Chapter 125: Status, Power and Influence

After all, since the big shot had already spoken, the burly man certainly did not dare to make any more arrogant moves. As the crowd dispersed, the disturbance at the dining table gradually subsided.

Li Chao recalled the event and finally gained a slight impression of the burly man. He thought to himself that it was indeed quite nice to be able to resolve problems without having to lift a finger. He had now truly experienced the thrill of using his reputation to smooth over trouble.

Beside him, Liu Dan looked at Li Chao with glowing eyes. Although she did not know exactly how he had managed it, she naturally felt proud that her man was so capable. Seeing that the danger had passed, Lu Bin’s complexion finally improved; at the very least, he was no longer as submissive as he had been just moments ago. He looked at Li Chao, then spotted the arriving security team, and seemed to guess something.

A few security officers came in to inquire, but upon finding that the matter had already been resolved, they left directly. It had always been the case that if the victim did not press charges, the authorities would not intervene. Once the security team had gone, Lu Bin called out to Li Chao again, asking, "Do you know that guy from before? Are you also involved in the underworld?" His voice lacked much respect, and his expression remained somewhat unpleasant.

Li Chao smiled indifferently, not answering Lu Bin’s question directly. He knew that Fan Peng was dissatisfied with him due to issues of pride. However, he did not care about such things. If the situation had developed further, perhaps Lu Bin would have realized just how formidable Li Chao was. Unfortunately, it ended too quickly, leading him to mistake Li Chao for one of the thugs. In his view, the only reason Li Chao was able to make the other side back down was because he could drink well, fight well, and because of the arrival of the security team. He even developed the illusion that if he had persisted a little longer, he could have scared them off himself.

Li Chao smiled, noncommittal. He couldn't be bothered to explain much to Lu Bin, as the two were not on the same path. Seeing that Li Chao did not object, Lu Bin assumed he had guessed correctly and spoke again, "Let me tell you, this is a society ruled by law. Being involved in the underworld might look impressive, but it’s actually useless. That whole fighting and killing business went out of style long ago."

As he spoke, he rubbed his face, clearly still brooding over the beating he had just received. He continued, "Take today, for example. I might have appeared to be beaten, but in reality, I just didn't want to lower myself to their level. Otherwise, if I threw a million or so into it, I could have had him crippled in an instant! How ridiculous! Just a small-time hoodlum, yet he dared to run wild in front of me!"

Li Chao almost laughed out loud at this guy. He thought to himself, feeling superior after being beaten? If the slap mark on his face were not still visible, he would have thought it was Lu Bin who had beaten the others. In fact, Lu Bin was not entirely wrong; spending a million or so might indeed be enough to ruin someone, but he likely wouldn't dare to do it. After all, that burly man surely had backing as well; if he dared to take action, he would be the one completely finished. This was the rule of the game.

However, Li Chao could not be bothered to argue about this now. He gave a casual wave and left with He Li. Watching his retreating figure, Lu Bin continued to mutter to himself, "Hmph! What’s so impressive about knowing a few people? In this society, it’s all about money!"

Li Chao did not look back, nor did he respond to Lu Bin’s words. Liu Dan and Li Chao walked out of the amusement park gates together; they no longer cared about the final disposition of the three women inside. After all, having stepped in to help earlier, they had already done their duty. Although the hour was late, the amusement park was still packed with people and bustling with activity. The two walked hand in hand like a couple, playing with various entertainment facilities nearby.

At first, they chose gentle attractions like the carousel and swings. The only thing that could be considered thrilling was the bumper cars. However, seeing the group of children around, Li Chao couldn't stand it anymore and pulled He Li away. "I say, Sister Dan, we are adults! Let’s play something exciting for once, shall we?" Li Chao said with a helpless look.

Liu Dan also felt a bit embarrassed and gathered her courage to ask, "Then what do you suggest we play?" Li Chao looked around and, out of consideration for Liu Dan, finally chose the roller coaster. Of course, the roller coaster here was not the type that took wild plunges or rotated three hundred and sixty degrees, but relatively speaking, it was among the more thrilling projects.

