Zheng Qiang, the boss of Starlight Entertainment, was one of the early ones to turn legitimate.
He had previously run stall businesses and gradually started developing his own night business. Eventually, he transitioned into the mainstream world of live-streaming and entertainment.
As for Li Long, he was more of a nouveau riche. No one really knew where he got his money, but he had started opening nightclubs and, step by step, had built up his business.
Now, it seemed like he was on the verge of taking over the entire nightlife scene in Qincheng.
Neither of them were good people. Zheng Qiangâs womenâs business and Li Longâs womenâs business were pretty much the same.
Chen Fan stood there pretending to be serious, but his mind had long since drifted off.
The two men argued back and forth, hurling insults at each other over nightclub territory, yelling endlessly. They both had their underlings standing behind them. Honestly, it looked like a scene straight out of a gangster movie.
âYears ago, Li Long, if your men hadnât gotten those demolition funds, would you have developed to where you are now?â
It all starts with the orphanage demolition, where Ye Aotian clashes with some local thugs. From there, he climbs the ranks, eventually coming face to face with Li Longâs trusted men and even killing Li Longâs son.
It turns into a huge conflict, with Li Long determined to kill Ye Aotian. In the end, Ye Aotian infiltrates Li Longâs home and takes him out.
After Li Long dies, he discovers that everyone around him has betrayed him.
Chen Fan looked around and, sure enough, spotted a woman in a sexy outfit sitting nearby. She crossed her legs and was currently batting her eyelashes at Chen Fan.
âDirector Jin, is this the Chen Fan you mentioned?â
âYes, why? Is there a problem?â
âNo ⦠no, I just noticed that Chen Fan seems to like â¦â
Chen Fan interrupted righteously, âMr. Li Long, thank you for your kindness, but I currently have no interest in other women. I only like Lin Qingyue.â
After saying that, Chen Fan felt moved by his own words. No matter where he was, he had to play his role well.
Jin Lan said, âThis kind of thing can be discussed privately. I have a formula here thatâs great for revitalizing the body. Iâll give you both a copy, and itâll help you draw in customers.â
âMay I ask, Director, what kind of formula is it?â
Chen Fan took out the prepared medicine and poured a bit for each of them.
They both took a sip. Soon, their energy started to return.
Li Long couldnât believe it and exclaimed, âIs this some kind of aphrodisiac?â
Jin Lan shook her head, âNo, itâs just for revitalizing the body. Desire is only a side effect, it wonât cause anyone to lose their minds, but it does benefit health. In Qincheng, I donât like chaos. You each do your business, but donât let things escalate. Moneyâthereâs always enough. If youâre ambitious, go expand into other cities. But in Qincheng, this is the current situation. Do you agree?â
The two of them pondered for a long time before finally falling silent. This wasnât a suggestion; it was an order. Neither of them were fools. Jin Lan had given them a way out, and they had to take it.
âUm ⦠if we need more, where can we buy it?â
âIâll give you the formula. Transfer the money directly to Chen Fan. This is his formula, not mine. I wonât profit from it.â
Chen Fan looked at Jin Lan.
But after thinking about it, maybe it had something to do with his fatherâs connections. Strengthening their relationship would naturally raise Chen Fanâs status.
That would make Jin Lanâs future path much smoother as well.
With that perspective, everything made sense.
The formula from the novel could definitely generate a lot of benefits. If used properly, it could help build connections and raise Chen Fanâs status. Even though his family was already powerful, Chen Fan still needed to establish his own foundation.
For now, these two men were the first real contacts Chen Fan had made.
The protagonist didnât seem too interested in building forces. It was mostly Jin Lan who managed that. No doubt, this woman had a strong sense of ambition.
âWell, Brother Chen, we should get to know each other better. Come to our place for a drink sometime.â
Chen Fan replied, âIâll go if I have time.â
Jin Lan took Chen Fan and left. Whether Zheng Qiang and Li Long went off to drink together or not was irrelevant.
Jin Lan needed balance. She was currently the most powerful figure in Qincheng, and she didnât want chaos breaking out.
âRemember, if itâs given to you, take it. Donât think the money is dirty.â
âI understand. Thank you, Auntie Jin, for the advice.â
âBy the way, what do you think of Ye Aotian?â
âI donât like him. Heâs just a country bumpkin.â
Jin Lan asked, âShould I take him out for you?â
?????
âUm ⦠I think I can handle my own issues with him. Heâs after my woman, so Iâll fight for her myself.â