chapter 21 Hidden danger

Polly Li found that her words were completely ignored by Baldwin Qi. Angrily, she rolled her eyes and moved her chair to the side. Baldwin Qi had been lost in his thoughts and didn't notice Polly Li's movements at all. "No man has ever ignored me like this!" Polly Li said, rolling her eyes. She vented her frustration on the food on the table. Cheyenn Yu and Susie Xu had finished their conversation, which brought Baldwin Qi back to the present. Since Susie Xu was planning to act against Carena Xiang and trying to take over the Xiang Group, and since Cheyenn Yu was going to help, Baldwin Qi decided to let Cheyenn Yu, the self-important woman, suffer a great loss. After all, it was a way to settle things with Elder Xiang, who could drop dead at any moment, especially since they had a good friendship. Baldwin Qi was surprised to see Polly Li eating so voraciously. Usually, she was so ladylike, but now she ate like a hungry wolf. Polly Li noticed his astonished gaze and coughed awkwardly, swallowing her food. Baldwin Qi said, "Sorry, I was lost in thought earlier. What were you saying?" Polly Li, annoyed that he could act so high and mighty about ignoring her, replied with a cold smile, "Never mind!" Baldwin Qi started eating. The food from this private kitchen was excellent, no wonder there was a month-long waiting list. Polly Li's invitation to dine here showed her sincerity. It seemed she was genuinely thanking him rather than trying to make a fool out of him as she did during their previous meetings. "Which association is Dragon Gate?" Baldwin Qi asked, glancing at Polly Li. "Dragon Gate? It's the largest organization in Hua Country. Don't you know?" Polly Li looked at Baldwin Qi as if he was an alien. Baldwin Qi shook his head. He had spent his life in the Underworld Prison, so most of his knowledge came from other inmates. Polly Li said, "Dragon Gate is a large organization made up of Chinese people. It's spread worldwide with millions of members. In every province of our country, there's a Dragon Gate branch headed by a chief, and each chief has extraordinary power and connections." She paused and then asked, "You haven't offended anyone from Dragon Gate, have you?" "Not yet, but perhaps in the future," Baldwin Qi replied calmly while continuing to eat. Once he finished his meal, he put down his bowl and said, "I'm full. I'm heading back. Thanks for the meal." Without waiting for Polly Li to reply, Baldwin Qi left. Polly Li was stunned. She was both angry and amazed. Who exactly was Baldwin Qi? It sounded like he was planning to offend Dragon Gate. She sighed, "This situation doesn't seem easy." Soon after leaving, Baldwin Qi was summoned by Clyde Qiao to the Qiao Family residence. Clyde Qiao handed over a share transfer worth three million to Baldwin Qi, saying, "These are the Zhang Group shares which Uncle Qiao bought for you. Hold onto them. Once Zhang Group goes public, you'll get dividends every year." Baldwin Qi was taken aback. Marisol Pang, standing nearby, laughed, "All our relatives are thanking us now. We owe it to Mr. Zhang. Without his tip-off, no one would have had this opportunity." "How much did you all invest in total?" Baldwin Qi couldn't help but ask. Clyde Qiao smiled, "We invested around thirty million. Along with some persuaded relatives, it totals to approximately ten million." Baldwin Qi suddenly felt overwhelmed. If the Zhang Group absconded with the money, the blame would probably fall on Clyde Qiao's head! Clyde Qiao patted Baldwin Qi's shoulder and said, "I'm aware of what happened today. You stood up against power and defended April Qiao. You showed responsibility and commitment. I appreciate that!" Baldwin Qi touched his nose. Being praised in the Qiao Family was a rare occurrence. "However, don't be too hard on Egbert Zhang. He's interested in April, but you're her husband! And April always sees him as just a friend." "April's words to you were out of concern, hoping you'd mature faster. Don't take it to heart." "I think you should come work at Qiao Group, starting from a ground-level position. I believe in your potential." Baldwin Qi hurriedly waved his hands, "Uncle Qiao, there's no need. I have my own plans." Marisol Pang scoffed, "You come running to us and now you're playing hard to get? If you're so competent, why not arrange some dividends for us, like Mr. Zhang?" "Elder Qiao, in my opinion, people like Mr. Zhang bring honour to our family!" "Our relatives invested in shares today and praised our foresight!" Clyde Qiao said, "Baldwin stood up for April today, proving he can achieve great things. Let's not fuss about it anymore." Seeing Clyde Qiao's firm stance, Marisol Pang had no choice but to hold back her anger, but she still glared at Baldwin Qi, clearly displeased with him for delaying April. Baldwin Qi wanted to discuss the situation with the Zhang Group with Clyde Qiao, but after seeing their attitude towards Egbert Zhang, he thought it better to remain silent. By lunchtime, April Qiao returned, looking tired. "Mom, Dad, I couldn't resolve the issue with Zhonghai Bank," April Qiao sighed. "What happened? Didn't we already reconcile with the Black Dragon Chamber of Commerce? Why are they reluctant to lend?" Marisol Pang said angrily. April Qiao pursed her lips, hesitated, and shook her head slightly, as if she had some unspeakable secret. Baldwin Qi noticed and understood; the bank was probably being deliberately difficult, perhaps making unreasonable demands, like Otto Yu had! "I'll handle it. I know the president of Zhonghai Bank, Harold Sun. If I speak to him, he's unlikely to refuse," Baldwin Qi said. Marisol Pang sarcastically retorted, "Such confidence. Did you spend a lot trying to show off? No wonder you've been idle these days, declining Elder Qiao's offer to work at Qiao Group. Perhaps you were just collecting intel on influential figures in Zhonghai for your own bragging?" Clyde Qiao coughed and patted Baldwin Qi's shoulder, emphasizing, "A man must stay grounded!" Of course, he wouldn't believe that Baldwin Qi, who had been expelled from the Qi family and worked in a minor position for years, could have such connections.