RMM -Chapter 127 Major Breakthrough

“Brother Bai, you asked what capital I have. I won’t hide it from you—I honestly don’t have much confidence myself.”

Xi Yuechen smiled frankly, his brows and eyes filled with resolve. “I just happened to get lucky and stumbled upon something shady involving our city’s leadership. I used that as leverage to pull off a few deals. But that was nothing more than opportunism. I don’t know when it might all be shut down. Every single day feels like walking on thin ice. Every move I make is cautious, afraid of leaving any handle for others to grab. So before someone else schemes against me, I have to become stronger—strong enough that I no longer need to rely on anyone else to get things done. Only then will I have no worries afterward. That’s why I may seem a bit impatient.”

“I know this goes against the rules and may cause trouble for Yanmen. But Brother Bai, rest assured—if you give me a chance, I’ll give it everything I have and take full control of the situation over there. Even if it weren’t to repay Yanmen for recognizing my worth, I’d still have to do it for myself.”

When Xi Yuechen spoke these words, his expression was firm and his tone resolute, carrying a power that shook people to the core. Anyone with ambition naturally possessed an extraordinary presence.

Hearing this, Bai Xiong raised an eyebrow, visibly moved. Indeed—who would want to spend a lifetime under someone else’s control, worrying every day about being kicked aside at any moment? Only by holding absolute power oneself would no one dare harbor designs against you, and only then would they truly fear and respect you.

He suddenly thought back to his youth, when people often looked down on him, excluding him at every turn. Even the way they looked at him carried disdain mixed with pity. What right do you have?

If you want others to respect you, you must rise above them—you must make them afraid.

That was why Bai Xiong had stepped onto this path. Relying solely on that fighting spirit, starting from nothing, climbing step by step, he had finally reached where he was today.

But even now, how could he dare relax? How many people were still waiting for him to fall? How many police officers were watching him like tigers eyeing their prey? If they ever caught evidence, would he still have a life left to enjoy everything he had fought so hard for?

After a moment of contemplation, countless thoughts swirling through his mind, Bai Xiong let out a long sigh. The teasing look he had worn earlier faded, replaced by gravity and a hint of melancholy.

“Well said. Very candid.”

If Xi Yuechen had fed him empty boasts, Bai Xiong would have kicked him out without a second word. He had no shortage of braggarts. But Xi Yuechen hadn’t done that. It was precisely this honesty that moved Bai Xiong and made him truly see Xi Yuechen in a new light. His attitude became serious.

Bai Xiong could hear the sincerity in Xi Yuechen’s words. Having survived years of gunfire and bloodshed, he trusted his own judgment of people.

Cheng Yue hadn’t spoken any hollow lies or sweet nonsense. He said he was doing this for himself—and Bai Xiong believed him. Only those who act for their own benefit won’t betray the people who can give them that benefit.

“You say you’re nervous, walking on thin ice. But am I any different?” Bai Xiong said. “It wasn’t easy to get where I am today, and it’s even harder to hold onto it. That’s why I’m cautious about everything. You were able to seize an opportunity—that shows you’ve got brains. And you even managed to close several successful deals because of it—that’s your ability. Especially your attitude toward work—if I’m being honest, I like it.”

Bai Xiong laughed heartily, his tone full of admiration. This Cheng Yue really wasn’t bad—someone worth cooperating with.

How could Xi Yuechen not understand what that meant? Today had been a success. Seeing Bai Xiong’s smiling face, he laughed along lightly, though his heart was icy cold.

“Brother Bai, you mean…?” Xi Yuechen’s voice carried a hint of delighted surprise.

Bai Xiong smiled at the visibly overjoyed Xi Yuechen and nodded. “It means I acknowledge you.”

“Th-thank you, Brother Bai!” Xi Yuechen was so excited he even stuttered. He clenched his fists tightly. “I’ll work hard and absolutely won’t let you down!”

“Mm, work hard,” Bai Xiong said, as if remembering something. He smiled faintly, looking thoughtful. “Make good use of the opportunities over in S City. Be decisive. Maybe before long, I’ll come to you seeking cooperation.”

Xi Yuechen thought for a moment and immediately understood. He returned a knowing smile and nodded. “Yes. Just wait and see my results.”

How could Xi Yuechen not grasp the implication? It was a reminder to develop well—once he secured a foothold in S City, Yanmen would want a share of the profits, using S City as a springboard into the mainland.

Unfortunately… Yanmen would never have that chance.

Bai Xiong smiled with satisfaction. If Cheng Yue truly managed to carve out a domain in S City, wouldn’t that be a blessing for Yanmen as well? Business only lasts when it’s mutually beneficial.

For a moment, the two men harbored different thoughts, yet both wore genial smiles, hiding their intentions.

