Chapter 1393: Go Back on Your Words/ Give Goode UpTranslator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
Chapter 1361: Go Back on Your Words
Originally, when Chen Fei first saw Jing Xiaolu, he thought that she was merely Bao Sanli’s relative or girlfriend and that the vice president position was merely a fake t.i.tle gifted to her. However, Chen Fei knew that he had underestimated her after hearing Bao Sanli’s words. With such a clever mind, it was not anything extraordinary to become the vice president of the company.
He stared at Jing Xiaolu in a praiseful manner, said “not bad”, and continued listening to Bao Sanli’s description. However, the “not bad” had already satisfied Jing Xiaolu. It meant that she was really capable if she could receive Chen Fei’s praise. Thinking about this, Jing Xiaolu smiled lightly without being conscious of it. Now that this matter had reached this phase, more than half of the problems had already been solved. At least, they wouldn’t have to humiliate themselves in front of Yang Ming.
“President Bao, Vice President Jing, please wait at the resting room for a while. I still have other matters to attend to, and won’t be able to accompany you two. However, I will give this contract to the recognition department to conduct fingerprint recognition. Once the results are out, I will bring it back here immediately.” Chen Fei brought Bao Sanli and Jing Xiaolu into a resting room and told them.
Chen Fei was impressed with Jing Xialu ever since he knew that she was the one who the fingerprint problem. Naturally, his tone became more respectful as well.
“Okay, Chief Chen. You go ahead and do your stuff first. We’ll just wait here. Don’t mind us.” Bao Sanli said immediately. As the bureau chief, Chen Fei must have a lot of work to do every day. Because of this, Bao Sanli would not ask Chen Fei to accompany him.
Chen Fei nodded and left the resting room. Bao Sanli and Jing Xiaolu were feeling very anxious about the report results and did not have any mood to visit the police station nor have a chit chat.
…
In a day, the Lancer Family’s business had received attacks on many different levels. Ever since the news had come out of the Buffon Family cutting off all business ties with the Lancer Family, almost all of the Lancer Family’s business partners had cut their ties with them as well, and immediately announced that they would not do any business with the Lancer Family anymore. All of a sudden, the Lancer Family’s firearm business had no buyers at all.
Originally, Thomas and Kevithan were still worrying about their shortage of supply as they had been selling much more than they could handle. They were planning to limit their supplies to the outside, and use it to sustain themselves for a while. After Kevithan managed to contact and acquire a lucrative project from his cousin Jetson who was working at Central, they would then dispose of all the firearms business that they have.
However, while they were preparing to temporarily limit their supplies, those businessmen that had firearms business with the Lancer Family decided to not show up to buy their products anymore, and were all doing their best to avoid them.
It should be known that excluding the special firearms given to w.a.n.g Songshan’s b.u.t.terfly Family, other firearms were being sold everywhere in the market. The Lancer Family was not the only seller. Therefore, the Lancer Family’s customers did not dare to offend the Buffon Family by continuing to buy goods from the Lancer Family. Instead, they all turned to other suppliers.
This was nothing compared to what happened next. A surprise inspection was performed on all licensed firearms shops. Since the Lancer Family had such a large scale business, it was unavoidable for tax evasion to occur. This was not a secret in the higher level of society. However, this time, someone came to trouble the Lancer Family.
After the investigation, not only had the Lancer Family’s shops been seized, but they were also penalized a huge sum of money. This made the panicking Lancer Family be in even more trouble than they were in the past.
The most unacceptable part was that if the peripheral members of the Lancer Family went out to either buy daily necessities or to work in their shop, they would be attacked by unidentifiable mysterious people. Although the attacks were not lethal, those that were attacked were beaten until they were bruised.
At this point, the Lancer Family finally understood that Thomas offending the b.u.t.terfly Family was the biggest mistake he had ever made in his life. The continuous problems that arose caused Kevithan’s good mood from acquiring the family master position to vanish instantly.
