C13 Butcher

Chen Cheng didn't bother with these insignificant figures; as long as they followed orders, that was enough for him.

Observing the black bear's swollen red hand, Chen Cheng realized for the first time that his superpower might actually be quite impressive.

He wasn't concerned about revealing his abilities, thanks to the rapidity with which he could use them and the lack of surveillance in the room.

As for what the other person thought, he couldn't care less. If it came down to it, he'd simply eliminate the problem.

"Can you tell me where this gun came from?"

Chen Cheng toyed with the handgun in his grasp.

"You..."

The black bear seemed on the verge of speaking but ultimately held back.

"What, you disagree?"

Chen Cheng couldn't help but chuckle at the black bear's demeanor. In a post-apocalyptic world, someone like him wouldn't last long.

"The gun was smuggled here from Venus and Moon."

The black bear didn't conceal the truth; there was no point in lying to someone so capable.

He also had this nagging sense that the man before him radiated a heavy aura of lethality.

Why hadn't he noticed it before? It baffled him.

The name Venus and Moon rang a bell for Chen Cheng; it cropped up often in drug-related films.

"Could you tell me how to get in touch with the seller?"

Chen Cheng inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Why should I tell you?"

The black bear scrutinized Chen Cheng, searching for any telltale signs.

"Tell me, and I'll spare your life."

"Try laying a finger on me, and the Sky Wolf Gang won't stand for it."

The black bear revealed his affiliation, attempting to gauge Chen Cheng's reaction.

"Your life is in your own hands. If you're willing to take a risk, I'm game to play dealer."

Chen Cheng's laugh was unrestrained. He wouldn't feel a shred of remorse for taking down someone like the black bear.

This guy was no saint, but Chen Cheng preferred not to draw too much attention to himself in the real world.

He was well aware that going up against the state was like an ant challenging an elephant.

"Faisal, he's a local boss in the Golden Crescent area..."

The black bear shared what he knew about the Golden Crescent selectively, but seeing Chen Cheng still aiming the gun at him, he protested, "You're not keeping your promise!"

"Relax, I have no intention of taking your life. But you did shoot at me."

"My fragile heart was quite startled, as you can understand."

After successfully extorting 200 million from Black Bear, Chen Cheng tucked the handgun into his waistband. "Let's keep today's events between us. If word gets out, I'll be paying you a visit, and trust me, I don't take kindly to disturbances," he warned before leaving the bar.

"I guess a trip to the Golden Crescent is in order," Chen Cheng mused.

Back at his dilapidated rental, he transferred all his belongings into his system space; it was clear he could no longer stay there. With thoughts of a new home, he resolved to purchase a villa the following day—a tranquil, detached one would be ideal.

The Auspicious Life Group, a leading real estate company in Larnwick and one of the top 500 in Koprueles, was his choice due to its stellar local reputation. Moreover, the CEO was a bona fide local.

Stepping out of the taxi, Chen Cheng was greeted by the opulent sales office, complete with a charming bridge, babbling brook, and lush greenery. The creative layout lent an air of exclusivity to the place. The immaculate red carpet laid over the marble floor at the entrance, flanked by young, imposing security guards, was enough to deter the casually curious.

"Welcome!" greeted the receptionist and the security guards in unison, bowing to Chen Cheng. Despite their surprise at his arrival by taxi, they maintained their professional demeanor. After all, this society had all sorts, and the building itself was a statement. Only the wealthy and distinguished could afford the homes here, with prices starting in the tens of millions.

Chen Cheng proceeded inside, but as he approached the reception desk, he stopped short.

"Good day, sir. What price range are you looking at for a villa? Oh! It's you..."

The salesperson, who had initially greeted him with a polite bow, was taken aback upon recognizing Chen Cheng, her voice trailing off in surprise. Song Dan, with her long, elegant hair, delicate stature, and the distinct grace of a Jiangnan woman, still carried the fresh charm of a recent graduate, which only enhanced her allure.

There, before him, stood not just a former university classmate, but also his ex-girlfriend. In matters of the heart, it was understood that if things weren't right, parting ways was the simple solution.

The truth was, had Chen Cheng not happened to catch Song Dan cozying up to someone in an open-top car, he would have remained blissfully unaware. The notion of being cheated on, a concept he found laughable, had become his reality. The reason was painfully simple: she spent more money in a day than he had in his bank account. And yet, Chen Cheng had naively pleaded with her to reconsider their relationship. The outcome, predictably, was maddening.

Now, encountering an old acquaintance, Chen Cheng was gripped by an odd sensation he couldn't quite articulate. "How did you find me? Regardless, there's no chance for anything between us. You should leave; this place isn't for you," Song Dan whispered to Chen Cheng, keen on keeping her history unknown to others.

"What are you implying?" Chen Cheng asked, his discomfort evident.

That chapter of his life was closed, and Chen Cheng had come to terms with the harshness of reality. "Leave now, or I'll call security," Song Dan warned through clenched teeth.

In her mind, Chen Cheng was the type whose bank account barely reached five figures—he couldn't possibly afford a house here. The only explanation was that he hadn't let go of his feelings for her.

Damn it! I'm here to buy a house, and you're just a saleswoman. What gives you the right to send me away? Are you out of your mind? It dawned on Chen Cheng as he saw the disdain on Song Dan's face.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't even dream of being in a place like this, where the prices were beyond the reach of the average person. Anger flared within him.

"What are you doing? I'm calling security!" Song Dan exclaimed, her anger rising. She wanted to get rid of him quickly, fearful that he might expose her past and turn her into a laughingstock among her colleagues.

"Still looking down on me? Fine, I'll buy a place. And not just any place—I'll buy the most expensive one, right in front of you," Chen Cheng muttered, eyeing the approaching security guard with a hint of defiance.

Murderous intent! Was this kid on the run? The security guards at Xiangsheng were all seasoned military veterans. Instinctively, he knew this young man was not someone he could handle lightly.

Moreover, it just didn't make sense to upset someone like that for such a meager paycheck! For a brief moment, he found himself hesitating to approach, and the air was thick with tension.

Just then, a voice brimming with regret cut through the silence, instantly easing the strained atmosphere.

"My apologies, esteemed sir, for Song Dan's discourtesy. Please allow me to offer my apologies on her behalf. Rest assured, I will relay the incident to my superiors accurately."