Chapter 2 Deficit

  Dazi Lao Dao, Yun Po Po, Shi Da and Sima De were sitting together with Teng Fei to discuss some everyday problems that had arisen. The issues were all minor and quickly resolved, then Teng Fei asked something he had been wanting to know for a long time.

  "Three of you, I've always been puzzled, how did you locate Mùmù? How did you know there was a Star Ocean in his belly?"

  The old man replied, "Just like a hungry person is particularly sensitive to the aroma of food, a cultivator is equally sensitive to hetero-energy. Some creatures can even sense the position of the Star Ocean from thousands of miles away."

  "Can it block out the Star Ocean?" Sima De asked anxiously.

  "The Star Ocean is too powerful, the energy it contains, I have no way to describe it to you. The things that are shielded, it's impossible." Lao Dao and the other two simultaneously let out a bitter laugh, if there was a method, they would have done it already, why did Sima De need to remind them.

  Next, Sima De furrowed his brow and asked another big question. The problem itself was not difficult, but the solution was - they had no money.

  Dongjiao Hotel is a state-owned enterprise, with fixed profit targets every month. Kong Xin, the disciple of Daji Old Dao, as the general manager is just a manager. Since the emergence of the ability holders staying in the hotel, for safety and to avoid attention, the hotel has stopped doing business outside, not only without income but also daily expenses are a considerable amount, all along it was Teng Fei using his remaining grand prize money to support.

  The three major gatekeepers were all focused on their abilities, just like monks and Taoist priests who had renounced the world. They didn't care about anything in the mortal world, let alone making money or managing finances, so they ended up poor. Teng Fei spent a lot of money to win people's hearts for Cao Sen, treating them to good food and drink, buying them new clothes, repairing and rebuilding rooms damaged by the flame monster attack, fully soundproofing Cao Sen's bedroom, setting aside profits that should have been turned over from the East Garden Hotel, and other expenses. The over 10 million yuan in Sima De's hands was not only insufficient but also left a deficit of tens of millions, resulting in a financial shortfall.

  Besides, spring is just around the corner, and more and more people will come to the East Suburban Hotel for spring outings and greenery. Without a good excuse, how can we refuse to let tourists stay? The best way is to buy the hotel ourselves, then we can call the shots. This requires another sum of money, Teng Fei estimates at least 200 million, where can we find this funding?

  Dazi Lao Dao furrowed his brow, closed his eyes and remained silent, his right hand constantly calculating. Teng Fei and Sima De looked at him with hopeful eyes, wishing that the old Daoist had some magical abilities to calculate a solution to their current financial difficulties, preferably by observing the stars at night and examining the feng shui during the day, finding an ancient tomb filled with treasures, so that they could all go dig it up together and exchange it for cash to alleviate their immediate worries.

  After a long time, the old Taoist's eyes slowly opened.

  Teng Fei's face lit up with joy, "Dao Zhang, is there a good way?"

  "What method? What method?" The old Daoist asked back.

  "Come on, what were you just thinking about?" Sima De was a bit annoyed.

  The old man's demeanor was excellent, and he didn't mind Sīmǎ Dé's verbal slip. "Just now I was calculating the influence of Zhou Tian's operation on Xīng Hǎi, alas, it's profound, really profound!" He said as he stood up, walking out with a swaying gait, "I need to go to the quiet room to meditate and carefully calculate. Everyone, you handle this matter of expenses, I won't interfere."

  The old man said and actually walked away.

  Simen Deqi got up in anger, wishing he could kick Lao Dao's butt.

  "Two brothers," Zhang Da said bluntly, "I'm a rough man, I don't understand anything about being frugal with money, when it's time to fight and beat people up, you can look for me then." He also left after saying that.

  Yun Po-po sighed and said: "It's been over a decade since I last interfered with worldly affairs..."

  "You also want to stay out of this, right?" Teng Fei said with a sideways glance at her.

  "Alas! I'm old and useless, this world belongs to you young people. You two, do as you see fit, just make sure we have food on the table and don't mistreat Master Mu, my wife won't have any complaints."

  The three major gates were unattended, leaving Teng Fei and Sima De staring at each other.

  "My goodness, what kind of things are these!" Sima De said indignantly. "We have to serve them for eating, drinking, defecating and urinating, what have we brothers become? Nannies? Slaves?"

  Teng Fei gritted his teeth, "Let's give our brothers a shout, we'll take Mu Mu with us. If those ability users disagree, that's fine too. From now on, all expenses will be borne by them."

  "That's it, just like this."

  The two brothers angrily found Mei Fang and Cao Sen and told them what had happened.

  Cao Sen hesitated and stuttered: "Tonight... let's talk about it later."

  "What's your good idea?" asked Teng Fei.

  "Uncle Fei... hehe... tonight... let's talk later." Cao Sen said with a smile.

  One "Flying Uncle", and Teng Fei's temper was gone.

  "Call me Uncle De, Mu Mu." Sima De never forgot to take advantage of Cao Sen.

  Cao Sen gave Sima De a cold glance and ignored him.

  This completely childish gaze made Sima De feel uncomfortable. Did Cao Sen ever have such a gaze before?

