Borrowing Strength

Wang Xuan slept incredibly soundly that night, both physically and mentally.

He brought breakfast in after getting it from outside. Looking at Shen Leman, who was playfully clinging to him in bed, Wang Xuan pursed his lips and smiled, picking up his food and feeding her bite by bite.

Looking at the man in front of her, who was gentle and considerate, appearing refined and elegant, and then thinking of his mighty and imposing demeanor in front of others, this unique treatment made Shen Leman feel like her heart was melting.

Before the two could finish their affectionate moment, the phone on the table rang. Wang Xuan put down his bowl and answered it.

"Ah Xuan? It's Baki."

Wang Xuan frowned slightly, already guessing the reason for Baki's call.

After a few brief words, the call ended. Shen Leman, lying in bed, asked, "Was that Baki?"

"Yeah. I'm treating Baki to lunch today. Are you coming?"

"No way. I still have to go check on the garment factory. Once the handover is complete, we'll start recruiting workers, and I need to oversee it." Shen Leman had already resigned from the hospital and was preparing to focus on helping Wang Xuan manage the garment factory. "Oh, right, aren't we producing any other clothes? The current styles are just too... you know!"

"Too what? I think they'll look great on you."

Seeing Wang Xuan's strangely amused smile, Shen Leman's face flushed. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him forcefully. "Go to hell!"

At noon, Fu Kee Restaurant.

"I'll toast you, Brother." Wang Xuan poured drinks for Baki and himself, then raised his glass for a toast.

They both downed their drinks in one go. After setting down their glasses, Baki spoke first. "You took over three of Viper's streets last night?"

"Yes. I received accurate intel that Viper was behind the ambush a few days ago."

"Why didn't you notify me before you made your move? Viper being captured is a rare opportunity. If we had acted together, we could have wiped Viper out completely. Now, although Viper is weakened, his foundation is still intact. If he retaliates against you, can you handle it?"

Looking at Baki, who appeared regretful, Wang Xuan remained outwardly calm but inwardly dismissive. If he had called Baki, wiping out Viper would have been effortless. However, after this, Baki's power would undoubtedly double, while he himself, despite gaining some benefits, would remain relatively weaker. In such a scenario, Wang Xuan's rise would become even more difficult.

By acting alone, he gained nearly the same benefits. After digesting them, his overall strength would not be significantly weaker than Baki's. Of course, this depended on him weathering Viper's retaliation. Afterward, if he could scheme to eliminate Viper, the benefits he could seize would be much greater.

It was precisely for the sake of long-term considerations that he had given Viper a sliver of a chance to recover this time.

However, Wang Xuan didn't take Viper seriously. Viper wasn't the protagonist in this world, so making a comeback wouldn't be that easy.

Wang Xuan poured more drinks for both of them and downed his own. "Brother, this incident happened rather suddenly. The police intel came too late, and there wasn't enough time to inform you. Also, we didn't know how long Viper would be detained. If he had been released on bail after a long delay, we would have missed the opportunity. That's why I acted alone."

Looking at the sincere Wang Xuan, Baki felt a twinge of doubt. After all, he wasn't Viper and didn't have as clear an understanding of the situation. Moreover, even Viper only realized afterward that Wang Xuan had some sort of deal with the police. Therefore, although he was a bit displeased that Wang Xuan had acted independently, he couldn't say much.

After all, they had gained three streets. The monthly dividends he received would increase significantly. If he complained too much, it would seem ungrateful, and his reputation would suffer.

"Brother, you know I don't have a source for drugs, so I'll need your help with the drug business on these three streets."

Baki's face immediately lit up with a smile. He readily agreed to this money-making venture without hesitation, inwardly praising Wang Xuan for being sensible. His previous displeasure vanished instantly. Territory wasn't important; what mattered was making money.

"Don't worry about Viper. You're my little brother. If that bastard Viper dares to cause trouble, I'll stand up for you!" Baki raised his glass and clinked it with Wang Xuan's, striking a righteous pose and patting his chest to guarantee his protection for his subordinate.

The meal lasted for over an hour. Baki, in high spirits, bragged about his glorious past deeds, while Wang Xuan could only play along.

That afternoon, Baki's subordinates began taking over the drug business on the newly acquired three streets. By then, even if Viper managed to sort out his internal issues and decided to fight back, it would be impossible to reclaim the territory.

Viper, upon receiving the news, was furious but helpless. Making a rash move was out of the question; the consequences of failure could be dire, potentially leading to the loss of his remaining territory.

As Viper fell silent, Wang Xuan turned his attention back to his own affairs. The garment factory had successfully recruited all its workers and was ready to start production. However, the location was in the New Territories. To avoid any trouble, he paid a visit to Da Dong, the East Star representative in the New Territories.

They had some history. When the Fragrant Hall was established, it was Da Dong who proposed promoting Baki to sit guard. Although the intention was to trick Sha Meng, it had greatly helped Baki, and by extension, Wang Xuan.

Taking advantage of the upcoming opening, Wang Xuan also aimed to strengthen his relationship with Da Dong and pave the way for the future.

Da Dong also recognized Wang Xuan's potential, especially after his recent acquisition of Viper's territory, which had increased his strength. He graciously attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening and later got drunk with Baki and others, making for a pleasant gathering.

Everything was now on track. Neither the nightclub nor the garment factory required Wang Xuan's constant attention. Suddenly finding himself with ample free time made Wang Xuan feel uneasy. He couldn't just wander around aimlessly, fearing ambushes, so he could only stay home and watch recordings.

After a few days of watching, a sudden idea struck him.

The film industry in Hong Kong and Taiwan was at its peak during this period, and the triads were heavily involved. So, why shouldn't he get involved?

However, he lacked experience, and any reckless move could lead to financial ruin, no matter how much money he had. After much consideration, Wang Xuan decided to establish a film company first, starting with the production of Category III films!

The primary goal was to learn!