Bian Yiqiu wasn’t actually all that considerate toward Ruan Chengjie. Telling him to stay a few more days in Macau was really just to buy himself time so that the marks left on his body by Ke Mingxuan could fade. With injuries on his backside, Boss Bian had calmed down considerably and stayed obediently at the Yuelu Villa to accompany Uncle Shi.

Aunt Qin, rarely seeing him so well-behaved, made him all sorts of delicious meals every day. But after less than a week, he noticed his pants were getting tight, which scared him into diving into the gym, refusing to come out.

When He Xu stepped through the gates of Bian Yiqiu’s residence, Aunt Qin was bustling in the kitchen, making braised pork shank. Smelling the rich aroma, he swallowed and gave an honest evaluation of Boss Bian’s recent lifestyle: “Damn, he’s gotten way too indulgent.”

Bian Yiqiu’s villa was spacious and costly, with a swimming pool next to a gym, as well as a sauna room and a billiard room on the side—it was practically a small entertainment complex.

When He Xu walked into the gym, he happened to catch Zuo Cheng launching a fierce side kick aimed at Bian Yiqiu’s neck. He raised his elbow to block, twisted his wrist to seize Zuo Cheng’s ankle, intending to throw him off balance. Zuo Cheng quickly pulled back, then spun and leaped with his other leg, forcing Bian Yiqiu to release his grip on Zuo Cheng’s ankle and retreat a few steps in a slightly disheveled manner to dodge the oncoming kick.

“Nice!” He Xu shouted, clapping in applause for Zuo Cheng.

Zuo Cheng landed firmly, unfazed by his surroundings, his fists cutting through the air with a fierce momentum. Bian Yiqiu deftly dodged, Zuo Cheng’s punch skimming past his chin. Before Zuo Cheng could retract his forearm, Bian Yiqiu seized it, bringing up his right elbow in a swift counter-strike that slammed into Zuo Cheng’s jaw with such speed that even He Xu couldn’t catch the movement clearly. All he heard was Zuo Cheng’s muffled grunt, and he felt a sympathetic twinge in his own face.

He Xu clicked his tongue, touched his own cheek, and shot a sympathetic glance at Zuo Cheng, who had blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.

Zuo Cheng picked up a bottle of mineral water from a nearby rack, took a sip, and muttered indistinctly, “Boss, I think my tooth’s loose.”

“Serves you right,” Bian Yiqiu spat, “if that kick had really landed on my neck, it could’ve broken my cervical spine.”

“It wouldn’t have, I was holding back. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to block it,” Zuo replied earnestly.

Bian Yiqiu slapped his sweat-drenched head. “Holding back? Are you implying I can’t beat you? Is that it?”

Zuo mumbled, “Well, isn’t that normal? If you were stronger than me, why would you need a bodyguard?”

“Damn, you really dare to say that? Let’s see if I don’t knock your teeth out today!”

“No way, I still need my teeth to eat Aunt Qin’s cooking… Ow! Hey, ow…”

Honest as always, Zuo’s mouth got him another round of punches. This time, he didn’t dare fight back, leaving He Xu shaking his head in exasperation.

If Zuo Cheng ever drops dead one day, it’d definitely be from his own big mouth.

Bian Yiqiu kept Zuo Cheng pinned to the ground, ruthlessly tormenting him for a while before finally patting his face. “Now go get an ice pack and put it on.”

When Zuo Cheng reappeared in front of the two with an ice pack pressed to his face, Bian Yiqiu had already showered, changed clothes, and was sitting with He Xu in the study, looking completely serious.

Bian Yiqiu glanced at him briefly before turning his attention back to He Xu.

“So, you’re saying that using gambling to keep Zhou Ming in check, attempting to bring down Hongyuan, and planting drugs on the ship were all schemes orchestrated by Qian Ying?”

He Xu nodded. “Pretty much. Think about it—Old Qian and Old Master Jiu have been at odds for years. Though it always seemed like they couldn’t stand each other, neither side ever resorted to such underhanded tactics. Business disputes, turf wars—they always fought openly. It doesn’t make sense that the moment Old Master Jiu steps away, Old Qian would suddenly use such low tactics against a junior like you. If word got out, where would he put his old face?”

