Chapter Eighty-Five: I Came to Collect a Debt!

The man in black's expression changed slightly at the sight, but he forced himself to sound unwavering. “Chen Old Leopard, Lu Twelve, this is not something you should interfere with. You'd best not inquire about our boss’s name.”

Chen Old Leopard gave a cold snort, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's. “This is our group’s stone gambling event; here, nothing happens without my consent.”

Lu Twelve spoke calmly, “Since you refuse to talk, don’t blame us for being impolite. Security, act now!”

In an instant, the atmosphere became tense. The men in black and the security staff faced off, the air thick with the scent of gunpowder.

The men in black grew even gloomier, their eyes darting uneasily. They knew Chen Old Leopard and Lu Twelve held absolute authority in this stone gambling circle; confrontation would only complicate matters further. The leader of the men in black took a deep breath, fixed Su Li with a cold stare, and finally released her hand.

“Su Li, you’d better remember what happened today,” he threatened in a voice as chilling as a snake’s hiss. “If you have any sense, stay hidden here in the jade market. Don’t step outside, or you’ll bear the consequences. Let’s go!”

Once the group of men in black had departed, the tension in the air gradually dissipated.

Su Li stood to the side, her expression complex, as if pondering something. I was about to approach her to ask what had just happened when Hu San hurried to my side and whispered, “Brother Hu, you were deceived by Su Li. The place she mentioned was only where Xiao Mi once stayed—she’s been moved long ago. Su Li wasn’t telling the truth.”

I frowned, a wave of unease and suspicion rising within me. Su Li’s behavior was indeed strange; her actions seemed beyond her ability to command.

But the situation was too complicated to question her now.

Just as I was about to speak, Lu Twelve’s steady voice reached me: “Let’s deal with the stone gambling business first.”

I nodded, temporarily suppressing my doubts, and followed Lu Twelve and Chen Old Leopard.

Inside the stone gambling hall, the crowd had regained its composure, though every gaze still carried a hint of wariness.

Lu Twelve walked to the center, swept his eyes around the hall, then announced in a loud voice, “Today’s stone gambling ends here. The final winner is Mr. Chen Old Leopard!”

Chen Old Leopard smiled slightly and stood by Lu Twelve, his eyes scanning the room.

His victory elicited a brief round of applause, but more than that, it drew a silent awe.

At that moment, I felt someone nudge my back. Turning, I saw it was Hu San!

Hu San stared at me in shock. “Wait—Brother Hu, the winner is Chen Old Leopard? You lost?”

“Calm down, Hu San,” I said quietly, trying to soothe him. “This isn’t the time to discuss winning or losing.”

Hu San’s face turned pale, his voice trembling. “Brother Hu, we borrowed so much money. If you lost, we’re doomed!”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm, and patted Hu San’s shoulder. “Don’t panic. Things haven’t reached the point of no return. Just wait and watch.”

Hu San remained anxious. “But our creditors aren’t people to mess with. Gao Youde won’t give us any time.”

I replied coolly, “After the stone gambling, there’ll be a banquet. Eat, drink, have fun. Everything will be settled tonight.”

The banquet was held in the main hall of the stone gambling event. The dazzling lights cast a glow on every face, masking the underlying anxiety and unease. Amid the toasts and laughter, Chen Old Leopard stood at the head table, accepting congratulations.

Hu San and I lingered in a corner, observing every move in the room. He was still visibly on edge, but I paid little heed to his worries.

Halfway through the banquet, a middle-aged man in a white suit entered, drawing all eyes. He strode straight to Chen Old Leopard, putting on a mocking tone. “Chen Old Leopard, I really didn’t expect you to win!”

Chen Old Leopard’s eyes flickered but quickly returned to calm. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Gao Youde.”

Gao Youde gave a cold, indifferent laugh. “Let’s be clear—I’m not here to eat. I came to collect debts!”

Parting the crowd, Gao Youde fixed his piercing gaze on me as he walked over. Each step struck my heart like a drumbeat. Hu San’s face turned ashen; he could barely stand.

“Brother Hu,” Gao Youde sneered, his voice as sharp as a blade. “I heard you lost a lot of money today. Isn’t it time you gave me an explanation?”

I drew a deep breath, forcing composure. Facing this creditor, I knew any sign of weakness would be instantly seen through. “Mr. Gao,” I replied coolly, “our accounts will be settled, but there’s no need to rush things now, is there?”

Gao Youde raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased with my answer.

He snorted, stepped closer, and threatened in a low voice, “Brother Hu, don’t try any tricks. You know what happens to debtors who don’t pay.”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Rest assured, my word is my bond. Give me three days and you’ll have what you want.”

Gao Youde stared at me for a moment, as if trying to read my thoughts.

At last, he gave a cold laugh and turned to leave.

Hu San let out a sigh of relief, but I knew this was only the calm before the storm.

The banquet continued, but my mind was no longer on the food or drink. The next few hours would decide our fate.

As the night deepened, the atmosphere of the banquet grew livelier. Amid the clinking of glasses, Lu Twelve slowly stood, raised his cup, and surveyed the crowd. All eyes turned to him.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lu Twelve’s voice was steady and magnetic, “at this crucial moment, I have an important announcement.”

The hall fell instantly silent, everyone holding their breath in anticipation of his next words.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to appoint Brother Hu as the Lantern Bearer of this jade market!”

At his words, a wave of astonished murmurs swept through the hall.

The Lantern Bearer—this position signified Lu Twelve’s trust in me.

The term refers to the judge of jade value in a jade market. Traditionally, a lantern is used to inspect jade, an ancient practice that continues to this day. Being the Lantern Bearer meant being granted considerable authority by the market.

In short, from now on, any goods leaving this jade market that pass through my hands would entitle me to take twenty percent.

This was a lucrative post!

Hu San was so excited he gripped my arm in secret. “Brother Hu, you really became the Lantern Bearer!”