C11 Finally I Have Gold Equipment!

"Hey Manzi, should I hit up that ATM over there and get some cash?" suggested one of the crew, Short-haired Young Man. He looked like he could afford it, what with the chunky gold chain around his neck and a pair of gold rings on his fingers, giving off a total nouveau riche vibe.

Wang Manzi was stewing on the inside. There was a time when no one on these streets would dare cross him. But times change, and ever since this kid Xiao Ge showed up, it seemed like his lucky streak had run out.

He was seething, sure, but he was out of options. Paying up was the only move. So, when Xiaoqi pitched the idea of withdrawing money, Manzi could only nod in agreement. He'd swallow his pride for now and deal with the rest later.

"No need for the cash," Xiao Ge interjected suddenly.

Manzi was taken aback. Had this little punk had a change of heart?

Xiaoqi and Xiaoba were just as shocked. Xiao Ge had been pushing Manzi to the brink, all for the money. Why the sudden change of tune?

"Hand over your necklace," Xiao Ge demanded, eyeing Xiaoqi.

"What?" Xiaoqi blurted out, then quickly added, "I'll just go get the money, it'll be fast!"

"Do I need to rip that necklace off your neck myself?" Xiao Ge glared at Xiaoqi, clearly annoyed. "I've said it before—I'm not a fan of violence. But when I resort to it, I tend to lose control. If I accidentally take your head off instead of the necklace, don't hold it against me."

Xiaoqi was fuming. This was outright intimidation. Was this supposed to be debt collection? It was downright robbery!

"I've robbed others a hundred times, but being robbed myself? That's a first. Damn, this is a major blow to the ego," Xiaoqi grumbled internally. Reluctantly, he removed the necklace, feeling a heavy sense of loss. This wasn't some cheap trinket; he'd shelled out over ten grand for that 40-gram pure gold chain.

"The rings too," Xiao Ge added.

Xiaoqi's mood sank even lower, but he kept his mouth shut and slipped off the rings. They were nothing compared to the necklace. Losing a couple of rings was the least of his worries now. In the end, Xiao Ge walked away with $9,600 in cash, the gold necklace, and two rings. Satisfied with his haul, Xiao Ge waved them off, "You three can head to the hospital now!"

Upon hearing those words, the trio felt as if they'd received a pardon. They quickly hailed a taxi and made their escape, leaving the license plate-less van abandoned by the roadside.

"Earning money isn't so hard after all," Xiao Ge mused, tucking a wad of cash into his pocket before turning to walk towards Ningcheng University. With the debt collection a success, there was no longer any reason to visit Wang Manzi's place.

Xiao Ge's pace remained steady and unhurried, his expression untroubled. The recent events seemed as routine to him as a meal.

The gold necklace and two rings he'd just acquired weren't pocketed but held tightly in his right hand. As he ambled along, his grip on the items grew firmer.

A minute later, Xiao Ge opened his palm to reveal the jewelry had vanished, replaced by a gleaming golden sphere.

He pressed his palms together, rubbing them slowly at first, then with increasing speed. After another minute, his hands flew apart, his fingers weaving intricate, indiscernible patterns in the air.

Three minutes passed before Xiao Ge ceased his movements. Clenching his hands into fists, he paused, then opened them to show the golden sphere had disappeared. In its place, resting quietly in each palm, was a three-inch golden dart, glinting in the light, forged from gold itself.

A radiant smile spread across Xiao Ge's face as he admired the Golden Darts. "At last, I have golden gear. My master is such a miser; he wouldn't even spare a single Golden Dart for me. This place is much better. Self-reliance brings plenty of food and clothing. I'm growing fonder of it by the day!"

After pocketing the Golden Darts, Xiao Ge glanced at the entrance to Ningcheng University, feeling torn. Should he return to school now or keep enjoying his freedom a bit longer?

Not fond of classes, especially English, Xiao Ge was genuinely thankful to Su Yunman for sending him out of the classroom earlier. Considering class was likely still in session, he made up his mind quickly. For now, he'd stay away, opting to savor his leisure time a little longer.

Strolling past the entrance of Ningcheng University, Xiao Ge decided he could go for another bite to eat. The twenty meat buns he'd had for breakfast had been a letdown. Having just come into some money, he resolved to compensate for the morning's unsatisfying meal.

Meandering down Ningcheng's southern road, he stumbled upon a roast duck shop and promptly purchased two ducks. Within ten minutes, both had been devoured.

"Finally, nearly satisfied," Xiao Ge murmured. But just then, an icy sensation in his chest signaled that Huahua was unhappy.

"Huahua, I get it, you're hungry. But finding your preferred food here is tough. Hang in there, okay? You're not going to starve," he whispered soothingly.

The chill persisted; Huahua was clearly not appeased.

"Don't stress, Huahua. Once I'm more acquainted with the area, I'll find you something delicious. Is that a deal?" Xiao Ge reassured her hastily.

With the cold feeling dissipating, Huahua seemed to accept his promise.

Xiao Ge exhaled deeply, feeling momentarily stumped. Finding Huahua's choice of food in this place was no simple task.

Just then, a black Audi pulled up beside him. The window slid down, revealing a young, handsome face accompanied by a voice as smooth as silk. "Xiao Ge, got a moment? Hop in, let's chat."

"I've got time, but no interest in chatting with you," Xiao Ge drawled. "You're not my type—I'm not into guys."

The man offered a slight, unfazed smile. "You look like you could use some cash, Xiao Ge."

"Sure, I need money, but I'm not up for idle chatter, even if you were the belle of the ball," Xiao Ge retorted, his expression sour.

"I'm here to discuss a lucrative deal with you, Xiao Ge," the man replied, shaking his head. "A deal that could make you a millionaire in no time. If you're interested, get in. If not, no pressure."

"A million-dollar deal?" Xiao Ge pondered briefly before nodding. "Okay, you've piqued my interest."

Xiao Ge swung the car door open and slid into the vehicle, taking his place in the front passenger seat. He then prompted, "Alright, spill it. What's the deal?"