The process of taming a horse is by no means simple.
A slight carelessness could lead to being trampled by its hooves, and once that happens, it's not just an injury; it would at least leave one crippled.
Ye Longlin rode on the back of the blood-sweating horse. The horse immediately became agitated, running wildly, trying to throw the human on its back off.
Ye Longlin did not use any force; he simply let it run.
On the other side, Hong Shi stood in the parking lot. A convoy of luxury cars pulled to a stop, and he quickly went to open a door.
"Welcome, Second Master."
The Xing organization had thirteen "Half Masters," and the Master was the Dragon Head. Below him was the Second Master.
Xing Er, Sheng Xian, the Second Master.
There was only one Second Master in the entire Hongmen.
The Second Master's existence was akin to that of a think tank, a strategist responsible for planning.
Hong Shi was the Heng Hou, the Third Master in charge, responsible for overseeing finances.
A refined middle-aged man alighted, leading a woman. The woman was slightly plump, but it did not detract from her beauty. Her beauty was different from others, possessing a more voluptuous charm.
"Third Brother, it seems appointing you in charge of finances was indeed the most correct decision for the sect."
Hong Shi quickly cupped his fists: "Please don't mock me, Second Master. Mr. Ye is already waiting for you inside. However, that horse of yours... Mr. Ye is currently taming it. Mr. Ye said he likes spirited ones."
Zhuge Hou chuckled: "No harm done, no harm done. How about this: have your subordinates escort my daughter first, then you follow me. I have a few things to discuss with you before I meet Mr. Ye."
After Ye Longlin finished his round of taming, he returned to the base of the viewing platform. He saw a slightly plump girl of eighteen or nineteen years old looking at him with a cold expression.
"That's Dad's horse. Please get down."
The young girl spoke impolitely, yet with a sense of propriety.
Ye Longlin was surprised: "The owner here told me this horse was just brought back from the grasslands. Little sister, are you mistaken?"
The young girl shook her head and said seriously: "I'm not mistaken."
Ye Longlin didn't intend to get into an argument with this young girl, so he clasped his legs, reined in the reins, and prepared to leave.
The young girl, sensing his intention, immediately made her move. She lunged at Ye Longlin, sweeping one leg through the air, intending to knock him off the horse's back.
Ye Longlin clicked his tongue in amazement: "To reach the realm of Dark Strength at such a young age, you have some talent."
At her age, he had already entered the Grandmaster realm. Although this little girl couldn't compare to him, she was still quite good, and a girl at that.
Just as Ye Longlin was about to counter, a refined voice called out from the viewing platform: "Please, Mr. Ye, show leniency. My daughter is spoiled by me. Zhuge Hou apologizes to Mr. Ye on her behalf."
He grabbed the girl's ankle, spun her around, and with his other hand, righted her body, pushing her towards Zhuge Hou with martial force.
Zhuge Hou breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his fists: "Thank you, Mr. Ye, for your mercy."
He then turned to the girl and said helplessly: "Zhuge Mingyue! Didn't Dad tell you not to display your martial arts in front of others? Why didn't you listen to Daddy?"
Zhuge Mingyue retorted indignantly: "He rode Daddy's horse!"
"Pfft—"
Hong Shi spat out his tea, his face turning red, wanting to laugh but daring not.
"That's called a horse, not a horse child."
"Oh."
As Ye Longlin returned to the viewing platform, he overheard their conversation and felt a wave of helplessness.
Seeing Ye Longlin approach, Zhuge Hou said sternly to Zhuge Mingyue: "Apologize to Mr. Ye quickly!"
Zhuge Mingyue's eyes darted, and she cupped her fists towards Ye Longlin: "I'm sorry, Mr. Ye."
Ye Longlin naturally wouldn't hold it against the young girl. He smiled slightly and said no more.
Zhuge Mingyue ran off, then suddenly turned back to Ye Longlin and gave him a mischievous smile: "I will catch up to you, and one day I will defeat you!"
Saying this, she waved her fists a couple of times.
Ye Longlin smiled wryly and encouraged her: "I'll be waiting."
Zhuge Hou glanced at his daughter, then at Ye Longlin, and gave a helpless bitter smile: "Mr. Ye, why bother with a child?"
Ye Longlin's expression turned serious as he corrected him: "This is not a correction, it's a promise."
Zhuge Hou: "..."
Hong Shi: "..."
Even if she's a prodigy, she still can't beat you.
Both of them thought this in their hearts but said nothing more, as it was meaningless.
The three sat down, and then began to discuss business.
Zhuge Hou was the strategist of the Hongmen, a core member without a doubt. Seeking him out could only mean something significant; he was the embodiment of "one doesn't visit the temple without a reason."
"Mr. Ye, I believe Third Master Hong has already briefed you on the overseas situation. I am not here because of the current crisis, but for the future.
Firearms are not banned overseas, hence it is very chaotic. Armed groups and dangerous elements pose a great threat to our personnel. We lack systematic training and are helpless against warfare.
I know that the Dragon Pavilion has a portion of its overseas branches available for hire. I am here hoping that the Dragon Pavilion can accept our employment, at least to protect our people overseas."
The Hongmen's current situation was precarious. Domestically, they wanted to carve out their territory. As long as their ancestor had not retired from the Hall of Honor, they still had a chance. But once he retired, fewer people would give them face.
Thus, expanding overseas presented a life-and-death dilemma for the Hongmen.
Hong Shi's report that Ye Longlin was in Star City gave them hope.
Zhuge Hou didn't mind making the trip personally to discuss this matter.
The Dragon Head remained in charge of the Hongmen and could not leave. The Second Master was now the face of the Hongmen, showing them utmost respect.
Ye Longlin was silent for a moment: "One year. I can only give you one year, but let me make it clear first: if my side requires them during wartime, they can be recalled at any time. Even if they are currently helping you fight enemies, upon receiving my command, they must return swiftly!"
This was the bottom line, the bottom line for both parties, not a condition.
Zhuge Hou breathed a sigh of relief: "Of course. However, the employment fee..."
Ye Longlin pondered for a moment: "Three hundred million. Transfer it to this account. Additionally, as a prerequisite, you must help me deal with the Ye family, especially in this current business war."
Zhuge Hou and Hong Shi were silent for a moment, saying nothing. After some thought, "I need to speak with the Dragon Head."
Ye Longlin nodded. Zhuge Hou contacted the Dragon Head to inquire.
He returned shortly, a smile gracing his face: "The Dragon Head has agreed. In this matter, the Hongmen can offer support under certain conditions."
Ye Longlin frowned: "Certain conditions?"
Zhuge Hou gave a wry smile: "Three hundred billion. The Hongmen can afford to pay at most three hundred billion at present. We are simultaneously expanding in two directions, both requiring funds. Therefore, the greatest support we can offer you now is only three hundred billion."