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Novel Catalog
Chapter 28
Jiang Ning’s swift victory over the sixty-odd men had left Lin Yuzhen and the workers in a daze. It wasn’t just the overwhelming display of skill that stunned them; it was the sheer speed and ease with which Jiang Ning had handled the situation. The men, still lying on the ground, tied up and vulnerable, continued to make the workers uneasy. Though the danger was gone, the memory of the intense moment lingered in the air.
At the same time, back at Hei Hu’s private clubhouse, things were taking a sharp turn. Hei Hu, ever the image of a man with a mixed reputation—half underground gangster, half showy businessman—sat with a wine glass in his hand. His floral shirt and the tattoos on his arms were meant to convey strength and bravado, but inside, he was far from relaxed. He had just pocketed five million from a recent deal, and thought it was the perfect time to indulge himself.
His moment of celebration was interrupted when a subordinate walked in, interrupting his thoughts with news of a phone call. Hei Hu took the call, his interest piqued when he heard it was Huang Yuming. A quick smirk appeared on his face, as he answered with mocking sarcasm, “Why is CEO Huang calling me? Is there something I can do for you now that you’re some big shot in the legal world?”
Huang Yuming had once been part of the same underground circles, but his rapid ascent into the legitimate world was something that had left many like Hei Hu bitter. But Hei Hu had no time to think too much about that as the conversation quickly turned serious.
“68 of your men are with me. I want 6.8 million for them. Pay it or they stay here,” Huang Yuming’s voice was cold, without room for negotiation. Then, he hung up before Hei Hu could say another word.
Hei Hu’s expression faltered. He’d sent out 68 men, but to hear they were all captured… Had they been taken out that easily?
His frustration quickly turned to anger. “That Lin Qiang! Why didn’t he tell me this project was linked to Huang Yuming?” Hei Hu hissed, pacing around his office. “I’ve got to deal with this now.”
His thoughts quickly turned to action as he barked at his men. “Get in touch with He immediately!”
But when his subordinates relayed the bad news—that they couldn’t reach He—Hei Hu realized just how serious this was. Huang Yuming wasn’t just playing games. The 6.8 million ransom demand meant he wasn’t about to settle for less. It was an all-or-nothing situation, and Hei Hu knew that if he didn’t pay, none of his men would be coming back.
I just made five million, but now I have to part with 6.8 million? Hei Hu gritted his teeth, the pressure mounting. He was reluctant, but knew he couldn’t back down. Huang Yuming was known for being vicious, and Hei Hu knew very well that if he didn’t comply, there’d be no chance of salvaging his reputation or his men.
“What a vicious move,” Hei Hu muttered, the realization settling in. “Fine. I’ll pay, but I’m going to make this right in my own way.”
Determined, he made the decision to go see Huang Yuming face-to-face. As he made his way to Huang Yuming’s office, he kept his cool, trying to maintain a level of professionalism despite the simmering tension. He understood the importance of appearing calm and collected in front of someone like Huang Yuming, who he had crossed paths with before.
Arriving at the building, Hei Hu chose to take a more polite approach. Instead of barging in, he instructed his men to wait outside as he spoke with the receptionist. She could sense the threat in the air as she looked at the men accompanying him and quickly contacted Huang Yuming’s secretary.
“He’s here. Mr. Hei Hu is looking for you,” the receptionist said nervously, after placing the call.
“Send him up,” came Huang Yuming’s response. Hei Hu was ushered into the elevator, and moments later, he was standing in front of Huang Yuming’s office.
As Hei Hu entered, he was greeted with a businesslike atmosphere that only served to highlight the differences between their worlds. Huang Yuming sat behind his desk, calm and unruffled, while Hei Hu wandered around the office, taking in the surroundings with barely hidden envy. He had always wanted to move up from the underground world, to blend in and appear legitimate, and he couldn’t help but appreciate the decor.
“Well, well, CEO Huang,” Hei Hu said, his voice dripping with false camaraderie. “It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?”
Huang Yuming didn’t bother to get up. Instead, he replied evenly, “It’s been more than a year. So, tell me, Hei Hu—why did you try to wreck my project?”
Hei Hu’s expression quickly shifted, and he immediately backpedaled. “A misunderstanding! It was all a misunderstanding! We’re from the same circles, right? I wouldn’t have dared to touch your project if I had known it was yours.”
He leaned forward, looking earnest—though Huang Yuming wasn’t fooled. “That Lin Qiang never told me this was your project. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have even taken the job, not for ten million!” Hei Hu continued, trying to shift the blame.
But Huang Yuming wasn’t buying it. He knew Hei Hu’s reputation. Money was Hei Hu’s only loyalty, and if the price was right, he’d do anything. The man was hardly one to pass up an opportunity for profit, no matter the cost.
So, as Hei Hu tried to feign innocence, Huang Yuming could only watch, knowing full well what kind of man he was dealing with.
