protocol
Xinjie Street in the main urban area.
As the elevator descended, Milo followed Blaise to the third basement level. The original underground clubhouse of the New Street branch had been converted into a giant storage room. Milo glanced around; the workers were moving quickly, and the encrypted compartments on each floor were piled high with sealed boxes.
This shop was acquired by Blaze from Steven, so although it nominally belongs to the Daller Group, it is actually entirely controlled by Blaze. Milo doesn't know what's inside, but he can guess that it's Blaze's foothold upon returning to Wudong Port. Just as he established his authority through violence in Gan Valley, in a place like Wudong Port, money equals power; without money and power, even God wouldn't pay him any attention.
Milo knew that although Blaze seemed extremely humble towards him, there was still an insurmountable gap in strength between them. Therefore, he could only cautiously take advantage of the opportunities Blaze offered. Milo remained silent about matters concerning his time in the Gan Valley and the actual amount of power Blaze wielded.
As I walked and pondered these thoughts, I soon arrived at the inner room. The constantly flashing red monitoring dots in the corridor created an invisible sense of oppression.
Blaise stopped at the door and knocked twice as a gesture. The three men sitting inside immediately looked over and stood up.
Representatives from the three subsidiaries of the Thornton Group, who had been feeling uneasy, suddenly noticed that Blaise was accompanied by only a fair-skinned young man, and their tension eased considerably.
“Mr. Dale,” someone eagerly extended their hand first.
Blaise shook hands with each of them, then shook hands with each of them again, and invited the three to sit down.
This attitude greatly surprised the three people opposite.
The news of the Daller Group splitting into two factions has spread like wildfire. Miles is extremely busy and trying to please everyone, but Blaze doesn't show up much. Given the rumors, they thought Blaze would be an extremely arrogant person, but he turned out to be surprisingly well-mannered.
Blaze sat down and reached for the chair next to him, but the young man beside him subtly pressed his hand down, so Blaze had to pull it back.
This scene, witnessed by the three people opposite, caused them to exchange glances, completely bewildered.
“Mr. Dale, we understand your purpose. To sign all the land we have in one go…that’s quite a bold idea. But if we’re here to discuss business, you should be talking to Peter, the head of the largest freight subsidiary of the Thornton Group. How could we possibly meet your standards?” The man carefully chose his words, then probed indirectly, “We heard that Peter boarded the cruise ship with Steven. Steven was killed in the Gan Valley. So, Peter…is he really just missing?”
Peter… Milo frowned slightly. He hadn’t expected these three to use this as a starting point to probe for information.
The face of the white-haired man named Peter, who had frequented prostitutes on the Bethlehem, resurfaced in Milo's mind.
Peter's freight company relied almost entirely on Lotus Machinery, so Milo's original plan was to leak information to this man in order to incite conflict, but he didn't expect the man to go too far and cause a hired murder. Now the man has perished at sea, and as for the goods... Milo personally witnessed Blaise holding them in the Gan Valley.
As Milo pondered how to answer, Blaise had already started signing: Didn't Peter make an agreement with you before he boarded the ship? He set up a scheme to kill the troublesome Steven so that you could clear Lotus Machinery's name again. But he's not stupid; he knows to keep a record of his own accounts to prevent your current behavior of denying responsibility.
That was too blunt, so Milo tactfully added, "By yesterday's closing bell, the stock price of Lianhua Machinery, part of the Thornton Group, had already experienced its biggest single-day drop in nearly two months. Mr. Gary's medical data analytics company has seen a significant decline in market share, Mr. Pearson's medical device R&D company is facing a technology infringement lawsuit, and Mr. Adams' high-end medical device distribution company is also at risk of a broken cash flow. Under these circumstances, if that encrypted ledger were to leak out, not only would the equity pledge that the three gentlemen wanted be deemed invalid, but even selling off the shares would become a major problem."
