NBA: The Dynasty Crusher (Basketball)

The group arrived at the prestigious Li Club. Though Zhao Dong and his brother Zhao Dacheng didn't have membership cards, Liu Chengbing did—and with that, they entered smoothly.

"Damn, this place is insane…" Zhao Dacheng muttered, glancing around in awe.

"It's not luxury—it's excess," Zhao Dong said slowly, his voice cold. "It's a sugar-coated bullet meant to corrupt."

His eyes swept across the lounge where several curvy women in high-slit cheongsams glided past. The open designs reached their waists, and each sway of their hips was a calculated temptation.

Liu Chengbing, walking beside Zhao Dong, observed him carefully. He was still trying to make sense of the attitude Zhao Dong had shown throughout the day—especially his distaste for the West. It didn't make sense. After all, Zhao Dong had lived and worked in the U.S. for years. Wasn't he supposed to be pro-Western?

But today's lunch proved the opposite. Zhuzhu and the others, trying to suck up to Zhao Dong, had praised Western systems to the skies—only to say all the wrong things. They were flattering the wrong horse entirely.

Catching movement ahead, Liu Chengbing turned just as a middle-aged man in a suit briskly approached and greeted them.

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Lin, my apologies. I have to go pick up Second Young Master. I'll come back later to make up for this," the man said politely.

"That's fine," Liu nodded.

"He's the manager here," Liu explained afterward. "Surname Chen. A trusted man of the Li family from Hong Kong. When he says 'Second Young Master,' he means Li Zekai."

Zhao Dong nodded casually. Just then, footsteps echoed behind them. He turned—and there he was: Li Zekai.

The second son of Hong Kong tycoon Li Zhaoji, Li Zekai was only 33, with assistants and bodyguards trailing behind him like a wave. After his older brother's infamous 1996 kidnapping by Zhang Ziqiang—who extorted 1 billion HKD—bodyguards became a must.

Zhao Dong chuckled silently. The tragedies kept repeating in Hong Kong's elite circles. In 1990, Wang Defei was kidnapped and killed. Then Zhang Ziqiang struck again, abducting Guo's eldest son for 600 million HKD. In 2007, even Zheng Citai, CEO of a publicly listed company, was murdered in Shenzhen after being kidnapped.

Now, even he and Lindsay couldn't move around Beijing without bodyguards. In the U.S., his team was fully armed—guns, vests, the works. It was inconvenient, but unavoidable.

Today, Li Zekai wasn't alone. Alongside him were two more legacy heirs—Li Jiajie, eldest son of Li Zhaoji, and Zheng Jiachun, son of diamond king Zheng Yutong. They were here to clear a path before their powerful fathers arrived.

The reason for this sudden visit? Tianlong Investment Bank had just launched, and word was already out: three minor shareholders of Henderson Land had sold their shares to Lindsay.

That meant Lindsay and Storm Fund now controlled 24% of Henderson Land—just shy of triggering a full takeover. Everyone in the room knew what was coming.

And that wasn't all. Storm Fund already held 8% of Changjiang Holdings and 7% of New World Development.

Brother Ji was panicking. Brother Cheng and Brother Yu were nervous too. All three families had immediately reached out to Beijing—they would be arriving tomorrow.

"Second Master, Master Li, Master Zheng—this way please," Manager Chen said, leading them toward a private lounge.

As they walked, Li Zekai turned and asked, "Has the person I came to meet arrived?"

"Not yet, Second Master," the manager replied.

"Zekai?"

Li Jiajie suddenly tugged Li Zekai's sleeve and pointed. "Isn't that Zhao Dong?"

Li Zekai looked over and instantly recognized him. Zhao Dong—international NBA superstar, sports mogul, and now a financial power in his own right.

The three heirs exchanged quick glances, then nodded.

Li Zekai immediately approached, flashing a smile and stretching out both hands. "Mr. Zhao, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Zhao Dong raised an eyebrow and said with a faint smile, "Mr. Li, I didn't think you had time for sightseeing. With all that chaos going on back in Hong Kong, you're really free enough to visit Beijing?"

