Chapter 564: A Thunderous Move!

Li Yi made no attempt to hide his return to Hong Kong Island; in fact, he made a high-profile visit to Starry Sky Company, clearly signaling to everyone that he was back.

In no time, news of Li Yi’s high-profile return to Hong Kong spread throughout elite circles.

The news that Huang Lixing had been attacked and was in critical condition was already common knowledge within the circle.

Consequently, everyone was eager to see how Li Yi would handle the situation.

After all, Huang Lixing was Li Yi’s most important business partner in Hong Kong. Starry Sky Corporation—which had recently made a huge splash by investing in gold—was a joint venture between the two of them.

It was said that the company had already raked in over a billion Hong Kong dollars solely from gold investments.

More importantly, all signs pointed to the fact that the two were not merely business partners; they were also close personal friends.

Now that Huang Lixing has gotten himself into such a huge mess, what will Li Yi—his friend and business partner—do?

Will he seize the opportunity to take over Huang Lixing’s share of the business?

Or will he seek revenge for Huang Lixing and demand justice?

Furthermore, the fact that Li Yi visited Li Futao at the Li Family Estate on the very day he returned to Hong Kong Island has only fueled speculation about whether he’s planning a major move.

For the time being, all parties following this matter have fixed their attention on Li Yi, waiting to see what he will do next.

Inside a building at Wan Chai Pier, Ma Biao—who found himself at the center of the storm—was also discussing the matter with several of his trusted lieutenants.

As direct participants in this incident, they were the most concerned about Li Yi’s next move.

“Brother Ma, based on the surveillance reports from our men, that guy Da Quan doesn’t seem to be up to anything in particular. He stayed at Yuanhua Tower for less than half an hour before heading to the Li Family Estate, and he hasn’t come out yet…”

Before the sentence was even finished, Ma Biao, seated at the head of the table, spoke in a deep voice: “What’s the reaction from the Li family?”

“Less than half an hour after that ‘Big Circle Guy’ arrived at the Li family estate, Mr. Li returned to the estate!”

Hearing this, Ma Biao couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

Although he had anticipated this outcome when he ordered the attack on Huang Li, the thought of going up against a colossus like the Li family still sent a chill down his spine—even for a gangster like Ma Biao, who had climbed to the top through sheer ruthlessness and bravado.

After all, people like them were not part of the establishment. The Li family had countless ways, both overt and covert, to eliminate him and toss his body into the open sea to feed the fish.

But there was no turning back now. Since he’d chosen to collaborate with them, there was no room for regret.

“Haven’t the Li family already contacted quite a few people? What are those people up to now?”

“Things are relatively quiet for now. Our inside sources haven’t reported anything yet!”

“Hmm. Keep men on them. Report immediately if anything happens!” Ma Biao ordered.

“Yes, sir!”

“Biao, what should we do about that big guy? Should I take some men and—”

As he spoke, the henchman made a slashing motion across his throat—the implication was clear.

Ma Biao was quite tempted. He knew a thing or two about the relationship between Huang Lixing and Li Yi; from the few casual remarks Huang Lixing had let slip before, he knew the two were very close personally.

Not only had he beaten Huang Lixing half to death, but he’d also seized his fleet and casinos. That fatso certainly wouldn’t let it go.

Therefore, that guy was a thorn in his side, and it would be best to get rid of him as soon as possible.

But he didn’t dare make the decision on his own. After all, Big Circle had intricate ties with the authorities across the water. Taking him out wouldn’t be as simple as sending a few men to hack him to death—managing the fallout would be far more critical.

After a moment’s hesitation, Ma Biao said, “Let’s not act rashly just yet. I’ll talk to Li Sheng first and see what he thinks.”

In Ma Biao’s view, Li Jiuying represented not just the Li family, but the British-owned conglomerate—the most powerful and influential force on Hong Kong Island.

If they gave the green light, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second—after all, the British-owned conglomerate was backed by the Governor’s Office and the entire British Empire.

After that, Ma Biao briefed his men on their tasks, then hurried back to his office and picked up the phone…

………

Victoria Peak. Cloudtop No. 1!

Having just finished his shower, Li Yi sat in a chair in his study, eyes closed, carefully plotting his counterattack.

Just as he had told Li Futao, there was little point in focusing his efforts on Ma Biao and his henchmen—they were nothing more than tools in someone else’s hands.

Even if he were to sever that blade today, they would simply pick up an axe or a sword tomorrow. Dealing with minions like Ma Biao was therefore completely pointless.

This was clearly a provocation by the British-funded conglomerate, an attempt to use the Huang Lixing affair to humiliate him and provoke him.

If he lost his temper and did something reckless, the Governor’s Office—the power behind the British-funded group—would have a legitimate reason to come after him.

How could Li Yi be so foolish as to hand them a pretext on a silver platter?

But he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing either. Setting aside the fact that these people’s ultimate target was him, Li Yi had to see justice done for Huang Lixing, if only because of their relationship.

If Li Yi didn’t intervene in this matter, not only would others question his capabilities, but it would also become difficult for him to make genuine, influential friends on Hong Kong Island in the future.

Therefore, Li Yi could not back down—nor would he dare to.

When a tiger spares a rabbit, that’s compassion and kindness; when a lamb takes a step back and invites the wolf in, that’s stupidity!

The strong have the right to step back, but for the weak, taking a step back may cost them their lives.

If you lack the power to strike like thunder, don’t pretend to have the heart of a Bodhisattva!

On Hong Kong Island, facing the powerful British-owned conglomerates and the forces behind them, in such a treacherous and ever-changing international environment, Li Yi is undoubtedly the underdog.

So, even though this matter may seem minor, he must stand his ground to the very end!

Although he currently lacks the strength to take on the entire British-owned conglomerate single-handedly, it doesn’t matter—dealing with a few rotten planks sticking their heads out is no problem at all.

It was time to let these foreigners see Li Yi’s iron fist!

With that in mind, he immediately dialed the company number.

“Ring… ring…”

The call was answered quickly, and Lan Xinyi’s voice came through the receiver: “Lan Xinyi from Starry Sky Company. Who’s this?”

“It’s me, Li Yi. What’s the current price of gold?”

Although Lan Xinyi was a bit puzzled that her boss was still concerned about the price of gold at this hour, as a professional investment advisor, she replied immediately: “The international gold price has risen to $420 per ounce…”

“What about the local price in Hong Kong?”

“3,800 Hong Kong dollars per tael!”

Li Yi was momentarily taken aback by the unit of measurement “tael,” but he quickly did a mental conversion. That meant the current price of gold in Hong Kong was 76 Hong Kong dollars per gram, slightly higher than the international price.

With that in mind, Li Yi asked immediately, “How much capital does the company have on hand right now?”

“About 180 million!”

“Starting tomorrow, use that money to immediately buy up physical gold on the market!” Li Yi ordered.

“Boss, do you mean we should go to gold shops to buy gold?”

“Yes, and not just on Hong Kong Island—go to Macau next door as well. I want you to use up every last cent in the company’s accounts within two days. Can you do that?”

“We can! But gold prices have already reached $420 per ounce, and retail prices are usually 8% to 10% higher than the international price. Buying at such high prices—won’t that…”

“No, don’t worry about it. Just go ahead and buy as much as you can. Leave the rest to me!” Li Yi said with absolute confidence.

“Yes!”

……….