chapter 15 Admission to the auction

"Who?"

Benjamin was still a little sleepy. He had given those three men a task yesterday, and they did a good job. He had finally had a good night's sleep, only to be awakened by this troublemaker in front of him.

"Victor Li."

Benjamin felt like he had heard this name before, but he couldn't quite recall who this person was.

Seeing Benjamin's puzzled expression, Nicholas knew that he didn't recognize this person. So he hurriedly added, "Victor, you know, the one who started the distillery in Wu City. He got caught and spent a few years in prison."

Benjamin gave Nicholas a deep look. He realized that this father and son were indeed his lucky stars. With this reminder, he managed to recall who Victor was.

This guy was quite a troublemaker. Back in '85, he started a distillery and Wu City Old Distillery became well-known in towns and villages within a hundred miles. Unfortunately, at that time, the policies were unclear. The distillery was registered under a state-owned entity. When the wind shifted, he was kicked out and even spent a few years in a rough prison.

If it weren't for the policies changing this year and getting him released early, he would probably still be serving time.

"How did you think of him?"

Benjamin found himself truly unable to understand this guy in front of him. Michael had specifically informed him about the situation at home last night.

This person is not the candidate Michael recommended. Michael rushed over to explain that he was worried about his foolish son. Little Red Robe's prestige among his associates was unquestionable. If his younger son went back and mentioned it to Peter and Robert, those desperate characters, his elder son might end up with a broken leg one night, and they wouldn't be able to find the culprits.

Benjamin couldn't help but shake his head and smile. He had already focused all his efforts on expanding his business, and he had long since stopped meddling in the affairs of the dog-eat-dog world. His wild bunch of guys were all obedient and focused on their work. How could outsiders still think like this?

While sighing about the power of rumors, he comforted Michael and saw him off. The next morning, Nicholas enthusiastically recommended this guy.

Nicholas felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. Benjamin smiled and tossed him a pack of cigarettes, lighting one up for himself.

"Don't just blame your old man. He was here last night."

Nicholas's face immediately turned grim. He felt that someone had insulted Benjamin, and he had only given the guy a hard time over a dish. He felt he had let down Benjamin's nurturing.

"Bro Benjamin, I won't hold back next time. I'll take care of him!"

Benjamin was startled. He could tell from the tone that this kid was serious.

"Nonsense!"

Benjamin's face darkened as he rebuked him. Deep down, he was also touched. This guy might be a bit simple-minded, but he was truly loyal.

"This matter is in the past. You swallow it and don't dare to mention it to anyone else. If you do, you'll be out of here."

Benjamin's tone was extremely stern. He knew the disposition of the men below him. If this blockhead blabbed about it, there might be trouble.

Nicholas was somewhat stunned by Benjamin's tone, and he also sensed Benjamin's concern. He nodded obediently, feeling a bit wrong.

Fiona came in with a happy expression.

"Mr. Su, Jinxiu F&B Company has secured it."

Peter, with dark circles under his eyes, followed behind her. These days, he had drunk his fill of a lifetime's worth of alcohol, and he had finally secured it before the auction.

Good news comes in pairs.

The Gao brothers were anxious all afternoon. Frank's message said the other party was too busy and they would have to wait a few days. The second child of the Gao family couldn't bear it any longer.

"Alright, you go ahead and get busy, I'll take care of the delivery." Benjamin decided to be thorough, bringing along over a dozen people, each car filled with three individuals. They made sure to bring all the necessary equipment, just in case the situation turned out differently than expected. They made their way confidently toward Wu City.

Benjamin looked at the three neatly lined up and imposing black off-road vehicles, along with the two rare refrigerated light trucks for this era, and burst into hearty laughter.

With a large bundle of 700,000 in cash in hand, the second child of the Gao family suddenly felt that he had been too hasty. After some casual conversation and declining Benjamin's invitation to stay, he led his group back to Tiandu City.

As they watched Benjamin skillfully test drive the vehicles, expertly navigating turns and reversing without a hitch, they were all a bit dumbfounded.

The key word here was "learning."

Everyone below went into a frenzy, so Benjamin had Frank arrange for a few experienced drivers to come back and teach them hands-on, ensuring that they all learned.

On the 26th, Benjamin unusually changed into a black formal suit. As a result, Peter, Simon, and the others followed suit and also donned their best.

Thomas Wu, a seafood tycoon who made his fortune early on, was one of the first successful entrepreneurs in Wu City. He arrived at the government guesthouse early in the morning. Wu City wasn't large, and the circles of wealthy individuals in this era were even smaller.

He had already exchanged words with quite a few people. This time, George Li was in a bit of trouble. There were indeed a few industries that were genuinely lucrative assets. Once in hand, they were like cash cows.

Seeing this, it might be better for everyone to privately agree with a friendly smile instead of turning the auction into a life-or-death struggle.

Thomas was accustomed to being cautious. He arrived early to avoid any potential mistakes and to ensure he had time to communicate with others before the event.

He was also worried that some fierce competition might show up at the last minute, which would give him less time to prepare.

It was now 9:20, just ten minutes away from the start.

Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. Several powerful bosses had been notified, and there were no unfamiliar faces in sight.

Just as he was feeling at ease, three black Toyota Land Cruisers roared down the road towards them.

In Thomas's astonished gaze, a dozen or so men in black suits got out of the cars one after another, respectfully escorting a short-haired, vigorous young man as they entered the guesthouse in a grand procession.