Chapter 5: Fame and Wealth

Without waiting for him to finish, Yi Chen snorted: "Your land use rights will expire in less than five years. Your factory is in disrepair, your machinery is outdated by twenty years, and even your workers... dear God, if your factory had a group of capable and diligent workers, would it have suffered losses for seven consecutive years? If your company's operations were ideal, would you even consider selling it to us?"

Mr. Green, your business is an old bank with a very good reputation. I believe you would not be anxious over a mere 20 million pounds

The entity pursuing the debt is a local private bank. Bi Li had previously borrowed £20 million from them as working capital due to operational issues, which was used to pay workers' salaries, coal payments, and so forth. Now that Bi Li's company has changed ownership, they are somewhat anxious and have hurried to collect the debt. Although they have heard of the new owner's substantial financial strength, there are numerous fraud cases in the business world, and who can tell if any problems will arise? They trust Bi Li, a native of Manchester, but do not trust these 'Londoners' from London. Although they have heard of the new owner's substantial financial strength, there are numerous fraud cases in the business world, and who can tell if any problems will arise? They trust Bi Li, a native of Manchester, but do not trust these 'Londoners' from London

Yi Chen raised an eyebrow and said with a shameless smile, "So, what do you think about the nobility of the British Empire?"

Yi Chen met with their boss in the office of the bank's general manager and stated directly: "We hope to return the 20 million loan provided by your bank after our smelting plant resumes normal operations."

Yi Chen quickly stood up and said: "Forget it, since Mr. Bili is unwilling, let's leave. After all, we have many targets for acquisition, and it is not necessary to acquire Mr. Bili's."

Fatadio nodded repeatedly: "Rest assured, rest assured, I can understand you"

Yi Chen smiled with satisfaction: "Well, very good, I need to address the issue of the twenty million in outstanding debts. They are coming to us for repayment, and we cannot simply ignore it, can we? However, twenty million is still a significant amount, especially since I hold a 45% stake in this. I do not want to unjustly part with nine million pounds, so I will have to make the trip myself. Gore, prepare the car."

Bili rolled his eyes and went straight to the point: "I demand £130 million, and in return, you can acquire the factory, land use rights, and machinery of my company. You must understand that this asking price is very reasonable"

Fatadio smiled awkwardly and said, "Mr. Yi, please rest assured, everything is fine."

Yi Chen nodded, stood up, and said: "I hope so. You Russians still have not conquered Chechnya. If I were to place one hundred bombs in your boss's territory, what do you think would happen? Therefore, the money I invest must absolutely not go wrong with the books... After all, it is not easy to earn money hard in this year"

Yi Chen smiled gently, nodding slightly, accepting his praise in a manner uniquely characteristic of the Chinese people's subtlety

Without heeding the invitation to attend the dinner, Yi Chen took him directly to the local court and a series of related government departments. In just one evening, the sign of Bili's joint smelting plant was changed to 'Star' Metal Smelting Import and Export Company. Meanwhile, members of the local labor union supervised the entire acquisition process and were very pleased that Yi Chen had no intention of dismissing any workers, and additionally, he generously provided an extra month's salary.

The Fatadio, who was observing below, did not know by what means he had obtained the invitation. His eyes had narrowed into a slit, and as long as Yi Chen held such a lifelong title of nobility, it would greatly benefit their future acquisition of the steel mill and its public listing. After all, Britain remains a conservative country to this day, and the aristocracy still wields considerable power in their society

Yi Chen revealed a hint of sarcastic amusement: "Nowadays, many of the truly respectable individuals in Britain refuse to accept honors, while those of us who need to be 'whitened' are quite willing to envelop ourselves in a layer of noble golden aura."

Green pondered for a long time

Finally, Bilido demanded three million pounds, and his small steel mill was transferred to a smelting company jointly controlled by Yichen and the owner of Fatadio.

Green stared in astonishment, speechless, at Yi Chen: "I... I'm sorry, you, you are a lifetime knight? My goodness, I apologize, I didn't know, you, are you really..."

Fatadio nervously smiled beside, watching Bili, who seemed like a pig, being manipulated by the cunning Yichen.

Yi Chen tilted his head and looked at Bi Li, revealing a strange smile: "What if I were to take over along with the bill in your hand? What if I were to take over along with the union of your factory? Your factory has debts amounting to around 20 million; furthermore, according to standard acquisition contracts, the new owner has the right not to retain the previous workers. So, do you think the thousands of workers in your factory will come to you for trouble or to me? What do you think the Manchester local court will rule?"

Fatadio laughed heartily, his hands trembling: "According to the practices of the British royal family, in two hundred years, everyone in England will have to address each other as 'Sir'... Hahahahahaha... Can money really buy everything?"

Immediately afterward, Yi Chen called another boss in London: "Dear David, could you do me a favor?"

