Gene from the 13th Department of Bright City

Drop. Drop.

Numerical values ​​were displayed on the medical equipment. A white-haired old man was lying on the hospital bed. The room was not large. In addition to some medical facilities, there were some simple wooden furniture and the floor was covered with light brown carpet. A rug with a silhouette of a car logo surrounded by a pattern of parts and tools.

Locke sat quietly on a chair aside. There were celebrations outside the house. The entire Phoebus Manor has now been built. Many facilities are supported by large-scale light and shadow equipment technology and can be replaced frequently. Phoebes Resort Hotel opened last year, a top resort with a price of up to 2,000 yuan a night.

In the manor, you can enjoy delicious food and high-quality services, and participate in various manor activities.

Tonight is extremely important for Locke. It has just been 11:21, and Locke is still waiting for his father to wake up. His father's time is running out. At the age of 101, he is the first generation founder of Brilliant City.

Cordel is the name of this old man. He has been a direct force of the gods since the war era. He took over the automotive technology from his parents when he was a teenager and became sensible. For nearly a century, he has been working on city ​​services.

Locke felt a little heavy at this moment. The day finally came. His father was going to hand over the head of the Phoebus family to Locke in front of the other seven families and several gods.

Locke knew very well that he had no ability to take over this position, because he had no talent, and his talent was not very bright. He had always relied on the shadow of his father's generation, and had no actual achievements at all.

The Phoebus family still controls 30% of the city's car sales market, but many auto parts and auto repair industries are actually under the control of the Phoebus family.

The city's automobile industry has been extremely stable over the years. The price of automobiles is the most stable thing besides food, all due to Cordel's regulation of the automobile industry.

Locke is still waiting for his father to wake up. If Locke was not the only one in the family now, he would not be able to take over the position of the Phoebes family. Locke had an older brother and sister when he was a child. The older brother died when Aikala was raging. My sister died in a serious accident.

The elder brother and sister are much better than Locke. Over the years, Locke has also taken care of everything in the Phoebes family according to his father's instructions. Basically, everything is done according to his father. His father planned to start the family handover ceremony a few days ago. At that time, Locke was only excited for a short time that day, and then fell into a daze.

Locke didn't know how to carry such a huge and heavy family fortune. Locke asked his childhood friend Zhang Yang, but he just told Locke that his name was Locke Phoebus, and he didn't say anything else.

Locke knew what Zhang Yang wanted to say, and now the uneasy mood was always lingering in Locke's heart. He didn't know when his father would wake up. Recently, although his father was in good health, he would fall into a deep sleep as soon as he fell asleep. In a comatose state, there is less and less time to be active.

Outside the room where Locke is located, there is a spacious corridor with walls covered with paintings and exquisite wall decoration patterns.

Opposite Cordell's room is a relatively spacious living room. Suli and Violet are sitting on a set of sofas, Wang Degui and Field are sitting next to them, and Eddie is sitting at a small single round table next to the sofa area. Bian, always smiling, drinking wine alone.

Chen Qiao sat opposite Violet and the others, and Jiang Hao sat on his left. Six patriarchs of the seven major families came. Violet represented the Angus family. Now her husband Avano needs to rest. to be able to recover.

No one in the room spoke much, and no one expected to be suddenly contacted by Congress and asked to come to Phoebus' house to participate in the inauguration ceremony of Locke Phoebus' family patriarch.

For the families in the city, every inauguration ceremony of the eight major families is extremely grand. There are other family patriarchs outside, large and small, who have been invited. Moreover, the inauguration of the patriarchs of the eight major families needs to be witnessed by the gods themselves.

Although the eight major families no longer have as strong control over the city as they did in the past, their economic capabilities are still among the top in the city. Someone has calculated that if the apparent wealth of the eight major families is added up, they currently occupy the largest share of the city. 40% of the economy, this figure is extremely exaggerated, but some people think it may actually be more.

The city has been established for more than half a century, and the wealth accumulation of the eight major families has reached its peak in this half century. Even though there have been many problems in the past, the eight major families have gone through it all and still stand firm.

