Chapter 474: Brothers Reunited

"You're responsible for this yourself; get a loan from a bank in the country."

Hearing the boss's response, Ma Tengdong was momentarily stunned, not knowing the boss's true intentions. Was this a reprimand?

Comparing his situation with that of Gavin Peters, Ma Tengdong couldn't help but think negatively.

The acquisition of the bookstore shares by Jiuding Publishing would get unconditional support from Jiuding Bank, but when it came to him, he had to find a bank loan himself and was specifically told to get it from banks in the country. There must be some hidden meaning behind this.

Seeing Ma Tengdong's confused expression, Xia Yu realized he was overthinking and continued, "But remember this: if you get a loan from a Japanese bank, you must repay it in US dollars. Complete the loan as quickly as possible, and buy and renovate the shops in Japan."

"Go ahead. Both of you, make sure to move quickly!"

After speaking, Xia Yu pretended not to notice Ma Tengdong's questioning expression and waved his hand to dismiss him.

Ma Tengdong had no choice but to swallow his questions, heavily burdened with thoughts, and left the office with Gavin Peters.

After they left, Li Qian approached and sat next to Xia Yu, puzzled, and asked, "Xia Yu, why didn't you let Manager Ma ask his question earlier? You usually listen patiently to your subordinates' reports and suggestions, but today was the first time you didn't want to answer and dismissed him."

Li Qian, who spent every day with Xia Yu, could easily tell whether his actions were intentional. It seemed that for the first time, Xia Yu was not willing to listen.

Seeing Li Qian's curiosity, Xia Yu thought for a moment and decided to broaden her perspective, saying, "I know what he wanted to ask — his doubts about the loan and questions about opening the store. I intentionally didn't let him ask."

"Why?"

Li Qian blinked her sparkling eyes, asking out of curiosity.

"Ma Tengdong is quite capable, but he is a bit too reliant on me. Plus, he's had things going smoothly for him, so he lacks experience in handling major setbacks. This is his first significant challenge."

"He was calm in a crisis and came up with two solutions, which is good enough, but I think he can do even better."

"Unfortunately, he didn't. Instead, he immediately thought of seeking my help, which is problematic."

"What I need most is a strong leader who can stand on his own, not a puppet. Ma Tengdong has this potential. Since I've identified the problem, as his boss, I need to hone his skills and guide him to grow in the right direction."

"As a boss, you not only need to understand how to manage subordinates but also how to cultivate talent. This is fundamental to the long-term success of a business."

"This time, I've made the key decisions, and the overall direction is correct. There's no need to worry about making mistakes or losses. How to execute it specifically will depend on him."

Xia Yu explained patiently. After finishing, he noticed Li Qian deep in thought and smiled slightly. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, not disturbing Li Qian's contemplation.

Xia Yu had instructed Ma Tengdong to seek a loan from Japanese banks but didn't specify how to proceed. This allowed Ma Tengdong to figure it out himself. Xia Yu wanted to observe how Ma Tengdong would handle this.

The simplest way to get a loan could be to use the company's equity or assets as collateral; this is the most straightforward approach.

Alternatively, Ma Tengdong could use more complex methods, such as a combination of credit loans and collateralized loans. For example, he could use part of the loan for purchasing shops and then use the shop ownership certificates as collateral for another loan, repeating the cycle. This approach relies on the fact that collateral loans are typically 70% to 80% of the asset value, and the value of the collateral will decrease each time until it's no longer possible to get more loans.

While the second method is more complicated, it showcases a strategy of using others' money to develop one's own business.

There are certainly more ways to secure loans. As the company's general manager, Ma Tengdong should understand capital operations.

Regarding Xia Yu's instruction for Ma Tengdong to borrow in US dollars and repay in US dollars, Ma Tengdong didn't understand the reason at first. However, he would realize it later, and it would leave a deep impression on him, pushing him to grow.

Currently, Xia Yu was dealing with the currency exchange market in Japan. Ma Tengdong borrowing in US dollars and repaying in US dollars would also capitalize on exchange rate differences.

With the current exchange rate being lower, around 240 yen to one dollar, but potentially dropping to 200 yen or lower by the time of repayment, there was an opportunity to gain a 40-yen exchange rate difference on each dollar repaid.

Regardless of the international fluctuations in the US dollar, the yen's purchasing power within Japan wouldn't change rapidly.

