Chapter Forty-Seven: The Triumvirate

After Jiang Zhongtao finished speaking, the two men present drew a sharp breath once more. The stature of the Four Great Families was unmatched, yet this young man had destroyed them with a mere wave of his hand. There was absolutely no way the Jiang Hai Business Alliance could withstand such power.

“What do you want us to do?” Lin Zhenjiang put down his chopsticks and stared at the photo of Xiao Ye, suddenly asking.

Jiang Zhongtao smiled and continued, “Simple. We kill him.”

His tone was light, but his expression was ruthless, leaving no room for jest.

“What?” This man was an outsider king—how could they possibly kill him with their abilities? Lin Zhenjiang and Chu Chuang’s faces turned fierce as they waved their hands in protest. The Lin and Chu families, though considered leaders within the Jiang Hai Business Alliance, were, strictly speaking, nothing more than puppets. All real decisions were made by Jiang Zhongtao. In truth, they were merely collectors of money, never participants in actual decision-making.

Seeing the two ready to retreat, Jiang Zhongtao smirked, having anticipated their response. He waved his hand, and dozens of black-suited bodyguards rushed in from outside, surrounding them tightly.

Faced with the situation, Chu Chuang and Lin Zhenjiang quickly understood.

“Brother Jiang, what is the meaning of this?” Lin Zhenjiang scanned the faces around him, his expression darkening as he addressed Jiang Zhongtao.

“I’ve protected you two for so long. Now it’s your turn to contribute. If I’m not mistaken, Brother Chu, you know quite a few notable figures in the Jiangnan District, don’t you?” Jiang Zhongtao’s calm smile remained as he spoke to Chu Chuang.

Jiangnan District was much larger than Jiang Hai City, and naturally, it boasted more celebrities and exceptional talents.

Chu Chuang narrowed his eyes, gazing at Jiang Zhongtao, anger flickering beneath his calm demeanor. He didn’t want to get involved in this matter; one misstep could plunge the Chu family into irreversible ruin. Yet, with the bodyguards encircling him, Chu Chuang dared not object further.

He did possess some influence in Jiangnan, but dealing with an outsider king would not be easy.

“Brother Lin, do you have any connections in other districts that might be useful?” Jiang Zhongtao asked, catching Lin Zhenjiang off guard. His face grew even darker.

His thoughts mirrored Chu Chuang’s. Yet, here and now, Jiang Zhongtao clearly held the upper hand. Seeing his cruel smile, the two men swallowed hard.

“Very well, I agree,” they said in unison, succumbing to Jiang Zhongtao’s demand.

“Now, can we leave?” Chu Chuang’s tone was stiff, his face ashen. In all these years, he had never been threatened like this.

But Jiang Zhongtao waved his hand, motioning them to sit.

“No hurry. For the sake of our alliance’s continued strength, you’ll make the calls now. It’s for the stability of our partnership.” Jiang Zhongtao’s smile persisted as he addressed them.

“You!” Chu Chuang slammed the table in anger, about to stand, but was stopped by a cold, hard sensation at his waist—the bodyguard behind him had pressed a gun firmly against him.

“Brother Chu, don’t be angry. If you don’t help me, the Jiang Hai Business Alliance will collapse, and your two families will not escape the fallout either.”

Hearing Jiang Zhongtao’s words, a deep sense of helplessness welled up in Lin and Chu. If Jiang Zhongtao fell, their current dominance would vanish in an instant. The image of their businesses being swallowed up, their families left homeless, kept appearing in Chu Chuang’s mind.

Absolutely not.

Chu Chuang’s face remained grim, but he finally took out his phone and dialed. Lin Zhenjiang, seeing there was no alternative, followed suit.

About half an hour later, they finished making their calls. Fresh glasses of red wine were placed before them.

Jiang Zhongtao raised his glass and said, “To our new agreement, to a brighter future for the Jiang Hai Business Alliance—let us join hands.”

The two exchanged glances. Given the circumstances, they sighed and raised their glasses as well.

The crisp clink echoed in the private room.

Night descended upon the Xiao family villa.

Xiao Ye sat in the courtyard, reflecting on all that had transpired. Gazing at the starless sky, his eyes grew deep and contemplative. The secrets hidden within the Green Bamboo Jade Flute were something he had always yearned to uncover.

“Xiao Ye?”

At that moment, Chen Long’s voice sounded from behind.

“Ah Long, is something the matter?” Xiao Ye turned and saw Chen Long hobbling over. Guilt washed over him, and he hurried to help him.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Chen Long smiled, patting Xiao Ye’s shoulder to reassure him. He had managed on his own for years now, after all. Yet, as he drew near, Chen Long lowered his head, slightly embarrassed.

“I came to discuss something with you…”

“Ah Long, just say it. Whatever you need, I’ll help you.” Knowing Chen Long was hesitant, Xiao Ye offered proactively.

Hearing this, Chen Long finally raised his head, his expression easing.

“I wanted to ask if you could help my sister transfer schools. Her current school isn’t a good place, and she’s about to take her college entrance exams. You see…”

His meaning was clear, and such a small favor was nothing Xiao Ye wouldn’t do.

“No problem!” Xiao Ye replied. “It’s just a change of schools, hardly a big deal.”

Given his current status, this was indeed a minor matter for Xiao Ye. In fact, if Chen Long’s sister wished to go straight to university, it would be just as easy.

Chen Long was overwhelmed and quickly waved his hand.

“No need for anything fancy, just the Second Experimental Middle School in Jiang Hai City will do!”

“Why? Do you know someone there?” The best middle school in Jiang Hai City was the First Experimental Middle School, yet Chen Long wanted his sister to attend the second. Xiao Ye immediately sensed something was amiss.

A shy expression appeared on Chen Long’s dark face.

“My ex-girlfriend is a teacher there.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ye instantly understood.

“In that case, I’ll make arrangements. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to have a look.”

Chen Long nodded and left. Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Ye smiled.

Years ago, when Chen Long’s family suffered because of him, even his girlfriend left. Now, as he sought to reconnect with her, Xiao Ye was determined to help him, no matter what.