Chapter 121: We Are Brothers

As soon as I returned to the office at Bengjian Market, Lu Yier looked at me excitedly and said, “Boss, the whole city is buzzing about what happened at Gao Youde’s funeral. Out of all the creditors, you’re the only one who didn’t repay the debt!”

I smiled and replied, “I risked my life for that. Why should I pay back?”

“Gao Youde should have realized that before he died!” Lu Yier nodded, then asked, “By the way, they said you once gave them a piece of jade, but the core of the jade was hollow; the jade marrow inside was swapped out. Is that true?”

Seeing Lu Yier’s curious face, I chuckled softly and said, “You forgot—that piece was Tianjie Jade.”

Lu Yier nodded again. “Of course, I know it was Tianjie Jade, but so what?”

I smiled and looked at him. “Because that jade marrow evaporated naturally, just like ice.”

Lu Yier frowned, clearly puzzled. “Evaporated naturally? How is that possible? Jade marrow is incredibly hard. How could it evaporate like ice?”

I sighed gently, leaned back in my chair, and gazed deeply at the sky outside the window. Slowly, I explained, “Tianjie Jade isn’t an ordinary stone. It’s a meteorite from beyond the heavens that can dissolve itself under certain conditions. When Gao Youde got it years ago, he probably never truly understood its secrets.”

Lu Yier suddenly understood, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “So that’s it. Boss, you really are well-informed. But won’t those creditors suspect us because of this?”

I smiled slightly, confidence shining in my eyes. “They won’t. Because they don’t know the true secret of Tianjie Jade. As long as we keep silent, no one will uncover the mystery. Besides, we've already gotten what we deserve. The rest is just a matter of time.”

“Also, when the jade marrow evaporated, only Gao Youde was present. Now that he’s dead, who could prove otherwise?”

Hearing this, Lu Yier’s eyes lit up in realization.

“You mean, Gao Youde was…”

I laughed. “It’s the Tianjie Jade… that piece is called Greedy Wolf! As long as it’s not cut, it’s harmless!”

Lu Yier nodded solemnly. “So, what should we do next?”

I stood and walked to the window, looking out at the city skyline. With a firm tone, I said, “We must continue with our plan, ensuring every step is steady. This city will eventually be under our control.”

“Our current status in the jade industry is far from enough. In the future, we must be the top in the entire city!”

Excitement sparkled in Lu Yier’s eyes as he nodded heavily. “Understood, Boss!”

Outside, the sunset’s glow bathed the streets of Bengjian Market, casting a halo over the jade stones.

Just as I was arranging my work for the coming week and planning to take a stroll around the market, my phone suddenly rang.

It was a message.

“Hu Lang: Found traces of Xiao Mi! Meet at the usual place.”

I gasped sharply when I saw the text.

Hu San sent it...

He actually found a lead on Xiao Mi?

Quickly, I tidied up the papers on my desk and left the office immediately.

Lu Yier noticed and hurried after me. “Boss, what’s going on?”

“Something urgent. I have to go out,” I said without elaboration, walking away.

Lu Yier asked if I wanted to send some men along.

I refused directly.

I hailed a car and headed to a secluded alley.

At the end of the alley was the “usual place” where we often met—a rundown building Hu San had once rented.

I pushed open the door. Hu San was already waiting.

He stood up immediately upon seeing me, his expression serious. “Brother Hu, I was in a special economic zone under Mian City’s jurisdiction, spotted a woman, just a glance, no close contact. Later, I thought hard and realized she looked familiar. I suddenly remembered the photo you showed me before. She resembles Xiao Mi.”

“I came to get the photo again to verify!”

I pulled out a worn-out photo from my pocket and handed it to Hu San.

He studied it carefully for a moment and nodded. “No doubt, that’s her.”

My heart raced, but I suppressed my excitement. “Where is she now?”

Hu San’s voice dropped. “I’m not sure. I was following a big group on the street. That area is the southern economic zone of Mian City. We don’t go there often…”

He continued, “The southern economic zone of Mian City is chaotic—fraud, gambling run rampant, black market dealings everywhere. The streets are narrow and cramped, buildings dilapidated, full of illegal activities. Every corner hides danger; one wrong step and you’re in trouble.”

I nodded, frowning deeply. “Sounds like a tough place to investigate. Why would Xiao Mi be there?”

Hu San shook his head. “That, I don’t know.”

I fell into thought. “If she went there on her own and is free, why didn’t she call me? Calling is easy nowadays!”

After a moment’s reflection, I said, “No matter what, I have to find her. Hu San, can you go back there and gather more information?”

Hu San nodded without hesitation. “Of course, Brother Hu. If there’s a shred of hope, I’ll find every bit of news about her.”

I patted Hu San on the shoulder solemnly. “Be careful abroad. The southern economic zone of Mian City is complicated. Don’t expose yourself.”

Hu San’s eyes were resolute. “Don’t worry, Brother Hu. I’ll be careful.”

Looking at him, I noticed the time he’d spent overseas had transformed his aura—he now carried the spirit of a jungle dweller, his skin tanned dark from the sun.

“How’s your company doing? Is it really a logging company?”

Hu San laughed heartily at my question. “Brother, come on. You really think it’s a legit logging company?”

“I’ll be honest with you—it’s actually a security firm. They used the logging company cover to recruit strong guys like us.”

“After some rounds of competition, I managed to become the leader among the newcomers!”

I smiled faintly and patted his shoulder. “Well done, Hu San. Be extra careful out there. Since you have some standing now, use your resources wisely and carve out your own path.”

Hu San nodded, full of determination. “Don’t worry, Brother Hu. I’ll do my best.”

After a pause, he looked at me and said, “I went to see my mother. She asked me to thank you…”

I smiled warmly. “We’re brothers. Such words are unnecessary.”