Chapter 56: Left Arm and Right Arm

Hearing Xia Yu's sigh and seeing Xia Jun's disappointed expression, Xia Lei felt very uncomfortable. He knew both brothers meant well, but he was helpless.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Xia Lei suddenly shook off his gloom, grinning and showing his white teeth as he said, "Ah Yu, actually, I'm doing fine. You want to become a big shot, and you know the situation in Xiangjiang. You're bound to encounter some troubles in the future, and that's when I can help you out."

Xia Lei's sudden words left both Xia Yu and Xia Jun stunned. Seeing Xia Lei's cheerful smile, Xia Yu was moved, biting his lip but unable to speak.

Xia Jun patted Xia Lei on the shoulder. The two exchanged a look, and after a moment of silence, Xia Jun smiled again and advised Xia Yu, "Yes, Ah Yu, Xia Lei is right. You want to become a big shot, and your wealth is already substantial. You'll definitely make more money in the future. You'll need someone to handle some matters for you, and it should be a reliable person, someone you know well. Your own brother is the most suitable."

"That's right, Ah Yu. Rest assured, I'll climb up the ranks and become a major player. Then we'll see who dares to cause trouble for you!" Xia Lei said, patting his chest with determination in his eyes.

"Exactly, Ah Yu. With Xia Lei below, I'll climb up too. When it comes to the white road matters, you can turn to me. Who doesn't have some influence in both the underworld and above? We're grassroots, and it's hard to say how high we can climb, but I'll do my best to help you. If I become the chief investigator, I'll make sure no one dares to trouble you!" Xia Jun said with equal enthusiasm.

Seeing the change in Xia Jun and Xia Lei, Xia Yu was somewhat bewildered. He had intended to convince Xia Lei to step back, and Xia Jun had agreed, but now it had turned into a declaration of support. Xia Jun had sided with Xia Lei and was instead persuading him.

However, Xia Yu couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. After all, these were his brothers who had grown up with him. He had previously worried about potential conflicts between Xia Jun and Xia Lei in the future, but now they wanted to be his two strong arms, solely to better protect him. This left him feeling a mix of emotions, as if something was stuck in his throat, making him very uncomfortable.

"Ah Yu, we said we'd go to the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel to see Victoria Harbour. Since Brother Jun and I don't have the capability, we'll have to rely on you to take us up there," Xia Lei said, smiling and continuing to persuade Xia Yu.

"Yeah, Ah Yu, we know our own abilities. If we want to go up, we'll have to rely on you!" Xia Jun also chimed in with a smile.

Xia Yu opened his mouth, intending to say that he had the money now and could go to the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel anytime. 

But he stopped himself, realizing that it wasn't the right time to say that. He knew that Xia Jun and Xia Lei's mention of the Peninsula Hotel was just an excuse to persuade him, so if he said this, it might make them uncomfortable.

Taking a deep breath, Xia Yu looked at Xia Jun and Xia Lei, finding their eyes filled with anticipation and determination. He knew they were resolute in their decision. Xia Yu finally made up his mind.

Since Xia Jun and Xia Lei wanted to climb up to help him, Xia Yu would not be idle. He would push them up. If they wanted him to be in the Peninsula Hotel, he would ensure they could enter there proudly.

Even one day, he would buy the Peninsula Hotel himself and go up anytime.

"Alright, Chief Investigator Xia, Big Shot Xia, from now on, the matters of my big business will rely on you!" Xia Yu swept away his gloom, feeling a surge of confidence, and extended his fist to the three of them with a smile. He joked, calling them Chief Investigator and Godfather, and referring to himself as the Big Shot.

Seeing Xia Yu's gesture and hearing the titles he used for them, Xia Jun and Xia Lei burst into laughter, knowing that Xia Yu agreed with their plan. They also extended their fists to meet his, shouting loudly.

"Big Shot Xia, rest assured, this matter is up to Chief Investigator Xia."

"Big Shot Xia, don't worry, Big Shot Xia here is all set!"

"Hahaha!"

After laughing, the three exchanged smiles, and an agreement was reached.

After the laughter, Xia Yu suddenly thought of something and took out the 60,000 yuan. He had initially intended to give it to Xia Jun and Xia Lei, but now the money for Xia Lei needed to be repurposed.

Xia Yu took out 20,000 yuan and handed it to Xia Lei. Xia Lei was momentarily stunned and looked at Xia Yu in confusion, "Ah Yu, why are you giving me money? I don't want your money. You need it for business. I won't be able to use it."

