Chapter 9

"Aren't you making things difficult for me? I can't manage such a plan!" Huang Longfei said, feigning surprise. Noticing Zhou Guohui staring at him strangely, he smiled and continued, "Hehe, just kidding. Let's not talk about that now. What do you want to eat for lunch? I'll take you to have authentic Cantonese cuisine, how about that?"

Oh, so you disappeared for such a long time recently to work on this, right? Huang Longfei couldn't understand so much; all he knew were matters related to business, which was also his forte. Upon hearing his elder brother launch into a lengthy discourse, he quickly shifted the topic.

As they were halfway through, Zhou Guohui suddenly stopped. It was then that Huang Longfei heard someone approaching outside the door. Before long, the door was pushed open. Li Minghan entered, holding a cup of tea, a cup of milk, and two servings of pastries.

No, this matter is not merely related to the military. " Zhou Guohui said, already standing up, gesturing as if giving a speech, continuing to explain to Huang Longfei, "The entire 'Qing Tian' plan encompasses a very broad range of aspects. Although the military is a focus, other areas such as politics, diplomacy, economy, culture, science, education, religion, and so forth are also very important. This can be said to be a comprehensive plan tailored for us, representing the final step towards the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Therefore, we need to concentrate the strength of the entire nation, and we need a wide range of collaborators to jointly accomplish this great plan

Indeed, after I report back, I will first send over the agents to ensure your safety. As for those experts, we cannot send them to your side because they are too conspicuous. If necessary, you can hand the issues over to me, and then let them research the solutions. " Zhou Guohui said, patting Huang Longfei's shoulder to reassure him, and then added, "You should also start making some preparations. It would be best to draft a complete plan so that when the personnel arrive, we can get started right away.

Alright, it's settled then. You need to send your people over quickly, as I also have some preparations to make Huang Longfei suddenly felt much more relaxed, probably because the pressure was not as great once the decision was made

"What, are you trying to harm me? I am not Soros, and I don't have the backing of the U.S. government; I won't do this!" Huang Longfei suddenly exclaimed, but his exaggerated demeanor resembled that of a performance. When he noticed Zhou Guohui looking at him in confusion, he quickly switched to a tearful tone and said, "Brother, you know how formidable the CIA is. If I were to get stabbed in the back by the Americans, once the CIA agents come knocking, we might never see each other again. Can you bear to watch your brother go to his death like this?"

Brother, what brings you here? You are quite the busy person now, I couldn't reach you a few days ago, where have you disappeared to? Huang Longfei casually hung his coat on the coat rack, walked over, and embraced Zhou Guohui, who had already stood up.

Hehe, this is certainly not a problem! After Zhou Guohui saw his second brother solemnly agree, he felt much more relaxed and leaned beside him to add, "In fact, your worries are completely unnecessary. When the time comes, even if you offer those things to the country, we wouldn't dare to accept them!"

Zhou Guohui nodded in satisfaction and said solemnly: "Yes, do you still remember the 'Qing Tian' plan? That's good to hear. I came to find you this time specifically for this matter, and I hope you can assist us!"

After considering all of this, Huang Longfei made a decision. He glanced at his elder brother and said solemnly: "Elder brother, if I agree, what benefits will I have after achieving success?"

Zhou Guohui picked up the teacup and took a sip, then after eating two pieces of pastry, he said: "Do you remember the matters we discussed three months ago in your villa in Beijing?"

As soon as he entered, he saw Zhou Guohui dressed in casual clothes, leaning against the door and sitting on the sofa, flipping through a business magazine that did not interest him. By the time Huang Longfei closed the door, Zhou Guohui had already turned his head to look at him

"Hehe, how could I let my elder brother go to an ordinary place!" Huang Longfei said, already dressed in his coat. After Zhou Guohui picked up a few pieces of cake, the two of them left the office.