Bian Yiqiu furrowed his brow slightly without responding, but he agreed with what He Xu had said. Just as countries have laws and families have rules, even the underworld has its own code of conduct. Old Qian and Old Master Jiu had once built their empire together, valuing loyalty and honor more than their own lives. Even after they split and fought bitterly, they never stooped to using such underhanded tricks.

But Qian Ying is his only son. For him to stir up such a huge commotion—could the old man really be completely in the dark? Who would believe that?

He Xu noticed Bian Yiqiu’s thoughts and continued, “You know about that car accident Old Qian had a few years back, right?”

“I was in prison at the time, so I don’t know the details. I heard he lost a leg?”

“He didn’t just lose a leg; he also had his spleen removed. But he paid to keep it quiet, so hardly anyone knows.”

Left unoccupied, Zuo Cheng couldn’t help asking, “Then how did you find out?”

“I’ve got my ways, of course,” He Xu said, only to notice Bian Yiqiu staring at him without blinking. Left with no choice, he confessed, “I hooked up with a chick a while back…”

“Is it Old Qian’s mistress?” Bian Yiqiu interrupted before He Xu could finish speaking.

“Uh…” Damn, you know about this too?

Bian Yiqiu jabbed a finger at his nose in frustration. “You’ll screw around with any woman, huh? One of these days, if you get yourself tied up and dumped into the sea, don’t expect me to come save you.”

Lawyer He wasn’t having it. “You think I’m doing this for myself? Ever consider who I’m doing it for?”

Bian Yiqiu and Zuo Cheng both glanced down at his crotch simultaneously, their meaning clear: It’s not like you’re doing it for anyone but your damn dick.

He Xu: “…Let’s get back to the serious topic.”

Bian Yiqiu switched to a serious tone. “Fine. How many times did you hook up with her?”

He Xu was speechless. “Just once.”

“Once? And you managed to dig up this much? That’s some skill.”

“Skill? Please,” He Xu scoffed. “I didn’t even need to dig. Old Qian is old and can’t keep up anymore. That woman’s been unsatisfied since she got with him. Once I gave her what she needed, she started complaining all on her own. Said the old man’s not just old, but totally useless—no temper, failing health, and his performance in bed’s gone to shit. She even said, if she’d known, she might as well have gone for his son. At least Qian Ying’s young, fit, and looks decent. When the old man kicks the bucket, won’t Longxing be all his anyway?”

Bian Yiqiu thoughtfully rubbed the stubble growing on his chin. “So, what she’s implying is that Qian Ying is rushing back from abroad to take control of Longxing, right?”

He Xu glanced at him and replied, “I think it’s not just about taking control of Longxing, it’s more complicated than that.”

Bian Yiqiu met his gaze and curled his lips into a smile that lacked warmth. “I see, that kid’s appetite is quite large, huh. Ah Cheng, go check if Aunt Qin’s food is ready, I’m hungry.”

The sudden shift in topic ended the discussion. The years of brotherly camaraderie between them meant that neither needed to make things explicit.

Old Qian full name was Qian Yunchang. It was said that when he first started in the underworld, he went by Qian the third. Later, after aligning himself with Old Master Jiu, he took on the name Qian Yunchang, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Initially, when working under Old Master Jiu, the younger generation respectfully addressed him as “Third Uncle.” After splitting from Jiu’an to establish his own power, he started calling himself “Third Master,” signaling his ambition to stand toe-to-toe with Old Master Jiu in the underworld.

With Old Master Jiu having passed away before him, Old Qian was now the only one in the entire Z City underworld who could still be called “Master.” As a result, this year’s birthday banquet was held with great extravagance and ceremony.

When Bian Yiqiu, He Xu, and Zuo Cheng arrived at the Qian family’s mansion, located on a mountainside overlooking the coast, the large outdoor parking lot was already filled with all sorts of luxury cars. Bodyguards in black suits, wearing sunglasses and earpieces, stood guard every few steps, maintaining strict security around the mansion and garden—like an ironclad fortress. It was said that due to this birthday banquet, even the city bureau had temporarily deployed several times the usual police force to enhance security patrols around the Eastern Bay.

There was no other way, as this was a birthday banquet hosted by Old Qian, and it felt more like a mafia gathering.

