Chapter 241 - 241 The Fisherman Profits
The man who spoke was named Ding Fei, and he was one of the more influential figures here, with the ability to fight for these venues. Naturally, he was not willing to cede the venues to someone else.
He Boyang was startled by Ding Fei, subconsciously trying to sit down.
At that moment, Zhao Chengshuang tapped the table lightly and said with a faint smile, "I was just making a suggestion. Whether it's supported or not, that's up to democratic opinion. Old He's support is a face-giving gesture to me, Zhao someone, and I, Zhao someone, am very grateful for it. Ding Fei, you want to kill him, what does that mean?
What, do you think that what I, Zhao someone, said is utter nonsense? That if someone supports it, they deserve to die?"
As Zhao Chengshuang spoke, he suddenly slammed the table and cursed, "We live in a society governed by law now. Who do you think you're killing? Ding, I'm telling you, if Old He loses even a single hair, you'll have to pick it up with utmost sincerity!"
Ding Fei was enraged, about to speak, when Ye Qing at Zhao Chengshuang's side also slowly stood up and said, "This money, I must get it tonight. Gentlemen, you don't have much time left. If the money is not forthcoming, I will have to take action!"
As Ye Qing spoke, he clenched his fist and tapped it lightly on the table.
The punch felt as if it struck Ding Fei's heart, he shivered through his body and immediately sat back in his seat, shutting his mouth.
With the support of Zhao Chengshuang and Ye Qing, He Boyang suddenly felt confident and said sternly, "Ding Fei, mind your words. Do I need to report to you whom I choose to support? The foundation of the Fierce Tiger Gang? Hmph, if you're capable, then go take back those venues. If you're not, stop talking nonsense.
All these venues have been snatched away, now in the hands of others, and we can't take them back. It's better to use them to settle debts than let others occupy our venues, that's the best choice. Otherwise, how do you think this money should be paid?"
He Boyang never had the courage to stand up to Ding Fei before, but tonight Zhao Chengshuang had his back. After speaking his mind, he felt completely refreshed. It had always been Ding Fei berating him, but now he finally got to retaliate, and the feeling of vengeance was indeed delightful!
The others looked at each other, with most of them turning to Pi Junchao to see how he would handle the matter. Pi Junchao remained silent and showed no intention to speak. It wasn't that he didn't want to speak; he dared not. He wanted to unite the Fierce Tiger Gang but knew it was difficult to do so on his own strength alone; he wanted to leverage the power of Ye Qing and Zhao Chengshuang.
But if he opposed them at this juncture, it would be akin to burning bridges with Ye Qing and Zhao Chengshuang. It wasn't just about uniting the Fierce Tiger Gang anymore; even his future safety would be in question.
Pi Junchao was wrestling with his conscience, pondering what mattered more: uniting the Fierce Tiger Gang or those venues. He questioned whether it was worth relinquishing those venues to unite the Fierce Tiger Gang.
Seeing Pi Junchao not speaking and no one daring to oppose Zhao Chengshuang, someone finally stood up to say, "I also agree with Captain Zhao's words. Since we can't take back these venues, it's better to hand them over to Mr. Ye to settle the debts. Mr. Ye, Captain Zhao, we're giving you the venues, but whether or not they can be taken back, that's no longer our Fierce Tiger Gang's issue!"
This person had the same issue as He Boyang – insufficient strength, and simply chose to compromise with Zhao Chengshuang.
"Don't worry!" Zhao Chengshuang laughed and said, "My word counts. Once we have these venues, the debt is written off. Our grievances with you all are also wiped clean. Of course, if someone still seeks revenge, feel free to come after us, and we'll continue from there!"
As that person announced their position, several more people, also with limited strength, gradually followed suit, soon making up more than half the group.
Zhao Chengshuang's face was filled with joy, and he gave Ye Qing a thumbs up, signaling a complete victory this time.
Ye Qing was rather indifferent; he didn't know how much the venues were worth. But since the matter was handled by Zhao Chengshuang, he assumed it wouldn't end up at a loss.
Quickly, those with less influence announced their positions one after another, leaving only a few capable of contending yet to declare theirs.
These individuals all looked to Pi Junchao, the most likely to unify the Fierce Tiger Gang. If he didn't take a stand, others were not in a hurry to do so. After all, Pi Junchao had the strongest desire to become the Gang Leader, and if he were willing to let go, the others would have no objections.
Having gained the support of those people, Zhao Chengshuang's smile grew even brighter. Turning to Pi Junchao, he asked, "Boss Pi, what do you think?"
Pi Junchao was regretting why he had brought Ye Qing and Zhao Chengshuang to the meeting now. With their proposal supported by so many, and himself unable to interfere at that moment, Zhao Chengshuang's question meant that he had to make a choice – to cooperate with Zhao Chengshuang or become his enemy.
Eventually, Pi Junchao chose the latter, forcing a smile, he said, "Captain Zhao, your solution is excellent. I fully support it."
The scene erupted into a commotion, and those who had not made their stance known all widened their eyes. No one had expected Pi Junchao to compromise. For Pi Junchao of the Fierce Tiger Gang to acquiesce on his family business—it indeed felt like an act of cutting off one's arm to save one's body.