"Oh, how long has the elder brother been here?" Xiao Li only addressed Zhou Guohui as 'Mr.', while everyone else had to add some title. Therefore, as soon as Huang Longfei heard this, he knew that the elder brother had arrived. He was both surprised and delighted; the elder brother had disappeared for so long and had unexpectedly appeared in Guangzhou. There must be something important going on, otherwise he wouldn't have come knocking at this time. Thinking of this, he also felt a bit worried, hoping that it wouldn't be the same as with the third brother.

Huang Longfei had already keenly noticed that Zhou Guohui used "we" instead of "I". This indicated that the matter should involve the military and the government. However, he could not understand how it related to him as a businessman, so he cautiously asked, "Isn't this a matter for your military? How can I be of assistance?"

"Hehe, of course not. Second brother is a busy person; how could I come to disturb you?" Zhou Guohui seemed to be in particularly good spirits, and his conversation was much more amusing than before. Seeing Huang Longfei's brows furrow again, he added with a hint of provocation, "Since the third brother has come to trouble you, if I don't add a bit of trouble myself, that would create a sense of psychological imbalance, wouldn't it?"

The next day, Huang Longfei arrived at the company two hours late. After returning home the previous night, he needed to conduct a detailed calculation of which research projects the library should support in order to spend money wisely and accomplish the most tasks, as it was simply impossible to support all laboratories. The final conclusion was that even if he only invested in the most urgent projects, the annual expenditure would exceed 2 billion. If he were to invest in all necessary research projects, he would need to allocate 5 billion each year. Currently, the total annual income from all of Huang Longfei's enterprises was just over 100 billion. After deducting employee salaries and shareholder dividends, his net profit was approximately less than 20 billion. He would have to forgo all food and drink to support the essential research projects, and to support all necessary projects, he would need to have all shareholders give up their entitled dividends and reduce employee salaries by half, which was nearly impossible. This caused Huang Longfei significant distress, resulting in a sleepless night, and when he woke up, it was already bright outside.

Huang Longfei looked at his elder brother, who was beaming with a smile, in astonishment. This was truly an unprecedented occurrence. In the past, whenever the two brothers came to visit, it was certain that he would be facing a "financial loss to avert disaster." This time, however, it was quite strange that they had taken the initiative to bring benefits to his doorstep. Therefore, he quickly said, "Don't be too quick to make promises. First, tell me what this is about. I won't feel at ease until the money is safely in my pocket"

As he stepped outside, he happened to see Xiao Li preparing to return to his office. Huang Longfei quickly called out to him, first letting Zhou Guohui enter the elevator. He then pulled Xiao Li aside and said: "This afternoon, gather all the Benmen managers for a meeting. Also, go notify Xiao Lu and the others; they should be back now. Let's go have lunch together!"

Hehe, indeed, that is the case. I am currently one of the persons in charge of this plan. There is nothing I can do, as you know, this is a matter of national secrecy, and I cannot break the rules!" Zhou Guohui said, already smiling awkwardly. He felt a bit guilty towards this brother of his. When there was nothing going on, he could not even find a shadow of him, but when something happened, he came knocking on others' doors for help. Even if it was his own brother, he still felt a bit embarrassed.

"Xiao Li, put it down. After you go out, do not let anyone in, no matter who it is. Do not let anyone in until I call you," Huang Longfei said, waving his hand to let Xiao Li leave first. Once the office door was closed by Xiao Li, he turned to Zhou Guohui and asked, "Brother, what is the important matter?"

He has been here for two hours already, I will go prepare breakfast for you first! Xiao Li also noticed Huang Longfei's difficult expression, but did not show it.

You, after all these years, still have that temper. Do you really think I would still deceive you?" Zhou Guohui was almost speechless, gave a wry smile, and continued, "This time we are preparing to assign you a very important task, which is to have you create some economic troubles for the United States and Japan, making them bleed a little. This is a good thing, not a bad thing, right?"

