Chapter 704: The Dust Settles

Zhou Yan’s entire face was twisted beyond recognition, half of it caved in, with blood frothing at the corners of his mouth. If not for the occasional twitch of his body proving he was still alive, those present might have suspected these men in black would simply drag his “corpse” out to be dumped at sea—destroy the evidence, eliminate the body.

However, even though he was still alive, his condition looked several times more miserable than death itself.

The two other Zhou family members were so terrified their faces turned white. They broke free from the black-clad men holding them and dropped to their knees on the spot, wailing and pleading through tears.

“Shuisui, spare us! It was all Zhou Yan’s doing! We knew nothing!”

“That’s right, that’s right! Considering our years of service to the Group, please have mercy!”

“It really was your uncle Zhou Yan acting on his own initiative—it has nothing to do with us!”

“…………”

These two were clearly no tough nuts. Before the Wanlong Society enforcers could even begin their “methods,” they had spilled everything.

But after seeing what had happened to Zhou Yan, their reaction was understandable—after all, not everyone could withstand a palm strike from that titan.

Bai Shisui closed her eyes, unable to look at their begging faces.

“Take them away!”

At Yun Cheng’s command, the black-clad men immediately stepped forward and forcibly dragged the two men out as well.

Their cries grew more distant until they finally disappeared from everyone’s hearing.

In the banquet hall, all was quiet.

They snuck glances at the astonishingly bulky man outside, then at the crater in the wall where Zhou Yan’s body had struck, and all shivered in unison.

Many even unconsciously touched their own faces, feeling phantom pain in their cheeks.

Holy shit! What kind of monster possesses that kind of strength?

If previously they had still harbored doubts about whether this was the Hell’s Titan, that single slap had erased all uncertainty.

Aside from the legendary figure who could supposedly slap a foreigner nicknamed Road Roller into unconsciousness with one blow, it was truly difficult to imagine whose palm could carry such devastating power.

Those few who had still been entertaining little schemes immediately abandoned all those unrealistic ideas.

What were profits? What were factional struggles? In the face of absolute violence, they all seemed so pale and powerless.

They weren’t even on the same level as these black-clad men!

If the other party didn’t feel like reasoning with you, one slap could physically shut you up!

Liu Yutong had also witnessed the scene outside, the corner of her mouth twitching imperceptibly.

That fellow Ji Yu had no sense of proportion. Hadn’t they agreed not to kill anyone? Though he had technically complied, what was the difference?

Look at Zhou Yan’s state—even if he survived, he’d likely spend the rest of his life drooling on a hospital bed.

But admittedly, the effect was remarkably effective.

She swept her gaze once more over the terrified crowd and sighed inwardly. Sure enough, in many situations, a physical demonstration was far more effective than reasoning, especially in this overseas environment.

Of course, she, Liu Yutong, was a law-abiding businesswoman, and Wanlong Society was a legitimate corporation. This was merely an unfortunate incident—yes, she’d have Zhao Tianyi look into the relevant laws of the US later to see how to frame this “accident” as legal.

Because she wasn’t sure whether Ji Yu’s disability certificate would be useful here.

Zhou Yan was suspected of a crime, but in the US, didn’t criminals have human rights? How could they just casually slap people across the face?

At this thought, she found it somewhat amusing. Did criminals really have human rights in this place?

“Ahem.” Liu Yutong cleared her throat, breaking the silence in the conference room.

All eyes instantly focused on her, their expressions now marked with greater reverence.

“Ji Yu, pay more attention next time. We’re civilized people who should reason with others. Don’t actually kill anyone. Quickly send him to the hospital.”

“Oh, okay, Young Mistress.” Ji Yu scratched his head, replying in a deep, muffled voice.

Then, as if lifting a chick, he picked up the unconscious Zhou Yan and handed him to a nearby black-clad man: “Find a doctor. Don’t let him go visit his great-grandmother.”

“Yes!” The man quickly accepted, his movements far gentler than before, as if afraid something else might go wrong.

The door closed again.

Liu Yutong turned back to the crowd and spoke slowly: “Alright, just a small interlude. Apologies for the unsightly scene. Wanlong Society has always abided by the law, loved peace, and most opposed violence. What just happened was merely an insignificant little accident.”

The crowd: “……”

Right, right, right! You certainly “love” peace, you certainly “oppose” violence—we must have been seeing things.

And indeed, that slap was just a small “accident,” nothing more than erasing half of Zhou Yan’s face.

Though they grumbled internally, the smiles on their faces grew more fawning.

“Yes, yes, yes! At a glance, I could tell Director Liu is someone who particularly loves peace!”

