Tianci had no choice but to step forward. "Alright, alright, Miss, I'll tell you now."

He lowered his voice. "You know I have no time lately, but if I don't go to the Soldier King's invitation, I’ll offend him. So I had to think of a way. The Chief Steward said Tang Bing is still a virgin..."

Fire Phoenix didn't understand. "What virgin?"

Xiao Tianci couldn't help but say, "A virgin man is called a virgin, a virgin woman is called a virgin. Get it?" He immediately regretted it. *Image! Distance! Damn, why did I forget again?*

Fire Phoenix nodded, though she didn't care much. "So what are you doing?"

Xiao Tianci said, "Tang Bing was trained in a pile of dead bodies, so he doesn't fear threats of life or death. We had to find a breakthrough, so we came up with this special method."

"Oh, so you want to use this secret to blackmail him." Fire Phoenix then said, "Ah... you wouldn't be disgusting enough to record video or take photos, would you?"

Xiao Tianci felt dizzy. "Miss, what kind of people do you take us for? We are just using this to get closer to him so he’ll go back and tell the Soldier King we’ll attend the appointment in three months. Get it?"

Fire Phoenix finally felt relieved, but still huffed, "Hmph, still shameless."

Xiao Tianci said, "What’s shameless? This is called 'greatness.' We helped him take a crucial step toward becoming a man. But I wonder if that 'bone-shrinking' technique he practices will affect things down there..."

"Big lecher..."

At this moment, Tang Bing had begun climbing one peak after another, conquering a feeling of pleasure. He had forgotten everything else. The alcohol kept surging, and he felt a headache, but the movement below didn't stop.

On the contrary, it became more intense. He conquered three beauties one by one, and in his dazed state, he felt a primitive impulse—a primitive explosion. It required no learning, no explanation (excluding high-level techniques, like...).

Tang Bing, who could joke even in the face of death, didn't think much. Since nothing was more important than death, he drank until he was drunk, and finally, galloping over the bodies of three foreign women, he ended his virginity.

Finally, he fell into an exhausted sleep. In his dreams, he felt like he was pressing against something soft and comfortable, his hands seemingly gripping... Tang Bing, who had grown up in battle, tasted a pleasure different from fists, kicks, and blades, and lost the virginity he had guarded for over twenty years.