  "Wait, I have an idea." Teng Fei suddenly said, he had just thought of Cao Sen, "Don't some of those ability users have the power to control objects remotely? Let's go back to the lottery center and make a killing!"

  "Ah, why didn't I think of that earlier?" Sima De's spirits lifted at the mention of the lottery. "Among the thirty ability users Tao is currently training, there are people like that. I'll go find them, those people tend to listen."

  Mei Fang hesitated and said: "It's probably not possible. These people from the major sects have many rules and won't use their abilities to obtain wealth."

  "Don't worry, madam, if you don't go, I'll let Taotao practice on him!" Sima Dexing rushed off.

  Not long after, he came back in a rage, "Damn it, these stupid X's, I've broken my mouth and they still don't agree. They say that the ability is granted by heaven and can only be used to replace heaven, not for personal gain. F**k, not only did they disagree, but they also scolded me."

  Mei Fang had an expression that said "I knew it".

  Xiang Xiang strolled in, knowing the origin of things. With a "heh" sound, he laughed and said, "You two big brothers don't know their quirks, those rules are really strict, each door's rules are so severe that if someone does what you say, they'll be kicked out immediately, and it will be announced to all fellow practitioners, from then on, he won't be able to mix in the heterodox world."

  "Alright, Xiangxiang and I still have some money in the bank, you can withdraw it first and use it." Meifang said.

  Teng Fei shook his head, "This isn't a long-term solution. We need to think of a way to force the people from the three major sects to make money, we can't afford to support that many people."

  "Method... I have," Cao Sen struggled to make himself clear, "This is a meeting... look at the difference (can)..."

  "Alright, alright, don't waste your breath," Teng Fei bluntly interrupted Cao Sen's vague speech. "Let Jing Zhe translate for you tonight, and we'll talk then."

  Simmer walked up to Cao Sen's side, his big hand rubbing his delicate face, "Young lad, uncle will buy you a song book in two days, practice your oral skills well."

  Cao Sen was angry in his heart, he opened his mouth to bite Sima De's hand, but was dodged by Sima De with ease, and at the same time, gave him a slap on the head, which made Cao Sen pucker up in pain.

  After the two brothers left, Cao Sen lay on the bed, still in a bad mood, muttering to himself and it was unclear what he was saying.

  Xiang Xiang thinks it's funny and comes over to tease him, "Hehe, your self-esteem has been hurt, right? You feel like you've lost face?"

  Cao Sen glared at Xiang Xiang, who turned her face away.

  "Hey! Daring to glare at me?" Xiang Xiang finally found a reason to strike, and imitated Sima De's move by flicking Cao Sen's forehead.

  Cao Sen had been prepared early and suddenly hugged Xiang Xiang's hand, opening his mouth for a kiss.

  "Ouch! You little thing, you bit me again!" Xiangxiang waved her hand and looked around, spotting the toy sword by the bed. She picked it up to hit Cao Sen.

  Mei Fang held Cao Sen in her arms to avoid Xiang Xiang's black hand, and explained for her "son": "Xiang Xiang, Mu Mu is teething, his mouth is itchy, he wants to find something to bite."

  "That's not right either, taking Little Auntie's hand to practice brushing teeth! Sister, give MuMu to me, I want to properly educate this little guy!"

  At this time, Xiao Xiao walked in and saw Xiang Xiang recklessly chasing Cao Sen in Mei Fang's arms. She envied and thought: When can I be like that too?

  At night, Jing Zhe appeared, and several brothers of Teng Fei came to Cao Sen's bedroom to discuss the plan to turn over the deficit.

  "This is actually a good opportunity," Jing Zhe said on behalf of Cao Sen, "The three major gates are not familiar with worldly affairs and do not understand financial management, which gives us an opportunity to control them."

  "Use money to control them?" Teng Fei asked.

  "Yes, we tightly grasp the financial power, let them live a luxurious life, have cars when going out and delicious food when coming home. After they enjoy it and get used to the rich man's life, we will restrict their money again, make them suffer a bit, then raise the living standard."

  "Why bother with this? Whoever doesn't agree, we brothers will practice against them and sooner or later they'll be convinced!" Guo Jing disagreed with Cao Sen's idea.

  Teng Fei ignored Guo Jing and asked, "What is your ultimate goal in doing this?"

  "Brother... Mu Mu... you should call them uncle." Jing Zhe added his own opinion.

  Guo Jingyi waved his hand, "Don't interrupt, whatever Mu Mu thinks, you just say it!"

  Jing Zhe's face turned red, and he nodded and continued: "I've been thinking about our future path lately. We can't let our brothers guard me for a lifetime, can we? Everyone has their own family, and they need to start one..."

  "Beautiful girl, stop it, hurry up and stop!" Ding Haitao said to Jing Zhe, "Tell that little brat on the bed not to talk nonsense, just say what you've got planned."

  "Oh... he... he said you deserve a beating. Sorry, he insisted that I say this." Jing Zhe glanced at Ding Haitao with a hint of apology.

  Mei Fang smiled and patted Cao Sen's little foot, comforting him not to get angry.