Bian Yiqiu didn’t receive an invitation, but that didn’t stop him from boldly stepping through the gates of the Qian family estate. As soon as he appeared, the once lively banquet hall fell into an eerie silence. Especially the elders from Jiu’an Group, whom Bian Yiqiu normally called uncles and elders, were all stunned and pale at the sight of him. Two of them even discreetly took out handkerchiefs to wipe the cold sweat that had appeared on their foreheads.

He Xu walked behind him, dressed neatly in a gray suit, his hair slicked back with a shine, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. He looked refined and gentle, with a soft smile, presenting an aura that seemed entirely harmless.

Zuo Cheng walked behind him on the right, dressed in military-style camouflage from the army, with a typical mercenary appearance. He carried a huge rectangular sandalwood box on his shoulder, and when his thick-soled military boots hit the soft carpet, they left a deep impression with every step. The sight gave off a chilling sense, as if one wrong move could result in a bone-crushing kick from him.

Bian Yiqiu dressed casually but with a sharp sense of style. He wore a well-tailored dark suit with only one button fastened, no tie, and as usual, a classic Ford-striped pocket square tucked into the left breast pocket of his shirt. His shirt collar was unbuttoned at the top, and he paired it with a double-breasted black knee-length coat. He walked with confidence, exuding an air of authority and charisma. His features were strikingly chiseled, with sharp lines from his brows to his nose, lips, and jaw, creating a powerful and impressive silhouette. If it weren’t for the occasion, he could easily turn heads and attract the attention of many women on the street. Even the foreign men seated at the main table, chatting with Qian Ying, couldn’t help but be drawn to him, asking in awe, “Who is this?”

Qian Ying didn’t respond, instead slowly standing up and fixing a cold, menacing gaze on the man walking ahead.

Qian Yunchang, dressed in a bright red Tang suit, did not rise from his seat. Among everyone in the room, he alone maintained the calm and composure expected of a leader.

Bian Yiqiu, without a glance at the so-called senior elders of Jiu’an, walked straight to Qian Yunchang’s side. He slightly leaned forward, giving a respectful nod, and with utmost politeness, addressed him: “Third Master Qian.”

Then, Zuo Cheng took a step forward and effortlessly placed the massive box on the table in front of Old Qian. The leather straps detached with a snap, and the box opened, revealing a white jade Guanyin statue nearly half a person’s height. The jade was warm and pure, gleaming with a moonlit sheen. The Guanyin’s face radiated serenity, with gentle and compassionate eyes, holding a jade bottle in one hand, fingers poised as if to bless all living beings. There seemed to be a Buddha’s light surrounding it, with purple energy flowing eastward.

Among the guests, many were connoisseurs and immediately recognized the priceless gift. Their jaws dropped in awe. Even Qian Yunchang’s expression subtly changed upon seeing the gift.

This jade Guanyin statue had quite the history. It was said to have originally been enshrined in the Old Summer Palace, where Empress Dowager Cixi used to burn incense and worship it. Later, during the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance, the palace was looted, and countless treasures were scattered across the globe. This jade Guanyin passed through the hands of countless foreigners before eventually ending up in the collection of a British collector.

Not long ago, the descendant of that collector held a charity auction in Hong Kong, and this jade Guanyin was one of the items auctioned, fetching the highest price of the event.

Qian Yunchang, much like Boss Bian, wasn’t exactly cultured, but he loved pretending to be. He especially enjoyed collecting antiques. While Bian Yiqiu had no interest in antiques and even less interest in what Old Qian fancied, he still instructed He Xu to prepare a grand gift. He Xu took “grand” to heart and mercilessly abused his credit card.

He Xu declared that this jade Guanyin was Old Qian’s most treasured item and that nothing could top it as a gift.

Bian Yiqiu asked, “What makes you say that?”

He Xu replied, “Old Qian was originally planning to attend that auction himself but ended up missing it for a ridiculously absurd reason.”

” And what reason was that?”

“Flight delay.”

“…” Bian Yiqiu’s mouth twitched. He thought to himself, couldn’t the guy have gone to Hong Kong a couple of days earlier? Strolled around Central, cruised Victoria Harbour, or enjoyed the night view from The Peak? Why insist on flying over on the day of the auction? Wasn’t that just asking for trouble? When was the last time a domestic flight actually arrived on time?

