Chapter 856: Your Shoes Are a Bit Dirty

“Sir… Sir, we’re just doing our jobs. Please… please don’t make it hard for us.”

The two police officers swallowed nervously, their eyes filled with fear and pleading as they looked at Xu Shaochen.

One hundred million USDs—what does that even mean? To put it simply, give them one hundred million dollars, and they’d risk their lives to assassinate the president.

“Clack!”

Xu Shaochen pulled out a stack of crisp USDs from his wallet and threw it in front of the two.

“Bullets or cash. You choose.”

After saying this, Xu Shaochen continued drinking and eating, completely ignoring the two.

The two police officers exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming as they stared at the large bills on the ground.

In this capitalist society of Mg Country, everything revolves around money.

Was there even a choice between bullets and cash?

Moreover, in this situation, they weren’t even qualified to make decisions.

It looked like two choices, but there was really only one.

Without hesitation, both officers holstered their guns and bent down to pick up the USDs, stuffing them into their pockets.

“Sorry to interrupt your meal, sir. Don’t worry, we didn’t see anything. Your friend with the legendary Chinese Kung Fu fled before we arrived.”

One of the police officers looked at Xu Shaochen with a flattering smile. Then, noticing some dust on Xu Shaochen’s shoes, he said hurriedly:

“Oh my! Sir, your shoes are a bit dirty. Please, allow me to clean them. There’s no way such a fine pair of shoes should have any blemishes. It would certainly tarnish your noble image.”

Without waiting for Xu Shaochen’s approval, the officer threw himself to the ground, breathed on Xu Shaochen’s shoes, and polished them with his sleeve.

“All done, sir. Your shoes are spotless. My colleague and I will take our leave now.”

After wiping the shoes, the officer stood up, said these words, and left with his colleague.

As they left, they made sure to carefully close the private room door behind them.

Jenny was not surprised. After all, having grown up in Mg Country, she was used to seeing this kind of thing.

Chen Dongqiu also showed no reaction. He had seen plenty, treading through the gray areas of society.

However, the young man shot in the arm had his worldview completely shattered.

He simply couldn’t believe that these two were the same officers who had been so determined to arrest him just moments ago.

Indeed, to these Mg Country folks, money is everything. They’d even eat dirt if paid enough.

“Alright, I won’t ask why the police were after you. Now, get lost.”

Xu Shaochen’s voice snapped the young man out of his daze.

The young man looked at Xu Shaochen, forming a complex hand gesture with both hands and said seriously: “Big brother, we of the Hong Men repay our debts. Please, give me your name.”

“You don’t need to repay this favor. You can’t help me with the things I need, and you wouldn’t be able to get involved.”

Xu Shaochen said calmly. Though outwardly composed, he was a bit surprised—it turned out this young man was from the Hong Men.

As a Chinese, Xu Shaochen was aware of the Hong Men, mostly through books and films.

He never thought he’d actually encounter someone from the Hong Men. It felt oddly fascinating.

“Big brother, please leave your name. I can see you’re an important person. I don’t know how I can help you, but at least let me know who saved me.”

“Maybe someday I’ll rise to prominence, and I can repay today’s favor.”

The young man, though still young, was incredibly stubborn. He insisted on knowing Xu Shaochen’s name.

“Alright, you’ve got ambition. My name is Xu Shaochen. Now hurry up. If you don’t leave soon, you’ll pass out from blood loss.”

Xu Shaochen smiled, looked at the young man, and told him his name.

“Big Brother Xu, the mountains don’t change, and the rivers flow endlessly. I hope we meet again someday.”

The young man mumbled Xu Shaochen’s name several times, as if trying to engrave it in his memory. He then clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, turned, and left.

“If the Hong Men are being chased by the police, it probably isn’t something simple.”

After the young man left, Chen Dongqiu commented idly.

“What’s it got to do with us? We just helped him out since it didn’t take much effort. No need to worry about anything more.”

Xu Shaochen replied nonchalantly.

“You’re right. I’m overthinking it. Come, Xu Shao, let me toast you again.”

Chen Dongqiu chuckled and poured another glass for Xu Shaochen.

After several rounds of drinks and a full meal, an hour had passed. It was time to wrap things up.

“Waiter, the check please.”

Just as Chen Dongqiu opened the door, he spotted a passing waiter and immediately called out.

“No need, sir. Our boss said that the earlier incident caused some disruption, so he’s covering all the tabs today.”

The waiter smiled as he looked at Chen Dongqiu.

Chen Dongqiu was a bit startled: “Alright, then thank the boss for us.”

“Now that’s a businessman who knows what he’s doing,” Sun Hai praised, being a businessman himself.

Xu Shaochen nodded: “If he didn’t know how to run the business, relying on taste alone wouldn’t make this place so popular. After all, these days, even fine wine struggles in hidden alleys.”

“Alright, let’s go. This place is packed, so we should free up the private room for the next people.”

With that statement, Xu Shaochen stood up, and the others followed, leaving the private room together.

As soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, Xu Shaochen received a call from Mike.

“Dear Xu, my friend, I truly apologize. We were supposed to meet this morning, but something came up. Are you free now? I have the contract ready, and we can grab lunch together.”

As soon as Xu Shaochen answered the phone, Mike’s apologetic voice rang out.

“Of course, no problem. Just send me the address,” Xu Shaochen responded without hesitation. He had almost forgotten about this appointment due to the earlier scene with Tang Silin in the morning.

After hanging up, Xu Shaochen turned to Jenny: “Did you prepare the contract?”

That 10% stake must go to the Karen Family because it’s the bait.

Let the Karen Family hold onto that 10% for now. When the time comes, we’ll get it, with interest.”

“It’s in my study,” Jenny paused briefly before recalling the contract Xu Shaochen was referring to.

“Let’s head home.”

Xu Shaochen said.

………

Johnson Family.

“Peter, we’ve agreed to your terms. We’ll help avenge your grandfather. Here’s the USDs you asked for.”

Jim handed Peter a bank card with the password written on it.

“Thank you, Jim. I’ve hidden the formula in a very safe place. I’ll go retrieve it for you now.”

“I have to say, I can’t wait to see the Xu Corporation suffer.”

Peter accepted the card, his face full of gratitude as he spoke.

“I’ll go with you. I need to ensure your safety. The Xu Corporation might try to catch you and steal back the formula.”

Jim’s reasoning sounded convincing, but he was mostly concerned that Peter might take the money and formula and run.