  Several brothers ignored Little Cao Sen's ridiculous threat.

  Jing Zhe's mouth opened and closed, but not a word came out. It seemed that Cao Sen was scolding his brothers in his mind. After a while, Jing Zhe continued to speak what Cao Sen had been thinking.

  "We don't just want to solve the current economic crisis, but also lay the foundation for our future power. We need to dissolve and divide the three major factions, and make use of these gifted individuals who have been sent to us. Therefore, we must formally establish 'Tianlin Co., Ltd.', set up all the necessary departments such as finance, human resources, production, sales, security, etc. My brothers will take charge of each department, firmly grasping the power in our hands."

  "Will they agree?" Ding Haitao asked.

  "As long as we have control over the finances, everything else will be easy." Teng Fei thought for a moment before responding.

  "That's right, the banknotes should be in our brothers' hands." Sima De agreed.

  "No, no, you're wrong," Jing Zhe said. "We need to make it clear to the three major gates that although everyone belongs to the company, each department has no power to restrain them unless they voluntarily join a certain department. Once they join, they must listen to our orders. The company is ours to grasp firmly in our hands, and we won't let them take up any crucial positions in various departments."

  "Will the three major gates agree?" Guo Jing asked.

  "They care only about whether we have the power to control them and can utilize the energy of the Star Ocean. They have no interest in the company." Teng Fei replied.

  "That's right, this is our first step. The second step is to find a way to get the three major gates' people to join various departments." Jing Zhe continued to recount, "In the past, the reason why the ability users didn't ask about worldly affairs was because they spent all their time pursuing the improvement of their abilities. Now that Xing Hai has become our backing, improving one's abilities has become a simple repetitive operation, and there is also spare time. Among them, someone must have new ideas, and we will go promote and expand these ideas. No matter what he wants to do, it can't be separated from money, and the money is in our hands."

  "If you want money, then join our department led by us." Ding Haitao added.

  "We'll give them the small amount unconditionally, and when they realize the benefits of money and can't leave it, we'll bring up our demands for joining." Teng Fei perfected the plan.

  "I also want to buy the Dongjiao Hotel, and the owner is... Mei Fang's sister," Jing Zhe said, pointing at himself, indicating that he was referring to Mei Fang from his own perspective, rather than Cao Sen.

  Mei Fang nodded her head in gratitude for Jing Zhe's thoughtfulness. In fact, Cao Sen had never called her "Mom" before, which was her greatest regret.

  "Boss," Guo Jing asked in puzzlement, "where did our money come from?"

  "Deceit." Jing Zhe hesitated for a moment before uttering a single word.

  Deceive? How deceive?

  "Do you still remember Old Horse?" Jing Zhe asked.

  Of course I remember, wasn't he that big swindler who later became Ma Ye, Guo Jing's master.

  "Let him perform on the front stage, we'll do the behind-the-scenes planning and add special effects. The audience will be those corrupt officials and wealthy merchants. Our income will come from their ticket sales."

  Guo Jing didn't understand, "Want Master Ma to perform magic?"

  Teng Fei and Ding Hai Tao burst out laughing, Mei Fang smiled and playfully slapped Xiao Cao Sen, speaking without getting straight to the point, deliberately beating around the bush.

  "Who can give me an explanation?" Guo Jing still didn't understand.

  Jing Zhe opened a pair of big eyes and looked around, she didn't understand either.

  "Brother Sen means to continue letting Master Ma come out and pretend to be a god, while we secretly create the atmosphere and special effects," Ding Haitao explained. "The so-called ticket is actually swindled money."

  "My god, how did you come up with these ideas?" Guo Jing looked at Xiao Cao Sen who was half lying on the bed.

  "He said he's a genius." Jing Zhe pursed his lips and smiled lightly, the subtle charm making everyone stare blankly.

  "Sen Ge is just Sen Ge." Ding Haitao shook his head in admiration.

  Mei Fanglian heard two "Sen Ge" and was very unhappy, coughing heavily.

  "Hmm, this Mu Mu, Mu Mu, how can we get the three major gates to come out and cooperate with Master Ma?" Teng Fei reacted quickly, knowing that his brothers' old nickname would make Mei Fang unhappy.

  "Don't say go and do something directly, say it as 'please ask the three major doors to protect you from going out to handle things', have a drink at the local wine shop, stroll around the nightclub... those with special abilities will naturally help with the performance."

  Jing Zhe seems to have omitted some content, but everyone else also understood what he meant.

  Ding Haitao heard the three words "nightclub" and felt a wave of heat, damn it, he was about to become a eunuch, how long had it been since he last touched a woman?

  The brothers exchanged some opinions and refined Cao Sen's plan.

  The next day, as expected by Cao Sen, Dazhi Lao and the others showed no interest in any company. After confirming that Tengfei and the others had no power to restrain them, they pushed all the company's affairs onto Tengfei and the others, and themselves hid away to enjoy a peaceful life.

  The first step of Cao Sen's plan was carried out smoothly.

  Next, they went to cheat money, Ding Haitao and Guo Jing came forward to find that Master Ma. The wealthy society of Nanquan City is about to encounter a carefully planned scam.