Gustav, the leader of the Mexican Gang, had enough of Chen Ye's nagging; his originally rugged face was distorted with impatience.
His gaze was like a knife, fixed on Chen Ye, and a dangerous glint flickered in his deep black eyes.
"Stop babbling, it's annoying," he rudely interrupted Chen Ye.
"I don't care if those kids go to school or not; they can make big money selling drugs with me. They don't need to go to any damn school."
"Anyway, whoever touches my people, I'll touch them."
Gustav's voice was full of menace, as if anyone who dared to cross his bottom line would be ruthlessly struck down.
"Me too!"
"That's right!"
Some gang leaders began to whisper, clearly displeased with Chen Ye's lecturing.
Seeing someone step up and openly defy Chen Ye, some gang leaders echoed their agreement.
However, amidst these dissenting voices, Chen Ye showed no signs of panic or unease.
He looked coldly at these gang leaders, his gaze revealing an indescribable majesty.
Before Chen Ye could speak.
Tom, the leader of the Irish Gang, chuckled softly, then spoke to Chen Ye:
"Young man, you are still too young."
"You think you can pry away our interests from us without paying any price, don't you?"
"Interests are more important to us than life itself. Here, the cheapest thing is human life."
"Where is this? This is Hell's Kitchen. Preaching and enlightenment won't work on us."
"The reason we can stand out in this Hell is entirely because of our ruthlessness. We have long since sold our souls to the devil."
"You are also from Hell. Don't you know the rules of our Hell?"
Tom's voice carried a hint of mockery and disdain.
Chen Ye was silent for a moment, then calmly replied:
"I don't want to be your enemy. I just hope you can understand that education is the true path to changing their destiny."
"Children are innocent. From birth, they are born with 'sin' and are disliked by outsiders. They don't even know what sin they committed."
"What did they do wrong? Was it wrong for them to be born into this World?"
"They can't even speak or walk yet, but they need to carry the Hell's Kitchen label, allowing others to scrutinize them with strange eyes. This is unfair to them!"
"I know the World is inherently unfair! So I'm not naively trying to change this World!"
"I just want to give them a chance! Let them prove that being born in Hell is not their fault!"
"They don't have the right to choose whether to be born in Heaven or Hell, but we can give them the right to choose: to stay with us, these scoundrels, in this cruel Hell, or to crawl out of this mire called Hell's Kitchen and never come back!"
His voice was firm and powerful, although he knew that in this Hell's Kitchen, full of violence and bloodshed, such words might not be accepted.
Chen Ye had said what needed to be said. Chen Ye also didn't know how much the gang leaders present had taken in.
Anyway, Chen Ye himself had done his best. As for the rest, he would let strength do the talking.
Then Chen Ye stood up and swept his gaze across everyone present, saying domineeringly:
"Also, this time, I'm not discussing with you all."
"I'm just informing everyone: if you don't accept, then according to the rules of Hell's Kitchen, it's a one-on-one challenge."
Chen Ye paused, then pointed his finger at all the leaders present.
"I will challenge all of you alone. Whoever is not convinced, get out. We will decide the winner tonight in Hell's Kitchen."
"You should call your people. I know all the leaders present have their backup plans. It's best to call them all today, otherwise, I'm afraid you'll never have the chance to use them again."
"Also, for the leaders willing to sponsor, we can stay and discuss the school sponsorship fees."
Chen Ye's words officially ignited the fury of the gang leaders.
Gustav pointed at Chen Ye and said:
"Alright, you've got guts. Wait for tonight. I've been annoyed with you for a long time too. Hell's Kitchen does not allow anyone to break the rules!"
Other gang leaders also stood up one after another. They were provoked by Chen Ye's challenge and declared that they would fight Chen Ye to the end.
They didn't think that Chen Ye, a mere youngster, could contend with all of them.
Chen Ye faced these angry gang leaders without fear. He knew he had to speak with strength.
Chen Ye would face the encirclement of numerous gang leaders. He had to show astonishing strength and wisdom to survive such a battle.
This battle was not only about his honor but also about the future of the school and the children behind him.
Kingpin, who was nearby, knew that a major drama would unfold in Hell's Kitchen today.
He had witnessed the rise and fall of too many gangs and clearly understood that the gang leaders who opposed Chen Ye at today's meeting would be standing there in that capacity for the last time.
His gaze, tinged with pity, swept over these people who were about to embark on a path of no return.
Kingpin understood in his heart that these gang leaders' resistance to Chen Ye was tantamount to an egg striking a stone.
He shook his head helplessly, watching them leave one by one in anger.
He knew that they would go back and gather their subordinates, preparing to fight Chen Ye. And in this battle, they had no chance of winning.
"Since that's the case, then farewell, everyone. I await your presence tonight in Hell's Kitchen."
Inside the conference room, Chen Ye's expression remained calm.
He clearly understood the intentions of these gang leaders, and he understood their anger and disdain for him.
Chen Ye also clearly knew that today, not only the gang members but also the forces behind them would take action.
The gang leaders who opposed Chen Ye left the conference room one after another, their faces grim, their eyes filled with determination.
They immediately began to rally their subordinates upon returning, preparing for the impending storm.
They swore to make Chen Ye pay the price and to let outsiders know that Hell's Kitchen was still run by their gangs!
A moment later, only a few gang leaders remained in the large conference room.
To Chen Ye's surprise, Tommy Shelby, the leader of the British Gang, was still there.
Tommy Shelby felt Chen Ye's gaze and slowly spoke: "Don't look at me like that. I'm different from those barbarians who only use brute force. I am very much in favor of opening a school."
"I can help you deal with them, provided you pay enough in return."
Then Shelby paused, looked at Kingpin and First Penggelei beside Chen Ye.
First Penggelei understood, patted Chen Ye's shoulder: "I'll go back and prepare. The gangs in the central district are my responsibility." Then he turned and left.
Chen Ye waved his hand: "It's alright, they're all our people. Besides, Uncle Kingpin is the boss of Hell's Kitchen. Tell me in detail what you want."
Only Chen Ye and the other two remained in the large conference room, discussing the distribution of interests.
"I want the territory of the Irish Gang!" Tommy Shelby said straightforwardly.