Chapter Five: Obstacles on the New Path

Bei Mo's private jet touched down at C City Airport, the roar of its engines echoing across the expansive tarmac.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, he descended the boarding stairs with a tall, imposing figure, radiating an aura of formidable power. Su Yao followed closely behind, clutching a stack of documents and quickening her pace to keep up with him.

"President, this Zhao Hu is not a man to be trifled with. Rumor has it he holds sway over both the underworld and legitimate circles. We really should proceed with caution," Su Yao whispered, her voice laced with anxiety.

A cold smirk tugged at the corners of Bei Mo’s mouth. "When soldiers come, we use a general; when water comes, we use earth to block it. Since when has Bei Mo ever feared such demons and monsters?"

C City was a bustling, modernized metropolis. Towering skyscrapers stood in rows, neon lights flickered, and the nightlife was vibrant and varied. Yet, behind this glamorous facade lurked dark forces unknown to the public. Bei Mo’s purpose in coming here was to pioneer a new market and expand the operations of the Bei Group into C City. However, the local market had long been monopolized by the local kingpin, Zhao Hu. Any outsider wishing to establish a foothold here had to first obtain his approval.

Bei Mo and Su Yao checked into the most luxurious hotel in C City to prepare for business negotiations with local entrepreneurs. In the hotel conference room, the atmosphere was solemn and grave. Bei Mo spoke with ease and eloquence, detailing the advantages of the Bei Group and its strategic plans for the future.

Just as the meeting was drawing to a close, the door was suddenly pushed open. A burly man with a thick, fleshy face strode in, followed by a group of bodyguards in black. It was Zhao Hu.

"President Bei, I’ve heard so much about you!" Zhao Hu said, a smirk on his face that didn't reach his eyes, his tone dripping with provocation.

Bei Mo’s gaze sharpened. "Boss Zhao, to what do I owe this visit?"

Zhao Hu walked up to Bei Mo, draped an arm over his shoulder, and spoke with a menacing edge. "President Bei, I hear you want to develop in C City? I’m afraid that’s not such a good idea. C City is my turf. If you want to do business here, you have to ask me if I agree first."

Bei Mo scoffed, meeting Zhao Hu’s gaze without a hint of fear. "Boss Zhao, the marketplace is like a battlefield—everyone relies on their own merit. Forcing a deal like this seems rather inappropriate, don't you think?"

Zhao Hu’s expression darkened.

Bei Mo’s eyes were icy, his tone resolute. "In my dictionary, there is no such word as 'fear'!"

Zhao Hu’s men began to jeer, and the scene descended into chaos. Zhao Hu gave a sinister laugh. "Very well, President Bei. You have successfully angered me. I hope you can remain this tough in the future!" He shoved Bei Mo’s shoulder aside, turned, and left, tossing a final threat over his shoulder: "We shall see!"

After Zhao Hu’s departure, Bei Mo’s business activities indeed encountered unprecedented obstacles. Partners began to express their desire to reconsider, some even proposing to terminate their contracts outright, terrified of being caught in the crossfire of Zhao Hu’s influence.

"President, this Zhao Hu is nothing more than a local bully; he’s far too difficult to deal with!" Su Yao paced the office like an ant on a hot pan. "Now the partners want to withdraw their capital. What are we going to do?"

Bei Mo rubbed his temples. He knew the trouble he faced could not be resolved with a few words. Zhao Hu’s reach was intricate and deep-seated. It seemed that conducting business in C City would require a significant struggle. He let out a cold snort, a flash of annoyance in his eyes. "I refuse to believe that Zhao Hu can truly cover the sky of C City with one hand!"

However, reality soon taught Bei Mo a harsh lesson. No matter how hard he tried, those partners were like birds startled by a mere bowstring, each one avoiding him as if he were a plague. Bei Mo felt a sense of frustration he had never known before, as if he were tightly bound by an invisible net. For the first time, he realized that competition in the business world was not merely a contest of strength; it often involved far more complex factors. A suffocating atmosphere blanketed the office, as if the very air had solidified.

Meanwhile, a different scene was unfolding for Duan Fei.

Her project was in full swing, and everything was under her control. Dressed in a practical work uniform and wearing a hard hat, she moved back and forth across the construction site, directing the workers with methodical precision.

