1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 654 Home is the Mountains and Seas! Following Master Li's Teachings! Strategic Planning! Integrating the Power in Southeast Asia! Future Cover!

At the beginning of the 20th century, Singapore was the commercial center of the British Straits Settlements.

It guards the Strait of Malacca and controls most of the merchant ships traveling between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Its importance is evident.

Britain has invested significant resources and military force in Singapore to ensure its monopoly.

As early as 1887, the colonists began to build up the city on a large scale.

Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, built the Raffles Hotel in the city center, which was the largest and best-decorated hotel at the time.

The hotel remains a landmark of Singapore and a popular tourist destination to this day.

Richard Ridge and his family checked into the Raffles Hotel, where they received a warm welcome.

Many guests recognized him and came up to greet him.

Li Qiwei, accompanied by his two wives, handled the situation with composure, much to the envy of others.

The Raffles Hotel is a typical Victorian-style building, with white walls, English-style arcades, and tall columns.

Upon entering, the lobby features a high ceiling, exquisite chandeliers, and expensive wooden furniture, creating a luxurious and elegant atmosphere.

Li Qiwei wasn't attracted by the hotel's reputation or luxury.

In comparison, his mansion in Borneo is far more grand than this.

Chinese aesthetics are his favorite.

His main concern was safety.

The hotel is located in the heart of the British colonial area, where soldiers carrying rifles could be seen patrolling everywhere.

At this moment, his relationship with Da Ying was still in its honeymoon phase, and they could maintain trust.

Even if those thugs are crazy, they certainly wouldn't dare to act recklessly here.

After settling Wang Luyao and the others in, Li Qiwei left behind a security team.

He took Huo Xiuting with him, and the two quietly went to Hua Ji.
-
Outside the main gate of Wah Kee headquarters.

The street was as bustling as ever.

However, among the crowd, a few small vendors looked wary, paying attention to the movements in all directions.

They were the underlings of Wah Kee and other gangs responsible for keeping watch.

Chen Xikui, along with Huang Guanghai, Zheng Wanlong, Xie Baoqing, and many other gang leaders, waited anxiously.

Someone just informed them that Professor Li will be here soon and they don't need to greet him at the door.

Chen Xikui and the others did as instructed, leaving one person outside while the rest waited inside the hall.

The welcoming ceremony this morning took them by surprise.

"Goodness, almost everyone who's a big shot in the whole city has come."

"I have never seen Governor Kim laugh like that before."

"Professor Li's identity is no longer just that of a great scientist."

"His influence in Southeast Asia is enormous."

The bigwigs all had the same question in their minds, but they dared not voice it.

With such formidable strength, they could do whatever they wanted simply by spending money to build an armed force.

But it seems that Master Li did not have this idea.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, the gatekeeper led Li Qiwei and Huo Xiuting in.

Everyone was excited to see the real person, but they still maintained their manners and restraint.

Chen Xikui quickly stepped forward and said respectfully:
"Welcome, Professor Li, to Huaji. Your presence here is an honor to our humble abode."

Although he was a few years older than Li Qiwei, he still respected him.

Li Qiwei looked at the other man's iron arm with great interest.

Huo Xiuting whispered in his ear, introducing Chen Xikui's name and identity.

Li Qiwei smiled slightly and said:

"Chief Chen, do all gangs in Southeast Asia speak so formally when they meet?"

"This is quite different from what I saw in the Hongmen in the United States."

"I, a senior member of the Hongmen, am actually out of touch with the times."

Everyone immediately burst into laughter, and their mood relaxed.

Teacher Li did not discriminate against them; a single sentence from him bridged the gap between them.

Moreover, the other party casually revealed his status as a senior member of the Hongmen.

This surprised many people.

"Goodness, Master Li really is one of our gang members."

"No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity with him; he seemed so generous and magnanimous."

"It is said that the Hongmen is now dealing with large companies and groups, and is not on the same level as the gangs in Southeast Asia."

"Yes, it's said that it was Teacher Li who helped them with their transformation."

"."

Everyone was talking about it.

Chen Xikui smiled sheepishly:

“Teacher Li, I’m not usually like this.”

"It's our first time meeting you, so basic politeness and respect are still necessary."

Li Qiwei smiled and nodded.

Then, Chen Xikui looked at Huo Xiuting beside him, grabbed her hand, and looked excited.

"This must be Huo, the master swordsman who can tear a shark apart with his bare hands."

