Chapter 160: Old Leopard Chen Shows Extraordinary Skill

"I understand how important the work you are doing is, and your vision is something ordinary people cannot even begin to imagine."

I nodded, "Li Qiang, very well. Knowing you have this mindset, I am quite satisfied. Just remember to protect yourself."

"Don't you worry, Brother Wang!" A confident smile spread across Li Qiang's face. "No matter what happens, I will stand by your side and ensure you remain in control of everything."

"Good, then it's settled."

......

That evening, as I was discussing matters with Lu Yi'er, Old Leopard Chen, and Pan Ximi in the office at Bengjian Market, Professor Wang's research assistant knocked on the door to speak with me.

I hadn't expected them to move so quickly.

A trace of hesitation hung on the assistant's face. He stood in the doorway for a long while before finally gathering the courage to step inside, looking rather nervous.

"Boss Wang, apologies for the interruption, but there is a matter I need to discuss with you."

I was slightly taken aback and motioned for him to sit down.

"What is it?"

He cleared his throat, his tone turning cautious: "Regarding the exploration of the underground jade vein... After some discussion, we believe that for safety reasons, you should no longer accompany us underground."

I sneered.

"What kind of reason is that? I have been involved in this exploration work for so long; why am I suddenly being asked to withdraw?"

The assistant lowered his head, seemingly pondering how to phrase his words.

He continued, "This is not Professor Wang's personal opinion, but the consensus of the entire exploration team. We all know that the safety of the jade mine concerns national interests, and we cannot ignore any potential risks. For your own safety, we believe it is best for you to temporarily step back."

"Safety?" I let out a cold laugh, a surge of discontent rising within me. "I've been here for so long; don't you all know how well I understand the conditions of this region?"

"Brother Wang, you must try to understand our predicament."

The assistant raised his head, pleading light shimmering in his eyes. "This is not just about your personal safety, but also the responsibility of the entire team. We cannot let one person's decision affect the overall progress of the exploration."

Listening to his every word of explanation, I smiled.

Perhaps they were simply worried that my motives were impure—nothing more than that.

"I understand your concerns," I softened my tone and said. "Very well, since you are so worried, I won't force the issue!"

"However, regarding our previous agreement—once you have mapped out the jade vein, the arrangements for the jade exhibition hall and our new office here cannot be arbitrarily altered!"

The chief assistant spoke with a firm tone: "Boss Wang, apart from barring you from entering the shafts, everything else remains unchanged. Our cooperative relationship is still valid, and your arrangements concerning the exhibition hall and the new office will not be affected."

"That's good then," I nodded in response. "As for that snake den, I can do without going! As long as our other cooperative efforts remain intact, I will respect your decision."

The assistant let out a sigh of relief, the tension on his face easing slightly.

"Thank you for your understanding, Boss Wang. We will report the progress of the exploration to you as soon as possible to ensure your support is uninterrupted and the normal operation of Bengjian Market is guaranteed."

"Good, I'll be waiting for your news."

With that, I watched the assistant turn to leave.

Yet just as he reached the staircase, a voice suddenly rang out from behind me: "Wait!"

I turned my head, only to see that it was Old Leopard Chen.

I looked at Old Leopard Chen and asked, "What are you trying to do, Old Leopard?"

Without a word, Old Leopard Chen walked straight over to the staircase, looked at the chief assistant, and said: "When we first started cooperating, we discussed many forms of partnership, and joining you down there was one of them. However, our principles are not without room for compromise!"

"We, the Lantern Bearers, are being nice and have made our concession. But when it comes to other matters, there will be no further compromises. You go back and make sure you tell your professor that clearly, understand?"

The chief assistant nodded, just about to leave.

Old Leopard Chen spoke up again: "Hold on!"

Looking bewildered, the chief assistant turned back around.

*Crack!*

The rest of us were completely caught off guard!

Old Leopard Chen actually slapped the chief assistant right across the face, then slowly said: "This is the rule of our pugilistic world. You broke your word first; while it was a negotiable condition, it's only right that we teach you a lesson so you remember it!"

The assistant stood frozen, a red handprint instantly appearing on his cheek, anger and shock intertwined.

He raised a hand to touch his cheek, a flicker of disbelief crossing his eyes as if he couldn't quite accept the scene before him.

"You... you dare hit me?"

He stammered the question, his voice trembling.

Old Leopard Chen smiled faintly, a trace of ruthlessness leaking from his eyes: "I'm not hitting you; I'm hitting your attitude. The rules of the martial world place a premium on integrity and respect. You want me to withdraw from the underground exploration, yet you refuse to listen to my voice—that simply won't do."

"What kind of absurd behavior is this?!" the assistant retorted angrily, his face turning pale. "You are threatening me!"

"Threatening you?" Old Leopard Chen chuckled coldly. "Well, that's right, this is a threat. I'm just making you understand that things must be done according to principle. We are all here for the long-term benefits of our cooperation; we cannot let a momentary decision ruin the future."

"We can give a little ground, but we won't give any more. From here on out, don't you dare pull any more stunts!"

"Our boss believes in harmony as the highest virtue. But if it were up to me, and you were playing games like this with me—let me tell you, when I was young, I used to study explosives in the production team!"

"Just one pit like this, how many of your people do you think it's big enough to bury? Tell me what you think!"

The assistant's face turned even paler, clearly frightened by Old Leopard Chen's words.

He stammered, attempting to defend himself, but could not squeeze out a single word.

The atmosphere instantly grew heavy. Lu Yi'er and Pan Ximi both watched the scene in silence, neither having expected Old Leopard Chen to strike so suddenly.

"Old Leopard, that's enough." I finally intervened, attempting to smooth things over. "Everyone has their difficulties; let's stop while we're ahead."

"Brother Wang, you're right, but I can't let them think we're easy to bully."

Old Leopard Chen looked coldly at the chief assistant, an unquestionable firmness in his tone. "I'm not making threats; I'm protecting our interests."

The chief assistant slowly raised his head, a flash of fear and resentment crossing his eyes before he finally lowered his head. After a moment of silence, he said, "I will convey the team's position, but let this be the last time."

Old Leopard Chen smiled. "That's right, and you remember this too: let this be the last time!"

"If something like this happens again, I won't just be using my hands. I, Old Leopard, also know a thing or two about blades and firearms!"