On the expressway from Port City to Dongjiang, a convoy of over a dozen luxury cars sped along at over 100 miles per hour. Each car was worth over a million, and vehicles along the route quickly made way, unwilling to risk a collision they couldn't afford.
As the convoy entered Dongjiang city, it also drew the attention of passersby. Dongjiang had many luxury cars, but seeing so many at once was a rare sight.
Finally, the convoy arrived at the entrance of the Xintai Entertainment City. Over fifty burly young men, exuding a menacing aura, alighted from the cars and escorted a middle-aged man in his forties towards the entertainment city's entrance.
Just as they reached the entrance, the group was stopped. Ah Bao, leading nearly a hundred security guards armed with batons and shields, had the entrance blocked tightly. The entertainment city had also temporarily suspended operations.
"Stop right there. If you take another step forward, don't blame me for being impolite."
Ah Bao was acting under Bai Zheng's instructions to strongly confront the Xiang family and cooperate with Yang Jian to secure the five million.
"I am Xiang Fei, and I need to speak with Bai Zheng in person."
The middle-aged man had fair skin and was well-maintained, possessing a somewhat refined demeanor. He was undoubtedly handsome in his youth, and currently appeared very restrained.
"President Bai is abroad. Please wait until he returns if you have business."
"No, my son is being held inside. I'm here to deliver the money. Let the person on the phone talk to me."
"Negotiation is possible, but only you can enter."
Ah Bao showed no sign of yielding to Xiang Fei. There were nearly a hundred people in plain sight here, with another hundred on standby nearby. If Xiang Fei attempted to forcibly rescue his son, he would never leave.
Seeing that the situation was disadvantageous, Xiang Fei realized this was their territory and his dozens of men were insufficient. He quickly called Chen Song.
However, the response was that Bai Zheng was currently on a flight abroad and unreachable. He didn't know anyone else and advised Xiang Fei to resolve it himself.
With no other option, Xiang Fei had to back down. After negotiating with Ah Bao, he entered the entertainment city's lobby with two bodyguards and a finance officer. He was also searched to ensure he had no weapons.
Yang Jian was already waiting for him on a sofa in the lobby's lounge area, with Ah Feng and Jun Jun, who had rushed to provide support, standing behind him.
"Young Yang, this is Mr. Xiang, Xiang Nan's father."
"Mr. Xiang, this is our company shareholder, Mr. Yang. He was the one you spoke with earlier. Since President Bai is not here, he is fully in charge."
Ah Bao introduced both parties and then stood beside Yang Jian.
Yang Jian did not get up, gesturing with a finger towards the sofa opposite him. "Please sit, Mr. Xiang. My apologies, the company is closed today, and all the service staff have the day off. We haven't even prepared any refreshments."
Xiang Fei's expression was grim. No one had ever treated him with such disdain. His stomp could shake Port City, yet here he was being insulted by a mere youngster. He vowed to settle this score later and let them know the strength of the Xiang family.
"Are you Mr. Yang? It's impressive that you're a shareholder of Xintai Company at such a young age. You're very good."
"Of course, I'm very good. Mr. Xiang, you seem quite angry?"
"Enough nonsense. Release my son. I am good friends with Bai Zheng's elder brother, Chen Song. He told you to release him immediately."
Yang Jian smiled. "Mr. Xiang, I don't know any Chen Song. While Brother Zheng is not here, I make the decisions."
"President Bai is currently on a plane. I will communicate with him once he lands. Release him now, or you won't be able to bear the consequences."
"Mr. Xiang, it seems you have no sincerity in negotiation. In that case, you may leave. Come back after Brother Zheng lands."
Yang Jian now realized that Bai Zheng had intentionally stepped aside, leaving him to face Xiang Fei directly. He had to admire Bai Zheng's clever move. On the surface, it avoided offending Xiang Fei while saving face. As for whether he could get the five million from Xiang Fei, that depended on his own ability.
"Mr. Yang, mountains don't shift, but water flows. I have many friends in the mainland. Let's show each other some respect. My son acted first, so he was in the wrong. I'll have him apologize to you. If you let him go this time, I, Xiang Fei, will consider you a friend from now on."
"I don't need an apology. Xiang Nan injured my brother and brutally beat my classmate, causing her a miscarriage and nearly costing two lives. He also trashed my establishment and affected my business. This cannot be resolved with an apology."
"What you're saying is just one side of the story. I want to see my son and verify if what you're saying is true. If this is defamation and you are detaining him without cause for extortion, I will call the police. I have connections with the Dongjiang police."
It was a matter of the underworld, and Xiang Fei wouldn't resort to calling the police unless absolutely necessary. Doing so would escalate the conflict, especially since Bai Zheng had the backing of the Xin Yi Gang and could retaliate against his Xiang family in Port City.
Yang Jian waved his hand, and Ah Feng immediately activated the electronic screen behind him, displaying a video of Xiang Nan's molestation and assault of Meng Meiyun. The video of Yang Jian and his group subduing them was not shown.
"Mr. Xiang, have you seen it clearly? Would you like me to play it again?"
"This beast! He's always loafing around. When I get back, I'll break his legs and see if he dares to act recklessly outside again. Mr. Yang, my son is indeed in the wrong. I apologize on his behalf."
Xiang Fei trembled with anger. Xiang Nan was too out of line. Even if he called the police, he wouldn't be in the right. As he spoke, he stood up to bow to Yang Jian.
Yang Jian waved his hand. "Don't pull that stunt. I said I don't need an apology. My female classmate is still in the hospital, her condition unknown. Two brothers have broken bones and are also hospitalized. Do you think an apology is enough?"
"Mr. Yang, I will certainly compensate the injured parties, but five million is too much. Xiang Nan's kick wasn't fatal."
Yang Jian sneered. "Not fatal? I didn't tell you my female classmate was pregnant. Because of that kick, she miscarried and lost a life. She herself is still in critical condition. Is your son's life precious, but others' lives are worthless? How about I kill your son, one life for another?"
Xiang Fei immediately fell silent. In his mind, this woman was nothing more than a prostitute, and the other party was using this incident to extort him. The talk of a female classmate was utter nonsense.
A brief silence fell between them. Yang Jian was not in a hurry; the initiative was in his hands, giving him time to make a decision.
Xiang Fei, meanwhile, was rapidly searching his mind for anyone in Dongjiang who could help him rescue his son.
Public officials were definitely out; that would only complicate matters further. There seemed to be no one in the underworld who could control Bai Zheng. Most importantly, Bai Zheng was not in Dongjiang, and this Mr. Yang was unyielding. The people he found might not be taken seriously by him.
"Mr. Xiang, I forgot to tell you, my female classmate is also Brother Zheng's goddaughter. I wonder what Brother Zheng will think when he learns his goddaughter was almost beaten to death in his company?"
Yang Jian suddenly added. Since Bai Zheng wanted to distance himself and leave room for maneuver when he went to Port City, he had to block this escape route and make Xiang Fei understand that this negotiation was very likely orchestrated by Bai Zheng from behind the scenes.