The expressions on the faces of the three people opposite him instantly turned ugly. Gary, sitting in the middle, forced a smile: "It was just asking about a friend's whereabouts. Mr. Dale, you're overthinking it. Your little secretary is very knowledgeable. According to him, aren't we all headed for disaster?"
Blaise glanced at the three of them, suppressing his annoyance at their verbal sparring, and remained silent.
Milo took out the documents he had prepared beforehand and distributed them to the three of them: "It's a predicament, but not a hopeless one."
Gary raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean?"
"Mr. Dahler can help Mr. Pearson bypass patent litigation and enter the Frostlaken market, directly taking the international route. As for Mr. Adams, Mr. Dahler can use the goods from Gan Gu as collateral and provide short-term bridge loans in conjunction with financial institutions under the Dahler Group, guaranteeing an interest rate 30 percent lower than the market rate. As for Mr. Gary's problem, the Dahler Group can promise to inject capital to support him and open up the data interface of the public hospitals cooperating with the group."
The three listened and flipped through the documents in their hands. These documents were well-prepared, with clear clauses and special annotations on points of contention; clearly, they were not something to be taken lightly.
For a moment, the three of them looked at each other in bewilderment.
Ever since the news of the Dale Group's sudden emergence of an illegitimate child broke, many in the gray area have already figured out Blaise's true identity. There's a mix of fear and curiosity. This first instance of expressing interest in cooperation, with the hidden benefits of Blaise's dual identities, is truly enticing. Blaise's promises sound far too unrealistic, some exceeding the limits of monetary reach. If someone else were making these offers, they'd be taken with a grain of salt, but coming from Blaise, even if there's only a 50% truth, it's enough to stir up excitement.
Milo offered a timely reminder: "Time is of the essence now. The Wudong Port Police Department is already conducting a cross-border investigation in conjunction with the Tengbang authorities. If Lianhua Machinery completely collapses and debts are liquidated according to normal procedures, the losses the three of you will face will be incalculable."
Gary flipped through the documents, making a rustling sound: "Mr. Dale just said that the Dale Group would promise to inject capital to support us... In other words, in the name of the Dale Group? Could it be that Mr. Dale also authorized this cooperation today?"
Milo countered, "What's the difference?"
The difference is huge. Gary saw through it but didn't say anything, his gaze falling on the contract. It clearly stated in black and white that Blaise signed the agreement in his personal capacity, but the contract stipulated that its validity extended to related parties actually controlled by the signatory. This meant that if the main company of the Dale Group, Longjin Financial Health, happened to hold shares in companies under Blaise's name, and a guarantee agreement was signed through a nominee company, it was highly likely that a small boat could sink a cruise ship.
However, this is a situation that only occurs once every hundred years. Although legitimate children and illegitimate children are naturally at odds, there is no reason for them to destroy the entire company because of a fight over the inheritance.
Gary paused, still unable to believe that such a good thing had fallen into his lap: "The agreement states that when Longjin Financial's cash flow falls below 20% of its net profit, it must immediately repay the 2 billion yuan in supply chain financing of its three subsidiaries... Such sincerity is truly overwhelming."
Milo said, "Mr. Dale has used his personal shares in Longjin Health as collateral for the aforementioned agreement. What else could Mr. Gary possibly be worried about?"
"Don't worry, of course you can rest assured. But the problem is... those plots of land were left by Steven's uncle. Although they are now indeed owned by our three companies, just transferring them to you like this is tantamount to cutting off Lianhua Machinery's flesh to feed you. Isn't that going to make Elion Thornton look bad?"
The old factories on those plots of land were built six years ago and are now abandoned projects, which are somehow connected to Richard Green. Because they are the former property of the Thornton family, even though they can't generate any money just sitting there, no one in Wudong Port has dared to utter a word about acquiring them because of Elion.
Milo said calmly, "It's Long Jinjian who wants to collect the money. He can't find you anywhere to settle accounts." As he spoke, Milo looked at Blaise.
