Chapter 472: Before the Operation!
Hong Kong Island. Mid-Levels Villa!
After seeing Zhang Qiusheng and Lan Xinyi off, Li Yi walked over to the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
Gazing at the faintly visible bay and the cityscape dotted with skyscrapers in the distance, Li Yi couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion!
Not only because this was Hong Kong Island’s most famous affluent neighborhood, but also because this would be the true starting point of his business empire.
In Li Yi’s view, whether it was selling cold noodles or mushrooms in Qingshan County, or running a clothing business in Beijing, these were all just small-time ventures that fell far short of his ambitions.
But this trip to Hong Kong was different. If executed properly, he would not only make enough money but also gain benefits that no amount of money could buy.
Just as Li Yi’s heart was racing with excitement, the sound of footsteps suddenly echoed from outside!
Immediately afterward, the door was gently pushed open, and Huang Lixing walked in carrying a bottle of red wine.
Seeing Li Yi gazing at the scenery below, Huang Lixing smiled and said, “Not bad, is it?”
“Not bad!”
“Too bad we don’t have the means; otherwise, we could buy a luxury mansion on the Peak!” Huang Lixing said with a hint of regret.
On Hong Kong Island, so-called “mid-level” luxury homes primarily refer to developments around Victoria Peak below the “Fog Line.” These areas have long been the residential hub for the island’s elite and influential figures, making them an increasingly coveted “sacred ground.”
But for those with true power and influence, so-called Mid-Levels mansions are actually nothing special; living on the Peak is the true symbol of status and prestige.
Since Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, standing at the summit offers a view of Victoria’s nightscape and a panoramic vista of the entire island.
Moreover, since Hong Kong Islanders place great importance on feng shui, and the Peak is considered a feng shui-blessed area—nestled against the mountains and beside the water—it has naturally become a place fiercely sought after by the wealthy!
Li Yi smiled and asked, “How much net worth does one need to qualify for a luxury home on the Peak?”
“No less than 500 million!”
“US dollars?”
Huang Lixing chuckled and said, “It doesn’t take that much—Hong Kong dollars will do!”
Currently, the exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and the US dollar is 5:1, so 150 million US dollars is equivalent to 2.5 billion Hong Kong dollars. At present, there are very few people on Hong Kong Island with a net worth of 150 million US dollars.
“That’s not much. Once this matter is settled, I’ll be able to move up to The Peak!” Li Yi said with a smile.
“Hahaha, then I’ll thank you in advance, brother!”
Judging by Huang Lixing’s reaction, Li Yi knew he wasn’t taking it seriously—he thought Li Yi was just joking.
But he didn’t bother explaining. There was no point in saying anything now; the truth would come out in a day or two.
Huang Lixing certainly didn’t take Li Yi’s words seriously either. After all, his current net worth was only two or three hundred million, meaning he’d need at least another two hundred million to even qualify for a luxury home on The Peak.
Although he knew Li Yi was capable, he didn’t believe he could rake in hundreds of millions from a single investment—that was simply impossible!
Unfortunately, he had no idea what kind of terrifying force stood before him.
Huang Lixing didn’t dwell on the matter any further; instead, he opened a bottle of red wine and poured a glass for both himself and Li Yi!
“Brother Li Yi, are you planning to enter the market tomorrow? Shouldn’t we wait and see for another couple of days?”
Li Yi swirled the wine in his glass and said casually, “There’s nothing left to observe. Besides, tomorrow will be the best opportunity to enter the market!”
He wasn’t worried about Huang Lixing suspecting anything. In Huang’s eyes, he was just a fortune-teller who could predict the future—someone capable of foretelling life and death. Predicting stock market fluctuations would be a piece of cake for him.
Besides, he’d already told him in advance that he had inside information—there was certainly no need to keep this under wraps.
“All right then, what do you need me to do?”