“He was going specifically for this jade Guanyin. By the time he got there, the auction had already ended. I heard that the old man was sick for a whole week after that.”

Bian Yiqiu couldn’t help but wonder where the hell He Xu dug up this kind of gossip. Even knowing that the guy was bedridden for a week—was there anything he didn’t know?

“So think about it,” He Xu added with a smirk. “If someone stripped Lu Xiao naked and tied him to your bed one day, wouldn’t you be overjoyed and ecstatic?”

Bian Yiqiu couldn’t help but picture the scene in his mind at He Xu’s suggestion. Surprisingly, he realized that if someone stripped Ke Mingxuan naked and tied him to his bed, he’d probably be even more thrilled—because he’d have every excuse to kill him without holding back.

So, under the relentless persuasion and crafty rhetoric of Lawyer He, Boss Bian finally waved his hand and signed off on the exorbitant bill. God knows how much of that total ended up in He Xu’s money-grubbing pockets.

But right now, as he caught the look in Old Qian’s eyes, he felt the expense was well worth it. When it came to gifting, price was secondary—what really mattered was hitting the recipient’s soft spot.

After admiring the jade Guanyin, Qian Yunchang looked at Bian Yiqiu with a much kinder expression. “What a generous gesture, President Bian. You’ve left this old man at a loss for words.”

“Most people call me President Bian, and I let it pass, but as an elder, Third Master can just call me Xiao Qiu,” Bian Yiqiu replied with a charming smile, looking every bit the polite and well-mannered gentleman. Not a trace of hostility showed on his face, as if he’d come purely out of respect to celebrate the occasion. “I wish Third Master boundless blessings, long life, brilliance like the sun and moon, and longevity as steadfast as the pine and crane.”

Old Qian, hearing this, was pleased and instructed the servants to carefully move the jade Guanyin to the study. His old face cracked into a wide smile, the wrinkles deepening as he chuckled, “It’s rare to see such thoughtfulness from you.”

“I’ve been meaning to visit you for a while,” Bian Yiqiu continued warmly, “but with Old Master Jiu’s recent passing and the company’s heavy workload, I’ve been swamped. Even when Young Master Qian returned to the country, I didn’t get the chance to sit down and properly get to know him. Unfortunately, that led to some misunderstandings and unnecessary tension, which hurt the harmony between us.”

Bian Yiqiu’s words were skillfully crafted. He positioned himself as a junior showing respect to an elder while framing recent conflicts as mere misunderstandings due to a lack of familiarity with Qian Ying. This deftly downplayed the serious clashes between their factions into petty quarrels between younger generations.

Qian Ying had emptied Hongyuan with Zhou Ming’s help and nearly taken Bian Yiqiu’s life, while Bian Yiqiu retaliated by having He Xu sink the Qian family’s offshore casino ship. Both sides had suffered losses without gaining the upper hand, and Bian Yiqiu didn’t believe for a second that Old Qian wasn’t aware of the situation.

However, Bian deliberately aired it out in front of everyone to make his stance crystal clear: Let’s call it a misunderstanding. You ruined one of my companies; I sank one of your ships. We’re even now. I’ve shown you the utmost respect by giving you a gift and attending your birthday celebration. But if Qian Ying dares to trouble Jiu’an again, either it’ll be because you, Old Qian, failed to discipline him, or you’re intentionally turning a blind eye. Regardless of the reason, your reputation on the streets will take a hit. And next time Jiu’an retaliates, it won’t stop at sinking a ship.

Old Qian is the kind of person who, even when one spits out a single word, feels the need to twist it ninety-nine ways. He knew exactly what Bian Yiqiu was trying to convey, but on the surface, he smiled as if bathed in spring sunshine, not giving a hint of his true thoughts. “Young people, misunderstandings are normal. We just need to clear them up.” Old Qian said, before calling, “Ah Ying, come here.”

Both hands were clasped together—one politely calling President Bian, the other smiling and calling Young Master Qian. On the surface, it was all sunshine and harmony, but in reality, both of them were itching to pull out a gun and blow each other’s brains out on the spot.