Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Lose and Call Me Grandpa _1
Scarface’s words were too optimistic, and Ye Ming couldn’t help but pour cold water on him.
"Their relationship is still elusive, and it’s too soon to jump to conclusions. You should know, there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests."
Ye Ming analyzed calmly, "With their family in the picture, other forces have been completely suppressed, not daring to show their faces. When you want to partake in the spoils, it’s bound to be very difficult."
After listening to Ye Ming’s analysis, Scarface’s expression became more somber.
The only person he could rely on was Ye Ming, and since Ye Ming had said as much, it seemed that the matter was probably not that simple.
Luckily, Scarface was an optimist. After a brief moment of thought, a smile resurfaced on his face, "If all else fails, I don’t need anything. It’s all about participation."
"This banquet, though called a banquet, is actually a legitimate duel arena. If I can’t get a piece of territory, I’ll just find a few people I don’t like and throw a couple of punches to vent my anger."
Ye Ming thought it over and felt it made sense. After all, it was a banquet among the underworld forces, and a fight was definitely unavoidable. Otherwise, Scarface wouldn’t have bothered to bring an Eighth Rank Martial Artist to make a scene.
The car sped along, and soon they arrived at the International Trade Center Building in Hai City.
The banquet among the underworld forces was set up on the top floor of the International Trade Center Building.
Two whole floors had been taken over, and by the time Ye Ming, Scarface, Zhang Qiang, and the others arrived, the place was already buzzing with chatter and clamor.
Ye Ming wasn’t too fond of such an environment and was just about to find a quiet corner to hide away when a shout came, "Ye Ming, what are you doing here?"
"A banquet for the underground forces of Hai City, what are you doing here? Don’t tell me, you’re also hoping to get a share of the pie?"
The speaker was Xu Xincheng.
Unlike others, while most heads of forces were surrounded by a group of fierce and brawny men, Xu Xincheng was different. He only brought Li Yaozong with him.
However, no one dared to take him lightly just because he brought fewer people.
Upon hearing Xu Xincheng’s words, many people hurriedly jumped out to greet him.
At the same time, a buzz of discussions also spread from the crowd.
"I really didn’t expect that the Xu Family would show up at this banquet!"
"The Xu Family has been out of sight for so many years. Their sudden appearance today, could it be a warning to everyone?"
"I thought this banquet would be just another mundane gathering of gang leaders chatting, but with the Xu Family here, there’s bound to be some excitement."
To Xu Xincheng’s questioning, Ye Ming explained, "I’m free and was curious to check out the commotion. As for territory and such, I’m not interested."
"But, my whereabouts seem to have nothing to do with you."
Xu Xincheng snorted coldly and said, "Of course, it has nothing to do with me. Whether you live or die doesn’t concern me in the slightest. I’m just advising you, this isn’t some entertainment club, it’s not a place for fun."
"If you accidentally provoke some big shot later, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
Ye Ming wasn’t offended and said very gratefully, "Thanks for the warning. If you hadn’t said so, I honestly wouldn’t have noticed."
The brief exchange between the two shifted everyone’s focus of discussion onto Ye Ming.
Daring to talk to Xu Xincheng like that, could it be that Ye Ming is a cat with multiple lives?
The heads of various organizations gathered around, each respectfully exchanging greetings before they went on their way, except for Ye Ming, whose words were filled with disdain and mockery.
Amid the suspicious murmurs of the crowd, Ye Ming walked alone to a secluded corner and simply ordered a cup of light tea, drinking it by himself.
Xu Xincheng snorted coldly and paid him no further mind.
His mission this time was arduous, not only did he have to consolidate the Xu Family’s position in Hai City, but he also had to fight for territory.
In the mountains, without a tiger, a monkey calls itself king. Xu Xincheng would never allow such a thing to happen.
So, he cleared his throat and shouted, "Gentlemen, the time is about right, why don’t we sit down for a simple meal and have a good chat?"
"I haven’t lived in Hai City for a few years and I’m not so familiar with the situation here anymore. Therefore, I’ll need you all to fill me in."
After these words, the atmosphere gradually quieted down.
The leaders of each faction gathered around him and took their seats at the dining table.
As for the remaining underlings, naturally, there was no place for them to sit, so they had to stand obediently to the side.
"Is everyone present? Then let’s talk, and if there’s anything amiss, I will ensure justice is served," Xu Xincheng said at a leisurely pace.
For a moment, everyone at the scene had different things to say.
"Young Master Xu, I am Zhang San of the Flying Dagger Guild. I’m quite upset about Scarface and his men smashing up my establishment a few days ago. Since you are here today, Young Master Xu, you’ll have to arbitrate for me."
"Young Master Xu, I am Li Hui of the Chopping Knife Gang. Please don’t listen to Zhang San’s nonsense. He himself broke the rules by causing trouble on Scarface’s turf, and that’s why Scarface treated him with a taste of his own medicine!"
"I am Wang Cheng of the Dragon Tiger Gang, Young Master Xu. A few days ago, Scarface snatched two of my top hostesses from the KTV I own. I’m also very dissatisfied with him for this incident!"
...
A group of people whined about their grievances in front of Xu Xincheng, causing him a great headache. He hadn’t even gotten around to discussing the division of territory, occupied instead with adjudicating their complaints.
But despite all their talking, nothing was actually resolved.
Xu Xincheng rubbed his temples, having naively thought that a meal’s time could settle the disputes between these people and restore peace to Hai City.
But in the end, not only did the conflicts go unresolved, they intensified.
Everyone was more interested in their own losses than the division of new territory.
Fortunately, Xu Xincheng was prepared for this and had booked two floors in advance, with the lower floor providing a place for duels.
If a meal couldn’t resolve the issues, then they’d see whose fists were bigger, resolving the matter in the most primal way.
After a full meal, everyone moved to the duel arena downstairs.
It was originally a vast stage, ideal for performances like plays and speeches; of course, it was also perfectly suited for fighting.
Xu Xincheng took his seat with Li Yaozong in the front row, quietly watching, eager to gauge the capabilities of these gang leaders.
The first to jump onto the stage was naturally Zhang San of the Flying Dagger Guild, who had been the first to voice his dissatisfaction. He pointed at Scarface and challenged him, "Scarface, others may fear you, but I don’t. I will personally come forward to challenge you!"
"The loser kneels and calls the winner ’Grandpa’!"
