Chapter 122: A Billionaire Within Reach

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“I’d like to ask—are there any rules I should keep in mind when I conduct myself from now on?”

There was a note of caution in Li Chao’s voice. Clearly, he had no idea how to establish himself in this new world.

At that, Liang Meng curled his lips into a faint smile, as though he had anticipated Li Chao’s concern.

“There’s really no need to be so nervous. The Dragon Group may be shrouded in mystery, but it doesn’t have many members, and they rarely interfere in worldly affairs.”

His words carried an unhurried confidence.

Li Chao raised his brows slightly, surprised yet relieved by the answer.

“So, even if I occasionally use my cultivation against ordinary people, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

He asked tentatively.

Liang Meng chuckled and shook his head.

“As long as it isn’t anything serious, naturally there’s no issue. Does the Dragon Group really have the time to concern itself with every trivial matter? Besides, most cultivators are proud and unruly. If they tried to control everyone too strictly, the Dragon Group would only make trouble for itself.”

Li Chao suddenly felt enlightened.

He remembered Duan Tian mentioning that the Dragon Group’s recent operation had been prompted by a swordsman named Di Shitian, who had slaughtered innocent people and caused a terrible disturbance.

So the Dragon Group had only acted because there was a genuine reason—not because it wished to interfere without cause.

After their conversation, Li Chao had gained a much clearer understanding of the cultivators’ rules.

Do not act recklessly, and do not kill indiscriminately. Those were the most basic principles.

As for where to draw the line, that was something each person had to judge for himself.

Just as Li Chao thought the conversation was about to end, Liang Meng suddenly changed the subject. His expression turned serious.

“Mr. Li, your abilities are impressive. If you get the chance, you should try making contact with the Dragon Group and see whether you can join.”

Li Chao froze, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes.

“What exactly are you getting at?”

He stared directly at Liang Meng, waiting for a clear answer.

With a smile on his lips, Liang Meng patiently explained.

“In the cultivation world of our country, ordinary cultivators like us are much like common people. The Dragon Group, on the other hand, is made up of high-ranking officials of the imperial court.”

“Mr. Li, you have extraordinary talent and formidable strength. If your background is clean and you have no shameful history, you might genuinely be able to enter the Dragon Group.”

“Once you become a member, the cultivation world will be open to you. But those privileges aren’t given for free. You’ll have to shoulder the corresponding duties and abide by the rules.”

Liang Meng’s words sounded almost like bait, making Li Chao feel as though a gateway to an entirely new world had opened before him.

Take the civil service examination?

Li Chao secretly pondered the comparison. It was surprisingly apt.

Narrowing his eyes, he quickly weighed the advantages and disadvantages of joining the Dragon Group.

As a member, he would have powerful backing.

But at the same time, he would also have to assume greater responsibilities and obligations.

While he was thinking, the car had already arrived silently outside the Liu Corporation. The two men got out and walked straight inside.

Elsewhere in West China City, in a luxurious villa, Zheng Gang sat leisurely on the sofa, savoring his tea.

Beside him, his younger brother Zheng Shao was fiddling with a white jade sculpture of a beautiful woman, more than twenty centimeters tall. A playful gleam flickered in his eyes.

“Big Brother, honestly, just smashing his car this time wasn’t satisfying at all. I really wanted to cripple that bastard outright!”

There was a vicious edge to Zheng Shao’s voice.

Zheng Gang frowned and shook his head.

“It was only a minor matter. We vented our anger, and that should have been enough. There was no need to be so cruel. And listen—don’t cause trouble over every little thing in the future. The situation in West China City has been complicated these past few days. If you accidentally provoke someone you shouldn’t, we’ll be in serious trouble.”

As the eldest brother, Zheng Gang had cleaned up after his younger brother countless times over the years. He knew that in this complicated and ever-changing world, caution was the safest course.

Zheng Shao, however, merely grinned without a care.

“You’re overthinking it, Big Brother. How many truly important people can there be in West China City? As long as we don’t provoke them, we can do whatever we want.”

Zheng Gang sighed. He was just about to lecture his brother further when his phone suddenly rang like a midnight death knell.

He answered the call. After hearing only a few words, his fingers trembled violently. The teacup slipped from his hand and struck the floor with a sharp crack, sending tea splashing everywhere as the cup shattered into several pieces.

Zheng Shao stared in astonishment and hurriedly asked, “Big Brother, what happened?”

In his memory, his brother had always been famously steady. He had rarely ever lost his composure like this.

Clutching the phone tightly, Zheng Gang’s face was filled with disbelief.

“The supplier… suddenly terminated the contract!”

His voice trembled.

Without a source of goods, the corporation had effectively been cut off from survival.

