章節 69: Chapter 69 : Majestic Assembly

Inside an old pagoda, which was carefully maintained by the government, has an unexpectedly luxurious interior. The outside of the pagoda might look old and haunting, but the inside was really beautiful and someone would think that they travelled back to ancient China.

This pagoda was used by prominent people as a secret meeting place whenever they have some serious topics to discuss.

High ranked government officials, business tycoons, top celebrities, mafia, renowned doctors, and more prominent people came to the assembly to discuss an important business affair.

Mostly, the guests inside were all men. Successful women were not allowed to attend this conference since it was hosted by a male chauvinist.

A long golden table can be seen inside the main hall of the pagoda. It was abundant with mixed cuisines and expensive alcohol.

Hongqi sat with the rest of his close business partners. He was busy discussing with them about his security agency while they wait for the host to come and start the conference.

"Your father-in-law is also here. Have you greeted him?" one of his nosy business partners mentioned and pointed where the old Song Yingpei was. Hongqi followed where he was pointing and found the old man to be happily chatting with other old men as well.

The old Yingpei was actually busy chatting with some former high-ranked army men. He may be old but he still has that intimidating aura of a former general. He was discussing with them about his lovely daughter, Xiulan. It seems that the army wanted to use Xiulan's impeccable skills again and they are trying to win the old Song's favor regarding this.

"My daughter is married to that popular Xing Hongqi. You should ask him if he will allow her." Song Yingpei muttered and took a sip of the champagne.

"But she is your daughter. Your opinion is more relevant. We are scared to approach that young master Xing. In case you don't remember, we army men are scared of the Xing family. You were the only one who had the guts to pester him." one of Yingpei's acquaintance revealed.

"Heh. What scares you makes you stronger! He seems to be a nice lad. He actually takes care of my daughter and my company." Yingpei boasted. He pestered this son-in-law for so many years, he better be doing the right thing! He may had been selfish but now that his daughter and that handsome son-in-law are chummy with each other, he can rest in peace.

Army people are aware of the Xing family's enormous wealth and influence. They are actually almost above the law because of the old family's contribution to the government.

Their mighty influence started during the late 1800s. The Xing family owned a vast land of silk farm. The silk business was only a front and they were secretly selling and creating weapons and artillery.

A Xing was one of the engineers to create battle artilleries during that era. Since the Xing family had the resources, they built some and donated it to gain the favor of the government.

The Xing family members were divided to scholars, martial artists, doctors and weapon smiths. Eventually, they added more business for the merchant branch to extend the family's capabilities. They also started the inn and hotel businesses. After a few years, they added a theater for rich people.

While the women in the Xing family were designated to keep the silk farms at peace. Since there was a mass production of silk, they also created clothes for both men and women. Beautiful females in the Xing family were working in the theater and inns to attract customers.

The Xing family were really a big help during war and post war. They had given a lot of job opportunities to those in need. Due to this, they have gained a great respect from the government and the masses.

Since they have acquired great respect and favor, they used this opportunity to be superior to their enemies and to everyone else.

That's why some army officials are afraid of the Xings, they were almost untouchable because of their past contributions.

Hongqi was about to stand up and greet his father-in-law but the sound of the most awaited host suddenly rang through the hall.

*ting ting ting*

The sound of a glass and knife can be heard from the middle table. The host is finally here.

Everybody stands up to give their respect to this man who had been very discreet these past three years. He had been recovering his burnt face. But due to the incredible skills of cosmetic surgeons, his handsome face came back. This means he is also back to business that's why he assembled everyone in this pagoda tonight.

"My dear friends, it's been a while since we last saw each other." The handsome man coolly announced. His face was very angelic and his voice was soft. He was half French and half Chinese that's why his visuals were very pleasant to the eyes.

"As you all know the reason why I wanted to see everyone tonight. The summit will be soon and I want everyone to contribute to have a successful summit. You may have received an ambiguous email this afternoon. It contains a lot of information about the task we need to finish." The man explained. He may smiling like a cherub but that face screams danger to everybody.

This man is Han Pierre. The only grandson of the number one drug dealer in the whole world. He will be inheriting the said shady business soon. Though the family's main business is drugs, they are also the owners of 60% of the hospitals and medicine factories in the country.

The Han family are distinguished and renowned chemist ever since the 1800s. When it comes to wealth, the Han family comes after the Xing family. The Han family became more superior in terms of illegal business while Xing family didn't want to go to that path. They may be creating weapons and artillery but it was legal.

In the modern day, Han family is on top of the food chain because of obvious reasons: Drugs and medicines. Drugs is the most powerful business to control. It can be connected to anything, either big or small. Add that the Han family were also good in exploiting stuff.

Though Han Pierre hosted this event today and the upcoming summit, he will not dare to use it to tarnish other clean business. He was actually using this to have a flamboyant come back in public. He hid for three years because of his awful burnt face. But now that he regained it, he was ready to conquer the newspaper, social media.

"I will be sponsoring everything in the summit. I just wanted everybody's help to bring back my name out there. I am a very reserved man and I can't think of any plans to make my name buzz without being connected to drugs." He said and laughed at his own petty joke.

Pierre had plan of using female celebrities as pawns so he can cause an uproar to his name. But he can't be friendly with women anymore ever since the incident three years ago. A woman caused the burn on his face, a psychotic ex-girlfriend did that to him. The woman was already dead but still, it's like she cursed him. He can't even delicately touch any woman anymore. All he could feel is disgust.

"I really hope we can all be long-time friends. I just want to live a normal life without getting scrutinized by my illegal background." He laughed at his own joke again. This man is handsome yet uncomfortably awkward.

"To my dear brother[1], the great Xing Hongqi. I hope we could be closer than ever this time. Please make sure tomorrow's articles will have nice angles of my face." Pierre suddenly called out Hongqi.

Hongqi's showbiz company actually has its own TV network and streaming site. It's also popular within the country. Pierre wanted to make use of Hongqi's network to attract more attention to him.

Hongqi wanted to roll his eyes when he heard his name. Everyone nervously looked at him. They all knew those two were like real brothers because their family were always on top of the business game. They are not even enemies, rather they are close and loyal allies ever since 1800s.

Now that the Han family is back in public, the people below the Xing and Hand family are now more afraid to offend the two families.

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[1] They are not literally brothers. Usually used for close friends, relatives or shared a brotherly relationship.