Zhao Chengshuang was very pleased with Pi Junchao's response. He nodded toward Pi Junchao and smiled, "Boss Pi truly is someone who can handle big affairs. With a character like you at the helm, I believe the Fierce Tiger Gang will soon regain its former splendor!"
With those words, Zhao Chengshuang essentially hinted that he would support Pi Junchao in taking control of the Fierce Tiger Gang.
Hearing this, the other members became anxious and scrambled to express their support for Zhao Chengshuang's proposal. Just like that, support swung from none to unanimous. Zhao Chengshuang had simply exploited the internal strife among the Fierce Tiger Gang's powers to advance his own agenda.
If the members of the Fierce Tiger Gang were to unite and collectively contribute the money, then Zhao Chengshuang wouldn't be able to take advantage of the situation. Furthermore, if he hadn't called this meeting, he wouldn't have been able to put forth his proposal. Everything was carefully planned by Zhao Chengshuang.
Pi Junchao thought he was using Zhao Chengshuang, not realizing that he was the one being used all along.
Zhao Chengshuang nodded in satisfaction and said, "Since everyone is in support, let's settle it at that!"
"Wait a moment!" Pi Junchao suddenly spoke up, "Using property to offset the debt, there should still be a price to be considered. Our Fierce Tiger Gang has had a total of twelve properties taken over by outsiders. Together, these properties are worth nearly two to three billion. You can't possibly take them all."
"Boss Pi, these are special times that call for special measures," Zhao Chengshuang said. "In the past, of course, these properties would have been worth that much money. But now it's different. These properties have been taken by others, and we still have to go through the trouble of reclaiming them. Do you think that's easy? Plus, we need to sell these places quickly.
Don't they require a markdown for a quick sale? Miss Huangfu of Dongzhou wants cash, and she has only given us a three-day deadline. We need to sell these places as soon as possible; finding suitable buyers is not so easy. Taking all these factors into consideration, getting eighty million for these twelve properties would already be quite good!"
Pi Junchao replied helplessly, "Captain Zhao, you can't calculate it like that. The original value of these properties is clear, and you can't let us suffer too great a loss, can you?"
"Alright, if you're not willing to take a loss, I won't say more," Zhao Chengshuang said. "Here's a proposal: I'll give you three hours to reclaim these properties for me. If you can take back these properties, I'll give you a discount—I will only take six of them. How about it?"
Pi Junchao, of course, did not have the capability to reclaim these properties, as they were controlled by some powerful forces in the city. With the Fierce Tiger Gang yet to unify and internal disputes still unresolved, he had no capacity to deal with external adversaries. Zhao Chengshuang was deliberately making things difficult for him, leaving Pi Junchao at a loss for words.
Pi Junchao said, "Captain Zhao, without mentioning anything else, you can't take the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena—that's our bottom line."
The Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena could be considered the Fierce Tiger Gang's most profitable property, as well as the heart of the entire Eastern Province underground boxing ring and dogfighting scene. After the Tiger King's death, the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena was immediately contested by seven or eight local factions, and to this day, no one owns it.
The value of the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena is extraordinary, and Pi Junchao's greatest wish is to unify the Fierce Tiger Gang, then to take back control of the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena. His current unwillingness to surrender the arena stems from his hope of having the opportunity to recapture it in the future.
Zhao Chengshuang replied with a light smile, "Sorry, but I happen to have my sights set on the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena, and that's my bottom line!"
Pi Junchao's expression turned icy-cold, as Zhao Chengshuang was clearly not giving him face. However, upon seeing Ye Qing standing next to Zhao Chengshuang, he immediately deflated.
Pi Junchao spoke in a deep voice, "Captain Zhao, you can't just take what others hold dear!"
Zhao Chengshuang let out a cold laugh, turned to the crowd, and said, "I've said it—property in exchange for the debt, and everybody agreed. Now you're unwilling to give up the Southern Suburbs Dogfight Arena, are you suggesting that my earlier idea was unworkable? Now that Boss Pi opposes my suggestion, is there anyone else who wishes to object?"
No one spoke up, and no one stepped forward. When Pi Junchao had initially supported Zhao Chengshuang, everyone had become aware of his ambition. Now, they were only considering how to deal with Pi Junchao. As for the properties, they lacked the energy to worry about them.
Seeing no response, Zhao Chengshuang turned back to Pi Junchao and said sternly, "Does that mean it's only you, Boss Pi, who opposes me?"
Pi Junchao was nearly incensed to death—as nobody opposed, he now stood as the sole enemy of Ye Qing and Zhao Chengshuang. Pi Junchao, as bold as he was, didn't wish to provoke these two, especially with the gang in such turmoil.
"Forget it!" Pi Junchao sighed and said, "Since everyone else agrees, then I don't have much to say. Captain Zhao, the deeds to these properties are scattered among us. Why don't we let everyone go back first to fetch the documents, and then do the transfers right here?"
"Naturally!" Zhao Chengshuang said with a faint smile, "However, for safety and to save time, I have a suggestion. I'll call a team over shortly to escort each of you back to retrieve the documents, and then we'll meet back here. Once we sign the transfer contracts for these properties, we'll consider this matter completely settled, okay?"