He shook Li Zekai's hand—barely brushing his fingertips—then let go. Li Zekai's smile froze, and he awkwardly retracted his hands.

"Mr. Zhao, can we talk?" Li Jiajie asked quickly.

Zhao Dong's tone turned cold. "Lindsay's in Hong Kong, but you came to Beijing. We all know why. Let's see if you have the ability to stop what's coming."

Then, turning to Zhao Dacheng and Liu Chengbing, he said, "We're done here. Not the right place for tea tonight."

"Let's go," Liu echoed and signaled Zhuzhu and the others to follow.

"Mr. Zhao!"

Li Jiajie called out in desperation. "My father's trip to Beijing has no other purpose but to seek cooperation!"

Zhao Dong didn't look back.

---

After Zhao Dong and his group left the Li Club, the three heirs stood frozen.

"Don't panic," Li Zekai muttered. "Hong Kong is still crucial to Beijing's long-term interests. Our three families still have strong influence here. We just need to figure out how deep Zhao Dong's control over Lindsay really is."

"If he's just a gigolo," Li Jiajie added bitterly, "then this could go completely sideways for us. She might launch the takeover tomorrow."

---

Outside, Zhao Dacheng leaned closer and whispered, "Brother… is Sister-in-law really going after all of them?"

Zhao Dong chuckled. "She's just bored."

That single sentence sent a chill down the spines of Liu Chengbing and the others. Bored? And she launched a strike against four of the most powerful families in Hong Kong?

At that moment, Zhao Dong's phone rang.

It was his father—Zhao Zhenguo.

He was calling him home.

At 8:30 p.m., Zhao Dong and his brother returned to the courtyard.

Zhao Zhenguo immediately summoned Zhao Dong into his study, closing the door behind them. "What exactly is Weiwei planning over there?" he asked gravely.

Zhao Dong laid it all out—Lindsay's aggressive moves, the Storm Fund's acquisitions, and the approaching takeover attempt.

Zhao Zhenguo's expression darkened. Was his daughter-in-law too much of a handful now?

"I just saw Li Zekai at the Li Club," Zhao Dong added.

Zhao Zhenguo tapped the desk. "Their elders are arriving tomorrow. Officially, it's to discuss investments. But we both know—they're here to pressure us from above and try to shut you down."

Zhao Dong scoffed. "Pressure? Even if they sack me, that won't stop the plan. This move is happening, no matter what."

Zhao Zhenguo slammed the desk and pointed at him. "You've already knocked down two major families. You think that won't shake the city's stability?"

Zhao Dong's voice remained calm. "It's just business. Take the Guo family—they're still wealthy, still influential. But do they dare to challenge us now? No. If they do, we'll clean house again. We've broken no laws."

Zhao Zhenguo snapped, "If this mess blows up, do you think the top brass will keep backing Tianlong Investment Bank?"

Zhao Dong's tone turned icy. "Unless they've lost their minds."

He stood tall. "I didn't build Tianlong for my own profit. Tianlong is bigger than one city. The higher-ups know that."

Zhao Zhenguo glared. "And after Ji Ge falls, are you planning to go after the last two as well?"

Zhao Dong cracked a sly grin. "Storm Fund redemptions start next month. We'll be focused on running Tianlong. The last two? We'll deal with them when the time is right. Sooner or later, we'll clean house entirely."

"If we replace the four major families, we'll control the entire region economically. Isn't that what you want?"

Zhao Zhenguo stood up abruptly. "Let's go."

Zhao Dong blinked. "What now? Don't tell me we're meeting the higher-ups again?"

"You stirred the hornet's nest. Now you have to face it," Zhao Zhenguo said, exasperated. "I got the notice right before you came in—you're due to meet with leadership tomorrow."

---

On the way to the Red Wall, Zhao Dong's phone rang. It was Lindsay.

