Ma Biao was overjoyed at the prospect of extra income.
"Old Lu, since there's no problem, let's keep waiting!"
"Brother Zhao, don't worry about what the bank president says. As long as he transfers the money, we'll accept it. You can rest assured, our skills are not for show."
Lu Zhao's subordinates chimed in, partly for the money and partly out of confidence in their abilities.
Lu Zhao rubbed his head; the situation had spiraled beyond his plans.
It felt as if a large hand was orchestrating everything.
He couldn't see who it was, nor could he guess.
"Fine, we'll wait a bit longer then!"
Lu Zhao was agitated, and the tea he brewed turned a dark, bitter hue.
Su Yang smiled faintly, his expression unreadable.
With just a few words, Dong Yongsheng guessed that Su Yang might be in trouble, which was why he inquired about the investment.
As for Dong Yongsheng's offer to invest, that was another tactic, a way to probe Su Yang's location, who was with him, and how many people were present.
Su Yang's answers were noteworthy, mentioning the need to purchase fishing vessels for overseas fishery investments.
He also revealed that he was only accompanied by a few people.
...
Meanwhile.
Asia United Bank, Songhai Branch.
Dong Yongsheng paced his office, picking up a pen to mark several locations.
"Someone, contact Zhao Xiaolu from the Security Bureau immediately and tell her Su Yang is in trouble."
"Yes, President!"
The secretary flipped through the contact list and dialed Zhao Xiaolu's number.
"Hello, who is this?"
"Secretary Zhao, this is a staff member from Asia United Bank. Our president believes Mr. Su Yang may be in trouble and requires your assistance."
"What? What happened?"
Zhao Xiaolu was shocked. "Director Su said he had overseas matters to attend to. He should be on a cruise ship right now!"
Dong Yongsheng's eyes lit up; it was exactly as he suspected.
Su Yang had been kidnapped!
A cruise ship?
Dong Yongsheng took the phone. "Miss Zhao, when did Mr. Su leave Songhai? And which cruise ship was he on?"
Zhao Xiaolu tried to recall. She remembered Su Yang giving instructions before his departure. "He left at seven this morning, on a cruise ship called 'Puhao,' I believe. I remember it's a private yacht belonging to the Tang family of Qingcheng!"
Zhao Xiaolu, being from the Security Bureau, had extensive information networks, making it easy to track down a cruise ship.
Dong Yongsheng pondered for a moment. "Miss Zhao, please send someone to look for Su Yang. I suspect he has been kidnapped by a small group of people, likely from the cruise ship."
Zhao Xiaolu nodded. "I've heard that the third young master of the Tang family in Qingcheng is quite brutal. If he's on his yacht, Director Su might indeed be in trouble. However, Director Su's five personal bodyguards are with him, so it should be manageable. I'll contact them now. Thank you for this, President Dong."
"You're too kind, Miss Zhao. Mr. Su is a VIP client of our Songhai branch, and I am merely doing my job."
Dong Yongsheng smiled nonchalantly. Regardless of whether Su Yang was in trouble, this was an opportunity for him to connect with Su Yang.
"Miss Zhao, I will try to stall for time. Please notify Mr. Su's bodyguards as soon as possible and have them prepare thoroughly."
"Alright, I'll contact them right away!"
...
Harmony Cruise Ship.
Western Restaurant, lounge.
The phone on the table rang again. Lu Zhao answered and handed it to Su Yang.
"Hello, Mr. Su. Has your partner agreed to our Asia United Bank's investment?"
"Yes, they have! But you need to transfer the funds first, and they will provide the investment contract later."
"We have complete faith in Mr. Su's character. However, regarding the profit sharing..."
Su Yang knew Dong Yongsheng had been thinking hard during the previous moments.
Bringing up investment now was a tactic to stall for time.
"This Dong Yongsheng is quite capable, experienced, and efficient!"
Lu Zhao was focused on getting the money quickly to avoid any unforeseen complications. He raised a finger.
Su Yang smiled. "For profit sharing, Asia United Bank gets ten percent, and we get ninety percent!"
"Ten percent is not bad. Then, how much should we invest?"
Su Yang looked at Lu Zhao, who thought that since it was free money, why not take it.
He dipped his finger in tea and wrote "1000" on the table.
Su Yang nodded. "One hundred billion!"
"This..."
One hundred billion was a significant sum. Whether it was a genuine investment or not, Dong Yongsheng found it difficult to make a decision.
"Mr. Su, one hundred billion only yields ten percent of the profits. This is a trillion-dollar deal!"
"Yes, business in Songhai is small-time. I specifically came overseas to make money this time, intending to invest in a big business. One big score, and I won't have to worry for the rest of my life."
"I see... Could you give me ten minutes to consider?"
Su Yang glanced at Lu Zhao and Ma Biao, who were both anxiously waiting.
But they dared not speak, lest they reveal their situation.
Lu Zhao nodded helplessly, indicating his willingness to wait another ten minutes.
Su Yang said, "President Dong, please decide quickly. My partner is getting impatient. This business was not originally intended for your bank to invest in, as we have sufficient capital."
"Alright, I will reply to you as soon as possible."
Dong Yongsheng hung up the phone again and went to find Zhao Xiaolu.
...
Ma Biao was still fantasizing about the future. Calculating with his fingers, one hundred billion meant he could get at least twenty billion.
Ma Biao grinned at Su Yang. "You kid are truly a bringer of wealth. Another hundred billion for free, I almost don't want to kill you anymore."
Just then, Lu Zhao narrowed his eyes, a chill running down his spine.
"Something's wrong, very wrong!"
Ma Biao was still smiling. "Old Lu? What do you mean? Are you unhappy that someone is giving us money?"
"Idiot!"
Lu Zhao rolled his eyes. Ma Biao was strong but not smart.
Lu Zhao, however, was different. Everything about Su Yang was too abnormal.
If Su Yang was indeed kidnapped and knew he was doomed, why wasn't he scared at all?
This could only mean that all the difficulties were under Su Yang's control.
Recalling Su Yang's earlier mention of fishery and fishing vessels, overseas matters, and partners, Lu Zhao suddenly realized. This was a code, a hint Su Yang was sending out.
Once Lu Zhao figured it out, he exploded, slamming the table and jumping up.
"Kid, you're tipping them off!"
Su Yang smiled without a word. Lu Zhao had some brains, but not much.
To only realize it now showed Lu Zhao was merely a minor player.
"Lu Zhao, if I were you, I'd leave the cruise ship immediately."
Lu Zhao roared with anger, grabbing Su Yang by the collar. "Kid, you dare to trick me? I'll throw you into the sea to feed the fish!"
Su Yang exerted force with his hands, and the ropes instantly snapped. He reversed his grip, grabbed Lu Zhao's collar, and lifted him entirely with one hand.
"This..."
Ma Biao was stunned, partly by the exposure of their plan, and partly by the astonishing strength of the seemingly frail Su Yang.
Lu Zhao, weighing over a hundred pounds, was effortlessly lifted by Su Yang with one hand.
Even Ma Biao couldn't do that with both hands.
In mid-air, Lu Zhao flailed his arms. "Kid, put me down! Are you trying to die?"