“Not only that, but I see Director Liu as particularly compassionate—when someone’s face accidentally collides with a palm, she even sends them to the hospital for free.”

“Zhou Yan dared to speak disrespectfully to Director Liu and slander Director Liu and Wanlong Society—a light slap like that was getting off easy.”

“……”

Immediately, flattery filled the air. Though it was delivered clumsily, the attitude was absolutely correct.

Zeng Jin, the Taiwanese businessman, suppressed the shock in his heart and said respectfully: “Director Liu, you’re wise and righteous, handling matters decisively—Zeng deeply admires this. With your support, Miss Bai’s succession as acting chairman is truly the people’s will and the fortune of the Chamber! I, representing myself and my enterprises, fully support Miss Bai!”

Elder Li also said tremblingly: “Miss Liu… your methods are extraordinary. This old man has no objection. Shuisui girl, the Chamber will rely on you and Miss Liu’s efforts from now on.”

Even he, the most unyielding Honorary Chairman among them, had been shaken by that scene.

Previously, he’d relied on his seniority, thinking these black-clad men wouldn’t dare touch him. But now it seemed their black clothing wasn’t just for show—they were genuinely dark!

Seeing this, the other directors dared not hesitate any longer and scrambled to pledge their support.

“I support Miss Bai!”

“I support Director Liu!”

“Under Director Liu and Miss Bai’s leadership, the Chamber will surely reach new heights of glory!”

“……”

Bai Shisui watched this dramatic scene, her heart a mixture of emotions.

There was hatred toward her uncle for possibly being involved in her father’s murder, shock at Liu Yutong’s thunderous methods, confusion about the heavy burden suddenly placed on her shoulders, but most of all, a steadfast resolve.

Her father was gone, and some people had bared their fangs.

So she must grow up and safeguard the enterprise her father left behind.

As for Sister Yutong, she was now her only pillar of trust and support.

“Thank you for your support, uncles and elders. I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties, living up to my father’s expectations and your trust. Our primary task is to thoroughly investigate the truth behind my father’s murder and bring the true culprit and mastermind to justice! Secondly, we must stabilize the operations of Bai Group and the Chamber, ensuring our business and charitable projects remain unaffected. I will discuss specific matters in detail with Sister Yutong and all the directors.”

Liu Yutong nodded in satisfaction. This girl’s heart was stronger than she’d imagined, which put her at ease.

She immediately made her own position clear: “Chairman Bai’s affairs are my Liu Yutong’s affairs. Here, I pledge to everyone that no matter who is involved, no matter how powerful the forces behind them, Wanlong Society and I will pursue this to the end and give Chairman Bai and all our compatriots an accounting!”

“At the same time, I promise that since I have now become a member of the overseas Chamber of Commerce, I will naturally fulfill the obligation of mutual assistance. From now on, if anyone here needs help in the States—whether commercial or personal safety issues—you can come to me.

Finally, let me emphasize once more: we are all Chinese people adrift overseas and should watch out for one another!“

After Liu Yutong’s speech, the response in the banquet hall was much more enthusiastic than before.

If their previous statements had been forced and coerced, now many eyes truly lit up with excitement—a light of having suddenly found a powerful backer after drifting in a foreign land for so long.

“Director Liu, those words are so uplifting!”

A middle-aged man in the building materials business suddenly stood up and said excitedly: “I’ll be honest with you—last month, a small local gang extorted protection money from my warehouse in South Bay. The police response was slow, and I didn’t dare confront them directly. I’ve been feeling so frustrated. With what you just said, I suddenly feel like I have backing!”

Another businesswoman chimed in: “That’s right, Director Liu. Doing business here, we seek prosperity but also safety. But in the West, obeying the law doesn’t guarantee peace. Take the Snakehead Gang—when Chairman Bai was alive, he could still maneuver and keep them in check. But after Chairman Bai’s incident, many of us couldn’t sleep at night for fear of becoming their next target.

Now it’s better—Director Liu, you personally took action and uprooted the Snakehead Gang. This not only avenged Chairman Bai but also eliminated a great scourge for all of us Chinese merchants! That gentleman who acted just now must be the legendary Hell’s Titan, right? With him here, with all the big brothers of Wanlong Society here, what do we have to fear!“

Their words immediately resonated with others.

“Exactly! Black Phoenix… ah, no, Director Liu! We all heard about you exterminating the Snakehead Gang. They say you led those black-clad heroes and razed their nest overnight. Before, we thought it was just a rumor, but seeing it today, I believe it!”

“Right, right! It must be Director Liu! Who else has such strength and boldness?”

“The name Black Phoenix is well-deserved!”

