I was forced to start the second round because I was raised in poverty

Chapter 347 Prisoner
Ten o'clock in the morning.

A private banquet hall on the top floor of the Royal Hotel in Macau.

Outside the window are the magnificent hotel buildings along the Golden Avenue.

The sunlight was just right, streaming through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and illuminating the entire room.

Coupled with today's sunny and breezy weather, it gives one the impression of a peaceful and prosperous era.

Actually it is not.

Representatives from almost all of Macau's major powers were present.

They were dressed in well-tailored suits, looked relaxed, and were even passing each other cigar cutters while talking about the recent weather.

But beneath this overly deliberate decorum lies an undercurrent as turbulent as the deep sea.

Their gazes, intentionally or unintentionally, fell upon the woman sitting in the main seat, her back to the sunlight.

In the bright backlight, Long Ruoli's figure formed a distinct silhouette.

This made her seem somewhat unreal, yet it also made her sense of control appear even more absolute and unquestionable.

Today she wore a well-tailored white Chanel suit, the pearl buttons shimmering with a warm yet cold luster in the sunlight.

This outfit made her look like an elegant businesswoman, rather than a queen of the underworld.

Her long hair was meticulously pulled back, revealing her smooth forehead and elegant, slender swan neck.

The sunlight outlined her perfect profile, her skin was so fair it was almost transparent, without a single blemish.

She didn't wear heavy makeup; instead, she used a slightly aggressive red lipstick to inject a dangerous aura into her overly delicate face.

Her face was expressionless, but possessed a calmness more intimidating than any emotion.

Long Ruoli sat there quietly, but she herself was an absolute authority that even the sunlight in this room could not penetrate.

Her intimidating power comes from this extreme contrast.

Outside the window, a peaceful and prosperous world unfolds, but inside, it feels like an ordinary tea party.

Everyone knows that it was Long Ruoli who, under the bright light of day, used the most legal and respectable financial means to turn the foundation of a century-old family upside down.

She doesn't need darkness as cover; this power is even more terrifying in broad daylight.

If you look closely, you'll notice that among the guests present was Xu Chengfu, chairman of the Baolong Group.

Wan Xin, Chairman of Jiabai Film Industry.

Yin Ye, President of Atlantic Bank.

The sons of all three had played Texas Hold'em with Su Cheng that night.

Compared to the second generation, these first-generation members have absolute say in the family.

They were among the first to learn of the impending change in Australia and were the first to focus their questions on Su Cheng to find answers.

Everyone here knows that the Ma family likes to use women in their political maneuvering.

No one felt sorry for the Ma family.

More than anything, there was a sense of regret.

Today's tea party isn't about the Emperor Group coming to curry favor and build connections for them.

They're delaying getting to the point because they're waiting.

Long Ruoli has already given them the word that the entertainment industry in Macau will definitely continue to develop.

But it certainly won't be done by the Ma family.

As for who will do it?

Then it depends on who can bring Ma Shuning back first.

The group, including Long Ruoli, were waiting.

At the same time, he was secretly competing with his own people, hoping they could prove him wrong.

A palpable sense of anxiety filled the room.

These men, who could easily turn the world upside down with a stomp of their feet, had now become the most devout prisoners of Long Ruoli's bounty.

They await the outcome that will determine their future.

About fifteen minutes later.

There was a knock on the door of the banquet hall.

All eyes immediately turned to that direction, and some people even stood up nervously.

Ma Shuning was taken to this private banquet hall.

Her lips were cracked and slightly parted, but she could not make a sound, only a slight tremor.

Those eyes, once brimming with ambition and scheming, now held only a hollow emptiness, filled with the lingering fear of being dragged out of their hiding place.

Her hair was no longer neat and smooth, and her mental state had obviously declined significantly. She no longer had her former pride and cheerfulness.

The Chanel tweed dress she was wearing now looked like a used rag, covered in dust and unknown, dark stains.

Almost everyone who saw Ma Shuning and her two bodyguards leaned back abruptly, sinking deeply into the sofa with a dull thud.

Many people frowned, their faces flushed with anxiety, and the polite smiles they had been maintaining vanished in that instant.

