Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1348 - 601: The Returned One (Part 2)

~7 minute read · 1,665 words
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Fang Yu and Monk Quan Heng sparred intensely, enjoying the exchange of techniques. Their practice was interrupted by a gang member, who summoned Fang Yu to a meeting with the newly appointed gang leader. Meanwhile, Ding Hui revealed that Fang Yu's "Golden Finger" experiment was successful but unstable, prompting her to plan further modifications. Guo Yuxin expressed her admiration for Monk Quan Heng, who then apologized to Ding Hui for the disturbance. Ding Hui playfully suggested Monk Quan Heng contribute some blood for her experiments.

Monk Quan Heng, his calm exterior concealing a palpable excitement, was captured by this observation.

However...

Blood?

What possible use could his blood serve?

Monk Quan Heng found himself utterly perplexed.

Yet, the truth was, Ding Hui desired far more than mere blood.

Skin, bone, tendons, heart, lungs...

She craved it all, even harboring a wish to dissect Monk Quan Heng's brain for an in-depth internal examination.

Such a devout follower was a rarity of the highest order.

Furthermore, a living specimen, capable of some degree of manipulation, presented an invaluable source for experimentation!

It could truly be said that Ding Hui held a profound interest in Monk Quan Heng!

Ding Hui's gaze took on a dangerous edge. But as Monk Quan Heng hesitated, Guo Yuxin, as if sensing the shift, spread his arms wide, forming a protective shield around Monk Quan Heng. Monk Quan Heng gave a slight nod, acquiescing to the blood offering.

...

Qin Er felt an overwhelming sense of unease.

Had it not been for the scarred man seated beside her, she felt she would have long since fled the premises.

As the leader of the Sen Snake Gang paused his lengthy boasting, fixing her with an expectant stare, Qin Er slowly rose from her seat, steeling herself for the moment.

"Gang Leader Fa harbors grand ambitions and is destined for great accomplishments."

"Hahahaha! The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; Miss Qin Er, your words are too kind. Currently, my gang's endeavors are focused on modest expansions, but the future is exceptionally bright! I trust you both can perceive from my outlined plans how my gang's future will unfold, and I would be grateful if you would speak favorably of us when Lord Qiu visits next time."

"Certainly... certainly..."

Qin Er returned to her seat, feeling distinctly awkward.

She held no special standing to converse with Lord Qiu.

When Lord Qiu departed, he didn't even include her in his plans!

What was the current state of affairs?

Was she still considered a part of the Rebel Army?

It could be accurately stated that Qin Er was engulfed in confusion at that moment.

With the Rebel Army's situation so uncertain, her sole source of security was the protection offered by the Sen Snake Gang.

"Mr. Diao!"

Just as these thoughts were occupying Qin Er's mind, the man who had been eloquent and high-spirited moments before abruptly shifted his demeanor, adopting an obsequious tone as he eagerly approached the individual now standing at the doorway.

It's him...

Qin Er quickly averted her gaze, refraining from looking too intently.

This individual was clearly someone who stood on equal footing with Lord Qiu!

"Why have I been summoned here?"

Fang Yu casually reached for a teacup on a nearby seat, downed its contents in a single gulp, and then posed his question.

"Mr. Diao, here's the matter at hand."

While escorting Fang Yu to a seat, Fa Hongwen spoke with haste.

"Last night, after we dealt with Fa Xiao and his associates, and I thoroughly interrogated the captured prisoners, it came to light that Fa Xiao possessed a hidden asset!"

Fang Yu tilted his head slightly.

"An asset?"

"Indeed! Are you familiar with the Honey Casino?"

Fang Yu shook his head.

He had never heard of it.

"It is considered one of the most prominent underground casinos operating within the surrounding markets!"

Fa Hongwen's eyes gleamed with ambition.

His own aspirations seemed to swell in tandem with this revelation.

"Fa Xiao was the individual pulling the strings behind the Honey Casino! It's no wonder that for all these years, after departing the Forest Snake Gang, he dedicated himself to operating the Honey Casino. It also explains why he consistently required the Forest Snake Gang's resources to sustain it; the financial drain of a casino is substantial..."

Realizing he had strayed from the main point, Fa Hongwen quickly resumed: "Regardless, with Fa Xiao no longer a factor, the Honey Casino now falls under our control! Mr. Diao, would you have any interest in taking over the Honey Casino?"

Managing a casino?

Frankly speaking, Fang Yu felt no inclination towards such an endeavor.

His objective was not to establish roots in Thunder City; his sole purpose was to locate a specific individual.

Moreover, combat was his area of expertise; managing a business of this nature was far from his forte.

This wasn't merely a matter of clicking buttons within a game; it involved the practicalities of deploying personnel, overseeing production lines, procuring materials, managing logistics, and a myriad of other tasks.

While he was content to be a passive observer, the prospect of taking direct control was something he wished to avoid.

