This incident led Xie Sui and Smith to cooperate, completely turning against the Liu family. As for the Meng family, being a triad-affiliated family, it would only take a flick of Xie Sui's finger to deal with them.
That very night, the news spread throughout Hong Kong. Even the newspapers published it. Other newspapers might fear Liu Zixiong, but Xie Sui's own newspaper was not afraid; they exposed all of his dark secrets.
Recently, the newspaper had been doing nothing but digging up dirt on the Liu family. Whether it was true or false didn't matter; the goal was to tarnish them so thoroughly that not even a crow could remain white.
Other newspapers followed suit, reporting the same things. Since Xie family's newspaper was taking the brunt of the initial backlash, they were just there to pick up the scraps and join the fun.
The new day began with the newspapers firing the first shots. The benefits of Xie Sui buying a newspaper were finally evident.
At this moment, Xie Sui was enjoying tea at Hong Kong's most famous teahouse. His guests were none other than the leaders of the three major gangs, who had once tried to intimidate Xie Sui, but now stood before him with nervous expressions, unsure of his intentions.
Xie Sui smiled and said, "Don't be nervous. We're old acquaintances. Today I've invited you here to bestow riches upon you. It depends on whether you want it."
The three exchanged glances, hesitant. Were they being used as pawns to deal with the Meng family?
Although they were all involved in underworld activities, they only preyed on ordinary citizens. Compared to the true magnates, they were insignificant.
The Meng family was involved in smuggling. Their syndicate was a union of over a dozen organizations, with dozens of ships at their disposal. They handled the trade of goods from more than ten neighboring countries. Not only were they wealthy, but they were also ruthless, killing without batting an eye.
To have them oppose the Meng family was akin to a birthday star hanging himself, wishing for death.
Xie Sui noticed their hesitation and said, "Man strives for progress. What the Meng family can do, you can too. Although the Hong Lian Society outwardly appears harmonious, internal strife is constant.
The distribution of profits among the shareholders of the Hong Lian Society depends on who has more ships. The routes are publicly opened. The Meng family, with their ten ships, has the most, which has made several other shareholders envious.
Du Feiyang has already gone to contact these shareholders. Xie Sui is here to sow discord among the three major gangs. As long as the waters are muddied, and we cooperate from the inside and out, the Meng family will face dire consequences."
After hearing Xie Sui's plan, the three exchanged glances, ambition flickering in their eyes. However, they didn't agree immediately. Xie Sui understood; this was a matter of life and death, and they would certainly need to discuss it. He politely sent them away.
Xie Sui left and changed to another teahouse, one that was quiet and very private, and waited patiently.
As expected, Luo Rui of the Green Gang came to visit. Xie Sui chatted with him for half an hour, and Luo Rui left beaming.
Not long after, Xu Yushan of the Triad Society and Xiang Shengdu of the Red Gang came to see him. These three men all intended to seize the Meng family's assets for themselves. Xie Sui couldn't help but sigh, truly, the human heart is insatiable.
However, this was for the best. The more people who came to snatch this piece of fat meat, the more lively it would be.
Mr. Meng was unaware that Xie Sui was already working diligently against him. He was still stubbornly discussing the matter of having a child with his doctor; this had become his obsession.
A man's life, once he has money and power, is never lacking in women. The desire for lineage is deeply ingrained in the Chinese people for thousands of years and is not so easily abandoned.
Meng Xiaowei was furious at home. Her father was so old, yet still not giving up. If she actually had a younger brother, what would be left for her?
The nanny who had taken care of her since childhood offered a suggestion, "Why not bribe the doctor and make it a done deal?"
"What do you mean?"
"Isn't vasectomy something men can do? Let's just do it, once and for all, and extinguish the old man's wish."
Meng Xiaowei was somewhat moved. Yes, it was for her father's own good. At his age, he shouldn't be causing himself trouble.
"Let me think about it."
Seeing her move, the nanny silently withdrew.
Meng Xiaowei had quite a few connections and knew a doctor at a private hospital. He had even pursued her, but Miss Meng looked down on a doctor. She wanted to be a wealthy socialite. How many years would a doctor have to rely on her financially to succeed?
By the time he succeeded, she would be old and faded, and then she would be kicked out. Meng Xiaowei was rarely so clear-headed on this matter. Not every rich young lady was a love-addled fool.
She might not have been interested in the doctor, but that didn't stop her from asking for his help. If they couldn't be lovers, they could be friends, or even develop further, have an intimate relationship, and be lovers.
Who said that just because a man sought other women, she had to remain pure?
Many wealthy families had their own arrangements. Meng Xiaowei would not make herself suffer.
The doctor's surname was Xia, Xia Musen. He was a refined and handsome young man, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a white coat, with a somewhat ascetic air that was very attractive to girls.
He had met Meng Xiaowei when they were studying abroad. At that time, Meng Xiaowei was flamboyant and enthusiastic, which greatly attracted the shy Dr. Xia. Unfortunately, Meng Xiaowei didn't like him; he was too reserved, didn't say nice things, and had no money. If they were together, she couldn't always be the one paying, could she?
