Chapter 2: The Polite Assassin

  After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lao Qian ordered Qian Tonghua to surrender and he was soon detained by the Hong Kong Commercial Crime Investigation Bureau for investigation. Qian Yu Hui was removed from his position as general manager of the shoe industry company and was transferred back to headquarters, away from the front line of business operations. Lao Qian's two wives were also forced to leave the international headquarters, and Lao Qian instructed Xue Zong and Ye Zi Hen to rectify the international headquarters.

  Ye Zi-hen publicly announced that he had gathered a group of wealthy friends who were willing to invest in the company, and they collectively raised funds to establish a new company to acquire Qian Tonghua's shares. He became the chairman of this new company. As a result, Ye Zi-hen now controls 12% of the company's shares, making him the second-largest shareholder, and he has been elected as the company's vice-chairman, which was approved by the board of directors.

  Ye Ziheng has already taken control of the group, managing five major enterprises under the group, and Qian Tonghua's shares have also been acquired by Ye Ziheng's friends. As a result, Ye Ziheng is now absolutely dominant in terms of personnel power within the group and the support of the board members. To outsiders, he has already become the de facto heir apparent of the Li Heng Group.

  In the Chang'an plan tailored by Longpo for Liheng Group, "pacifying the country before expanding abroad" is the first important principle.

  What is meant by "stabilizing the interior" is, first and foremost, to stabilize people's minds - those of employees, directors, and outsiders who shape public opinion. We must make it clear that Old Qian will pass on power to Ye Ziheng, so as to stabilize people's minds and prevent them from thinking that the group is in chaos. Second, we need to continue to lull Jiao Rongsen into a false sense of security. Third, the incident involving Qian Tonghua is like an atomic bomb - if it is not eliminated promptly, it will lead to endless trouble.

  Qian Lao, Xue Zong and they all knew that although Ye Zi Hen now has great power, he only has trivial branch management power over some enterprises, the real group's power is still in Qian Lao's hands.

  Internal stability is an important means of resisting the attack of the external environment. Since the internal stability has been initially achieved, the most critical issue now is how to make the overall operation of the group enterprise stable. Long Bao believes that the crux of Li Heng's problem lies in the fact that the cost environment of raw materials is constantly changing and fluctuating, which increasingly challenges the break-even point of enterprises and compresses their profit space to the bottom line and extreme limit that the group can bear. Li Heng does not engage in price wars, but must divest some of its subsidiaries, restructure assets, and get rid of enterprises that are holding back the development of the group, so as to advance with a lighter burden.

  When Qian Lao and his men were secretly carrying out their operation, Jiao Rong Sen still thought that everything was going according to his predetermined plan.

  During the entire Spring Festival holiday, De Lao stayed in the villa with Long Bao. Long Bao was always so filial to help him massage, wash his feet, and do laundry, and ask for his teachings. De Lao was extremely fond of this grandson, but he was also deeply conflicted about Long Bao's situation. Although Long Bao was currently under the protection of Qian Lao, after all, Long Bao had committed a crime. The law would eventually have to be faced, but how should it be faced? In such conflicting emotions, De Lao left Chang'an and returned to Changhan, weighing his integrity, family ties, and the law.

  Zheng Xue's mother had only him as her son, her husband was dead, and her younger brother was also dead. To be honest, for Zheng Xue, she dared to do anything! She tried every means to rescue Zheng Xue from prison.

  Qian Lao finally made up his mind, accepted Long Bao's suggestion, and gave up some shares of subordinate enterprises. On this day, Mu Gui Mountain, Vice Chairman Li Yuanfu, and Vice Chairman He Yongji brought their respective think tanks to Chang'an.

  Qian Lao seemed mentally exhausted, completely unlike his usual sharp self. His eyes were lifeless, and even his hair was not neatly combed. He walked unsteadily and sat in the boss's chair with his body slightly tilted, propping himself up with his elbows. This demeanor was enough to secretly shock all the directors.

  As everyone sat down in the conference room, Qian Lao insisted on standing up, speaking in a slow and low voice: "Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, I, Qian Zhengsheng, would like to bow three times to apologize before discussing official business. I owe you all an apology!" Qian Lao's eyes were moist as he bowed deeply three times under everyone's astonished gaze.

  After bowing three times, Qian Lao's speech became more difficult and somewhat choked with emotion. He said: "Due to my incompetent management and loss of control, although the group's current situation is still relatively good, it's getting harder and harder to manage and operate as the business scope is too large. The market is shrinking rapidly, and the main objective of the group is unclear. It's urgent to solve this problem from the root cause, indeed, it has come to a point where we can't help but do so."

