Tai Ping Shan. Cloud Peak No. 1!
Although he hadn’t stayed there for several months, the large villa at Cloudtop No. 1 was still spotless.
This was because, upon learning that Li Yi was returning today, Huang Lixing had instructed his wife, Chen Chuhong, to immediately bring a team over to thoroughly clean the villa inside and out.
As soon as Li Yi and his group returned to the villa, they saw Huang Lixing, Tie Ying, and the others standing at the entrance waiting to greet them.
After a brief exchange of greetings, the group made their way into the villa’s grand hall.
Knowing that quite a few people would be coming over tonight, Li Yi immediately explained the situation to Huang Lixing and asked him to contact the restaurant to have some banquet supplies delivered.
They say even an emperor can’t do without his soldiers—surely he couldn’t let these business tycoons go hungry on his watch!
While Li Yi was making these arrangements, Li Futao used the phone at Cloud Peak No. 1 to call over a dozen other members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, notifying them of the evening gathering.
Upon learning that Li Yi had returned from the mainland and was summoning them for a meeting, the others didn’t dare to delay. They all put aside their current tasks and rushed to Cloudtop No. 1.
Suddenly, traffic on Tai Ping Shan—which had previously been relatively light—surged.
In some places, traffic has even come to a standstill!
With no other choice, the police station had to temporarily redeploy officers to this area to direct traffic and maintain order.
At 5:30 p.m., the sky was growing dark!
Once the last member arrived, Li Yi immediately invited all thirty-plus people to the large conference room on the third floor.
Once everyone was seated, Li Yi—as both the villa’s host and the meeting’s convener—took the initiative and spoke first: “First of all, welcome everyone to my home. Please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality!”
“Of course, I know you’re not here just for those few bottles of Moutai I brought back from across the strait, so let’s get straight to the point!”
Hearing this, the members of the Banbanhaobang exchanged knowing smiles while instinctively sitting up straight and perking up.
Especially Li Futiao and the others—they all knew Li Yi had returned with a murderous intent, and now was the moment to truly draw their swords.
Although the others didn’t know exactly what Li Yi intended to do, seeing the expressions on Li Futiao and He Dongying’s faces, they knew this was no trivial matter and instinctively grew serious as well.
Li Yi cleared his throat and continued, “I’ve heard those foreign devils are running amok, thinking they’re back on top. But I’ve also heard that although all of you here have been affected, you’ve never betrayed the Chamber of Commerce. I’m very happy and deeply relieved!”
“However, I’m not pleased simply because you’ve held the line and kept our original agreement; I’m pleased because you’ve made the right choice. I’ve gathered you all here today for one purpose only: to lead you in confronting those foreigners, and to help you make money!”
“A buzz of murmurs filled the room.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd immediately began whispering and discussing among themselves.
Yet among the murmurs of over thirty people, not a single voice raised a doubt; almost everyone’s expression was one of excitement, delight, and eagerness to get started.
Last year, in less than eight months, Li Yi, along with Huang Lixing, Li Futiao, and others, had struck four times in Hong Kong and the U.S., not only effortlessly swallowing over 20 billion Hong Kong dollars from British-owned conglomerates but also raking in over 5 billion U.S. dollars in a single blow on the U.S. futures market.
Such a track record was simply too brilliant to be questioned by anyone.
Unfortunately, Li Yi had operated in strict secrecy before his previous moves, never publicly raising funds. Consequently, aside from those who had invested in Star Investment Company in advance, no one else had the opportunity to participate in his operations.
Now that Li Yi was openly offering to help them make money, it was like manna from heaven for them, and they were all overjoyed.
At that moment, Huang Lixing stood up and said, “Brother Li Yi, taking me—Old Huang—along to make money is a great honor. I’ll do whatever it takes. Just tell me what you need me to do, and I’ll get right on it!”
Li Futao chimed in, “Old Huang is right. Whatever you need us to do, as long as we can manage it, we certainly won’t turn it down!”
