Early in the morning, Leo reached his hand under the sheets.
Someone's pace suddenly quickened!
After a while, Elena wiped her lips and stepped out of the bathroom.
The luxurious bedroom no longer had Leo's figure.
Yelena showed a disappointed expression. Although everyone at the University of Virginia thought she was Leo's girlfriend, she communicated little with him. Sometimes, Yelena felt she was just a tool for Leo to vent his desires.
Suddenly, she noticed some documents and a key on the bedside table.
Flipping through the papers, Yelena's eyes lit up more and more.
A delicate villa in the Monroe Park district now belonged to her. She could finally bring her struggling mother and sister over from New York.
Sitting in the car, Leo flipped through today's newspaper.
The front page covered Mayor Jesse's speech at Jefferson Square this morning.
The headline read: "I Will Have No Mercy on Crime!"
It seemed Jesse had made his choice. Leo put down the paper with satisfaction.
Jesse would be his key piece buried deep in the East.
"Initiate our assassination plan on Jesse."
"Understood. The workers are here again! They look a bit agitated today!"
MianTiao looked ahead, speaking to the workers gathering around the car.
Ever since the news of Leo's victory spread,
Tishimen suddenly stopped poaching employees from Leo's company.
After all, their goal of poaching was to cripple Leo's business and absorb his market share.
But now Leo's company hadn't collapsed, so there was no incremental business. What were so many workers needed for?
Tishimen decisively laid off all workers who had served Leo's company, citing probation failure as the reason.
The workers, who had been cared for by Leo, were furious and began to riot under the leadership of middle management!
Tishimen directly hired a group of Pennsylvania and New York mobsters,
to ruthlessly deal with the naive workers who had never seen the true face of capitalists.
After being beaten, they recalled it was still Leo who treated them well.
Most importantly, Leo's company offered the best wages and benefits.
So, led by the resigned middle managers, a group of frontline workers went to the company headquarters, demanding to return.
After being refused by Sean and Daniel for two days in a row, the workers reached their limit and tried to see Leo.
Daniel and Sean, who stood at the door confronting the workers,
quickly arranged for security guards to pull the workers apart. Physical contact sparked shoving, and the situation was about to get out of control.
Leo got out of the car and fired a shot into the air.
The crowd immediately fell silent.
"Let him go!"
Leo shouted at the guards and workers who were grabbing each other by their collars.
The guards immediately released their grip, and the workers showed triumphant smiles—Mr. Leo always stood up for them.
"I said, let him go!"
Leo's sharp gaze forced the workers to involuntarily loosen their grip.
A sharp middle manager said,
"Mr. Valentino, don't you always say you care about your employees?
Why are you so cold to us now?"
Leo looked at him. With his extraordinary memory, he instantly recognized this man as one of the earliest middle managers who had resigned.
"You're right. I am like this now."
Saying that, Leo stepped forward and kindly straightened the collar of a security guard.
Then, he glanced around and said,
"He is my employee!
Who are you all?"
Leo's words made the crowd lower their heads in shame, especially those who had been brought out from Lynchburg by him.
They had changed their fate because of Leo, but had betrayed him during his toughest times.
"It's never too late to feel guilty when you come back to the company. What's the use of feeling guilty now?
Cry! Cry!
Think about your families, think about your loans.
Think about the company's great benefits!
Cry!"
Someone in the crowd quietly urged.
Leo's hearing was excellent. Relying on his powerful physique, he quickly pushed through the crowd.
He kicked a troublemaker to the ground and said,
"I'm telling you clearly, the company will absolutely not hire you.
Because that wouldn't be fair to the loyal employees!
However, since you did contribute to the company's growth,
I can give you some advice—you can start your own small construction companies.
Our company has many projects and will need you."
"Mr. Valentino, will there always be work?" someone shouted.
"That depends on the market. Business has gains and losses.
I'm just giving advice; do as you see fit."
The workers looked at each other, puzzled—letting them work was feasible, but running their own business was uncertain.
Besides, they knew very well that after self-financing, they would lose the generous benefits from the company.
Looking down at the unlucky man on the ground, everyone suddenly remembered that this former boss who had treated them gently was also the Richmond mafia boss.
No one dared to speak out anymore, reluctantly accepting this outcome with some resentment on their faces.
"No need to look at me like that. It's not me who caused your losses, but those who urged you to leave.
Oh, and those who led the betrayal before will be blacklisted by the Virginia Real Estate Association.
That means you will be banned from the Virginia real estate industry—time to change careers."
