Chapter Twenty-Six: Choosing Sides

No wonder, then. Previously, during the arena matches, the Huang family had not fielded their strongest lineup. Even in the decisive battle, the second son of the Huang family could remain a spectator. And despite their defeat, they showed no particular dejection. Perhaps from the very beginning, the Huang family had intended to lose, or perhaps, in their eyes, defeat served their interests better than victory. Only by losing could they push the other families from the shadows to the forefront, preventing the Huang family from standing alone in enmity against the Hongcheng Group.

From start to finish, few in the audience showed support for the Hongcheng Group. It seemed likely that many families had received advance warning of what was to come.

In a moment, Gao Tianxiong understood much. Facing the collective pressure of the industry, it would be a lie to claim he felt no psychological burden. Yet, he did not waver in the slightest. In truth, ever since Hong Chen had determined to use Qing City as the staging ground for their initial capital accumulation before returning to Jiang Hai City, it was inevitable that the Hongcheng Group would stir up storms across industries and draw the enmity of the upper echelons in every sector—entertainment being merely the first to bear the brunt. Tonight was only the beginning.

Gao Tianxiong ignored the other families, raising his head slightly to meet Wang Yukun’s gaze. His tone was low and unwavering, betraying no ripple of emotion. “It’s not that I refuse to show you respect, Young Master Wang, but business is business. We won the arena match, so naturally we will claim our spoils. Paradise will develop according to its own needs—everything is for maximal profit.”

The hall fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted in an uproar.

He had refused. He had actually refused.

That was tantamount to a public break with the industry’s leading powers. Could Paradise still hope to find a foothold?

And this was not all—the Wang, Qiao, and Huang families’ businesses were not limited to the entertainment industry; their interests intersected with the Hongcheng Group's in other sectors as well.

Was Gao Tianxiong acting out of recklessness, or did he truly have the strength to back his position?

Wang Yukun merely narrowed his eyes, his expression unchanged, as if he were unmoved by Gao Tianxiong’s rebuttal. Yet those familiar with him knew that when Young Master Wang narrowed his eyes, it meant he was displeased—the deeper the squint, the worse his mood.

“President Gao, if I recall correctly, Paradise’s first bar opened three years ago. You’re no longer a newcomer to the industry; you should understand the importance of abiding by the rules. Those who break the rules are unwelcome, and in this industry, those without a place have no hope of maximizing profits.”

His tone remained indifferent, but there was now an imperiousness to his words.

Gao Tianxiong responded without commitment. “I’m afraid I don’t follow, Young Master Wang. Until tonight, Paradise’s scale never surpassed the Qiao and Huang families, and was not even half the size of the Wang family. Now, after winning the arena match and gaining three bars from the Huang family, we’ve overtaken the Qiao and Huang families—but this is entirely within the industry rules. If Paradise’s expansion ever approaches two-thirds of the Wang family’s, I will, as custom dictates, initiate talks with you. Should we fail to reach an understanding, I’ll present my challenge in due form.”

A fierce glint flashed in Wang Yukun’s eyes. Gao Tianxiong’s meaning was clear: Paradise’s ultimate goal was to replace the Wang family as the industry leader.

All around, faces filled with astonishment. Secretly, many wondered if Gao Tianxiong had lost his mind—publicly provoking the Wang family in this way. Once certain words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. Some conflicts, which could have been postponed, would now become immediately acute.

“Gao Tianxiong, don’t think too highly of yourself. You really believe you can best my Huang family?” The cold smile vanished from Huang Wujian’s lips, his face darkening.

“Facts speak louder than words. Your Huang family lost the arena match. The wager for the three bars—you cannot afford to lose, but you must pay.” Gao Tianxiong’s tone was soft but left no room for doubt. He swept his gaze around and called out loudly, “Paradise has acted strictly within industry rules, yet is now ostracized and made a target by all. Is there anyone willing to speak a word of fairness for me?”

The arena was deathly silent. The truth was, no one was prepared for this. Most were there on their family’s behalf, mere spectators. Now, Gao Tianxiong was forcing them to take a stand.

