138 Kindred Spirits

Even with full knowledge of Lin Qi’s business plan, the Fangyuan Group could not escape the fate of being annexed by the Feihong Group.

Desperate to survive, Chai Wu-yan took a reckless gamble, paying ten million in cash to hire Wang Fugui, a notorious figure in the criminal underworld, to commit murder.

Killing an ordinary person would certainly not cost so much, but Lin Qi was no ordinary man. As the president of the Feihong Group, Lin Qi possessed significant resources and connections in Huaijiang City, and to Chai Wu-yan, the ten million was a price well worth paying.

Wang Fugui had promised yesterday that he would ensure Lin Qi did not live to see the sunrise today. Yet, it was already noon, and Chai Wu-yan had just parted ways with Lin Qi. How could he not be furious?

Little did he know, Wang Fugui was equally baffled. Last night, he had dispatched two men to assassinate Lin Qi. They were young and had spotless backgrounds, ensuring that no suspicion would fall on him after the deed was done. He had even arranged an escape route for them to flee the country, but once they left last night, there had been no word from them since.

Could something have gone wrong?

"Mr. Chai, please don't be impatient," Wang Fugui said. "I did send men last night, but I haven't heard a single thing from them. I suspect Lin Qi has bodyguards, and those two have likely met with foul play..."

Upon hearing this, Chai Wu-yan became instantly anxious. "They won't turn you in, will they?"

If Wang Fugui were exposed, he would be implicated as well, and the Feihong Group was not a force to be trifled with.

"They won't," Wang Fugui stated firmly. "My two brothers are fiercely loyal and value honor above all else. Even in death, they would never betray me!"

Chai Wu-yan breathed a slight sigh of relief. "That's good... what happens now?"

Wang Fugui replied, "Mr. Chai, I've already lost two of my men trying to kill Lin Qi. Their funeral expenses and compensation..."

Chai Wu-yan cut him off impatiently, "Just tell me how much!"

"You are a generous man, Mr. Chai," Wang Fugui said. "Ten million."

Chai Wu-yan was incensed. "I already gave you ten million! You want another ten million?!"

"Mr. Chai, I lost two of my men, and Lin Qi is truly difficult to deal with. He likely has very capable bodyguards by his side..."

"Fine, fine, I'll pay you!" Chai Wu-yan snapped. "You’d better get this done as soon as possible! If you can't, I’ll just find someone else. Isn't there someone called 'Black Blind' who’s been making a name for himself lately?"

At the mention of Black Blind, Wang Fugui was visibly displeased. "Mr. Chai, what Black Blind? He’s nothing but a brute! I’ll deal with him in a few days!"

Wang Fugui felt a twinge of insecurity as he said this, for Black Blind was truly formidable. In less than a year since arriving in Huaijiang City, many underworld bosses had suffered at his hands. Wang Fugui himself had nearly become a victim. Fortunately, having spent many years in Huaijiang, he had enough connections to orchestrate a scheme that landed Black Blind in a detention center, finally enjoying a few days of peace. The thought of Black Blind being released in a few days gave him a headache.

Chai Wu-yan ignored his concerns and said directly, "I'll transfer the money to you shortly. Just tell me when you can kill Lin Qi."

Wang Fugui was silent for a moment before saying, "I can't strike at his home; he has bodyguards there, and the security system at the Bamboo Creek Gardens is very strict. I can't send too many people in... Mr. Chai, can you invite him out for a meal? Don't pick anywhere too upscale, or my men won't be able to get in."

"That's no problem," Chai Wu-yan replied. "But for God's sake, send more men this time!"

"Rest assured, at least twenty of them—all experienced thugs!"

"Good. I'll invite Lin Qi now and let you know the time and place."

"Very well. But I should warn you in advance, Mr. Chai: you will have to take a couple of blows yourself. Given his status, if this ends up at the Special Investigation Bureau, you’ll need a reason to prove your innocence, right?"

"I have to take a beating too?!"

"Yes, it’s a ruse to gain sympathy. To ensure you walk away clean, you must take those hits. Don't worry, I'll tell my men to be careful; they know how to control their strength and won't hurt you too badly."

*Nothing ventured, nothing gained,* Chai Wu-yan thought. To destroy Lin Qi, what was a little physical pain?

He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine!"

After hanging up, Chai Wu-yan called Lin Qi. "Mr. Lin, we didn't get to finish our chat today. How about dinner tonight?"

Lin Qi was no god; naturally, he was unaware of Chai Wu-yan's plot and agreed immediately. "Sure, my treat."

"No, no, let me host you. How about that snack street in the Anlou District?"

A snack street? Lin Qi was slightly surprised. It wasn't that he disliked such places, but he hadn't expected a boss as prominent as Chai Wu-yan to choose such a venue for their first meal together.

Chai Wu-yan laughed heartily. "Mr. Lin, after meeting you today, I really feel we hit it off! I've grown tired of fancy feasts. I just want to hit the night market, grab some beer, barbecue, peanuts, and edamame. That’s what real friends do, don't you think?"

"Sure, I'm in," Lin Qi agreed readily.