Skinny Monkey froze for a moment, looking bewildered. Just as Zhao Kui was about to make a move, Skinny Monkey's dozen men surged forward. But Skinny Monkey barked, "What are you doing? No discipline? It's just a joke. Brother Zhao Fei wouldn't actually throw me out, would he?"
His men retreated a few steps, and Skinny Monkey turned to me with a sly grin. "The people from Nongdao have a guy in Kunming—Dwarf Qi. You've met him, haven't you?"
Hearing this, I glared at him. "What are you implying?"
"Hah! You've been acting pretty wild in Kunming, huh? You killed Baldy. Do you know he was one of Nongdao's people? He was making hundreds of thousands a month, and you took him out. Do you even realize the consequences? Do you?" Skinny Monkey's voice dropped to a whisper. "They've already investigated you—your home, your family. They know everything. Do you know why you're still standing here alive?"
Rage boiled inside me. I grabbed Skinny Monkey by the collar, and he clutched my hand with a smirk. "Because I stopped them. You're making money for us. I'm not like Qian Guang—I don't gamble or rely on luck. I make money the hard way. I'm giving you a chance, so don't be a fool, understand?"
Gripping his collar tighter, I growled, "Don't mess with my family. I'll say it once."
Skinny Monkey abruptly shoved me away and laughed. "That depends on how obedient you are. Sell this batch tomorrow at the opening."
He tossed me a red envelope before sauntering arrogantly out of my shop. After they left, Wang Gui and the others approached, their expressions grim. I opened the envelope and found it filled with powder. Gritting my teeth, I realized they'd found my family. I hadn't expected Dwarf Qi to be tied to Nongdao. I didn't know the extent of their power, but I knew I was in deep trouble. My attempt to escape one pitfall had only led me into another.
"What's he up to?" Zhao Kui asked.
I handed him the envelope. He opened it, peered inside, and looked shocked. "Brother Fei, you can't lose your head over this…"
"Flush it," I ordered.
Without a word, Zhao Kui took the powder to the restroom and dumped it. I refused to compromise. Giving in once would mean falling into a bottomless abyss. Sitting down, I noticed the heavy silence among my men. Wang Gui finally spoke. "Brother Fei, tell Brother Guang. You can't handle this on your own for now."
I bowed my head, frustration weighing on me. I knew I couldn't handle it alone, but I didn't want to tell Qian Guang. If I ran to him every time someone threatened me, what would that make me? I had to face this myself. I had to.
"Be cautious tomorrow," I said.
They nodded and went about their tasks. I sank into the sofa, lost in thought. Ruili appeared prosperous and serene on the surface, but beneath lay a web of competing powers and unseen currents. The north belonged to Master Qi, but I wasn't sure who controlled the other areas. One thing was clear—Master Qi had a strict policy against the drug trade. His territory was a sanctuary, the kind others schemed to infiltrate.
But this sanctuary was already tainted. Master Qi's own people were secretly involved in the dirty business, plotting to expand it. Greedy Pig Zhu borrowed vast sums to extend his territory, aiming to dominate the drug trade. Had it not been for his greed and his run-in with me, Qian Guang wouldn't have taken him down. If given a few more years, Pig Zhu might have overthrown Master Qi.
I only wanted to earn an honest living. Why was it so difficult?
Thinking of my mother, of Xuan Ling, of that peaceful world I once knew, I stood up. I couldn't succumb to despair. I wouldn't surrender or let tragedy strike. I would fight back.
I didn't know who Skinny Monkey's backers were, but it didn't matter. What mattered was that Master Qi wouldn't tolerate drugs in his domain. If I could dig a pit for Skinny Monkey and bury him quietly…
Desperation breeds mistakes. Skinny Monkey's sudden appearance caught me off guard. His allies were undoubtedly formidable. Compared to them, I was just an ant forced to play along.
But Skinny Monkey was the real threat. To neutralize him, I had to see if Master Qi truly opposed the drug trade.
I picked up the phone and dialed Ma Lan.
"What is it? I'm in the bath," she said impatiently.
"Can you get Master Qi to come tomorrow?" I asked.
"Are you serious? My dad didn't even show up for Qian Guang's opening. You think you're that important?" she retorted.
"Someone's coming after me. There are people from Master Qi's side and outsiders too. They're forcing me to sell drugs. I refused. The only person I can think of who can help me now is Master Qi. Even Qian Guang can't handle this," I explained.
"Who is it?" she asked, her tone shifting.
"Who else? Skinny Monkey. It seems he's partnered with people from Nongdao. Don't pretend you don't know. Pig Zhu's planned collaboration was all about this. Now that he's dead, they're pinning everything on me, forcing me to take over his unfinished business."
After a moment of silence, she said, "I've heard some rumors but didn't realize they'd stoop to working with outsiders. I'll help you. But my dad has a heart condition. If anything happens to him because of you, I'll cut you down myself."
"Thank you. I just need him to show up quietly tomorrow," I replied.
Ending the call, I smiled wryly. Ma Lan's bluntness was oddly reassuring.
This was a battle I had to win on my own.
The dawn was late, and the rare cloudy skies cast Ruili in a somber mood. My alarm dragged me out of the dim basement, and I found Zhao Kui and Wang Gui already busy preparing for the day, setting up fireworks and decorations. The weather, however, seemed on the verge of rain.
"Brother Fei, where's the girl?" Xiao Lai asked.
Before I could reply, a van pulled up. As I opened the door, a beautiful young woman stepped out. Her off-shoulder white top and flowy design exuded a delicate charm. She radiated a mix of sweetness and allure.
"Ma sent us ahead," Sang Ling said softly.
I smiled as more young women emerged from the van. My men whistled and jeered, but I waved them off. "Focus. It's going to be a busy day. Help with setting up the drinks."
Amid the commotion, Sang Ling lingered. Her pristine white canvas shoes matched her understated elegance. I glanced at her. "Is something wrong?"
Looking up shyly, she said, "I don't even know your name."
Caught off guard, I replied, "Zhao Fei."
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You remind me of my first love."
Amused, I asked, "Are you flirting with me?"
"Maybe," she teased, "but I'll stop now. I'll go help."
Watching her leave, I couldn't help but wonder who had let such a gem slip through their fingers.
Moments later, Qian Guang arrived with his entourage, bringing a festive atmosphere. "Brother Zhao Fei, congratulations on your opening. Drinks are on me!" he declared, handing me a hefty red envelope.
As the day unfolded, uninvited guests arrived—Chen Xi and Skinny Monkey, each flanked by their men. Their presence promised trouble. But Qian Guang leaned in, his voice firm. "Don't worry. Today, you shine. I'll make sure of it."