Chapter 127: The Bengjian Market Awaits Your Grand Arrival

"Very well, I agree to meet her," I said calmly. "You arrange the time and location."

"Understood. I will handle the arrangements," Li Tiancheng replied before hanging up.

Gao Qiqiang’s threat had yet to be neutralized, and now this mysterious Red Lotus had emerged. Everything was becoming increasingly complicated. I only hoped that she was not connected to Sister Hong in the way I feared.

I took a deep breath and gathered my thoughts. No matter how treacherous the path ahead, I had to face it head-on. The future of the Bengjian Market and the Ancient Jade Guild rested in my hands; I could not afford to give up easily.

I stood by the window, watching the city’s neon lights flicker, my mind swirling with countless thoughts. Although the call with Li Tiancheng had ended, the heavy weight of that moment remained. The name "Red Lotus" echoed in my mind, as if foreshadowing some unknown danger.

Li Tiancheng was efficient, scheduling the meeting for the following day. He chose a secluded teahouse with a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a conversation.

As I entered, I scanned the room and spotted a woman in a red dress sitting in the corner, her gaze deep and sharp. She was Red Lotus.

"Please, sit," she said with a smile, gesturing for me to join her. Her voice was soft yet carried a hint of authority.

I sat down without hesitation and met her eyes directly. "A nine-figure offer for my Jade Fox—that is quite the grand gesture, my lady!"

Red Lotus took a delicate sip of her tea and said slowly, "The Jade Fox jadeite is no ordinary object; it is worth the price. However, it is not something just anyone can identify. I am very curious about the person behind its discovery."

Her words were probing, testing me. I became guarded, though I remained composed on the surface.

"The person who discovered it?" I gave a slight smile, feigning nonchalance. "There are many people in this world with a keen eye, and I’m sure you are one of them, Miss Red Lotus. What does a little trick of mine amount to?"

Red Lotus set down her teacup, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Mr. Wang Hu, there is no need for such false modesty. You see, the Jade Fox is raw jadeite. If you had cut it in the wrong direction, the result would have been quite different—it wouldn't have taken the shape of a fox at all. History has seen such things; take the Heshi Bi, for example. It was mistaken for a mere broken rock precisely because of that."

I felt a chill. Red Lotus was clearly exceptionally knowledgeable about jadeite. The discoverer of the Heshi Bi was Bian He, the founding master of the Ancient Jade Guild. Most people knew the legend of his tears of blood over the jade, but few knew the inner details. I even began to wonder if she knew something about the Ancient Jade Guild itself. Upon reflection, though, it was unlikely; she probably just knew a bit more than the average person.

I nodded faintly at her words and looked at her. As I faced her directly, I noticed her expression shift slightly. I was puzzled, wondering if there was something on my face.

I decided to ask directly, "Miss Red Lotus, your expression suggests you have something to tell me."

Her eyes flickered, and then her composure returned. She offered a mysterious smile. "Mr. Wang Hu, to be honest, you bear a thirty percent resemblance to an old acquaintance of mine."

I frowned. "An old acquaintance?"

Red Lotus nodded and said softly, "Yes, my ex-boyfriend."

Li Tiancheng, who was sitting nearby, let out a laugh. "That is quite a coincidence, Miss Red Lotus. You certainly didn't expect that when you asked to meet the owner of the Jade Fox, did you?"

Red Lotus laughed and looked at me. "However, Mr. Wang Hu, I say this only as an objective fact. Please don't overthink it. I won't use my ex-boyfriend's identity to haggle with you."

"A true coincidence," I said with a feigned casual laugh. "There are plenty of people in this world who look alike. You needn't give it much thought, Miss Red Lotus."

She smiled, that sense of mystery still lingering in her eyes. She took another sip of tea and continued, "Mr. Wang Hu, do you know? I haven't come to you just for the Jade Fox jadeite; there is something more important."

I braced myself, knowing the real topic had arrived. "I am all ears."

Red Lotus put down her cup, her gaze growing deeper. "I am a shareholder of the Sihai Investment Company, and I require your assistance to complete our mission in this city."

"Enter this city?" I asked, already suspicious. Sister Hong had just been trying to seize my Bengjian Market, and now Red Lotus wanted to enter as well? Was there something valuable hidden in this city?

Red Lotus’s voice was low and firm. "I am looking for a lost piece of ancient jade, one with a value that far exceeds the Jade Fox. People capable of finding such jadeite are rare now, and I hope this first piece is the beginning of our partnership. For this Jade Fox, I will give you nine figures, no haggling—as a sign of my sincerity."

Hearing the magnanimous tone of the beautiful Red Lotus, I noticed Li Tiancheng gesturing for me to just agree.

However, I thought it over carefully and said, "How about this? I have already discussed it with Mr. Li, and we have decided that this piece will be sold at a public auction at our Bengjian Market. If you want it, you are welcome to participate in the auction when the time comes."

Her expression darkened. Clearly, my words were a complete rejection of her proposal.

"I didn't realize Mr. Wang Hu was a man of such principle."

The smile faded from her lips, and a trace of coldness flashed in her eyes. She quickly regained her composure and continued, "Since you are so insistent, Mr. Wang Hu, I will not force the issue. However, I still hope we have the opportunity to work together."

I nodded, keeping my guard up. "Opportunities for cooperation will surely arise. As long as you are sincere, Miss Red Lotus, you are always welcome."

Red Lotus smiled slightly and stood up. "Very well, Mr. Wang Hu. We shall part ways here. I hope to see you again at the auction."

I stood up and politely saw her off. "Have a safe journey, Miss Red Lotus."

Just as she was about to turn away, I spoke up. "Wait, Miss Red Lotus!"

She turned back to look at me. "Is there something you wish to ask, Mr. Wang Hu?"

I smiled. "I wanted to ask: do you know a big boss in this city called Sister Hong?"

Red Lotus listened, then replied calmly, "Of course I know her... she is the one who stole my ex-boyfriend."

I felt my expression shift slightly.

Red Lotus waved at me with a smile. "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave. Rest assured, Mr. Wang Hu, our sincerity is absolute. Even when that day comes, the Jade Fox will be ours!"

I nodded. "The Bengjian Market looks forward to your presence."