Yichen and Fatadio are relatively satisfied with this office space, at least it seems to have a bit of the style of https://www.hetushu.com

In the financial center of the new district in London, in a 57-story office building, the most composed Phil took the lead, and Yi Chen rented half of the twenty-third floor, putting up a sign for a metal smelting import and export company called "Star." Everything was completed in just three days. The office space had previously been the workplace of a small company, which had either gone bankrupt or for some other reason vacated the premises. Seizing the opportunity as the owner was eager to find new tenants, Phil rented it for three years at a price 12% below the market rate. Everything was completed in just three days. The office space had previously been the workplace of a small company, which had either gone bankrupt or for some other reason vacated the premises. Seizing the opportunity as the owner was eager to find new tenants, Phil rented it for three years at a price 12% below the market rate

After leaving Green's bank, Yi Chen curled his lip and casually tossed the box containing the medal, which he had just regarded as invaluable, onto the seat. Lighting a cigar, he remarked, "It is truly strange that these people do not understand that the so-called superficial fame and reputation are all illusory; only tangible benefits are truly wonderful"

Yi Chen smiled and said, "So, do you really think that I, a recipient of the Order of the British Empire and a lifelong knight of the British Empire, would give up my status and honor for a mere 20 million pounds?"

Filly walked in holding two cups of coffee and placed them in front of the two. She then nestled against Yichen. Yichen gently stroked her small hand and smiled, saying: "Now, over in Manchester, we have a very promising target. The Manchester United Metal Smelting Company has been operating at a loss for seven consecutive years, and its owner is preparing to sell it, but no one is willing to take it on. The expected price is around £90 million. Although the factory is not large, as long as we add a few dilapidated boilers and manipulate the registered capital a bit, we will qualify for listing." The Manchester United Metal Smelting Company has been operating at a loss for seven consecutive years, and its owner is preparing to sell it, but no one is willing to take it on. The expected price is around £90 million. Although the factory is not large, as long as we add a few dilapidated boilers and manipulate the registered capital a bit, we will qualify for listing.

Yichen interrupted his rambling: "Aha, dear Mr. Green, are you referring to integrity? Integrity? Then, how much integrity do you believe your homeland, the sacred British Empire, possesses?"

Gelin looked at the medal with envy, nodded, and said: "I believe in your capabilities, but Mr. Yi, how am I supposed to explain this to the board?"

Bili shook his head quickly: "It is impossible, your offer is too harsh, I absolutely cannot accept it. Therefore, there is nothing more for us to discuss."

Yi Chen flatly refused: "No, I absolutely will not use 130 million to buy your company. It is not worth that price; your company is definitely not worth that price."

David asked in confusion: "Isn't it possible for you to resolve these matters on your own? Do you still need assistance with the donations? ... Hmm, oh, I see, then you better prepare another five million pounds. I need to make some arrangements at higher levels, as you know, the second half of the year is approaching, and you should also familiarize yourself with the relevant etiquette. Furthermore, everything must be kept confidential; otherwise, it would be difficult for us at the top. You must understand that my relationship with them is merely a bit familiar; they are not from our social class." Hmm, oh, I see, then you better prepare another five million pounds. I need to make some arrangements at higher levels, as you know, the second half of the year is approaching, and you should also familiarize yourself with the relevant etiquette. Furthermore, everything must be kept confidential; otherwise, it would be difficult for us at the top. You must understand that my relationship with them is merely a bit familiar; they are not from our social class.

Yichen nodded

The bank manager is somewhat in a difficult position: "Dear Mr. Yi, your request is truly..."

Yichen unceremoniously interrupted him, saying: "Dear Mr. Bili, integrity cannot be exchanged for cold hard cash. In this day and age, only astute business strategies and robust financial strength can transform an old, prestigious company with significant social surplus and reputation into a golden goose."

Two months later, Yi Chen, the notorious ruffian, appeared resplendently dressed in an exquisite suit, accompanied by Feili, adorned with jewelry worth over one hundred million. He stood grandly among distinguished figures from various sectors of the British Empire, receiving an honor from the Queen of England

Yi Chen habitually smiled and said, "Well, I am prepared to donate 10 million pounds to the Royal Academy of Arts in the UK. Could you assist me with this request?"

After Fatadio and the others left, he quietly reminded several financial experts, "Be careful. If there is a mistake this time, it won't be the boss who takes you down; none of us will be able to leave the UK. This guy is ruthless, and even the largest families in Moscow cannot figure him out. Do you understand?"

David said with a hypocritical enthusiasm, "Of course, China is easy; we are friends, and it is only right that we help each other"

Yi Chen looked at the reports in the hotel with satisfaction and said with a smile: "As long as these reports are approved by the local authorities, we can directly apply for listing. I am indeed not very familiar with the stock market, so I will rely on all of you."

Yi Chen pondered for a moment, smiled slightly while gently shaking the medal in his hand, and cheerfully said: "How about this, you can publish an advertisement in the local newspaper stating that in support of our company's operations, your bank is investing £100 million in shares. In reality, you only need to invest £80 million. Of course, when you sign the agreement with us, we will repay your loan at a certain interest rate, which will be beneficial for both of us. Our large investment has not yet arrived, and your investment will serve as our recent startup capital." Of course, when you sign the agreement with us, we will repay your loan at a certain interest rate, which will be beneficial for both of us. Our large investment has not yet arrived, and your investment will serve as our recent startup capital.

