### Chapter 18: Testing the Waters
As the sun set, Amir, with a beaming smile, saw Gu Sanqiu out of the Northland Bank.
The look on the banker's face—like he had just seen off a big spender—chilled the spies who had been waiting all day. Regardless of what the two had discussed, the enthusiasm of the Snezhnayan indicated it must have been significant.
"Heh."
Gu Sanqiu's eyes twinkled mischievously as he waved at the familiar faces among the spies and then headed off in a different direction.
At Wanmin Restaurant, Chef Mao crossed his arms, watching Gu Sanqiu devour his meal. Setting a towel aside, he sat opposite Gu Sanqiu.
"So, finally doing something serious today? You're having dinner quite late."
"Heh, something like that. Chef Mao, you're truly the top chef of Chihu Rock—this spicy black-back bass is fantastic."
"Ha, you bet! The seasoning for that dish at Xinyue Kiosk was learned from me."
Chef Mao laughed heartily. "If I had the ambition, I'd have opened a high-end restaurant at Feiyun Slope."
"Food is meant to bring joy and peace. A humble eatery is my true calling."
"Simple solution—when Xiangling gets back, I'll invest some money, you chip in some savings, and we'll monopolize Liyue Harbor's food industry."
Gu Sanqiu grinned mischievously. "Wanmin Restaurant for the common folk and Xiangling's place for high-end cuisine. It's a big opportunity."
"Heh, you know what she's like. She's not one to stay put as a head chef."
Chef Mao brought over a basket of crystal shrimp. "Young people should travel and explore, not be cooped up in one place. It's not good."
"Chef Mao, no need to hint at me."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Also, there's another reason I came to eat today. Things seem unsettled around Chihu Rock lately. You should be more cautious."
"Oh?"
Chef Mao frowned. "You mean someone's targeting you?"
"Not exactly targeting me, but their eyes never leave the Gu family."
Gu Sanqiu sipped his tea. "They may not be good people, but they maintain a certain order."
"If their personnel change, Chihu Rock might see some unscrupulous characters emerge."
"Heh, I thought it was something big—just those small fries."
Chef Mao swung a large kitchen knife. "I know what you're worried about. With me here, you can focus on your matters."
"Heh, much appreciated, Chef Mao."
Gu Sanqiu left a bag of Mora, flexing his wrist slightly. The faint sound of an eagle's cry brought a cold smile to his face.
The moon shone bright and the sky clear, its light spilling into the deep courtyard of the Gu family, illuminating the red incense smoke in the Perfumed Chamber.
A giant shadow eagle perched on the eaves, preening its feathers. Under this guise, its sharp eyes vigilantly watched for potential threats around Gu Sanqiu.
"Being a Perfumed Scion sounds strange these days, like graduating without having had a relationship—people mocked me for a while back then."
"Times are changing. Why is there no mention of the Perfumed Scion in the future I know, only the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Gu Sanqiu shut the door of the Perfumed Chamber, gently wiping his golden fishing rod with a silk cloth.
"I've promised that young man; no matter the difficulty, I'll safeguard the Gu family."
"After all, it's a man's promise."
Screech!
Gu Sanqiu's eyes flashed as he swung his fishing rod toward the direction of the eagle's warning. The seemingly endless fishing line cut through the air, sweeping across a pitch-black spot.
Just as the hook and line were about to reach the ground, a figure clad in leather armor suddenly appeared, frantically deflecting Gu Sanqiu's probing attack with twin daggers.
"Too late."
Gu Sanqiu smirked coldly. With a slight flick of his right hand, the fishing line and hook switched positions, the sharp hook slashing across the intruder's neck!
Ssst—
Blood sprayed like a fountain. Gu Sanqiu retracted his rod, glancing at his weapon with mild annoyance.
"Tch, at this rate, I'll become a throat-slashing maniac. Can I get a proper weapon?"
"But, this method seems quite intimidating."
Gu Sanqiu's gaze shifted toward the shadows behind some rocks and trees.
"Are you newcomers to Liyue Harbor? Don't you know the taboos here?"
"First, don't cause trouble at Yujing Terrace."
"Second, don't mess with the elderly or children on the streets—they might be adepti."
"Third, never challenge ancient entities or traditions. You can disbelieve or not worship them, but show basic respect."
Figures emerged from the shadows, one with a metal plate on his chest glaring warily at Gu Sanqiu.
"Fourth, never step into the Perfumed Scion's domain at night!"
"Do you know what time it is, or are you all time travelers playing on American time?"
They didn't understand his words but got his drift.
You wanna die?
"Perfumed Scion, we're just trying to make a living. Can you let us go?"
Suddenly, an ambush!
As the man with the metal plate spoke, the others lunged at Gu Sanqiu.
They had seen the fate of their comrade—they didn't believe he would let them go.
"Rumor has it this generation's Perfumed Scion is a weakling. You spread that yourself, didn't you?"
"What's it to you?"
Gu Sanqiu turned, coldly glancing at the speaker. With a swift motion, his right hand slapped one man away, and his left hand flicked the fishing rod, the sharp hook slashing another's throat.
Screech—
The giant shadow eagle screeched, absorbing black cyclones from the ground.
Its wings flapped, sending black, blade-like rays toward the remaining attackers.
The noise alerted the Millelith on duty at Feiyun Slope, as well as the sleeping nobles and their families.
When their guards rushed out with hunting dogs, they were shocked to find the previously fierce dogs now cowering like ants facing an avalanche, whimpering in fear.
At the Gu family estate, Gu Sanqiu smiled warmly, like a reassuring older brother from childhood.
"Rest assured, none of you will escape tonight."