69novels Chapter 99 A Reprimand
Chapter 99 A Reprimand
Chapter 99 A Reprimand
Big-Headed Guang couldn't help but mutter, "Easier said than done. Investing? What if we lose money?"
Song Zhaowen, with his sharp ears, immediately looked at him and said coldly, "Ah Guang has a problem? Do you think the brothers don't deserve a good life, or do you think the gang deserves to spend their lives making a living through shady dealings?"
Big Guang was so embarrassed by the retort that he didn't dare to say another word, but he was extremely unhappy.
He used to call me Uncle Guang all the time, but now that he's the boss, he calls me Ah Guang? He was so disrespectful at the meeting.
Of course, Song Zhaowen is powerful and has a strong fist now, so even if he's unhappy, he has to swallow it.
Xiang Shuqian chuckled and smoothed things over: "—The boss has guts, of course we support him. But—this investment is quite risky, we still need to be cautious."
Who doesn't want to make a fortune in business? But if gangsters had that kind of brains, they wouldn't be in the underworld anymore.
Just like Uncle Xiang, who speculated in stocks and pre-sale apartments a few years ago, only to lose everything overnight during the economic crisis.
"Caution is necessary." Song Zhaowen nodded. "Let's start with industries we're familiar with, such as transportation and warehousing. I've already roughly negotiated a few lines, and I'll have my professional manager, Ye Rongtian, explain them in detail later. I won't go into too much detail at the meeting, but those who are interested can contact me privately to discuss it further!"
Song Zhaowen spoke again, his tone becoming serious: "The last point is external trouble. Yuan Qingnan is dead, but the Yamaguchi-gumi will never let this go. In addition, other gangs in the underworld will inevitably have their own ideas, seeing that Zhengxing has changed its leader and is young."
His gaze swept across the crowd like lightning: "My stance is: I will not offend others unless they offend me. If they offend me, I will retaliate! And if we're going to fight, we'll make them suffer, make them tremble in fear; let everyone know that Zhengxing has changed leaders, not become softer, but harder!"
"Starting today, all branches will strengthen their security measures with the 'Mad Dog Squad' and be on standby at all times. Additionally, I will use some channels to contact Mr. Chiang of Hung Hing, so that we can support each other in case of any issues within the Hung Hing organization."
"In short," Song Zhaowen stood up, placed his hands on the conference table, leaned forward, and swept his piercing gaze over everyone, "follow me, Song Zhaowen, and I will reward merit and punish wrongdoing. We'll make money together and shoulder hardships together. I want to make Zhengxing the most powerful, wealthiest, and most prestigious triad in Hong Kong!"
"Do you have confidence?!"
"Yes!!!" A deafening roar erupted in the conference room, with even Uncle Yuan and Uncle Xiang joining in, their emotions completely ignited. Xiao Zhuoxiao, Feiji, and the others were so excited that their faces turned red.
Although Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi also shouted, their voices were noticeably softer, their eyes flickered, and they had different thoughts.
Song Zhaowen nodded in satisfaction. He knew that the people's hearts had begun to be united, but the troublemakers within had not yet been removed.
"Alright! After the meeting, I'll have Ah Xiao distribute the new profit-sharing details and the preliminary plan for the corporate reform to everyone. Also—" Song Zhaowen looked at Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Ah Guang, Ah Yi, you two stay behind for a bit. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you privately."
Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi's hearts skipped a beat simultaneously; they knew the real show was about to begin. They'd been thoroughly outmaneuvered in the meeting, and now this private talk was definitely not going to end well.
The others understood and rose to take their leave. Uncle Yuan and Uncle Xiang patted Song Zhaowen on the shoulder and left first. Soon, only Song Zhaowen, Ahua, and their four trusted confidants, along with the uneasy-looking Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi, remained in the meeting room.
Song Zhaowen sat down again, lit a cigar, and slowly took a puff. His face appeared somewhat hazy in the swirling smoke, but his eyes were sharp as knives.
"Ah Guang, Tianyi, sit down." He pointed to the chair opposite him.
Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi sat down reluctantly, feeling extremely uncomfortable.
"Both of you are veterans of the club, and I have always remembered how much you have contributed to it," Song Zhaowen said, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.
Big Guangqian laughed: "Mr. Wen, you're too kind. We're just doing our jobs for the gang."
Li Tianyi also said, "Master Wen is young and promising. We old guys will still need to rely on him to make a living in the future."
"No problem." Song Zhaowen flicked his cigarette ash. "Since you two still acknowledge me as your boss, I'll speak frankly."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on the two men: "The accounts in Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po haven't increased in three years. So many nightclubs, bars, and saunas on that territory, their business gets better every year, yet the amounts handed over haven't changed an inch. Uncle Kwong, Brother Tin Yat, is it because your men are dishonest, or—have you two pocketed some money?"
Big Guang's expression changed, and he forced a smile, saying, "Master Wen, what do you mean? We have a lot of men down here, expenses are high, and the police have been cracking down hard lately, business is tough —"
"Business is bad?" Song Zhaowen interrupted him, sneering, "Ah Guang, do you want me to have Ah Xiao take some men to Kwun Tong to check out your business? Or, I could personally go to your biggest nightclub and sit there for a night to see how much business is going to make?"
Big-faced Guang was sweating profusely and dared not reply.
Li Tianyi hurriedly said, "Boss, there might be some misunderstanding about the accounts. We'll definitely investigate when we get back and make sure to correct any discrepancies!"
"Misunderstanding?" Song Zhaowen looked at him: "In Temple Street, Sham Shui Po, there are more than a dozen mahjong parlors alone, and countless gambling dens, not to mention those smuggling stalls—Ah Yi, tell me, how much should these businesses pay each month? And how much have you paid?"
Li Tianyi was also rendered speechless by the question, his face turning pale and then red.
"I'm not asking you to immediately return all the debts you owe," Song Zhaowen said, his tone softening slightly. "After all, when Master Fu was around, he didn't manage things much. But starting next month, I want to see proper accounts. Every penny owed must be accounted for. Furthermore, the triad needs to be corporatized, and the businesses of each branch need to be gradually standardized. I will send professional accountants to the companies that need to be registered. You two have the largest territories and the most diverse businesses; I hope you can set a good example."
Da Zhi Guang and Li Tian exchanged a glance, both seeing frustration and resentment in each other's eyes. Sending people to the site? Damn! I've never heard of any industry leader doing this. How are they going to make money in the future? But the situation is beyond their control. Song Zhaowen is currently riding high, and with the Mad Dog Group of wolves at his disposal, they don't dare to confront him head-on.
"Boss—isn't this rule a bit too hasty?" Big Guang probed. "The men below are used to the old way of doing things, and changing it all at once might cause trouble."
"Disorder?" Song Zhaowen's eyes turned cold. "Who dares to cause trouble? Whoever causes trouble will be dealt with! I don't tolerate those who disobey orders and break the rules! Uncle Guang, are you worried that you can't control your subordinates, or—do you yourself not want to follow the rules?"
Da Zhi Guang choked so badly he almost couldn't catch his breath, and his face turned a deep liver color.
Knowing he couldn't bargain any further, Li Tianyi quickly assured him, "Don't worry, sir! We'll definitely cooperate! We'll get back and make adjustments, and we'll definitely follow the new rules!"
Big Guang could only grit his teeth and say, "—Me too."