Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 269 Action
A week after He Yushui and the others left, Wilson brought news that He Yuzhu had found out everything he wanted to investigate.

He Yuzhu suggested they meet to talk, and Wilson gave him the address of a coffee shop.

An hour later, at the coffee shop they had arranged to meet, He Yuzhu entered and saw Wilson sitting in the corner, so he quickly walked over.

After He Yuzhu sat down, Wilson handed him a file folder and whispered, "Mr. Chen, all the information I could find about the five names you requested is in here."

He Yuzhu didn't immediately open the file folder to look at its contents, but instead asked, "Was the process smooth?"

"It was more complicated than expected. The daily routines and core residences of these people were under extremely high security, and external information was also shrouded in a web of mutual obfuscation. We had to use several unconventional channels and spend a lot of 'consulting fees' to piece together a relatively complete picture. In particular, Howard Vincent, the head of the energy derivatives department, was extremely secretive. The places he frequented were heavily guarded by private security personnel, making them look more like fortresses."

He paused, then added, "However, everyone has habits and weaknesses. Carl also provided some 'observation reports' from underground channels, and after cross-verification, the information is basically reliable. Each person's file has a security level and 'recommended contact time' marked on it."

He Yuzhu nodded slightly and then untied the cotton thread wrapped around the file folder.

A thick stack of documents, photos, and maps was pulled out.

Edgar Brandon-Rockefeller North American Oil Agent

Responsibilities: Coordinate North American oil interests and lobby for decision-making. Location: Resides at a seaside estate on Long Island (highly secure), following a fixed route (estate - Manhattan office - private club), accompanied by an armored vehicle and two bodyguards. Characteristics: Extremely cautious, prefers face-to-face meetings.

[Margaret Thorne-Rothschild Head of European Futures Trading]

Responsibilities: Overseeing the European energy futures market and transatlantic arbitrage. Location: Frequent travel between Chelsea villa in London and Upper East Side apartment in New York. The bank employs professional security (personal bodyguard is a former MI6 agent).

Weakness: Obsession with 19th-century jewelry; security may be compromised when attending secret auctions.

Howard Vincent - Energy Derivatives Trader at the Oil Club

Responsibilities: Trade energy derivatives, master core trading models/positions. Whereabouts: Extremely difficult to track! Residence unknown (suspected to be the top floor of a converted warehouse in Lower Manhattan), office location confidential. Only frequently visited location: "The Shipwreck Bar" in the abandoned dock area of ​​Brooklyn. Secretive travel (truck pick-up at specific locations). Carl's intelligence has marked hidden routes/blind spots near the bar. Characteristics: Extremely limited information, highest level of security.

[Richard Ferguson - Core Public Relations/Lobbying Figure in the Rockefeller Group]

Responsibilities: Handling "trouble" and maintaining a network of political and business relationships. Location: Apartment on the Upper West Side of New York/Residence in Washington, D.C. Frequent public appearances (hearings, dinners, golf). Routine security (1 bodyguard). Weakness: A heavy drinker (especially under stress), often seen drinking alone late at night in members-only bars.

[Alan Shaw - Technology Broker/Venture Capital Upstart (Emerging Energy Technologies)]

Responsibilities: Screening and monitoring disruptive energy technologies. Location: Residing in a SoHo loft/working in Silicon Valley. Active in tech industry events (summits, roadshows). Low-profile security (emphasis on privacy). Characteristics: Young and "harmless," but affiliated with specialized security/intelligence companies, or possesses unconventional early warning/counterattack capabilities.

He Yuzhu flipped through the pages very quickly, and the more he looked, the deeper his brows furrowed. "These people are clearly not key figures. Will taking action really have any effect?" This was the question in his mind.

"Mr. Chen, is something wrong?" Wilson asked hastily, assuming He Yuzhu was dissatisfied with the information based on his expression.

"The information is correct, but these people don't seem to be the core figures of those conglomerates to me."

"The people who come after won't do the things that came before; they're afraid of getting their hands dirty."

"If, I mean if, these people disappeared, how big of an impact would it have?" He Yuzhu asked.