After Leo finished speaking, the leaders in the crowd began to fight each other, blaming one another for ruining themselves.
Leo sneered inwardly at human nature.
Turning, he walked into the company. Sean quickly approached and said,
"Sorry boss, for affecting your mood."
"Affect it? No, it actually made me happy.
Ha ha ha!"
Leo laughed loudly and went upstairs.
Sean was a little puzzled and asked Daniel,
"There are still many sites without violations in various places and they lack workers. Why is the boss happy after rejecting these workers?"
Daniel put his arm around Sean's shoulder, chuckling, and said,
"How many people are waiting outside?"
"At least over 500. We counted 783 resigned employees in two days—38 middle managers, the rest are construction workers of various trades."
As the earliest leader of Blue Ridge Company, Sean was very confident after returning and could spit out data at will.
"When we hired them before, it was because there were no workers who knew how to use prefab materials in Virginia, so we had to train them from scratch.
But nearly two years have passed, and now there are workers who can use prefab materials everywhere.
Before, to build our reputation, our company offered the highest wages and best benefits in the industry.
The salaries and benefits for nearly 800 people were astronomical.
Now, we pay one-third of that for the same work.
You're the boss, wouldn't you be happy?"
Daniel said proudly.
"Wow! What a capitalist speech!"
Sean sighed.
Daniel looked seriously at Sean and said,
"We are capitalists, and business is business, brother.
Making money is justice."
In Leo's office, in a hundred-square-meter conference room,
the original core team was all present.
MianTiao, standing in the corner, looked at these young people nostalgically.
In a year and a half, they had transformed from wearing jeans to suits.
Leo sat in the middle sofa with his legs crossed and said,
"Although it's been a long time since we last met, we are in a period of company transformation and development, so I'll speak frankly.
There were three issues this morning, but one was solved downstairs unexpectedly.
The labor shortage at various construction sites should be resolved soon.
Now I will talk about the next issue.
Blue Ridge Company and Valentino Real Estate Company will jointly establish a new materials laboratory.
The lab has two main tasks: one is to research new materials; the other is to test new materials produced by other material companies, to ensure they are used in our construction sites as safely and efficiently as possible.
The second task is to build a premium construction team.
Their main mission is to construct high-difficulty landmark buildings for the company.
We will continue to improve welfare benefits, which we present externally as rewards for loyal employees.
In reality, our main goal is to make the company a dream destination for top construction workers in the U.S., encouraging talent to keep joining."
"Leo, what about the West?
Development there is rapid now. With the East's technical reserves and mature management systems, our companies there face no competition and have reached the tens of millions in scale."
Kevin said.
"The West is not ready yet; continue the low-profile development strategy.
All businesses reaching the tens of millions level will be split."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"Boss, I have a question. Some cities that violated contracts want to revoke the breach notices and resume work."
Daniel said.
"Water under the bridge can't be recovered.
We use company business adjustments and internal rectification as excuses to delay.
Lucas is using the media to stir the public to pressure local governments to restart construction quickly.
Let them be so anxious that they come begging us.
Sean, you and Charlie negotiate for some valuable land in these cities.
The new era will be opened by me personally.
Since the land is not that valuable yet, seize the last wave of dividends!"
Daniel nodded in understanding.
Charlie, who was in charge of Valentino Company, said,
"The residential construction situation is different.
The recent turmoil caused a 75% breach rate. The breach fees alone bring in 20 million.
However, this causes many families to shelve their house upgrade plans, creating serious social problems and greatly damaging the company's customer-first image.
If we ignore the breaches and keep building, if the company has future problems, breaches will become even more rampant."
"Ok, let's solve this issue now.
Please wait a moment, we will be quick."
Leo took Charlie quickly to the large conference room downstairs.
As soon as they entered, all members of the Virginia Real Estate Association stood and applauded Leo warmly.
Some shouted loudly,
"Chairman Valentino, you are our pride! You have once again defeated the out-of-state giants."
Charlie was moved by the enthusiastic atmosphere and said admiringly,
"Boss, running a business like you is truly admirable."
Leo smiled and nodded, then whispered to Charlie so only he could hear,
"Nonsense! When I was troubled, who stood up to help me here?
Most took advantage of my hardships; not even the few lower-tier construction companies back in the bubble house era were so loyal.
Look at them clapping now, but in their hearts they are always scheming to replace me!"
Young Charlie was stunned. Leo ignored him and took the podium, addressing everyone:
"Long time no see, I missed you all.
