Chapter 781 - Infernal Affairs (1/2)

Xia Lei was having wine with s.h.i.+ Boren and a few representatives from the military during a banquet when a waiter approached him. He whispered to Xia Lei, “Mister Xia, a gentleman wishes to speak with you.”

“Did he mention his name?” said Xia Lei.

“His surname is Ye.” The waiter pointed towards said man. “He’s sitting there.”

Xia Lei looked towards where the waiter was pointing at. He recognised Ye Kun in a glance. He was curious about Ye Kun’s intention, but he didn’t bat an eyelid. “I got it.”

However, the waiter did not leave. He whispered once again, “Mister Ye wants to discuss an important matter with you. You’ll regret not going over.”

Xia Lei frowned. The waiter must have gotten a tip from Ye Kun. When he was about to ask the waiter to leave, he saw Ye Kun heading towards the exit of the restaurant. Looking at Ye Kun, he thought, “He left the restaurant as soon as he called me out for a conversation. What's he up to?”

“Please excuse me for a moment.” Xia Lei left the table and headed towards another exit of the restaurant.

As he left the restaurant, he spotted Ye Kun, who was just entering the stairwell.

“What the h.e.l.l is he up to?” Xia Lei followed after him. He entered the stairwell and found Ye Kun waiting for him on the first floor.

“Director Xia.” Ye Kun greeted him. “I thought you wouldn’t come, but fortunately you did.”

Xia Lei said, “How could I ignore an invitation from Director Ye?”

“Director Xia, don’t have to be so polite to me. You are currently a public figure and are well-known among people with high social status. My existence is hardly important to you.”

“Stop beating around the bush. I’m not used to discussing matters in this kind of place. If someone else sees us, they'd think that we are planning evil deeds,” said Xia Lei.

“Haha, Director Xia, do you think I’m the kind of person who only does bad things?”

“Director Ye, if you called me out to discuss morals and ethics, I’m afraid I’m going to have to leave now.” Xia Lei was about to leave.

“Wait!”

Xia Lei smiled wryly,

“There are people who stopped China Industrial Group and Hanwu Weapons from providing weapon spare parts to Thunder Horse Organization.”

Xia Lei stopped and turned around to face him. “When was this happening?”

“Today.”

There was a long pause before Xia Lei spoke up again, “I believe this is not the only matter you’d like to discuss?”

“It seems like I can’t hide anything from you.” Ye Kun checked around to make sure no one was near to them before he continued, “Director Xia, do you know who’s behind this?”

“I have my guesses. It doesn’t matter even if you don’t tell me.” Xia Lei stared at Ye Kun. “But the only thing that I’m still unclear about is your intention of calling me out.”

“I’ve had enough.”

“What do you mean?”

Ye Kun lowered his voice. “You could easily have me and Mu Jian-Feng on hold. You could’ve easily destroyed me. They knew this all along but they insisted I be the one to initiate this conversation. Isn’t it obvious that they want me to be the sacrifice? I’m not doing it.”

This was the reason Xia Lei was being called out. He was not expecting this.

“Director Xia, I’m not a caged dog. I’m also not an idiot who’d sacrifice himself for others. As long as you help me, I will be your friend. I can even…”

“Even…?”

“Work under you and be yours.” Ye Kun finished his sentence.

The unexpected turn of events stunned Xia Lei. “Director Ye, I’m not sure what you are up to, but aren't you afraid that I’ll blow your cover to Mu Jian-Feng and Ling Han?”

“If I was afraid, I wouldn’t have told you this,” Ye Kun said. “I know what kind of person you are, you wouldn’t blow my cover.”

“How can you be certain about this? We are not even friends.”

“It’s because you need me.”

“Do you think I’ll trust you?”

“I don’t need your trust. My only intention is to let you know that I’m needed and I could bring you benefits.”

Xia Lei kept quiet. Ye Kun was right. He needed Ye Kun.

The demand for Thunder Horse’s products had doubled recently. Their production line was considered fast but it wasn’t fast enough. If Xia Lei hadn't got hold of the evidence that could destroy Ye Kun and Mu Jian-Feng, the factory couldn’t have achieved such a result.

If these two groups refused to provide Thunder Horse Military Factory with weapon parts, it would affect the production of the factory. Xia Lei had received a large number of orders. If he couldn’t produce the weapons within the promised time, it would hurt his reputation. If it wasn’t for this, why would Ye Kun risk discussing this matter with him?

There was a short silence before Xia Lei continued, “Let’s get straight to the point, what do you want from me?”

“Hand me every single thing that you could use against me.”

“What can I gain from you for doing this?”

“Hanwu Weapons and all its subsidiaries will produce weapon parts for your factory. Thus, the drop out of China Industrial Group wouldn’t affect your production.”

“It sounds like a threat rather than a collaboration.”