The other side of the boundless sea of ​​kindness

Andy Coles took the lead, striding confidently up the suspended stairs.

The leather shoes made a steady sound as they stepped onto the metal pedals, and they boarded the giant ship "Sea Shark" step by step.

Chang Miaomiao clung tightly to Chang Haihe's arm, following closely behind.

Her skirt fluttered in the sea breeze, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her palms.

A group of bodyguards in black formed a fan shape around the perimeter, their steps perfectly synchronized.

Behind the sunglasses, his eyes scanned the surroundings warily, exuding an intimidating aura.

The large convoy arrived at the main cabin door of the giant ship, and the heavy metal door slowly opened with a click.

The passageway, covered with a red carpet, was revealed, and figures could be vaguely seen moving at the end.

Andy Coles strode in without looking back. The Chang family father and daughter exchanged a glance, gritted their teeth, and followed him into the room.

The cabin door slowly closed behind them, shutting out the howling sea breeze and drawing them completely into this meeting fraught with hidden tension.

Passing through the passageway, you come into view another, even heavier-looking hatch—

With a frame made of deep-sea ebony and an outer layer of matte metal trim, the gilded hinges turn silently.

Only a wisp of warm mist, a mixture of ambergris and cedarwood, escaped. The moment one stepped into the main hall, their gaze was immediately drawn to the crystal chandelier hanging from the dome—

Thousands of white crystals, cut into rhombus shapes, are strung together in a swirling pattern, refracting the eerie light of the mermaid candles in the niche.

The marble floor is dappled with tiny gold specks, much like starlight floating on the sea.

The ground was paved with a single piece of Persian blue-veined jade, so shiny it was like a mirror, reflecting the eight bronze auspicious beasts standing on both sides.

The beast's eyes, inlaid with crimson agate, silently glared at the newcomer, adding a touch of intimidation.

Chairman Feng Yuanzheng sat in the main seat of a rosewood chair, the back of which was decorated with a relief of lotus scrolls intertwined with tiny diamonds.

He held a Hetian jade cigarette holder between his fingers, with a miniature Taotie carved on the mouthpiece, and the smoke rings he exhaled carried a restrained sense of oppression.

He wasn't wearing an elaborate formal suit, but only a dark-colored silk Tang suit with subtle patterns, the collar embroidered with silver-threaded flowing clouds.

His back was ramrod straight, his eyes like a deep, cold sea, and he didn't say a word.

He seemed to be shrouded in an invisible aura, making the air feel heavy.

He truly deserves to be the core figure who has led the Feng family for many years and holds the power of discourse in the industry.

The eldest son, Feng Yan, sat on the left, dressed in a charcoal gray bespoke suit.

The tailoring was impeccably clean, and the Patek Philippe watch with its sapphire crystal peeked out from the cuffs.

On his well-defined fingers was a black jade ring, the "Zhenyuan" inscription passed down through the Feng family.

He lowered his eyes, fiddling with the gilded cufflinks engraved with the Feng family totem; when he looked up, his gaze was sharp as a knife.

When he glanced at the person opposite him, his gaze carried the cold, decisive edge of years of experience in the cutthroat world of business.

It's as if they've already calculated all the pros and cons, and are about to reveal their deadly trump card at any moment.

The second son, Feng Zhan, on the right, exudes a completely different aura, dressed in a deep purple velvet suit.

A pigeon blood ruby ​​brooch adorned her collar, making her skin appear even more pale and cold.

His fingertips rested on the rim of the enamel teacup in front of him, his fingertips tracing the intertwined floral patterns on the cup.

His eyes held a somewhat casual scrutiny, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

Clapping hands is a gesture of welcome, but the words carry a hidden edge: "Isn't it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?"

Now that you've boarded the 'Sea Shark,' you're a distinguished guest of the Feng family. Please, have a seat."

A professional-looking man in a suit stepped forward to lead the way, gesturing for them to proceed.

Andy Coles followed and sat down, with his men standing behind him.

Chang Haihe and Chang Miaomiao sat down in order, their gazes sweeping over the people of different backgrounds around them.

A surge of emotions welled up inside me. Money isn't always everything. Like right now, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

The father and daughter exchanged a glance, then looked around. The luxury in the hall was never deliberately ostentatious.