Blaze raised an eyebrow, seemingly unconcerned and not at all afraid of Elion.
Seeing Blaise's attitude, Gary exchanged glances with the other two. The Thornton family was certainly not to be trifled with, but business was business after all, and taking the risk was worthwhile.
With this thought in mind, Gary flipped to the last page of the document. Before signing, he couldn't help but glance at Blaise sitting across from him. Meeting Blaise's sharply defined face, he instantly felt a chill in his heart. A pressure compelled him to finish signing his name and stamping the official seal.
This was a red-headed document that was entirely beneficial to them, and each party kept a copy.
As a seasoned veteran, Gary understood that once this document was signed, the danger would fall more heavily on Dragon Financial Fitness. Since ancient times, power struggles between brothers have often resulted in bloodshed, which in civilized society has evolved into countless calculations. He couldn't understand what Blaise wanted those lands for; they were all outdated pharmaceutical factories, unlike real estate, which yielded slower returns. More importantly, this document wasn't a public agreement between the two corporations; if Miles discovered it, he could directly oust Blaise.
Blaise's approach was extremely risky, even reckless.
But what does all this have to do with them?
Gary capped his pen, closed the file, and smiled at Blaise: "It's been a pleasure working with you."
As he finished speaking, the three shook hands in turn.
By the time I finished signing the forms and went out, it was already evening, and the sky was getting dark.
Blaise asked: Did you buy those plots of land because of what happened back then?
Milo paused for a long time before saying, "Yes and no. The reason my father cooperated with Bobby Thornton back then was partly due to the family ties, but it seems that the main reason was because Bobby Thornton promised to build factories, which is why he agreed to advance the research and development of the bio-ingredient. Those factories must be useful; there must be a reason why they haven't been demolished and rebuilt over the years, but I haven't figured it out yet. But the main reason was to get them to sign the agreement, and we needed to find a suitable excuse."
As he spoke, Milo lowered his eyes slightly, "Your shares in Longjin Financial Health have been tied up like this. You should know how much those shares are worth, right?"
Blaise thought for a moment, and could roughly guess a number, so he nodded.
Milo hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Once this is over, I will make it up to you what is rightfully yours."
Blaise nodded casually. If it were really converted into monetary compensation, he could probably keep entangled with Milo for the rest of his life.
"You're probably the most generous person in the world." There was another sentence Milo didn't say. Blaise was probably also the most foolish person in the world, actually willing to play along with him like it was child's play, giving up a listed company's sky-high value shares.
But the more foolish this person seemed, the more uncertain he felt.
Milo, feeling a bit flustered, reached into his pocket for cigarettes, said goodbye, and headed towards the deserted alleyway, intending to have a smoke before getting on the bus.
Blaise didn't stop him, and turned to park the car.
Neon signs flashed, and the sound of stray cats tearing and biting came from the depths of the alley. Milo stopped, raised his hand to shield himself from the wind, and the lighter finally lit after several attempts.
The trash can rattled behind him, but Milo didn't turn around, muttering, "How much longer are you planning to follow me?"
His years of experience being followed allowed him to almost immediately identify when he was being watched and how many people were watching him.
Three men dressed in black stood frozen five steps away, the leader's Adam's apple bobbing up and down.
Milo stood calmly, the sparks of passion flickering at the corners of his lips: "If we don't act now, it'll be too late."
The leader reached for his lower back and strode forward. Just a second before he was about to draw his gun and strike Milo on the forehead, a cool breeze swept by, and he only had time to feel a chill on his neck.
Blaze slipped out, a gleaming silver butterfly knife silently wedged into the man's neck, and his tall, muscular body almost instantly strangled the man's arm.
The locked-up man instinctively opened his mouth to call for help, but Milo frowned and stopped him: "Hey, just a heads up, it's best not to shout."