The more Ma Tengdong borrows, the more he will gain. The bank's interest alone would be profitable, and the only ones losing would be the banks.

So, one could imagine that whichever bank Ma Tengdong approached would be unlucky.

After this, Xia Yu stopped thinking about it and continued his busy day.

---

As night fell, Hong Kong, which had been bustling all day, started its nighttime splendor. Neon lights illuminated the streets, and pedestrians strolled leisurely.

Victoria Harbour was adorned with colorful lights, and the Peninsula Hotel shone even more brightly at night.

At this moment, three figures stood observing, clearly Xia Yu, Xia Jun, and Xia Lei, the three brothers.

"Ah Lei, you're the host tonight. Brother Jun and I will follow your arrangements."

Xia Yu withdrew his gaze and smiled at the much-matured Xia Lei.

"Yes, Ah Lei, it's rare for you to treat us. I've been looking forward to it for a long time."

Xia Jun also said cheerfully.

Xia Lei grinned broadly, his demeanor far from the fierce and cold look typical of the underworld. If the members of the Tiger Gang saw their leader like this, they would be astonished.

"Hehe, I've already booked a private room. Let's go."

Xia Lei said, still not moving. Only when Xia Yu and Xia Jun started walking did he follow quietly, always a half-step behind Xia Yu.

Xia Yu noticed this detail but didn't point it out. He thought to himself, the complex world of the underworld had indeed made Xia Lei mature a lot. Previously, Xia Lei would never have paid attention to such details.

Although Xia Yu didn't need Xia Lei to act this way, Xia Lei's attention to such details was commendable, and Xia Yu chose not to break the mood.

Regardless, Xia Lei was his brother, and that was enough!

Soon, the three were guided to their private room by the waiter.

Xia Yu was surprised to find that Xia Lei had booked the top-level luxury private room, which Xia Yu had visited a few times before.

This room was the best in the Peninsula Hotel. Through the curved floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook Victoria Harbour and enjoy the stunning night view.

This was Xia Jun's first time here. Upon seeing the view, he immediately went to the floor-to-ceiling window to admire it, occasionally shaking his head in amazement.

Xia Yu and Xia Lei also approached and lined up naturally.

"This view is indeed beautiful. No wonder people say the best place to view Victoria Harbour's night scene is the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel. The rumors are true."

Xia Jun exclaimed in admiration.

"Yes, it's really stunning, even more beautiful than the view from the mountain top when we were kids. It's my first time here too. It's an eye-opener."

Xia Lei agreed with a nod.

Xia Yu listened to their praise with a faint smile and did not speak. He could have brought his brothers here just as they had dreamed of visiting the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel from the mountain top.

However, Xia Yu did not do so. His goal was not just to reach the top floor but to ensure that all three brothers were in positions of prominence.

If they hadn't achieved such status, reaching this place would have lacked significance.

Now, while Xia Jun was merely a minor leader in the Hong Kong police, he had at least risen above many others.

More notably, Xia Lei had become a regional boss, controlling the fate of others. With such power and status, Xia Lei had the courage to host this event.

"Ah Lei, I haven't congratulated you on becoming a major boss yet!"

Xia Jun turned to Xia Lei, smiling, with mixed feelings.

Xia Lei smiled and said casually, "What major boss? People in the underworld are not highly regarded. Without Ah Yu, I'd still be a reckless young man."

As he spoke, Xia Lei looked at Xia Yu with gratitude.

"Ah Lei, don't underestimate yourself. Although my influence played a role, the most important factor was your own effort."

"It's said that changes in environment and status can easily transform a person. Ah Lei, you've changed significantly in the past six months, displaying the demeanor of a major boss."

Xia Yu praised, surprised by Xia Lei's transformation.

But considering the situation, it made sense.

As the saying goes, one doesn't plot state affairs if they're not in the position. When Xia Lei was just a thug, his subconscious focus was on fighting and brawling.

However, as Xia Yu pushed him into a leadership role, his goals and perspectives began to shift. As he accumulated more subordinates, he instinctively started to consolidate and cultivate his

 team. Over time, Xia Lei's mindset and abilities underwent a tremendous change.

Looking at Xia Lei now, although he still had some youthful fuzz on his face due to his age, his demeanor and attitude were far beyond his years. He exuded an aura of authority and maturity.

