Successfully capturing Zhao Weixiang meant that Liu Yutong’s trip abroad wasn’t a waste.
Without wasting any time, she brought Zhao Weixiang straight to the hotel where she was staying, planning to rest for the night and set off tomorrow.
Once everything here was handled, she’d likely head back to her home country soon.
Back at the hotel, Liu Yutong immediately dialed her sister Gao Min’s number.
“Sis, Zhao Weixiang has been caught,” she stated directly as soon as the call connected.
On the other end, Gao Min was instantly thrilled: “Really? You caught him for real? Little sis, you’re not playing with me, are you?”
“For real!” Liu Yutong replied.
“So... does he admit his guilt?”
“Whether he admits it or not doesn’t matter. Once we’re back home, we’ll find plenty of ways to make him talk. But sis, keep this under wraps for now. Someone just tried to kill Zhao Weixiang to silence him, and I’m not sure if they can confirm whether he’s dead yet. This has to stay secret!”
“You mean we should announce his death?”
“Exactly. I need you to temporarily hold back any news, just say we’re still investigating. I’ll release some ‘evidence’ that Zhao Weixiang is dead, so the people hiding in the shadows will let their guard down.”
“Okay, I understand!” Gao Min said.
“Sis... thank you. My dad has waited eleven years, and so have I. Now we finally have a lead,” she said, her voice emotional.
“Sis, this isn’t just for our dad. Every single criminal—I won’t let any of them get away!” Liu Yutong declared.
“I’ll be waiting for you to come back! Together, we’ll bring them all to justice.”
“Good!” Liu Yutong replied.
“...”
After hanging up, Liu Yutong turned to face Yun Cheng.
“Yun Cheng, find a few trustworthy foreign-looking people and contact some underground tabloids and online forums—the kind that publish anything for money, no questions asked.”
Yun Cheng paused in surprise, then asked, “What news do you want to spread, Miss?”
Liu Yutong said: “Spread the word that Zhao Weixiang, a wanted fugitive from the Dragon Kingdom who fled overseas, got himself killed in a gang shootout in Los Angeles. Have Zhao Weixiang cooperate by taking a few ‘corpse’ photos to back it up.”
Yun Cheng nodded: “I’ll handle it right away. Should I spice it up with a story? Like he owed gambling debts and was hunted down by a gang?”
Liu Yutong: “Sure, the more cliché, the better. The more it fits people’s expectations of how a fugitive meets his end, the more convincing.”
“Also, have Jess spread some talk in his circle. Say there was some unlucky guy from the Dragon Kingdom who pissed off the wrong people and got dumped in the ocean. But don’t mention Zhao Weixiang’s name directly—let them guess and gossip on their own.”
“Understood!” Yun Cheng acknowledged, turning to leave.
But Liu Yutong suddenly remembered something and called him back: “Wait, Zhao Weixiang’s in a fragile state right now. Find a couple of people to watch him, and make sure he doesn’t try to kill himself.”
“Got it!” Yun Cheng said.
After Yun Cheng left, Liu Yutong stood alone by the window, staring out at the view.
Things were going smoothly in the States. Ordinarily, she should be happy, but for some reason, a sense of unease gnawed at her, as if something big was about to happen.
Ring, ring, ring~
Just then, her phone suddenly rang.
The unexpected noise made her heart jump.
And when she saw the caller ID—Bai Shisui—that bad feeling only grew stronger.
The moment she answered, she heard Bai Shisui’s heart-wrenching sobs.
"Yutong... my dad... my dad... waaah..."
Liu Yutong’s heart sank instantly. She quickly asked, "What happened to Uncle Bai?"
"He’s gone... the doctor announced it ten minutes ago. Mom and my uncles are already discussing the funeral arrangements, but I... I don’t know what to do..." Bai Shisui couldn’t stop sobbing on the other end of the line.
Liu Yutong closed her eyes. Even though she had mentally prepared herself, hearing the news still sent a sharp pang through her heart. It was an incredibly bitter feeling.
The elder who used to tie on an apron in the kitchen and kindly serve steamed buns with a smile. The chamber of commerce president who insisted on rescuing fellow countrymen in a foreign land. The helm of the Bai Group. In the end, he hadn’t managed to pull through; he was gone.
"Shisui, I’m coming back right now. Until I get there, don’t agree to anything, don’t sign anything. Got it?"
"I... I remember... but my uncles say we have to follow the company’s articles of association and Dad’s will. They seem to have already contacted the lawyers."
A cold glint flashed in Liu Yutong’s eyes. "Let them contact the lawyers. Shisui, your father’s body isn’t even cold yet, and some people can’t wait. Wait until I get back."
