The Invitation from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Good news kept rolling in. Slepner was acquired for $150 million, and CoBIS Genetic Science, perhaps swayed by Bruce's words, was sold for $266 million after Christophe Henderson and Gilbert Gordon convinced the other minority shareholders. 

Bruce refused their initial proposal to convert their shares into stakes in the new company. His aim in painstakingly seeking out these small companies for full acquisition was to maintain complete control and not let others interfere, especially since Gilbert and the others didn't really have much room for bargaining.

With this, all three companies were successfully acquired according to plan, costing over $500 million - a huge sum but still within an acceptable range. Bruce's remaining funds were just enough for some initial investments to keep things running.

The merger of the three companies and the establishment of the new one involved a series of complex procedures and significant personnel changes.

Even with the support of an entire team and the existing structures of the three companies, it still required a lot of time and effort to sort out the relationships. Bruce found himself signing documents in the CoBIS office until his hand ached.

The creativity of humans in creating documents, rules, and procedures was something he couldn't help but admire; it was more troublesome than launching a campaign in the demon world.

A sudden phone call finally freed Bruce from these mundane tasks. It was from the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, inviting him to their annual celebration in three days. After hanging up, Bruce immediately called Citibank and Isaiah, instructing them to gather information about the Chamber.

At this moment, Bruce realized he still had much to do. His channels for information and his manpower were extremely limited. He could easily find himself in the dark, a situation he would need to address soon. For now, he had to rely on Citibank's people.

The invitation from the Chamber arrived in his office that afternoon, impressively efficient. Looking at the red invitation adorned with a golden dragon and phoenix, a design rich in Chinese characteristics,

Bruce pondered for a moment before deciding to attend. Despite having been in the United States for some time, both he and his predecessor had minimal contact with the local Chinese community.

Citibank's extensive network proved to be remarkably efficient, delivering the information to Bruce's desk the next day. Isaiah's information came a bit slower and was not as comprehensive as Citibank's.

The Los Angeles Chinese General Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1955 by a group of Chinese merchants, primarily to promote and develop businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area owned by Chinese. Additionally, through organizing events like the Golden Dragon Parade, Miss Chinatown beauty pageant, and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, it introduces Chinese traditional culture to other ethnic groups in America. The Chamber now has over 600 members and plays a significant role in the Los Angeles community.

Originally named "Chinatown General Chamber of Commerce" due to the early Chinese merchants being concentrated in Chinatown, it was later renamed as the Chinese community grew and spread to areas like San Gabriel Valley.

Today, many members of the Chamber are no longer based in Chinatown and have diversified their businesses from traditional restaurants, laundromats, and grocery stores to accounting, consulting firms, and more. Besides promoting business and culture, the Chamber has also made significant efforts in advocating for the rights of Chinese merchants.

In summary, this is a group that fosters mutual assistance among Chinese-funded enterprises, providing various services internally while acting as a gateway, communicator, and bridge externally.

Three days later, Bruce attended the celebration on time, held in Los Angeles' Chinatown. Despite the temperature being noticeably lower than the previous weekend's hundred-degree Fahrenheit heat, it was still blazing hot under the sun.

Nevertheless, Chinatown was bustling with people, especially at popular spots like Broadway and Sun Yat-Sen Plaza, with American tourists outnumbering Asian faces.

At the expansive Dragon and Phoenix Teahouse, Bruce met the current president of the Los Angeles Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Zhuang Siyuan. A Chinese-American whose family had settled in the United States three generations ago, Zhuang's name was distinctly Chinese. Although his Mandarin carried a slight accent, it was still quite standard.

"Mr. Lee, such a young and accomplished man, welcome, welcome," greeted Zhuang Siyuan, a man nearing his sixties. Dressed in a deep purple traditional Chinese outfit, he looked spirited. Bruce found this half-Chinese, half-English greeting somewhat unusual in Los Angeles.

"President Zhuang, thank you for the invitation. It's a pleasure to meet you," Bruce replied smoothly, shaking hands with him without showing any sign of discomfort.

"Your assistant can wait downstairs. We have a variety of teas and snacks available. Let's go upstairs for a seat," Zhuang suggested politely, glancing at Gus and another bodyguard following Bruce. Gus looked at Bruce, who nodded, before settling down with a waiter on the first floor.

The Dragon and Phoenix Teahouse was a four-story building, narrower at the top and wider at the base, making the top floor comparatively small - an unusual design, perhaps with a special purpose. The place was bustling with people, mostly of Chinese descent. Zhuang, leading the way, was warmly greeted by almost everyone, demonstrating his prestige.

They finally sat down by a window on the top floor. The area was surprisingly cool, evidently well-insulated from heat. Sitting by the breezy window, the two of them brewed tea, enjoying the view and conversation in harmony.

"I haven't been in Los Angeles for long. I'm curious how you found out about me," Bruce remarked, having felt that enough pleasantries had been exchanged, and took a sip of his tea.

"The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has weathered many storms over the decades in Los Angeles and has a solid foundation. Mr. Lee, you've spent so much on acquisitions here, clearly planning for long-term development. Our Chamber's mission has always been to advocate for and assist Chinese merchants. I wonder if you'd be interested in joining us. I believe it could be beneficial for your endeavors," Zhuang, while preparing the tea, replied with a warm smile, pouring more tea into Bruce's cup from a purple clay teapot.