Wilson's eyelids twitched wildly. He guessed what He Yuzhu was going to do, but hearing it so directly still scared him half to death.

"I can't really assess that, since I'm just a lawyer. If you have any financial professionals on your end, they should be able to give you an answer."

“That’s true.” He Yuzhu stopped looking at the documents.

"Is there anything else you need, Mr. Chen?"

"Give me a list of the consultation fees you've spent. You won't have to pay that. Also, regarding the remaining amount that we agreed on..."

"That's enough, that's enough." Wilson was truly afraid that He Yuzhu would make him disappear as well.

"I said I'd give it to you, and I definitely will, but I can't give you a specific amount right now. You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't mind, I don't mind."

"Alright, you can go back now. I won't look for you, and you shouldn't look for me either. Also, stop doing your shady business for a while and be a lawyer for a bit."

"clear."

"If these people get into trouble, won't others trace it back to you?"

"No, I sent Carl on vacation to Hong Kong."

“You’re quite good at choosing places for him. If you’re worried, you can bring your family to Hong Kong.”

"I'll wait a bit longer; you might still need my help."

"You decide."

"I'll be going now. I've already paid for the coffee and tip!"

"Hmm." He Yuzhu nodded, then began to put the documents back into the file folder, and took a small sip of his coffee.

One hour later, in New York, at Vanguard Asset Management, in the war room.

He Yuzhu placed the file folder provided by Wilson on the huge conference table.

Li Rui (former head of the intelligence team at Yellow River Investment), the head of intelligence analysis, Zhao Feng, the head of the investment department, and several key traders held their breath.

“I need you to immediately assess the ‘node value’ of these five individuals within their respective systems. Tell me how they will affect our next steps, and what impact their departure or inability to remain in their positions will have on the core business of their respective consortia, market confidence, and especially on the oil, bank stocks, and related futures contracts that we are currently monitoring. What is the estimated transmission path and duration of the impact?” He Yuzhu said tactfully.

Everyone was shocked, but no one asked. They had all heard about He Yushui and the others being kidnapped. Otherwise, the boss wouldn't have come all the way to North America and made a fuss in the financial market here. He also had a lot of things to do at home.

Li Rui immediately picked up the file folder and quickly distributed it to the team members.

The only sounds in the room were the rustling of papers and the scratching of pens across paper.

Zhao Feng quickly drew simplified structural diagrams of "ROCK" and "ROTH" on the whiteboard, preparing to label the key nodes.

Time passed by minute by minute.

He Yuzhu stood by the window, looking down at the afternoon traffic in Manhattan, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Half an hour later, Li Rui spoke first, his words fast and precise: "Boss, the conclusion is clear: these five people are key 'pillars,' not core members but irreplaceable! If they all get into trouble at the same time, it will trigger a perfect storm!"

He pointed to the analysis chart:

Edgar Brandon (Rockefeller - Oil Agent): North American oil interest coordination paralyzed! Short-term core projects (such as pipelines) blocked → negative for oil stocks such as XOM.

Richard Ferguson (Rockefeller - Lobbying/Public Relations): Political and Business Networks Frozen! Lobbying Interrupted, Scandal Risk Increased → Severe Damage to Financial Group's Image/Trustworthiness → Impact on JPMorgan Chase and Others.

Margaret Thorne (Rothschild-Eurofins): The "stabilizing force" of European energy futures failed → European market experienced severe turmoil → panic spread to related North American markets → impacting markets such as Continental Oil.

Howard Vincent (Rothschild - Derivatives): Derivative portfolio suddenly spiraled out of control + no one took over → possible chain reaction of liquidation → a heavy blow to Roth-related banks and the derivatives market.

Alan Shaw (technology broker): Decreased control over emerging technologies + disruption of information flow → leaving an opening for adversaries; his security background may trigger gray area reactions, increasing uncertainty.

Zhao Feng forcefully wrote on the whiteboard: Chain reaction = taking advantage of someone's misfortune!!!

He pointed out: "Other giants/hedge funds/regulators will take advantage of the situation to launch a siege, amplify the panic, and create a window for shorting gold! They may even lead to a 'stampede' of weak target stocks."