"The shark you killed was watched by countless people in Singapore."

"Master Huo, just what level have you reached in martial arts?"

Everyone was filled with intense curiosity.

Although they are not figures in the martial arts world, they are somewhat related.

They also admired super masters like Huo Xiuting.

How terrifying would it be to fight and kill a shark in the deep sea?
Huo Xiuting never expected to become so famous, and casually showed off a bit.

He didn't explain, but simply extended his right hand, gently patted Chen Xikui's shoulder, and then withdrew it.

hiss!
Chen Xikui immediately felt as if he had been branded with a hot iron, and his clothes even started to smoke.

Everyone was completely stunned.

"Damn, is this still martial arts?"

Chen Xikui murmured:

"incredible"

He had a strong intuition that Huo Xiuting could kill everyone present in just one minute.

Li Qiwei once asked Huo Xiuting why this was the case.

The latter didn't know either, only saying:

"It's like there's this power flowing through my body."

This little incident made the atmosphere even more lively.

Everyone witnessed the limits of both literature and martial arts in this world.

Next, Chen Xikui began to briefly introduce the identities of the gang leaders.

"This is Huang Guanghai from the Double Flag Association."

"This is Zheng Wanlong from Xingyi Company."

"."

Finally, he gave a formal introduction to Xie Baoqing.

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei immediately laughed:
"Baoqing, are you happy now?"

Everyone looked on with envy.

It's clear that Xie, the leader of the Shan Hai Gang, has a close relationship with Professor Li; at least the latter remembers him.

Xie Baoqing now showed the naivety of his student days, completely lacking the domineering demeanor of a powerful figure.

"Principal, thank you. I have found the meaning of life and will strive on my path!"

Li Qiwei patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction.

In this life, you should not provoke that man again, and you should avoid monks when you see them.

Then, surrounded by the crowd, Ridgeway entered the council chamber.

His decision to meet with Chen Xikui and other leaders of Southeast Asian gangs this time was not a whim or simply a way to show off.

Rather, it reflects profound considerations.

It must be admitted that despite all the bad things gangs have done, they are also a force that cannot be ignored in this particular era.

The revolutions in China in recent years have already proven this point.

If used properly, it can produce unexpected results.

Li Qiwei's next Pangu project needs to be kept highly secret to prevent it from being discovered. But how effective the secrecy will be, no one can guarantee.

Therefore, it is also necessary to do something big at a critical moment to attract the attention of countries such as Europe, America, and Japan.

This is where gangs come in handy; it's most appropriate to entrust certain tasks to them.

Unlike the United States, Southeast Asia lacks order; the only rule here is the absence of rules, which gives Ridgeway a lot of room to maneuver.

Although he hasn't come up with a specific plan yet, it's necessary to plant a seed in the early stages.

He demonstrated his approval and support for these gangs, which naturally earned him their support later on.

Therefore, after everyone was seated, Professor Li began his lecture.

"I'm here today not for anything important, I just wanted to chat with everyone."

"In the eyes of ordinary people, gangs often represent violence, barbarity, and bloodshed, and are something to be avoided at all costs."

"But in my opinion, neither Huaji, Shuangqihui, nor Baoqing's Shanhaibang are gangs."

"It is the home of countless Chinese wanderers."

Wow!
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Xikui and the others were shocked.

They knew that Master Li did not discriminate against gangs, otherwise he wouldn't have met with them.

But no one expected that Li Shi would say such a thing.

"We are not a gang, but a home for wanderers."

A simple, unpretentious sentence instantly brought tears to the eyes of these grown men present.

It was a feeling of being understood and respected.

They are considered low-class by the mainstream; no matter what they do, they are not respectable.

But they also possess the brilliance of humanity, prioritizing righteousness and having a strong sense of national responsibility.

Chen Xikui choked up as he said:

"Teacher Li, thank you for thinking of us this way."

"With your words, everything we do is worthwhile."

Everyone responded.

Li Qiwei continued with a smile:

"On my way here, Xiuting told me something about Huaji."

"Not long ago, a young girl was bullied by local thugs, but the colonial police turned a blind eye."

"Her mother found Hua Ji with her last hope."

“And Wah Kee helped this mother and her daughter get justice.”

Wow!
The crowd looked solemn. Everyone had heard about this matter, and it was said that many things were involved behind the scenes.

But Wah Kee ultimately held on and is still in the game.