  "Money's old mouth trembled: "This decision is too big, it involves the division of equity and the stripping of property rights, as well as the drastic changes in the group's industrial structure. So everything depends on your own decisions. You know that my prodigal son has been detained by the police and will be put on trial soon. The extent to which my two daughters-in-law have caused losses to the group is currently under review at headquarters, except for my eldest daughter and her husband Zhen slightly comforting me, I have completely lost confidence in my children."

  Qian Lao said, "Fortunately, everyone understands, and Ziheng has not lost his expectations in safeguarding everyone's rights and interests without suffering any substantial harm. Now, Ziheng has also become the vice chairman of the group, which is the most comforting thing for this old man."

  Qian Lao looked at everyone with sincere eyes and thought for a moment before saying: "Modern enterprises are increasingly comprehensive and professional, but I was too hasty and courageous in diversifying my business, expanding out of control, and now it's impossible to complete the transition and transformation of the enterprise within my lifetime. The acquisition and merger of companies is already a trend, and 'what is joined together must eventually separate' is an unchanging truth in the business world. Restructuring is also a trend. In order to give everyone a good ending, I have decided to agree to use a very favorable discount price, voluntarily bear the loss, and allow everyone to exchange the group's shares for the ownership of some enterprises under the group. As for how to exchange, we can discuss it in detail. Group Chairman Jin Kuangning already has a list of outsiders who intend to acquire the group's companies, but I think the group is not only my heart's blood but also the crystallization of everyone's hard work. Rather than letting outsiders take over in the future, I would rather let you all manage and operate it. Now is the period of rapid economic growth at home, and I believe that with your business acumen, you can definitely make these companies you like go to a higher level under your management."

  Qian Lao's words were like a huge turbine fan, blowing away the doubts in the minds of those who had intended to do so, and also greatly arousing their interest.

  A Yuan couldn't wait any longer. As soon as Lao Qian's voice fell, he asked: "Chairman, which companies under your name are you planning to let go of?"

  "A Yuan, Mo Lao has already handed over the burden to you. Except for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and heavy industry, all other enterprises can be negotiated as long as you are interested," Qian Lao smiled slightly, his smile revealing a hint of bitterness. He pointed to the wall-mounted TV screen in the conference room, which was displaying the real-time stock price of Li Heng, "This matter is of great importance, everyone must keep it strictly confidential, otherwise it will cause unnecessary losses to you and our shareholders if the group's stock price fluctuates greatly. The current stock price is 8.62 Hong Kong dollars, I don't want to see it fluctuate too much."

  Mo Guishan's expression seemed regretful, and he said, "Old Qian, did you have to do it this way?"

  Qian Lao forced a faint smile and said, "I won't be able to live for many more days. My body is not doing well, you all saw that I almost had a stroke last night, my energy is also depleted. I'm afraid that if I die, things will no longer be under my control! You have always been helping me, Qian Zhengsheng, with all your might. I am taking this opportunity to repay you before I pass away! Don't let me feel regretful towards you in the afterlife, and don't hold any grudges!"

  He Yongji felt a pang of sadness and said with a heavy heart, "Qian Lao, if you do this, won't the entire Li Heng be torn apart? Can't you reconsider?"

  Qian Lao chuckled and smiled, but tears welled up in his eyes. He took out a handkerchief to wipe them away, saying: "I don't have an heir as satisfactory as yours, old friends. My will is difficult to write! This Li Heng's business is too big, the bigger the family business, the more worries there are; the more children and grandchildren, the more troubles there are. I worry about this and that, so I might as well wash my hands of it all! I've already hired a famous law firm and accounting firm from Hong Kong to assist you in discussing the specifics. You can choose the companies you're interested in, evaluate the group's shares and the company's market value. I promise you won't lose out in this exchange."

  After a moment of silence, the directors felt that since Qian Lao had made up his mind, they bid him farewell and went to discuss among themselves in private.

  Mo Guishan sipped his strong Kung Fu tea, savoring the deep flavor of the brown liquid. He looked up to see his son A Yuan's somewhat pleased expression and sternly said: "What are you so happy about?! Is it worth being so excited?! I've told you countless times not to reveal your true intentions easily, why didn't you listen?!"

  A-Yuan's smile suddenly stiffened, but he didn't dare retort.

  The vice president of the Mo's company, who came together with them, was a veteran in mergers and acquisitions. He smiled and made small talk: "Chairman, this is a great joyous occasion for us! Think about it, if Ah Yuan hadn't given Old Qian such hints before, would he have been so generous? Old Qian felt that he owed you a great favor, so he repaid you in this way!"

  Mo Guishan didn't speak, still sipping his tea, and only after a long while did he say: "You don't understand him, but I know him like the back of my hand. I've suggested to him many times that he transfer some shares to me or let me hold some shares in the subsidiary companies under our group, but he always politely declined. He's an iron gate when it comes to controlling group shares, insisting on having all the power in his own hands. Now, for him to so easily say he'll transfer the subsidiary company, I don't think it's that simple."