He Yuzhu pressed for the crucial question: "Can we withstand the counterattack from these two giants?"

"Furthermore, if we win, how can we escape unscathed?"

He Yuzhu wrote three words on the blackboard: counterattack, regulation, and exit.

A heated discussion then began in the conference room, with He Yuzhu listening from the side without interrupting.

More than half an hour later, Zhao Feng handed He Yuzhu a piece of paper.

"Boss, if you're going to take advantage of the chaos, be prepared to get beaten up and have to retreat! Two layers of firewalls:"
Invisibility cloak (legal aspect):

Channel separation: All transactions must be conducted through multi-tiered offshore channels (such as BVI/Cayman), strictly separated from the Yellow River Group.

Actions within the rules: All operations are pre-screened by top New York lawyers, focusing solely on shorting market panic and avoiding any illegal actions such as spreading rumors.

Transaction evidence removal: No trace left locally (high-standard destruction of records).

Escape pod (funding layer):

Fast Track: An emergency channel has been established with the Swiss/Liechtenstein Secrecy Bank, with keys stored in segments. In case of an emergency, funds can be transferred in several hours.

Reverse Disguise: Buy small, diversified amounts of unrelated stocks (such as General Electric/Procter & Gamble) to create the illusion of "diversified investment" and dilute suspicion of manipulation.

Smokescreen: Prepare small, independently losing accounts as "sacrificial pawns," then release them at a critical moment to attract regulatory attention and cover the main players' withdrawal.

Li Rui quickly added, "The opponent's counterattack only has two main moves:"
1. Financial blitz: Seize the window of market panic and cash out profits in a flash! Use the chaos of the opponent as cover.

2. Legal/political pressure: Resisting it with firewalls! Compliance procedures increase investigation costs.

Our core principle: Leave no irrefutable evidence! Worst-case scenario: Sacrifice some profits + detonate "discarded" accounts to absorb excess funds, thus protecting core capital/team.

This approach carries low political risk: the government cannot determine illegality based solely on normal market operations, and it is difficult to intervene without finding any grounds for action.

He Yuzhu uttered two words: "Very good."

Then he added, "You guys do what you're supposed to do, and leave the rest to me."

"Yes, boss." Everyone stood up.

That night, in Brooklyn's dockside district, at the "Wreck Bar".

Howard Vincent boarded a dark gray van at the designated pick-up point and drove deep into the dock area, where the bar was hidden inside a half-sunken cargo ship.

He Yuzhu lurked in the cab of the abandoned crane and, through night vision equipment, observed Vincent drinking whiskey in a bar, appearing agitated.

As Vincent walked toward the open platform at the stern, He Yuzhu silently approached the cargo ship, avoiding the others, and reached the ventilation opening above Vincent.

Vincent turned his back to him and leaned against the railing, vomiting.

He Yuzhu quickly knocked Vincent unconscious, injected him with a powerful sedative, pushed him into the river, cleaned up the traces, and then left.

Vincent was found drowned a few days later. An autopsy revealed a high blood alcohol level and trace amounts of sedatives (the cause unknown), along with minor bruising on his neck (possibly from an injury). The conclusion was accidental drowning. His portfolio of derivative products fell into disarray.

The news spread in a limited circle, causing a stir.

The Vanguard War Room had prepared contingency plans for any unexpected events involving the individuals on the list. Upon confirming Vincent's death, the market began to react: liquidity in Roth-related energy derivatives dried up, and the stock prices of companies like Continental Petroleum fell.

They began executing the confirmed plan without He Yuzhu's orders: "Target mainland oil, cause a stampede."

Vanguard dumped COP shares and options, spreading negative news.

Panic spread, and COP plummeted by more than 15% in two trading days, leading to a temporary trading halt.

Roth-related stocks were affected, and Vanguard short sellers made substantial profits.

Their boss is on his way to Europe.

A week later, at a high-end jewelry auction house in London.

Margaret Thorne was present, her target a rare emerald pendant, accompanied by her bodyguard (a former MI6 agent).

He Yuzhu obtained building information and seating arrangements by bribing insiders. He then infiltrated the auction house and damaged the load-bearing chains of the giant antique crystal chandelier in the auction hall.