Yin Hua's face, which was filled with tension and anxiety, began to curl upwards uncontrollably.

Everyone here today is a gambler, betting that they can catch Ma Shuning.

Now that the cards are out, Yin Hua has won a huge sum of money.

This was a smile of ecstatic joy that came from the depths of one's soul.

Ma Shuning subconsciously raised her head and slowly scanned the long table in front of her.

These faces were so familiar to her.

They were regulars at their father's tea room and honored guests at family banquets.

Ma Shuning had toasted these kind and amiable uncles countless times with the most appropriate smile, and they had also praised her with smiles.

But at this moment, they are looking at me with a strange, indifferent, and even slightly gloating gaze.

But what I felt most was regret and remorse?
Ma Shuning had no choice but to look at the two security personnel who had brought her there.

In other words... they are not from the Emperor Group?
He was being captured by them as a bargaining chip to exchange for benefits with the Emperor Group.

Upon seeing Ma Shuning, Long Ruoli slowly walked forward and extended a hand to her: "Don't be nervous, come here."

Long Ruoli's voice was as gentle as a lover's whisper, carrying a hint of reproach and a heart-wrenching warmth.

Ma Shuning, like a puppet whose soul had been ripped out, raised her head blankly, looking at the woman with delicate features.

Seeing that she didn't react, Long Ruoli wasn't annoyed. Instead, she gently pulled Ma Shuning's arm with an undeniable force.

With his other hand, he casually smoothed a stray strand of hair from Ma Shuning's cheek, his gesture as intimate as if he were taking care of his immature younger sister.

"Look at you, how did you get into such a mess?"

Then, she did something even more incomprehensible.

She helped the stiff Ma Shuning to the seat she had just been sitting in, the seat that symbolized the highest authority in the room.

She gently pressed on Ma Shuning's shoulder, helping her to sit down.

"Hmm, you have a great figure."

Long Ruoli didn't stop. She took a new teacup and personally poured a cup of fragrant tea for her.

"Have some water," Long Ruoli said gently. "Your lips are cracked."

Many people watched this scene with cold sweat soaking their shirts, their eyes filled with deep fear.

Yin Hua's smug smile had completely vanished.

Long Ruoli used extreme politeness to create the illusion of absolute safety.

This is more terrifying than any direct violence!
In extreme fear and confusion, Ma Shuning trembled as she reached out and picked up the cup of tea, then drank it down.

For Yin Hua, Wan Xin, Xu Chengfu and others, Ma Shuning was not important to them at all.

Calling her niece was only out of respect for Ma Yingyao.

What kind of relationship do they actually have?

The group did not feel as much guilt as they had imagined.

What nonsense about the body not being cold yet.

When her father started out, he also climbed over the corpses of others. That's just how competition is between big players.

No?
Dividing up the Ma family's assets was secondary to them.

The most important thing is who can win the support of the Geely Group.

Without the support of Emperor Group and without Long's approval, it would be useless for them to take the Ma family's assets. They might have to give them back the next night and pay a price for it.

Long Ruoli whispered to the attendant beside her, "Please invite President Bai over."

The servant nodded slightly, then quietly walked towards the door.

Immediately afterwards, Long Ruoli glanced at the others, who all understood immediately. They quickly got up from their chairs and left the banquet hall.

Long Ruoli's gentleness and the hot tea in her cup calmed Ma Shuning down considerably.

She felt that Long Ruoli must be a woman of high status and power, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to clear the area with just a glance.

Long Ruoli, holding the teapot, asked softly, "Would you like more?"

"Uh-huh."

Ma Shuning held the teacup with both hands, looking like a docile kitten with its claws tucked in, trying her best to please Long Ruoli.

She drank whatever Long Ruoli gave her to drink.

She eats whatever you give her.

It didn't take long.

Bai Zihua strode into the arena with brisk steps.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief after seeing Ma Shuning.

The person has finally been found.

At least we can have some explanation now.

His gaze softened slightly, but his face still maintained an authoritative expression.

Bai Zihua waved his hand, and several servants carried in the machine that had just been prepared.