The man instinctively shut his mouth. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his two companions lying on the ground, their fates unknown. Looking at the delicate-skinned man before him, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
Milo stubbed out his cigarette against the wall and threw it into the trash can. Then he stepped forward and said softly, "Haven't you heard about Meng Sha's sudden death? Or do you want to experience that feeling yourself?"
Blood beads formed a thin stream along the blade.
The man instantly realized who was holding the knife to him. In an instant, his wrist loosened, and the pistol fell to the ground. It was a sign of surrender.
Milo tilted his head, gesturing with his eyes. Blaise immediately sheathed his knife, picked up the gun from the ground, and silently walked towards Milo's direction.
Under the dim streetlights, Blaze, dressed entirely in black, was completely obscured from view. He was like a magnified shadow of Milo, the two almost overlapping to form a distorted monster.
Milo raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you going to get lost?"
The man backed away as he ran out of the alley, and soon a black Mercedes sped away.
Blaze glanced at the departing car, clicked his gun a few times to check it, and then handed it over without a second thought.
Milo sighed helplessly: "Arien can't possibly go south right now, and his men probably wouldn't dare to stand up for him. I guess they're more likely Miles's men, just the self-righteous ones who panicked and ran around like crazy the moment you touched the Lotus Mechanism."
"Letting them go back and report is like adding fuel to the fire." With that, Milo picked up his car keys. "Let's go, I'll drive."
During rush hour, they looked like two ordinary people amidst the traffic. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the sea, and the island opposite the No. 3 pier of Wudong Port looked like a pearl in an oyster shell.
Seeing Blaise constantly turning his head to look out the window, Milo glanced at him.
The boardwalk around the island was bustling with people strolling, and short-legged bulbuls occasionally took flight. The Hong Kong University of Commerce campus is a typical blend of Chinese and Western Nanyang style, leaning more towards the characteristics of Wanyang, quite different from the futuristic, technological architecture of Wudonggang. Looking at the bluestone monuments on campus, it seemed as if four years of university life had passed in a fleeting glance.
Milo glanced at Blaise again, his attention wandering. For some reason, the little boy Apa's words suddenly echoed in his mind.
Blaise was uneducated and had no formal education; to put it bluntly, he was an empty shell of a person with a barren mind.
However, despite his upbringing in the Gan Valley and never having attended school, he didn't follow the locals in their belief in the snake-headed Buddha cult. Instead, he went against the grain, sporting Christian-influenced tattoos on his body… Milo vaguely realized that Blaise possessed a rebellious streak, only that rebellion had been suppressed by years of subjugation. Perhaps it was because Sigon was his last remaining relative. After all, Miles had said that Blaise seemed to value kinship.
Thinking about it this way, he seems to be a very pathetic person.
Seeing Blaise turn his face, Milo suppressed his thoughts and asked awkwardly, "What were you thinking about just now?"
Blaise made no move.
Milo pressed further, "Is it about Joshua?"
Blaise was slightly taken aback.
Milo smiled and said, "You must be very curious about him."
Blaise did not deny it.
He had a vague feeling that there was some connection between the Frostraven man and Milo. Before he knew Milo's true identity, he had tried every means to investigate the connection between the two, but the only clue was that the two had been students at the Hong Kong University of Commerce.
As for anything else, he knew nothing.
Just like now, he has no idea what Milo's purpose is in doing all this, he is just following Milo's wishes and cooperating with the performance.
They could form the most intimate unions, yet their hearts were separated by an ocean of unbridgeable distance; ironically, he lacked the courage to carve a hole in the sea.
The closer he got to Milo, the more he felt that Milo was like a rare, out-of-print book. He had struggled to get it in his hands, but when he opened it, it contained text instead of illustrations. Being able to see and touch something but not understand it was a disheartening thing, like having a mouth but being unable to speak.
As the sun completely sank into the sea, the last ray of light fell on Milo's face. Blaze saw Milo turn half his face to the side, his black pupils reflecting light like beautiful amber.
“You’ll see him soon,” Milo said softly. “Tomorrow’s conference is sure to be very interesting.”
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