Though I made great efforts to invite Yixiaorou and Hua Qingqing for lunch at my home, Yixiaorou ultimately declined due to Xiaochuchu's presence. She chose to dine with Hua Qingqing separately instead of coming over. After arranging everything related to Xu Jing, Zhu Da and I hurried back home.

After the meal, everyone dispersed to their respective tasks. Even Taosi went off to coordinate tonight's operations for the Beast Army. Only I remained at home to accompany my mother in unpacking our New Year provisions purchased earlier that morning.

It wasn't until I finally dealt with my mother's endless questions and finished organizing the goods that I could retreat to my room for rest. Taosi had brought over his laptop - he wouldn't be staying at Zhu Da's house tonight since Zhu kept hogging the laptop to watch adult content, which disrupted Taosi's online income.

While Taosi was away, I decided to indulge in watching some adult films on that advanced phone for a while. The screen size limitations of mobile phones always left me feeling unsatisfied when watching movies. I clicked into "Beautiful ***" and began enjoying myself heartily.

Halfway through the film, as the arousing content made my head spin, I suddenly had an epiphany about these girls surrounding me. Each possessed unique characteristics and distinctive approaches in intimate matters. If I could just slightly deepen our connections, limitless happiness would follow.

But wait - if I successfully formed romantic ties with them, should I really keep all of them by my side for life? Leaving aside whether they could tolerate each other's presence, how could I even announce this relationship publicly? Not to mention passing the parental test or legally marrying and having children.

After mulling over these thoughts for a while, I completely lost any interest in watching adult films. Yixiaorou with her sexy confidence and ample curves was naturally someone I wanted close; Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang were adorable little girls whose worth no amount of wealth could match - though only 14 years old, from her eyes I sensed Zhao Fang's willingness to accept my advances even if I felt too guilty to make them. Fang Yanmeng would be taken despite her father's objections, as we had already agreed she'd retain her virginity until 24. There were plenty of other ways to enjoy her company besides one specific act anyway.

The more I calculated possibilities, the more impossible it became. Not even Xiuochuchu who filmed our DV tape was excluded from my plans - I considered turning her into an adult film star as well. Even mysterious Zhang Xiaoya could be molded into a qipao-clad beauty with captivating legs. Xiaoyudi's all-around excellence made her particularly appealing.

This cold winter night caused me to sweat profusely, but it wasn't due to sexual frustration - I suddenly realized how depraved my thoughts had become. These realizations were alarming; my mind had descended into such depths that I urgently needed a pure environment for redemption.

No longer interested in watching adult films, I shut down the phone and went to bed.

After dinner and waiting until both parents fell asleep, Taosi and I jumped out of the window toward Zhu Da's house. His home was brightly lit as everyone gathered excitedly around the television set.

When I arrived, Xu Fu grabbed his daughter and threw himself at my feet dramatically, "Gratitude! We father and daughter will kneel before our benefactor!"

"Stop it, both of you," I helped them up while saying, "It wasn't me who saved you - you should be thanking Doctor Hua instead." It was obvious Hua Qingqing had visited earlier today. She'd used one of her precious B-needles and would surely find ways to recoup the cost from me soon.

Xu Jing protested, "Don't be modest Mr. Zhao. Director Hua herself said she only follows your commands. If you hadn't spoken up directly, she wouldn't have dared administer that needle to my mother."

Hmm, if Hua Qingqing was truly so obedient why wasn't I receiving any of that ten billion dollars? Probably scared by this father-daughter drama, she shifted all responsibility onto me.

"Alright Xu Jing," I said, "we're old friends now. Hurry up and lift your dad off the floor or I won't dare get involved in anything else."

Only after I spoke did they finally rise to sit on the couch. I asked, "Where's your mother? How is she feeling?"

Xu Jing replied, "After receiving that shot this afternoon, my mother recovered most of her energy. She rarely eats but actually had two bowls of rice for dinner. Father worried about overexertion and sent her upstairs to rest first. Director Hua suggested we visit the main hospital tomorrow so they can provide test results for our peace of mind."

I nodded, "That's good news. Going for a recheck is appropriate anyway - it'll give you complete reassurance."

Xu Jing became solemn though, "Actually I've convinced my parents against another check-up. We suddenly discharged from the hospital in the afternoon after being diagnosed with terminal illness just the morning before. It might be hard to explain this to others and could cause problems for Director Hua or yourself. Since we trust you both, there's no need."

This girl was surprisingly thoughtful. I said, "It doesn't matter - do what feels right. By the way, call me Zhao Qian instead of Mr. Zhao. I'm uncomfortable with formal titles."

"How about 'Manager Zhao'? Zhu Da says you're their manager."

I didn't want to get bogged down in titles anyway since there were bigger matters at hand tonight. So I simply nodded.

Zhu Da asked, "Commander Zhao, both Xu Jing and her father are unemployed now - what should we do?"

To them I said, "If neither of you mind, come work at the tofu factory instead. I don't know Mr. Xu's skills but Xu Jing definitely has accounting experience. Our Tie Niu Tofu Company precisely needs an accountant - this is like finding a talented financial officer from above."

Zhu Da smacked his forehead, "Of course! The village chief and I have been agonizing over bookkeeping. How did I miss that?"

