C5 The Pig Was Being Eaten by the Tiger

The dinner stretched on for nearly two hours, with only two diners at the table, yet the ambiance buzzed with an unusual vivacity, as if the pair were long-lost friends reunited after many years.

"Little brother, there's a black market in Pingnan coming up in a few days. I'll take you there to have a look," Lee Wei proposed with a burst of enthusiasm after they had their fill of food and drink.

Black market? Liu Gaang paused, clearly puzzled by the term.

With a knowing smile, Lee Wei clarified, "Put simply, a black market is a clandestine auction where items of dubious provenance, those that can't stand the light of day, are sold. It's all quite secretive, but don't be fooled—there are treasures to be found. Just last year, a painting with a black market value of over 30 million yuan turned up in Pingnan. On the legitimate market, it would fetch at least twice that."

Now Liu Gaang got it. He was eager to check it out, hoping for a lucky find.

"Mr. Lee, if the black market deals in such shady goods, are there any particular rules?" Liu Gaang inquired.

Lee Wei chuckled before responding, "There aren't many rules to speak of. But remember, it's all cash transactions—no cards, no bank transfers. You'll need at least a million yuan in cash to get in the door."

Liu Gaang's jaw dropped. A million in cash was just the entry fee to this underworld bazaar. Clearly, the antique game was for the wealthy. Even without his family's current predicament, it was a playground beyond his reach.

He could just picture the fallout if he dared ask his dad for a million yuan to gamble on the black market—his old man would likely be tempted to break his leg for even suggesting it.

This was no way to fritter away a fortune!

"So, what do you think? Interested?" Lee Wei pressed.

Liu Gaang nodded, "Count me in, Mr. Lee. Let me know when it's time."

With a suave flick of an 'OK' sign, Lee Wei and Liu Gaang exited the Celestial Eternity Great Hotel together.

"I'll go fetch the car; just give me a moment," Lee Wei said, heading towards the underground garage as they reached the hotel's entrance.

Liu Gaang acknowledged with a nod and remained standing in place, waiting. Just then, a familiar silhouette materialized before his eyes.

His face contorted with displeasure in a mere moment.

The man was Qian Feng, who used to be quite chummy with Liu Gaang, always trailing behind him, incessantly calling him "big brother." But ever since the Liu family fell on hard times, Qian Feng had shown his true colors, taking every chance to demean Liu Gaang just to assert his presence.

And Qian Feng's father was none other than Qian Yuvwei.

Lee Wei recognized Liu Gaang instantly and approached with a smug grin. "Haha, if it isn't Young Master Liu? Oh, my mistake, these days you're more the Down-and-Out Young Master, aren't you? What a coincidence to run into you here. What's the matter, just standing around? Looking to dine inside? Short on cash? Don't sweat it, I've got you covered. Just call me 'big brother,' and I'll treat you to a feast inside, how about that?"

While he spoke, his right hand was busy fondling the chest of the voluptuous woman he had in tow.

"What do you think? She's quite something, huh? A celebrity, no less!"

Qian Feng was well aware of Liu Gaang's misfortunes, a scheme orchestrated by his own father. Although he had always played the part of the loyal follower, Qian Feng had harbored disdain for Liu Gaang for some time.

After all, the two families were comparable in wealth, but the Liu's were clients of the Qian's. Qian Feng had always deferred to Liu Gaang, letting him have first dibs on any good fortune. Like a month ago, when both had their eyes on the same girl at a bar, Qian Feng had to step aside, as Liu Gaang was the 'boss.'

But now, with the Liu family's fall from grace, it was time for Liu Gaang to relinquish his throne.

Qian Feng wouldn't pass up this prime opportunity to kick Liu Gaang while he was down.

Watching Qian Feng's gloating demeanor, Liu Gaang itched to charge over and give him a piece of his mind. When it came to a brawl, Liu Gaang was not to be underestimated; he could take on three to five average men single-handedly.

Despite his anger, Liu Gaang managed to hold back. Qian Feng's recent remarks served as a wake-up call. Instead of giving in to the urge to thrash the brute, Liu Gaang realized he had better options at his disposal.

"Eat? I'll eat so much you'll regret it."

"What's the matter? Can't handle being down on your luck, Young Master Liu? Think you're still the high and mighty Liu of old? What a joke..." Qian Feng's smugness grew as he observed Liu Gaang's furious demeanor, reveling in a rush of elation he'd never experienced before.

Liu Gaang's face broke into a smile, and in an instant, he seemed to transform, saying cheerfully, "Yes, yes, big brother, I'd love to go in and eat, but I'm broke. How about you treat me to a meal?"

Qian Feng burst into laughter, looking down at Liu Gaang with contempt. "Young Master Liu, how the tables have turned. Now you're calling me big brother!"

"Yes, yes," Liu Gaang replied, his smile unwavering.

"Come on then, big brother will treat you to a feast!" Qian Feng said, wrapping his arm around the seductive woman beside him and heading inside, feeling triumphant.

Liu Gaang trailed behind, his expression turning icy in an instant.

Qian Feng, just wait—I'll make sure you won't be able to shed a tear later.

Inside the hall, Qian Feng chose a spot and sat down. Liu Gaang hurried over to pull out a chair for him. "Big brother, please sit."

Qian Feng hadn't expected Liu Gaang to be so accommodating. It seemed desperation could indeed drive a man to do anything.

"Alright, sit down yourself. Order whatever you fancy," Qian Feng said after taking his seat.

A sly glint flashed in Liu Gaang's eyes. Without hesitation, he grabbed the menu and began to order.

"Top-grade bird's nest, 8,888." Liu Gaang adopted a sycophantic tone, "Big brother, I've got a craving for the top-grade bird's nest, but it's so pricey at 8,888."

Qian Feng was taken aback, his face betraying a flicker of concern.

"Big brother, is it too expensive for you? If it's too much, no worries—I can choose something else. How about the roasted golden squash? It's a bargain at just 88." Liu Gaang kept talking, his eyes, however, were fixed on the beautiful woman next to Qian Feng.

Qian Feng's face soured further. He had gone to great lengths to charm a C-list celebrity today, boasting about his family's wealth. He had taken her to the finest five-star hotel in Pingnan for dinner, and now Liu Gaang's comments felt like a direct hit to his pride.

"A premium bird's nest? That's just 8,888. Pocket change, really. I don't even blink at such amounts. Order whatever you like," Qian Feng retorted, trying to save face by pretending to be unfazed.

Liu Gaang's smirk widened with delight.

"Big brother, this dish is pretty pricey, too—12,000. Are we ordering it or not?"

"Order it."

"And this one here is 26,800."

"Order it." Qian Feng felt like he was about to cough up blood.

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