  Mo Guishan looked at his son, Ah Yuan, who was looking uncomfortable, and felt that he might have spoken too heavily earlier. He smiled and said: "I'm saying this for your own good, the most taboo thing in business is to let others know your bottom line, you must learn to be more reserved!"

  A Yuan still seemed somewhat unhappy, saying: "Dad, I know you have some suspicions that Qian Lao is just putting on a show and testing us. But even if he is testing us, we're not afraid. In the business world, there's only competition for profit. If we think it's worth it, we do it; if not, we decline. We can't wait for Ye Ziheng to fulfill his promises, anyway, now that Ye Ziheng has taken office."

  "Without my support, how could Ye Ziheng have such great power? However, now the water in this river is already very muddy and continues to flow downhill. It's better to jump out of this right and wrong as soon as possible and get real benefits. The later you wait, the deeper you'll sink! As for Ye Ziheng, Ah Yuan, he's not a good bird! He sells his brothers and uses tricks, his schemes are too deep. When you're with him, you have to be careful."

  "A Yan suppressed the excitement in his heart and said, "Dad, I have a lot of inside information about Li Heng clothing and Li Heng shoes. If we can take over these two companies, it will greatly expand our forces. We can reveal this information and heavily lower prices."

  The deputy general manager also smiled and said, "Chairman, I think that if we raise the stock price of Liheng a bit now, we might be able to get more chips for the valuation of the Zhongzi Group. With this push and pull, the gap will become even bigger."

  Mo Guishan said indifferently: "Even if Li Heng doesn't use you, the value of his own industry is already worth that much money!"

  He Yongji, Vice Chairman and Li Yuanfu, Vice Chairman are also making similar plans. However, Li Yuanfu is thinking of transferring his shares to others as he is somewhat tired and wants to enjoy a peaceful life.

  Zeng Hai had always been willing to share weal and woe with Qian Lao, and at this moment he was in the chairman's reception room, trying to stop Qian Lao with tears streaming down his face: "Chairman, this is the result of your decades of hard work. Even if the group is currently facing development difficulties, there has been no fundamental deterioration. Why not make a comeback and reorganize? I guarantee that within a year, it will definitely be possible to turn things around!"

  Qian Lao was deeply moved, and he wanted to tell him his true intentions, but in the end, he restrained himself. He smiled self-deprecatingly and said faintly: "Hai Zhang, we're both old now, who can guarantee what will happen in the future? I'm shrinking the group's scale to ensure that those shareholders won't suffer losses due to some uncertainty! Besides, with a smaller scale, I'll also feel at ease handing it over to the next generation, right?"

  Zeng Hai Chang really wanted to dissuade Qian Lao from being too hasty in passing on the throne, but after thinking it over, he could only sigh and say: "Alright, I won't advise you anymore. Anyway, I'm just one sentence, following you all the way, even when we get to the underworld, I'll still follow you, I won't leave your side!"

  Qian stood up and grasped Zeng Haichang's hand tightly, his eyes filled with indescribable emotion.

  Ye Zi Hen was hit by Qian Lao's sudden move, his plan was completely disrupted. He had been waiting for Qian Lao to die so that he could smoothly take over the chairman position, and he had even thought about how to bring down Jin Kuangning, the group's CEO. But unexpectedly, Qian Lao suddenly wanted to split up the group!

  Isn't this just handing over one's future wallet to others?! Who came up with this stupid idea?!

  Suddenly, he realized that he was so vulnerable in front of Qian Lao! He tried to dissuade Qian Lao, but Qian Lao's one sentence made him speechless: "Zi Heng, am I not thinking for your own good? Without my support, can you handle those old men on your own? Are you not afraid that they will rebel against you in the future if you don't let them have their way? We've lost some subsidiary companies, and maybe we'll suffer a bit of local loss, but we've gained absolute autonomy and ended that chaotic situation at the top! Your burden will be heavier in the future, but your space for free play will also be greater! At that time, funds will be more concentrated, and the transformation of Li Heng will be simpler and more malleable. What's not to be happy about? You should support me!"

  Jiao Rong Sen is furious again!

  He flew into a rage as soon as he got this information!

  He paced back and forth in the room, kicking whatever he saw, his mouth cursing angrily: "Too despicable! Too despicable! Aren't you supposed to build a giant multinational corporation? Why are you giving the company away to someone else? Why did you choose this timing? Why did you do it when I've invested all my funds in crude oil futures? Are you taking advantage of me being powerless to launch an attack on you? Ah? Screw you, Zhong Zheng!

  The trusted generals were silent and dared not speak out, while the superior's hands turned the prayer beads, but his face was all smiles.

