What followed, almost imperceptibly, became remarkably straightforward.
Originally, this wasn't a particularly complicated matter. Once Jiang Hai was willing to spend 7.6 billion RMB to buy the shares from these people, the rest practically fell into place.
With money, lawyers, determination, and zero external interference, integrating Qi Group proceeded with impressive speed.
Within just a few days of arriving in Beijing, Jiang Hai became the largest individual shareholder of Qi Group. He alone held 25.3% of the shares, while Qi Li, Qi Jie, Qi Ya, and Qi Li's mother each held less than 20%.
The four women combined owned 60%, but with Jiang Hai's shares, their collective control rose to 85.3%. Zhao Jianjun and the others understood this clearly—resisting was impossible.
Everyone willingly followed Jiang Hai and Qi Li's lead, and the Qi Group actively began preparations for delisting.
Meanwhile, that very evening, Qi Song and Qi Yuanlong found their homes surrounded by furious former shareholders.
They were angry and needed to vent—but none dared challenge Jiang Hai directly. Qi Li was untouchable. Some tried feigning helplessness to reclaim their shares, but that path was firmly blocked.
Instead, their anger fell on Qi Song and Qi Yuanlong, leaving both families too afraid to return home.
That same night, the disgruntled shareholders turned to Zhang Shao—whose real name was Zhang Quan—still influential within certain circles. Jiang Hai received a full report on these connections that night. Though Du Ning wasn't a dedicated intelligence operative, acquiring such information was trivial for Jiang Hai's team when necessary.
Zhang Quan's family background mirrored the "red third generation" archetype common in urban novels: his grandfather had been a founding major general, later promoted to lieutenant general; his father pursued politics, eventually becoming a mayor of a prefecture-level city; his uncles held military and business positions.
In other novels, such a pedigree might make him untouchable. But Jiang Hai wasn't an ordinary man.
He owned multiple ranches in the eastern United States, was Massachusetts' largest personal cash cow, and had ties to the Republican Party, a former TV mogul, the Dubai royal family, and South Korean businesses. A man with three generations of domestic connections could not intimidate him.
Only Zhang Quan's eldest uncle could theoretically wield influence over domestic matters, but Jiang Hai's reach extended far beyond. No faction would dare antagonize him.
Unseen by most, Jiang Hai had become a towering tree, his strength undeniable. His cattle business alone was a fortress of wealth and influence; pursuing him was folly.
Thus, Qi Song and Qi Yuanlong were expelled that very night, without even meeting Jiang Hai. Helpless, they could only sigh—Qi Song was somewhat fortunate; even without Qi Group shares, he retained other businesses in the capital.
Qi Yuanlong, on the other hand, was finished. That night, he informed his son, Qi Zhengtao, that they would return to Bingcheng. Even Qi Zhengtao's wife, Lü Si, was implicated.
Lü Si had once been talented, with abilities rivaling Qi Li's, but she chose the wrong side. Business, like politics, follows the new emperor. Those who rebel or betray a core member are discarded—a clear loss of talent, but a necessary one.
For Jiang Hai, life had become far simpler. He resolved the Qi family's crisis decisively. The Qi family was safe, and their four restaurants were secure. Only one concern lingered: Qi Li had become noticeably busier.
He entrusted his shares to Qi Li, uninterested in micromanaging. His days were spent either at home or wandering Beijing. Friends were scarce—the only acquaintance being the person he met at Panjiayuan when buying the white jade bed—but their relationship was casual.
Bored, Jiang Hai received a call from Fu Yuan: Xiang Hua's wife had given birth to a son. He decided it was time to return to Harbin.
Logically, Qi Li should have accompanied him, but privatization projects and other responsibilities kept her in Beijing. Instead, she booked Jiang Hai a flight, ensuring his journey would proceed smoothly.
Early the next morning, after a tender night with Qi Li and Du Ning, Jiang Hai departed for the airport. Qi Li and Du Ning had awoken long ago but feigned sleep, knowing Jiang Hai disliked dramatic farewells. Qi Li, however, silently resolved to settle matters quickly and reunite with him.
Jiang Hai's mind wasn't on that yet. He wondered what to give Xiang Hua's son as a gift. Among his friends, the red envelope amounts were standardized: if one gave 1,000, everyone gave 1,000. There were no exceptions.
He also considered Fu Yuan and Xu Wei, settling on 1,000 for each. Xiang Hua's family, not wealthy, might benefit from additional gifts—some children's clothing seemed appropriate. Before leaving, he and Qi Li bought these items as a token of appreciation.
On the plane, Jiang Hai settled into first-class, a comfortable four-seat row on a small domestic flight. Not the private luxury of international first-class—with satellite phone, shower, and private space—but still comfortable.
Beijing and Harbin weren't far: seven hours by high-speed train, or two by plane. Jiang Hai, half-asleep, landed at Harbin Taiping Airport.
To his surprise, the waiting hall was full: Xu Wei, Fu Yuan, Xiang Hua, Huang Yunfei, and two old friends. Wang Yong, his elementary and middle school classmate, was a loyal yet melancholic man, easily influenced by his partner. Wu Ming, Wang Yong's high school friend, was timid but dependable. Despite years of reduced contact, both were here today.
"Hey, you came back alone? Where's your harem?" Xu Wei asked, noticing Jiang Hai carried just one bag.
Jiang Hai shrugged.
"What harem? Does this guy have multiple girlfriends?" Wang Yong asked, equally puzzled. Laughter broke out as the others explained, the tension easing.