Chapter 96: The Insatiably Greedy Old Fox
Chapter 96: The Insatiably Greedy Old Fox
The Fourth Master mentioned by Wu Tianming had been in the underworld since the 1950s. At over eighty now, illness was a given. If he refused to cooperate, Lin Mu might have to reveal some real skills.
The car entered a villa area, stopping outside a huge villa covering over a thousand square meters. A guard on duty immediately approached, opening the car doors for the two men.
Another man had already used his walkie-talkie to alert those inside. Receiving instructions, he opened the main gate directly.
“Fourth Master is waiting for you in the living room.”
Following their guide along a long gravel path through the lawn, the three arrived at a spacious reception hall. An ancient-looking old man sat upright in the central armchair.
Having mixed in these circles for decades, Fourth Master had seen all kinds of people. He’d heard of this Wu Tianming, but now the young man seemed to be leading. Was this young man Saber’s true power holder?
“The president of Saber honors us with his presence. You Xingda failed to welcome you properly. I hope you won’t take offense.”
Fourth Master’s real name was You Xingda. As the fourth son in his family, everyone called him Fourth Master.
“Fourth Master, you flatter us. Today we intruded unannounced. Please excuse our poor manners.”
Wu Tianming offered an apologetic smile.
“And this gentleman?”
Noticing Lin Mu remained silent, Fourth Master’s gaze drifted over.
“I’m Tianming’s friend, here to accompany him today. You chat; don’t trouble yourself with me.”
Lin Mu gave a faint smile and sat on a chair in the living room. Wu Tianming followed, taking a seat.
“Nanny Zhang, some tea.”
Seeing Lin Mu seat himself without waiting to be invited, a glint flashed in Fourth Master’s eyes. He said nothing, merely instructing the housemaid to serve tea.
“Yes, Master.”
Nanny Zhang looked about fifty, an ordinary woman. But Lin Mu noticed her tea-pouring movements instantly—she possessed martial arts skills, and formidable ones at that.
“Fourth Master, I’m newly here, just established Saber. Many things escape my understanding. If I’ve offended, please forgive me. Here’s a small token of esteem. I hope you like it.”
Wu Tianming handed a wooden box to Nanny Zhang, who then passed it to Fourth Master.
“Too polite! Just visiting is enough. Gifts are unnecessary,” Fourth Master chuckled, his hands moving swiftly nonetheless. He opened the box while speaking.
“This is…?”
Seeing the contents, Fourth Master’s eyes widened into perfect circles. He’d long heard of such a treasure but never expected to see it today.
“It’s a top-grade mutton-fat jade bottle. Please accept it, Fourth Master.”
Seeing the old man’s expression, Wu Tianming knew he’d picked correctly. He’d heard this old fox particularly prized jade trinkets.
“That’s Tianming, right? Out with it. What help do you want this time?”
Accepting Wu Tianming’s gift, the old man’s attitude instantly shifted. He fondled the jade bottle, asking amiably.
“I wouldn’t dare ask too much. I only hope Fourth Master can mediate. Right now, all forces in Donghai are balanced. Breaking that equilibrium helps no one; it could spark fresh chaos.”
Wu Tianming stood as he spoke.
“So that’s it. A small matter. I can still voice my thoughts. Keep it up! So young—your future will be limitless!”
The old fox hadn’t expected such a simple request and readily agreed. Of course, he was an experienced old fox. Even if he spoke for Wu Tianming, whether other gangs listened wasn’t up to him.
“My thanks, Fourth Master. Then, I shall take my leave. Please visit my humble place when you have time.”
Seeing his goal fulfilled, Wu Tianming didn’t linger and prepared to leave.
“Of course! I’ll go when time allows. Seeing your prowess, if my useless grandson had half your talent, I’d stop worrying.”
The old man also stood.
“You overpraise me, Fourth Master. Who is your grandson?”
Wu Tianming hurriedly responded with humility.
“That disappointing boy? He’s the current CEO of the You Group.”
You Xingda sighed, a look of helplessness on his face.
Seeing the old man’s act, Wu Tianming understood his implication. Securing one jade bottle wasn’t enough; the greed was eyeing bigger gains.
“Fourth Master, if there’s ever a way I can assist, please just speak openly.”
“Well spoken, Tianming! I admire your forthright nature. Here’s the situation: I know Saber runs an ocean freight company with several large cargo ships.”
“Our group happens to have cargo needing shipment to Rotterdam. Renting other companies’ vessels would be incredibly costly. Would your ships be available for charter, if convenient?”
Fondling the jade bottle, the old man asked without looking up.
Wu Tianming’s eyes flashed. He’d expected demands, but not such a large appetite.