“You’ve got quite a bit to do. First, assign someone you absolutely trust to accompany me. They’ll need to protect my safety while keeping an eye on those traders at the Far East Club!” Li Yi said.
“Brother Li Yi, don’t you trust them?”
“Better safe than sorry. Besides, when absolute profit is on the line, you can’t really count on these people!” Li Yi said coolly.
“If that’s the case, I’ll have my men keep a close eye on their families!” Huang Lixing said.
It must be said that Huang Lixing, having risen from the docks, was indeed far more ruthless in his dealings than Li Yi.
At that moment, his true nature as a ruthless leader was on full display.
Li Yi paused briefly, then said, “Alright, but no matter what happens, try not to hurt anyone. After all, we’re here to make money!”
“Understood!”
“Next, use your connections to immediately set up a security firm and an investment company!”
“Got it!”
Huang Lixing didn’t ask Li Yi what the purpose of these two companies was; he simply agreed without hesitation.
Li Yi continued, “Also, until this investment is complete, don’t reveal my identity—not to anyone, whether in the underworld or the establishment!”
“I’ll do my best. After all, sometimes it’s not something I can control just by wanting to keep it under wraps, but I’ll try to find some trusted brothers to work with you on this!” Huang Lixing said frankly.
“Alright!”
After discussing a few more details to keep in mind, Huang Lixing finally sent Li Yi back to his room to rest.
As for himself, he set about making the necessary arrangements according to Li Yi’s instructions.
………..
The night passed without incident, and Li Yi woke up bright and early the next morning!
Thanks to the glass of red wine he’d had the night before, Li Yi slept soundly until dawn—it felt incredibly refreshing!
He got dressed, opened the window, and breathed in the moist, fresh air of the hillside.
He felt completely refreshed and full of energy!
Downstairs, Huang Lixing was already up and talking with a few of his subordinates.
Seeing Li Yi come downstairs, Huang Lixing immediately asked, “How did you sleep last night? Are you adjusting to the climate on Hong Kong Island?”
“I slept quite well, though it was a bit stuffy and hot—but I’ll get used to it!” Li Yi replied with a smile.
“That’s good!”
Huang Lixing then pointed to the two burly men standing beside him, their arms covered in tattoos, and said, “These are Tie Ying and Bin Zai—my most trusted brothers. From now on, each of them will lead a team of men under your command!”
Li Yi gave the two men a once-over. They were both incredibly burly, their bodies covered in tattoos and knife scars.
Add to that their black tank tops and baggy pants—the standard Hong Kong triad look.
“I need you to obey my orders unconditionally. Can you do that?” Li Yi said in a deep voice.
Tie Ying and Bin Zai were taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Huang Lixing.
Without hesitation, Huang Lixing declared, “Brother Li Yi and I have been through life-and-death situations together. His word is my command—you must carry it out unconditionally!”
“Understood!”
Li Yi nodded in satisfaction, then said, “Now, take your men and immediately change into normal business attire. Get your hair cut into normal styles, and anyone who’s dyed their hair must dye it back to its natural color!”
Hearing this, Tie Ying and Bin Zai were both dumbfounded.
As guys on the streets, didn’t they all try to make themselves look as unique and menacing as possible? Otherwise, how could they intimidate people when they went out?
But this guy’s very first order was to make them change all that—wasn’t that just ridiculous!
For a moment, both of them were speechless!
Huang Lixing, standing nearby, knew Li Yi’s temperament well. He wasn’t the type to joke around, especially since he’d just specifically asked for their input and told them to obey his orders unconditionally.
Without hesitation, he spoke up: “What are you two standing there for? Didn’t you hear Brother Li Yi’s order?”
Tie Ying and Bin Zai hurriedly replied, “Yes, sir! We’ll take care of it right away!”
Li Yi glanced at his watch and said, “It’s eight o’clock now. I’m giving you two hours. We’ll meet at the Far East Club at ten!”
“Yes…”
………..