Chapter 101: Armament

Li Mochen continued to inquire: "So how much is this expense roughly? How many gold shields do you need per year?"

"Last year it was 1.57 million gold shields. We have three tenth-level magic-energy professionals, six eighth-level, and nine seventh-level. The rest are non-combatants. Although we run an illegal business, Mr. Li has been extra generous with salaries, but overall wages in Southeast Asia are low. As for this year, since we've been operating less than six months, everyone is too embarrassed to take too much money. I think 1.2 million gold shields will suffice."

Li Tailai pushed up his glasses: "Mainly the three of us, before breaking through to level eleven, we need to spend at least 1.4 million gold shields."

"So the funds on the books are enough for this year's expenses, right?"

Li Mochen saw affirmation on Li Tailai's face: "I want to know, if I decide to end the smuggling business in Southeast Asia and move everyone back to Atlanta, what would you do?"

"You mean end the business but keep the personnel?"

Li Tailai looked slightly surprised and fell into thought: "Personally, I have no problem, but I don't know how others will feel. The Collinson brothers and I are U.S. citizens, but the others are not. Most people probably won't be willing, especially those with families. After all, moving from a familiar place to a strange environment—anyone would have concerns. Also, once in the U.S., our expenses will skyrocket."

"Money is no issue, as long as you can bring the people over."

Li Mochen's words still carried a probing tone, but also firmness: "If not, try to keep all the core members. Don't worry about relocation costs here; conditions will be as generous as possible. Xuri Company will engage in legitimate business from now on, but on a fairly large scale. I need a private armed force of about ten people, and a team responsible for gathering intelligence and information to ensure my business runs smoothly."

"BOSS."

Lawrence Collinson, who had been listening quietly, suddenly interjected: "Actually, there's no need to offer overly generous treatment. If, besides relocation, you promise them U.S. citizenship or a green card, I think many of us would be interested. You could even recruit a few powerful experts from Southeast Asia to work for you. Especially those with families—they won't miss the chance to enter the U.S. You could at least sign contracts with them for over four years."

Li Mochen knew this was a powerful berserker, but from his speech and demeanor, he sensed not a hint of agitation.

"Green card? Permanent residency for foreigners? Is it that simple?"

"Lawrence is right. Compared to the turbulent and impoverished Southeast Asia, the U.S. is undoubtedly a paradise on earth. Although there are drugs, shootings, and gangs there, overall it's wealthy and stable. In fact, aside from the U.S. and the Old Continent, almost everyone in the world thinks it's paradise. Many people there would rather spend tens of thousands of gold shields and risk death to sneak into the U.S."

Li Tailai explained: "But helping them get green cards or legal citizenship is no simple matter, and money alone won't do it. The U.S. government's scrutiny of Southeast Asian magic-energy professionals for naturalization is exceptionally strict, second only to the Middle East. Especially since we've been involved in arms smuggling in Southeast Asia for years and have ties with pirates there; many members are already on the CIA's list."

Li Mochen's eyes narrowed, then he said calmly: "Then let them not plan on relocating for now. Have them come as mercenaries to work for me first, and decide after a year. Say it's for my father's sake, to help me out for a year. Of course, I won't treat them poorly in terms of compensation. As for the people Lawrence mentioned, invite them too. You can promise that within a year at most, I'll help them get green cards or citizenship. If I can't manage it, I'll give them compensation—a price that will surely satisfy them."

The Collinson brothers and Li Tailai exchanged glances.

"Alright!"

"We'll try."

But now, the way they looked at Li Mochen had subtly changed.

All three understood what he meant: Li Mochen clearly intended to lure people over first. The promises of citizenship after a year or compensation were just empty checks.

It seemed their new BOSS was not as naive, ignorant, and reckless as they had previously thought.

This was in line with their expectations. As the Eastern saying goes, "A tiger father does not beget a dog son." How could Mr. Li's child be an ordinary person?

At that moment, Li Mochen asked again: "Can the people get in?"

"Getting in is easy."

Li Tailai answered without hesitation: "We have channels. The smugglers are unscrupulous, but with a gun to their heads, they're reliable. The tricky part is the weapons—we have some heavy weapons over there, and those smugglers might not have the guts."

"Then sell them off. In the U.S., I don't need those things for now. Just get the people in as quickly as possible. You're in charge of this, right? Let me know if you need funds."

As Li Mochen spoke, he tore a sheet from the notepad on the table and wrote a name on it: "Also, no matter what method you use, find this guy for me as soon as possible and tell me where he is. This might be a tall order, but right now I can only turn to you. If I'm not mistaken, you should have some information channels in Atlanta?"

"Dandy Hancock? He's from Atlanta?"

Li Tailai stared at the name on the paper: "Do you have a photo? It'd be best to have some basic info."

"No, but I can sketch his face for you. This guy is from Bloodfang, a classmate of mine at Lynden Academy—a scumbag who stops at nothing."

Li Mochen drew a few strokes on another sheet, quickly outlining the face of a young black man.

"Find him and notify me as soon as possible."

"OK."

Li Tailai picked up the sketch: "I have to say, BOSS, your drawing skills are quite good, but a bit too Eastern. This sketch is a bit of a mishmash."

Li Mochen gave a wry smile. He had indeed been learning Western drawing techniques lately, especially sketching, but he hadn't yet grasped the essence. He unconsciously mixed in his old drawing habits.

Thanks to his extraordinary memory and comprehension, as well as his ability to multitask, he no longer needed to pay full attention in class. During those times, for the sake of balancing work and rest, while studying Western magic-energy studies and occultism, he also spent a considerable amount of time learning to draw. This was one of the few interests he had as Wen Jian Taoran, and it might also relate to his next source of funds.

"One last thing!"

Li Mochen's eyes turned cold and serious: "I want to know, how much time and money would you need to set up an intelligence network in Atlanta?"