"The Fed's interest rate cut stabilized the U.S. market. Stocks have stopped falling, but there's heavy trading volume—capital is clearly fleeing," she reported.

Zhao Dong rubbed his temple. "Don't post another bear market article. No need to keep poking Wall Street. Let them exit quietly—we still need to coexist with them long term."

"Fine," Lindsay said. "We'll give them a break. But they won't all make it out. Only a few will be able to cash out like us."

---

The next morning, Zhao Dong and Zhao Zhenguo exited the Red Wall.

They had spent all night discussing with top leadership. In the end, the conclusion was clear: the central government would not interfere with what happened in Hong Kong. However, Zhao Dong's actions could not jeopardize the rollout of Tianlong Investment Bank or destabilize the situation.

When they emerged, news broke: the investment delegation from Hong Kong had just landed in Beijing. Leading the group were Cheng Ge, Ji Ge, and Tong Ge—three of the richest tycoons in China.

"The pressure's on," Zhao Zhenguo said flatly. "Publicly, we'll support and appease them. Privately, do what you need to do—but don't drag this out."

Zhao Dong nodded and immediately called Lindsay. "Eve, they've landed. Time to make your move."

"Understood, husband."

Lindsay moved swiftly.

"Buy as much as you can. Tender offer—now."

---

Beijing, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse — Closed to the Public

At noon, the leadership was scheduled to meet with the Hong Kong investment group in Building No. 7, followed by a formal state banquet. The meeting was set for 11:30 a.m.

At 11:20, the tycoons arrived—more than 20 people led by Cheng Ge, Ji Ge, and Tong Ge.

Just as they stepped into the lobby, a staffer approached the leader and whispered in his ear.

"Storm Fund just issued a tender offer for New World Real Estate. Five minutes ago."

The leader smiled faintly. "Quick action."

He had been keeping an eye on Lindsay. Despite not being ethnically Chinese, her connection to Zhao Dong and her financial skillset were undeniable. She had a sharp instinct for capital flows and systemic structures. More importantly, she had proven loyal—her heart was in the right place.

China didn't yet have high-level financial talent like her. Lindsay was an asset.

If only she wasn't so young, the leader thought.

The atmosphere of the meeting was cordial and warm. The tycoons pledged investment and were granted verbal support in return.

But the real reason for their visit—to pressure Zhao Dong through political channels—was tactfully avoided by leadership.

---

As the three tycoons exited Building No. 7 after the state banquet, their expressions were heavy with defeat.

"Dad!"

Brother Ji turned to find his son, Li Jiajie, rushing over.

"What is it?" he asked quickly.

"Right before today's market close… Storm Fund made the offer."

Brother Ji's face went pale. He staggered and nearly collapsed, saved only by Jiajie's quick support.

"They moved fast—too fast," Jiajie said bitterly. "Their traders are on another level. Our team couldn't compete. A huge chunk of shares changed hands. The stock price dropped 10%."

Cheng Ge and Tong Ge caught up, visibly shaken.

Brother Ji steadied himself and said grimly, "If I fall, Mrs. Lindsay will not stop there. She'll come after you both next. We have no choice—we must join forces."

Cheng Ge and Tong Ge nodded solemnly. They no longer doubted it.

Businessmen like them understood greed. They were greedy. But even they feared one thing more than political pressure or market competition—financial capital.

If they were blood-drinkers feeding off the people, then financial capital was a butcher—one that peeled flesh, cracked bone, and devoured everything. Financial giants like Mrs. Lindsay didn't just suck the blood of the masses—they consumed other businessmen whole.

Even their massive real estate empires were nothing more than fattened prey in the eyes of someone like her.

And they weren't exaggerating.

To someone like Soros, even sovereign nations were fair game. He'd targeted the British pound, forcing the UK into a humiliating retreat. South Korea, Japan, Russia, Southeast Asia, and even Hong Kong had all been victims in the past.