After a brief moment’s thought, he agreed readily.
“Fourth Master, such formality isn’t needed! They’re just ships. Fine. I’ll decide: directly lend the You Group two ships for free use. Though, freight costs will be the group’s responsibility.”
“Truly?” The old man’s head snapped up eagerly, eyes burning into Wu Tianming. Suddenly, the young man seemed truly remarkable, showing such boldness.
“Naturally. Once a word is spoken, not even four horses can recall it. Why would I jest with Fourth Master?”
Wu Tianming nodded. He’d already researched that company’s status, knowing two ships had undergone major recent overhauls and were problem-prone. Perfect for lending to the You Group.
The service was free. If problems arose, could the You Group really shamefully demand compensation? It was purely goodwill assistance, charged nothing.
But the old fox didn’t know this. He thought Wu Tianming feared him, thus sought his favor and obeyed every request.
“The deal is set then. I’ll inform them. Fourth Master can approach them directly later. We won’t intrude further. Farewell.”
Wu Tianming bid goodbye, leaving the villa with Lin Mu.
Soon after they left, the old fox clutched the mutton-fat jade bottle, erupting in immense, hearty laughter.
“Master, what brings such joy?” Nanny Zhang approached You Xingda.
“Nanny Zhang, a little trick solved everything. That young lad is still too green!” You Xingda declared triumphantly.
“Master, that Wu Tianming seems no ordinary playboy. And the young man beside him? Unfathomable depths. Agreeing so readily seems… perhaps ill-advised?”
Nanny Zhang shook her head slightly.
“You worry excessively! The boy just took Saber’s reins. He’s young too. Dissenters are certain. Right now, he needs this veteran to steady things, to lean on my authority. Asking favors? He won’t dare make moves against me!”
You Xingda swayed his head complacently.
“But Master, why help him? I doubt it’s solely due to a jade bottle?”
“Of course not! A trinket remains just a trinket. What I need is balance!” You Xingda’s eyes ignited.
“Understood. Donghai can’t lack Saber’s presence. Having major gangs mutually restrain each other suits you perfectly.”
“Precisely! Any one becoming too powerful troubles me. Current checks guarantee they all heed my word—publicly, at least, none dare disobey.”
“Truly, Master remains a step ahead!” Nanny Zhang conceded.
“Today gained me a treasure AND solved the ocean freight issue! My mood couldn’t be better!”
You Xingda stroked the jade bottle, immensely satisfied.
“Tell my sons—dinner at home tonight! We celebrate!”
“Yes, Master. I’ll arrange it.”
On the drive back, Wu Tianming roughly outlined his plan to Lin Mu. Seeing Lin Mu’s approving expression, Wu Tianming felt a gratified surprise. He hadn’t expected Lin Mu to properly grasp this tangled issue. That kid really was cunning enough.
Lin Mu gained a newfound respect for Wu Tianming’s cunning. He hadn’t expected the young man to weave such intricate schemes without blinking.
“You’ve truly screwed that old fox over. If something happens to their Rotterdam-bound cargo midway, the blame will surely fall squarely on Saber.”
Lin Mu chuckled wryly, pointing out the plan’s flaw.
“I’m aware. But shipping from Donghai to Rotterdam? Even smooth sailing takes a month minimum—never mind potential minor delays.”
“That buffer time gives us breathing room. By month’s end, no one will dare trample over Saber.”
Wu Tianming clearly factored this, hence his boldness.
“Well done! This is how it works: Plan before you act. Never get trapped defending.”
Lin Mu nodded with satisfaction. Wu Tianming’s clear thinking meant fewer future hassles. Since Wu Tianming managed Saber daily, Lin Mu had no interest in perpetually cleaning up messes.
“Back to these gangs targeting Saber—who exactly is leading?”
“The Anji Society. They’ve allied with others, plotting to secretly carve up our turf. Thankfully, our moles tipped us off early.”
“The Anji Society? A familiar name…”
Lin Mu felt he’d heard it before. After thinking, he recalled: That night, when Xing Weilong was hunted down, the attackers claimed Anji Society membership.
“It’s them then. Looks like this gang’s itching for trouble too!”
“Young Master Lin, you know about this Anji Society too?”
Wu Tianming shot Lin Mu a surprised look. Assuming Lin Mu stayed aloof, Wu Tianming thought he’d be unfamiliar with the gang.
“A friend was hunted down at night. If he hadn’t stumbled upon me, he’d likely be dead. His attackers claimed Anji Society membership.”
“I see. Old grudges, new scores… seems all debts get settled together,”
Wu Tianming’s eyes turned sharply cold as he spoke.