At that moment, Ma Qing spoke up, her tone calm yet decisive. "My sister owns a jade shop as well, and they're business partners. All the materials are already allocated to her. If I were to give anything to you, it would create unnecessary trouble for her. So, gentlemen, perhaps you should reconsider your plans. Come, let me offer a toast to everyone."
Her words hung in the air as she raised her glass. Chen Xi and Slim Monkey, though visibly displeased, had no choice but to clink glasses with her. Qian Guang took a sip and cast a grateful glance in Ma Qing's direction.
I watched Ma Qing closely. She was brilliant, adept at crafting the perfect excuse for Qian Guang to decline them gracefully. Such a woman—sharp, resourceful, and stunningly beautiful—what man wouldn't be captivated?
The dinner ended under a veneer of lukewarm civility. Chen Xi and Slim Monkey left first, and we lingered for a while before also taking our leave. Seventh Master had no significant announcements, only issuing a mix of warnings and assurances, ensuring that the three of them ceased their squabbling. That was all.
Seventh Master remained an enigma to me. He carried a distinct resolve but was equally ensnared by his thirst for power. At times, I felt he delighted in our infighting, perhaps even wishing we'd all eliminate each other. Though he publicly forbade such clashes, his inaction revealed a tacit indifference.
For a man like Seventh Master, respect was best offered from a distance. His seemingly affable nature was far more intricate than it appeared.
After leaving Seventh Master's restaurant, I saw Qian Guang off to his car, watching as he drove away. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed Ma Qing standing by the doorway, her expression suggesting she had something to say. I stepped out of the car and approached her.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and though she wore a uniform with stockings and heels, she exuded an effortless elegance.
We locked eyes for a few seconds before Ma Qing broke the silence with a question tinged with accusation. "Did you teach my sister to do this?"
"What are you referring to?" I asked.
"Opening a jade shop and involving the Ma Clan." Her tone was pointed.
I nodded slightly. Her eyes narrowed. "You're using her ambition to fuel your own. This isn't just reckless—it's dangerous. The Ma Clan is not something to be trifled with."
Ma Qing was shrewd, seeing through my intentions with unnerving precision. My alliance with Ma Lan had become a symbiotic relationship—her success was my foundation. Yet, this foundation was tethered to the Ma Clan. If Ma Lan earned their loyalty, Ma Qing would inevitably lose favor.
I smirked and replied, "Afraid of being overshadowed? Don't worry. Even if you lose favor, there's no shortage of people willing to cherish you. They'd line up from here to overseas."
Her gaze turned icy. "But you wouldn't be one of them. The more I see of you, the more you disgust me. Let's hope the day comes when you don't fall to your own schemes."
With that, she turned and walked away, her words sharp enough to sting. I forced a smile, but my clenched jaw betrayed my irritation. Ma Qing... Should I someday put you in your place? The possibility was slim, but the challenge intrigued me.
Back in the car, Zhao Kui asked, "Brother Fei, where to?"
"Jade City," I replied.
At Jade City, I visited Ma Lan's shop. The place was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling crowds outside. As I entered, a familiar face greeted me—Sang Ling, the young saleswoman from before. She approached with a radiant smile.
"Mr. Ma is upstairs. Shall I call her for you?" she asked sweetly.
I nodded, watching her leave. She was stunning, her uniform doing little to diminish her charm. Her voice was melodic, crisp like birdsong in a valley, leaving an impression difficult to ignore.
Moments later, Ma Lan descended the stairs, her figure clad in a striking dress and high heels, sunglasses perched atop her head. She leaned against the counter, mirroring my posture.
"What do you want?" she asked bluntly.
"My bar opens tomorrow. Will you be there?"
"Of course. How could I miss it?" she replied with a playful smile.
I glanced at the staff. "I could use some extra hands. Care to lend me a few?"
She eyed me suspiciously. "Is that all you want?"
I nodded. Ma Lan chuckled. "Don't mess with my employees."
I shook my head, too indifferent to argue. "See you tomorrow."
As I left, I noticed Sang Ling watching me. She smiled—a gesture that caught me off guard. Did it mean something?
A moment later, she handed me a slip of paper with a phone number. I memorized it, stepped outside, and dialed.
The line connected, but no one spoke. Neither did I. After a few moments, I teased, "If you keep daydreaming, your boss might dock your pay."
Her laughter rang out, clear and delightful. I chuckled too, inexplicably drawn to her voice and the scent of her perfume, as though under a spell. But ultimately, her beauty was what had compelled me to call.
"Why leave your number if you're not going to talk?" I said. "If you stay silent, I'll hang up."
Still no response. Just as I was about to say more, the call abruptly ended. A strange unease settled over me, as though I'd been tantalized and then abandoned.
Intriguing...
I didn't call back, my interest in Sang Ling tempered by a sense of detachment. She was alluring, but that was all.
Back at the bar, preparations were underway. My friends were few, and the guest list modest, but I trusted Qian Guang to bring enough people to make it lively.
"Brother Fei, we might be short-staffed tomorrow," Wang Gui remarked, puffing on a cigarette.
"Don't worry," I said. "I've arranged for help—all women."
"Boss Fei, you're the man!" Kun jeered. "Are they fair game?"
"Only if you've got what it takes," I replied. "But stay sharp and focus on your tasks."
"Got it, Brother Fei!"
Their cheers were short-lived as the mood shifted. Wang Gui's face darkened, and I turned to see Slim Monkey entering with a group. Around a dozen men closed the doors behind them.
My men moved to confront them, but I held them back. Slim Monkey strolled up, throwing an arm around me.
"Relax. I'm not here to fight. I just want a word with your boss," he said.
Then, he handed me a red envelope. "Congratulations in advance for tomorrow."
I took the envelope—it was heavy, oddly soft. Opening it, I found powder inside. Furious, I glared at him.
"Relax," he said with mock indignation. "It's just ten grand's worth of goods."
I tossed the envelope back. "No thanks."
Slim Monkey's expression hardened. "Don't underestimate how lucrative this place can be. Foreigners on Border Trade Street love thrills. With this, you'd make a fortune. I'll supply, and we split seventy-thirty. How about it?"
"I'm not interested," I replied firmly. "And Seventh Master forbids it."
Slim Monkey smirked. "Seventh Master's old. What does he know? Selling drinks and flesh is no less sinful. Don't kid yourself—money's money. You'll regret this."
I shook my head. "This conversation is over. Leave."
His tone turned icy. "Don't think Qian Guang's protection makes you untouchable. If you cross us, even Seventh Master won't save you. Think carefully."
I narrowed my eyes, signaling my men. "Throw him out."