Chapter 320: Swords and Sabers

"I came on behalf of my father, didn't you know? Standard Oil has two refineries and a petrochemical plant here. It happened that I'm on break, so he sent me to get some experience and also to make a donation on his behalf."

This Dacia enthusiastically clinked glasses with Angela, then took the initiative to shake hands and hug Li Mochen: "I know you, Andre Lee Wiltenstein, the hottest fighting star on the East Coast right now. Nice to meet you, Dacia Rockefeller, Angela's classmate at Stellar Noble Academy. I'm your fan—those matches were brilliant."

Li Mochen raised an eyebrow, thinking what a big shot this was. Rockefeller—a family that rose to prominence over two hundred years ago, once ranked as the richest. In the present day, though the family had been split multiple times and most of its assets poured into various charitable foundations, it remained one of the most powerful families in all of America.

However, this person's demeanor was easygoing, without the usual arrogance of aristocratic youth, so for now Li Mochen felt no aversion.

But just as Dacia finished speaking, someone behind him sneered: "Just a half-breed mongrel who's gotten a bit of fame recently. I don't know what the Civic Party was thinking, inviting this guy. He's not even a professional fighter. The Civic Party's standards are getting lower and lower. You're overpraising him, Dacia."

Dacia frowned, glanced coldly behind him, then smiled slightly: "Hey, everyone, I'd like to talk with my idol and my classmate Angela for a moment. Could you give us some privacy?"

The group of young men and women exchanged glances, then reluctantly dispersed. After they left, Dacia spoke apologetically: "Don't mind them, Andre. They're just some hangers-on who attached themselves to me after I came to Atlanta. I can't even name half of them. No need to care about them—some dim-witted, ill-informed fools. Even I, a Manhattanite, know you've acquired the Georgia Post."

"It's fine."

Li Mochen truly didn't mind; he wasn't that petty, and he could tell that this young man named Dacia was genuinely sincere. He happened to be looking to approach the Rockefeller consortium for venture capital for his company. But just then, he saw Nanette Drew not far away, raising her glass to him with a smile.

Li Mochen hesitated briefly, then set down his glass: "I have something to attend to. Excuse me."

After Li Mochen left, Dacia Rockefeller watched his back with a curious look: "Angela, you like this guy, right? You're boyfriend and girlfriend now, aren't you?"

"Why are you asking about this? It's none of your business." Angela deflected.

"How can it be none of my business? Many people know that Mr. Michel met with Wiltenstein's Conshuri, and the entire social circles of Manhattan and Atlanta City exploded over it. Many in my family want to know the details, and I happen to be in Atlanta City."

Dacia shrugged, looking helpless: "This isn't just gossip. If that old man Wiltenstein and the Michel Group join forces, it could affect the entire political landscape of America. So a lot of people are watching. I'm also under orders to find out—"

"No comment!"

Angela snorted, but her eyes never left Li Mochen's figure: "You know my father better than I do. How would I know what he's thinking?"

"I think so too. But if your families really are considering a marriage alliance, you wouldn't oppose it, would you?"

Dacia's expression gradually turned serious: "But Angela, you know what your future marriage will be like, right? Sorry, I don't mean to look down on him. Andre's talent far surpasses mine; his future is beyond comparison with a playboy like me. But Angela, do you think he can bear it now?"

Angela fell silent, thinking back to that night two days ago.

…

"When Ferguson was talking to you just now, was he trying to get you to sell your shares in the Georgia Post? Did he threaten you?"

Nanette Drew was also among the invitees. Due to her immense influence in the media world and her position as CEO of Sunrise Publishing, she was seated in the fifth row.

"With your strength, Boss, there's no need to take him too seriously. At worst, send him a bullet and let him meet the Lord of Radiance, or hell."

Li Mochen was speechless, staring blankly at Ms. Drew, wondering if this was really something a current affairs newspaper editor and aspiring politician would say.

"Of course I'm joking. But since you have such abilities, a little warning is acceptable. That guy, backed by some big shots, has been a bit reckless."

Nanette Drew led Li Mochen to a corner by the window: "I can guess what tactics he'll use against you. The usual ones won't be a problem; I can help you defuse them and minimize the impact on your business. But we have to guard against him stopping at nothing—that would mean a complete break, declaring war on you. So it's better to solve the problem from the start, before things get out of hand. Just like how you dealt with the Cadiv Group before—use blood and fire to intimidate dissenters. But that level isn't enough. If force can deter or eliminate, why waste words? In this era, public opinion is powerful, but still no match for swords and sabers."

Li Mochen fell into deep thought, wondering if it really was necessary.

"You've tempted me, Ms. Drew. But I feel this approach isn't much different from the mafia?"

"There's never been a difference. So-called high society is just those who wield greater power, cloaked in a glamorous exterior. They are even more ruthless, more insidious, more treacherous than the mafia."

Ms. Drew smiled slightly: "Ever heard of the Ludlow Massacre? That was two hundred years ago. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, controlled by the Rockefeller family, deployed private armed forces with armored cars and heavy machine guns, along with the Colorado National Guard, to suppress a strike organized by the United Mine Workers of America in Colorado. After a 14-hour battle, hundreds were killed or wounded, and over a hundred women and children were burned alive. This then sparked the 'Colorado Coalfield War,' a prolonged civil conflict that claimed over a thousand lives. And some of Standard Oil's competitors were directly killed by Rockefeller family armed forces. Yet today, the Rockefeller family is renowned as great philanthropists; no one dares mention this in the papers, and the federal government never pursued criminal charges. The same goes for Carnegie—they even turned their weapons on their own workers. And your own Wiltenstein family is no exception. Twenty-seven years ago, for the operating rights to Velen Port, you directly attacked and destroyed a family."

"I'll consider it."

Li Mochen's eyes flickered, noncommittal.

"Of course, this is just my personal opinion."

Nanette Drew continued offering advice: "Besides that, you could also seek some help from the Civic Party and Ms. Isolt. After all, you've shielded them from a competitor's blade."