  The fox looked at Gao Ren with a puzzled expression and said, "What are you smiling about? With such an unexpected situation arising, how did you not anticipate it? Aren't all things within your predictions?"

  He closed his eyes, seemingly savoring the memory of last night's opening ceremony. He had always believed that the opening was a sacred and pure thing. His face was filled with smiles, his lips slightly moving as he said: "The great war has already begun, why can't you remain calm, sir? The Li Heng Group will definitely change hands, and Qian Zhengsheng won't live past this year either. The entire Qian family is on the verge of collapse, why not smile and wait for that scene to arrive?"

  Jiao Sen's anger still hadn't subsided, and he shouted loudly: "What I want is for the Qian family to be completely destroyed! You tell me, when exactly will that old ghost Qian die this year? I want him to see his own failure with his own eyes!"

  The man coldly laughed and said: "This person has been exhausted for a long time, and his luck has reached the sixth stage of decline. He will surely die if he encounters another setback. I already told you last year that the official ghost is buried in the moon, the illness is built on the day, the wife's wealth and children are moving but combining with the earth, it's a greedy combination that forgets life, a great ominous sign! Although there is a noble person assisting, there will be even more injuries added to his body. In June, the water in the Hai position is trapped in the ground, this is like trying to save a withered sprout from drowning, the Qian family will surely lose! Using the divine to enter the grave and the taboo god moving to overcome him, this person has no rescue, he will die in June for sure! There's a saying: The Lingyun Jia Di updates the master, the victorious view is not the old man of the Mingyuan! What are you worried about?"

  Jiao Rong Sen stood there stupidly listening, after a while, suddenly burst out laughing: "Haha! What a great phrase 'Lingyun Jia Di updates the master, Sheng Gai Ming Yuan is not an old man'!"

  Under Shi Wei's coercion, Liu Guanghua finally couldn't resist and told Shi Wei everything truthfully, not forgetting to repeatedly declare that all the arrangements back then were ordered by Liao Ye.

  Liao Ye, however, pieced together various fragmented information and guessed that Long Bao must still be in the Li Heng Group.

  Zheng Xue's mother made great efforts to see Zheng Xue, who had not yet been publicly tried, in the prison. As soon as she saw her mother, Zheng Xue burst into loud sobs. After the mother and son cried together, Zheng Xue made two requests to his mother: first, to rescue him from the detention center at all costs; second, to capture Long Biao and bring him to justice!

  Jing'er is still in school, deeply pining for Long Bao. Qiu Ya has also returned to Changhan University to continue her studies, and Chang Cheng no longer bothers her. Chang Cheng's life is now very comfortable, as the young master of the Chang Corporation, he naturally becomes the white knight prince in the hearts of countless girls.

  Shi Wei and Du Ci were living a happy life in Changhan City, but since Shi Wei found out that Long Bao would receive 20 million yuan from Qian Lao, he had been thinking of ways to get Long Bao to treat him.

  Anyone with eyes can see it; this world has indeed become chaotic over the past few months.

  The United States insists that there is conclusive evidence that Saddam has hidden weapons of mass destruction and threatens Iraq with severe consequences. The US-Iraq situation is volatile, with multinational troops marching towards the Gulf, and oil prices are about to exceed OPEC's control capabilities. After careful analysis, Longwang firmly believes that in the near term, oil prices are likely to break through $39/barrel.

  However, what the ordinary people did not expect was that **the virus gradually spread among the crowd, the terrifying horn had sounded, and the air was filled with threats of death. We were like a fish struggling in turbid water, but this turbidity was equivalent to some kind of deception.**

  Fish swim in the deceitful water, surrounded by turbidity that blocks their ignorant sight with fake particles; Turbidity smiles and wraps around fish; Fish have to raise their heads out of the water to breathe, but unexpectedly there are fishing nets falling from the sky; The fishermen wearing masks cast fishing nets without masks.

  The quiet river water flows quietly, with a gentle breeze blowing and ripples on the surface of the water, where fish have always been paradise. Experienced fishermen are always observing this beautiful flow, where there is a flowing shadow of fish, and the fishermen politely put the net on their arm, after politely praying to the heavens above, both hands politely swing the net, and the net also brings politeness to the fish.

  The net draws a flying streamline in the sunlight, and the gentle arc embraces the quiet flowing water. When politeness has killing intent, the flowing water also dies.

  Ye Ziheng, Mo Guishan, He Yongji and Li Yuanfu etc. secretly discussed and decided to unite in a polite and friendly manner to divide the interests of Liheng Group Corporation.

  Two days later, they had each completed their plans and had also made a preliminary assessment of the group's enterprises, so they were ready to find Lao Qian to sign a contract.

  Qian Lao was meditating in the reception room when Mo Guishan and others arrived, he quickly got up to greet them, invited them to sit down, and after a round of polite small talk, they entered into the main topic.

