My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 203 I'd Rather Be Suppressed by You
Of course, the victor will enjoy all the spoils.

The merchants of Qu Shiwen Society not only returned all the money and resources they had obtained from the Cao Gang, but also sold 70% of their businesses to be directly controlled by the ０文 Group. They also had to sign harsh long-term contracts, destined to work for Director Li for the rest of their lives.

——By the way, they only gave up 70% of their shares, thanks to Director Jiang.

Even so, the remaining 30% could not be kept in hand.

Director Li created a struggler agreement, requiring everyone to work hard and strive for success, and conduct annual assessments. Those who meet performance targets can take back a small portion of their shares. After about fifteen years, they can get back all of their 30% shares.

These conditions were far harsher than those of the Cao Gang. Everyone secretly groaned, but they dared not resist.

Originally, the winner only needed to take and give, while the loser needed to consider a lot. However, Director Li was wise, kind and tolerant, and seeing the bitter faces of the people, he patiently settled the accounts with them.

"The money the Cao Gang gave you is stolen money and will definitely be confiscated."

"I'll take 30% of your shares as a friendship fee."

"I'm taking another 40% of your shares because I want to protect you from the Cao Gang's revenge. This is protection money. If you die in the end, I'll return this part to you, okay?"

"So, in total, I'll take 70% from you. That's not too much, right? You can go ask around in the martial arts world and find out which sect has offended the six major sects and is in danger of being exterminated, and only needs to pay 40% of its assets to be saved? You've made a lot of money, right? If you think it's too much, you should think about your own problems. Why haven't you worked hard in your business over the years and increased your industrial shares to 120% or even 150%?"

"..."

Director Li's words were so sincere that the idiots didn't react at first.

"I know you're upset, but you should know the difference between surrendering, mutinying, and being captured. What's more, you're not even a captured soldier."

The puppet army was saved by the Eighth Route Army grandfather when they were about to be silenced by the Japanese.

In this situation, my life was generously saved by my former enemy. Of course, I should accept whatever he said. How could I be picky?
Everyone knows the truth.

But benefits always outweigh truth.

These businessmen have been deeply involved in the Huazhou women's channel and have joined the game. They have been immersed in the ancient sage's boxing spirit to some extent. Some of them secretly complained: "Even so, we are humble businessmen, and you are a famous hero and a high-ranking official. Let's not talk about who is right or wrong for now. You have won a great victory, so can't you be more generous?"

They were indeed remorseful when they were sunk into the river by the Cao Gang, and were indeed grateful when they were rescued.

But hasn’t it been two or three hours?
Being forced to sue Ma Fulong and bringing such a serious crisis to their lives and property had already made them feel a little dissatisfied. They found that Li Bailong was so greedy and asked for a huge amount of money when they did not dare to refuse. This was really not the behavior of a gentleman who repays evil with virtue and is generous and magnanimous.

Some people have already started to regret, thinking to themselves: "If I had known this would happen, I would have sold my property, taken 50% or so, and disguised myself, which would have been enough to change my appearance and live in seclusion somewhere else..."

"vomit."

In his soul, Aozi said with disgust: “Fuck, why are these men looking at women so badly!”

After all, Li Bailong lacked some life experience, and after asking a few questions, he finally got the clue.

"So that's how it is... These little fairy male merchants have been living comfortably in Huazhou for a long time. They think the world is beautiful and everyone abides by the rules. They were awakened for a moment by Ma Fulong's fan, hid in my place, and wanted to sleep again."

Still lacking some severe beatings.

"In that case, I won't charge you for friendship or protection."

Li Bailong said calmly: "But you still have to work for the Tongwen Bureau to repay your life-saving grace. Okay, now I will arrange the first large-scale task."

Without waiting for anyone to refute, he pointed at someone and said, "You, I heard that you guys are giving away free books, and the Cao Gang pays for each book you give away, is that right?"

The merchant said nervously, "Yes, that's right. I was blinded by greed and deceived by the Cao Gang. I earned this money that destroyed the foundation of the literary world. I feel very sorry, very sorry..."

"It's understandable that if you don't make money, it's a waste."

Li Bailong comforted them with understanding, and then said, "Just keep doing it."

Everyone was shocked and suspicious.

Giving away books for free was the Cao Gang’s secret weapon to use its huge financial resources to counter the Tongwen Bureau’s essay solicitation plan.

The businessmen were in the game and knew that this move had once forced Li Bailong to jump up and down and come up with some kind of variety show to compete with the Cao Gang for money. They thought that the two sides would fight for a long time and they would make a lot of money. They didn't expect that the world would change so fast. Until now, they have turned against the Cao Gang and have to join Li Bailong. Deep down in their hearts, they still miss the huge profits in the free era.

Damn, money is falling from the sky.

Unfortunately, there will no longer be such a good opportunity in the future.

——But Governor Li said, keep doing it.