After hanging up, Liu Yutong immediately called Su Mansu. "Prepare the plane. We’re going to San Francisco. Now!"
"Yes, boss!"
The good thing about the States was the abundance of small planes and airports, and as long as you had the money, you could fly whenever you wanted.
Soon! Liu Yutong and her Wanlong Society entourage landed in San Francisco.
..........
San Francisco, Chinatown.
The news of Bai Jingchen’s death sent shockwaves through the Chinese community. Not only was there an undercurrent of turmoil within the Bai Group itself, but the entire overseas Chinese business circle could sense a gathering storm.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s weekly meeting, originally scheduled for next week, had been moved up to the day after Bai Jingchen’s passing. The stated reason was to discuss the late president’s affairs and the chamber’s future development.
But anyone with a keen eye knew the real agenda of this meeting was only one thing—electing a new president.
As the chamber’s largest sponsor and driving force, Bai Jingchen’s death inevitably created a power vacuum. Whoever succeeded him would become a key figure shaping the future of the overseas Chinese business circle in San Francisco—and possibly even across the entire United States.
Overseas, when fighting for market share and establishing a foothold, many Chinese expats and their descendants naturally banded together to form alliances like chambers of commerce.
And this chamber held vast resources. Becoming its president came with undeniable benefits, and the title itself represented leadership in the business world. Whether for fame or fortune, there was no reason not to compete for it.
The meeting was held at Longteng Restaurant in Chinatown.
Outside the restaurant, news media vans had lined up early. Bai Jingchen’s high standing in both the local business and overseas Chinese communities made his death and the question of his successor media focal points.
On the second floor, in the largest banquet hall, more than thirty people sat around the long conference table. They were all members of the chamber’s board—business owners, community leaders, and neighborhood representatives.
The main seat remained empty. That was Bai Jingchen’s seat.
To the left of it sat Bai Shisui and her mother Zhou Meizhen, while Bai Shisui’s uncle Zhou Yan sat directly across from them.
Zhou Yan was wearing a dark gray suit today, his hair slicked back meticulously, and he was smiling as he chatted with a few business owners beside him about trade matters. On the same row were two middle-aged men, both members of the Zhou family, holding high positions in the Bai Group.
To the right of the main seat sat a few other influential business veterans from the chamber of commerce. Among them, two stood out the most. One was Old Master Li, with silver hair and leaning on a cane, over seventy years old—a highly respected figure in the Chinese community. The other was a man under forty named Zeng Jin, who had built his fortune in import-export trade, running a substantial business and representing the younger faction within the chamber.
The meeting had yet to begin, but murmurs of discussion never ceased.
“President Bai’s departure was so sudden... Ah, good people don’t get good rewards.”
“I heard he was shot twice—it’s already a miracle he held on for so many days.”
“Was the killer caught?”
“According to the news, it was the Snakehead Gang. They’ve all been arrested now.”
“Good, that’s some comfort for President Bai’s soul in heaven!”
“Those gangsters deserve to die!”
“Now that President Bai has passed, who do you think will take over his position?”
“It should be Miss Bai, right? After all, she’s the legitimate heir.”
“Could also be Mrs. Bai.”
“I’m not so sure. I think Zhou Yan’s stance today is that he wants to succeed President Bai.”
“Zhou Yan? I think he falls short—he’s not a blood relative by surname.”
“So what if he’s not a blood relative? He’s still her biological uncle!”
“I heard that before his death, President Bai intended to transfer part of his shares to an unrelated outsider.”
“Really? Who?”
“Not sure, but the Zhou family definitely won’t be happy about it. Look at the two Bai Group executives Zhou Yan brought today—both are his own family. That says a lot.”
“And the presidency? Is he going to aim for that too?”
“Hard to tell. There are plenty of people eyeing the chamber’s presidency. Zeng Jin is no pushover either—he has support from the Taiwan Province chamber of commerce and some Fujian merchants. He’s very strong.”
Just then, Zhou Yan looked at his watch, cleared his throat, and said, “Everyone, it’s about time. Master Li, shall we begin?”
Old Master Li slowly opened his eyes and nodded. “Let’s begin. President Bai’s departure was sudden. We’re gathered here today for two reasons: to mourn President Bai and to discuss the chamber’s next steps. Let’s first hear a few words from Mrs. Bai.”
Zhou Meizhen wiped the corner of her eyes, stood up, and gave a speech: “Thank you all for coming today. My husband spent his entire life working for the chamber and for our compatriots, only to end up like this. I only hope the chamber can continue his unfinished work and help more people in need.”
She broke down crying as she spoke, and Zhou Yan quickly rushed over to comfort her. “Sister, accept your loss! Brother-in-law’s spirit in heaven would surely want the chamber, you, and Suisui to be well.”