  Li Yuanfu first expressed his regret and apology, then stated his reasons, and finally said: "Chairman, starting a business is difficult, but keeping it going is even more difficult. We understand your feelings and considerations. I am very grateful for the kindness you have shown me over the years. After careful consideration, I have decided to transfer my shares at a price of 620 million Hong Kong dollars. I don't want to do business anymore. I just want to find a good place to retire and spend the rest of my life in peace."

  Qian Lao smiled and nodded, saying: "I have no opinion on this, let's see what others think."

  Mo's group is a specialized textile and footwear company. Mo had been eyeing Li Heng's apparel and shoe business for a long time. He spoke to Old Man Li with great sincerity: "Chairman, you are the entrepreneur I respect the most. My father often told me to learn from your magnanimity... So please don't blame me for saying something I shouldn't say. The thing is, I think these appraisal experts may have overestimated the market value of Li Heng Shoes and Li Heng Apparel. They ignored many aspects... Therefore, I think the appraised market value of these two companies should be based on ours. This is the unanimous opinion of our expert team."

  Qian Lao smiled and listened, occasionally humming a few times, then took over the evaluation book handed over by A Yuan to take a look, nodded, put it back on the table, and said to Mo Guishan with great satisfaction: "Guishan, A Yuan is really good! Clear and concise, well-organized, very good, very good."

  "Come on, come on," Mo Guishan hastily replied with courtesy and humility, "those young people are just like trying to find bones in an egg, they're just blindly stirring up trouble! Don't take it to heart."

  Qian's face showed no emotion at all, he smiled and said: "He's absolutely right, his views are thorough, I'll take note of it first. Yongji, what about you?"

  He Yongji was interested in Li Heng Chemicals, and he chuckled, saying: "I'm old, let Ah Xian and you talk about it. It's good for young people to exercise. Hehe, Ah Xian, you go ahead and say something!"

  Having obtained his father's tacit consent, Ah Xian, with a bold and polite tone, said: "Chairman, we have taken a liking to Li Heng Chemicals, but we disagree with the group's valuation of the chemical industry. Currently, the chemical industry urgently needs a large amount of funds for transformation. Take a look, Li Heng Chemicals is facing many problems now..."

  Qian Lao's fingers gently rubbed the bottom of the teacup, quietly listening and silently thinking. If it weren't for Long Bao's strong suggestion, he absolutely couldn't tolerate these people coming to insult his intelligence. These people, who estimated the group's market value so high, yet deliberately suppressed their own companies' values so low, were as obvious as a beacon!

  But it's not possible to let go, if these old men remain high and above, it will inevitably be a hidden worry for the future; if we don't quickly streamline the enterprise, grasp the big and let go of the small, shrink the defensive position, once the enemy launches a large-scale attack, then all the enterprises under the group's banner will definitely be in chaos, with internal and external troubles, exhausted from responding!

  After all, the most important thing is to be grateful for having such a good grandson. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have taken the risk of investing in oil futures myself. Calculating roughly, wouldn't these enterprises have returned by now? What's there to care about anymore?!

  Qian Lao sighed secretly and looked at his son-in-law Ye Ziheng, seemingly with a hint of apology: "Ziheng, how's the contact with your company's shareholders going?"

  Ye Ziheng said to Li Lao with a somewhat sincere and solemn tone: "Chairman, the shareholders of my company are interested in Lihe Trading, Lihe Electronics, Lihe Heavy Industry, and Lihe Building Materials. This is their evaluation plan book, take a look." Ye Ziheng glanced at Li Yuanfu, and continued, "They also decided to acquire Vice Chairman Li's shares, take a look..."

  Qian Lao flipped through it and felt a bit suffocated. He stroked his hand, threw Ye Zhen's appraisal book on the table, and said unclearly: "They are also somewhat excessive, Li Heng Electronics, Li Heng Heavy Industry, and Li Heng Building Materials are only worth this little money? If I agree, how can I explain to the shareholders? Besides, I've said it before, electronics and heavy industry are not transferable."

  The scene suddenly fell silent, and everyone looked at each other with some embarrassment.

  Just then, Jin Gangning came in. Qian Lao invited Jin to sit down and pointed at the evaluation reports on the table, saying: "These are the evaluation reports approved by the board of directors. They differ somewhat from the opinions of the experts hired by the group. Take a look first. Tomorrow, gather all the CEOs of the enterprises and also invite lawyers to come. Let's discuss it together. If we can reach an agreement, let's sign it! I'm very tired."

  Jiao Rong Sen's anger was uncontrollable, and he ordered his subordinates to buy off fugitives to poison the employees of Liheng Electronics in the cafeteria. On that day, more than 40 employees suffered severe food poisoning and were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. A production line of Liheng Pharmaceuticals was also destroyed. The local police took over the investigation.