"Brother Jun, now that Ah Lei has become a big boss, it's your turn. Strive to become the top police chief as soon as possible."

Xia Yu said to Xia Jun with a smile.

Xia Jun immediately smiled wryly, noting how difficult it was. Regardless of the system, hierarchical rules existed, and even with a strong background, one couldn't rise to the top instantly.

"This police chief position was arranged by you, Ah Yu. I'll do my best from now on. Thanks to your connections, Commissioner Li Junxia has been very supportive, and even Deputy Director Han Yili remembers me. With their help, I'll strive to climb higher!"

Xia Jun said seriously, resolving to leverage Xia Yu's influence to advance his career and avoid being overshadowed by Xia Lei.

"Brother Jun, you can do it. I support you. Once you reach the top, cover me!"

Xia Lei lightly punched Xia Jun's arm and laughed.

Xia Jun rolled his eyes and retorted, "Or do you expect me to lead a team to arrest you?"

"Hehe, that won't do. I'm your brother!"

Hearing Xia Jun's words, Xia Lei laughed.

Seeing the two brothers, one in law enforcement and the other in the underworld, chatting and laughing, Xia Yu felt it was quite interesting and had a hint of anticipation. If Xia Jun were to be promoted to police chief and Xia Lei became the king of the underground world, the scenario would be thrilling to imagine.

Although it would be challenging to achieve, it was not impossible. It all depended on future efforts!

"Let's sit down!"

After admiring the night view for a while, Xia Yu suggested.

The three then sat at the table, sipping tea and eating snacks.

"By the way, Ah Lei, how is the situation with the Tiger Gang now? Have you managed to get things under control?"

Throwing a jujube into his mouth, Xia Yu casually asked.

Xia Lei smiled and replied, "No problem. Initially, my influence in the Tiger Gang was the third largest, and my reputation was decent. After Wang Hu and Liao Pengfei died, a few others tried to rise to power based on their seniority and connections. I followed your advice, strongly suppressing them and forcibly integrating the other two factions. Now, I've achieved preliminary control."

"The Tiger Gang's personnel have been restructured. My trusted subordinates are now distributed across various teams, so there are no more significant issues."

"That's good!"

Xia Yu said with relief.

In fact, when planning initially, Xia Yu had already warned Ma Qianjun, so Ma Qianjun had considered the issue of Xia Lei taking over.

He had arranged tasks based on the list provided by Xia Lei. During the chaos, the Web Squad specifically targeted some small leaders of the Tiger Gang, eliminating eight or nine mid-level leaders and clearing a significant portion of obstacles for Xia Lei.

Otherwise, with just a few people trying to rise to power, Xia Lei wouldn't have been able to easily consolidate the factions.

"However, now that I've taken this position, I realize how difficult it is to manage a faction."

Xia Lei's smile faded, and he looked a bit gloomy, sighing.

"Is it that difficult?"

Xia Jun, who had been listening quietly, asked with curiosity.

"Yes, the Tiger Gang has over 800 members. The difficulty in managing them is one thing; just their monthly expenses are quite large."

Xia Lei scratched his short hair, expressing his frustration.

Indeed, despite Xia Yu's guidance, he paid a lot of attention to recruiting talent, but no amount of talent could replace his role in managing the entire gang. Some matters required the boss's direct involvement.

If the Tiger Gang's income had been high before, given the profit in the yellow, gambling, and drugs industries.

However, the issue was that Xia Yu had forbidden him from engaging in drugs, and he had complied. Originally, his small faction did not deal in drugs. Fortunately, with Xia Yu's financial support, they were still thriving, expanding and growing stronger.

But with Wang Hu and Liao Pengfei previously involved in drugs, and now that Xia Lei had taken over, the drug business would be cut off. The Tiger Gang's income would definitely plummet.

As a new big boss, Xia Lei felt uncomfortable constantly relying on Xia Yu's money, as it would make him seem ineffectual. Furthermore, it wasn't a sustainable plan for the gang's growth.

The larger the faction, the more it could help Xia Yu in the future!

Xia Lei's thoughts were almost written on his face, and Xia Yu, momentarily surprised, ended up smiling.

Xia Lei's mindset indicated his maturity, which was a good sign!

"Ah Lei, what are the sources of income for the Tiger Gang?"