He hadn’t even enjoyed the fun brought to him by the family master’s authority and was already forced to exhaustion by these problems. Whenever he managed to solve something, another problem would arise. With all these problems compiling onto the Lancer Family, it made Kevithan unable to catch his breath.
The Lancer Family was forced to have a second family meeting in a day. For this meeting, the person sitting on the main seat had been changed to Kevithan. However, his facial expression was not any better compared to Thomas.
This was because the b.u.t.terfly Family did not only want to stop the Lancer Family’s firearm business. Based on the stance the b.u.t.terfly Family took, they would come and haunt the Lancer Family no matter what business they did in the future.
Firearms shops being shut down; business partner’s betrayal; and family members being attacked by unknown strangers. These all showed the b.u.t.terfly Family’s determination to retaliate.
“Who knew that the b.u.t.terfly Family’s revenge would come this quickly. They have already shaken the foundations of our Lancer Family.” Kevithan sighed. He suddenly realized that promising Thomas to ensure Goode’s safety was a mistake.
From the looks of it now, it seemed that the b.u.t.terfly Family would never let it go without achieving their goal. It was impossible for the Lancer Family to lose their firearm business solely for protecting Goode. From the b.u.t.terfly Family’s actions, they were announcing that if they don’t hand out Goode, they would not let them go.
This part bothered Kevithan the most. His original plan was to let the Lancer Family give up their firearm business. He thought that the b.u.t.terfly Family would not be so forceful after the Lancer Family suffered such a loss. With this, they would be able to protect Goode. With Jetson’s help, the Lancer Family could also prosper in other businesses, and their sales wouldn’t be that far off compared to the firearms business either.
However, he never imagined that the b.u.t.terfly Family wanted Goode so badly. It was apparent from their harsh methods t. Besides, this was just the start.
They were able to make such a big fuss in just a day. Who knew what lay ahead for the Lancer Family.
When Kevithan opened his mouth, Thomas already knew something bad was about to happen. How could Thomas not understand the b.u.t.terfly Family’s goal in doing this? It seemed that if they didn’t hand out Goode, the b.u.t.terfly Family would definitely not let them go.
“The b.u.t.terfly Family had suffered some grievances last time. I guess it’s only normal for them to want to vent out their anger. After they have finished venting, everything will return to normal.” Thomas had to say this for Goode’s sake. ” Let’s endure this for the time being. If we don’t endure this, our bigger plan would fail.”
“Hmph. Thomas, your words are a little incorrect.” Lecroft snorted. Kevithan and Thomas knew about the situation they were in, so how could Lecroft not know? “Everything will turn back to normal after they finish venting? Do you really think that this is the b.u.t.terfly Family venting? If they wanted to vent, the cancellation of our firearm supplies would already be enough. Do they really have to use all these underhanded methods? It’s apparent that they won’t stop their actions. If we don’t hand out Goode, then they will keep on doing this.”
Lecroft’s words caused Kevithan’s facial expression to worsen. If he agreed to Lecroft’s points, then that meant that he would not be able to protect Goode, which also meant that he would not be able to keep the promise he made before becoming the family master. When the time comes, Thomas or Lecroft would be able to use this to criticize him, and he would not be able to refute them.
But if he didn’t agree, then with the situation as it was now, the unfortunate one would still be him, the family master. They had reached the phase where the situation was uncontrollable. Even if there was a new project and a new business, with the way the b.u.t.terfly Family acts, they definitely wouldn’t allow the Lancer Family to survive peacefully.
After letting out a long sigh, Kevithan could only say the truth. “The situation we are in right now is just like what you guys saw. As for what to do, let’s all just have a vote. Do we choose to endure it a little longer, or do we hand out Goode….”
“Kevithan, what do you mean by that?” Thomas immediately interrupted Kevithan before he could finish speaking. “You must understand, the only reason why I handed the family master’s position to you was because you agreed to protect Goode. Now, you want to hand him out. Do you really want to go back on your words?”