Given the situation, to speak a word of fairness without taking sides was meaningless—it was better to remain silent. Siding with the Wang family and its allies would be a token gesture at best; the Wang family might not even appreciate it, and it could brand one as a lackey. But siding with the Hongcheng Group would be a lifeline in a snowstorm—an act that could deepen relations and strengthen cooperation, yet risk offending the majority of the entertainment industry.

Choosing sides was no trivial matter—it directly concerned the interests and even the fate of one's family. Everyone needed to be exceedingly cautious.

The silence lasted for half a minute. Finally, five families spoke up, only two siding with the Hongcheng Group—both of whom already had partnerships with them in other industries. The remaining three supported the Wang family. In truth, if Wang Yukun had spoken, there would have been more supporters, but most chose not to step forward, knowing that offering support at this stage would be of little benefit—the Wang family might not care, and it could leave them branded as sycophants.

Gao Tianxiong’s face remained impassive, showing no sign of being affected by the lack of support. When no one else spoke, he announced, “Those who stand shoulder to shoulder with the Hongcheng Group will find us a close and committed ally. Those who stand against us will find all doors to cooperation firmly closed.”

His words caused a stir. The first half was to be expected—those who took risks to stand with him would not do so for nothing. But the latter half was pure emotion, effectively placing the three families supporting the Wang family, along with the seven main industry families, in direct opposition to the Hongcheng Group.

To become enemies once meant there would never again be a chance for friendship—this ran counter to the profit-above-all principle of business.

Huang Wujian sneered, “So it’s prosperity for those who follow you, and ruin for those who don’t. Gao Tianxiong, you truly have the bearing of a king.”

“It’s not about the bearing of a king—it’s about the Hongcheng Group. In time, you’ll understand.” Gao Tianxiong glanced at him coolly. “Enough, Second Master Huang, let’s not waste time. Sign the transfer contract.”

“Speaking of the bearing of a king, my Qiao family would like to test it as well, to see if the Hongcheng Group truly has the weight it claims.” Before Huang Wujian could reply, Qiao Bin interjected, still smiling, though now his smile carried a chill, radiating a subtle sense of danger.

“My Lu family would like to test it as well.”

“And my Li family too…”

Of the seven main families in the industry, five now stepped forward—three with inner strength, two with outer strength. Then Huang Wujian moved forward as well, “Let the Huang family join in the fun.”

Finally, with a gesture from Wang Yukun, a dark-skinned middle-aged man at his side rose and descended from the stands—another inner strength expert, just a half step from breaking through, like Huang Wujian.

“President Gao, the arena match was witnessed by three association directors, and a wager agreement was signed with the Huang family. If you insist on claiming your spoils, the Huang family will honor the bet. However, there’s no rush. Now, the seven families issue you a new challenge: each family will send one representative and stake a bar or KTV as the wager. The Hongcheng Group will also send seven people, and in addition to the three bars from the Huang family, you will put up four Paradise bars. The outcome will be decided in a single match, with the rules being a blood battle to the end—until one side’s seven representatives are all defeated.”

Wang Yukun’s indifferent voice echoed through the stadium. “According to the rules, you are not obliged to accept, but consider this: for every day you refuse, all Paradise clubs, KTVs, and bars will be unable to operate normally. If you doubt me, you are free to test it.”

“Of course, if you change your mind now and accept Qiao Bin’s proposal, this match will be considered null and void. The choice is yours.”

Though it appeared to be three options, there were really only two. Refusing the challenge meant Paradise’s venues would be unable to operate—a foregone conclusion given the combined power of the seven families, tantamount to expulsion from the industry. Accepting meant a wager doubled—a new arena match with not just the risk of losing everything, but of severe injury or even death.

Other than that, only compromise remained.

In the end, if you believe your strength is sufficient, then ascend by treading over the bodies of the industry’s giants. If not, bow your head and accept the terms imposed—there is no other way. It may appear coercive, even helpless, but in truth, this was already an open and aboveboard stratagem.

As Wang Yukun finished speaking, all eyes turned to Gao Tianxiong. He appeared composed, his expression calm and untroubled, as if deep in thought, as though everything had been anticipated. And indeed, it had. With seven families taking the stage and the Wang family leading the way, how could they possibly allow him to walk away with his spoils unchallenged?