Chapter 173: Old Acquaintance

The second number Li Mochen dialed was the office phone of Kaelen Jebsen. The man's tone was quite surprised: "BOSS? Another loan? At least a million gold shields? BOSS, the problem is our company can't come up with any collateral now."

"I'm talking about a credit loan, no collateral needed. You can call Harvey Specter; he has several bankers among his clients. I'll give him a heads-up later."

Li Mochen smiled: "Uncle Kaelen, I need this money to arrive immediately, within three hours. I can accept an annual interest rate of up to 20%."

"Alright!"

Kaelen Jebsen sensed the unusually firm tone on the other end of the line: "I'll take care of it shortly. But BOSS, can you tell me what you plan to use this money for?"

"Security matters. You don't need to ask for details."

Li Mochen jumped straight to another topic: "I want to know, are the employee dormitories and the dedicated shuttle buses ready?"

"Everything is ready."

Kaelen Jebsen laughed bitterly: "To be honest, I don't understand why you want to do this? It will not only drive up our costs but also almost amount to militarized management. I think those guys will definitely not be able to stand it."

"That's why I told you to try to hire single men."

Li Mochen disagreed: "How can this be called militarized management? It should be considered a company benefit. Dedicated shuttle service, free accommodation, and unified three meals a day—I don't think other companies offer such treatment. They can participate entirely voluntarily; the company won't force anyone."

"Alright!"

Kaelen Jebsen thought about it and figured he was right. If they directly told the employees that the company was implementing militarized management, no one would accept it. But if it was framed as a company benefit, the situation was different.

"Also, allocate another 500,000 gold shields to help the company's newly promoted middle managers with their housing issues. For those who haven't moved to Red Oak Community yet, have them move as soon as possible."

Previously, most of the staff of Rising Sun Company had chosen to live together in Red Oak Community, a middle-class neighborhood in the east of the city.

This was intentional on Li Chunchu's part, making it convenient to provide security for the company's employees.

This wasn't standard practice in American business circles, but some companies did it.

The reason Rising Sun Company was among them was due to the nature of the business. As a small foreign trade company like theirs, they were easily targeted by various forces. Moreover, apart from normal business operations, Li Chunchu was also engaged in smuggling between Southeast Asia and America, which easily attracted all kinds of enemies. Concentrating employees for protection was also the most labor-efficient method.

However, although Li Chunchu had signed a three-year security agreement with the Red Oak Community security company, after the couple's death, relying solely on a community security company's strength was no longer enough to intimidate those coveting Rising Sun Company.

Against a gang of Blood Hand's caliber, the Red Oak Community security company was utterly vulnerable.

So a month ago, he had to order all employees and their families to take refuge in four-star or above hotels and cruise ships.

But now the situation was completely different.

This current state of Rising Sun Company provided him with great convenience.

"500,000?"

Kaelen Jebsen was startled, then his voice turned cold and serious: "BOSS, be honest with me, okay? What are you planning to do? Have you gotten into a conflict, or are you about to go to war with some force?"

"Something like that~"

Li Mochen knew he couldn't hide it from him: "Can I tell you the details in a few days? Give me some time."

He was worried that if he mentioned the name 'Antonio,' Kaelen Jebsen would be frightened.

Blood Hand's Antonio was a force that even when Li Chunchu was alive, Rising Sun Company had to treat with caution.

Li Mochen's third call was to Franks of the Teutonic Cross.

The phone was answered by Franks's assistant, but the man quickly handed the mobile phone to Franks.

"This is really surprising, Andre. I thought you wouldn't contact me."

The voice was dull and hoarse, carrying authority along with a hint of teasing: "Have you changed your mind? What I said to you before still stands. If you join the Teutonic Cross, all my endeavors will be yours."

"Uncle Frank, you know I prefer you call me A-Mo."

Li Mochen was helpless; his body still had some resistance, but he forcibly suppressed it.

Fortunately, after he had occupied this body for over two months, the original Li Mochen's acceptance of the underworld had increased significantly.

"A-Mo? But you are a Wertenstein and a Hohenstaufen. A descendant of three emperors and two Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order. Why use an Eastern name?"

Franks snorted coldly: "Andre, just as I cannot force your will, you cannot change my mind. That's fair, isn't it?"

"Alright."

Li Mochen didn't intend to dwell on this issue: "I have a commission now. I hope the Teutonic Cross will look after the Rising Sun Company headquarters and our employees and their families in Holy Oak Community for the next two months. I know my father did this before; he had several similar transactions with you."

He thought this was also why Li Chunchu had chosen to locate the company's business premises in the eastern district—not just for the convenience of overseas trade.

"There were such transactions, but that was out of friendship with your parents."

Franks said dismissively: "For you, why should I take on your commission?"

"I know you own a security company, Uncle Frank. You can charge me at market rates."

Li Mochen was prepared: "Uncle Frank, considering you almost became my godfather, you wouldn't just stand by and do nothing, would you?"

"Little brat!"

Franks laughed, his voice finally warming a bit: "Alright, tell me who your opponent is."

"Edwin Antonio!"

"Edwin Antonio? Blood Hand's Antonio? You've provoked him."

Franks was very surprised, then his voice turned solemn: "Is it about Archibald Apartments? Young man, if it's him, I suggest you seek help from the Schlow Group immediately. Going head-to-head with him is not a good idea. If there's a conflict between you, I can mediate."

"But I have no other choice."

Li Mochen replied with a smile: "Uncle Frank, the Li Mochen of today is no reckless fool. In three days, if it really doesn't work, then you can step in, okay? You should know that I have Nathan behind me; no matter what, my personal safety is not a concern."

Franks fell into thought, then said hesitantly: "Alright! 1.2 million gold shields a month. Have your company's Kaelen sign a contract with the Teutonic Hand Security Company. I'll ensure Blood Hand's people won't lay a finger on your employees."

Li Mochen's brows lifted; he knew Franks was offering the most favorable friendship price.

Facing a force like Blood Hand, with thousands of members and dozens of outlaws, ensuring the safety of his employees would require the Teutonic Cross to deploy significant manpower.

In his expectations, even if Franks had asked for three million gold shields, it would have been very considerate of him, given his past friendship with Li Chunchu and his wife.