That was why one always had to remain vigilant and never let down one’s guard. Today, it was Bai Xiong’s overconfidence—believing he had seen through Xi Yuechen—that would lead to Yanmen’s eventual downfall. Even if he were to beat his chest in regret later, nothing could be changed.

Living with foresight is never easy. Thinking oneself clever feels good, but in truth, Bai Xiong’s sharp edge had long been dulled by a comfortable life.

Besides, did he really believe such illegal deeds could let him roam free forever? The law’s net is vast and tight—there are no fish that escape it forever.

In life, making money should follow the right path. A gentleman loves wealth but acquires it honorably. Living steadily and lawfully is enough—why cling to luck and risk everything by breaking the law?

The rest of the conversation between Bai Xiong and Xi Yuechen went smoothly and pleasantly. After sitting for a while, Bai Xiong grew restless and wanted to go out and move around.

Though he no longer had to struggle as fiercely as before and had moved here to enjoy life, he still paid great attention to his health, exercising regularly every day.

Just as Xi Yuechen had guessed, Bai Xiong was a tall, robust middle-aged man, strong and energetic, making him look much younger than his age.

“Cheng Yue, let’s not just sit around. Come, go for a walk with me,” Bai Xiong said as he stood up and stretched his arms. Turning to Xi Yuechen, he added, “Usually it’s just me here. It does get lonely sometimes.”

Xi Yuechen stood as well and smiled, nodding. “Of course. I’d be honored.”

Bai Xiong couldn’t help but laugh. “Hey, Cheng Yue, could you stop talking so… uh, refined? It sounds really pretentious.”

Xi Yuechen nodded awkwardly, agreeing repeatedly.

Although Bai Xiong complained about Xi Yuechen’s refined way of speaking, deep down he sometimes felt inferior about his own education. He had even set up a study. With plenty of time on his hands, he often went in to read and study. If one wanted to be part of high society, some cultivated elegance was unavoidable.

Using that as motivation, Bai Xiong studied earnestly. Now he had a bit of learning in him—at least enough to speak politely when he wanted, tossing in a couple of idioms here and there. Speaking that way made him feel better, like a scholar.

Just as they were about to leave the living room, Bai Xiong suddenly turned and asked, “Cheng Yue, what do you think of my home’s décor?”

Xi Yuechen’s heart skipped a beat. He cleared his throat lightly, then carefully looked around the living room again before smiling back at Bai Xiong. “Extremely lavish and magnificent. It reminds me of a movie I once saw—the effect is comparable. Grand, resplendent, dazzling. Such a bold display—only Brother Bai could pull it off.”

If Xie Haomin were standing there, he’d surely burst out complaining: What kind of mess is this? With taste like this, even a feudal landlord would do better. Typical nouveau riche with elementary-school aesthetics—no exaggeration at all. An uneducated gang boss is terrifying.

Whatever it is, at least let me get it off my chest!

Hearing Xi Yuechen’s words, Bai Xiong looked even more pleased. He stopped walking and said with a grin, “I designed all this myself. I don’t know how to build houses, so I hired a designer for that. But decorating—don’t I know how to do that? What nonsense was that designer thinking? Empty rooms with nothing in them—was he looking down on me, thinking I couldn’t afford to put things in?”

He snorted coldly to show his dissatisfaction, then laughed again. “A home is meant to be lived in—it should be lively and prosperous! That’s how it has some human warmth. If you’ve got stuff, why not put it on display?”

Listening to Bai Xiong’s smug tone, Xi Yuechen’s smile stiffened slightly. Then why not wallpaper the walls with banknotes?

“Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right. Money is but an external possession—it should be spent in ways that make oneself happy.”

Xi Yuechen continued flattering him without missing a beat, coaxing Bai Xiong into even brighter smiles.

Bai Xiong suggested that Xi Yuechen try soaking in the hot spring behind the villa—it was extremely comfortable, with no idle people to disturb them.

Given Xi Yuechen’s germophobia, how could he possibly share a hot spring with Bai Xiong? He declined politely but firmly, saying it was getting late and he should head down the mountain rather than disturb Brother Bai’s leisure.

Seeing that Xi Yuechen truly wasn’t interested, Bai Xiong didn’t insist. Soaking alone would be even more spacious anyway.

Still, he had someone drive Xi Yuechen down the mountain. Xi Yuechen had come up with Brother Long, who had already left, so he couldn’t get down on his own.

Sitting in the car, Xi Yuechen looked back at the white villa glowing brilliantly in the afterglow of the setting sun. A trace of hidden mockery and coldness flashed through his eyes.

Bai Xiong—just wait and see how your Yanmen falls apart by your own hands.

As the car descended the mountain, Xi Yuechen watched the fleeting scenery outside the window, his expression slightly dazed. Nearly half a year—at last, the mission had made a major breakthrough.

Once things stabilized in a few days, he’d apply for some leave.

Far away in the north, there was still someone waiting for him.