“I-” Kevithan was speechless. His face was a little red, and he couldn’t talk at all. Indeed, in the morning, he had even vowed to protect Goode’s life at all costs. And now, he was having a meeting about handing out Goode. Although it was a little unacceptable, the situation now was different from before.
Chapter 1362 Give Goode Up
“That’s right. If we were to finally hand out Goode, then isn’t it the same no matter who becomes the family master? You think that it is your position?” Lecroft snorted. “We let you become the family master because you can protect Goode, and we can’t. If you are unable to protect him, then you might as well just retire from the family master position.”
Kevithan was unable to refute Lecroft’s words. However, Lecroft was right. When he was fighting for the position of the family master, his promise to protect Goode’s life allowed him to a.s.sume the position.
“Lecroft, you aren’t being very helpful.” Slade coldly stared at Lecroft. “Our meeting now is to find a way to counter our current situation, not to start a coup. Besides, Kevithan never mentioned anything about giving up Goode; it’s just that the current situation forces us to do so. We are letting everyone vote on protecting Goode. It’s not that Kevithan doesn’t want to protect him, but he’s afraid that protecting Goode would affect our profits.”
Slade’s words pushed all the responsibilities away from Kevithan. They meant that Kevithan had never meant to give up on Goode, and he was just pointing out how the others weren’t willing to do so. Therefore, he wanted to have a discussion with them. Now that everyone had decided to give up Goode, then even if Kevithan was the family master and wanted to protect Goode, he also wouldn’t be able to go against the elders’ objections.
With this, the responsibilities all fell onto the few elders instead of Kevithan.
“You-” Lecroft glared at Slade, but was unable to refute him. He snorted angrily.
“What about me? Besides, Kevithan’s cousin is from Central. He can simply give us any technological program, and Kevithan will be able to support our Lancer Family for his whole lifetime. Who else is as capable as Kevithan?” Slade had to ensure Kevithan’s position. At this moment, it couldn’t be taken away.
This time, Lecroft couldn’t even think of anything to refute. He knew that he was not capable of doing so. With the situation as it was now, then even if they were to hand Goode out to calm the b.u.t.terfly Family, they would not be able to recover the business relations.h.i.+ps with the Buffon Family.
Lecroft knew that even if he was the family master, he would have no idea of what to do. Kevithan, on the other hand, had support from his cousin who was working in Central. Even if they didn’t have the support of Buffon Family, he would be able to bring the Lancer Family back to glory in a short span of time.
Lecroft knew that he had no choice after thinking of this. He could only direct his gaze towards Thomas to ask him to continue criticizing Kevithan.
However, after Thomas heard what Slade said, the words that he wanted to use to criticize Kevithan were all gone. This was all because when Slade explained Kevithan’s actions, it made it sound like Kevithan himself didn’t want to let go of Goode, but was instead pressured by the family to hand him over. It had no relation with Kevithan at all.
“The current situation is quite demanding. Therefore, I agree to let go of Goode, in exchange for calming the b.u.t.terfly Family.” Slade was the first to raise his hand. He obviously wanted to use all his might to pave the path for his son. Since he was already so old, he didn’t care about anything anymore. He was also not afraid to stand out and offend anyone. What’s there to worry about offending Thomas? He was not the family master anymore. As long as his son’s position as the family master was ensured, then he didn’t care about what Thomas thought.
Everyone present threw Slade belittling glances when he was the first to raise his hands and speak up. How could this guy say these words? Does he have no shame at all? He is obviously paving the path for Kevithan.
However, no one dared to say it aloud. Opposing Slade meant that they wanted to protect Goode. No one wanted to become the sinner of the family! Who would dare to protect Goode in this kind of situation? Protecting Goode might cause the family to perish.