The moment Margaret won the bid, the chandelier's support chain snapped, and the entire chandelier crashed down onto its location.

The bodyguards reacted quickly to try to protect them, but both men were killed instantly by the impact, and several others were seriously injured.

The police investigation concluded that the accident was caused by the chandelier being old and in disrepair.

Financial markets reacted violently: news of Margaret's death triggered a precipitous drop in European energy futures prices, and the panic spread to New York.

Vanguard has once again taken action, aggressively shorting Roth's European bank stocks, Continental Oil, and its closely related company Cooper Besemama, causing market confidence in the Roth group to collapse.

The successive deaths of Vincent and Thorne put Edgar on high alert, prompting him to strengthen security at the manor.

He only maintained the habit of going to the "Sea Cliff Golf Course" every Wednesday. Wednesday afternoon, a severe thunderstorm.

Edgar insisted on going and met with state legislators at the stadium.

Walking towards the 7th hole green in the wind and rain.

The "craftsmen" hired by He Yuzhu had previously damaged the grounding system of an old transformer station near the green.

A powerful lightning bolt struck a tall oak tree next to the green, triggering a short circuit and explosion inside the transformer substation.

Shrapnel from the explosion struck Edgar, piercing his chest and killing him instantly. The senator and his bodyguards were injured.

The police investigation concluded that the extreme thunderstorm caused a tree to be struck by lightning and an equipment malfunction to explode, which was an unfortunate accident.

The Rockefeller North America coordination mechanism was in a vacuum, hindering the Alaska project.

Edgar's death triggered a market tsunami, with the share prices of Rockefeller's core assets, such as XOM and Chase Bank (CMC), plummeting and panic selling spreading.

The Vanguard War Room is operating at full capacity, generating huge profits from short selling.

Richard Ferguson: Suffering a stress breakdown, he drank alone at his regular members-only bar. He Yuzhu's men bribed the bartender to inject a special drug (which synergistically killed the alcohol) into his whiskey. Ferguson died after drinking. Autopsy: Acute alcohol poisoning combined with respiratory depression; conclusion: sudden accidental death.

Alan Shaw: Visiting a high-pressure superconducting materials laboratory he invested in in Silicon Valley. He Yuzhu prematurely damaged the high-pressure inert gas pipeline.

During the experiment, the pipe ruptured, and gas and debris swept across the observation room. Xiao was hit in the head and neck by debris and died on the spot.

Accident investigation conclusion: The high-pressure pipeline ruptured catastrophically, resulting in a major safety accident.

Five key figures died within two weeks due to five “accidents.”

Even the most naive members of the oil club knew this wasn't an 'accident,' but the police couldn't find anything, and they couldn't guess who it was because these five guys hadn't reported any operations against the Yellow River.

As a result, ROCK and ROTH assets suffered a major blow, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell to a low point.

Vanguard emerged as the biggest winner, reaping huge profits from short selling.

Only a handful of people knew the exact amount, and those who saw the numbers were terrified (nearly 10 billion US dollars; I checked and Luo had hundreds of billions in assets at that time, so this is nothing, right?), and they were secretly overjoyed because they would have a bigger stage and a more comfortable life in the future, because the boss was generous.

When they wanted to bring the money back to Hong Kong, they received new instructions: keep 30%, use 10% to reinvest in the stock and futures markets under a different name, and use the remaining 20% ​​to acquire companies with their own patents in aircraft, automobiles, and other products that were about to go bankrupt and had already begun the screening process.

Lower Manhattan, Wilson Law Firm, he has moved from his original location.

The heavy wooden door was tightly closed, isolating it from the noise of the outside world.

Wilson sat behind his small desk, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the surface.

The gloomy sky outside the window reflected his inner anxiety.

More than a week has passed since the five names "accidentally" fell one after another. The market storm has gradually subsided, but the vortex at the center of the storm—that "Mr. Chen"—has vanished without a trace.

The coffee on the table had long since gone cold.

Wilson picked up the phone countless times and put it down again; he dared not take the initiative to contact them.