Shaking his head slightly, just as he was about to decline, Fa Hongwen, seemingly perceiving Fang Yu's reservations, interjected swiftly.

"Mr. Diao, please don't hasten to refuse. If casinos are not to your liking, I can personally oversee the management. As for the casino's profits, I propose to allocate thirty percent of them to you annually!"

What did this imply?

Essentially free shares?

A windfall from the heavens?

Fang Yu regarded Fa Hongwen with a scrutinizing gaze.

This penetrating look caused Fa Hongwen to shift uncomfortably.

"Do you perhaps find thirty percent insufficient, Mr. Diao? How about forty percent... no! Fifty percent! You provided substantial assistance last night, and you absolutely must accept this token of my gratitude; otherwise, I would feel burdened by guilt."

So, the intention was to express gratitude for his help the previous night.

Indeed, without the support of himself, Qiu Xiaoping, and the others, Fa Xiao's contingent would not have been able to so easily overcome the Forest Snake Gang.

With such thoughts, Fang Yu readily accepted the offered shares without any hesitation. However, he didn't want too much; a fifty percent stake seemed excessive, as he worried Fa Hongwen might end up working for nothing and neglect proper casino management.

"Thirty percent is sufficient," he declared.

Fa Hongwen’s eyes immediately brightened. "Whatever Mr. Diao says goes!" The casino's importance paled in comparison to the relationship with Mr. Diao. Any future issues with the casino would reflect poorly on Mr. Diao, infringing upon his interests. Furthermore, the casino was under the protection of the Forest Snake Gang; any challenger would need to seriously consider their strength before making a move.

While Fa Hongwen meticulously laid his plans, Fang Yu feigned ignorance, leaving Qin Er in a state of unease. After a considerable pause, she timidly rose from her seat. "Mr., Mr. Diao." She kept her head lowered, unable to meet Fang Yu's gaze.

"What is it?" Fang Yu inquired, looking at Liu Qiner. Given her association with the Rebel Army and Qiu Xiaoping's faction, Fang Yu decided to show some consideration. "If Mr. Diao becomes a beneficiary of the casino, then should any trouble arise concerning the casino or the Forest Snake Gang in the future, Mr. Diao cannot simply stand by idly... otherwise, it might tarnish Mr. Diao's reputation."

Suddenly, Fa Hongwen's gaze snapped towards her. The intense scrutiny made Qin Er lower her head even further. She quietly returned to her seat, silenced. Amidst the unspoken tension, the rough-looking, scar-faced man beside them remained oblivious, merely yawning out of boredom.

Much to everyone's surprise, Fang Yu offered a faint smile. "Never mind, thirty percent profit is what I should bear." What was the value of reputation to him? Even if the casino were to be razed, Fang Yu wouldn't spare it a second thought. He’d take the profits when they were available and forget about it when they weren't. The idea of binding him through a casino was pure fantasy on Fa Hongwen's part.

"Mr. Diao!" Fa Hongwen exclaimed, looking at Fang Yu with evident excitement. Unbeknownst to him, Fang Yu's true intentions lay far beyond his assumptions. After all, Fang Yu's origins weren't tied to Thunder City, so being bound or not was irrelevant.

"Report!!! Gang Leader, Lord Qiu is paying a visit!" At that precise moment, a servant rushed in from outside the door with news. Lord Qiu? Qiu Xiaoping??

Instantly, Fang Yu and Qin Er rose from their seats almost in unison. "Is Lord Qiu here?! Please, please invite her in!" Fa Hongwen was also thrilled, though his reaction was less pronounced than theirs.

Fang Yu considered the situation for a moment before sitting back down. He was unsure if Qiu Xiaoping's arrival heralded good news or if she was merely here to escort the two members of the Rebel Army away.

Shortly after, Qiu Xiaoping entered the hall, escorted by gang members. Compared to the previous night, she had changed into a more vibrant outfit. Yet, Fang Yu remained unmoved. He had seen countless beautiful women and even ended the lives of many. However, few women possessed the ability to stir his emotions.

"Lord Qiu!" "Lord Qiu." Qin Er and the scar-faced man stood up. Qiu Xiaoping, however, merely cast a glance at them before her focus shifted immediately to Fang Yu, a smile gracing her lips. "Young Master Diao, I have returned. And Gang Leader Fa, thank you for looking after my subordinates."

"It is the least we could do! The least we could do!" Fa Hongwen replied earnestly, eager to please. Qin Er found this sycophantic behavior distasteful. Yet, she couldn't deny that currying favor with Lord Qiu and Young Master Diao was far more advantageous than attempting to gain favor with individuals like them, who were considered outsiders. The mere thought brought a tinge of sadness to Qin Er. She had initially believed joining the Rebel Army would improve her situation, only to discover that every place involved the same cutthroat schemes and struggles, leaving her mentally drained.