Zheng Gang was just about to call back and demand an explanation when the phone rang again, shrill and urgent.

One call after another came in like a barrage, pounding against his ears.

“The bank loan agreement is falling through!”

“All the senior executives have resigned together!”

“The tax authorities received a report and are sealing our accounts!”

“Our creditors are blocking the doors!”

Every piece of news struck like a heavy bomb, leaving Zheng Gang dizzy and disoriented.

He stared ahead, feeling as though the world were spinning. It was as if an invisible hand were pushing his corporation into an abyss.

The whole thing was far too strange.

Even while sitting inside the villa, Zheng Gang could feel an intangible pressure crushing down on his business, making it difficult to breathe.

Even Zheng Shao, who had always feared neither Heaven nor earth, was now completely panicked.

He looked at his brother and saw Zheng Gang’s hands shaking like a sieve as he lit a cigarette, desperately trying to calm himself.

Countless thoughts flashed through Zheng Gang’s mind as he struggled to understand what had happened.

But reality was like a fog, hiding the truth from him.

He knew only one thing: his corporation was facing an unprecedented crisis.

The door was suddenly kicked open with a bang. Five or six burly men with cold, merciless eyes stormed inside. The murderous aura surrounding them made them look like asuras crawling straight out of hell.

Although Zheng Gang had weathered many storms, he still narrowed his eyes and watched the intruders warily.

“Whose men are you?”

He asked in a low voice, though he had already guessed most of the answer.

The leader gave a cold laugh.

“President Liu asked me to give you a message. The Liu family’s honored guest is not someone scum like you can afford to offend!”

With that, he waved his hand, signaling his men to move.

“Disable them!”

At his command, the brawny men immediately advanced on the Zheng brothers.

Zheng Gang’s body trembled. Despair filled his eyes, and he no longer even had the strength to struggle.

He understood now. This time, he had truly offended someone he should never have provoked.

The Liu family of West China was an existence he could never afford to cross.

But the problem was that he had never offended Liu Zhenhua before!

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Why had the Liu family suddenly turned on him?

At that very moment, Zheng Gang’s gaze fell upon his younger brother, who was trembling from head to toe. He suddenly remembered the young man he had seen at the Enforcement Team’s office—the one with a faint smile on his face.

It was him!

Zheng Gang finally understood. The young man had not ignored the matter of the smashed car because he wanted to let bygones be bygones. He had merely been saving up for an even more ruthless revenge.

He had not acted before, but once he did, he intended to destroy the entire Zheng family!

What vicious methods!

Crack!

The sound of a heavy object striking something was followed by the horrifying cries of breaking bones. Zheng Gang passed out from the pain.

As his eyes closed, only one sentence continued to echo in his mind:

“There are some people you… simply cannot afford to provoke!”

He had said those words to others countless times. He had never imagined that they would one day be proven true against him.

How absurd.

How tragic.

Inside the Liu Corporation’s spacious, brightly lit conference room, Li Chao sat shoulder to shoulder with Liu Zhenhua. Around them were more than twenty elegantly dressed men and women of distinguished bearing.

Some of them were familiar to Li Chao; others he was meeting for the first time.

Liu Zhenhua cleared his throat and began to speak.

“I assume everyone knows what happened last night. I gathered you all here today mainly to discuss two matters.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“The first concerns Howard’s assets. Since this is meant as a gesture of gratitude, we naturally can’t offer empty words. Mr. Li made an enormous contribution in dealing with Howard this time. After discussing it among ourselves, we’ve decided to transfer all the assets under the Howard Group into Mr. Li’s name.”

As he spoke, Liu Zhenhua pushed a stack of prepared documents across the table toward Li Chao.

“These assets are worth approximately one hundred and thirty million in total. All you need to do is sign at the end, and they’ll be yours.”

Li Chao was stunned.

He had known Liu Zhenhua would reward him generously, but he had never expected such an extravagant gift.

More than a hundred million was no small sum. Most people could work their entire lives without ever earning that much.

“President Liu, this is far too valuable. I really can’t accept it.”

Li Chao waved his hands, trying to refuse.

Liu Zhenhua merely smiled.

“It’s what you deserve. If you hadn’t turned the situation around, the few of us would probably have lost our lives.”

Old Third Zhou, Liang Meng, and the others had also taken part in the operation the previous night. They immediately chimed in.

“This is just a token of our appreciation. Please accept it, Mr. Li.”

“If you refuse, it will be difficult for us to distribute the others’ rewards.”

So much money lay before him, close enough to touch.

Faced with Liu Zhenhua’s offer, Li Chao was shaken beyond words.

To say he was not tempted would have been a lie.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, he ultimately agreed. He signed his name and completed the transfer of Howard’s assets.

As he looked at the stack of documents before him, Li Chao felt somewhat dazed.

