Just as Li Wanhao was at a loss for words, Su Xiaomei took action. Seeing Hai Long's arrogant demeanor, she thought to herself: "Hey, you little brat, you've grown some guts after a few months, haven't you? You dare to put on airs in front of your big sister?"
"Back in the day, I was so good to you. Without me and my sisters setting the price, would you have been able to make 300 yuan per crab? Without us helping you create the trend of eating devil sea crabs, would any hotel manager have bothered to buy them out of boredom? You think you're so capable now, do you? Have you forgotten how I used to pull your ears and discipline you, you naughty little brother? You even dare to talk to me with your back turned. Just wait and see how I'll deal with you."
Just as Li Wanhao and Qiao Zhenyuan were at a loss for what to do, they saw Su Xiaomei suddenly stand up, her eyebrows furrowed, and she quickly walked to Hai Long's side. Suddenly, she grabbed his ear and pulled it hard, saying angrily, "Brat, are you putting on airs in front of your big sister? I'm giving you face by asking for your help, and you dare to hesitate? Do you want me to pull your ears off?"
Li Wanhao and Qiao Zhenyuan were instantly petrified, their mouths agape, not knowing what to say. Qiao Zhenyuan never imagined that his usually gentle wife could be so fierce, actually pulling someone's ear and threatening them.
Li Wanhao also never thought that the seemingly proper and graceful Su Xiaomei could have such a fiery side. He was even more surprised by Hai Long's reaction.
After saying those words, Hai Long thought to himself with a sense of satisfaction: "Hehe, I, Hai Long, can also be so dominant. What I said just now was so powerful, I'm just too dominant."
Hai Long, feeling smug, didn't realize the danger was approaching. Before he could enjoy his moment of triumph for two minutes, his ear was twisted into a braid by Su Xiaomei. The domineering aura he had just put on was instantly shattered. He could only stand up helplessly as Su Xiaomei pulled him, pleading loudly, "Ah~~~ Big Sister, I'm wrong, please let go, we can talk about anything."
Su Xiaomei, having finally found Hai Long's weakness, was not about to let go. She said angrily, "Quick, will you help or not?"
Hai Long was also afraid that Qiao Zhenyuan might really leave out of fear of owing a favor. Now, with Su Xiaomei's intervention, Hai Long knew that Qiao Zhenyuan would have no choice but to ask for his help.
So, Hai Long deliberately said in a huff, "No, I won't help. If Brother-in-law looks down on me, why should I help him? You know the Devil Sea is very dangerous."
Hearing Hai Long's words, Qiao Zhenyuan couldn't help but smile. He realized that Hai Long was just a 20-year-old kid, over 20 years younger than him. Even if he needed help in the future, what could he possibly ask for? This kid was doing legitimate business and lived locally. He just wanted a protector when doing business. What did he have to fear?
Moreover, his wife and Hai Long had a very good relationship, like siblings. They weren't related by blood, but he could be pulled by the ear and not resist, which was a sign of a close relationship.
He had often heard his wife talk about this crab-selling kid. He never imagined that he had become such a capable person.
Since his wife was helping him save face, why not accept it? Seeing his wife's expression, Qiao Zhenyuan understood and quickly said, "Oh, my dear brother, it's my fault. I didn't know entering the Devil Sea was so dangerous. But I really need your help with this. Otherwise, I'll be in a lot of trouble. Don't worry, as long as you help me through this, I'll protect you in the East Sea. If you need anything, just let me know, and I'll do my best to help."
Hearing this, Hai Long quickly said, "Alright, I'll help. Big Sister, let go, my ear is going to fall off."
Hearing Hai Long's plea, Su Xiaomei couldn't help but laugh. She scolded, "Who told you to be all muscles, with no place to pinch? What else could I do but pull your ear?" She then let go.
Hai Long quickly rubbed his red and swollen ear.
Back on the sofa, Qiao Zhenyuan felt a sense of closeness towards Hai Long, who was still a college student. Hai Long was handsome, about the same age as his cousin. Seeing Hai Long reminded him of his cousin. If his cousin could be as capable as Hai Long, it would be a great relief.
Seeing the tension ease, Li Wanhao also felt relieved. He knew this was not a small matter. He could see that Hai Long was taking a big risk. If he were in Hai Long's shoes, he would do the same. Making money was easy, but building connections was hard. Could the Party Secretary of Donghai City be met or befriended so easily?
With his help, Hai Long could amass a fortune of several hundred million in a few years. However, he couldn't protect him forever. If one day his family declined, Hai Long would be at a great disadvantage when facing businessmen of the same level. Li Wanhao knew that Hai Long had also realized this problem. This gamble was for his future development, but Li Wanhao was genuinely worried for Hai Long.
If Qiao Zhenyuan had left in a huff, Hai Long's future would have been very difficult. Fortunately, Hai Long's gamble paid off, and he successfully gained Qiao Zhenyuan's friendship.
Happy, Li Wanhao immediately called a servant to bring a pot of tea, dispelling the remaining awkwardness in the room. He cheerfully poured tea for everyone. Once the servant closed the door, leaving them alone, Qiao Zhenyuan sighed and began to explain the situation.
Hearing Qiao Zhenyuan's words, Hai Long finally understood why he was willing to pay 15 million yuan in cash to avoid owing a favor. The cargo was worth 1.5 billion yuan. If he helped for free, the favor would be enormous.
After hearing the whole story, Hai Long held up three fingers and said, "Brother-in-law, don't worry. Give me the coordinates of where the ship ran aground, and I'll find the cargo within three days."
Qiao Zhenyuan, who had been anxious for a month, was surprised that Hai Long could solve the problem in just three days. He asked excitedly, "Do you need any help?"
Hai Long said smugly, "No, you two just wait at home for good news. Give me your phone number, and I'll call you when I find the cargo." Qiao Zhenyuan quickly gave Hai Long his and his wife's internal phone numbers.
After saving the numbers, Hai Long said with a smile, "Brother-in-law, don't worry about this. I'm just a local from Donghai City with no background. I just want to make money without being bothered. I bought four cargo ships through Li Wanhao and plan to learn maritime trade from him. Don't worry, I won't do anything illegal, so you don't have to worry about me asking you to do anything illegal."
Qiao Zhenyuan, a man of great presence, usually kept a low profile, but in critical moments, his authority as a high-ranking official shone through. He smiled and said to Hai Long, "Since I owe you a favor, I will definitely help you with your troubles. If you need any help in the future, just call me. I, Qiao Zhenyuan, will never refuse." This was exactly the effect Hai Long wanted.