As the charity gala concluded, the business discussions commenced.
Ye Longlin, naturally, did not leave, and his presence exerted considerable pressure on the assembled business magnates.
Shi Yi, holding a glass of red wine, slowly approached. Prior to this, he had displayed no particularly dazzling demeanor.
Yet, no one could overlook the fact that he was the initiator of this charity gala.
"Ye Longlin? Pleased to meet you."
Shi Yi extended a hand with a jovial smile, his expression giving off an inadvertently naive impression.
To truly believe him would be a grave mistake.
Shi Yi was never one to be trifled with. In Rongcheng, he was known as the Smiling Tiger, notorious for his ruthless methods and disregard for rules.
"People from the Shi family likely wouldn't be pleased to meet me. Are you genuinely pleased?"
Shi Yi's smile remained unchanged, an aura of harmony perpetually gracing his features.
"Since they are already dead, it's best to let them rest in peace. There's nothing worth dwelling on. Besides, I know my sister's personality very well; she was too easily offended.
Previously, no one dealt with her. Now, even if she wanted to cause trouble, she wouldn't be able to. But she is still my sister, after all. Might I ask, Mr. Ye, where she is buried?"
Shi Yi's words were masterfully crafted. The implication was clear: he harbored no intention of seeking retribution but merely wished to pay his respects.
By all accounts, he was obligated to do so.
"The entire Zhao family is her burial ground. If you wish to visit, you may do so at any time."
Ye Longlin tapped the table, his tone nonchalant.
Shi Yi's lips twitched, and he took a deep breath. "May I ask for Mr. Ye's opinion on the current situation in Southern Province? After all, the province is divided into four factions, and you, sir, hold half of it."
He sought to glean Ye Longlin's plans from his words.
However, Ye Longlin was well aware of such clumsy tactics.
"It has nothing to do with you. If you try to get involved, you will meet the same fate as your sister. However... I have already met Shi Hao. He is as cunning as you, but lacks your depth of experience. He is too impatient."
These words essentially revealed Shi Hao's intentions.
Following this, Ye Longlin glanced at Mu Hanqi, then at Mu Rongtianyun and Mu Ye. "Shall we find a place for some tea?"
"Let's go home, I'm so sleepy,"
Mu Hanqi yawned, her voice listless.
The event had concluded past ten o'clock, and by the time they returned, it would be past eleven. She couldn't even be bothered to apply a face mask at home.
The trio, with a shared sigh, smiled ruefully.
They then gradually departed.
Shi Yi watched their receding figures, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Leak the information about Ye Longlin obtaining the roster. Especially the northern expansion from the capital and the southern push into the province."
His confidant nodded slightly. "Understood."
The Shi family's three sons had come to Southern Province for Ye Longlin. Now that the latter possessed such a background, it was only natural to leverage it.
Moreover, they were not to be underestimated. They had come specifically to confront Ye Longlin and would not stand idly by.
In the villa, the three sat in the living room. Mu Hanqi had already gone upstairs to sleep, usually retiring around ten-thirty.
"Once news of this roster spreads, it will undoubtedly sow fear and provoke retaliation from many. You are aware of how many people were involved in the pursuit back then. With so many individuals, even the Dragon Pavilion might struggle to suppress them, let alone the Martial Arts Association watching from the sidelines.
Furthermore, the Ye family has been keeping a close eye on Southern Province, which is why they sent Ye Shuangquan. Their intentions are as clear as day to anyone passing by."
Mu Ye sampled the tea from Ye Longlin's home and couldn't help but smack his lips. "Indeed, the level is different, so the tea is different too."
Ye Longlin smiled. "You can take it with you."
Mu Rongtianyun shot Mu Ye a disapproving glance, as if he had never seen the world. He then composed himself. "The Ye family paid a considerable price to send Ye Shuangquan here. Although the Ye family ultimately won the final exchange, it was not without its complexities.
As for the price the Ye family paid, only they themselves know. All I am aware of is that the cost incurred by the Ye family was substantial. That is all."
As the conversation progressed, this matter was discussed to its conclusion, as there was no further point in continuing.
Mu Ye remained silent for a moment before returning to the previous topic. "The logistics industry currently has no room for survival. Entering the market now would mean snatching food from others' mouths, making it exceedingly difficult.
Furthermore, to enter the logistics sector at this point would require not just a small amount of capital, but potentially tens of billions. No investor would be foolish enough to stir up trouble in an industry at this juncture, especially when the logistics sector has just stabilized and is in a period of profitability."
Mu Ye's concerns were not unfounded. The logistics industry had finally achieved a semblance of stability, with at least five companies boasting revenues exceeding one hundred billion yuan, forming the top tier.
The second tier comprised twenty-three companies with revenues exceeding ten billion yuan.
The third tier consisted of twenty-seven companies with revenues below ten billion yuan.
Moreover, these top five companies alone controlled half of the express delivery market, with a combined market share exceeding fifty-eight percent. This was not to mention other established companies; these were merely the five industry leaders.
Ye Longlin was not privy to these details. His plans did not include any specific references to them, thus he was unaware.
"We will discuss this matter further. I am currently undecided whether to proceed. I have my people analyzing the feasibility of this venture. If it proves viable, I will enter the industry. Naturally, if it is not feasible, I will abandon it."
Ye Longlin merely had a tentative idea. Whether it could be realized depended on the analysis from the Dragon Pavilion.
The two did not elaborate further, as for them, the decision to proceed or not was secondary to the thoughts of the man before them.
If he wished to proceed, as long as it was known he was behind it, any commercial tactics would be rendered ineffective. After all, no matter how powerful one's business strategies were, they couldn't contend with Ye Longlin.
With a single decree, even if you were unwilling, you would have to comply!
"Alright, you may leave now. It would be best not to interfere in Southern Province matters. The days ahead for Southern Province will not be peaceful. If you get involved, you might be consumed."
Ye Longlin offered his counsel.
The Martial Arts Association, the Shi family, the Ye family, local powers, and the political struggles of the capital... these were not forces that ordinary individuals could meddle with. Within this complex web, one's life could be forfeit at any moment!
Naturally, the Shi family would be the first to face consequences!
"In that case, we shall take our leave. If there is any news from the capital, I will have Mu Ye inform you."