Chapter 128: Leveraging External Forces

Regarding the European Union, Xiao Tianci prepared to reach out through Elder Zhao, whose international influence remained quite significant. Moreover, if Elder Zhao were to step in, it would likely be easy to secure the necessary funding.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xiao Tianci broached the main topic. Elder Zhao was quite surprised; he had not expected this to be the reason for Xiao Tianci's call. He neither agreed nor refused, as, given his position, he generally preferred to avoid such matters. However, since Xiao Tianci had asked—and they were currently in a partnership—he did not give a flat rejection. Most importantly, he was wary of Xiao Tianci’s true intentions; asking him to act as a lobbyist was not a simple favor.

Xiao Tianci, well aware that Elder Zhao wouldn’t act without seeing the results, said, "Elder Zhao, I plan to make a major move in the media sector, with everything registered domestically. I shared my thoughts on this with you last time, and I believe it will provide a significant boost to our domestic economic development. You really must support me on this."

Elder Zhao chuckled softly. "I will certainly support it, but I’m not sure if these old bones of mine are still up to the task."

The two did not need hours of small talk to understand each other’s requirements. A single sentence was enough to get the point across.

Xiao Tianci laughed. "Ha, ha... you’re in such good health, how could you not be up to it? You know I grew up as a commoner, so I’m not well-versed in the ways of the higher-ups. But in our usual dealings, if you ask someone for a favor, you can't go empty-handed. I don’t need to explain that to you. How about this: I’ll donate twenty billion dollars."

Elder Zhao remarked indifferently, "Tianci, what are you trying to do? Are you trying to bribe me?"

"Oh, look, how could I dare?" Xiao Tianci replied. "I’m not giving this money to you; I’d be asking for trouble if I did. Think of it this way: since you’re helping me, we need a justification. Whether it’s an individual or the state, it’s all the same. You can use this money to order some aircraft or other necessities for the country. Consider it my donation to the state. What do you think?"

"Oh... I see," Elder Zhao’s tone remained unchanged, though he was pondering Xiao Tianci’s situation. He had been monitoring Xiao's every move closely. As Xiao Tianci suspected, there were countless people watching him, and Elder Zhao was one of them. He was well aware of the obstacles Xiao faced in his acquisitions. The current acquisition deal in the EU was worth seventy-six billion dollars; if the EU did not intervene, it would be a guaranteed success.

He wondered what this kid was thinking. With a seventy-billion-dollar acquisition underway, he was willing to throw in another twenty billion? Even with the Xiao family’s wealth, they didn't spend like this. Mei-Hua was barely hanging on, and with these recent large-scale actions, the Xiao family’s reserves were being pushed to the limit.

If the new factories went into production, they would certainly be profitable, but no amount of profit could keep up with such reckless spending. The elder felt a sense of concern; his affection for the three generations of the Xiao family was genuine, but his position prevented him from interfering too much.

He could only offer a cautionary word as an elder: "I told you before, donations are a good thing, but you must understand..."

Xiao Tianci cut him off impatiently. "Don't worry, I know all about that. Just do me this favor; I don't want this to drag on and delay my next steps. I plan to make a real splash in the media industry."

Realizing this, Elder Zhao could only say, "Since you understand, I won’t say anything more. Very well, I will speak on your behalf and hope it helps."

Xiao Tianci quickly thanked him and, after inquiring about the factory construction, prepared to hang up. Before ending the call, Elder Zhao casually mentioned, "By the way, Tianci, you know about the situation between Cheng Gong and Jingang, right?"

Xiao paused. Why bring them up? "Yes, I know. Jingang told me what happened."

"I’d like to discuss something with you. Years ago, with the mediation between your father and me, that matter was finally put to rest. Over these years, Cheng Gong has poured himself into his career and achieved quite a bit. You saw him when you visited last time, and recently he has asked me several times to help him with something."

Xiao Tianci teased, "Old man, surely Cheng Gong doesn't still want to come and kill Jingang? We might have to go into hiding if he does." He turned and smiled at Jingang.

Elder Zhao laughed. "You kid! Cheng Gong wants me to get your consent, and he hopes you'll agree to it too. He wants to have a match with Jingang. Of course, he hasn't forgotten his promises; he won't fight to the death, he just wants to face a worthy opponent."

"I understand, I understand... Ha, ha! In the martial arts novels I used to read, they always said that being invincible is the loneliest state. But..." Xiao Tianci turned to Jingang. "I have to ask Jingang about this; it depends on his wishes. How about this, Elder Zhao? Jingang is currently out handling some business for me, but he’ll be back shortly. I’ll speak with him and get back to you. How does that sound?"

Elder Zhao agreed. After ending the call, Xiao Tianci gestured for Jingang to sit down. "You heard that, right? Cheng Gong wants to spar with you. What do you think?"

A flash of excitement crossed Jingang's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Boss, please tell Elder Zhao that I decline the match with Cheng Gong."