  The clouds of war have begun to gather.

  Long Han did not expect that the Chang'an police had already grasped his hiding place in Chang'an and were ready to capture him.

  On the evening of February 15, 2003, at around 9:00 p.m., Zhou Jing drove with Long Bo to get some fresh air, and neither of them noticed a black Mitsubishi Jeep following behind them.

  Zhou Jing stopped the car after finding a lush green lawn, and Long Bao got out of the car and sat down on the grass. Zhou Jing then opened the trunk to take out beer for them to drink together.

  Three people also got off a jeep and walked up to Long Bao, politely asking: "Hello, are you Long Bao?"

  Long Bao's mind was suddenly shocked: Who are they? Why do they have a Changhan City accent? How did they know me? How did they know my name is Long Bao? Could it be that they are... Oh no! Police! This was an extremely fast moment! Long Bao had already guessed their identity!

  Long Bao didn't lift his head or turn around, he thought extremely fast to come up with a countermeasure!

  Danger has arrived! He had ideological preparations for this sudden unexpected situation and also made corresponding countermeasures!

  Zhou Qing, who was fetching beer, also sensed that something was off. These two strangers must be trouble! He quickly looked over and saw that one of them had already put his hand on his waist. Damn! This was the motion of drawing a gun! Extremely dangerous!

  Long Bao didn't move, he just slightly tilted his head to see the movement of the person standing on his right front side. And another person jumped down from the jeep and ran over quickly!

  Zhou Jing stared nervously at Long Bao, while the Buick had already died. Judging from Zhou Jing's expression, it was clear that he had made preparations to assist Long Bao in escaping.

  Do I really have to run away? Do I still have to keep running and hiding like this?

  Escape is like an invisible shackles that tightly locks one's soul, although the physical body can secretly breathe in the free air during these days of escape, but the soul has never been free! The spirit has always been suppressed, and even dare not to hold their head high and laugh loudly in the crowd, only daring to cast their eyes on the vast and profound night sky.

  Does the night and day still have any meaning to me? This world is filled with a dark aura everywhere, in the daytime it lurks in the shadows under the sunlight, hiding on the back of piles of waste paper, whispering between people's lips; at night it wanders in the temptation of neon lights, flashing on every bright surface, jumping through every circuit, even in dull numbers it is shouting out its existence!

  "Excuse me, are you Long Bao?"

  Since he had broken the law, although there were many reasons for self-justification, being wanted and pursued was inevitable, and receiving legal sanctions was also a matter of course. Long Biao did not lift his head because of the stranger's politeness, because he clearly saw that they had already put their hands on the gun!

  Killing intent!

  Zhou Gong didn't dare to speak, he just urgently and anxiously used his eyes to signal, wanting Long Bao to make a quick decision. He knew that Long Bao was too important, this was Xue's entrustment, let alone the fact that Long Bao was also his idol.

  ……

  Just as Long Bao was thinking, the stranger who had been speaking all along politely placed his hand on Long Bao's shoulder and asked: "Hello, are you Long Bao?"

  Get ready to be arrested! As for this move, Long Bao had already learned seven ways to break it from Zhou Qingkang and others, but he wouldn't do it. Resisting arrest and fighting back was unnecessary, they were just police officers, and there was no personal vendetta between them. Moreover, doing so would only make his punishment more severe.

  These days, I've come to realize that even the police don't treat the national emblem with such solemnity! Long Bao changed his mind and calmly said: "You don't need to ask anymore, just name a price, I'll pay whatever it is."

  The stranger who was speaking was obviously slightly shocked by Long Biao's unusual calmness, and indeed he was very moved. "Giving as much as possible" was so tempting!

  The other person who rushed over opened the driver's door of Zhou Ying's car and tried to pull out the key, but was firmly grasped by Zhou Ying's steel claw, saying: "Who are you? If you want to rob me, you've got the wrong person!"

  "This man gritted his teeth in pain and shouted angrily: 'We are the Changhan City Police, please don't obstruct us from performing our duties!'"

  "What's your ID? You're from Changhan City Police Department!"

  Long Bing immediately stopped Zhou Qing and said: "Zhou Qing, don't talk!" Then he stood up straight and calmly asked, "Police friends, is there any room for negotiation?"

  The man with the gun sneered: "Can you give one million?"

  Long Bao looked at him calmly and said politely: "Giving it to you is absolutely no problem, as long as you accept it, someone will deliver it to you."

  The two policemen exchanged a glance and said, "Sorry, you have to be handcuffed first. We suspect that you are related to the intentional injury case in June 2002, please cooperate with our investigation."

  Zhou Jing hurriedly said: "Wait a minute, when you arrested people in Chang'an, did you go through the Chang'an police?"

