[Chapter 659: Escaping is a Responsible Attitude]
Over the years of entanglements with William White, a group of powerful tycoons has come to realize one crucial issue. William White never dabbles in fields where he feels incompetent. You're all financial sharks, and if he can't handle it, he won't play the game.
Just look at White Bank -- you can see that their credit card business is very laid-back. They don't even care about the number of cards issued.
It's a bank without an investment department; even if you wanted to pull something shady, it wouldn't be easy to find an opportunity.
As for the complaints about low profits, honestly, the owner doesn't care, so why should you worry?
The consortium understands just how wealthy William White is. He's not averse to investing and he certainly has personnel; he just has no interest in playing your games.
It's clear as day -- William White can't even manage his own money, so why should he waste time playing with you?
...
The plane smoothly touched down at Houston Airport. William White adjusted his attire slightly; he looked rather unkempt.
Planes still make him a bit anxious, but fortunately, he has an assistant who helps relieve his stress. Without that, he can't imagine how tangled up he might have become.
The strange atmosphere in Los Angeles has made him very uncomfortable. Now that the little ones have come to Texas, he's here to unwind.
"Sir, we're heading straight to the ranch."
"Yeah, we can come back to Houston later."
A fleet of large pickup trucks speeds off, quickly disappearing into the night.
...
"Keita, let the boss know that the tycoon has left."
"When did this happen?"
Keita gave a dismissive look at this new white kid. Seriously, this is our territory -- what does he think he's capable of? I have no idea what the boss sees in him.
"Andy, whatever I tell you, make sure you pass it on. Do you understand me?"
"Humph, stop acting so cocky. You make sure to let the boss come to you, you got that?"
"You punk, don't think just because you've got the boss coddled that you can strut around here."
"Do you have any idea why we're called the 'crippled ones'? It's because we enjoy breaking legs, no matter how many you've got. Yours isn't worth much, so why don't I just help you out?"
"Bastard, do you want to die?"
Just as the two plan to have a showdown, the crowd around them suddenly hushes.
"You two clowns, what's going on? Get in here now."
Being scolded by their boss isn't uncommon in the gang; if you lack that kind of power, it might be time to find a new boss.
"So, he's been gone for a while?"
"Yeah, Boss. It's news from a friend at the airport."
"Fine, this deal is too big for us to handle anyway. You two, don't let me catch you arguing again. Don't you realize something important is about to happen? You idiots -- Andy stays."
Keita storms out, seething, and spits on the ground as he leaves.
...
William White's departure is more of an instinctive choice for self-protection. He never thought anyone would dare to make a move on him.
Some people really are blissfully ignorant. Don't think that just because you're a bunch of small-time hoodlums that you can pull this off; even a SEAL team wouldn't have it easy against him.
Even if you manage to breach the perimeter, there are security safe houses within the villa. If you don't have some serious firepower, it's best to save your energy.
Don't be surprised; this sort of thing is almost standard from presidents to rich people.
"Back to Texas? What does the company say?"
"Sir, it was just a test. Since the main course isn't here, there's no need for the sides. Monte is dead, so the higher-ups need to rule out suspects. Since those idiots have guts, we might as well use them."
"I say we shouldn't have stirred that pot. Did you know? Often, his methods are more ruthless than ours."
"Yeah, the old guys' brains are certainly fading. Oh, by the way, they've recruited quite a few members from the Alpha group."
"Damn it, wasn't I supposed to send you to recruit?"
"Sir, the resources we have are barely enough. Most importantly, they offer a legal employment contract."
"Ah, what a shame. Using these guys to teach the locals a lesson? Our tycoon seems to be awfully bored."
"Sir, isn't that how rich people are? They always want to create a utopia. But this time, he's about to miscalculate; that place is basically hell."
"Alright, cancel this plan. Honestly, I think they'll be wiped out before they even get there. By the way, any word on the guy missing in Detroit?"
"Totally vanished. There are rumors they're undergoing labor reform."
"What kind of term is that?"
"A joke William White made in public. He said those idle guys should get some work done. He also said that hard work is an honor and that those who don't like to work should be 'reformed.' This comment caused quite an uproar. Many Jewish media outlets thought it sounded too similar to something the little mustache guy said. As the world's wealthiest man, he ought to have more of a sense of social responsibility."
"Ha, I know what happened afterward; the tycoon made his donation details public and then questioned the media. We certainly won't forget the disasters; does selling sob stories get any play?"
"Indeed, that was quite a harsh comment, yet it left people speechless. Compared to him, those guys are just too stingy."
"Yeah, a miser questioning a philanthropist -- talk about awkward. In public, they can use charity funds to make a case, but confronting the tycoon? That's downright suicidal. Too bad we're not clear on our allies and enemies right now; otherwise, we could sit down for a chat."
...
William White's trip to Texas wasn't really a trade-off. In fact, he's genuinely worried. He's not like some carefree beast just looking to rebel. He just wants a quiet life where he can eat and wait to die.
Often, being overly tough isn't reliable. When the situation isn't clear, it's sometimes necessary to avoid confrontation.
What? You say it's escaping responsibility? Sorry, that's not my problem. If you want to take it out on someone else, be my guest; he holds no obligation to bear that responsibility.
If it was just some impulsive action from a bunch of thugs, he wouldn't take it as seriously. Those bastards are just good at holding up convenience stores. You could drop two hundred grand from a helicopter, and they'd fall apart in a second.
But when there's someone pulling strings behind the scenes, that's a major headache. William White has no idea what their motives are. Even though he's curious, it's not worth the risk. Ha, life is pretty good now -- being surrounded by love, it's quite enjoyable.
"Hey honey, you seem to have lost some weight. What's going on?"
"Really? What's that saying -- 'Lost for love' -- does it fit here?" Well, William White definitely has no shame. Seriously, you charming rogue, who are you to say something like that?
Michelle Reis rolled her eyes but is smiling warmly. When this scoundrel is trying to cheer someone up, it does have a way of charming people.
"Pfft, it must be nonsense. Honey, you're not young anymore; take care of yourself. I made a duck soup -- drink some, alright?"
"Duck? When did Texas get this dish? Those cowboys are out hunting ducks now?"
"Not at all; wild ducks aren't tasty. They are imported."
"Ah, that's good. You wouldn't know this, darling, but when it comes to hunting, it's best to keep it low-key."
*****
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