“It’s a subsidiary of CUBE.” Brian Baker exhaled a smoke ring and smiled, “CUBE itself has quite a story. It and JYP… well, it’s a long story, and I doubt you’d be interested. The main thing you need to know is that CUBE’s Henry Holmes is very capable—at least, on the surface, he’s much more capable than your brother here. Oh, and if I’m not mistaken, they’re also somewhat connected to your recent rivals, though I can’t say how close the relationship is.”

“Recent rivals? The Busan Seven Stars Gang?” Christopher Carter laughed. “What about ACUBE?”

“ACUBE’s CEO, Charles Chase, is an old buddy of Henry Holmes. He left JYP with him and helped him build up CUBE—he’s a founding hero. When they set up the ACUBE subsidiary last year, Henry Holmes’s public statement was basically about rewarding his meritorious subordinates. But you and I both know there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes.”

“Hm…” Christopher Carter caught on. “The generals and the commander aren’t getting along?”

Brian Baker laughed, “Exactly. Whether it’s a dispute over interests or something else, we don’t need to know the details. The point is, this isn’t just a reward—it’s a split. There might be some open cooperation between the two sides, putting on a show for outsiders, but there’s no way they’re truly united.”

“So, in other words, as long as it doesn’t seriously infringe on CUBE’s overall interests, Henry Holmes won’t get involved in matters concerning ACUBE?”

Brian Baker snapped his fingers. “Bingo! Especially when it comes to something as trivial as messing with a little idol—there’s no way that’ll get Henry Holmes involved. As for Charles Chase himself, he’ll be much easier for us to deal with.”

Christopher Carter smiled. “Please advise me, Sixth Brother.”

“Apink’s rise has, to some extent, challenged SM’s interests. SM has been eyeing them for a long time. With such a strong enemy nearby, Charles Chase won’t want to get into a conflict with a notorious gangster like you. He’ll probably sacrifice a member or two to keep things stable, maybe even use it as an opportunity to get on your good side. That’s the first point.” Brian Baker winked. “As for the second… the enemy of my enemy is my friend…”

Christopher Carter was taken aback. “You want me to make friends with SM? I don’t even know where their front door is.”

“No, no, no, you misunderstood. The reason it’s the second point is because… I’m SM’s enemy. They’d love nothing more than to drink my blood.” Brian Baker burst out laughing. “So Charles Chase would be more than happy to have me as a friend. With those two factors combined, it really won’t be hard for you to get an idol.”

Christopher Carter was stunned for a moment, then broke into a laugh. “Sixth Brother, let’s not beat around the bush. You’re going out of your way to help me—do you need me to do something for you?”

Brian Baker laughed for a while, then waved his hand. “There is something, but it’s simple—just a small favor.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Ahem…” Brian Baker scratched his head. “Sixth Brother just signed a new female artist. I want to have some fun with her. I was thinking of staging a damsel-in-distress scenario, but it’s hard to arrange the time and place, and it’s easy to mess up. I think your place is perfect—it’s already known for being chaotic, and on the surface, we have nothing to do with each other, so she won’t get suspicious…”

“Pfft…” Christopher Carter spat out his wine and coughed for a while before saying, “Sixth Brother, you’re adorable.”

Brian Baker flew into a mock rage. “Are you going to help or not?”

Christopher Carter replied righteously, “I’d take a knife for a brother—no problem!”

“Mhm…” Brian Baker slyly handed over a photo. “Her name is Sarah Scott.”

“Not bad.” Christopher Carter flicked the photo and whistled. “You’ve got good taste.”

“Of course.” The two brothers exchanged a glance and both chuckled, raising their glasses at the same time. “Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

They drank and briefly discussed their respective plans, not bothering with too many details. After all, there were flirtatious dancers serving them, and with the wine flowing and the mood high, who wanted to talk business? Before long, both of them, feeling hot and tipsy, left with women in their arms.

“Sixth Brother, do you need me to get you some little pills?”

“Screw you, keep them for yourself!”

Christopher Carter laughed heartily, hugging the giggling dancer as he returned to his room.

Once inside, he turned and pinned the dancer against the door, kissing her. After a few minutes, just as things were about to escalate, there was a sudden knock at the door.

“Damn!” Christopher Carter snapped. “Who is it?”

Ethan Grant’s voice sounded a bit frustrated from outside. “Ninth Brother, there’s a situation.”

Christopher Carter jumped up. “Someone causing trouble?”

Ethan Grant replied gloomily, “No, it’s that young girl whose father we kidnapped the other night—she’s here to see you.”

Christopher Carter froze, instantly sobering up. He was silent for several seconds, then suddenly patted the dancer’s butt. “You’re off duty tonight.”

The dancer pouted coquettishly. “Ninth Brother…”

Christopher Carter casually pulled out a wad of cash and stuffed it into her cleavage. “Go have fun on your own.”

※※※

In the office, Christopher Carter sat on the sofa pouring himself a drink, while Emily Green stood demurely in front of him, silent—just like the day they first met a week ago.

“What are you here for? Bringing me a gift from afar?” Christopher Carter tilted his head at her, a little puzzled.

Of course, Emily Green didn’t understand what the Chinese phrase “bringing a gift from afar” meant. She just stared at him for a while, then said, “Please don’t go after Apink…”

Christopher Carter couldn’t help but laugh. “And what position are you in to order me around?”