“With Director Liu overseeing the Chamber, who will dare look down on Chinese merchants from now on!”

“……”

Zeng Jin, the most perceptive (most sycophantic) among those present, seized the moment to address everyone: “Everyone! Today, Director Liu not only set things right and stabilized Bai Group and the Chamber, but also gave us all a promise! What is this? This is responsibility! This is boldness! This is a pillar reaching to the heavens for us overseas Chinese!”

He turned to Liu Yutong and bowed deeply: “Director Liu, Zeng is unworthy, but after doing business in the Bay Area for many years, I have some connections and resources. From this day forward, I, Zeng Jin, and all my enterprises will follow Director Liu’s lead! We wanderers overseas have long needed a leader like you who can unite us all!”

Liu Yutong’s words had also struck a chord with Elder Li, who couldn’t help but exclaim: “This old man has lived to this age, seen storms and human nature. Today, Miss Liu showed me what it means for a woman to outmatch men, what it means to be a true paragon of chivalry. Chairman Bai was benevolent his whole life, dedicated to uniting overseas compatriots. Now Miss Liu inherits his will and surpasses him—truly the fortune of us Chinese people adrift overseas! Everyone, Miss Liu has spoken. Cherish this opportunity, work together with one heart, and never engage in those underhanded deeds!”

After these two heavyweights set the tone, the other directors had no more hesitation, scrambling to pledge their support, afraid that any delay would seem insincere.

“Director Liu, our company’s entire security consultant business is yours—name your price!”

“Director Liu, I have a logistics center in San Jose at a prime location. Please check if Wanlong Society needs to set up a base there? I’ll provide it at cost!”

“Director Liu, my son’s gone astray, running with a bad crowd. Could you take him? Let him train with your heroes? He can endure any hardship—better than learning bad habits outside!”

“……”

With Liu Yutong’s clear statement, the more everyone looked at her, the more pleasing she became.

Previously, they had feared her, even thought her too ruthless and brutal, because the situation between friend and foe was unclear.

But now that she had explicitly stated she would stand together with them through thick and thin, the feeling was completely different.

We now have a gang watching our backs in the US, and one that can wipe out the Snakehead Gang overnight at that. Their strength must be immense. Combined with those terrifying rumors, my sense of security is instantly maxed out!

Liu Yutong was also very satisfied with everyone’s reaction. Ji Yu had wielded the stick, and she offered the carrot—immediately effective.

“Everyone, rest assured—I, Liu Yutong, am a woman of my word. I also hope that those present can work together with one heart and support Miss Bai and the Chamber.

But let me put the ugly words up front: if I discover anyone engaging in backstabbing, dragging their feet, or even taking unwise actions in the future, then don’t blame me, Liu Yutong, for showing no mercy!“

Everyone pledged their support again.

“We wouldn’t dare!”

“Rest assured, Director Liu, we will fully cooperate!”

“Anyone who makes trouble at this time is an enemy of us all!”

“……”

The rest of the meeting proceeded exceptionally smoothly.

Bai Shisui’s position as acting chairman was formally confirmed; after a period, she could be made permanent.

Liu Yutong, after a new round of voting, became honorary chairman.

When dispersing, each director deliberately approached Liu Yutong and Bai Shisui to bid farewell respectfully, their attitudes infinitely more humble than when they’d arrived.

Zeng Jin was the last to take his leave, but just after saying his goodbyes, Liu Yutong stopped him.

“Chairman Zeng, hold on.”

Zeng Jin paused mid-step, putting on a respectful smile: “Director Liu, what other instructions do you have?”

Liu Yutong didn’t answer immediately, merely gesturing with her eyes toward the door of a nearby lounge: “A word in private.”

Zeng Jin immediately gestured: “Director Liu, please go first.”

The two entered the lounge one after another. The door was gently closed by Yun Cheng, who followed behind and stood behind Liu Yutong.

After sitting down, Liu Yutong first thanked him.

“Chairman Zeng, thank you for voicing your support today.”

“Director Liu, you’re too kind!”

Zeng Jin quickly cupped his hands and said: “Zeng merely said what should be said and did what should be done. Director Liu and Miss Bai are the people’s choice, and it is my honor to have met you today.”

Liu Yutong smiled faintly: “No need for formalities. I asked you to stay to discuss practical cooperation.”

Zeng Jin’s spirits lifted: “Director Liu, please speak. I am all ears.”

PS: Who could understand the sense of security I get typing at my uncle-in-law’s desk? A veteran who fought in the counterattack against Vietnam—as I type, I feel like the protagonist is getting even more revolutionary (covers mouth to hide smile).