Even though the families have handed over a lot of things due to the gradual and in-depth implementation of the Anti-Monopoly Act, there are still shadows of the eight major families in many related industries.

Even the Angus family, the most troubled among the eight major families today, still has two almost semi-permanent profit rights in the city's subway and logistics channels. Such huge proposals that affect the city as a whole are excluded from antitrust laws.

It can be said that the eight major families single-handedly built the Brilliant City. No matter from which aspect, without the eight major families, the Brilliant City would not exist.

"How about we play cards first?"

Finally, Chen Qiao couldn't stand the dull atmosphere and spoke. Jiang Hao approached with interest. Chen Qiao took out a deck of playing cards and invited Wang Degui and Field across from him to join them. However, the two shook their heads. In the end, Chen Qiao could only turn his eyes to Eddie, who smiled and waved his hand.

"Interested, ladies!"

Chen Qiao asked, but was directly rejected by the eyes of Su Li and Violet.

Eddie looked at these two people quietly. They were both the same, and neither had much ability. If Chen Qiao hadn't relied on that guy Wu Qun, he would have been begging for food on the street, let alone the leader. The same goes for Jiang Hao. Yes, if he hadn't relied on his extremely shrewd wife Honghong, his family fortune would have been ruined long ago.

Among the current patriarchs of the eight major families, Chen Qiao and Jiang Hao are the least capable. The others are relatively capable, especially Su Li. A series of actions over the years have amazed Eddie.

The moment Yu Violet's eyes met, Eddie saw the anger in her eyes. The Angus family had completely broken with the Hillman family.

Everyone present knew that if the Angus family continued, their economic strength would even be inferior to that of the Abron family, which was steadily improving.

What makes Eddie most annoyed is that the people present are not like those years when they would put their hands from their own pots into other people's pots. They are very friendly and go about their own industries in their respective fields. They will not He rashly crossed the border. All of this was planned by Eddie's eight classmates behind the scenes.

I originally wanted to use the hands of these guys to continue to suppress the Angus family's economy, but now it seems impossible.

"Do you think Locke is capable of taking on the Phoebus family!"

At this time Eddie spoke, everyone's expressions instantly gave a clear answer, and Chen Qiao sighed.

"To be honest, Locke has no ability. Of course, this does not mean that I am very capable, it is just a fact."

Wang Degui laughed.

"What can you do?"

"Each other!"

Chen Qiao sneered and said, everyone knows that Wang Degui relied on his niece Wang Ying's gambling practice to make a lot of money, allowing the Wang family's industry under his control to instantly surpass his brothers and sisters who were still fighting among themselves. In the end, the position of head of the Wang family fell into the hands of Wang Degui. Although he was somewhat capable, he was far behind his niece Wang Ying.

Field laughed.

"Chen Qiao, don't you think that because you are the patriarch of the Chen family, you can be on an equal footing with us?"

Chen Qiao stared at Field coldly. This guy had always ridiculed and made fun of himself at banquets. At that time, he was really powerless and was just an out-and-out prodigal and a loser. But now it is different. .

"Don't think I don't know, Field, I know how many ideas Lin Xiao has given you and how many relationships he has helped you clear up."

For a moment, Field's face lost its good expression, and Jiang Hao next to him yawned and said.

"What's there to argue about? Hurry up and get it over with. I have to attend the awards ceremony in the film and television area later."

For a moment, the living room regained its calm. Chen Qiao couldn't sit still. He still couldn't vent his anger after being choked by Field just now. He turned over the playing cards, and the playing cards made a huffing sound.

"Would you like to come and play together?"

At this time, Eddie said and came over. He sat next to Jiang Hao, but the others were obviously not interested. They all wanted to quickly participate in the patriarchal succession ceremony and then go back to do their own things.

Although Eddie is also troubled with chores, he enjoys this state more now, because Ran Zhi has gone to the barrier area, and he can now rest assured. As for whether there are traitors in the family, Eddie does not plan to consider it in the short term. .