“That’s right. Mr. Li has given his instructions—please issue your orders…”
Li Yi immediately raised both hands in a gesture to quiet the room.
He then looked around the room and continued, “Regarding this investment project, what I can tell you is that the investment period is three months, with a minimum return of 50%—and the sky’s the limit!”
“Due to confidentiality, I won’t disclose any further details. Anyone wishing to participate should start raising funds today. All capital must be delivered to Star Investment Company by noon tomorrow, and formal investment contracts must be signed!”
No sooner had he finished speaking than Li Futiao asked, “Brother Li Yi, is there a minimum investment requirement for this operation?”
“No. You can invest 100,000 or 80,000, or even 1 billion or 800 million—but this is limited to everyone here. We will not accept funds from anyone else!” Li Yi replied.
“Mr. Chairman, we’re familiar with your rules. Once the operation is over, will we also receive half of the profits?”
Li Yi smiled and said, “This is our first collective venture since the Chinese Chamber of Commerce was established. To demonstrate my sincerity, after this investment concludes, I will take only 40% of the profits, and the remaining 60% will go to everyone here!”
Hearing this, the crowd in the conference room grew even more excited—that was a full 10% of the profits.
According to information previously disclosed by the Li and He families, the profit from this single operation was a whopping tens of millions.
The fact that Li Yi was willing to give up such a significant share of the profits clearly demonstrated his sincerity.
In an instant, everyone spoke up in support of Li Yi’s initiative:
“Brother Li Yi, you’re a man of great principle. Rest assured, the funds will be in place first thing tomorrow morning!”
“Mr. Li, the He family fully supports your initiative. We’ll have 1 billion yuan ready to be transferred tomorrow!”
“Count the Luo family in…”
Listening to everyone’s enthusiastic expressions of support for this operation, Li Yi nodded with satisfaction.
He then motioned for everyone to quiet down and said, “As I’ve said, this operation isn’t just about making money for all of you—more importantly, it’s about slapping those foreign bastards in the face. We’ll show them that even without partnering with their British-funded conglomerates, we Chinese businesspeople can still make money—and make a fortune at that.”
“So, from now on, if that bastard threatens you—saying he won’t work with us unless you join them—just tell him two words: ‘Get lost!’”
“And today, I’m announcing another rule: anyone who betrays the Chinese Merchants’ Association will no longer be a business partner of our Star Investment Company. If possible, I suggest our association adopt a similar rule: one betrayal, and you’re barred from membership for life!”
No sooner had Li Yi finished speaking than Li Futiao chimed in, “I think that’s a great rule—one act of disloyalty, and you’re out for life!”
“I agree as well. Since they’ve already betrayed us, they shouldn’t even think about coming back!” He Dongying added.
“Exactly, we need rules like this; otherwise, there’s no deterrent at all!” said Bao Chuanwang.
“I’m in favor of it too…”
“I agree…”
Seeing that most members supported the rule, Li Futiao, the president, immediately declared, “Since no one has any objections, this rule is officially incorporated into the bylaws of our Chinese Chamber of Commerce. From now on, whoever dares to violate it will be dealt with according to the rules!”
“Good!”
the crowd exclaimed in unison!
Just then, Zhang Ziqiang quietly pushed open the door and whispered a few words into Li Yi’s ear.
Li Yi immediately stood up and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, the dinner is ready. Please join us in the banquet hall on the first floor!”
“Mr. Li just mentioned he brought some Moutai from the mainland. We’ve got to give it a proper taste tonight—Vice President Li, you can’t be stingy!”
“I hear Moutai is a favorite among many leaders on the mainland. The distillery produces special batches just for them—I wonder if this is one of those special-supply Moutais!”
“Given Mr. Li’s status and standing over there, this liquor is bound to be top-notch. We’re in for a real treat tonight…”
Listening to these business tycoons chattering away, Li Yi knew the tables he’d brought along were as good as gone.
However, just as Li Yi and his group were clinking glasses at Cloud Peak No. 1, a completely different atmosphere prevailed at the ancient castle estate on the outskirts of the city…
……..