So their relationship ended without consequence. Now that she had suddenly come to find Dr. Xia, he was quite excited. Hearing that her engagement had encountered trouble, had she reconsidered?
He never expected that it would turn out to be this matter, which shattered his worldview. "That's your father?"
"Yes, my father. As his only child, I have the right to make decisions about him, don't I?"
Dr. Xia actually found some logic in her words. When many elderly people are hospitalized, it is their children who decide on their treatment. It's the children who sign to remove the oxygen tube.
Shaking his head to clear his impractical thoughts, he said, "This is against the rules. Your father still has his faculties. Doing this would be illegal."
Xia Xiaowei moved closer to him. She had many boyfriends and understood men's weaknesses best. She said pitifully, "I know this is difficult, which is why I've come to beg you.
Think about it, if my father really has a younger brother, what will be left for me?
My future life is in your hands! If this succeeds, I'll give you a million dollars. Whether it's through medication or surgery, I believe nothing is difficult for you."
"It's not about money..."
"Five million!"
Dr. Xia's heart involuntarily quickened. In the eyes of ordinary people, his profession as a doctor, with its prestige and high salary, was very glamorous.
However, after experiencing Meng Xiaowei's rejection, Dr. Xia knew that in front of the wealthy, he was nothing. If he didn't do it, there would be plenty of other doctors who would.
There were even private doctors who specialized in serving wealthy families, earning more annually than those in hospitals. He wanted to succeed, to have those who once looked down on him come to flatter him.
Five million dollars wasn't enough to move Dr. Xia.
Xia Xiaowei asked, "How much do you want?"
Dr. Xia swallowed and said with difficulty, "Ten times that. If things go wrong, my medical career will be over. I can't take that gamble."
Xia Xiaowei's lips curved into a sneer. As expected, emotions were the most unreliable thing. In crucial moments, money was the way to go.
"Alright, I promise you. Solve it as soon as possible."
"Yes, you'd better transfer your esteemed father to me. He's currently discussing a new plan with Director Li, wanting to use the most advanced IVF technology from the United States. It's very likely to succeed."
Xia Xiaowei broke out in a cold sweat. That old man truly didn't care about her.
Mr. Meng was very happy. He had just completed a big deal; ten ships were loaded with goods, and one trip would be enough for half a year's income. Plus, with new technology to make him a father, his earlier unhappiness about the engagement was cast aside.
He even looked at Meng Xiaowei with a bit more favor, showing a fatherly smile. Meng Xiaowei seized the opportunity and said, "Daddy, I've made an appointment with a doctor for a check-up. You must take care of yourself and see your daughter get married."
Mr. Meng was reluctant to go. He had just had a check-up recently; his blood pressure was high, he had fatty liver, and his body had many problems. He was undergoing treatment.
He regretted his past indulgence in gluttony and pleasure, which had ruined his health.
Meng Xiaowei continued to persuade him, "This doctor I met while studying abroad is also back from the United States. He's very skilled and has his own research projects. He's especially good in reproductive medicine, perhaps he can help you, Daddy?"
"Alright, Daddy will go see him. How are you and Ah Kai doing lately?"
Meng Xiaowei was displeased, "Everyone is just going through the motions with me. That Liu fellow is also too much, not respecting you. Is it just about that little issue? Why blame me?"
"Exactly. If it wasn't for Liu Zixiong wanting to pass his business down to his son, I wouldn't have let my daughter marry him.
A good woman never lacks suitors. We're not afraid. That fellow Xie will be dealt with sooner or later."
Once this ship trip is completed, we'll have personnel free to make sure that Xie family disappears without a trace.
Mr. Meng had grand plans, but he didn't know that he was about to face trouble himself, having been schemed against by his own daughter.
They went to the hospital together. As soon as they got out of the car, a motorcycle recklessly sped towards them and rammed into him against the car door. Meng Xiaowei was lucky and wasn't hit, but she was terrified.
The motorcyclist saw that he had hit someone, and the other party's bodyguards looked fierce. Scared, he abandoned the motorcycle and fled.
"Daddy, are you alright?"
Meng Xiaowei rushed to help him. The bodyguards also sent people to check. As Mr. Meng extended his hand, it was covered in blood. Coincidentally, the motorcycle's handlebar had struck his lower body. Mr. Meng's vision went dark. It was over. It was bleeding, could he still have a son?
He was rushed to the hospital. Dr. Xia personally examined him. After two hours of emergency treatment, he finally came out, looking at Xia Xiaowei with a strange expression and said, "Miss Xia, your father's condition is not serious, but..."
"How is he? Hurry and tell me, you're killing me with worry."
"If you wanted to do it yourself, why did you look for me? Your father's lower body is severely injured and requires removal surgery. Your concerns have been resolved."
"Ah, is this true? You didn't do it?"
Dr. Xia said, "You can't speak nonsense. I performed the surgery with my colleagues. All the examination results are here. I am a doctor who adheres to medical ethics. Don't ruin me."
Meng Xiaowei hadn't expected that the matter she had been so worried about would be resolved so easily. However, she found it very strange and felt uneasy rather than happy.
It was too coincidental, and the injury was to that specific area, while the rest of his body was unharmed. Could it be such a coincidence?