ch-185 the deal and talk with old friends

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As Raghav pondered over a solution to the death of the Wine God, his thoughts were abruptly cut off as his presence seemed to vanish from the room. Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number.

The line connected after a brief pause. A soft yet composed voice answered, "Hello, this is Fang Lei from the Fang family. How can I help you?"

Raghav's lips curled into a small smile. "So, little Fang… what are you doing right now? And how's big Fang doing these days?"

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. Fang Lei's voice trembled, and a single tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered in disbelief, "Raghav… is that you? I haven't heard your voice in so long… How are you doing now?"

"I'm doing fine," Raghav replied with warmth in his voice. "Actually, I have four wives now. If you want to meet me, I'll be there in four days. Then I can see you and your big sister, Fang Hua."

Fang Lei's breath hitched at his words. "You… you really haven't changed, have you?" she murmured, her voice still shaky.

Raghav's smile deepened. "Maybe. But some things are bound to change once we meet again."

The line went silent for a moment, only the sound of Fang Lei's soft breathing lingering between them. "Four days…" she repeated softly. "Alright. I'll be waiting."

As the call ended, Raghav leaned back, his eyes glinting with hidden intent. The death of the Wine God had left behind a void — but Raghav knew that answers lay within the Fang family's secrets. And this time, he would make sure no one stood in his way.

After ending the call with Fang Lei, Raghav's expression sharpened. His fingers swiftly tapped the screen as he made another call, this time to someone who thrived in the shadows of the trade world.

After a few rings, a calm yet slightly amused voice answered, "Hello, this is Han Yuki from the Wandering Merchant. How can I help you?"

Raghav's tone remained steady, but his eyes glinted with cold calculation. "Yuki… it's been a while. I need information."

There was a slight pause before Han Yuki's tone shifted, the amusement in his voice sharpening into caution. "Raghav Ye… I haven't heard from you in years. What could possibly make you reach out to me now?"

Raghav's lips curled into a slight smirk. "The Wine God is dead."

Silence stretched between them for a moment before Yuki's composed voice returned. "I see… That explains the sudden disruptions in trade and the rise in underground movements. Are you asking for confirmation or a solution?"

"A solution," Raghav replied, his voice cutting through the air like steel. "I need to know everyone who was connected to the Wine God — trade partners, debtors, enemies, and especially those who could benefit from his death."

Han Yuki let out a soft chuckle. "You don't ask for much, do you?"

"I never do," Raghav said flatly.

Yuki sighed. "Very well. It will take me two days to gather everything — including the hidden players who haven't shown their faces yet. But I assume you already know that this won't be free."

"Name your price."

There was a pause before Yuki's voice took on a more serious tone. "The Forgotten Vintage Wine — the one only the Wine God knew how to make. If you find it… I want half."

Raghav's eyes narrowed. "That wine has been lost for decades. You think I'll just hand it over?"

"You're Raghav Ye — you always find a way," Yuki said smoothly. "Besides, information this valuable comes at a cost. Do we have a deal?"

Raghav's gaze darkened. "Fine. But if you betray me, Yuki…"

Yuki's laugh was light but laced with understanding. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'll contact you once I have the details. Oh, and Raghav — stay alive. It seems the wolves have started moving."

The call ended, leaving Raghav standing alone in the dim room. His expression hardened as he stared out the window at the distant stars.

"The Forgotten Vintage Wine… and the death of the Wine God… Looks like the game has only just begun."