"Brother Zheng, what's your opinion?" Ma Qianqiu looked at Zheng Guodong, his eyes blazing: "I've already conceded this much, you wouldn't still be hesitant, would you? That's not like you at all. Once Chu Group is divided, in the long run, Xinglong Group will gain the most. Xinglong Group's business in Ba Country has already stabilized, and by then, after annexing Chu Group's territory, Xinglong Group will quickly become the leading entity in Ba Country, and by then, who would dare underestimate us in Ba Country?"
Ma Qianqiu placed the final decision in Li Chenggui's hands, as he was unifying opinions now.
His concession involved significant interests, alluring to everyone.
"You've all made up your minds, so naturally I won't just sit on the sidelines. In the face of such abundant interests, how could I do nothing?" Zheng Guodong began to express his stance, confidently saying, "Chu Group has been overbearing, causing significant losses to my Xinglong Group's influence in Ba Country. It's time to settle this grudge."
What Zheng Guodong valued was interest—it couldn't simply be the revenge he spoke of.
Besides, Ma Qianqiu wasn't wrong at all. In terms of advantages in Ba Country, Xinglong Group naturally holds a massive advantage. Just replacing Chu Group's interests in Ba Country is enough to elevate Xinglong Group by a level.
"We've all made our decisions. Brother Li, what do you think should be done next?" Chen Tiande looked at Li Chenggui, sincerely saying, "The Li Family is the head; we ought to follow the Li Family's arrangements, that's the natural course."
Chen Tiande didn't even bother inquiring about the Li Family's opinion, seemingly already understanding it well, deeming it unnecessary to ask. It seemed like a mutual understanding had already been achieved, just waiting to see what measures the Li Family would take. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚑𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⚑𝕟𝕖𝕥
Li Chenggui's steady face showed no expression. He had summoned the four of them to distribute the interests of Chu Group. Initially, the four wanted him to take the lead in making a move. But now, after Ma Qianqiu made a promise, the situation changed greatly, and there was no need to wait for the Li Family to act first. Ma Qianqiu had already volunteered to take the lead; thus, the decision-making power naturally fell into Li Chenggui's hands, showcasing the authority of the Northwest's wealthiest Li Family.
"Challenging Chu Group is not difficult; the hard part is openly offending Chu Group first, which easily draws attacks. Besides, the power wielded by Chu Group isn't insignificant. My Li Family doesn't want to be the initiator against Chu Group." Li Chenggui expressed a look of difficulty.
"You can just pretend. Your little scheming can't fool us. It's merely a matter of wanting a larger share of the interests. With these tactics, true or false, the Li Family, being the wealthiest in the Northwest with a Human Body Limit master anchoring it, who would have the nerve to provoke them? Given the power of Chu Group, how could they be a match for the Li Family?" Chen Tiande, Zheng Guodong, Huang Jingwei, and Ma Qianqiu all understood Li Chenggui's intentions. Naturally, Ma Qianqiu had no concerns regarding the distribution of interests, as it was up to Chen Tiande and the others to propose allowing the Li Family more benefits.
"As long as it's within our acceptable range, whatever share of interests the Li Family needs, we can discuss."
"The Li Family is wealthy and won't demand extortionate amounts. We've cooperated for so many years; these sentiments still remain."
"We understand Brother Li's character; he won't make excessive demands."
Chen Tiande and the others gave Li Chenggui enough face and flattery.
"We are all like family, no need for formalities." Li Chenggui smiled mysteriously, showing a confident expression. With just these words, during the distribution of interests, the Li Family would naturally receive the greatest benefit, with no need to negotiate a specific interest distribution plan. Once they've made a decision, it's like driving a nail with a hammer—no change or backtracking.
"Given the situation, we can't just attack Chu Group without cause. We can only use diplomacy before resorting to force."
"My Li Family will organize a banquet and invite Chu Group to attend. By then, we'll apply pressure. If we could carve into Chu Group's interests and distribute some shares, so much the better. If Chu Group is sensible, we could achieve our goals without bloodshed. Should we succeed, we could even sideline Chu Mengyao and become the behind-the-scenes pilot of Chu Group. How could a little girl like Chu Mengyao compete with us in business?"
"If Chu Group doesn't know what's good for them, then they only have themselves to blame if we're ruthless. At that time, we'll act directly with the Ma Family taking the lead and us supporting from the rear. There are many ways to defeat Chu Group."
With this decision made by Li Chenggui, there seemed to be no path of survival left for Chu Group.
Nor did it leave Chu Group any option to take initiative; all control was in his hands.
Li Chenggui had this confidence, with the assistance not only of Chen Tiande and others but also the presence of a Human Body Limit expert within the Li Family—an essential factor in the Li Family's current standing, forcing Chen Tiande and others to treat it with caution.
The existence of the Li Family is that of a giant, acting with impunity, dismissing Chu Group entirely.
Of course, Li Chenggui also had a detailed plan. The Li Family's Human Body Limit expert would not act unless absolutely necessary. To annex Chu Group's interests at the smallest cost, he considered every external factor that could be utilized, including letting Ma Qianqiu take the lead.
Even if Ma Qianqiu asks for no interests, Li Chenggui would still involve the Ma Family extensively.
"Very well, I suppose Chu Group's days are numbered." Ma Qianqiu smiled confidently; if it could restore the Ma Family to the throne, every effort was worth it.
"Let's prepare for two days for contingency. If possible, recruiting key high-level officials from Chu Group would be another intimidating factor. It could effectively pressure Chu Mengyao during negotiations. After some achievement, I'll deliver the invitation to Chu Mengyao. By then, the show will fully unfold." Li Chenggui decided.
The heavy killing intent spearheaded by the Li Family emerged out of nowhere, without reason targeting Chu Group.
Behind this, the drive of interest tightly united the five families.
In the face of interest, no great hatred is necessary.
Interest is often the beginning and root of many animosities.