C6 A Debt Collector Came to the Shop

Guided by the principle of only ordering the priciest items, Liu Gaang meticulously selected over twenty dishes from the menu before he finally paused.

At that moment, Qian Feng's complexion had taken on a sickly shade of green.

With the addition of a few signature dishes he'd initially ordered, the cost of the meal had soared well into the tens of thousands.

"Big brother, do you think we have enough food here? If not, I can order a few more," Liu Gaang inquired, looking at Qian Feng.

Is it enough? How could it possibly be enough? We're just three people; can you actually eat that much?

But, with things having escalated to this point, Qian Feng had no choice but to puff up his cheeks and pretend to be unfazed: "Go ahead, order whatever you like. It's just a bit of money, after all!"

Finishing his statement, Qian Feng gave the alluring woman in his embrace a firm squeeze, flaunting an air of someone to whom money was no object.

"You're so naughty, Young Master Qian!" the woman cooed, playfully brushing Qian Feng's cheek with her hair, clearly convinced of his wealth.

Qian Feng's emotions were a whirlwind, his thoughts floating blissfully away. Observing the girl's wavering demeanor, he rationalized the hefty price of the meal as a worthwhile investment to impress a minor celebrity.

"Fine, let's order a few more then," Liu Gaang said, resuming his spree. After a few more selections, he snapped the menu shut with a flourish, declaring, "Two bottles of '82 Lafite and four bottles of '56 Maotai, yes, that should do."

In a flash, Qian Feng was jolted from his daydream back to harsh reality, his face ashen.

He quickly calculated that the meal, along with the drinks, would run him at least 300,000 to 400,000 yuan. The thought alone made his facial muscles involuntarily spasm.

His monthly allowance was a mere few tens of thousands of yuan, and in a single evening, he was about to blow nearly a year's worth.

Watching Qian Feng's agonized expression, Liu Gaang's inner laughter grew even louder. He checked his phone and feigned surprise, "Oh dear, Young Master Qian, I totally forgot—I have another engagement. I must take my leave. Enjoy your evening with the lady."

After finishing his statement, Liu Gaang stood up and left, his laughter brimming with smug satisfaction.

Qian Feng now fully realized he'd been played by Liu Gaang. Clenching his teeth in frustration, he muttered, "This isn't over. We'll see."

Yet, leaving behind the untouched spread of food and drink was a bitter pill to swallow.

Exiting the hotel, Lee Wei had the car ready. He greeted Liu Gaang with a chuckle, "Hey, Mr. Liu, where did you sneak off to? Don't tell me you've got your eye on one of the hotel's beauties? Spill the beans—who is it? I'll help you out."

"Mr. Lee, I just made a quick trip to the restroom," Liu Gaang replied with a grin.

"Damn, there goes my good intentions," Lee Wei grumbled.

Once they were on the road, Lee Wei behind the wheel, they passed a bank where Liu Gaang decided to stop and open an account.

Inside the bank, Liu Gaang cashed his check and deposited the funds into his new account. Afterwards, he hailed a cab to Antique Street, where he visited a bookstore that specialized in literature on antiques.

Having purchased two books on the fundamentals of antiques, Liu Gaang returned home by taxi.

As he was about to unlock the door to his villa, a cold voice cut through the air.

"Let's hear it—when do you plan on repaying what you owe us? We've filed for a court-ordered enforcement. If you can't settle the debt by this time tomorrow, we'll have no choice but to mortgage and auction off this house."

"Lee, you're aware of my predicament. In light of our years of friendship, could you possibly extend the deadline by a few days?" Liu Lei's father pleaded, his voice heavy with despair.

Another voice then interjected, "Liu Lei, friendship aside, we all understand your situation. Without a bank loan, where will you find the funds? The bottom line remains—you either pay back the money tomorrow or vacate the premises for the court to auction the house and recover our advance payment."

"Are you trying to drive me into a corner?" Liu Gaang asked, a note of desperation in his voice.

"You took our advance, so you're obligated to deliver the goods. Now that you can't, you must refund us—not just the advance, but also a penalty for breaching the agreement," the other party insisted, unyielding.

"Liu Lei, Soong, I've never asked anyone for anything in my life, but this time, I'm asking you—please?" Liu Lei's voice rose again, tinged with a hint of sorrow.

"No way!" came the icy response.

At that, Liu Gaang couldn't bear it any longer. He flung open the door and strode into the room.

Kicking someone when they're down was something he despised more than anything.