Ma Shuning looked at Long Ruoli with a puzzled expression when she saw the camera, as if she wanted an explanation.

"Just answer whatever we ask you later."

"It's okay to speak slowly, but you're not allowed to lie."

Long Ruoli gently gave her instructions.

Ma Shuning nodded as if possessed. She couldn't even believe that she had so easily agreed to Long Ruoli's request.

Outside.

Yin Hua, Wan Xin, Xu Chengfu and others were arranged to wait in another banquet hall not far away.

Besides these first-generation members, there are also many second-generation members.

This includes Yin Jiazhi, Wan Hua, and Xu Ning, who played cards with Su Cheng that night.

Yin Hua also quietly instructed Yin Jia Zhi: "When they ask you something later, just answer the question directly. Don't tell a single lie, understand?"

Not only Yin Hua, but Wan Xin and Xu Chengfu also urged their sons to behave well, speak the truth, and be sincere.

Although Yin Hua caught Ma Shuning, she might still have a chance if she performs well later.

"Don't talk nonsense. Just say what you saw and heard."

After the three juniors were given instructions, they were soon taken away by servants for questioning.

The remaining business owners gradually started arguing, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense.

"Hey Lao Yin, we've been brothers for so many years, why don't you share some with everyone?"

"There's only so much of it, how are we going to divide it? Besides, even President Long might not give it to me!"

"Hey Lao Yin, do you have such a big appetite? Can you really swallow up all of the Ma family's assets? What's wrong with sharing some with the brothers?"

Yin Hua retorted with a gloomy face, "Whether I can eat it or not is none of your business. Even if I die from overeating, it's none of your concern."

"Hey Lao Yin, why are you being so rude?"

"How am I being impolite? Your family still owes us six months' worth of loan repayments. How can you expect me to be polite?"

"Hey Lao Yin, how did you end up being that woman's dog?"

"What do you mean, 'be a dog'? Weren't you all just scrambling to be dogs?"

Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake.

But this time, the Emperor Group is pressing them down hard, leaving them no room to breathe.

"Why, nothing to say?"

Yin Hua has seen all kinds of people and situations over the years.

Return to the brothers.

This is even more of a joke.

While waiting in the banquet hall, every one of these people was thinking about having their subordinates quickly snatch the person away so they could curry favor with Long Ruoli and get her to fulfill her promise.
It's installed now.

If he hadn't been lucky enough to bring the person back first, he would be the one groveling here now.

But which of them would want a share of the profits?

Not only will there be no bones to gnaw on, but you might not even be able to drink a drop of soup.

Change to before.

The guys will definitely have to compete with Yin Hua again.

Let's all make money together and share the benefits.

If you don't offer something in return, it will be very awkward for everyone. Aren't you afraid that we might try something underhanded with you from time to time?
Yin Hua dared not fail to distinguish them.

But it's different now.

He has the support of Geely.

Anyone who dares to touch him is breaking the promises made by the Emperor Group and will certainly face retaliation.

What's wrong with dogs?
If Yin Hua annexes the Ma family, then he will be the absolute big brother of Macau Island from now on.

These people should think twice before trying to pull any tricks.

……

In the banquet hall.

Bai Zihua turned on the recording equipment.

Under Long Ruoli's gentle gaze, Ma Shuning recounted the whole story in detail.

She answered whatever Bai Zihua and Long Ruoli asked.

Several uncles and elders vied to speak, and even ordinary playmates told the truth without hesitation.

She didn't explain what other methods she had.

After explaining the situation, Bai Zihua ended the recording.

"You're great! I'll take you to take a shower and change your clothes."

"Um...am I going to die?"

"Hahaha, of course not!" Long Ruoli explained with a laugh, "But you might have to stay with us for a few months. We'll arrange a small island for you, so you can have a good time and stop thinking about these things, okay?"

"All right……"

Ma Shuning has no other choice but to agree.

Her quick confession was also an attempt to gain leniency for herself.

"Okay, then I'll arrange for you to leave on a flight tonight."

"What about my brother?"

"He's already on vacation in Indonesia, don't worry, he's doing fine."

"really?"

"Really, I'm not kidding."

(End of this chapter)