Chapter 113: Old Friend Su Li

Chen Laobao nodded and quickly left the room.

I sat down again, closed my eyes, and continued to integrate the power of the Golden Pupils. At this moment, I had to push my abilities to their absolute limit to prepare for the coming storm. Ever since I first came into contact with the Heavenly Solution Jade, I had felt a strange resonance, and as this sensation grew, the influence of my Golden Pupils had become increasingly pronounced.

In the past, my "Blood-Eye Jade Identification" relied solely on the five senses to perceive the texture of stones. But compared to the Golden Pupils, that technique was like comparing the earth to the heavens. While "Blood-Eye Jade Identification" could sense texture, it remained at a purely professional level—merely distinguishing jade from common rock. The Golden Pupils, however, were different. They not only pierced through the outer shell of the jade to reveal internal textures and flaws but also sensed the energy fluctuations within.

As I channeled the mysterious rays of the Golden Pupils through my vision, I gradually discovered that this power held functions far beyond mere jade identification.

I kept my eyes shut, feeling the power of the Golden Pupils circulating through my body like a warm, rushing current in my blood. I could clearly sense every piece of jade becoming transparent before me, with every internal detail laid bare. More than that, the Golden Pupils allowed me to foresee future changes in the jade and even how it would behave in different environments. This ability gave me an unparalleled advantage in jade appraisal and trading.

I took a deep breath, savoring the infinite power surging through me. This strength didn't just boost my appraisal skills; it gave me the confidence to face my enemies. The Golden Pupils were no longer just a tool; they were a part of me, inextricably linked to my soul.

I slowly opened my eyes and scanned my surroundings, my gaze falling on an old, broken watch. It was battered and aged, one of the few relics left behind by my father. I focused my Golden Pupils on it. Suddenly, I noticed a foreign object hidden within the seams of the casing.

The rays of the Golden Pupils pierced the metal, revealing a tiny, metallic sliver inscribed with complex symbols and patterns. However, because it was trapped behind the watch face and wedged between various mechanical parts, I couldn't see it clearly. My heart raced. Could this be the true inheritance my father left for me?

Just as I prepared to pry open the watch casing, the door was pushed open. Chen Laobao hurried in, his face etched with tension.

"Boss, an old friend is here!"

I quickly hid the watch and looked up at Chen Laobao, my guard instantly raised.

"An old friend?" I asked, puzzled.

Chen Laobao nodded, a flicker of complex emotion in his eyes. "Yes, Boss. Su Li."

At the mention of that name, my expression shifted. "Su Li? What is she doing here?"

Chen Laobao took a deep breath, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "She said she needs to see us, and..." He paused, his eyes darting away, "she mentioned your father."

My heart sank. I stood up immediately, deciding to face her myself.

"Show her in," I said calmly. Despite the turmoil inside, I maintained a steady exterior.

Chen Laobao nodded and left. A moment later, he returned with a slender woman whose expression was cold and severe. It had been a while since I last saw Su Li, and she seemed changed. Her eyes, once cunning and calculating, had grown colder—almost reminiscent of Sister Hong.

"Wang Hu, long time no see." Her voice was flat. She didn't call me cousin, nor did she offer any unnecessary pleasantries. A complex smile played on her lips.

"You show up today and bring up my father out of the blue. What is the meaning of this?" I asked directly, having no patience for games.

Su Li took a deep breath. "I know that in your eyes, the person responsible for your father's death was always himself, isn't that right?"

I frowned; the hidden meaning in her words made me uneasy. "What are you implying?" I asked in a low voice, searching her face for any clue.

Su Li shook her head slightly, stepped closer, and said in a hushed tone, "Your father’s death was no accident. He was framed."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Go on," I said, suppressing my shock.

Su Li smiled and pulled an object from her bag. It looked like a flyer, but the back was covered in strange, bizarre symbols. She waved it in front of me and chuckled. "Before your father committed suicide, he gave this to our family. You should thank my father—your uncle—for keeping it safe for all these years!"

I stared at the paper, a whirlwind of emotions rising within me. The symbols looked like some kind of code, perhaps holding the key to the truth. And the handwriting—I knew it too well. My earliest training in the jade gambling trade had come from my father’s own handwritten notes.

"Are you here today to give this to me?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Su Li looked at me deeply. "That’s right, I’m here to give it to you... but don't forget, the Su family style of doing business is all about value."

"Value?" I was stunned, a dozen thoughts flashing through my mind.

Su Li nodded. "You can have this, but you have to trade something for it!"

I took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. Her eyes held a glint of cunning, but also a steely resolve. "What do you want?" I asked, staring straight at her, trying to glean more from her gaze.

Su Li chuckled softly. "It’s simple. You’re currently running the 'Bengjian' market, aren't you? Sister Hong wants this market."

As soon as she said it, Chen Laobao and Lu Yier, who were standing nearby, looked stunned.

"What do you mean? Sister Hong wants to take my market?" Lu Yier looked at Su Li, bewildered.

Su Li sneered, "Not take it. Like I said, it’s a trade!"

I spoke coldly, "Name your price. I can pay you money, but trading the market? That’s impossible. This market belongs to Boss Lu Yier, not to me, Wang Hu!"

At my words, Su Li’s smile became even more intriguing. She spoke slowly, "But how is it that I hear you’re the one running the show here, and everyone else is just a puppet?"