After they were seated, Li Chao reminded her from the side, "Sister Dan, steady your breathing, it’s about to start!" However, the moment the roller coaster started, Liu Dan’s face turned pale. After a brief moment of smoothness, the coaster began to accelerate. Liu Dan could no longer help it; she started screaming loudly, and as she shouted, she grabbed Li Chao’s arm so tightly that her nails almost sank into his flesh.

Li Chao was speechless, partly because of Liu Dan’s reaction and partly because of her voice. He thought to himself that if he had known she would react this strongly, he wouldn't have chosen this ride. But now, even if he wanted to stop, he couldn't! So, Li Chao could only comfort her, "Sister Dan, it’ll be over after one final acceleration! It’s okay! Just hold on a little longer!" However, when Liu Dan heard there was more acceleration, she was on the verge of tears, "This is too long! My dear brother, I’m about to faint..."

Finally, amidst Liu Dan’s exclamations and Chen Shan’s comforting words, the roller coaster slowly came to a halt. As they stepped off, Liu Dan’s face was still pale, but a faint smile hung on her lips. "How was it, Sister Dan, exciting?" Li Chao asked with a smile. "Exciting... too exciting..." Liu Dan said, gasping for air, "But, it was quite fun." Li Chao was also feeling helpless; it was just a roller coaster, yet Liu Dan had been scared to that extent. He secretly vowed to himself never to take Sister Dan on such equipment again.

After resting for a while, they went to stroll through the food street. There were many people there, and plenty of delicious food. Liu Dan held a grilled sausage in her left hand and a portion of fried chicken nuggets in her right, her eyes squinting into slits from smiling. The food wasn't expensive, but the person by her side made it precious. As long as she could be with Li Chao, even if it meant just walking the streets, she felt very happy.

After they had eaten and drank their fill, they checked the time; it was already midnight. Li Chao yawned and asked, "Sister Dan, it’s so late, you must be sleepy, right? How about we find a hotel to rest for a while?" Liu Dan laughed, "That sounds nice! Can you actually let me get some good rest?" Li Chao chuckled, then shrugged, "I can guarantee that at most I'll just give you a hug! But if you don't rest yourself, you can't blame me!"

Men, after all, usually say things like that. But as for what actually happens, everyone likely knows in their hearts. Liu Dan rolled her eyes at him and said, "Do you think I’m like you, thinking about those messy things every day? My self-control is very good!" Li Chao chuckled and said, "Fine! That’s what you said! Don’t regret it later!" Liu Dan retorted, "If I regret it, I’m a little puppy!"

The two walked to the nearest hotel, opened a room, and checked in. Li Chao went to the bathroom to shower first, as they had been walking around and had worked up quite a sweat. After he finished showering quickly and changed into clean clothes, he walked out to see Liu Dan sitting on the bed watching TV. "Sister Dan, you go wash up too. I’m done." Li Chao said.

Liu Dan nodded and stood up to head toward the bathroom. After she finished showering, she came out wearing a bathrobe and saw Li Chao lying on the bed playing on his phone. "If you’re sleepy, go ahead and sleep first." Liu Dan said. "It’s fine, I’ll wait for you." Li Chao said, then put down his phone and looked at Liu Dan. The two exchanged smiles and lay down on the bed together. Li Chao indeed only hugged Liu Dan and made no other moves. Liu Dan secretly rejoiced, thinking her self-control was indeed quite good.

However, just as she was about to fall asleep, Li Chao suddenly said, "Sister Dan, actually I was just teasing you earlier. How could I only hug you?" By the time Liu Dan came out from washing, she had already tucked herself into the thin quilt, her eyes fixed on Li Chao with a certain special luster. Seeing this, Li Chao immediately burst into laughter, "The situation doesn't look right! Who was it that said they had good self-control just a moment ago?" Liu Dan gritted her teeth and said, "I regret it!" Li Chao teased, "If you regret it, you have to become a little puppy!" Liu Dan bit Li Chao’s shoulder, pretending to be fierce, and exclaimed, "If I must, I must!"