What do you mean?
"As for you, when you go back, pack up the books that the Cao Gang sent you and send them to the Tongwen Bureau."

"Then go to Yunhua Hall to find Ling Daoist and tell them that the books have been delivered. Ask them to pay the money and ask the Cao Gang to provide more books. After getting the books, send them to Tongwen Bureau again and then go to Cao Gang to get the money and books."

Li Bailong waved his hand and said, "Go ahead."

The merchants were astonished.

This... this is inappropriate!

They looked absurdly surprised - what kind of dream was Li Bailong having in the clear autumn?

Besides, you want us to go to Yunhuatang to do this?

us?

I was almost drowned by the Cao Gang just now! I was still identifying Ma Fulong in the government office. If we go to Yunhua Hall now, isn’t that like throwing meat into a dog’s mouth?

They looked at each other in confusion and wanted to question and refuse, but a few smart people seemed to have thought of something, their faces changed slightly, and they moved their feet to ensure everyone's retreat.

The others wanted to speak up, but they were all embarrassed and no one wanted to be the first to speak.

They looked at Ye Cha first. Boss Ye was looking up at the sky with his hands behind his back, looking as if it had nothing to do with him.

People were helpless and subconsciously looked at Zheng Xiuyuan again.

The old man stood at the edge, hunched over, pale-faced, and whispered to himself, "I obey your orders."

This answer surprised everyone.

The merchants were shocked and angry - Old man, you are crazy! How dare you obey orders like this?

Then they cleverly figured out the trick.

This old scoundrel, previously he licked the Cao Gang and got himself a bowl of Yunjiang wontons, but now he is being shameless and has the audacity to lick Li Bailong, and he dares to accept any token of allegiance!
Contempt was revealed in their eyes.

Zheng Xiuyuan just stood there, lowering his head respectfully, ignoring the whispers and glances around him.

Li Bailong glanced at him and said calmly: "What are you going to do?"

Zheng Xiuyuan said in a low voice: "It's all up to you, sir."

"Test you."

"Yes."

Zheng Xiuyuan thought for a moment and said slowly, "Go to Yunhua Hall to get the books and money. If you give them money, they will increase the interest and extort money repeatedly. If you don't give them money, they will mock and scold them, trying to provoke them and lead them to use violence."

"In addition, these days, Huazhou bookstores have been lending books for free, and the people have benefited from it and have gradually become accustomed to it. Now that the channel is cut off, people are greedy and will inevitably feel resentful. In my humble opinion, we should guide them and direct the anger of the people to the Cao Gang."

His tone was as cold as the biting water of the Yunjiang River.

When the merchants heard this, they felt a chill in their hearts.

This guy... is he really going to offend the Cao Gang to death? He finally managed to save his life, and he should just live under the protection of Li Bailong... Huh?

Some people have vaguely come to their senses.

But Director Li has already ordered: "I'll leave this matter to you."

Zheng Xiuyuan showed no joy on his face, and bowed and said, "Yes." Li Bailong waved his hand and said, "Your old friends are also under your control. You lead them to do this. Who does well, who performs poorly, who is enthusiastic, and who is slacking off, all of them should be recorded."

The merchants were all shocked.

What are you doing! This old man was the one who opposed you the most before!

How can we let him do the work!

Thinking of the previous sarcasm, hostility and isolation towards this old man, everyone knew that something was wrong. They looked at each other, and for the first time, they reached a consensus and spoke together at the same time.

"My Lord, this is inappropriate!"

"This person has always held a grudge against you..."

"He carried out Ma Fulong's orders most thoroughly!"

"Boss Ye is more suitable than him!"

Amid the noisy noise, Li Bailong spoke to Zheng Xiuyuan.

"I'll give you another task." He said calmly, "Teach them to be more sensible."

In an instant, the chaotic noise became silent, and everyone's eyes were filled with fear and suspicion.

Zheng Xiuyuan bowed and responded.

"Send a bodyguard to follow everyone first, Zheng Xiuyuan, they will listen to you."

After saying that, Director Li walked away.

In the hall, Zheng Xiuyuan moved from the side to the center like a zombie, looking at everyone with a wooden look.

"I was sorry to you all before." His voice was hoarse and haggard. "I know you hate me, but there is nothing I can do. Most of the justice in the world cannot be redeemed."

"I feel guilty towards you all, but I have nothing to repay. This life is mine, and I want to live a few more years. The family property has already been managed for Master Li, and you can't get it. I can only tell you one truth, everyone, Huazhou Mimi, you have been comfortable for too long, and you still don't understand the situation. Times have changed."

He looked around and said indifferently, "Master Li's kindness, you must cherish it."

——Is there any need for you to say that?

The businessmen were not stupid. Since Li Bailong had given them the commission, they would not openly contradict him. However, their disdainful and resistant looks had already made their attitude clear.

“Let’s learn by doing.”