"President Duan, the quality of this batch of materials is perfect!" a worker reported, handing her the inspection report with excitement.

Duan Fei allowed a faint, confident smile to grace her lips. "Well done! Keep it up!"

Those who had previously looked down on her were now viewing her with newfound respect. Duan Fei had proven with her own competence that she was not just a wealthy socialite who squandered her inheritance, but a leader with true capability and grit. The entire site was filled with an upward, vibrant atmosphere. Her confidence was infectious, making every difficulty seem surmountable.

"President Duan, you are truly amazing! We were so worried this project would hit countless snags, but under your leadership, everything is progressing so smoothly," a staff member remarked with sincere admiration.

Duan Fei waved a hand dismissively, speaking with humility. "This is the result of everyone's hard work; I’ve merely done my part." She looked out at the land under construction, her heart filled with a sense of accomplishment.

As night fell, the nightlife of C City began to stir. Bei Mo stood alone before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the brilliant city lights, his mind restless and agitated. He picked up his phone and began scrolling through his gallery without thinking. A photo caught his eye—it was Duan Fei working diligently at her construction site. In the image, her gaze was resolute, and she radiated an aura of pure confidence.

Bei Mo’s eyes lingered on the photo for a long time. He didn't know why he would think of her at a time like this.

"President, would you like some coffee?" Su Yao pushed the door open, carrying a steaming cup.

"No need," Bei Mo said coolly, his voice carrying a trace of imperceptible exhaustion. Su Yao opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it and quietly retreated.

Bei Mo stared at the photo on his phone, then suddenly, as if struck by a thought, his lips curled upward. He whispered to himself, "This woman... she’s actually quite interesting..."

Bei Mo tossed his phone onto the table in frustration. Zhao Hu’s relentless pressure was suffocating him. He thought of Duan Fei—that woman who seemed self-destructive but was actually deeply calculating. When faced with project funding issues, she certainly hadn't looked this dejected! A surge of stubborn defiance welled up within him. "Tch, I truly don't believe it!" He stood up abruptly, a burning fire in his eyes.

Just then, Su Yao ran in, panicked. "President! That man Zhao Hu is spreading rumors that our company is evading taxes, and the tax bureau is coming to audit our books!"

Bei Mo sneered, "Good! I was just worrying about not finding an opportunity to strike back!" He immediately instructed Su Yao to prepare all the documentation and personally contacted a trusted lawyer to handle the impending investigation. In his eyes, Zhao Hu’s petty tactics were no more than child's play. Who did he, Bei Mo, think he was?

When soldiers come, use a general; when water comes, use earth to block it. He truly did not believe that Zhao Hu could cover the sky of C City with one hand!

The tax bureau officials arrived, dressed in suits and ties with stern expressions. Zhao Hu, lurking in the shadows to watch, wore a smug, triumphant smile, certain of his victory. However, Bei Mo had been prepared long ago. He produced every ledger and document, responding to the officials’ inquiries with calm, logical precision.

After a thorough examination, the tax bureau found no irregularities and even praised the Bei Group for its disciplined management.

"Hmph, it seems Zhao Hu has lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet," Bei Mo remarked with a cold smirk as he watched the officials leave. Su Yao stood to the side, stunned; she hadn't expected the President to be so composed, neutralizing the crisis with such ease. Her eyes were filled with admiration.

Though they had escaped this ordeal, Bei Mo knew Zhao Hu would not let it rest. Sure enough, the very next day, Zhao Hu employed new tactics.

Meanwhile, Duan Fei’s project also encountered minor troubles. Although progress was generally smooth, certain details were giving her a headache. She sat in her office, brows furrowed, holding the latest progress report as she sank into deep thought.

"Knock, knock, knock..." A rap at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in."

Her assistant pushed the door open. "President Duan, the suppliers are saying the price of raw materials has gone up and are demanding we re-sign the contracts."

Duan Fei rubbed her temples. It seemed the situation was far from as simple as she had imagined. She picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Hello, President Zhang..."

Bei Mo stood by the floor-to-ceiling window once more, gazing at the C City nightscape, the image of Duan Fei appearing in his mind. He picked up his phone, hesitated, and finally dialed that familiar number.

A cold, clear voice sounded from the other end: "Hello?"

Bei Mo took a deep breath. "Duan Fei, it’s me..."