Indeed, just like any conservative, orthodox British gentleman, Green stood up, excitedly waving his hands and said: "Dear British Empire? Its integrity is boundless; it is a great and sacred empire. Do you doubt its integrity?"

Leaving the Buckingham Palace where the honors were bestowed, Yichen's convoy joined that of Fatadio, and a group of people headed directly to the train station, heading towards Manchester and Tufster. Every moment was meticulously timed, with not a minute wasted; less than five minutes after boarding, the train departed. Fatadio seemed to have a slight peculiar cleanliness obsession, insisting on reserving an entire carriage.

Yichen said: "£80 million, a fixed price, with no room for negotiation. Either you sell it to me, or you find another buyer."

Yi Chen revealed a faint smile and said to Fatadio, "Dear, your subordinates are quite confident... Well, of course, I hope such confidence can be maintained until the end... The Chinese are a polite people, so they would not do anything out of line to friends. However, I am an exception among the Chinese, so I will warn you in advance: if there is any anomaly with my investment, I will directly eliminate your boss first, and then slowly play with you to your demise.

Yi Chen carefully took out his medal from the inner pocket of his chest. This piece of iron, which cost approximately 100 pounds to manufacture, was kept by Yi Chen in a very precious crystal box. Yi Chen smiled and said, "I have just received an honor from the great Queen and am fortunate to be included in the ranks of lifelong knights of the British Empire. I apologize; I did not intend to flaunt it by wearing it, but due to business matters, I came here directly after receiving the medal. To show my respect for the British royal family, I specifically placed it on my chest for safekeeping."

Several men with big beards quickly nodded in agreement

Yi Chen said "OK" and hung up the phone, smiling at Fatadio: "Everything is OK. In two months, it will be the British royal family's award ceremony for the second half of the year. Securing a lifetime title of knight is now easier than ever."

Three hours later, Green's Bank approved Yichen's proposal. Yichen assured them of a certain rate of return, while Green Bank's good reputation in Manchester inadvertently enhanced the residual value and credibility of Yichen's new company

Green's Smile: "They are all noble individuals, and their integrity, due to the British Empire, is boundless. They are gentlemen, and gentlemen do not relinquish their status and dignity for a mere sum of money"

A group of subordinates burst into laughter

This portly British man with a face full of flesh said earnestly: "Gentlemen, I am pleased that you are interested in my factory... My United Smelting Company is an old enterprise with a history of over one hundred years, enjoying a good social reputation and prestige locally, as well as a high level of integrity in the industry. You will absolutely not regret choosing my company."

He quickly stepped forward a few paces, smilingly grasping Yi Chen's hand: "Sir, shall we discuss this in more detail? Are you referring to the company's debts as well? And does this include taking over those workers?"

Bi Li was very happy, and he said with a laugh: "So, dear, are you ready to sign the agreement now?"

Yi Chen stayed in Manchester for a week, and together with several financial experts brought by Fatadi, he assessed the current value of the factory. Subsequently, he reported the total value of the restructured assets through various illicit means. Yi Chen repeatedly claimed that a substantial investment from Russia was about to arrive, leading the local business owners in Manchester to be astonished at the dilapidated steel mill owned by Old Bili, which, after restructuring, reported an astonishing total output value of two billion pounds.

... ...

The negotiations regarding the acquisition of this steel mill took place at the private residence of their current owner

Yichen whistled and, seemingly unconcerned, slumped on the sofa, saying: "Given the scale of your company and the cost of those machines, well, it would be reasonable for you to ask for a higher price."

The outwardly sincere Green nodded honestly and said, "£20 million is not a problem, but we must be responsible for our depositors. To be frank, regarding Mr. Bili, although we are aware that he has encountered some operational issues, he is nonetheless a well-known figure in our locality, and we trust him. As for you, you have never had any dealings with our bank, and our trust in your integrity is still at zero; our board of directors will not feel at ease..."

Fatadiao nodded slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. He picked up the coffee, carefully controlling his trembling hand to avoid spilling it, and said after taking a sip: "Our boss has indeed found the right partner for collaboration. You are the first among our previous partners who can handle matters with such efficiency."

Bili's self-esteem seemed to have been hurt, and he suddenly stood up: "Sir, your words are too..."

After the award ceremony concluded, disregarding the whispers of the reporters, Yi Chen departed with a group of people. A row of eight luxurious BMWs underscored his power, leaving the journalists from various media outlets puzzled, as they inquired, "Who is this? What qualifies him to be honored by the Queen?" Of course, they could never have imagined that the chairman of a certain committee under the royal family of their esteemed British Empire was smiling as he watched the numbers in his bank account increase.

In any case, with Green's bank as a backing brought over by Yi Chen's enchanting influence, it will be much easier to operate in Manchester in the future

... ...

Bili opened his mouth: "How much are you prepared to offer?" At that moment, the eyes of Bili, resembling those of a pig, sparkled with the cunning glint of a fox

The several portly Russians said with pride: "Rest assured, Mr. Yi, in such a lucrative place as the British market, we will definitely not let it slip by. Our consortium has never made a mistake, and your investment is absolutely secure"