Zheng Xiuyuan said in a low voice, with a serious expression, "Everyone go back and arrange for the steward to load the books onto the truck. We will meet at the first floor of Yunhuatang West Street in half an hour."

He pointed at a businessman and said, "Brother He, speed is of the essence in war. Your store is closest to Yunhua Hall, so you will be the pioneer and the first to enter the hall to collect the debt from Ling Daoist."

Hearing this, the businessman surnamed He was shocked and angry, and asked sternly, "Why?"

Zheng Xiuyuan said calmly: "Since you are not a friend of Governor Li and you have not paid protection fees, how can you not be used casually like pigs and dogs?"

Everyone was in an uproar.

"Half an hour, the countdown has begun."

Zheng Xiuyuan held up the pocket watch produced by Fenglin Huoshan. When he heard people's protests and curses, he showed a puzzled look: "I don't quite understand. You are all under the protection of a noble and powerful person, and you are ordered to fight against another powerful person. This kind of thing was done under Ma Ni, but it is not possible under Li Zhishi's command?"

As they were talking, more than twenty officers from the Tongwen Bureau had arrived outside.

His eyes were cold and indifferent, and he seemed lonely and perverse. He looked around and asked curiously, "Do you look down on Lord Li? If so, please do as you please."

Everyone looked at each other, but in the end they didn't dare not go, so they went cursing.

The officers acted as bodyguards, following one by one.

Zheng Xiuyuan was about to leave, but Ye Cha, who had been watching, suddenly said, "Old Zheng, please stay."

The old man stopped and the two looked at each other in silence for a moment.

After a moment, Zheng Xiuyuan sighed desolately: "Old Ye, congratulations, you bet on the right horse."

Ye Cha showed no sign of satisfaction, and shook his head, saying, "It's fate, let's not talk about it. I'm just a little curious... With your personality, how... how could it be..."

It would be fine if he was just being humble and servile, but what Lao Zheng had just done was beyond shamelessness, he had no bones at all.

Zheng Xiuyuan whispered, "My son's life still depends on Lord Li."

Ye Cha suddenly realized and felt sad for a moment.

"I am old now, I am willing to accept the loss, I have no regrets." Zheng Xiuyuan said with a wry smile, "But Dalang has worked hard for half his life and finally got his name on the list of successful candidates. How can his life's achievements be wasted? I want to help him fight for it again."

So he gave up his face and was willing to be a lackey, helping Li Bailong to tame the merchants. He even rushed to the front line against Yunhuatang and offended the Cao Gang more thoroughly.

"Do your best, Old Ye, and seize the opportunity. When I heard Lord Li talk about his plan to coordinate the literary world in Huazhou today, I knew that his ambition lies in the cultural heritage of Da Qi."

Zheng Xiuyuan sighed and said, "Looking back, we were so stupid to stand against you, sitting in a well and looking at the sky."

Ye Cha said with emotion: "I really didn't expect you to say such a thing."

Old Zheng suddenly blinked and said, "Report this to Lord Li truthfully."

"..."

Ye Cha was speechless for a moment.

Zheng Xiuyuan laughed twice, bowed, and said goodbye.

When he reached the door, he turned around and said, "Old Ye, believe it or not, if my son had not made friends with the Cao Gang in the capital, so that father and son had to stand on the same side, I would definitely kneel earlier than you."

Boss Ye said unhappily, “Then we have to continue fighting with Master Li again.”

Boss Zheng said in a low voice, "I mean, if it weren't for the influence of your rebellious son, you would still be suppressed by me."

Ye Cha snorted, "Bullshit! Who's going to put down who now?"

Hearing this, Zheng Xiuyuan could only sigh softly: "Alas, so, this is all fate."

The two were speechless for a moment.

"Old Zheng."

"Ok?"

"I hope it's not too late for you to kneel."

Zheng Xiuyuan looked up and saw his opponent, who had been fighting for many years and was both his enemy and friend, staring at him with sincere eyes and an honest expression, with an undisguised worry.

His eyes suddenly became moist, and he quickly lowered his head, blinked hard, and then slowly raised his head.

"Thank you for your good words. If it's not too late to kneel down..." Zheng Xiuyuan smiled, "I will concentrate on assisting you from now on. I am willing to be suppressed by you for the rest of my life."

Then he stepped over the threshold and walked away tremblingly.

Ye Cha, who has been writing BL literature for half his life, always felt that the old man did it on purpose.

He walked to the door and looked at the other party's receding figure. The sound of dispatch also came from the Tianhe tribe next door. Obviously, it was not only the business owners who were mobilized. Lord Li was pursuing the victory and launching a full-scale attack on Yunhua Hall. It was getting dark, the setting sun was slanting, and footsteps and human voices danced and swayed.

He stared at Zheng Xiuyuan's back, recalled what he had just said, and smiled faintly.

How disgusting.

(End of this chapter)