Lu Fei was taken aback.
Only he, Tiger, and Shopkeeper Liang knew about acquiring the ghost-headed blade, and he hadn't told anyone else, not even Liu Fugui.
How did this man in sunglasses know?
Could he have been watching him or keeping tabs on Duobao Pavilion?
Suddenly, Lu Fei recalled being followed a few days ago and wondered if the two incidents were connected.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have the blade you're talking about," Lu Fei refused directly.
He had no interest in dealing with someone so ambiguous.
"Shopkeeper Lu, don't be so quick to refuse. Take a look at this first." The man in sunglasses placed a check on the counter, his smile brimming with confidence.
"No need to look. If I say I don't have it, then I don't," Lu Fei replied with a polite smile.
The man's smile stiffened, and the expression behind his sunglasses shifted slightly. He then pulled out another check and placed it on the counter.
"Are you sure you don't want to look?"
"No need," Lu Fei said, not even glancing at the checks.
Tiger couldn't resist a peek at the checks. Though he couldn't see clearly, he sensed there were quite a few zeros.
"Shopkeeper Lu, are you certain? No one but my employer can offer a price like this," the man said, sounding unconvinced.
"I'm certain." Lu Fei found it somewhat amusing.
Did they think Duobao Pavilion was the kind of place that would sell just because of a high price?
"Hope you don't regret this," the man muttered, his face darkening. He cast Lu Fei a final cold glance before taking the checks and leaving.
As soon as he left, Tiger exclaimed, "Boss, is that blade really worth that much? He offered so many zeros, and you didn't sell it."
"It's not about the money; it's about who this man is. We only just acquired the blade, so how did he know about it?" Lu Fei said.
"Right!" Tiger smacked his head, realizing that in his curiosity about the check, he'd overlooked this critical detail.
"I promise, I've kept my mouth shut. I'd never say anything you haven't allowed!"
"I wasn't doubting you."
"And Shopkeeper Liang is in custody; he couldn't have said anything. So how did that man find out?"
"Which is why we can't sell to him. The Evil Pawnshop's goods aren't hard to sell, so there's no need to invite trouble for a bit of money."
Tiger understood now.
He had sensed that the man in sunglasses was formidable and worried that if he didn't get what he wanted, he might cause trouble. So, Tiger stood guard at the door, watching carefully.
Fortunately, the man did not return.
Instead, Liu Fugui came over, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Little Shopkeeper Lu, today's the day Chairman Su is hosting the dinner. You absolutely must keep your evening free for this."
The thought of dining with the Su family made Liu Fugui so excited that his chubby cheeks quivered.
"Alright, I'll go tonight," Lu Fei agreed, glancing at Liu Fugui and noticing that his face seemed darker and more tired. "Uncle Fugui, have you lost weight recently? You look a bit tired."
"Have I lost weight? I don't think so," Liu Fugui said, looking down at his belly.
"You don't look too well—kind of like you're depleted," Lu Fei observed.
Though still plump, Liu Fugui appeared puffy, as if his energy had been drained.
"Maybe I've just been overworked lately," Liu Fugui chuckled. "I've recently made a new lady friend, and every night she insists on long chats. It can't be helped."
Tiger whistled. "Wow! Every night? Can you handle that at your age, Uncle Liu?"
"Age means nothing! You wouldn't understand," Liu Fugui scoffed, "Your Uncle Liu's a powerhouse! Still going strong all night!"
"Really? I don't believe it," Tiger teased.
"Don't believe me? Let's go out and see who can pee further!" Liu Fugui challenged.
"Fine, let's do it!" Tiger retorted, ready to square off.
Lu Fei rolled his eyes and waved them off. "Uncle Fugui, take it easy. When your body gets depleted, your yang energy weakens. And when that happens, you're more likely to encounter strange things."
He sensed something was wrong with Liu Fugui but couldn't quite pinpoint it. He could only offer a general warning.
Liu Fugui laughed. "I'm just too soft-hearted with her. But thanks for your concern, Little Lu. I'll be careful."
The afternoon passed with lighthearted conversation.
Lu Fei kept an eye on Liu Fugui. Aside from his sallow complexion, nothing seemed amiss, so Lu Fei set aside his worries.
Before dark, the Su family's car arrived to take the three of them to an upscale club.
Chairman Su was full of energy, standing at the door with his son and daughter to greet them.
"Shopkeeper Lu, you're finally here. Please, come in!"
Everyone took their seats.
Su Mingxuan looked healthier than before, the signs of excess had subsided, though he seemed to be in low spirits.
Sitting next to Chairman Su was a stylish young woman in her twenties with dyed red hair, who regarded Lu Fei with a skeptical look.
It was Su Liguo's daughter, Su Ningxue.
"Shopkeeper Lu is our family's savior. Ningxue, Mingxuan, raise a glass to Shopkeeper Lu," Chairman Su said.
Su Mingxuan immediately raised his glass, smiling gratefully at Lu Fei.
After the last incident, his father had been furious. If not for this dinner with Lu Fei, his father might still be ignoring him. He needed to seize this opportunity to make amends.
Su Ningxue, however, questioned, "Dad, is he really our savior? Isn't it the doctors who deserve credit for our recovery?"
"Ningxue, you're too young to understand that there are things in this world that can't be explained by science or medicine alone," Chairman Su explained indulgently.
"It's not just your grandmother and mother's recovery; even your life was saved thanks to Shopkeeper Lu."
"Our family repays kindness."
Though still doubtful, Su Ningxue complied with her father's request and raised her glass.
After some drinks and small talk, Chairman Su smiled again. "Shopkeeper Lu, to be honest, besides expressing our gratitude, we'd like to purchase some protective charms."
"Protective charms? I do have a few I've drawn myself. If Chairman Su finds them useful, please take them," Lu Fei said, producing three talismans with ghost-repelling runes.
Chairman Su glanced at them and immediately felt reassured.
"Thank you, Shopkeeper Lu. We can't take these without payment."
He instructed his secretary to transfer the money right away.
Lu Fei didn't check the amount; he didn't care. These were just simple charms he could draw daily.
Curious, Su Ningxue picked up one and frowned. "What is this chicken-scratch writing? Can it really work?"
Chairman Su shot her a stern look and said, pretending to be angry, "Ningxue, watch your words! Apologize to Shopkeeper Lu!"
"Dad," Su Ningxue pouted.
Lu Fei waved his hand. "It's fine, Chairman Su. No need to push her. These are ghost-repelling runes, which most people wouldn't recognize. They're meant for warding off evil and ensuring safety..."
Just then, his phone chimed.
It was a message from Xie Yao.
"Shopkeeper Lu, there's news about Old Master Lu."
Lu Fei's expression changed as he stood up abruptly.
After waiting so long, there was finally news!
"Apologies, Chairman Su, but I have urgent matters to attend to. I must leave."
Tiger quickly put down his chopsticks and stood as well.
Liu Fugui stared in shock. "Little Lu, what could be more urgent than dinner with Chairman Su?"
"I'm sorry, but I must go," Lu Fei said, nodding at Chairman Su before hurrying out.
Nothing mattered more than news about his grandfather.