The potential storm behind those five names terrified him. Like a mouse that had managed to climb ashore, he both longed for the promised riches and feared the cat that might be lurking on the shore.

He even began to regret not heeding Ho Yu-chu's advice to immediately fly to Hong Kong with his family.

"Knock, knock, knock." The knocking was slow and rhythmic.

Wilson's heart skipped a beat, almost leaping out of his throat.

He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, straightened his tie, and said in as steady a voice as possible, "Please come in."

The door opened, and He Yuzhu walked in, still dressed in the same dark, high-quality, yet understated clothes.

His face showed no signs of fatigue from the long journey, nor any trace of the turbulent waves he had just stirred up; it remained calm and composed.

After entering, He Yuzhu closed the door behind him, cutting off any outside view.

"Mr. Chen!" Wilson almost jumped up, his face plastered with a smile that was a mixture of awe, nervousness, and a hint of obsequiousness. "You're back! Everything... went smoothly?"

He Yuzhu walked to the chair opposite him, but did not sit down immediately. His gaze swept over Wilson's slightly pale face and the dark circles under his eyes, and he nodded slightly: "Yes. Sit down."

Wilson quickly sat down, his hands nervously clasped together on the table.

He Yuzhu pulled out a chair and sat down. He took out a thin kraft paper envelope and a thicker folder from his briefcase and placed them on Wilson's desk.

"What's in the envelope is what you deserve." He Yuzhu's voice wasn't loud, but it sounded like a thunderclap to Wilson.

His heart raced again, and with trembling hands he picked up the envelope. He carefully opened it, and inside was a check.

When he pulled out the check and his eyes swept over the long string of numbers, his pupils dilated instantly, and his breath caught in his throat for a moment.

$10,000,000.00
Ten million dollars! A number he had never dared to imagine!

This would be enough for him to buy a very nice office, the Hampton Estate he had always dreamed of, get rid of those debts completely, and let his family live a truly wealthy life.

The overwhelming joy instantly overwhelmed all his fear and worry. He felt a little dizzy, and his fingers unconsciously gripped the edge of the check tightly until his knuckles turned white.

“This… Mr. Chen… this is too much…” Wilson’s voice was dry and trembling, the huge shock leaving him speechless for a moment.

“This is what you deserve,” He Yuzhu interrupted him. “Without your information and connections, things wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. This money is your reward for this risk, and also hush money. You should know very well what to say and what not to say.”

“Understood! I understand! Mr. Chen, please rest assured! I, Edmund Wilson, swear on my family and my life that I will keep this matter buried forever!” Wilson immediately straightened his back and made a firm promise, his voice trembling with excitement.

The sense of security brought by enormous wealth instantly overwhelmed all doubts.

He Yuzhu nodded, then turned his gaze to the thicker folder: "Inside the folder is your new contract."

"A new contract?" Wilson was taken aback, put down the check, and picked up the folder with a puzzled look.

Inside was an employment contract, prominently titled: Dongda Technology Holding Group. The position was: Chief Legal Counsel.

The contract terms are very generous, far exceeding what he can currently earn, and include equity incentive clauses.

“Dongda Technology… what is this?” Wilson looked up at He Yuzhu, his eyes filled with shock and confusion.

He thought that once he received the money, his relationship with this mysterious and dangerous tycoon would come to an end.

"My newly established company will focus on technology and industry going forward. I need someone who is familiar with the North American legal environment, capable of handling complex transactions, and... trustworthy."

He Yuzhu leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Wilson.

The name "Dongda" reminded Wilson of a certain major country in the East. He looked at the "Mr. Chen" opposite him with some surprise. Although he did not pay much attention to current affairs and politics, he knew that Hong Kong was still a British territory.

"What is the specific scope?" Wilson asked cautiously.

"Those aircraft, auto parts suppliers, and semiconductor companies that have core patents but are on the verge of bankruptcy. The location is mainly in North America. They will be very busy at first, and risks still exist, but it is no longer a life-or-death struggle. Instead, they will use capital and wisdom to conquer territory within the rules."

"I do!" Wilson said after a moment's thought.

"Then let's sign the papers."

"Okay, okay." Wilson quickly flipped through the rest of the document and signed his name.