Li Chao laughed immediately. Just as they were in the heat of the moment, Li Chao’s phone suddenly rang. He was in the middle of teasing Liu Dan and didn't have time to answer. The caller seemed particularly persistent, actually calling repeatedly. With no other choice, Li Chao had to pick up the phone. When he saw it was Liu Lele, he wondered, why is she calling me so late? Could there be some big news? After thinking about it, Li Chao finally pressed the answer button.

Liu Lele’s voice came from the other end: "Have you not been sleeping at home these past two days?" Li Chao paused for a moment and said, "I’m not quite used to it at your place, so I came out to stay for a couple of days!" Liu Lele on the other end said with a hint of feigned anger, "I arranged for you to stay at home so you would be comfortable; if I had known you weren't used to it, I would have just had you stay at a five-star hotel!" Li Chao explained, "Sister Liu, I was wrong! Next time I come, I’ll stay at your place and not leave, okay?" Hearing Li Chao admit his mistake, Liu Lele said, "That’s more like it!"

"By the way, you didn't answer the phone for so long just now, were you asleep?" Liu Lele pressed. Li Chao laughed, "Not yet!" Liu Lele continued to ask, "Then what are you doing?" Just then, Liu Dan pinched Li Chao, and Li Chao made a sound, which Liu Lele happened to hear: "What’s wrong?" Li Chao quickly said, "Nothing! Nothing!" Seeing that Li Chao didn't say much, Liu Lele said, "Alright then! Get some sleep after you're done exercising, and remember to go inspect the Nantian Hotel!"

After the call hung up, Li Chao breathed a long sigh of relief. Liu Dan asked with a smile, "You guy, you have quite the charm, Liu Lele is still thinking about you so late at night!" After saying this, she added, "Everything is finally finished now, right? Is it time to get down to business?" Li Chao feigned ignorance and asked, "What business?" Liu Dan pinched Li Chao again, "Bad guy, what do you think!" Li Chao laughed heartily; the atmosphere between them was warm and sweet.

A night passed, and the next morning, Liu Dan had to leave as soon as she woke up because she had classes. When she left, her legs were still somewhat unsteady; there was no helping it, the "after-effects" of last night were too strong. Li Chao, on the other hand, slept until after ten. He tidied up briefly, checked out, hailed a taxi at the hotel entrance, and headed toward the Nanshan Hotel.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Nanshan Hotel, Li Chao got out of the taxi. A group of men and women in formal attire were waiting with their hands at their sides; they were the senior management staff of the Nantian Hotel. At this moment, their faces were filled with seriousness and anticipation. The news of Howard’s death had spread among the hotel’s top management, and what shocked them even more was the news that broke yesterday regarding all assets being transferred to someone else's name. It was said that the new boss would come to inspect the group’s work today. At such a moment, no one dared to ask for leave or be late, all hoping to leave a good impression on the new boss. After all, the arrival of the new boss meant that the Nantian Hotel was about to undergo unknown changes.

Lu Bin stood at the front of this group of executives. His face had not yet fully recovered and still bore some bruises, but he kept his back straight, looking intently into the distance. Especially when a luxury car passed by, he was ready to step forward to open the door and offer a salute. However, they had waited until now, and there was still no sign of the new boss. "General Manager Lu, it’s already this late, will the new boss change his schedule and not come?" one executive asked in a low voice, their tone revealing a hint of anxiety. Lu Bin said, "Since we were notified, he will definitely come! Anyone who doesn't want to wait can leave now!" His words carried an unquestionable firmness. Hearing Lu Bin’s words, no one moved. Just kidding, who would dare to leave? At this critical moment, no one wanted to miss the opportunity to meet the new boss.