On the antique shelf in the corner are Shang and Zhou bronze tripods and Song Dynasty Ru ware porcelain vases.

There is even a Ming Dynasty Hetian jade Guanyin statue, with a warm and translucent jade texture;

On the wall hangs a genuine landscape painting by Zhang Daqian, its ink tones conveying the grandeur of mountains and rivers.

But these priceless furnishings paled in comparison to the aura emanating from the Feng family.

They all became mere background figures—Chairman Feng sat firmly in the main position, in charge, while his two sons, one cold and one sharp, one resolute and one reserved,

His demeanor was composed yet sharp; every glance and every movement exuded an innate sense of control.

The power struggle at this meeting quietly began amidst this atmosphere of luxury and oppression.

Feng Zhan walked slowly down the steps, his posture upright, with a hint of nonchalant sharpness between his brows.

He walked straight to Andy Coles, and immediately a suited-up attendant brought him two wine glasses.

Feng Zhan picked up a glass and handed it over. The two men raised their arms slightly, and the glasses clinked together with a crisp sound. They each took a small sip.

“Mr. Andy Coles,” Feng Zhan began, his gaze sweeping over the Chang family father and daughter beside him.

"I heard you brought a new friend to discuss cooperation? Won't you introduce him?"

Andy Coles stepped aside to indicate: "This is Mr. Chang Haihe, and this is his daughter, Miss Chang Miaomiao."

Chang Haihe quickly stepped forward, his face beaming with a warm smile: "I have long admired Chairman Feng's reputation."

"You have connections everywhere! I've traveled a great distance with a meager sum of money to seek your patronage and earn a living."

Feng Zhan seemed not to hear the flattery in his words, but his gaze swept over Chang Miaomiao with undisguised scrutiny.

Chang Miaomiao's heart tightened slightly, but a polite smile spread across her face:

"I'm new here and don't know much, so I hope Mr. Feng will take good care of me."

Feng Zhan suddenly curled his lips into a sly smile: "Chang... Miaomiao?"

He deliberately pronounced his name slowly, "My name is Feng Zhan, and I am the second son of the Feng family."

Chang Miaomiao immediately softened her tone, her voice becoming gentler and carrying just the right amount of obsequiousness: "So it's Second Master Feng, Miaomiao has been impolite."

“Haha,” Feng Zhan chuckled twice and waved his hand, “Miss Chang, you’re making me sound old. Forget about calling me Second Master, just call me Feng Zhan.”

As he spoke, he reached out and patted Chang Miaomiao's shoulder twice, the gesture seemingly casual.

There was an indescribable meaning hidden in his eyes. "Please sit down. There's no need to be so formal here."

Chang Miaomiao's smile remained unchanged, and she leaned forward slightly following his movement.

Her eyes drooped slightly, her eyelashes trembled almost imperceptibly, and she sat down on the sofa next to Chang Haihe, her fingertips secretly tightening their grip on the hem of her skirt—

The second son of the Feng family had such a direct and blatant look in his eyes that he clearly had no ulterior motives.

Feng Zhan swirled his wine glass, slowly sat back down, and tapped the armrest of his chair with his fingertips.

He looked up at Feng Yan in the main seat, his tone casual yet firm: "Big brother, I have no objection."

Feng Yan's gaze was like ice, coldly sweeping over Feng Zhan, his displeasure almost undisguised.

He slowly rose, his posture even more composed than Feng Zhan's, and took two steady steps forward.

He stopped in front of the Changhai River, looking down at him with a voice devoid of warmth:

“Mr. Chang, since you’re determined to establish a foothold in the Governor’s territory and cooperate with the Fung family, you should at least understand the rules here.”

He paused, his fingertips tapping lightly in front of him, each tap feeling like a blow to the heart:

"Talking about cooperation without any real commitment is too superficial. What is your pledge of allegiance?"

"I have to show some sincerity, otherwise I won't be able to explain myself to all the shareholders and bosses here."

These words were resounding and carried an undeniable sense of authority.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly, and the previously relaxed atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Chang Haihe's smile froze, and his palms became even sweatier.

He knew it wouldn't be that easy, but he hadn't expected the eldest son of the Feng family to speak up so readily.

They went straight for the crucial "pledge of allegiance," forcing him to reveal his true colors.

Chang Haihe swallowed hard, forcing a smile: "Young Master Feng is too kind. Of course, we are sincere."