"That's good. I think we can discuss an issue. I believe this is also an issue that everyone is extremely concerned about."

Everyone looked at Eddie, wanting to hear what he wanted to say. Eddie clasped his hands and glanced at everyone.

“What do you think of the company’s current qualification review?”

For a moment, everyone felt what Eddie wanted to say, and Jiang Hao spoke first.

"Those guys from the Operations Department, this won't work and that won't work. I originally wanted to invite the section chief of Section 9 to have a meal, but it turned out that even after inviting him several times, it didn't work."

Although the others did not speak, their contacts with the Business Department in the past few years have caused a large number of qualification review problems in their companies. Because the review speed is very slow, there will be some problems in many links, and those affected They are some businesses owned by the family.

Everyone is trying every possible means, especially in the expansion of some related industries, but the progress is very slow and often requires joint review by several departments. The review details are also extremely strict, which seriously hinders many family businesses. development over the years.

Everyone knows the reason. The business department wants to cut off the immunity of the family. The purpose is very obvious. Compared with the family, the review speed of businessmen is often faster. Even the senior management of the business department often accepts invitations from businessmen. Specialized personnel will also be dispatched to assist merchants in completing various reviews of business qualifications.

The intention of the administrative department in targeting the family is very obvious, even the Angus family is the same. Even though the eldest daughter Alpha is the chief of the 5th department, she is ruthlessly scrutinized.

The behavior of the Xingke Branch has made the entire family a little angry, but nothing can be changed. The Xingke Branch's step-by-step behavior has made many families furious.

There are already some people from small families who can't stand it anymore, and they gather together at every gathering, hoping that the eight major families will come forward to solve some problems.

"These are real problems. I think we need to take advantage of this opportunity to have a private talk with the gods when they arrive."

Chen Qiao smiled and nodded, and Jiang Hao next to him also spoke.

"Indeed, we haven't had a meeting for many years. We are all busy with our own affairs. Although some of us are just representatives of the clan leader, and there are also conflicts between families, I think our family must be a whole. I won’t be able to stand it if people from the administrative department continue to do this.”

At this time, many people looked at Violet and then at Eddie. Violet stared at Jiang Hao angrily.

"Your mouth still smells as bad as before."

Jiang Hao smiled awkwardly. Normally, Jiang Hao had this kind of character. He always talked about things without any hesitation. Moreover, everyone present knew what happened between him and Violet in the past. That incident caused Violet's family to completely break with the Jiang family, and now the two families basically never speak when they meet.

As for the problem between the Angus family and the Hillman family, everyone is well aware that the two families have become enemies. Although Eddie always looks humble, he is too insidious in his heart. The Hillman family They have reaped the benefits of Angus Construction and have made a lot of money from this construction, but it is the Angus family that ultimately suffers the damage.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, and Su Li, who was silent for a while, spoke.

"It doesn't matter what you think. Don't hold me back. It has nothing to do with me. As for things like immunity, whether you have it or not has no impact on our Su family."

Field looked at Su Li.

"Hmph! Su Li, it doesn't matter. Don't you care about the life and death of other people in your Su family? If there is no immunity, those in your Su family"

"What does it have to do with me? They did it on their own. It's okay if they don't repent once or twice. Just kick them out the third time. We don't need a black sheep in the Su family, but you, Field. Your sister Wilsey was situation, if you are willing to intervene, as for this!"

"That's enough Sully!"

In an instant, Chen Qiao roared angrily, and for a moment he almost lost control of his emotions. The anger made his expression distorted and his body trembled. He stood up directly and pointed at Su Li.

"Wilsey's matter, you'd better not mention Su Li again!"

Sully chuckled.

"When you are alive, you don't have to think of a way. If I were a man, I wouldn't want everything. No matter what method I use, I will take her away. It's a pity that you are just a coward Chen Qiao. What kind of ability do you have when you yell at me now? "

Chen Qiao was at a loss for words for a moment, while Field's face opposite also showed a hint of sadness, and his expression was very poor.

