Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1103 - 575: Private Meeting (2)

Hearing those words, Luochuan let out a series of sneers.

'He sure knows how to boast. He kicked me out of the house himself, yet he talks so righteously. What a shameless guy!'

After discovering the real story, the others looked at each other in surprise.

Bai Yu placed a hand on Luochuan’s shoulder and remarked, 'Ignore those people. Starting now, you're part of our group. Stick with me, no need to dwell on them. Don't waste your energy thinking about it.'

'Master, the energy I'm wasting is all on plotting how to end his life!'

'I understand your desire to avenge your mother. Don't worry, we'll support you in that.'

Once Bai Yu said that, Gu Sheng nodded as well: 'We made a promise to you, and we'll keep it. Relax and leave it to us.'

At their reassuring statements, a grin finally crossed Luochuan’s face.

From the side, Lan Hua let out a sigh and commented, 'I never imagined King Luo could show such favoritism. They're both his sons, but he treats them worlds apart!'

'The way he distinguishes between us stems from how he views our mothers. A man like that will face a grim fate eventually!'

Luochuan’s tone was sharp, and Lan Hua didn't dare to pursue the subject further. She hurriedly suggested: 'I've already had my staff ready the rooms. You've all journeyed far and must be weary. Head in and rest now.'

Having endured a full day of hardship, the group was truly exhausted, so at Lan Hua’s invitation, they retired to their individual quarters.

Following a night's sleep, the enticing aroma of breakfast roused them all.

As Gu Sheng emerged, Lan Yao and the rest had also risen.

They shared knowing looks, and Shi Lou rubbed his head while saying: 'Why does the air smell so tempting this early? Did Lan Hua get meals from a fancy eatery?'

The others figured it was likely so.

Guided by the delicious scent into the dining area, they spotted a table laden with various dishes.

'Lan Hua, which restaurant supplied these? They appear so refined and appealing.'

At the question, Lan Hua gave a gentle smile.

'These aren't from any restaurant. I prepared them myself. Come on, give them a try.'

'You cooked all of this on your own?'

Shi Lou’s eyes grew wide as he posed the query.

'That's right, come and sample it.'

With confirmation, Shi Lou murmured: 'Seems like we're about to enjoy something special.'

Once seated, Gu Sheng picked up his chopsticks first.

A piece of meat hit his tongue, flavorful yet light, clearly the work of an expert cook.

As he savored it, Lan Hua’s eyes lit up with anticipation.

'What do you think? Is it tasty?'

'Tasty, flavorful without being heavy, shows real talent.'

'Have some of this as well.'

Lan Hua served Gu Sheng a portion of vegetables, her gaze locked brightly on him.

Gu Sheng, without second thoughts, took a bite of fish that proved fresh and sweet.

'It's great, fresh and sweet with no fishy flavor at all.'

Another compliment brought a beaming smile to Lan Hua’s face.

'I'm glad you enjoy it.'

Lan Hua kept her attention on Gu Sheng, prompting the group to glance around, ultimately focusing on Hong Mei.

Hong Mei continued eating calmly, showing no reaction, which eased everyone's tension with a quiet relief.

Breakfast was almost over when Lan Hua’s assistants burst in.

'Shopkeeper, Luo Qin is ramping up the pressure on the jewelry merchants, and the one opposite can't hold out much longer. He's hunting for gemstones while setting up a way to flee.'

Hearing the report, Lan Hua turned her eyes toward Gu Sheng right away.

Gu Sheng arched a brow and inquired: 'What kind of getaway has he set up?'

'He's cleared out all the valuable items from his store; half of what's shown is fake junk, the other half bogus copies. I reckon if he comes up empty, he'll bolt to save himself.'

Stroking his chin, Gu Sheng nodded in contemplation.

'Defying Luo Qin like that works in our favor. What's the background on this shopkeeper? Any connections with us?'

'Shopkeeper Wang is greedy to the core, always chasing after coin. Pay him well, and he'll do anything. Our manager has had some trade dealings with him, but nothing close on a personal level.'

After the explanation, Lan Hua agreed.

'He's utterly money-obsessed, motivated only by profit. If it weren't for a couple of unavoidable deals, I wouldn't know him. His name's mud on the street; hardly anyone wants to deal with him.'

'This plays right into our hands. Lan Hua, could you set up a discreet chat with this shopkeeper, pretending it's business? I'd like a word with him.'

Grasping his plan, Lan Hua nodded.

'Sure, I'll use a bit of Silver Tael to keep it under wraps; we shouldn't tip off Luo Qin. When would you prefer to meet?'

'The sooner the better, since Luo Qin only allowed him three days. No time to waste; wrapping this up fast helps us all.'

'Fine, I'll dispatch someone to arrange it.'

Lan Hua called over her aide, gave instructions, and he departed with a small chest taken from the back room.

Noticing the chest, Gu Sheng understood immediately.

'Lan Hua, make sure your team tallies up every expense for handling Shopkeeper Wang and bills it to me.'

'It's fine, I can cover it.'

'Even if you can, it's not right. Managing a shop by yourself is tough enough. With so many of us here, you shouldn't foot the bill for Silver.'

Gu Sheng wrapped up, and though Lan Hua started to protest, Lan Yao chimed in brightly: 'Lan Hua, just let Gu Sheng handle it. He's got Silver overflowing in his pockets. If you don't let him spend some, it'll bury him.'

At that, laughter rippled through the group, all endorsing Lan Yao’s quip.

Gu Sheng’s riches surpassed what they could fathom; a sum like that meant nothing to him.

Hearing the chatter, Lan Hua felt genuinely taken aback.

She hadn't foreseen that Gu Sheng, as a wanderer of Jianghu, possessed such vast wealth, far exceeding her expectations.

'Okay, have it your way.'

By the afternoon, Lan Hua’s staff reported back that Shopkeeper Wang had consented to a meeting at dusk, but only at his own establishment.

She could see the reason for his choice, so Lan Hua raised no issues.

In her view, their store was the securest option without question.

With arrangements made, the group waited for evening to arrive.

As darkness descended, Shopkeeper Wang showed up.

He strode in boldly upon arrival, surveying the place before clucking his tongue.

'Manager Lan, your business isn't thriving, all the goods seem worn out. No fortune comes to a place like this. That tree of yours looks sickly too, a major no-no for commerce. And your layout's off as well. Why not consult me? I'll guide you properly.'

In response, Lan Hua merely smiled politely.

'I just aim to keep things going; Manager Wang, let's discuss in private.'

She gestured further inside, but Manager Wang grabbed her hand.

'Since Manager Lan has called me over, I'll make myself at home.'

His sly leer made Lan Hua’s stomach turn, so she yanked her hand free with force, declaring firmly: 'Manager Wang, this is about important business. Please conduct yourself properly.'

'Properly, of course. Manager Lan doesn't summon me often, so how could I not? Tell me what you need, and I'll assist if I can. I'm easy to work with; my requests are simple—just having Manager Lan nearby suffices.'

Assuming they were by themselves, Manager Wang grew brazen, even making his crude demand outright, which soured everyone's mood.

Right as they were set to reveal themselves, Lan Hua clapped her hands, and figures stepped from the shadows, encircling Manager Wang.

Panic struck him at once.

Witnessing his fear, Lan Hua flashed a icy grin.

'Manager Wang, I suggest you watch your step.'