Chen Xikui stood up, cupped his hands, and solemnly addressed the crowd:
“I, Chen Xikui, am a man of action and I have dealt with that bully according to the rules of the Huaji Gang.”

The so-called gang rules were essentially about execution.

Moreover, this was done without an investigation by the Colonial Office, which clearly crossed a red line for the British side.

Chen Xikui knew there were risks, but he did not choose to hide them from Master Li and admitted them directly.

Li Qiwei had no intention of interfering with other people's rules; he continued:
"it is good!"

"I like Chief Chen's clear-cut likes and dislikes."

I will provide appropriate assistance in this matter.

Wow!
Everyone was shocked once again.

Master Li actually wanted to get involved in this matter personally.

No matter how powerful that native's background is, it can't possibly be greater than Master Li's.

Everyone looked at Chen Xikui with envy.

This incident left a deep impression on Teacher Li.

Chen Xikui was deeply moved.

Li Qiwei continued:

"Under the dual oppression of the colonizers and local forces, Hua Kee became a second home for overseas compatriots."

"All Chinese in Southeast Asia are one family, and we consider the mountains and seas our home!"

"However, I also have a request."

"That is our blade; never point it at our compatriots without reason."

Chen Xikui and the others immediately shouted in unison:

"I will follow Master Li's teachings!"

After the beating, you have to give the reward.

Li Qiwei continued:

"I know that life in a gang is tough."

"With the oppression of colonizers above and the prejudice of ordinary people below, there aren't many ways for you to make money."

"These are nothing more than casinos, docks, mines, smuggling and other similar areas."

"The benefits are far outweighed by the risks."

“I, Li Qiwei, am not a saint who is detached from worldly affairs. While I ask you to protect your compatriots, I also ask you to be honest and upright.”

"So, I've found some opportunities for you."

Wow!
Everyone's eyes lit up immediately, and their hearts trembled with excitement.

Following Master Li will definitely not lead to losses.

"You should know that the Hongmen in the United States has now transformed."

“There, gangs don’t just make a living by intimidating and extorting ordinary people; they have their own businesses.”

"For example, the Hongmen invested in the Bruce Group that I founded overseas."

"Every year, I can earn millions of US dollars just from dividends."

Chen Xikui and the others gasped in shock.

Goodness, millions of US dollars, that's an absolutely terrifying amount.

Even if you add up the combined wealth of all the gang leaders present, it wouldn't be enough to compare.

“I know that many of you are doing business with Shanhe Group.”

"But that's just a small-scale effort, not a long-term solution."

“I have a high-end laboratory in Borneo where many high-tech products are being developed.”

“Every single one that is produced is a sure-fire way to make a profit.”

"At that time, you can all participate."

Wow!
Everyone's hearts were burning with excitement.

In their view, electric lights and radios were already remarkable high-tech innovations.

The high-tech that Teacher Li mentioned is definitely more advanced and sophisticated.

For these gang members to have access to this kind of business is not just a windfall, it's like gold has fallen from the sky.

Chen Xikui, Huang Guanghai, and Zheng Wanlong were breathing rapidly.

Their insight was far superior to others, so they naturally knew what a precious opportunity this was.

This is equivalent to hooking up with Borneo's coattails.

People join gangs not just to fight and kill, but also to make money.

Is there a better opportunity to make money than this?
Chen Xikui knew very well that once he got on this ship, there would be no way to get off.

Their fate would then rest in the hands of Master Li.

But he had to do it.

Otherwise, the gang's underlings would be working diligently every day, enjoying their year-end bonuses.

Hua Ji's younger brother could only dream of the meager wages earned by the dockworkers; who could possibly feel at peace with that?

He won't be able to hold his position for long before he's ousted.

Chen Xikui sighed inwardly:
"Master Li's methods can be described as turning clouds into rain with a flick of the wrist."

He was completely open about his intentions, and with just a few words, he brought together many gangs in Southeast Asia, leaving them with no choice but to accept.

That's the beauty of money.

As for what to do next, he didn't care; gangsters had long since disregarded life and death.

Li Qiwei looked at the people's fantasizing expressions and revealed a satisfied look.

This tactic has already been proven effective against the Hongmen, and the gang leaders present could not possibly refuse it.

As for whether he can make money, he is not worried at all.

Alpha Labs is destined to become the world's most profitable laboratory.

Having dealt with the gang, he could now focus on preparing for the upcoming meeting.

(End of this chapter)