Huang Longfei also understood the difficulties faced by his elder brother. Zhou Guohui was involved in military affairs and dealt with the most secretive matters, which made him the most prone to "playing" missing. Often, he would disappear for several months without a trace, only to suddenly reappear as if he had emerged from the ground, bringing a heap of trouble with him. It seems that this time is no exception.

Hehe, do you still not trust me, big brother? I won't let you suffer any losses!" Zhou Guohui said with a smile, having already sat back down. He patted Huang Longfei's shoulder and continued, "This time, not only will I ensure you don't lose money, but I will also help you make a significant profit. You should be satisfied now, right?"

"Hehe, look at you being so cautious. Don't worry, I'm not Lao San; I don't have as much trouble as he does!" Zhou Guohui also laughed, and seeing Huang Longfei still had the mood to joke, he felt reassured. After thinking for a moment, Zhou Guohui continued, "I'm not here to cause you trouble this time, but to give you a 'gift.' I just don't know if you have the courage to accept it!"

Zhou Guohui glanced at his watch and realized that it was already 1:00 PM. Only then did he feel his stomach growling. He smiled and said, "Well, since it's not easy to come here, we must have a hearty meal. Where shall we go? I won't go to any place that is subpar!"

Before Huang Long could exit the elevator, Xiao Li had already approached him and whispered in his ear: "Mr. Huang, Mr. Zhou is already waiting for you inside"

In fact, Zhou Guohui misunderstood Huang Longfei's meaning, yet he provided the answer that Huang Longfei needed. After hearing Zhou Guohui's words, Huang Longfei nodded and said to his elder brother: "Alright, I agree to participate in your plan. I do not want any benefits for now, but in the business world, everything I obtain is under my control and does not need to be submitted to the state"

Alright, prepare two servings, and also brew a cup of Longjing tea that I brought back last time. Do not let anyone disturb us, understood?" After Huang Longfei gave his simple instructions, he saw Xiao Li nodding to indicate that he understood his meaning, and then he walked towards his large office.

Huang Longfei looked at Zhou Guohui with a hint of surprise, as if he did not recognize him at all. After sizing him up a few times, he finally said: "Elder brother, when did you also learn the ways of the officialdom, even mastering the art of gift-giving? It truly is as if the sun has risen from the west"

Knowing that, on that day... Huang Longfei stopped, pondered for a moment, and with a serious expression fixed his gaze on Zhou Guohui, asking: "Are you referring to the 'Qingtian' plan?"

If he fails, he will lose everything he has now, and decades of effort will go to waste. However, with Zhou Guohui and Wang Yilin present, there should be no danger to life, unless he chooses to risk himself, which is a significant risk. If he succeeds, the benefits will be very substantial. Firstly, he will certainly acquire greater wealth, and additionally, he will inevitably receive care and assistance from the government in the future, allowing him to reach the highest realm of a businessman—government-businessman, which brings enormous benefits. Another important factor is the probability of success and whether the risk-benefit ratio can be achieved. Of course, if the chance of success is zero, there is no need to consider it; a 100% success rate is also impossible. If he can achieve a 50% chance of success, that would be very considerable. Currently, it seems that he has the support of the Chinese government, and he is up against the governments of the United States and Japan. Even if the strength and support of the Chinese government are somewhat weaker, there should still be a 30% chance of success. If he can achieve a 50% chance of success, that would be very considerable. Currently, it seems that he has the support of the Chinese government, and he is up against the governments of the United States and Japan. Even if the strength and support of the Chinese government are somewhat weaker, there should still be a 30% chance of success.

Huang Longfei was momentarily taken aback, then he began to laugh. Indeed, he was dealing with the superpower of the United States, along with Japan, a historical rival; even if he were to gain some benefits, those things would undoubtedly be very hot to handle. It is likely that, apart from him, no one else would dare to accept them.

