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8:30 A.M.
Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, Ailent pulled down the red silk cloth, revealing a pale gold doorplate bearing the words "Holy Fla Exorcism Studio" in relief, reflecting the daylight.
The Holy Fla Studio officially opened today!
In the United States, there is no tradition of setting off firecrackers for a business opening, but Ailent, considering that Xu Yi was from the Xia Kingdom, decided to follow Xia Kingdom traditions and bought firecrackers.
The opening ceremony was very low-key; there were no guests, no flower baskets were ordered, and they only set off a single string of firecrackers.
"We are an Exorcism Studio, not so street-side sausage vendor; there's no need to be too high-profile."
These were Xu Yi's original words, and Ailent agreed completely.
The incident at Crystal Lake, the sudden death of Jas... These events had attracted considerable attention from high society, and by association, Xu Yi had also "benefited," becoming known to more people.
If there were commissions, naturally people would co knocking.
"Have you paid the protection money yet? Don't you know this is Anyi Hall's territory?"
Ailent never expected that the first visitor on the day the studio opened would not be a client but a gang from Chinatown.
Ailent was of course aware of the gangs in Chinatown, but they were mostly figures that couldn't make it into polite society. His good mood sowhat ruined, Ailent waved his hand as if shooing away flies.
The other party did not persist further and left hastily after dropping a few harsh words.
He thought that was the end of it, but monts later, a group "visited" suddenly with an aggressive attitude, including the person from earlier.
"I am Chen Lin, the leader of Anyi Hall. I heard you don't take us seriously at all! Don't you know in Chinatown, I call the shots?" Scarface stared at Ailent coldly.
Ailent felt disdain; even the mayor of New York City wouldn't dare say such a thing, yet this "out-of-towner" who ca to New York had the audacity to be so brazen.
He suddenly felt a bit of malicious pleasure... Wait until he called the police, then ask again who really called the shots here.
Ailent walked toward the telephone.
He had recently beco acquainted with a junior leader at the New York Police Departnt; calling them should result in a prompt police response.
Chen Lin kept an eye on Ailent and felt a sinking feeling upon seeing Ailent's composure. Not only was there no fear in Ailent's eyes, but there was also a hint of disdain. Chen Lin knew that such people were tough, and likely had so powerful backing.
"Boss, should we show him so colors?" A new recruit, anxious to show off in front of the boss, glared at Ailent.
You want to seize the opportunity to land in jail? Chen Lin gave the newcor a veiled glance, waved his hand, and had soone take the rash young man away.
Although he spoke arrogantly, it didn't an he was foolish. The reason Chen Lin had thrived in Chinatown owed much to his ability to deal with people tactically.
If it had been a Common person without any backing, a little intimidation would have been enough to get what he wanted.
One ti, there was an Arican bakery owner who acted tough initially. But when he placed a butcher's knife between the man's fingers, the baker quickly beca compliant and paid the protection money.
Many Aricans may appear fierce, but they often have a spineless streak; just a scare, and their knees buckle.
But this approach wouldn't work on soone like Ailent with connections.
If he dared place a butcher's knife before such a person, their lawyer would boldly label it as a murder weapon, jurors would nod in agreent, and the upshot would be him sewing in prison.
"Big brother, let's show so disrespect to Anyi Hall by chopping off his hand!" the young recruit shouted again, having co back out.
"Who recruited this person into Anyi Hall?" Chen Lin asked angrily.
His head was buzzing. Couldn't they see he was thinking about how to leave without losing face?
"Boss, I think it was you who recruited him." soone answered quietly.
What a disaster! Chen Lin looked up to the sky, wishing he had not co at all.
He had co here with the mindset of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained,' thinking that if he succeeded, Anyi Hall's influence would grow significantly.
After all, this area was on the outskirts of Chinatown and no organization had yet extended its reach here.
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Now I'm really in a quandary.
"Scarface Tiger, what are you doing here?" A commanding voice ca from behind.
Chen Feihe, wearing traditional Chinese attire, strode forward, frowning at Chen Lin. Chen Lin's face bore a scar, and with his brash nature, he had acquired the nickna "Scarface Tiger."
"Do you know the shop owner?" Chen Lin also stared intently at Chen Feihe.
Chen Lin's n were rubbing their hands in anticipation, thinking it was finally their ti to shine.
The Qinghe Club had always been at odds with them, and now that the other side had only one person, it was a good opportunity to teach them a lesson.
But Chen Lin thought, Brother Feihe, you've tid your arrival perfectly! Isn't this a ready-made way out?
Ailent, sensing that the two groups were about to fight, was preparing to call the police when Chen Lin suddenly changed his tone.
"Since you're acquainted with Chen Feihe, I'll give you face. Let's all disperse!"
The mbers of Anyi Hall left with puzzled expressions, while Chen Feihe was sowhat frustrated.
He had wanted to help out while the other party was causing trouble here, and then leave a good impression on Xu Yi. Unexpectedly, these people didn't play by the rules and suddenly left.
Ever since he saw Xu Yi's information in the newspaper, he had been wanting to forge a good relationship with Xu Yi.
He would chat with Xu Changrong from ti to ti, hoping to influence Xu Yi through Xu Changrong, but unfortunately, Xu Changrong never ntioned these matters to Xu Yi.
He had been keeping an eye on Xu Yi, and soon after Xu Yi bought the coffee shop, his subordinates inford him.
Now that the studio was opening, he planned to be the first custor, to boost his favorability in front of Xu Yi.
"I wish you a prosperous opening and booming business!" Chen Feihe congratulated Ailent with clasped hands.
Ailent also clasped his hands in return, but his gesture was awkward and sowhat improper.
He looked at the man in front of him with confusion; he didn't seem to be here to request an exorcism. People in need of exorcism usually looked worried.
But after all, this was the first person to enter after the studio opened, so he decided to treat him well.
"Fresh coffee, would you like a cup?"
Ailent thought about hiring soone to mind the shop. After all, it didn't make sense for him, a grand exorcist's agent, to be cooped up here making coffee all the ti.
Chen Lin had intended to leave, but his interest was piqued when he saw Chen Feihe, and he quietly followed him inside.
Chen Feihe was a notorious old fox. What was he doing here?
Ailent glanced at Chen Lin, his brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't speak up to shoo him away. It was the first day of opening after all, and he wanted to keep it auspicious.
"Have you encountered any troubles lately?" Ailent asked, sitting across from Chen Feihe. Out of professional habit, he inquired.
"I've been feeling restless lately, often having nightmares at night." Of course, Chen Feihe couldn't say he was in excellent condition, enjoying his food heartily; otherwise, the conversation couldn't continue.
Chen Lin was struck by Chen Feihe's words. Wasn't he describing his own problem? Could it be that Chen Feihe was having the sa issue?
He felt like asking if Chen Feihe often dread of a giant rat, but he was sowhat too proud to ask.
"Are you looking for an exorcist to perform an exorcism for you?" Ailent hadn't expected business to co knocking and instantly perked up.
"Is Mr. Xu Yi here?" Chen Feihe looked around but didn't spot Xu Yi.
Ailent suddenly realized that the man had co for Xu Yi.
"The boss is out on business, but our studio has other exorcists."
Ailent thought to himself that for a minor issue like this, not to ntion Lisa, even Maria could handle it. There was no need for their boss.
"Oh, is that so!" Chen Feihe sighed, disappointed at not being able to et Xu Yi and boost favorability.
Seeing the ready opportunity about to slip away, Ailent knew he had to play his trump card. He retrieved a box from the safe.
"Although the boss isn't here, he has left sothing good behind." Ailent tapped the box.
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