Xiao Tianci knew he hadn't misread the situation. Jingang had been looking forward to this for a long time; it was clear from his expressions and words last time. Seeing him decline, Xiao was puzzled. "Are you sure? This is just a sparring match, not a fight to the death."

Jingang hesitated, then firmly nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. Protecting you is my duty and my mission."

*So that’s it,* Xiao thought. *It seems Jingang isn't confident he can beat Cheng Gong.* But he knew Jingang wasn't afraid of losing. If it wasn't a fight to the death, he must be worried about getting injured. Although, under the current circumstances, the opposition wouldn't dare touch him, one could never be certain. Jingang was his greatest asset; if he were injured, his own safety would indeed be at risk.

If he could ensure his own safety while letting Jingang have his match, that would be ideal. *Wait, Tang Bing is currently with me—he's a free bodyguard.* Xiao’s eyes lit up.

"Snap!" Xiao Tianci clapped his hands excitedly. "Perfect! Jingang, you must take this match! Ha, ha! As for my safety, don't worry—I’ve thought of a great solution."

"Boss..."

"Shh..." Xiao Tianci was already on the phone. He hushed Jingang, and the call connected immediately. Elder Zhao was clearly surprised that Xiao had called back so soon.

Xiao controlled his excitement. "Elder Zhao, Jingang just got back. After I spoke to him, he had no objections. I think we should let them spar; such an opportunity to see masters at work is rare."

Elder Zhao was pleased. He had been troubled by Cheng Gong’s persistent requests, and seeing his top protégé—a young, promising man who was both scholarly and skilled—distracted by this had been a concern. He hadn't expected Xiao to agree so quickly.

"Indeed. Well then, where should they meet? When are you coming back?" Elder Zhao, of course, didn't want to miss such a match. However, Xiao Tianci already had other plans.

"Coming back? I'm afraid that won't work, Elder Zhao. If they are to spar, Cheng Gong will have to come here. But don't worry, I guarantee a fair match."

Elder Zhao wasn't too concerned about Cheng Gong traveling to the US. If this didn't resolve the knot in Cheng Gong's heart, it would be difficult for him to achieve anything more in his career. He readily agreed, "It makes no difference where they meet. Let's set a time..."

Xiao Tianci interrupted with a mischievous grin. "Elder Zhao, I just remembered, there is one more thing I need your help with. You know the state of the Xiao family; we aren't what we used to be. I only have Jingang here, and I have so many enemies. I was wondering... could I borrow some of your people?"

Elder Zhao remained silent. This wasn't entirely impossible—the country had secretly helped Xiao Lin in the past—but times had changed. Publicly sending people would draw unwanted international attention. *No, that won't do,* he thought. *I can send some people to help him in secret.*

Before Elder Zhao could speak, Xiao Tianci continued, "However, given the current situation, it wouldn't be good for you to send people directly. Since we're already talking about the match, why don't we do this: since Cheng Gong is coming over anyway, let him stay with me for a while. Not long, just three months. I'll provide the best food, lodging, and entertainment—whatever he wants. Consider it a vacation for him. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Elder Zhao finally understood: Xiao wanted Cheng Gong to be his bodyguard. *What a madman,* he thought. *Only he would dare suggest that a General act as a bodyguard.*

Elder Zhao hesitated. It was clear that Xiao was tying this condition to the match. Cheng Gong would certainly agree, but sending a General to act as a bodyguard, even for three months, was...

Sensing the hesitation, Xiao waited patiently. After a few dozen seconds, Elder Zhao sighed helplessly. "You... only you would dare to even think of such a request."

Hearing this tone, Xiao knew it was a success. He laughed happily, "Ha, ha, ha! It’s all thanks to your kindness toward me. It’s a deal, then. No need to set a specific time; whenever Cheng Gong can come, they can spar whenever they want. Don't worry, I’ll return your General to you in perfect condition after three months."

*You know he's a General!* Elder Zhao thought to himself.

After hanging up, Xiao Tianci was still laughing. The Chief Steward smiled faintly, "Congratulations, Boss. If Cheng Gong comes, your security will be even more guaranteed."

Xiao Tianci, ever the opportunist, sighed regretfully. "It’s just a pity that he’s a soldier, and a General at that..." He trailed off, seeing that Jingang was already full of fighting spirit. The match was clearly exactly what everyone needed.

Xiao said to the Chief Steward, "I just thought of Tang Bing and came up with this idea. Think about it: Tang Bing is here with us for three months—if any trouble arises, isn't he the best free muscle? Why not do this? And now, with Cheng Gong added to the mix, let me think..."

His face lit up with joy again. "Yes, this plan for 'free bodyguards' can be promoted and used long-term. Before our own forces are fully established, this is a great transitional period. Borrowing strength to strike, I can borrow more in the coming days. Using external forces for one's own benefit is definitely feasible in the short term."

As he pondered, a new problem arose, and his brow furrowed. *If I borrow all this external strength and no enemies show up, wouldn't it be a waste? Even the 'Ghosts' have stopped coming, and other enemies are nowhere to be found. Damn it, where are the enemies?*