Xiao Li nodded, as usual, without saying a word and with little expression on his face. After memorizing Huang Longfei's instructions, he followed him into the elevator. Meanwhile, Zhou Guohui had already grown impatient waiting in the elevator. Upon seeing the two enter, he quickly removed his hand from the door frame and pressed the button for the first floor

Half a minute later, Zhou Guohui finally pushed him away, looked Huang Longfei up and down, and then said: "It has been three months since we last met, and you have changed again. Hehe, it seems that you have not been well during this time, your brows are almost knitted together!"

Ah, it's still the third one, always giving me difficult problems, it's frustrating! Huang Longfei did not hide his annoyance at all; he never pretended in front of his two brothers, nor was there any need to pretend. Pulling Zhou Guohui along, they both sat down. Huang Longfei then said: Let's not talk about this anymore. Eldest brother, you came to see me today, surely it is not just to check if I am doing well, right?

Zhou Guohui felt a bit strange about Huang Longfei's doubts. At this moment, Huang Longfei was still contemplating personal interests, which indeed made Zhou Guohui somewhat uneasy. He quickly said: "I cannot guarantee what personal benefits you will receive right now, but I can clearly tell you one thing: if you help us complete this plan, we will be one step closer to the ideals we set back in the day"

"Alright, how can I cooperate? However, one thing is clear: I will not engage in a losing business. I will assist with your matters, but your military is a wealthy entity and should not come to exploit us common folks!" Huang Longfei made a valid point; when all of China is struggling to afford food, the military will certainly not go hungry, so he is unwilling to be taken advantage of.

However, when he arrived at the company, he found that none of the employees were late that day. It seems that the principle that meeting the needs of subordinates leads to better work performance is indeed very correct. When he reached his office floor, Xiao Li was already waiting for him outside the elevator

Although Zhou Guohui said this, his expression and tone indicate that he has high expectations for Huang Longfei. Huang Longfei is the richest man in China, the foremost figure in the Chinese business world, and the only individual from China to have entered the ranks of the world's top ten billionaires within twenty years. He is also the only person from China currently in the top ten billionaires globally. If he is hesitant to agree, it would be difficult to find another person.

Alright, let me think for a moment! Huang Longfei, seeing the eager expression on Zhou Guohui's face, knew that he could not refuse. However, many issues needed to be carefully considered first. As a businessman, he sensed that participating in this plan would put him in a very dangerous position, potentially leading to ruin. Fortunately, he was all alone, without a wife or children, and his parents had already passed away, so he could take this risk. He also understood that the most perilous business ventures, if successful, would yield the greatest rewards. As a businessman, his primary concern was the ratio of benefits to risks. If this ratio was enticing enough, he would certainly not pass up the opportunity to gamble. Right now, he was calculating the magnitude of this ratio.

Zhou Guohui reached out and slapped Huang Longfei, smiling as he said: "Hehe, who is joking with you? This time I am serious, it is a very important matter..."

"Haha, you little rascal, do you think you can fool me?" Zhou Guohui would not be easily deceived; they had been playing together since they were in short pants. Does he not know Huang Longfei's two tricks? Seeing that Huang Longfei had already started to smile, he continued, "We have already considered all these issues for you, so you need not worry at all. First of all, we do not want you to merely play tricks in their financial market; that would be too childish. What we need is a comprehensive strike against their economic power, which will be very dangerous and come with many challenges. We will have the best economists provide you with ideas and send a team of agents to ensure your safety. Of course, whenever you need, you can reach out to me, and we will provide you with all the assistance you require. However, there is one point: if what you do gets exposed and leads to disputes between nations, we will not acknowledge that you were supported by us. At that time, you might need to prepare for a life in seclusion! Moreover, this matter must succeed; failure is not an option. You understand the seriousness of this, so I do not want to pressure you. If you feel uncertain, we can find someone else to collaborate with!"

"No, big brother, you are overestimating me. I am almost at my wit's end!" Huang Longfei said, nearly jumping up, but it was evident that he was joking. After sitting down properly, he asked, "What matter could possibly bring big brother to seek me out? It must be quite challenging, right? Go ahead, I will certainly do my best to assist you!"