  "Zhou Qing, don't make a fuss," he said in a low voice. He then turned to the police and said, "How about this? I can go with you, but my friends have nothing to do with this matter. Let them go, okay? As for me, isn't it just going to jail?"

  The US government has been continuously conveying a message of courtesy to the world, repeatedly stating its reasons for having to take military action against Iraq, and constantly sending high-level officials to run around the world to gain so-called moral support. At home, the news media is overwhelmingly in favor of attributing all the blame for the oil crisis to Iraq, this "axis of evil", and the public is increasingly identifying with Bush's views, feeling that Iraq and Saddam are getting worse and worse, and that it's time to use force to disarm him. Bush's approval ratings have been rising rapidly, and the anti-war voices are just a ripple in the river.

  Iraq has shown a cooperative attitude, but the US, which emphasizes human rights, is not letting up. War between the two countries seems increasingly unavoidable. In an effort to delay and prepare for war while striving for peace, Iraqi Trade Minister Mohammed Mehdi Saleh said that if war can be avoided, Iraq will allow American and British companies to enter the Iraqi oil market. However, the US has ignored this offer, vowing to "topple Saddam", and has already deployed 133,000 troops in the Gulf region.

  In order to legalize the military strike against Iraq, the United States is working hard to get a new resolution passed by the UN Security Council allowing it to use force. The UN? What's that thing called the UN? Do you know?

  At the same time, the virus continues to spread the crisis in people's polite greetings, polite conversations and polite interactions.

  The police stood in a dignified manner, Long Bao raised his head to look around, the police had already surrounded him tightly, and also blocked his line of sight. The town was still bustling with lights shining everywhere, but deep shadows were cast on the ground. The trees swayed in the wind, making rustling sounds.

  The times are already different from the past. Since it has been locked in, just catch it, what's there to be afraid of! The stubbornness in Longbiao's bones is rising up.

  When the cold handcuffs were buckled onto his wrists, Long Biao's expression was surprisingly calm. He touched the steel cuff with his fingers, feeling a heavy weight. Looking at Zhou Jing's angry and worried face, Long Biao said calmly: "Zhou Jing, the police didn't use violence on me, that's already very meaningful. You arrange for a lawyer to come quickly, I'll leave now, you all take care."

  Long Bao turned around and boarded the police car. The policeman who had been bribed by Zhou Jing with a bundle of renminbi waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, we won't do anything to him! Get in!"

  Sound the alarm whistle and rush away!

  Zhou Jing stood there stupidly, he didn't know how to report to Qian Lao.

  Sitting in the police car, looking at the trees outside the window that were illuminated by the headlights and quickly approaching before suddenly darkening and disappearing, the occasional honking of the horn amidst the roaring engine sound was like a cymbal crash in a symphony. The shock-absorbing performance of this Mitsubishi Jeep was still pretty good, and when driving over some uneven road surfaces, people inside the car only felt a slight swaying motion.

  "I estimate that the policeman making the phone call is in charge this time. At present, he is loudly saying: 'Hello, is it Director ***? I am ***, the suspect has been successfully captured and we will rush back tonight... Yes, yes, there was no obstruction during the capture... Uh-huh, don't worry, we didn't do anything to him... Mmm, mmm, okay, okay, okay!'"

  Long Wan started to take an interest in talking to these police officers, especially about this unusually polite arrest.

  Long Bao smiled and tilted his head towards the police officer who was holding him, saying: "I remember when I watched you guys catch fugitives on TV, it's always three or four moves and then a standard grappling move to subdue them. Then immediately handcuffs are put on, and their heads are pressed down, not to mention allowing me to speak. Don't you think you're being too polite to me?"

  The policeman also smiled and said: "You're not a murderer, you're not a drug dealer, and you're not an escaped prisoner, is it necessary?"

  Long Bao still smiled and said: "Aren't you afraid that I will resist arrest? Aren't you afraid that I will fight with you? I'm quite tall and strong, you know!"

  This police officer seemed to be in a good mood and replied, "We've already investigated you. You're a university student with a decent record, and it's said that you've even donated money to help your classmates. You don't have any prior convictions, and after fleeing, you didn't commit another crime. Moreover, you have steel plates on your legs, so you can't run away from us anyway. Why bother stirring up unnecessary conflict during the arrest process?"

  Another policeman beside Long Bao, the one who first drew his gun, said in a somewhat gloomy tone: "Kid, even if you've beaten and crippled the victim with your three punches and two kicks, what can you do against a gun? You're resisting arrest, aren't you looking for death? I can shoot and break your arms and legs at any time after firing a warning shot! What's the use of being arrogant?"

  Long Wan smiled and didn't respond, but the same open-minded policeman asked: "Hey, you're doing well in Guangdong! Tell me, what are you really doing over there?"

  "Freelance, help others speculate in stocks and earn some commission!"