Seeing how no one said anything, Slade snorted and turned to Lecroft. “Lecroft, as the third elder of the family, tell me your choice. Do you want to protect Goode, or give up on him?”
“I…” Lecroft did not expect Slade to ask him first. He must have offended Slade with his previous words, which caused Slade to target him. However, he had no choice, because he was the third elder. In previous meetings, after the first elder Slade had spoken, it would be his turn as the third elder to speak up.
Although Thomas was no longer the family master and had retired to become the second elder, this problem was related to his grandson. It was also the first time he used the position of the second elder to attend the family meeting. Therefore, it wasn’t inappropriate for Lecroft to speak up after Slade.
“What’s wrong, Lecroft? Do you want to be the sinner of our Lancer Family?” Slade raised his eyebrows and coldly stared at Lecroft. “This is the crucial time to decide the life or death of our family. You must be responsible for your words,”
Lecroft was a little shocked and felt a little angry. He then took a deep breath. Although he didn’t want to open his mouth, Slade had already linked this matter to the life and death of the family. He was forced to give his opinion. “I agree to give up Goode. After all, the family’s interests are the number one priority.”
“Second elder, how about you?” Slade was very satisfied with Lecroft’s answer. He smiled and nodded his head before he turned to Thomas. “However, since two out of the three elders have reached an agreement, your opinion is not important anymore. Even if you were to object, it would be two against one, and we will still have to give up Goode. I now announce that per the family elders’ votes, we will give up Goode to calm the b.u.t.terfly Family’s anger.”
“Slade, you-” Thomas was so angry that his face turned pale. One hand was holding onto his chest, and he was breathing heavily. His other hand pointed at Slade, and his fingers were trembling as well. “You are very vicious.”
“The family’s interests are more important than anything else,” Slade replied plainly as if he did not notice Thomas’s posture.
“Since everyone has agreed on this, then I have no other choice.” Kevithan let out a sigh of relief. He felt very grateful for what his dad had done. “Although I really want to protect Goode, everyone has objected. Since the family’s benefits are the most important, I have decided to listen to everyone’s opinion.”
“You cannot do this!” Thomas’s hand slammed the table fiercely. “I want to see who dares to send Goode away! Even if I, Thomas, am not the family master anymore, I want to see who in the Lancer Family is capable of going against my wis.h.!.+”
Slade and Kevithan’s facial expression worsened after hearing Thomas’s words. Indeed, they had overlooked this fact. Although Thomas wasn’t the family master anymore, he had many confidants in the family since he had been one for so long, and had worked hard to maintain the family over the years. These people would directly listen to Thomas’s orders and were his absolute underlings. Even if Thomas wasn’t the family master anymore, they would still obey him.
As long as these people still existed, then no matter if it was Slade or Kevithan, they would not be able to rule over the whole Lancer Family.
Right now, the happiest person was none other than Lecroft. He had just been forced to agree to Slade’s opinions, and it had made feel very p.i.s.sed. He felt a little glee seeing how Thomas was going against Slade.
Aren’t you very capable? Let me see what can you do now. You can’t back out nor advance, can you?
Thomas did not say anything further. He stood up and walked out of the meeting room, and left a silhouette of his back carved into the mind of everyone present.
Slade and Kevithan both stared at each other! If Thomas remained persistent, then they would not be able to do anything to Goode! After all, more than half of the underlings in the Lancer Family listened directly to Thomas’s orders.
“I’ve already presented my opinions. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave.” Lecroft laughed smugly. He then stood up and followed Thomas out of the room.
“No way!” Slade slammed the table with his hand. “These people! The family has already reached such a state, and yet they are still fighting with each other! Let’s see how happy they would be if the family was swallowed by the b.u.t.terfly Family!”
As Slade was scolding others, he never realized that he was also helping his son Kevithan to s.n.a.t.c.h the position of the family master previously. Now that Kevithan was the family master, Slade’s perspective had naturally changed to that of a family master, and his way of thinking was naturally different.