I asked Li Tierui, the village chief, "How are wages currently determined? Set up proper pay for Mr. Xu and Xu Jing - we can't shortchange them."

The village chief replied, "Factory workers earn piece-rate wages averaging 2,600-700 RMB monthly. Zhu Da and I with subsidies receive around 3,500."

Xu family members immediately shook their heads, "We don't need payment for working - just having a place to eat is sufficient."

I refused this offer and said, "Mr. Xu, if you're not opposed, first work in the workshop for a few days until we determine your suitability. Xu Jing will serve as Tie Niu Tofu Company's financial manager with an initial monthly salary of 4,000 RMB - we'll increase it once our company expands."

"This seems excessive!" Xu Jing objected, "I was only earning 1,000 at the national bank previously."

I smiled and said, "Pay should match effort. Your responsibilities are heavy. Besides managing accounting for the tofu factory, you'll also take charge of Tiger Red Dragon Security's books. But secrecy is crucial - no information regarding Red Dragon's management or operations can be disclosed to outsiders."

Mr. Xu, a down-to-earth man, promised not to utter a single word about this situation, even keeping it from his upstairs wife. Xu Jing nodded solemnly in agreement.

When I hesitated to speak further, Xu Jing quickly said, "We'll go rest upstairs now. You gentlemen continue your discussion."

Zhu Da stared at Xu Jing's retreating figure until I slapped him on the back. "Commander Zhu," I said, "you'll get more opportunities to interact with her in future - don't worry, I won't hinder your chances. Whether you succeed or not depends entirely on your efforts."

Zhu Da wiped his mouth and said, "I'm indebted to Commander Zhao, though I sense Xu Jing isn't interested in me. It's like one hand can't clap by itself. Hope remains faint at best."

I straightened my expression and told everyone, "Taosi has already sent out the message - our midnight operation against Brotherhood Alliance is set in motion. According to recent intelligence reports from Rats, Brotherhood members have gathered across different branches.

This arrangement benefits us greatly. Tiger will lead 500 mechanized soldiers with five super warriors as main force while I, the village chief, Ersha, and Zhu Da will directly attack Lv Ada and Lü A's hideouts. We must eliminate this criminal organization to give Beijing citizens a clean sky."

Xia Huaren said, "We shouldn't overlook Dragon Clan either. They might suddenly take aggressive action."

I patted Taosi's cat head and said, "Our Beast Army is prepared as backup forces. If Dragon Clan dares to act suspiciously, they'll be wiped out immediately too. According to Taosi's intelligence however, this Dragon Clan organization seems to have committed no heinous crimes - they're the good guys among black societies."

The village chief asked thoughtfully, "Xiao Zhao, what plans do you have after eliminating Brotherhood? Are you truly going to abandon all criminal operations in Beijing? From my recent social observations, wherever there are people, there's society. Wherever there's society, there will always be law enforcement and underworld forces. This has been true through history and will remain so. Even if we destroy this organization today, who can guarantee 'Father Alliance' or 'Mother Alliance' won't emerge tomorrow? We should devise a long-term strategy."

I scratched my head in thought and said to the village chief, "You're right as always sir, but the best solution would be using black against black. If we do that however, aren't we participating in organized crime ourselves? I'm not particularly fond of this approach."

"Come on!" Zhu Da pounded his chest loudly, "I'm here!"

Xia Huaren and Taosi both agreed with similar enthusiasm. It wasn't possible to destroy one alliance today then another tomorrow, and so on until all alliances disappeared - the best solution was capturing control ourselves.

Punching Zhu Da's fat belly I said, "Your appearance is already quite gangster-like though you'll need some physical modifications. I don't want our organized crime leader crying every day from beatings. But if you cause trouble through recklessness, I won't hesitate to discipline you."

Zhu Da laughed heartily as his fat jiggled, "Absolutely right! You guys don't want me coming home with rescue requests either. Modifications are necessary - once complete I'll definitely be a good comrade and follow Commander Zhao's teachings faithfully."

Checking my phone for the time I said, "We still have some time left before midnight. According to rumors, Lv Ada's bathhouse has excellent facilities. Let's enjoy ourselves first."

Before leaving, I secretly called Chairman Li at home. Tonight would inevitably involve bloodshed so better prepare him mentally.

Chairman Li hesitated briefly after my call then said, "Xiao Zhao, you're actually determined to remove this 'tooth'? The owner won't be easy to deal with."

Brotherhood Alliance's existence relied significantly on the Tan family's tacit approval. If I truly removed this "tooth" from their mouth, it would certainly hurt them emotionally.

"Chairman," I said, "they've provoked me repeatedly and forced my hand. You wouldn't want Beijing's security situation to worsen further either. This matter won't place you in an awkward position. Regarding the Tan family, if they don't interfere, good. But if they dare meddle, I'll ensure they face certain consequences."

Using 500 mechanized soldiers against 2000 gang members while deploying Beast Army as mobile backup - even if Tan Zhong sent forces to stop us like before, I would still arrest him.

"Alright," Chairman Li said, "proceed as you see fit. I'll inform the military and armed police troops that they won't receive tasks tonight unless ordered by the Central Military Commission. As for the police system, I can't control them all so you'll need to improvise."

"Perfect," I replied, "as long as you don't arrest me tomorrow after seeing the news!"