At this time, another female executive asked, "General Manager Lu, do you know what kind of person the new boss is?" Her tone was full of curiosity. Lu Bin replied, "It is said that he is not very old, his surname is Chen, and he is very powerful!" Having said this, he lowered his voice, "I also heard that yesterday, led by the Liu family, many group presidents in Huaxi City joined together to form the Huaxi Chamber of Commerce! Do you know who the chairman is?" The person beside him asked with a hint of surprise, "It wouldn't be our new boss, would it?" Lu Bin laughed, "You guessed right! It is him! I heard that even Liu Zhenhua doesn't dare to be the least bit presumptuous in his presence!"

Hearing this, all the executives showed looks of shock. They knew Liu Zhenhua’s status in Huaxi City; if even he didn't dare to be presumptuous in front of the new boss, one could see how formidable the new boss’s strength was. Originally, Lu Bin had planned to take advantage of Howard’s death to seize some of the Nantian Hotel’s shares. But upon hearing of the new boss’s power, he immediately became obedient. Now, he only wanted to keep his job; as for getting rich quick, that would have to wait for another day.

Hearing Lu Bin’s words, the surrounding executives were stunned. The new boss was actually that powerful? Even Liu Zhenhua didn't dare to be presumptuous around him! Several female executives even secretly unbuttoned their blouses a bit more, trying their best to create a visual impact. They secretly calculated that if they were chosen by the new boss, even if it were just a casual affair, it would be enough to save them more than ten years of struggle.

Lu Bin looked at these executives a few more times and said, "I also heard that the new boss is not from Huaxi City. This visit is likely just an inspection, and he might not stay for long. So, when meeting the new boss, everyone should consider the future! You all understand what I mean, right?" Hearing his words, several people around him quickly said, "Understood! We definitely understand! General Manager Lu is a veteran of the group; even if the boss changes, you will definitely still be the mainstay in the future!" "Yes! We still have to rely on General Manager Lu to promote us!" "When the new boss is here, we listen to the new boss! When the new boss is away, we listen to General Manager Lu!" Lu Bin’s mouth curled into a smile, his mood very pleasant. By asserting his presence while welcoming the new boss, he could better maintain his authority.

However, just at this moment, a taxi stopped in front of the group. The door opened, and a young man stepped out. It was Li Chao. When he saw him, Lu Bin was stunned on the spot. He took a few steps forward, looked at Li Chao, and asked, "What are you doing here? Don't you see we are welcoming a distinguished guest? Don't get in the way, get lost!" Li Chao chuckled, hands in his pockets, looking around at the surroundings with a calm and indifferent expression. He did not directly answer Lu Bin’s question but instead swept his gaze over these executives, pondering silently.

Lu Bin saw that Li Chao didn't answer and maintained a calm demeanor, which made him feel a bit suspicious. He spoke again, "Hey, did you hear what I said? Leave here immediately, don't delay us from welcoming the new boss!" Seeing that Li Chao not only didn't move aside but instead looked at the hotel with a scrutinizing gaze, Lu Bin became angry: "Don't you understand human language? We have important matters here! Get lost! Otherwise, I’ll have the security guards drag you away!" His eyes were fixed on the new boss, and he couldn't be bothered to waste words with Li Chao.

However, Li Chao shifted his gaze back to Lu Bin’s face and said with a half-smile, "I am the new boss you are waiting for!" As soon as these words were spoken, there was a deathly silence at the scene, followed immediately by harsh bursts of laughter. Several female executives mocked with utter disdain: "Where did this lunatic come from?" "Even if you’re acting, you should at least buy a suit and rent a luxury car, right? With an image like this, you wouldn't even pass an interview!" "Get out of the way, don't affect us welcoming the boss!" As for Lu Bin, he pointed at Li Chao arrogantly: "I was in a good mood yesterday, so I didn't bother with you! But not today! Get out! If you dare to ruin my big plans, I’ll kill you!" He had always felt that it was the security team that had scared away those thugs yesterday, and he felt no gratitude toward Li Chao at all. Now that he was preparing to demonstrate his strength and express loyalty to the new boss, he certainly wouldn't let any mistakes occur.