  As soon as he heard about stock speculation, the policeman was filled with bitter resentment. He had been stuck in a losing position and was now anxiously waiting for the market to rise so that he could cut his losses. He immediately asked Longbiao about his views on the current market situation.

  Long Wan thought he was very funny, so he replied: "No comment, China's market sentiment cannot be commented on. In a few words, special market, beware of following the trend, buy low and sell high, I am alone in the world."

  He was not reconciled, wanting to continue asking about the stocks he held, but was interrupted by the head of the person sitting in the front seat who was making a phone call. The head turned around and asked Long Bao: "What is your background? How can you have leadership care that we don't take tough measures to arrest you? I'm a bit confused, before it was to catch you at all costs, now it's to catch you, someone personally helps you make arrangements! What's going on, tell me?"

  He stopped and didn't continue speaking, just staring at Long Bao.

  Actually, Long Bao didn't quite understand either. If it were Lao Qian and the others, it would be impossible. Now is the most critical period, and the crude oil futures price is in an upward trend. At which "sub-optimal point" to sell out, at which price point to dump goods - this is the most important part of this financial operation. How to grasp the time difference well, this requires the four people to make judgments together based on the sudden changes in the market situation and must reach a consensus. Finally, he signs an order, which is what Lao Qian has repeatedly instructed them to follow. ...After thinking about it, it seems that the only possibility is because of Uncle De's reason.

  Long Wan smiled wryly and said with a self-deprecating tone: "What background could I possibly have? I have nothing."

  The somewhat gloomy policeman's face muscles sank slightly, seemingly uninterested in this conversation. He asked the driver to play some music, and soon, Andy Lau's voice came from the police car. This Cantonese song was familiar to Long Biao, it seemed to be called "Happy Horse".

  At the same time, the group's equity swap agreement with its subsidiaries has reached a fever pitch.

  This is an internal struggle, without the smoke of war, only a battle of words; no flesh and blood flying everywhere, but bullets and shells are raining down. Surrounding interests, the air is filled with the gleam of swords and shadows, and the hail of human nature and human heart that covers the sky and earth will leave everyone battered and bruised.

  Li Yuanfu, vice chairman, has transferred 5% of his shares to Ye Ziheng, Mo Guishan and He Yongji at a price of 480 million. The agreement has been signed, and the first payment of 180 million was paid into Li Yuanfu's account on the spot. The remaining 300 million will be paid in two installments on May 1st and August 1st.

  Finally, Mo Gui Shan acquired all the shares of Lai Hing Shoes and Lai Hing Garment with a supplementary payment of HK$1.4 billion, while He Yongji also acquired Lai Hing Chemicals. With Ye Ziheng's cooperation, the three joined forces to divide up Lai Hing Trade, paying an additional HK$3.6 billion. From then on, the entire Lai Hing Group was left with only four companies: Lai Hing Building Materials, Lai Hing Electronics, Lai Hing Mechanical Engineering and Lai Hing Pharmaceuticals. The total gain from selling off these four companies was only HK$500 million.

  At that time, the valuation of the group's assessment by experts was HK$10 billion, but now half of it has fallen into others' hands! What they got is only a mere HK$500 million!

  It was already 3 am, and Qian Lao sat in Xue's study, extremely exhausted but wide awake. He let out a deep sigh and said: "Guo Wei, the world is vast and unpredictable, and people are coldly watched by the clear wind and bright moon!"

  Xue Zong gave Qian Lao another cup of tea and said with a smile: "Qian Lao, you should let it go. Although we've suffered a loss now, at least we haven't been cheated secretly. Those few companies will be in trouble later on, better to lose early than late."

  Due to the share restructuring, the group's trading in Hong Kong has been temporarily suspended. The new share scheme will be announced in a few days' time. A new board of directors is scheduled to meet in two days. Qian Lao does not want some small shareholders to make trouble and has already made arrangements to comfort them, promising to give very good preferential treatment in the allocation of new shares in the future.

  At the same time, Qian Lao arranged for someone to go to Changhan to deal with Long Bao's affairs, while financial actions were carried out as planned.

  Crude oil futures continued to rise, making Jiao Rongsen extremely pleased. However, the news from Liheng Group made him a little unhappy. He felt that his enemy, Qian Zhengsheng, had lost a lot of money in this so-called equity swap game, but it effectively reduced his killing power and disrupted his previous carefully laid plans. Now he could only hope to make huge profits by speculating on futures and have enough funds to launch a counterattack against Liheng.

  He always doubted that he was the one who had made a mistake, so much so that the traps he had set up earlier lost their effect one by one. In the end, he thought and thought, and felt that he should not have announced his intention to take revenge in advance, which made Qian Lao vigilant against him.

  Of course, he also suspected that there might be a mastermind directing Qian Lao on how to defend against his attacks.