"Why don't you open the pot and lift it? Why are you talking about this kind of thing? Okay, everyone, calm down."

Jiang Hao stood up, trying to ease the atmosphere, but at this time Wang Degui laughed.

"Everyone should not stand and talk without hurting their backs. Everyone has their own position. I think it is better not to mention some things again."

Violet never spoke. She didn't want to get involved in any family affairs, let alone talk to Eddie.

"What I said is the truth, what a bullshit position!"

Su Li spoke again, seemingly not afraid of adding fuel to the fire. For a moment, Chen Qiao was trembling with anger, and Field's face became even more ugly.

"My sister has already married, and she did so voluntarily, and our Huosen family also gave her a sufficient dowry. Besides..."

"Will you two grown men shut up? These things are not reasons and excuses for your weakness. Chen Qiao, stop pestering your nephew. Recently, I occasionally heard that you often run to the middle level."

Chen Qiao looked at Su Li solemnly.

"He should have his own life. You are still uncle and nephew and family, but his name is Jewell now, not Chen anymore."

Chen Qiao sat down calmly. What he felt in his heart at this moment was not anger, but loss. This feeling of loss would hit him every day in the dead of night.

Field tilted his head. He knew very well that he was thinking about his sister all the time in his heart, but he still couldn't admit that it was him who was wrong. It was his elder brother who watched with a cold eye that finally led to this series of tragedies. And because of Wilsey's incident, the family's immunity finally began to waver.

"Let me tell you straight!"

Violet stood up at this time, and everyone looked at her.

"No matter what method you think of, my daughter will one day try her best to remove the family's immunity. She will not compromise."

Wang Degui's heart trembled, Jiang Hao looked helpless, and Field next to him nodded.

"Indeed, Violet, with your daughter's cold-blooded character, we don't have any means to solve it, because as long as there is the slightest problem, Section 5 will hold on to it."

The Huosen family has had a very difficult time in industry over the years. Because some industrial products had problems, they were targeted by the 5th Section. In addition, some young people in the Hossen family behaved inappropriately and were thoroughly arrested by the 5th Section. It is difficult to move forward in many industries due to the constant stare-down.

"What are you guys talking about! They seem very happy."

Accompanied by a high-pitched female voice, with a smile in her voice, Tang Rao stepped in, wearing a dark green dress and carrying a small bag in her hand. Several other people also walked in one after another, including all the family patriarchs present. They stood up hurriedly and bowed solemnly.

"Isn't that kid Cordell awake yet?"

Li Chu asked, and Eddie replied.

"We have been here for two hours, Mr. Li Chu."

After the gods walked in, Witte motioned to the patriarchs to sit down, and the six gods also found a place to sit down. Jiang Hao hurriedly got up and came over with wine and glasses, pouring a glass of wine for the six gods in turn.

"Jiang Hao, your father Jiang Tianci used to say that you will ruin the whole family, but fortunately you married a capable wife. If you really have a soul, your father would probably snicker!"

Deguna teased, Jiang Hao scratched the back of his head with a smile, and then Eddie asked.

"Didn't Lord Jean come?"

Gu Yi was wearing a white coat and smelled of metal. He leaned against the door and shook his head.

"He probably won't come. He doesn't like this kind of occasion very much."

At this time, the patriarchs of several families looked at each other and moved towards Eddie, hoping that Eddie would say something. After Eddie understood, he held the quilt, put his hand on his chest and bowed.

"Six gods, I have a question that I hope you can tell me."

Rose lit a cigarette, smiled and nodded.

"Is the management department's current control over our family too strict?"

"You should discuss this issue with the councilors yourself. After all, your family's businesses are in some districts. Go and discuss it with the district councilors. Don't talk about these things tonight, kid."

Li Chu said immediately, and Eddie said nothing more.

"Is that boy Avano doing better?"

Tang Rao asked and Violet nodded.

For a while, the room fell into silence again. The patriarchs all knew that although the gods did not directly explain that they wanted to cancel the immunity, the acting department was established by the elites trained by the gods. The gods were sure of the problems. It will not be solved directly, but through the people who have been trained. After all, it was the seven gods who signed this immunity with the large and small families. They must at least take into account the face of the gods.

