Madman!

Chapter 127: You Can Only Play by My Rules

Chen Wujun sat carelessly on the stone bench, his hands resting on his knees. His broad frame radiated an explosive sense of power, while his sharp gaze carried a distinct trace of ferocity at the corners of his eyes.

Lin Baozhu couldn't help but instinctively think of the idioms crouching tiger, hidden dragon and eagle eyes and wolf glance—phrases describing ambitious, predatory figures of great power.

She signaled a maid in the distance to bring a fresh pot of tea and cups.

"My name is Lin Baozhu. Lin Yi, the chairman of the Lin Group, is my father. Our group's primary businesses are shipping and the rice industry."

Her intuition told her that the young man before her was the type who could be persuaded by soft tactics but not hard ones. Just as she had thought earlier, he was a young expert—proud, aggressive, and clearly someone who lived on a knife's edge.

Dealing with such a person required a gentle hand; being too forceful would only make things worse.

"There was a small misunderstanding between us earlier. I was rash, and I hope we can turn shields and spears into jade and silk," Lin Baozhu said, her voice softening further.

"You look about the same age as me, yet your strength is formidable and your potential is immense."

"The Lin Group is always keen to make friends with experts from all walks of life, and especially willing to cooperate with young prodigies like yourself."

"Rather than conflict, I would prefer cooperation. I would prefer to be friends," Lin Baozhu said, hiding nothing and stating her thoughts frankly.The way Chen Wujun had ground that cobblestone to powder with his hands like a millstone earlier had truly shocked her.

"I haven't caught your name yet," Lin Baozhu inquired.

"Chen Wujun!"

The maid brought the tea. Lin Baozhu poured a cup for Chen Wujun first, then one for herself. She held up her cup with both hands in a gesture of respect. "This cup is to apologize for my earlier rashness."

She tilted her head back and drained the cup.

Her attitude softened Chen Wujun's expression slightly; at the very least, his anger had subsided.

This was his first time dealing with someone like her.

The people he usually associated with were full of aggression, whether it was Shark Jiu or anyone else.

Even a sly old fox like Master Xin, who appeared kind on the surface, employed tactics that were extremely ruthless.

But this young woman spoke like a gentle spring breeze. Seeing her pour tea and admit her mistake made it very difficult to flare up at her.

Of course, what interested him more was the cooperation she mentioned. He spoke directly: "Tell me how we would cooperate."

"The Lin Group has always wanted to expand our business in North Port, but it hasn't been easy. We frequently encounter malicious competition, and sometimes we need an expert to step in and provide deterrence."

"Currently, our business in North Port is divided into two main sectors: the rice industry and port transportation. We are also preparing to launch a hotel business."

"We can cooperate within the port transportation subsidiary. You would hold the title of Senior Consultant. You wouldn't need to come to the office daily; you would only need to show your face occasionally during business negotiations or when there is trouble."

"Naturally, even if trouble arises requiring your presence, it won't be anything beyond your capabilities. If you feel a situation is too much for you, you can refuse. After all, we are partners, and I cannot force you to risk your life."

"Of course, if you do refuse, our cooperation would also come to an end."

"The annual base salary is three million. In addition to the salary, we will provide a villa, a vehicle, and staff to serve you."

"When we require you to take action, there will be additional bonuses."

Cooperation between major capital and martial artists generally fell into three models.

The most basic was the one Lin Baozhu described. It was usually for solving ordinary troubles or simply to build good relations with young experts like Chen Wujun.

The second type of cooperation was on a case-by-case basis, similar to hiring mercenaries.

This was typically for entering a new market to sweep away obstacles, collecting massive debts after negotiations broke down, or fighting for resources—such as real estate companies vying for key plots of land, where both sides would hire experts to duel for ownership.

The third type was the core model, where capital provided the funds to establish a new company, and the martial artist invested with their strength, influence, and connections.

In that case, the martial artist would receive a steady stream of dividends from the new company.

Lin Baozhu was using the first model to establish a connection with Chen Wujun and initiate preliminary cooperation.

For Lin Baozhu, spending a small amount of money to turn hostility into friendship was worth it. Coming from a wealthy family, she practiced martial arts for self-defense and as a hobby; she naturally wouldn't put herself in danger or fight to the death.

At the same time, this allowed her to build a relationship with a young expert and potentially the people backing him.

Once they were familiar with each other and she understood his strength and temperament, she could decide whether to upgrade to the third model.

Chen Wujun raised an eyebrow.

He realized something: once you trained your kung fu to a high level, people would give you money even if you did nothing all year.

The cooperation she proposed was clearly about borrowing a martial artist's strength to deter rivals and solve problems.

Three million a year, plus a house, a car, and a service team, all for doing nothing but occasionally showing his face.

'This is keeping soldiers for a thousand days,' he thought.

When action was required, there would be extra money. If he felt the risk was too high, he could refuse. However, unless absolutely necessary or the gap in strength was too vast, one wouldn't easily refuse.

To refuse would ruin one's reputation. Even if the other party didn't terminate the cooperation, one would lose the face to continue taking their money.

After all, they supported you for so long just to use you in that one crucial moment.

The proposed terms seemed reasonable. Although Chen Wujun didn't strictly need the three million right now, this was clearly an opportunity to broaden his horizons.

And when he did have to fight, there was more money to be made.

"That's the rough content of the cooperation. If you have any other requirements, you can raise them. As long as they aren't excessive, we will consider them seriously," Lin Baozhu said with a very sincere attitude.

"Additionally, as your strength improves or as you resolve troubles for the group, your annual salary will also increase."

Chen Wujun looked at her with interest.

He had come here to demand an explanation, but now the situation had turned into her recruiting him for a partnership.