From this moment onward, was he actually a billionaire?

Everything had happened so suddenly that he hardly knew how to react.

Yet once the matter was settled, Liu Zhenhua dropped an even bigger bombshell.

“Now for the second matter.”

Liu Zhenhua’s voice echoed through the conference room.

“Everyone here is a leading figure in one industry or another in West China City. I gathered you all today because I intend to establish the West China Chamber of Commerce!”

The people present had clearly received advance notice. They applauded and voiced their support one after another.

Li Chao nodded as well. He was fairly supportive of Liu Zhenhua’s proposal.

After all, unity created strength.

However, Liu Zhenhua’s next words left Li Chao stunned once again.

“Once the chamber is established, it will naturally need a president.”

Liu Zhenhua changed direction and announced, “I recommend Mr. Li as the first president of the West China Chamber of Commerce!”

What?

Li Chao abruptly raised his head and stared at Liu Zhenhua in bewilderment.

This was obviously something they had already decided among themselves!

He complained inwardly, yet had no idea how to refuse.

Liu Zhenhua gave a genial laugh, as if he had seen straight through Li Chao’s thoughts.

“Mr. Li is the only suitable choice. Everyone will support him wholeheartedly!”

“President Liu, I have neither the qualifications nor the experience. I can’t take on the position.”

Li Chao waved his hand with a smile. There was both self-mockery and resolve in his tone.

He knew that matters in this world were never as simple as they appeared.

Liu Zhenhua, however, had no intention of letting him off easily.

A sly light gleamed in the eyes of this business magnate of West China City as he tempted him.

“Mr. Li, once you become president, you’ll be able to mobilize all the resources in West China City at will. Even the Liu family will follow your orders. At that point, you’ll be the foremost man in the entire city!”

Li Chao’s brows lifted slightly, and he began to consider the offer.

But he quickly regained his composure and smiled.

“There’s no such thing as gaining all the benefits without making any effort. President Liu, why don’t you tell me the real situation? Otherwise, I absolutely won’t accept the position.”

Seeing his reaction, Liu Zhenhua shook his head and laughed.

“You’re being a little too cautious, Mr. Li. But since you insist on knowing, I won’t hide it from you.”

His tone suddenly became grave, as though he were about to reveal a shocking secret.

The atmosphere grew tense at once.

Li Chao held his breath and waited for Liu Zhenhua to continue.

He knew that the president would never have offered such enticing terms without a reason.

There had to be secrets and ulterior motives concealed beneath them.

Liu Zhenhua slowly began to explain, laying out his entire plan.

It turned out that he had first transferred Howard’s resources under his own name. He had now established the West China Chamber of Commerce in order to unite the various forces throughout the city and realize his grand ambitions.

“There are two reasons why I’m establishing the chamber and recommending you as its president.”

Liu Zhenhua’s tone was sincere and firm, as though every word carried profound weight.

Li Chao’s expression shifted slightly, and he waited quietly for the rest.

“First, I genuinely believe in your potential, and I want to bind our interests together in advance. If you truly rise to prominence in the future, you can help all of us from Wannan as well!”

Expectation gleamed in Liu Zhenhua’s eyes, as though he could already see the brilliant future awaiting Chen Shan and Li Chao.

“The second reason is Skyfall Wolf.”

Liu Zhenhua’s tone suddenly turned solemn.

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“Last night, we merely severed one hand he had extended into our territory. There’s no guarantee he won’t come looking for trouble again. Among everyone present, you are the strongest. With you guarding us, we’ll be able to rest easy.”

At that, Li Chao narrowed his eyes and considered the matter in silence.

So that was it. Liu Zhenhua had recognized his potential, but he also hoped to borrow Li Chao’s strength to stand against Skyfall Wolf.

After several minutes of serious thought, Li Chao finally agreed.

He understood how great the president’s authority would be. At the very least, in West China City, he could practically be considered the uncrowned king.

Many matters would become far easier to handle in the future.

Besides, after killing Di Shitian, he had already offended Skyfall Wolf. Even if he refused the presidency, a confrontation would come sooner or later.

It was better to accept the position. That way, Liu Zhenhua and the others could investigate Skyfall Wolf for him. If trouble really arose, he would have time to prepare.

When Liu Zhenhua learned that Li Chao had agreed, he was overjoyed, as though he could already see a bright future for the West China Chamber of Commerce.

The group then began discussing the chamber’s details, including its rules, the division of territories, and various other matters.

Although Li Chao was the president, these were not things he was good at.

He trusted Liu Zhenhua’s abilities and could not be bothered with such trivial affairs.

After exchanging a few words with the others, he left the conference room first.

Once outside, Li Chao intended to find somewhere to sit and rest.