Zhou Meizhen nodded and sat down.
Zhou Yan then took a stance next to the main seat, not sitting, but his position made many things clear.
“Everyone, my brother-in-law’s case is still under police investigation. I believe the truth will come out. But our Chinese chamber of commerce cannot be left without a leader.”
"According to the chamber's bylaws, if the chairman passes away unexpectedly, the vice-chairman should serve as acting chairman and hold a new election within one month. Elder Li is the honorary chairman, and President Zeng is the vice-chairman, so by rights, President Zeng should act as chairman temporarily. However, President Zeng has been very busy with business lately, and besides..."
He paused for a moment, then turned to look at Zeng Jin: "President Zeng, you mentioned before that you weren't very interested in the chairman position, correct?"
Everyone's gaze shifted to Vice-Chairman Zeng Jin.
Zeng Jin gave a faint smile. "President Zhou has an excellent memory. I did say that I'm more skilled at business and not very adept at administrative matters. But then again, these are unusual times. Chairman Bai has just passed away, and everyone inside and outside the chamber is watching us. If we elect someone without enough authority, I'm afraid it'll be difficult to command respect."
His words were practically a clear statement to everyone that he would also be running, and that he didn't think highly of Zhou Yan's chances.
The smile on Zhou Yan's face remained unchanged. "I welcome President Zeng's candidacy. But given the urgency of the situation, I've already discussed it with several board members in advance, and they suggested that I serve as acting chairman to oversee the upcoming election. I've worked at the Bai Group for over a decade and am very familiar with chamber affairs. Most importantly, I'm now the head of the Bai Group. Forty percent of the chamber's annual operating funds come from donations by the Bai Group. Having me as acting chairman will ensure the chamber's funding doesn't dry up and projects don't stall. What does everyone think?"
"Of course, once things settle down, we'll hold a proper election for a new chairman."
The hall erupted in murmurs.
"The head of the Bai Group? Has Chairman Bai's will been made public?"
"I haven't heard anything..."
"Is Zhou Yan trying to seize control?"
Elder Li furrowed his brow. "President Zhou, you say you're now the head of the Bai Group. Do you have Chairman Bai's will to prove it? If not, Mrs. Bai and Miss Bai, as his direct relatives, seem more suited for that role, don't you think?"
Zhou Yan was well-prepared. He pulled a document from his briefcase. "Elder Li, this is a copy of my brother-in-law's will. Everyone can take a look. He designated an executor for his estate, but regarding company management, it clearly states that in the event he is unable to fulfill his duties, I am to act as interim manager until my niece is capable of taking over."
He deliberately skipped over the part about transferring shares to Liu Yutong. That agreement was still with the lawyer, and as long as Bai Shisui didn't sign to confirm it, there was room to maneuver.
Several board members passed the will copy around, discussing it among themselves.
Zeng Jin glanced at the will briefly, a subtle shift in his expression, but he said nothing.
Zhou Yan seized the momentum. "I know some might think I'm taking advantage of this crisis, but I swear to heaven that everything I'm doing is for the good of my sister and my niece. Bai Shisui is still young. The business world is a battlefield. How could a young girl like her handle it? I'll first help stabilize the situation for her, and once she matures, I will naturally hand everything back to her. Everyone here has watched her grow up. Would you really be willing to see her bullied by the wolves and tigers out there?"
His words, spoken with such sincerity, combined with Zhou Meizhen quietly weeping beside him, indeed moved quite a few people.
"President Zhou does make some sense."
"Miss Bai is still too young."
"But letting Zhou Yan serve as acting chairman—doesn't that bind the chamber to the Bai Group? Won't the chamber become Zhou's personal fiefdom in the future?"
"Then who do you suggest? Zeng Jin? Can we really trust him with those people from the Taiwanese Provincial Chamber behind him?"
“Exactly!”
“It seems making Zhou Yan the acting chairman might be the safest choice for now…”
“.........”
Zhou Yan watched the room’s sentiment gradually sway in his favor, the smirk on his lips growing more pronounced. He was certain of victory. Control of the Bai Group, along with the future position of chamber president, were all but in his grasp.
“Everyone, since there are no objections, I shall—”
He had barely spoken halfway.
Boom!
The banquet hall’s door flew open with a kick, slamming against the wall with a thunderous crash.
Everyone in the hall jolted in fright and turned as one.
There, at the entrance, stood a long, slender silhouette. She wore a black trench coat, and on her left chest gleamed a golden dragon badge. Behind her were dozens of young men in black, each standing tall and sharp-eyed, framing her like a queen emerging from the darkness.
A faint smile curved her lips as she said:
“I object!”