After saying that, Xia Lei tried to return the money, but Xia Yu stopped him, "Ah Lei, take it. Let me finish."

Xia Lei halted his movement and stared at Xia Yu, waiting to hear what he had to say.

"Since you've decided to continue in this line of work, you'll need some subordinates to help you. You can't handle everything on your own; it's also very dangerous. Take this money, recruit more brothers, let them handle some tasks, and buy some supplements for your mother since her health isn't great. You should take good care of yourself too, and I'll give you another 20,000 yuan each month. If you need more money, just ask me," Xia Yu said.

Hearing Xia Yu's words, Xia Lei stopped refusing. After working for over a year, he knew that to have more subordinates, he needed to be able to provide for them well. If he had money, he could build a stronger force and climb higher.

Only by climbing higher could he better help Xia Yu. So, he nodded firmly and said, "Ah Yu, don't worry. I'll accept this money and won't let you down!"

Xia Yu didn't say much more, patting Xia Lei's shoulder before taking out another 20,000 yuan and handing it to Xia Jun.

Xia Jun didn't refuse and took it directly. He had more thoughts than Xia Lei and was smarter. He understood that climbing up required money for connections. Without Xia Yu's support, Xia Jun had no confidence in climbing up, but with it, he felt much more confident.

He also knew that only by climbing higher could he exert greater influence, better protect Xia Yu's business, and safeguard Xia Yu's interests.

"Ah Yu, don't worry. I understand the ways of the world. I just joined the police force and can use this opportunity to build good relationships. If I need money in the future, I won't be polite," Xia Jun said earnestly.

When he spoke of needing money, it was clear that he meant to use it for connections and positioning when vacancies arose.

Xia Yu didn't say much more to Xia Jun and took out the remaining 20,000 yuan, offering it to Xia Lei again. This time, Xia Lei didn't take it, but instead declined, "Ah Yu, you've already given me 20,000. That's enough!"

Both Xia Lei and Xia Jun had received 20,000 each. Xia Lei felt he couldn't take more.

"Don't overthink it. Brother Jun isn't that petty," Xia Yu said with a smile, understanding his concern.

Xia Jun gave Xia Lei a playful punch, saying, "Ah Lei, after a year in this line of work, have you lost your mind? Am I that petty?"

"Hehe, I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Xia Lei said awkwardly, but still hesitated to take the money.

Seeing that Xia Lei wouldn't accept the money until it was clearly explained, Xia Yu explained, "Take it. This money isn't for you. The matter from this morning is still not settled!"

Hearing Xia Yu mention the events from the morning, both Xia Jun and Xia Lei fell silent, waiting to hear more.

"Ah Lei, use this money as a reward. Whoever stole money from my house today, catch those people and tell me. If they stole my money and hurt Ah Ming, I'll make sure they can't get their hands on anything again! At the same time, it will serve as a warning to others. If they dare to trouble me, I can spend money to make them pay the price!" Xia Yu said to Xia Lei, his face showing a fierce expression.

This 20,000 yuan was not only for avenging his brother Xia Ming but also to establish his reputation, making those involved in the underworld understand that Xia Yu was not to be trifled with. They would think twice before causing trouble for Xia Yu in the near future.

Once Xia Yu resolved his own security issues, the people in the underworld would be even less likely to have any ideas.

It could be said that Xia Yu was spending money to buy time. He had felt the growing urgency of the security situation in Xiangjiang City.

Upon hearing Xia Yu's words, Xia Lei also showed a fierce expression and said, "Ah Yu, rest assured. If they dared to steal your money and hurt Ah Ming, they will definitely pay the price!"

"Ah Lei, if you find them, let me know. If they don

't spend ten or eight years in prison, I won't bear the Xia surname!" Xia Jun added.

"Okay, Ah Yu, Brother Jun. Don't worry. I'll go back and post the reward, then arrange for people to search for them. I'll definitely find them," Xia Lei nodded heavily and said.

Without further discussion, Xia Yu started the car and took the two to their destinations.

After dropping off Xia Jun and Xia Lei and watching their retreating figures, Xia Yu remained silent for a long time, reflecting on what had happened in the car. Finally, he sighed, "It's good this way. Brother Jun and Ah Lei are both working for me now, so the potential risks between them are eliminated, and they can indeed help me a lot."

"Just hope nothing happens to Ah Lei!"

Xia Yu narrowed his eyes and muttered, "Otherwise, if anything happens to either of my brothers, I will never forgive it!"