138 Scheme (1/2)

After they finished the snacks, well, mainly Li Xueyue did, Li Chenyang opened the scroll he had closed.

”I discovered something interesting today,” he commented, handing it to her. She peered down at it, her brows raised upon recognizing what it was.

”How did you get your hands on this?” Li Xueyue breathed out, taking it from him. Her eyes raked all over, a list of expenses, revenue, and so forth; everything that was about the Bai Family's wealth was written on it.

”I had my ways.” Li Chenyang left out the part where the scroll was stored in the restricted section and he had to talk his way into acquiring it. Sometimes, he truly was grateful for the doors his surname and position opened for him.

”When was this last updated?” Li Xueyue asked, recalling that the month was almost coming to an end.

”Last month. The records are updated monthly.” Li Chenyang clicked his tongue. This was what made the financial department so stressed at times.

The entire accounting and auditing process was complicated and aristocrats with a title attached to their name, for example, Viscount Bai or Duke Li, and so forth would undergo greater scrutiny and rigorous checks for corruption.

”I will have to return this scroll tomorrow, so if you want to retain the information, it's best to make your own copy for your safekeeping,” he added on.

”I heard their trading port business was negatively affected after what happened at the banquet and the commotion that took place on the streets the day I went out with Yu Zhen.” Li Xueyue closed the scroll and placed it beside her. She told herself that she would focus on copying everything down when she finds the time today.

”Yes, when the new report comes in, we'll be able to analyze their plunge.” Li Chenyang nodded. ”Once their reputation is completely tarnished, we'll go in for the swoop.”

Li Xueyue's eyes sparkled with mischief. ”I thought of an interesting plan.”

”Spill it then,” Li Chenyang mused, returning to his seat.

”When the Bai Family's business slows down significantly, they'll definitely start looking for investors, preferably someone not from Wuyi because that way, the investor won't know of their reputation.”

”Interesting, go on.”

”Once their reputation dwindles like their business, the Bai Family will get desperate. They can only rely on their savings for so long. As you already know, they don't come from old money.” Li Xueyue leaned back leisurely. ”The Viscount came from humble beginnings. Once someone has a taste of money, it'll be hard to forget it.”

”Are you suggesting we bankrupt them with a fake investor?” Li Chenyang asked.

She shook her head. ”What benefit would that bring us besides a sense of satisfaction?”

”None.” Li Chenyang's brows tugged together. He had a suspicion as to where she was going with her plans.

”Why don't we become the 'foreign investors' that they need?” Li Xueyue finally said. ”But before that, we'll need to rip their reputation to shreds until they'll be forced to sell their trading ships and business at a low price. Once their selling price goes below the market price, the 'foreign trader' will strike them a deal.”

”Hmm, go on.” Li Chenyang began linking everything together inside his brain.

”The deal is that the 'foreign trader' or investor will pretend to see potential in their business, say, he'll buy it at a fixed price where you and I will have full ownership.”

”They won't willingly sell their business for a low price, knowing they won't be able to benefit from it,” Li Chenyang pointed out.