That was when he happened to run into Liu Lele, and his heart gave an involuntary jolt.

Liu Lele was wearing high heels, black stockings accentuating her long, slender legs. She possessed an air of intelligence mingled with a hint of sensuality, as though she had stepped straight out of a painting—beautiful enough to draw the eye, yet intimidating to approach.

Simply standing there, she seemed to add radiance to the entire corridor.

She had known all about the meeting already, so there was no need for her to go inside and join the discussion.

When their eyes met, an indescribable feeling passed between them.

“Why aren’t you in there attending the meeting?”

Liu Lele spoke first, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze, soothing to the ear.

Li Chao smiled.

“I’m only the nominal president. I don’t understand a word of what they’re discussing. I might as well come out and take a walk.”

There was a trace of helplessness in his voice, but more than that, there was an easygoing freedom.

Liu Lele glanced out the window and suggested, “How about we go downstairs and have some coffee?”

Expectation flickered in her eyes, as though she were waiting for him to accept a pleasant invitation.

Li Chao nodded, and the two of them walked out together.

Their departure immediately caused a stir among the employees of the corporation. One after another, people poked their heads out to look, especially the male employees, who felt as though their hearts had been torn apart.

Liu Lele was practically a goddess in their eyes, and now another man had actually “stolen her away”!

Downstairs, they found a table by the window in the café.

Once the coffee and desserts arrived, the atmosphere quickly became relaxed and pleasant.

Liu Lele spoke first.

“The matter with your car has already been taken care of, so don’t let it bother you. It wasn’t worth much, anyway. My family has several more cars. If you need one, just choose another.”

She said it so casually that it was as though the Mercedes worth hundreds of thousands meant nothing to her.

Li Chao’s lips twitched several times. He could not help sighing inwardly.

This was the difference between people.

This was reality.

To many, a Mercedes costing hundreds of thousands was the goal of a lifetime. Yet in Liu Lele’s mouth, it was barely worth mentioning.

He shook his head.

“Everything here has been settled. I’m planning to return to Li Family Fort. I won’t need a vehicle for the time being.”

His tone was firm and decisive.

With coffee and dessert on the table, the two slowly enjoyed this rare moment of leisure.

Liu Lele stirred her coffee gently, then asked in a low voice, “You’re now a billionaire and the president of the West China Chamber of Commerce. Do you still intend to continue with the work at Li Family Fort?”

Curiosity and concern flickered in her eyes.

Li Chao was silent for a while, as though seriously considering the question.

Then he slowly replied, “Some things can’t be measured by money or status. What I’m doing at Li Family Fort has a special meaning to me. No matter where I go or what I become, I’ll never forget my roots or my original purpose.”

Li Chao smiled. Determination shone in his eyes like an undying flame atop a mountain peak.

“Of course I’ll continue. A person has to keep moving forward instead of settling for what he has. Besides, even if I don’t do it for myself, I still have to think about the villagers.”

There was a warmth in his words—the sentiment of one who prospers without forgetting his origins. It was deeply moving.

Liu Lele gazed at Li Chao, admiration rising in her heart.

After thinking for a moment, she corrected him.

“You can’t have only the villagers in your heart. You need to have me in there too.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized they could be misunderstood and hurriedly explained, “I mean, when you’re doing business, you should think of me. We can work together.”

Her cheeks flushed faintly. She looked shy, like a flower blooming for the first time in spring.

Her explanation only made her feel more self-conscious.

Li Chao looked at her and suddenly felt a strange sense of accomplishment.

Who would have thought that a domineering female executive like her could become so flustered and bashful in front of him?

The atmosphere between them grew subtle and delicate, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake and stirring circles upon the water.

But soon, their tension was broken by a burst of easy laughter.

They continued chatting and enjoyed the rare leisure, like two old friends reunited after a long separation, with endless things to say.

At that moment, nearly two hundred miles from West China City, a mountain estate sat quietly halfway up a range of hills.

The estate was not large, but it had been decorated with refined elegance, exuding an understated luxury.

It was like a hidden pearl nestled among the mountains, waiting in silence to be discovered by someone destined to find it.

In the study beside it, a man in his forties wearing a black long robe bent over a desk, brush in hand, practicing calligraphy.

His face was gaunt, his brows sharp as swords, and the beard on his chin drifted lightly with each movement.

The scene of him writing should have been beautiful to behold, yet it conveyed an indescribable sense of danger.

It was like an undercurrent hidden beneath a tranquil lake, ready to erupt at any moment.

If Liu Zhenhua had witnessed the scene, he would have recognized the man immediately.

This was none other than the Skyfall Wolf, the man they had always feared.

And at this very moment, he was plotting something momentous here, as though a storm were about to sweep across West China City…

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