"Give me your contact information. I'll contact you after I return to North Port," Chen Wujun said after a moment of thought.

He didn't know much about these matters or the Lin Group, so he needed to go back and ask around first.

Lin Baozhu had someone bring a piece of paper, wrote a phone number on it, and handed it to Chen Wujun with both hands.

"Apologies, I don't usually use business cards. This is my private number. If you need help with anything, feel free to contact me."

Chen Wujun took the number, stood up, and walked away.

Watching Chen Wujun's broad back recede, Lin Baozhu's eyes revealed a hint of amusement and relief.

Although she had been confident, facing a violent man like Chen Wujun—especially given their earlier conflict—had made her slightly nervous. He had clearly come looking for trouble today.

Fortunately, the matter had been resolved perfectly.

She then called over her bodyguard. "Have someone investigate Chen Wujun in North Port. He's under twenty, an expert in Old Arts, with a turtle-back frame and crane-like form, and arms that reach his knees. With that age, strength, and those physical characteristics, he should be easy to find."

"Judging by his temperament," she continued, "this man lives on the knife's edge. His background won't be high. He's either a gang member or a high-stakes 'Big Tea Rice' criminal. But professional heist artists usually survive three years on a single job and wouldn't sit down to talk with me. So, the probability of him being a gangster is highest."

"Also, find out the identity of the expert who was beaten to death near Tan Son Nhat Airport yesterday."

...

"Senior Sister, do you know the Lin Group?" Chen Wujun asked casually while eating breakfast.

He asked partly because he was unfamiliar with these matters, and partly because Hetu was his foundation, and he wanted to hear Shark Jiu's opinion.

"The boss of the Lin Group is Lin Yi, a tycoon among the Chinese community in West Embankment. Did you meet them? Lin Baozhu? Did she try to recruit you?" Shark Jiu didn't even lift her eyelids; she knew exactly what had happened.

Since she had borrowed this villa, she naturally knew who her neighbors were.

Next door was the residence of Lin Yi's daughter, Lin Baozhu. That woman had a good head on her shoulders and capable methods.

"We had a bit of a conflict earlier. I planned to go over and beat her to death today, but she poured tea to apologize and proposed cooperation," Chen Wujun explained simply.

"Martial artists have great strength, and capital has abundant funds. Each side takes what they need, so cooperation is normal. The Lin Group has a pretty good reputation. How does she plan to cooperate?"

Chen Wujun casually recounted the details.

"Wealthy tycoons usually cooperate with martial artists in three ways. Yours is one of them..." Shark Jiu nodded slightly, then explained the other two scenarios to Chen Wujun.

Chen Wujun finally understood and committed the information to memory.

"I have no objections to this sort of thing, and I won't stop you. It depends on your own thoughts. However, if you act for those companies, you do so in your own name, not in the name of Hetu," Shark Jiu said as she ate.

Chen Wujun nodded, his mind clear on the matter.

After returning, he would still need to have someone check the Lin Group's situation in North Port.

After breakfast, Curry walked up to Chen Wujun. "Brother Jun, Chen Zhonghong and Nguyen Phuc Hung want to see you."

"Take them to the small living room." Chen Wujun nodded, feeling a bit of anticipation. He wondered what Chen Zhonghong had to say.

"By the way, give me a cigarette!" Chen Wujun added suddenly.

"And a light!"

Chen Wujun took Curry's cigarettes and lighter, went to the small living room on the side, and lit one up.

moments later, the two men were brought in. Their hair was messy, their faces pale, and their expressions were filled with panic and unease.

Seeing Chen Wujun, they forced themselves to appear calm. "Mr. Chen."

"Let's hear it. Can you buy your own lives?"

"Mr. Chen, we can come up with eighteen million right now, and then another thirty-five million within six months! You definitely don't need to worry about us not paying; we can write IOUs, and there are assets we can mortgage to you," Chen Zhonghong said, forcing composure.

Both men looked at Chen Wujun with apprehension.

They could only scrape together eighteen million, but as long as Nguyen Phuc Hung died, they could swallow a portion of his assets. Then, by thinking of other ways, they might be able to gather thirty-five million.

Their plan was to stall for time first. If it really didn't work, they would hit the road and flee.

Chen Wujun listened and smiled mockingly. "Do you take me for a fool?"

Chen Zhonghong's face turned white, and he hurriedly tried to explain:

"Mr. Chen, we really can only raise eighteen million right now... but just give us some time..."

"My rule was simple: within two days, whoever brings out the most money lives! You can only play by my rules!"

Chen Wujun flicked his finger, rose, and walked up to Chen Zhonghong. Suddenly, his arms spread open, and he unleashed a Tiger Form chopping strike, bringing it down from above like a massive axe.

Chen Zhonghong was terrified and hurriedly raised his hands to block.

However, the severe pain in his chest prevented him from using his full strength. That day, Chen Wujun had smashed his chest with a hammer blow, breaking three ribs.

Although he could still stand now, he couldn't fight back effectively.

Bang!

Chen Zhonghong's hands were instantly blasted aside, and Chen Wujun's Tiger Form chop struck him squarely on the head.

Blood sprayed from all of Chen Zhonghong's facial orifices, and he collapsed to the ground in a heap.

Within a few breaths, he had stopped breathing.

Nguyen Phuc Hung looked on in horror, but three of his four limbs were broken; he couldn't move at all.

Chen Wujun delivered a spinning hammer blow to his head. Nguyen Phuc Hung flew backward, slammed into the wall, and then went still.

"Go urge Nguyen Minh Kim to have the money ready. If he is one cent short, he dies too," Chen Wujun ordered expressionlessly, withdrawing his hand.

He had given them a chance. If they couldn't grasp it, that was their own problem.