C212 Celebration

I didn't know what would become of Chen Xi, but I knew he wouldn't die. Qi Ye wouldn't let Chen Xi die so easily. If he were dead, who would restrain Qian Guang? This time, Qi Ye let them fight merely to disrupt the situation, to create chaos in the northern Rui Li mule train's territory, allowing him to seize control as the supreme leader—nothing more.

The attack was sudden, yet entirely controlled.

I watched Chen Xi nod repeatedly, as if making a concession. I couldn't hear what they said; like Siyan, I could only watch from the outside and wait for Qian Guang to inform us.

After an hour, I saw Chen Xi signing documents. I knew those territories previously belonging to Shouhou now belonged to Qian Guang; those documents must have been property deeds.

Such is the nature of gangs; there's no logic. You lose, you forfeit what you hold. To reclaim it, you fight, you use brute force. That's how gangs operate: wealth comes swiftly, but departs just as quickly.

We waited under the sun for a long time, until noon, before the meeting concluded. I watched as Chen Xi, supported by several men, emerged. He stood at the doorway, smiled at me, and pointed, saying, "Zhao Fei, you've got guts. Siyan, you too."

He was then pulled into a car by his subordinates. We didn't respond to his words, but Siyan and I both knew: as long as Chen Xi lived, we were in danger. He still possessed influence; retribution would be effortless for him.

Then Qian Guang emerged, saying, "Let's go…"

He led the way into a car. I looked back at Qi Ye; he and Ma Qing were in discussion, the elders gesticulating and offering their opinions. The matter concluded as abruptly as a storm, departing as silently as it arrived. It appeared thunderous, yet was merely a superficial display of intimidation.

In essence, it was merely Qi Ye's maneuver to ascend, a move that would resurrect the mule train.

I got into the BMW 760 and followed Qian Guang back to the bar. Back at the bar, Qian Guang was exhilarated. He went to the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of red wine, excitedly opened it, poured us both a glass, and presented them to us personally, cheerfully saying, "To our success!"

Siyan and I took a sip; Qian Guang drank a large gulp. After finishing, he excitedly exclaimed, "Northern Rui Li City is mine, Qian Guang's!"

He sat on the sofa, placing the documents on the table. "Zhao Fei, this is the deed to Rui Li's Grand World. It's yours now. This building, constructed in the 1990s, boasts first-rate facilities. Despite several incidents and casualties, its market value is certainly over eighty million. I'm returning it to you, on behalf of Ma Qing. I promised, and I deliver. The form is different, that's all."

I was astonished, looking at the documents. He gestured for me to take them. I reached out, examining the deed; the transfer agreement had my name on it. I was at a loss. He actually gave it to me—Rui Li's Grand World. He'd said he'd help me recover the eighty million, but I hadn't expected this. Qian Guang is a man of his word, intelligent, and inscrutable.

Qian Guang said, "Siyan, you captured ten locations; they're all yours now—Chen Xi's territories, except for his stronghold, the Mengmao Restaurant. Chen Xi is now a toothless tiger."

Siyan looked at the documents, saying, "Thank you, Guang Ge."

Qian Guang stood, patted my shoulder, and said, "Among the younger generation, you two are the best. I'll get you into the mule train this year's Flower Street Festival. Qi Ye has reinstated the position of supreme leader, meaning the grand leader's position will be vacant. I'll take that position; then I'll promote you both—you'll become my second and third in command, significantly elevating your status."

"Thank you, Guang Ge," Siyan said.

I remained silent. Qian Guang looked at me and asked, "What? Unhappy?"

After a moment's silence, I said, "Guang Ge, I just want to make money, quietly. I don't want to be involved in the mule train's affairs…"

Qian Guang laughed. "Zhao Fei, it's quiet now. Chen Xi is finished, a toothless tiger. No one here dares touch you. Making money is one thing; rising in status is another. They're not mutually exclusive. If you don't want to manage, you can hold a titular position."

I smiled. "Guang Ge, you decide. I'll follow your lead."

My heart was conflicted. I was drawn to the immense power yet reluctant to become entangled in this so-called underworld. Those who tread this path eventually pay the price; the deeper you sink, the more trouble you face.