"Aren't you going to take a closer look? Aren't you afraid I'll trick you?"

"No, no, how could such a generous boss like you cheat a lawyer who is already heavily in debt?"

“You’ve solved your debt problem now.” He Yuzhu pointed to the check.

“I’m willing to believe you,” Wilson said.

"I hope you'll think that way in the future too." He Yuzhu smiled at him for the first time.

Wilson was speechless. Why wasn't the new boss playing by the rules?

"The list of subsequent acquisition targets and preliminary plans will be sent to you. Assemble your core team as soon as possible; I'm only giving you a week to familiarize yourself with your new role. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now." He Yuzhu stood up.

"Yes! Take care, boss!" Wilson quickly stood up to see him off, his posture extremely respectful.

After seeing He Yuzhu off, Wilson closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

He looked down at the hot ten million dollar check in his hand, then touched the heavy new contract, and a complex smile appeared on his face, a mixture of ecstasy, ambition, and boundless anticipation for the future.

He knew that from this moment on, his life had completely changed direction.

Dongda Technology Holding Group has rented new office space.

He Yuzhu dialed that familiar number from his office.

"Hello? Is this Brother Zhu?" Xiaoman's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"It's me," He Yuzhu said softly.

"Brother Zhu! You...you're all done on your end? Are you alright?"

"Yes, it's all over for now. You know the results, right? I'm fine too."

"I was so worried about you! You have no idea how I've been these past few weeks!"

"Isn't the harvest gratifying?" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"I wish there were fewer of these gains. I would prefer you by my side so we could live a peaceful life. But I know I can't stop you from venturing out into the world. You have many things on your mind that I dare not ask!"

He Yuzhu paused at this, then changed the subject, asking, "How are Yuyao and the others doing in Singapore?"

"Everything's settled! Siyu is recovering better than expected! The Singapore rehabilitation center is really professional, and there are many Chinese doctors, making communication easy. Siyu is very cooperative. The doctor said that although the recovery of her left arm function will be a long process, as long as she persists in scientific rehabilitation, she can recover to 80% of her pre-injury level, although heavy physical exertion might be a bit limited. The girl's spirits have returned, she just keeps saying she wants to go home and eat home-cooked meals." Xiaoman's voice became cheerful, filled with a mother's doting affection.

He Yuzhu's lips curled into a smile again, and a huge weight was lifted from his heart.

"That's good. What about the rainwater?"

"The rain has subsided, but I still wake up in the middle of the night sometimes. Yuyao is a good boy; he's been keeping me company and trying all sorts of ways to make his two older sisters happy. He even found a Chinese restaurant in Singapore to borrow their kitchen so he could cook Shandong cuisine for them. I heard it tastes pretty good..." Xiaoman chuckled softly.

“If Dad finds out about this, he’ll have to give him a dressing down when we get back. All these years he’s only been ‘just okay’,” He Yuzhu said.

“That’s right, but Dad doesn’t have time to deal with them right now. Meixin is enough to keep him busy.”

"That's true. Tell them to stay put and that they can go home anytime if they miss home. By the way, is everything alright at home?"

"Everything's fine at home, but I miss you. The kids ask me every day when their dad is coming back." Xiaoman's voice was filled with longing. "When...when are you coming back?"

He Yuzhu paused for a few seconds before replying, "There are still some things to take care of here. The new company has just been set up, and the acquisition plan has just started. I need to stay here for a while. I'll go back once the situation stabilizes."

He paused and added, "Don't worry, it won't take too long this time."

"Um... The children and I are waiting for you at home. Please be careful, and don't... don't go out on adventures alone again."

"Okay, tell the children I'll bring them gifts when I get back, and of course you'll get one too."

"Then you'd better buy them all, because there's more than just the kids and me at home."

"Okay, I understand. Take good care of yourself at home. I'll hang up now."

"Okay, Brother Zhu."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu walked to the window and looked out at New York.

The storm in the financial markets has temporarily subsided, and the revenge has been completed, but the opponent is now powerful.

A new battlefield has unfolded, a battlefield where capital is the weapon and technology is the objective, and he wants to continue winning.

(End of this chapter)