Chapter 128: Collaborating with a Beauty

After Red Lotus left, I sat back in my chair, my mind swirling with a thousand thoughts. Sister Red—I never expected her to be so deeply entangled with Red Lotus. Yet, Red Lotus had been remarkably direct. It dawned on me that her arrival might be inextricably linked to Sister Red.

As night fell, I walked alone through the streets of Bengjian Market, surrounded by brilliant lights and bustling crowds. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I glanced down to see a text message from an unknown number: "Beware of Red Lotus. She is not simple."

I furrowed my brow, staring at the screen. It was an incredibly strange message, especially considering that only Li Tiancheng had been present when I met with Red Lotus. Could Li Tiancheng have sent it? It seemed unlikely. If he had, why not use his own phone? It would be a redundant gesture. The situation I faced was growing increasingly complex.

When I returned to the office, Lu Yier, Chen Laobao, and Pan Ximi were waiting. I gathered them together and explained the current state of affairs.

Lu Yier frowned, pondering for a moment before saying, "This message is suspicious. Perhaps someone is manipulating things from the shadows, trying to make us suspicious of Red Lotus."

His words resonated with the others. Chen Laobao nodded and added, "We don't know Red Lotus's background, but I’ve been following Sister Red. She has retreated behind the scenes, and it seems Su Li is handling everything now." Chen Laobao glanced at me as he spoke.

I smiled. "It's fine. I don't even acknowledge that cousin of hers, so don't let it bother you."

Chen Laobao nodded. "The entire jade industry in our city seems to have formed an alliance. I’m not sure what methods Sister Red used, but it appears they’ve organized this group by drawing members from various influential families. They are targeting us—my market, the Bengjian Market, and you, Boss!"

Chen Laobao looked at me expectantly. I had already learned of this through Hu San—it was essentially a blacklist. I was already aware of it, but hearing Chen Laobao confirm it still put me on edge.

I looked at him. "I only won one round of stone gambling at Bengjian Market. Are they really that wary of me?"

Chen Laobao shook his head. "Boss, don't underestimate yourself. Beyond that win, the 'Jade Fox' you identified stunned everyone. Then came the incident at Gao Qiqiang's funeral for Gao Youde. Every powerful figure in the city knows you have... methods... for collecting debts. They are afraid."

"Furthermore, Gao Qiqiang is spreading rumors everywhere that you were the one who killed Gao Youde, and that the final piece of jade Gao Youde cut—the one you provided—was poisoned."

I chuckled at Chen Laobao's words. "Talk is cheap. Where is his proof? Where is the evidence?"

Lu Yier took over, his tone calm. "Boss, rumors travel faster than the truth. We cannot let our guard down. Since Gao Qiqiang is fanning the flames, we need to prepare."

Pan Ximi nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Boss. We must guard against enemies in the open and those who strike from the shadows. That text message could be a warning or a trap. Also, I've worked with you long enough to know you prefer to rely on skill. I don't have much talent, but I have a few ruthless men under my command. If you need them, just say the word. As for someone like Gao Qiqiang, doesn't he like to go fishing? I wouldn't mind electrocuting him in the pond while he's at it."

I thought for a moment and decided, "We must take the initiative; we cannot always be on the receiving end. Lu Yier, continue investigating Red Lotus's background and see if you can find more leads. Chen Laobao, keep a close watch on Sister Red and Su Li; report any movement immediately. Pan Ximi, you are responsible for the market's security. Ensure our territory is not infiltrated."

The three responded in unison, "Understood, Boss!"

Seeing that I had nothing more to add, Pan Ximi looked at me with confusion. "Is that all, Boss? Nothing else? Shouldn't we take more action?"

I nodded. Of course, there was more to be done. I looked at Chen Laobao. "What is the current situation in the city? Between Gao Qiqiang, Red Lotus, and Sister Red, who holds the most power?"

Chen Laobao pondered for a moment. "Currently, Gao Qiqiang is the strongest. He inherited all of Gao Youde’s resources and brought in his own from other provinces. He now commands significant capital, resources, and a loyal following. Red Lotus is mysterious, but her influence is smaller, relying on personal ability, hidden networks, and investors. As for Sister Red, even though she has stepped back, her influence in the jade industry cannot be ignored."

"If we have to rank them, Gao Qiqiang is first, Red Lotus second, and Sister Red third."

I nodded, turning back to Chen Laobao. "Laobao, do you think it's possible for us to cooperate with Gao Qiqiang?"

A look of surprise flashed across Chen Laobao's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "Boss, Gao Qiqiang is powerful, but he is ruthless and doesn't easily cooperate with others. If we propose an alliance, he will surely become suspicious, and it might even backfire."

Chen Laobao paused. "Besides, you've offended him, and he’s spreading those rumors about you killing Gao Youde. Do you really think there's a possibility for cooperation?"

I nodded, my mind made up. "You're right, Laobao. But we cannot sit and wait for our downfall. If cooperation with Gao Qiqiang is impossible, we will approach Red Lotus instead. As for Sister Red—that is not even an option!"

Chen Laobao and Lu Yier exchanged glances, then looked at Pan Ximi.

Pan Ximi nodded. "All snakes bite, but I think working with a 'beauty snake' is more interesting than dealing with those old men!"

I smiled slightly; Pan Ximi's humor always eased the tension. "Good. Since we've decided, let's begin. Lu Yier, keep digging into Red Lotus's background and find out who is backing her. Chen Laobao, monitor her every move. Ensure we are up to date on her latest actions."

Pan Ximi looked excited. "Boss, I will ensure the market is secure. I won't let anyone find a way in."

"Very well," I nodded. "But there is one more thing I need to tell you all. Listen closely!"