You must know I am about to become CEO of a subsidiary of Morgan Company, and my future focus will definitely be in New York.
As you saw downstairs, we have already laid off some staff.
The reason for calling you here today is to slim down our business."
Leo patted a tall stack of breach notices on the table and said,
"These are from when the company was in trouble and some clients thought we couldn't complete subsequent projects, so they breached contracts unilaterally.
But we have pulled through and remain one of the top construction companies in the state. Now they want to retract their breaches.
Now, Valentino Company's development direction is shifting, and we don't want to keep building for customers trying to take advantage of us.
As a responsible company, we don't want breach penalties to cause social problems in the state.
So we propose a new plan, which the clients have agreed to: we will auction off these orders to you!
We divided these orders by city into 14 groups.
The auction will last three days, during which we will publish real-time bidding rankings in the first-floor lobby.
We accept two forms of payment: one is cash, the other is land you hold.
There will be professional evaluators on site in the lobby."
Leo finished speaking in one breath. Below was silence.
These real estate businessmen had been in the industry for years but had never seen someone give away their business like this.
They were all clever; they believed the reserve price would still leave profit, and no one would bid low just to lose money.
So this was the chairman's naked generosity!
No one knew who started clapping first, but in an instant, the venue erupted in applause.
"Hear that? This applause is clearly more sincere than last time."
Leo said sarcastically.
"Are we just handing over our profits, boss?"
Charlie said reluctantly.
"Relax. When have you ever seen me do a losing business?
From what I know of them, they will definitely exchange land for orders.
In a month, they will pay the price for their stupidity.
Then it will be time to fully integrate Virginia real estate.
This matter is on you. I'm going back to a meeting."
With applause still echoing, Leo came and went in a hurry.
His schedule was tight—on May 5th, JP·W would hold its opening ceremony, and it was already late April.
Back in the office, Sean and Daniel were gone.
Joseph was whispering with MianTiao in a corner, likely planning a small surprise for Jesse.
Kevin approached and said,
"You mentioned splitting earlier; that works for others, but not my design firm.
Leo, the design ideas you gave me were great, and now I've caught someone's attention!
Jesse Real Estate from California sent an acquisition offer."
Leo stroked his chin. Sometimes he recalled some architectural designs from a past life.
Excellent inspirations allowed Kevin to create and expand the company's design library.
After exposure to some new trends, Kevin sometimes couldn't help but play with a few small buildings.
For example, a café on the Los Angeles beach and a futuristic mansion for a Hollywood star.
This filled the gap left by the West Coast luxury home designers, especially Wallace, the bubble house architect.
His KW Design Firm had 500 employees covering architectural design, mechanical and civil engineering, urban planning, interior design, and environmental art.
He boasted of recruiting nearly all the top art talent in California.
Leo supported Kevin strongly because, aside from financial real estate, the future real moneymaker was spectacular design driven by top design firms—that was the big business!
Like the future world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
But that was in the future. Now, even Lamb Company—the only one aware of this—had been crushed by Leo?
"Kevin, you're often with celebrities. Have you heard what Jesse Real Estate plans?"
Leo asked.
Kevin frowned and said,
"I've only heard bits and pieces. About a month ago, a rumor started in California about consolidating Western forces, making America hear the voice of the West!
There's been an acquisition wave lately. It seems like they're trying to force a few big companies."
Leo stroked his chin. Information was insufficient to judge; he would investigate when he went to Washington.
After considering Kevin's question, Leo said,
"Keep one-third of your design company here. Move the rest to Seattle, Washington.
Since they're suddenly embracing everyone, I have a new idea—a rebirth!
I'll arrange for someone to take over Sean's business. Sean will consolidate some of our smaller companies in the West.
Let Jesse Real Estate see his value. He and you will enter together.
Also, our hotel project with the Corleone family is about to land. Treat that order as your stepping stone.
When I arrive in New York, I'll buy some Jesse Real Estate stock on the secondary market and control both companies, waiting for the chance to take over this second-largest Western real estate company!"
"Understood."
Kevin nodded, then gratefully said,
"Leo, thank you. After this, spend some time chatting with Daniel. I see he's made great progress. Thanks for training him."
"He's my brother."
Leo smiled, but only he knew that Daniel in the East and Kevin in the West were designed to counterbalance each other.
Next, Leo assigned Tucson the task of establishing a law firm in San Francisco.
After everyone left, Desmond approached and said,
"What are you planning with the James River Association? Many friends think you're back on top—they're panicking!
