In order to ensure that the leaders would wholeheartedly bring back the payment for the goods, all the merchants in Hong Kong Macau involved in the smuggling embargo offered the following price: those who escorted ships to sea could participate in the year-end profit sharing of the merchant.
The title of secretary that Song Tianyao holds at this time is obviously not good enough. Needless to say, compared to other secretaries of the Chu family business firm, in the eyes of the Chu family, even Chen A11, a member of the Jianghu family, is more trustworthy than him. If he wants to find enough money and gain more trust, escorting the ship to sea is the only option.
Many outstanding young men who graduated from prestigious academies started their careers in the business world by escorting ships at sea.
Zheng Yutong joined Chow Tai Fook as a shop assistant, having married into the family of Chow Chi-yuen- yuen, the owner of Chow Tai Fook. Initially, he was looked down upon. However, when the gold speculation craze swept Hong Kong and gold was in short supply, Zheng Yutong went to Macau alone to purchase two thousand taels of gold. He hired a small speedboat and the two of them smuggled themselves across the sea at night for three consecutive months to stock up on gold for Chow Tai Fook. This earned him the appreciation of his father-in-law, and he later took over Chow Tai Fook, becoming the King of Gold and Diamonds in Hong Kong.
Ho Hung-sun worked as a secretary at the Lianchang Trading Company- Macau Lianchang Trading Company, escorting its ships at sea for a whole year. He nearly lost his life to fleeing soldiers, but in return, he received a year-end bonus of one million from the Lianchang Trading Company, which enabled him to build his own business.
Even Lei Yingdong, a graduate of Queen's College, still insisted on going to sea with the fleet every time, braving the wind and waves. Despite being hit by Big Tin Yi and the Hong Kong Navy, he still insisted on going to sea personally to accumulate his network of connections and wealth.
Any successful man, besides being intelligent and capable, must also have courage.
Heaven may give you a chance to make a fortune, but if you miss it because you lack the courage, you can't blame your bad luck.
"I heard that those Big Tin Yi gangs on the sea are very fierce. If the cargo ship gets hijacked, it doesn't matter. Just give them the money. Your luck won't be too bad; you can't run into them every time," Chu Xiaoxin said to Song Tianyao with some emotion.
In his view, even if Song Tianyao refused to go to sea, he would not force him to step forward. However, Song Tianyao took the initiative to help him solve this problem, which was a different feeling altogether.
"It's too early to set sail. The ships aren't ready, the cargo hasn't been arranged, and we don't even know what Western medicine Macau and Shenzhen need. If we want to go to sea, it will be at least half a month later," Song Tianyao said with a smile to Chu Xiaoxin.
The Ford 49 stopped at Lu Yu Teahouse. At Wu Jinliang's invitation, the two went to their usual spot. After two baskets of dim sum and a pot of Pu'er tea were served, Chu Xiaoxin sent Wu Jinliang to call Golden-Tooth Lei, the resident of Fuyixing.
After Wu Jinliang closed the door to the private room from the outside, Chu Xiaoxin casually picked up a rose-flavored red bean bun, took a bite, and asked Song Tianyao, "How do you want me to help you get revenge? How about giving him a good scolding? How about getting a few thousand yuan for your sister's medicine? Or maybe extorting a few gold bars from him so you can tip the Songstress?"
"Fifteen gold bars, Young Master Shun. If you keep going like this, I reckon Golden-Tooth Lei will soon be down to his underwear. Unlike gang Big Brother like Chan Ah-sap who have the backing of the Chamber of Commerce, Golden-Tooth Lei needs money to pave the way for everything he does. And if he takes out too much money, some people in the gang will easily become resentful and cause him trouble." Song Tianyao poured Chu Xiaoxin a cup of tea and handed it to him, saying nonchalantly.
Chu Xiaoxin looked at Song Tianyao and said in a disbelieving tone, "You're really not angry? Didn't Fuyixing almost tie up your sister?"
"I've vented my anger. One of the people who messed with my sister was drowned in seawater by Golden-Tooth Lei, and the other is probably going crazy with fear by now. The rest of her men were also killed by Rotten-Life Ju Ming Ju. What's more, Golden-Tooth Lei still doesn't know that I gave you the fifteen gold bars, Young Master Shun. He always thought I swallowed those gold bars myself, which is why he pleaded for her." Song Tianyao poured himself another cup of tea, placed it in front of him, and deliberately winked at Chu Xiaoxin as he spoke.
Chu Xiaoxin hesitated uncertainly for a moment, then seemed to realize something. "Could it be?"
"You think Golden-Tooth Lei would come to see you empty-handed, Young Master Shun Xin? Don't be so blatant about asking for favors. Golden-Tooth Lei isn't an idiot; he'll naturally prepare something for you. If you take pity on me, you can give it to me later." Song Tianyao deliberately showed a greedy smile to Chu Xiaoxin.
Chu Xiaoxin waved to Song Tianyao: "No need to think about it. You're even eyeing my benefits. Hey, speaking of which, how pretty was that singer you tipped a whole gold bar for? Was she really worth a gold bar?"
"You're interested? I can introduce you. You've met him before, he's the one who played the pipa all night at the Taibai Seafood Restaurant." Song Tianyao picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and said to Chu Xiaoxin.
Chu Xiaoxin immediately said, "I understand the ways of the pleasure quarters. A gentleman doesn't take what others like, especially since you're my secretary. How could I steal the pretty girl you've taken a fancy to? But I vaguely remember that she's not young."
"A more mature woman is more charming; you could buy her off the street with just three or five gold bars. Unlike Chen Judy, you've spent tens of thousands of dollars and still haven't taken her to a hotel." Song Tianyao retorted to Chu Xiaoxin's teasing with an unchanged smile.
"Pfft!" Chu Xiaoxin spat out a mouthful of tea, but luckily he reacted quickly, turning his head to spray it on the ground. He didn't help Song Tianyao wash his face with the Pu'er tea, disregarding his refined image. "You haven't even taken her out with a single gold bar? Is she inlaid with gold?"
"Wow~ How can the Young Master of the Chu Family speak so vulgarly? Luckily I didn't hear it." Song Tianyao said to Chu Xiaoxin deliberately.
The two chatted idly about women in the private room for a while. It wasn't that Song Tianyao was neglecting his duties; it was mainly that their boss was neglecting his duties. When they talked about business, he would always voluntarily return to the pleasure quarters within three sentences.
A little over an hour later, Wu Jinliang knocked on the door. Song Tianyao cleared his throat, signaling Chu Xiaoxin, who was eagerly awaiting Song Tianyao's lewd jokes, to drop his flirtatious expression. Chu Xiaoxin took a few deep breaths, making his face serious, before Song Tianyao said, "Come in."
The door opened, Wu Jinliang stepped aside. Behind him, Golden-Tooth Lei personally carried several bags of gifts and walked in. He was still wearing a long robe, looking as mismatched as Chan Ah-sap.