As Tony Stark's personal assistant and Eren's aunt, Pepper felt it was her responsibility to protect Eren from potential exploitation by people like Coulson.
In this world full of cold-hearted people and treacherous deeds, her caution was far from excessive. Even though Coulson's character seemed reliable, it never hurt to stay vigilant.
On this unexpectedly lively Friday night, after Pepper and Coulson had left, Eren's home received another group of "guests."
An elderly man dressed in a traditional Chinese tunic, his neatly combed silver hair gleaming under the dim streetlights, arrived at Eren's three-story home. A crowd of people flanked him, so dense they blocked the street in front of the house.
The scene quickly drew the attention of Eren's neighbors, who began whispering among themselves. Some speculated whether Eren had gotten himself into big trouble, given how many people from Zhongyi Hall had shown up at his door.
With such a commotion outside, it was impossible for Eren not to notice.
He had yet to begin his meditation when he grabbed a jacket, descended the stairs, and opened the front door.
Standing in the doorway, Eren looked at the group of Zhongyi Hall members, their expressions not exactly friendly. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "I didn't expect Seventh Uncle to honor me with his presence. What brings you here?"
Seventh Uncle glanced at the curious onlookers peeking at them from various angles and said coolly, "What, am I not welcome? Invite me in; this isn't the place to talk."
"How could I not welcome you, Seventh Uncle? Please, come in," Eren said as he stepped aside, motioning for the elderly man to enter.
Seventh Uncle seemed pleased with Eren's attitude. The coldness in his expression softened slightly. Turning to the group behind him, he said, "Xiao Yang, Xiao Li, you two come with me. The rest of you, stay outside and keep watch."
"Yes, Seventh Uncle!"
With two muscular men flanking him, Seventh Uncle entered the three-story house.
Eren guided them to the sofa in the living room and brewed a pot of aged tea, an heirloom left by his grandfather.
Even before the tea was fully brewed, the rich aroma wafted through the air, causing Seventh Uncle's nose to twitch.
This scent... could it be the treasured tea left by the Lin family elder?
Though aged tea wasn't particularly expensive, Seventh Uncle and elders like Eren's grandfather had a fondness for its robust flavor.
The aroma alone improved Seventh Uncle's mood considerably.
However, despite the pleasant tea, Seventh Uncle didn't forget the reason for his visit.
"Yuan Li and his men died mysteriously on the Water Ghost Gang's turf. The government claims it was a gas leak, but I don't buy it. Our people saw you talking to those who sealed off the Morningstar Bar, and their leader even came to see you this afternoon. Lin family boy, tell me the truth—how did Yuan Li and the others die? Did the Water Ghost Gang kill them? I can't let my men die without answers."
Eren shook his head. "Uncle Yuan and the others didn't die from a gas leak, nor were they killed by the Water Ghost Gang. In fact, the Water Ghost Gang suffered even more casualties."
After a pause, he continued, "Uncle Yuan and his men were victims of a cursed artifact left behind by a demon."
"A demon's cursed artifact?"
Before Seventh Uncle could respond, the two muscular men beside him, Xiao Yang and Xiao Li, scoffed.
"Who are you trying to fool? There are no demons in this world! A cursed artifact? Hah, what nonsense!"
Eren ignored their mocking and looked directly at Seventh Uncle. "Do you not believe me either?"
Seventh Uncle didn't answer. His gaze became unfocused, as if he were lost in some distant memory.
Xiao Yang and Xiao Li exchanged puzzled looks. Finally, one of them called out softly, "Seventh Uncle?"
The voice seemed to pull Seventh Uncle from his thoughts. After a moment of silence, he muttered to himself, "No wonder no matter how much we inquired, the officials kept giving us that ridiculous gas leak excuse. They wouldn't even let us see Yuan Li's body, claiming it was contaminated. So that's what happened…"
Seventh Uncle looked deeply at Eren, then cupped his hands slightly in thanks. "Thank you for telling me."
"Xiao Yang, Xiao Li, we're leaving."
Without waiting for a response, Seventh Uncle turned and headed for the door, leaving the freshly brewed tea untouched.
He's leaving already?
Xiao Yang and Xiao Li were visibly confused but followed obediently, their respect for Seventh Uncle preventing them from questioning him.
"Seventh Uncle, wait…"
Before they could leave, Eren called out, stopping them in their tracks.
Seventh Uncle turned back, his brows furrowed in confusion. "What is it?"
"If you're here, take this $100,000 with you," Eren said, pointing to a bag on the table containing the money.
$100,000?
Seventh Uncle immediately recalled the payment he had accepted to protect Eren.
Seeing the money now, his heart filled with regret and guilt.
By accepting this job, he had indirectly caused the deaths of over thirty members of Zhongyi Hall on the Water Ghost Gang's turf.
Thirty lives for $100,000—a deal he would regret for the rest of his life.
If he could turn back time, Seventh Uncle would never have taken this job.
"Sigh…"
With a deep sigh, Seventh Uncle shook his head and gestured to Xiao Li. "Take the money and use it to buy better urns for Yuan Li and the others. Let them rest in peace."
(End of Chapter)
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