The Asian financial crisis alone had crushed decades of economic progress across the region. Entire economies were wiped out in months. That was the power—and devastation—of unregulated capital.

Now, Lindsay was moving even faster. She hadn't even tapped into international hot money yet. If this dragged on and the global funds got wind of it? If they piled in?

Forget the three of them—the entire city of Hong Kong could face a repeat of '97.

---

At that very moment, Zhao Zhenguo received a critical call.

The voice on the line was stern. "Zhenguo, tell your son and his wife to act fast. If international hot money joins in and tanks Hong Kong's economy, I'll hold Zhao Dong responsible. We cannot let Hong Kong suffer another financial meltdown like in the Asian crisis."

"Understood," Zhao Zhenguo said seriously.

He immediately dialed Zhao Dong.

"You cannot crash the economy over there," he warned. "We can't let the West say that as soon as Hong Kong returned, the economy collapsed. That narrative can't happen. Also—those three old foxes might team up. Tell Weiwei to be extra careful."

"Relax, Dad," Zhao Dong replied coolly. "We'll take New World down before they even join forces. Our financial lead is too big. They won't catch up."

---

6:00 PM – Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong

Ji Ge and his allies landed.

His expression was grim. Henderson Land stock had been hammered down to HK$55 per share—a brutal 15-dollar drop in a single day. Worse, Storm had snatched 3% of his company's circulating shares.

He started the day with 51%. Now? He was down to 48%. Still the largest shareholder, but no longer in control.

Even worse, he'd put a large chunk of his own holdings into the market to try to counter Storm. But it backfired—Storm's traders outclassed his.

If this continued for just a few more days, he'd lose the company.

"Send someone to Wall Street. Pay whatever it takes. I want the best trader money can buy," Ji Ge snapped at his son, Li Jiajie.

---

The three tycoons didn't even stop at home. They drove straight to Cheng Ge's private club for emergency talks.

"Storm's methods are even more ruthless this time," Tong Ge muttered. "It's not just capital—they're using advanced trading algorithms. The Guo family was taken out with shady tactics too. I think they're in a rush. Our Beijing trip did rattle them."

"We still have leverage," Cheng Ge said shrewdly. "The mainland doesn't want chaos here. If we force some disorder, Beijing will have to step in. International media will blow it up."

Ji Ge frowned. That might've worked—if we had time. But Lindsay's speed left them breathless. The Guo family fell in three days.

How many days could he last?

---

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" Ji Ge finally asked.

Cheng Ge hesitated, then said, "I'll give you 10 billion HKD. Use it to stabilize the price."

"I'll match that," Tong Ge added.

Ji Ge bowed slightly. "Much appreciated. We share fortune and adversity."

Ji Ge had already leveraged some non-core assets and raised 20 billion. With his liquid capital and their 20 billion combined, he now had 60 billion HKD to deploy.

Henderson Land's current market cap had dropped from 130 billion to around 100 billion. With 60 billion, he could defend himself—for now.

---

Meanwhile...

Lindsay had done her math.

If the three companies combined forces, Storm's advantage in Henderson would be limited. The company's float was tight. Even with deep capital, she couldn't outmuscle all three in one battlefield.

So she needed to open up a second, even a third front.

If she could split their attention and divide their funds, she could dismantle them one by one.

Storm, combined with her personal funds and Zhao Dong's reserves, could muster nearly $150 billion USD.

If Cheng Ge and Tong Ge didn't defend themselves soon… they'd be swept away just like Ji Ge.

---

"Meilin," she called softly.

The assistant, seated silently nearby, immediately stood. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Call Fengbao," Lindsay ordered. "When the market opens tomorrow, begin heavy buying of Changjiang Holdings and New World Development. Announce our intent to acquire both. Loudly."

Meilin's eyes widened—but she quickly composed herself.

"Understood, ma'am. I'll notify them right away."

Lindsay nodded, turned, and walked calmly toward her bedroom.

The real war had begun.

(End of Chapter)

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