"Time flies so fast. Now the fourth generation of Brilliant City has been born and will grow up in more than ten years."

Tang Rao muttered, Jiang Hao came over, took out a lighter, and lit the cigarette in Tang Rao's mouth.

Everyone is well aware of the problem of the Phoebus family tonight. It is clear that the Phoebus family used to be a direct power of the gods, and the head of the family, Cordell, almost lost his life for the gods because of a fierce conflict of forces in the past. It stands to reason that the gods should support the Phoebus family, but the gods did not do so. Now the situation of the Phoebus family is not good.

Li Chu looked at Cordell's bedroom door from time to time, but it was never opened. The Phoebus family was not so much a direct force of the gods as it was a direct force of Li Chu personally.

11:51

Cordell opened his eyes on the hospital bed, and Locke moved closer excitedly.

"Father!"

Cordell nodded.

"what time is it?"

Locke helped his father up and fed him a sip of water.

"It's almost January 2nd."

Cordell nodded.

"Do you know why I let you inherit Locke?"

Locke shook his head, his mood was a little heavy. It is true that there were people in Phoebus's branch family who were more shrewd and suitable than himself, but his father did not choose those outstanding people at the overall family meeting, but chose himself, and The succession ceremony of the family patriarch was immediately carried out.

Cordell looked at his uneasy son, took his hand and patted the back of his hand gently.

"Because you have a trait that no one else has. You are kinder than others, Locke."

Locke looked at his father in surprise, and he nodded with a smile.

"Remember Locke, if the city needs our help one day, don't be stingy. I believe you won't."

Locke snorted. Over the years, the Phoebes family has been secretly supporting the construction of the Angus family. Although all this was done with the authorization of Cordell, his son Locke never asked, nor did he ask. Not caring about these gains and losses is the best quality that Cordell values ​​as a human being.

"Help me out!"

Locke held his frivolous father and placed him in the wheelchair. He looked at his father's legs that had been amputated long ago. Now his thighs were only as thick as his own arms.

"I'm afraid that one day..."

"If there really is such a day, it will just be a return of the wealth that has allowed our family to survive comfortably. There is nothing to be sad about. Borrow three and return seven. Do you remember? The story I told you."

Locke hummed. His father had told Locke more than once about his encounter with the gods.

That was a long time ago, when this land was still in war. As the leader of an emerging force, Cordell was rich in resources and had a lot of troops and weapons in his hands.

One day, a thirty-seven-year-old man visited this city, hoping to use his skills to exchange some food with them. At that time, many people were repulsive. The man was arrested by them, and the man did not resist, but that night the man After subduing all the people, Cordell was surprised that the man who could have killed them and took away the food did not do so.

At that time, the man said that he could borrow some food and pay it back twice as much. He could obviously use force, but the man wrote an IOU. Finally, Cordell agreed and lent a large amount of food to the seven people. After they left, everyone They couldn't swallow this breath, but the weapons had no effect on them.

Finally, some key members of the force tracked the past and found a small town in the mountains. Most of them were children, and these seven people were educating these children. Even if they couldn't beat them, they could still take the children in their hands. They vent their anger.

After all preparations were completed, Cordell finally gave up the attack. After a long time, Cordell almost forgot about it, when a serious epidemic broke out in the territory under his control with more than 300,000 people. , it was miserable for a while.

However, at this time, the thirty-seven-year-old guy came with six other people. They used the medical technology at their disposal to successfully solve the epidemic. Originally, the death toll from such an epidemic might exceed tens of thousands, but Only a few hundred people died.

After that, the seven of them stayed in Cordel's city for a while and taught their people a lot of knowledge before leaving.

Seeing his father's expression of enjoyment, he seemed to be immersed in those beautiful memories of the past.

"Remember Locke, the most precious thing between people is sincerity, the most noble quality of people is kindness, and the most indispensable thing for people is courage!"