I'm being bombarded with calls lately."
"Tell them I won't hold grudges. But since they quit the association, the James River benefits are no longer theirs.
Also, warn them to keep their mouths shut."
"So their historic mission is over?"
Desmond asked.
"No, it's just a temporary warning, preparing for the acquisition frenzy to come."
Leo said.
"So, what exactly are you planning in New York? Seems only Tucson knows."
Desmond said.
"Wait and see. This will be a performance that changes America!"
Leo returned to his study, where Walker Walton was already waiting and joked,
"Boss, I thought you forgot about me."
"Nonsense, I trust you. Valentino retail stores—you name it, I support you.
Every city's real estate headquarters has your retail store.
Whenever we acquire street shops in high-traffic areas, the best locations go to you first."
Leo said irritably.
"Wow, boss, I've been doing well too!
Three million of your net worth this year came from retail stores."
"Enough nonsense. If you have nothing to do, don't come to me. Now tell me, what is it?
If you're asking again to open a franchise, my answer is the same as last time—no."
"Without franchises, we'll never catch up to Franklin Grocery Stores.
Okay, boss, this time I came because the company needs talent.
I heard Walter got into college. Let him help me."
Walker said.
"Your dog nose is sharp! Impossible. I have other plans for Walter.
Tell me your second choice."
Leo said.
"My brother, Sam Walton, a former Navy Intelligence officer, runs a grocery store in Arkansas.
It's doing well, and he has rich experience."
Leo stroked his chin, a little wary of the world's richest man from his past life.
Recalling the Sam Walton documentary, Walmart only expanded nationwide in the 1970s.
In this world, Walmart's new business model was destined to be his tool.
Sam wouldn't rise to prominence.
"Fine! Bring your brother here. I want to meet him."
"Okay, boss!"
With business settled here, Leo and MianTiao took the private elevator from the study to the first floor.
Today, the driver was not MianTiao, but Walter, whom Leo hadn't seen for a long time.
Walter had become much more steady. He had refused Leo's help and, relying on his own efforts, was admitted to Virginia Tech.
Leo was not just brushing off Walker; he genuinely had plans for Walter.
Walter was going to New York.
Lucas was also heading to New York to run the newspaper business with James.
Hans was going to university.
William was being dealt with quietly.
The main force in the West would return in full force after Leo made a strong move in New York.
Only Daniel remained in Virginia.
Although there were more and more available people, the number of trustworthy ones was shrinking.
Power cannot be unchecked! Human nature must be restrained!
"Walter, tomorrow you will go to Hong Kong with Daniel.
Report to me frequently if anything comes up.
Also, the company will bring in two new grassroots key members, Andrew and Claude.
Both are outstanding members of the Veterans Mutual Aid Association.
Help them when necessary."
Having witnessed Fei's betrayal and death, Walter understood the reason Leo had him follow Daniel.
Walter nodded in acknowledgment.
The car stopped at MianTiao's restaurant, which was also the Lynchburg gang's base.
Seeing Leo enter, eight squad leaders of the gang stood up and said in unison,
"Mr. Valentino."
"Sit down! I came today for two reasons: first, to thank you all for your support.
Second, starting today, the Lynchburg gang is disbanded."
Leo's words stunned Aldo, who had been preparing to replace William and enjoy being the gang boss.
The other captains also turned pale.
Most of their income came directly from Leo's funding.
They also understood clearly that their foothold in Richmond was entirely due to Leo's connections.
Seeing their thoughts, Leo continued,
"The Lynchburg gang is disbanded. As for what you call yourselves from now on, I don't care.
What business you engage in is none of my business.
Just don't fly my flag.
Don't do anything that angers the heavens and the people.
As fellow townsmen, if you ever find yourselves in trouble and come to me, I will consider helping you.
Of course, this is mutual help—my construction company will also need your support sometimes.
Alright, let's eat!"
The news was too explosive, and people had little appetite.
"Eat. The meaning of this meal is so you clearly understand who is feeding you."
Leo said this abruptly, and before anyone could react, Buck, the captain of the third squad, quickly began eating.
Leo glanced at him — a smart man, likely the last man standing in the gang's leadership.
On the return drive, Leo asked the downcast Aldo,
"Do you know why I did this?"
"Because your position now means you don't have to personally raise dogs one by one. The food is in your hands, and you can recruit strong dogs from the wilderness anytime!" Aldo said.
"Luckily you're not completely stupid. Come with me to New York and study hard.
If you don't get into college, I'll break your legs."