Li Chao sneered, "Are you sure you want me to leave?" Lu Bin’s nostrils flared: "Nonsense! Should I keep you here for dinner? Get lost!" Although Li Chao also had the surname Li, Lu Bin had never considered him to be the new boss. How could a poor loser who couldn't even afford a car be connected to the Chairman of the Huaxi Chamber of Commerce, whom Liu Zhenhua treated as a guest of honor?

Just then, two more cars drove over. The leading vehicle was an imported Rolls-Royce, its emblem shining brilliantly in the sunlight, and the air seemed to be filled with the smell of money. Behind it followed a Lincoln business car worth millions. When they saw these cars, Lu Bin and the other executives went wild. They pushed Li Chao aside and gathered around the cars. This was the proper way for a big boss to make an entrance! As for Li Chao, he was clearly just there to be a clown.

The vehicles stopped beside them, and the doors opened. A man and a woman stepped out: Liu Zhenhua and Liu Lele. From the car behind stepped out Zhou Laosan. Seeing these people, Lu Bin was the first to rush up, bowing and saluting, asking respectfully, "I didn't expect General Manager Liu to come in person; we truly feel honored!" "Um... I don't know when the new boss will arrive? We’ve been waiting for a long time!"

Liu Zhenhua narrowed his eyes and then saw Li Chao standing to the side with a smile on his face. He pushed past the welcoming executives and walked toward Li Chao. The two shook hands, and Liu Zhenhua asked with some confusion, "Chairman Li, you didn't tell them?" Everyone at the scene was confused by Liu Zhenhua’s actions and words. They knew that there were very few people in all of Huaxi City who could make Liu Zhenhua take the initiative to shake hands. Also, why did he call him Chairman?

Lu Bin had not yet reacted; he stared blankly at Liu Zhenhua and Li Chao shaking hands, his heart filled with doubt and confusion. He looked at Li Chao and found that Li Chao was looking at him with a half-smile, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "General Manager Liu, what do you mean by this? Why be so polite to a poor loser?" Lu Bin finally couldn't help but ask. In Lu Bin’s view, someone like Li Chao who couldn't even afford a car could absolutely not have any connection with Liu Zhenhua.

However, the facts slapped his face hard. Before Liu Zhenhua could answer, he saw a person stride over. *Smack!* With a swing of his hand, a slap landed on Lu Bin’s face, knocking him directly to the ground. The one who acted was Zhou Laosan. Lu Bin’s mouth and nose were bleeding, and he was originally full of anger, planning to call for help. But when he saw it was Zhou Laosan, he immediately withered. Just kidding, this was a big brother of the Huaxi City underworld, a man who killed without blinking. If he dared to fight back even once, he probably wouldn't see tomorrow’s sun.

He still didn't know why he had been beaten and asked in a daze, "Third Master, why are you hitting me?" It would have been better if he hadn't asked; as soon as he heard the question, Zhou Laosan stepped forward and kicked him several more times, causing Lu Bin to vomit blood and struggle even to crawl. After beating him, Zhou Laosan spat on Lu Bin’s face and shouted, "You blind dog! You dare to scold Mr. Li? If I weren't afraid of affecting his mood, I would have killed you right now and thrown you into the river to feed the fish!"

After a series of events, Zhou Laosan had long since become Li Chao’s little fan. Seeing Lu Bin insult Li Chao so much, he naturally couldn't stand it. After being beaten and scolded, Lu Bin’s head finally began to clear. He looked at Li Chao with a horrified gaze and asked, "You... who are you?" Li Chao chuckled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth: "I already told you, I am the new boss you are waiting for! Do you believe me now?"

This... all the hotel executives on the scene stood rooted to the spot, as if petrified. Everyone felt it was impossible! They couldn't believe that this seemingly ordinary young man was their new boss and also the Chairman of the Huaxi Chamber of Commerce!