120: Chapter 120 Using Power to Intimidate

Jiang Tao tilted his head back and finished the wine in his cup, calmly picking up food as he spoke.

"First, it's an undeniable fact that your woman borrowed money from me. As the saying goes, it's only right and proper to repay a debt. My employee went to collect the debt, but not only did you not repay the money, you also injured my person. These are also facts."

"Nowadays, we live in a society ruled by law; everything must adhere to the law. After calling the police, you proposed a private settlement. I gave you the opportunity to resolve this privately, but as soon as you arrived, you injured my employee again. How do you think we should settle this account?"

Chen Hao calmly raised his chin.

"We'll settle it account by account. Let's start with the money you owe me. It's already on the table—300,000. Open it and check."

As the boss, Jiang Tao only needed to give a look, and a subordinate at the table opened the briefcase, took out a stack of cash, sniffed it, and then nodded to his boss.

"There is indeed 300,000."

Jiang Tao sneered and said arrogantly.

"300,000 is only enough to cover the principal. What about the interest?"

As soon as the words fell, the lawyer, a cultured scoundrel, held up his phone to record while taking out a contract from his briefcase to show Chen Hao.

"It's clearly written in black and white: the monthly interest is 50,000. For three months, that's 150,000. You actually owe me 450,000 in total."

Chen Hao didn't refute. He glanced at his watch and said:

"Don't worry, my people will deliver the money shortly. Every cent you are owed will be paid!"

As soon as his voice dropped, the door to the private room opened, and a renovation worker arranged by Chen Hao walked in carrying a briefcase.

"Oh, what a lively gathering."

All eyes collectively turned toward the door.

The person who entered was a thin, frail-looking man.

The two burly men who were guarding the main entrance immediately blocked the newcomer, looking menacing and hostile.

"Who are you?"

"I'm here to deliver money."

He showed the briefcase and shouted into the room.

"Brother Tao, long time no see. Let me in, won't you?"

Jiang Tao frowned slightly and told the two guards to step aside.

"Let him in. I want to see who it is."

After this person entered, Jiang Tao found him increasingly familiar the more he looked.

"You are that... what's your name again?"

He smiled and handed the briefcase to Chen Hao.

"Boss, the money has been delivered."

After the handover was complete, he finally faced Jiang Tao and said:

"Brother Tao, your memory is failing. Let me help you recall: Cell Block No. 2, I lived right next to you."

Jiang Tao's memory instantly flooded back, and he finally remembered who this person was.

"Xiao Liu Zi!"

This kid was a swindler. Xiao Liu Zi was the nickname given to him by a cellmate during his time in prison.

Xiao Liu Zi didn't act like a stranger. He sat next to Chen Hao and spoke freely.

"Brother Tao remembers me. Let me introduce you: this is my new boss. We are all acquaintances, can you give me some face?"

Jiang Tao muttered to himself. How could this harmless-looking office worker be Xiao Liu Zi's boss? These two hanging around together probably weren't good people either.

"One thing is one thing. It's only right and proper to repay a debt. Besides, your face isn't worth much. If I give you face, how can I continue doing business?"

"You really are a stingy miser. You won't even acknowledge the camaraderie from when we shared a cell back then."

Xiao Liu Zi still wanted to appeal to their past relationship, but Chen Hao immediately shut him down with a single sentence.

"People change. Even the best relationships eventually fade. So in this society now, we only talk about money, not feelings."

"Understood, Boss. My task is complete, I'll take my leave now."

After standing up, Xiao Liu Zi winked at Brother Tao.

"You all chat slowly. Gentlemen use words, not fists. Absolutely do not resort to violence."

With that, Xiao Liu Zi walked out of the private room, leaving everyone staring at each other.

Jiang Tao then re-examined Chen Hao.

"Just because Xiao Liu Zi knows me, you dare to confront me so aggressively? Do you look down on me?"

Jiang Tao was considered a local big shot in Jiangcheng, keeping over a hundred subordinates. He made his fortune primarily through predatory campus loans. If he gave face to just anyone, what would become of his status as a boss?

Chen Hao remained unconcerned, maintaining his calm demeanor.

"Boss Jiang, you misunderstand. One thing is one thing. I don't rely on my employee's face. There is 150,000 in the box on the table—that's the interest for the 300,000. You can count it to see if the amount is correct."

When the enemy is weak, one acts strong; when the enemy is strong, one acts weak. Chen Hao yielded, and Jiang Tao became more assertive.

"It's only right and proper to repay a debt. 300,000 principal plus 150,000 interest, written in a contract in black and white—this is what you owe me."

"Now let's settle the other account. My employee came to collect the debt, and you injured my person. How should we settle this account?"

Chen Hao remained unhurried, his gaze fixed intently on the briefcase delivered by Xiao Liu Zi.

"You should open it and take a look. There's a surprise inside."

He heavily emphasized the word 'surprise.'

Jiang Tao's eyes fell on the briefcase, as did everyone else's.

This person repeatedly urged them to open the briefcase and check the 150,000. Could there be another hidden issue inside?

When Cobra's phone turned to aim at the briefcase, he couldn't help but imagine that instead of money, there was a dagger hidden within.

He involuntarily took a step back. Jiang Tao was no exception; he slowly stood up and retreated to the side, signaling a subordinate.

The subordinate looked at the immovable Chen Hao, then cautiously approached the dining table, placing both hands near the lock of the briefcase. He took a deep breath.

"Click!"

The clasp sprang open, and the briefcase was slowly opened.

There was no danger. Stacks of cash lay neatly inside. On top of the cash was an envelope.

"Boss."

The subordinate turned the briefcase toward Jiang Tao. As he faced him, his tense heart relaxed, and he casually picked up the envelope inside.

"Is this your so-called surprise?"

Chen Hao remained calm and composed.

"Open it and see."

Jiang Tao opened it without thinking. What greeted his eyes was densely packed writing.

After just one glance, cold sweat broke out on Jiang Tao's back.

Because the content written on it was entirely related to Jiang Tao, including his company address, home address, mobile number, license plate number, even the clear details of his family members, his wife's private information, and the school his child attended.

"Bang!"

Jiang Tao erupted in fury, slamming the table and leaping up.

"Don't involve family! You dare threaten me, you bastard!"

The paper containing the personal information slapped onto the table. He glared, his rage almost uncontrollable.

Chen Hao maintained his calm expression.

"Boss Jiang just said we live in a society ruled by law. I conduct myself honorably in everything I do. You want money, I return the money."

Then he looked toward the lens of the phone held by the lawyer.

"I haven't said anything. How did it turn into threatening you in your telling?"

Jiang Tao shoved the paper back toward Chen Hao.

"If it's not a threat, then what is the meaning of this!"

The more Jiang Tao spoke, the more agitated he became, nearly losing control of his emotions.

"Do you think I was scared silly? This is enough to fool me! Move! Restrain him for me!"

Just as his subordinates were preparing to act, a discordant voice came from the doorway again.

"Taozi, you're really starting to look the part of a big brother!"