"Gulp…"
Seeing Jiang Hai slam the black card onto the table, many experienced shareholders instinctively took a step back.
An unlimited credit line—what did that mean? Even if Jiang Hai didn't currently have enough cash to buy everyone's shares, he could borrow it from the bank. This wasn't just money—it was a declaration of seriousness.
Whether it came from his own fortune or borrowed funds, he was not bluffing.
But would these people actually sell? They wouldn't dare!
After Qi Group had taken down the An family last year, its revenue had skyrocketed. First half: 200 million RMB. Second half: 1.3 billion RMB. Total annual profit: 1.5 billion. Even the smallest shareholders present had pocketed nearly 30 million in dividends, plus nearly 10 million in red envelopes. And the current value of their shares? Around 600 million RMB each.
In less than ten years, they could recoup their principal and enjoy pure profit.
More importantly, being a shareholder in Qi Group wasn't just about money—it was a symbol of social status.
Do coal bosses in Shanxi have money? Sure. But do they command respect among elites? Not at all. Even in a village, they wouldn't dare challenge the local party secretary.
The Qi family, on the other hand, commanded deference wherever they went. And now, Jiang Hai was standing in front of them, casually offering to buy their shares outright.
It was terrifying.
Even more frightening: without the Qi family's protection, there was no guarantee the money would remain theirs after the transaction.
"Hey, Xiao Jiang, what's the point of buying all their shares? Don't let a moment of anger land you in a mountain of debt. I hear foreign banks are even scarier than domestic ones," Qi Yuanlong said, stepping forward with a forced smile. At the same time, he shot Zhao Jianjun a meaningful glance.
He guessed correctly: Zhao Jianjun didn't want tension to escalate. Despite his dislike for Qi Song and Qi Yuanlong, Zhao was cautious. These men were relatives of Qi Li's father, and many of the attendees were old retainers. Jiang Hai's wealth was unknown, and Zhao didn't want him to incur unnecessary debt.
But before Qi Yuanlong could continue, Jiang Hai waved him off.
"Uncle Qi, you don't need to worry. I don't care about this small fortune, and borrowing money? That's not happening."
He walked over to Qi Li's desk, leaned casually against it, and faced Qi Yuanlong and the rest.
"Some of you know me, some don't. My name is Jiang Hai, and I'm Qi Li's husband. Three years ago, around this time, I went to the United States to raise cattle. The beef those four restaurants are famous for? That's mine. But China isn't my main market. My main production areas are Walmart in the United States and the Dubai royal family."
His voice was calm, but every word carried weight. Faces in the room darkened. They had heard of Walmart—the world's largest retailer—and the Dubai royal family, one of the richest in the world.
"Last year, after taxes, my beef sales exceeded a billion dollars—U.S. dollars. This year, my farm's main products—beef, fish, pasture—each sold over a billion dollars. I'm not entirely sure how much is on this card right now, but at least five billion U.S. dollars, guaranteed."
Gasps echoed across the room. Even Zhao Jianjun had underestimated Jiang Hai's wealth. Qi Li and Du Ning, who knew a little, smiled knowingly. Qi Li could see the charm Jiang Hai displayed whenever he bragged, subtle yet undeniable.
"I'm not bragging, but I could buy the entire Qi Corporation if I wanted. But I won't. The Qi Corporation belongs to my wife. I don't care if you make a little profit alongside her, but dare to cause trouble? That's courting death."
His tone grew colder. Those who had come seeking advantage froze. The room fell silent, tension thick.
They had come to intimidate, but now it seemed they risked losing everything. Eyes flicked nervously toward Qi Song—the instigator of today's chaos. If their shares were taken, they would have nothing to blame but themselves.
"Do as I say. I'll take all their shares," Jiang Hai said to Qi Li calmly.
Qi Li nodded, serious. She picked up the phone to call Qi Group's lawyer, realizing Jiang Hai was not bluffing.
Qi Yuanlong and Qi Song panicked. Qi Liangcai even lunged for the phone—but Du Ning was faster. In a single fluid motion, she flipped the boss's desk, blocking him.
They knew Du Ning's reputation. She was sent by Jiang Hai, and she was lethal—one of the world's top bodyguards. Her exploits were terrifying; she had taken down three bodyguards from Zhang Shao without harm to herself.
Qi Liangcai's blood ran cold under her gaze.
"Xiaoli," he stammered to Qi Li, "we're all relatives. No need to be so harsh. We know we were greedy, but taking our shares? How can we be family like this?"
But his voice trembled with fear. Among the elders, Qi Song and Qi Yuanlong would never admit fault. Only he, the eldest brother, could attempt diplomacy—but it seemed hopeless.
"Stop pretending! You're wolves in sheep's clothing. If we let you go today, you'll bite us back tomorrow. When I'm not around, no one will protect my wife. It's better to wipe you all out. I'll take your shares and delist the company. Your billions won't protect you."
Qi Li hesitated—many of the shareholders were long-time retainers and relatives—but Jiang Hai's voice filled the room. Their despair was palpable.
He and his team were serious. Without shares, without a listed company, the money Jiang Hai offered them—billions they had dreamed of—was meaningless.
Too much money without protection was dangerous. A child with a gold brick is robbed instantly.
Without the Qi family's shield, they were powerless. And in China, a single word could decide life or death.
Some shareholders already considered fleeing to live anonymously. Others glared at Qi Song, Qi Yuanlong, and Qi Liangcai, furious at having been blinded by greed and misjudged Jiang Hai's strength.
The three men were dumbfounded. Jiang Hai was ruthless, rich beyond imagination, and utterly untouchable.
Qi Yuanlong suddenly remembered what his son had said last night: Young Master Zhang had refused to confront Jiang Hai, knowing he couldn't be easily manipulated. Now it was clear—Jiang Hai was far beyond anyone's control. The front-line instigators were trapped, completely helpless.