The project I'm bringing with me has already received its initial investment, and subsequent funding will be readily available.

"As long as the Feng family is willing to make the connections, we can see profits within six months."

Feng Yan seemed not to hear, his gaze sweeping over Chang Haihe and landing on Chang Miaomiao behind him.

His gaze wasn't particularly sharp, but it carried a chilling scrutiny that made Chang Miaomiao's spine tighten.

"Profits?" Feng Yan scoffed.

"There are plenty of people in the Governor's territory who want to make money. Why do you think our Fung family should choose you?"

Chang Haihe's smile vanished. He hadn't expected Feng Yan to be so disrespectful. He was about to say something more when Feng Zhan interrupted him.

“Brother, in business, you always have to give people a chance,” Feng Zhan said slowly.

He seemed to be trying to smooth things over, but his eyes held a hint of watching a show. "Since Boss Chang is here, why don't you tell us the specifics of the project first?"

"Perhaps there really is a possibility of cooperation." His gaze swept over Chang Miaomiao again, and the flippant tone in his words made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

Feng Yan ignored Feng Zhan and turned his gaze back to Chang Haihe, his tone even colder:

"I don't have time for empty talk. The bosses here also have valuable time. Either produce something real, or take your people and leave now."

Chang Haihe's face drained of all color, his chest tightening from Feng Yan's words.

He had never been so disheveled in his entire life, having struggled in the business world.

Being publicly humiliated by several juniors felt like having one's spine trampled underfoot.

A surge of anger welled up inside him, and he abruptly took two steps forward, bypassing the Feng brothers.

His gaze was fixed on Feng Yuanzheng, who remained silent in the main seat, and his voice was hoarse with a hint of defiance:

"Chairman Feng, you are so magnanimous! I, Chang Haihe, have invested all of CY Rongchuang's assets into the oil industry."

I don't ask for anything else, I just want a stable place to stand under the Governor of Hong Kong, even if it's just a household registration!

"You've said a single word today; I, Chang Haihe, will remember your immense kindness for the rest of my life!"

"What? Is Boss Chang treating the Feng family as a refuge?" Feng Yan sneered, his tone dripping with undisguised sarcasm.

"I heard that the armed forces over there have mobilized their entire force to capture you! I didn't realize you were such a cunning old fox."

These words pierced Chang Haihe's heart like needles. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, but he stubbornly held back his anger.

Just then, Andy Coles, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up, straightened his suit cuffs,

With a neutral smile on his face, he said, "Boss Feng, that's not how it's said."

His gaze swept over Feng Yan, then turned to Feng Yuanzheng, "In the business world, the principle is that everyone makes money."

Since Boss Chang came with sincerity, and I acted as the middleman, please give me some face.

How about we do Mr. Chang a favor? His investment isn't small; once it's up and running...

This is also a good thing for the Governor's stone industry; it's beneficial to everyone without any harm.

His tone was calm, yet carried a weight that could not be underestimated. Feng Yuanzheng, seated at the head of the table, finally slowly raised his eyes.

His cloudy gaze swept over Chang Haihe, Andy Coles, and his two sons.

He tapped the mouthpiece of his pipe lightly twice in the ashtray, and after a long pause, slowly opened his mouth.

His voice carried the composure of an old-fashioned man: "Since Mr. Andy has spoken, we should naturally give him face."

Chang Haihe's eyes lit up, and he was about to thank him when Feng Yuanzheng changed the subject:

“But the rules cannot be broken. If you want to establish yourself as Governor of Hong Kong, having money is not enough; you have to show us your ‘duty’.”

He paused, then looked at Feng Yan, "Boss, take Boss Chang to complete the formalities, follow the regulations."

Although Feng Yan was dissatisfied, he did not disobey his father and could only nod reluctantly: "I understand, Dad."

Chang Haihe finally breathed a sigh of relief, cold sweat trickling down his face.

He quickly bowed to Feng Yuanzheng and Andy Coles, saying, "Thank you so much, Chairman Feng! Thank you so much, Mr. Andy! I can't thank you enough!"

The tense stalemate was finally temporarily broken by Andy Coles' intervention.

Chang Haihe knew in his heart that this was just the beginning. Making a living on the Feng family's territory would likely not be an easy road ahead.