The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS
Chapter 187 - 176 Business

Chapter 187: Chapter 176 Business

On stage, light songs and graceful dances unfolded, with dancers flaunting their enchanting figures through twirling long sleeves.

Below stage, cups and glasses were changed and exchanged, and every seat was occupied. During this martial law, only the Four Seas Building still boldly opened its doors to welcome guests.

"Who could have thought that Shadow Pavilion not only monopolized various businesses under the radar but also openly held sway over commerce."

On the second floor, Qing Yu drained the wine in his hand, watching the dancers below and softly laughed.

Before Qing Yu’s arrival, the entire second floor had been cleared, leaving only his table. Compared to the noisy first floor, the second floor, though just a level apart, felt like a completely different world.

"Mr. Xuan De, you flatter me. I’m merely scrabbling for a living."

Across from Qing Yu, Meng Yunfei, the leader of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce in Linchuan Prefecture, raised his cup with a smile.

Meng Yunfei’s name sounded dashing, but he was far from it. His name was only half accurate; he had a body as large as a cloud, but no connection to the word ’fly’—a man easily weighing at least two hundred tael.

Of course, Qing Yu wouldn’t underestimate this seemingly amiable fat man based merely on his appearance. Only those who were self-proclaimed clever would underestimate someone who could hold the position of Pavilion Leader at the Linchuan Prefecture’s Shadow Pavilion.

"By the way, Mr. Xuan De, your skin doesn’t look too good. I just happen to have a high-quality skin care product, ’Snow Cicada Jade Skin Balm’. I will give it to Mr. Xuan De." Meng Yunfei finished his drink and placed a black sandalwood box on the table, slowly pushing it towards Qing Yu.

"Oh, it’s Liu’s fault for not dressing up properly before coming to the banquet," Qing Yu laughed, looking at the blood pearl that seeped out again from his fingertips.

Despite grooming himself before coming and even treating some injuries, his palms had suffered the most due to consistently using the oppressive Hand Technique, Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, under the pressure of Eightfold True Qi, and had just leaked some more blood.

However, Meng Yunfei knowing the details of Qing Yu’s injuries was quite impressive. Snow Cicada Jade Skin Balm, as it sounded, might seem like a skincare product for wealthy young ladies and noblewomen. In reality, it was specifically meant for healing subcutaneous injuries and also helped in consolidating the flesh and skin.

"Should I praise the Shadow Pavilion..."

"Meng’s kind offer, Liu couldn’t be disrespectful," Qing Yu said. Although somewhat cautious about Meng Yunfei’s quick gathering of his injury details, he still accepted the ’Snow Cicada Jade Skin Balm’. The straightforward declaration showed sincerity, and there was no need for further rebuttals.

Seeing Qing Yu accept his gift, Meng Yunfei’s smile widened, his chubby cheeks almost hiding his eyes. He waved his stout hand and said with a laugh, "There’s still more, Mr. Xuan De, I have another gift for you, which I hope you’ll like."

"Bring him up."

Following the command, Meng Yunfei’s men brought forward a person, someone familiar to Qing Yu.

"Feng Duozhu," Qing Yu lightly laughed at Feng Yixian, who was being pushed down to kneel, "Life really brings unexpected encounters."

"Feng... Yixian also didn’t expect to see Mr. Xuan De again. What a... twist of fate," Feng Yixian struggled to lift his head, desperately trying to smile amicably at Qing Yu.

It had been only half a month since their last encounter, when Feng Yixian was composed, even concealing arrogance. Now, he was kneeling in the stance of a condemned prisoner, ingratiating himself to Qing Yu in hopes of sparing his life.

"It is indeed fate!" Qing Yu turned to Meng Yunfei, "Mr. Meng, I really like your second gift too."

"As long as Mr. Xuan De is pleased," Meng Yunfei gestured to have Feng Yixian taken away.

Feng Yixian was very much aware of the times, not displaying any begging antics, or perhaps, he knew that doing so at this moment would only lessen his value in the eyes of his potential new master.

Unfortunately, he didn’t know how Qing Yu would deal with him.

"Mr. Meng, while I very much appreciate your gift, friendship is friendship and business is business. In matters of interest, although I can make some decisions, the final decision must still await the Sixth Prince’s approval. With all your attentions towards me, I can’t simply grant you the return gift you desire. However, if you could capture the murderer of Mr. Han Wenxin, the Sixth Prince’s trusted aide, perhaps the Sixth Prince might consider making a concession. I will try my best to advocate for you."

"Far be it from me," Meng Yunfei waved his hand grandly, generating a breeze, "to have received the Sixth Prince’s permission for the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce to venture into the Northern Zhou market is already a stroke of immense luck; how could I dare hope for more?"

"I am simply seeking good relations with you, Mr. Xuan De."

Meng Yunfei looked meaningfully at Qing Yu, "I heard that Mr. Han Wenxin was killed by a Japanese Ninja two li outside the city of Linchuan Prefecture."

"Indeed, he was killed by a Japanese Ninja."

Qing Yu stated this emphatically, as if he was certain this was the fact, the truth. However, his gaze towards Meng Yunfei was just as laden with meaning.

The two men locked eyes, their expressions fraught with inscrutable significance. Suddenly, it seemed as if the noise of the first floor had faded away, leaving behind only silence.

"Ha ha ha..."

"Ha ha ha..."

The sudden laughter shattered the stillness, and Qing Yu and Meng Yunfei both broke into extended, uncontrollable laughter. The mood lightened with the laughter, evidently reaching a mutual understanding.

After a while, the laughter subsided.

"Mr. Meng, I am much obliged," Qing Yu said with a fist salute.

Indeed, he was much obliged. Qing Yu had managed to pin the blame for Han Wenxin’s death on the Japanese. Feng Yixian had failed to assassinate Han Wenxin during the day and had reported back to his Japanese superiors, who sent the Ninja.

This explanation would have its holes, particularly since Feng Yixian and the Japanese accused might spoil things. Though no one believed the words of the murderer, there was always an uncertainty.

Now, the Japanese were completely defeated. Although many survived, half were taken by Qing Yu and would likely not even have the right to speak in the future. The other half would be sent to the dungeons of the Six Gates Headquarters, where survival would be a luxury.

So, only Feng Yixian remained.

And this last man, Feng Yixian, was delivered by Meng Yunfei into Qing Yu’s hands, which could be considered almost perfect.

"Mr. Xuan De, you are too modest. I am doing business with you and naturally must consider the needs of my business partner. After all, business is sustainable only when it benefits both parties. Today I help you, and how can you not help me another day?"

His words were impeccable. Doing business with the Shadow Pavilion was Qing Yu’s role. As for the Sixth Prince, it, of course, involved the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.

"On that note, here’s to a pleasant collaboration!" Qing Yu raised his glass.

The phrase often used in business in his previous life, "pleasant collaboration," had not yet appeared in business interactions in this lifetime. However, Meng Yunfei felt it strangely fitting for the moment.

"Pleasant collaboration indeed!" Meng Yunfei also raised his glass.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Thus, a dirty deal came to an end.

But this business talk predicted that the Shadow Pavilion had already begun its advance into Northern Zhou. Although, for now, it still needed to disguise itself, wrapping itself in the shell of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.