Qian Guang said, "Today's events are concluded. Zhao Fei, I haven't forgotten our initial intentions—to make money. The fighting was to eliminate those who opposed us. Now that's done, let's continue making money. The jadeite public auction is approaching; prepare well."

I nodded. "I'll go then, Guang Ge…"

I left the room, taking the documents. I saw Xiaomi and gestured for her to get in the car.

In the car, I tossed the documents to Xiaomi. She looked at them, surprised. "Your base of operations has arrived, a free gift. With Rui Li Grand World as your foundation, you'll develop rapidly."

This wasn't what I wanted. I wanted money. Qian Guang had repaid the eighty million in his own way, but not in cash. I couldn't sell Rui Li Grand World, so I still didn't have the money. I knew why Qian Guang gave me Rui Li Grand World—to bind me, to keep me firmly by his side.

Qi Ye's announcement of becoming the supreme leader was just the beginning. Next, he'd resurrect the mule train, but his enemies wouldn't allow it. More fighting was inevitable, and I'd be unable to escape. It wouldn't be an internal struggle then; people would die, and as a pawn, I'd be the first to fall.

Xiaomi cupped my face. "You're afraid…"

I looked at Xiaomi. I was afraid. Qian Guang and Qi Ye were both far smarter than me. My future would be at their mercy. It felt like walking a tightrope over a precipice, a single thread above me; if they let go, I'd plummet to my death.

I wiped my face. "How's Lao Wu?"

I didn't want to be controlled. I hadn't wanted to fight today, but Qian Guang's words left me no choice. I didn't want this.

"He's doing alright. After receiving your five million, he stocked up again. But a million isn't enough to develop there," Xiaomi said.

"Tell me if you need money; I'll find a way. I'll leave Rui Li Grand World's management to you. Just don't touch drugs; you can do anything else."

Xiaomi smiled, saying nothing, touching the transfer contract. I drove away from the bar, heading to Bianmao Street, to the bar where Zhao Kui, Wang Gui, and several brothers were drinking.

Seeing me, they surrounded me. Zhao Kui said, "Fei Ge, you're back. That bastard Chen Xi escaped! I wanted to chop him to pieces!"

I saw a gash on Zhao Kui's face. "It's fine. Lay low for a while; don't go out until things calm down."

"Mm…" They nodded.

I said, "Rui Li Grand World is ours."

"Damn, Fei Ge! You should've said so earlier! I smashed the front desk!" Wang Gui exclaimed, surprised.

The others were equally annoyed. I smiled. "Renovations are minor expenses. You're all safe; that's what matters. Wang Gui, take some money from my card; get the brothers out, and give everyone 20,000. Don't go out and cause trouble."

Wang Gui nodded; the others were happy. "Thank you, Fei Ge…"

I waved my hand. It was the least I could do. Suddenly, police sirens wailed. Zhao Kui and Wang Gui looked at me, tense. "Use the back door…"

They tried to speak, but I said, "It's fine. This is over. If they arrest me, it'll be detention at most. It's different for you; more people means bigger trouble."

They quickly escaped through the back door. I sat calmly on the sofa with Xiaomi, drinking, as an old police officer, Tian Bin, entered.

His face was grim. "Zhao Fei, we suspect you of participating in a riot. Come with us."

I smiled, saying nothing, and followed him. Xiaomi was also taken away, in a separate car.

In the car, Tian Bin turned off the body camera. He looked at me. "You're sinking deeper…"

I nodded. He'd turned off the camera; I had nothing to hide. "I have no choice…"

"Bullshit. If you want to, you can turn back. You still have a chance. Don't go down this road further. Qian Guang is my son; I know him best. You won't have a good ending with him. He'd sell out his own brother, let alone you," Tian Bin said.

I smiled. "What do you want me to do?"

"Become an informant. Tell me everything about Qian Guang…" Tian Bin said.

"Alright. Qian Guang is dating Ma Qing, Qi Ye's daughter. You'll soon be a grandfather. Congratulations…" I said, smiling.

His face contorted. "You'll regret this…"

A/N

Heyy, you reading, thanks for reading this far please don't stop, support me in any way that youcan. Your reviews, your comments, your criticism, all of it, l would appreciate them. l love you.

I do, l don't know you but you are reading, so l love you.