Chapter 63

Brazil's World Cup semi-final against Germany concluded with a surprising score of 3:7, featuring an unexpected twist orchestrated by Louis Lehman.

In the second half of the match, the referee awarded two consecutive penalties to the Brazilian team, both subject to debate. However, the referee opted to grant the penalties. The timing was peculiar, considering Brazil was already trailing by six goals. It seemed a gesture to salvage some pride for the home team, earning the referee applause even from German fans.

"Hansen, head straight to the airport..." Yang Cheng commanded as he entered the Bentley Speeding, securing his seatbelt and directly addressing Hansen, his right-hand man.

Despite an invitation from Anthony's fiancée Natalia, Miranda Kerr reluctantly accepted a trip to Paris. Yang Cheng, fearing potential dangers, convinced Kerr to accompany Anthony on the journey.

"It's the boss."

July, being autumn in the southern hemisphere, blessed Brazil with a pleasant temperature. Post-game, at 8 o'clock in the evening, Yang Cheng, seated in the back row, gazed out the car window, a trace of contemplation etched on his face.

"Hansen, is this the only route to the airport?" Yang Cheng inquired, running his hand through his hair in bewilderment.

"Yes, this is the main road in Rio leading straight to the airport. There are alternative routes, but they involve detours," Hansen responded, recalling the city's map ingrained in his memory since their arrival.

Satisfied, Yang Cheng nodded, "Excellent. Accelerate once we clear the dense traffic. Have you contacted Yuanshan?"

Andrew, this time, responded, "Arrangements are in place, and we can take off upon arrival."

The completion of instructions preceded any further dialogue. Yang Cheng's right eyelid incessantly twitched, a harbinger of impending turbulence.

Just as he reached for the car refrigerator to fetch water, Andrew's abrupt exclamation interrupted the moment. "Get down..."

Trained in security protocols, Yang Cheng instinctively followed Andrew's directive, folding his hands behind his head and burying his face between his knees.

Subsequently, a colossal force struck from behind, accompanied by a symphony of metal crashes and airbag detonations, inducing a state of chaos.

Amid the crisis, Yang Cheng maintained a calm demeanor. His first instinct was to assess the car's impact, his body secured by the seatbelt. A myriad of sensations coursed through him, but he refrained from opening his eyes, mindful of the vertigo that awaited. The ordeal ceased only when the car's rear collided with a guardrail.

"Dizziness... must resist!" Yang Cheng admonished himself, acutely aware that Louis Lehman orchestrated the ambush. The "why" didn't matter; what mattered was settling the relentless vendetta.

Employing formidable willpower, he fought the urge to succumb to sleep. Unconsciousness was the body's defense mechanism, but Yang Cheng had a singular focus – returning to New York for revenge.

"Boss, are you alright?" Andrew called out, and Yang Cheng, still in a haze, responded with intermittent grins and utterances.

"The police are here. The driver causing the accident claimed he was drunk. We should proceed to the airport," Hansen reported after assessing the situation.

"Go to the airport and return to the United States," Yang Cheng weakly instructed, ignoring his injuries for the time being.

"The boss is intact, albeit with a minor arm fracture, a likely concussion, and no visible internal bleeding," Andrew relayed his initial diagnosis to Hansen. They knew these conditions wouldn't impede the flight, considering it was a private jet.

"Don't hesitate. I understand my body," Yang Cheng asserted, loosening his seatbelt and rising to his knees. He turned his attention to the driver responsible for the accident, donning an apologetic expression.

"Hansen, remember what the driver looks like," Yang Cheng, despite the pain, pressed on.

Boss, don't worry. I remember," Hansen assured, self-blame evident for Yang Cheng's injuries under their protection.

"Andrew, proceed to the airport," Yang Cheng coughed, a faint smile gracing his lips.

In a taxi, leaving the scene behind, Yang Cheng observed the indifference of ordinary people, even to the aftermath of the crash. The chaos of this country, a crime capital, held no allure for him in the short term. The people's struggles were no longer his concern. This battle had given Yang Cheng a profound understanding of himself, transcending the surface-level realizations of his previous life.

Now fully integrated into his new life, Yang Cheng shed the persona of a worker, resolved to live more seriously, abandoning the notion of playing with life. His past portrayal of a wealthy family member seemed like mere acting. The elevation of his consciousness brought about a transformation in his worldview, understanding a simple truth — his thoughts now, not just those of the original Yang Cheng.

During the 10-hour flight, Yang Cheng teetered on the verge of unconsciousness. As he boarded the plane, he collapsed onto the bed, resembling a puppet with its strings cut. The plane's first aid supplies, geared towards trauma, proved insufficient for a thorough diagnosis by Hansen and Andrew, both versed only in rudimentary battlefield first aid.

Hansen, through a satellite phone, kept Yang Sen informed of the unfolding events. The tumult on Wall Street, stemming from the enraged Yang Sen, was unbeknownst to the comatose Yang Cheng.

By 5:40 p.m. Eastern time, the stock market had closed. The executives of major financial institutions received urgent calls, compelling them to repurchase Hershey stocks, either at a premium or through high-quality stock exchanges.

Mr. Liu Muqian, engaged in official duties in Xiangjiang, received a call during a dinner party with prominent tycoons. Despite the chaos audible on the other end, Liu Muqian, perplexed by the situation, vented his frustration, exclaiming, "Lehman, I X-your mother!"

After a brief sojourn at his Texas home, Yang Yuanshan, without pause, sped to the airport, heading for Honolulu, Hawaii. Gossips from the neighbors hinted at gunshots fired at Yang Yuanshan's farm that night.

Word spread among the concerned, creating an atmosphere of impending turmoil. Everyone wondered what had befallen the Yang family. The truth, revealed through inquiries, indicated an ambush targeting the sole heir during his return to the United States. The uncertainty of Yang Cheng's fate, coupled with the involvement of the Lehman family, ignited a unanimous realization — something significant had transpired.