Chapter 109: A Sudden Reversal

Some events in life unfold in ways you can never predict. No matter how meticulously a plan is crafted, a single misstep can cause the entire scheme to collapse.

I said nothing, resigned to my fate, though the weight of reality bore heavily on me—this price was far too steep.

The burly man with the darkened face sneered, "Let's just kill them all. I've prepared the cement mixer. We'll blend their bodies with the concrete and bury them in the foundation of the new building. No one will ever find them."

Kun San remained silent. No one spoke. The oppressive stillness in the room was almost suffocating.

Kun San set the jade stone on the table, fixing his gaze on me. "Zhao Fei," he said, "how does it sound if I arrange for you to die like this?"

I forced a bitter smile. Maran, beside me, seemed to snap. She suddenly drew a gun and pointed it at Liu Qiang, yelling, "You bastard! You dare cross me? I'll take you down with me!"

Before her words had faded, more than a dozen guns were trained on her. Despite her fierce nature, the sight of so many weapons aimed her way froze her in place.

Liu Qiang strode over and delivered a vicious kick, snatching the gun from her hand. "You filthy wench!" he spat.

"How dare you touch me? My father won't let you get away with this!" Maran hissed through clenched teeth, hatred blazing in her eyes.

Liu Qiang smirked coldly. "By the time I'm done, you'll be nothing but a skeleton buried in concrete. Who's going to come looking for you then?"

Maran tried to retort, but another resounding slap silenced her. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she glared daggers at Liu Qiang.

"Stop wasting time. Let's finish this quickly," said the dark-faced man, his tone indifferent.

A wave of tension coursed through me as I watched the scene. My gaze darted to Qian Guang and the others. Why wasn't anyone resisting? This wasn't how things were supposed to go…

Just then, Liu Qiang spoke up, breaking the mounting tension. "Kun San, I must thank you for taking care of my personal vendettas. Truly, I'm grateful. To show my appreciation, I'd like to purchase one of your jade stones."

His words stunned me. Was he serious about buying jade? For the first time, a glimmer of hope flickered within me, a feeling that perhaps things might take an unexpected turn.

Kun San's expression softened slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Which stone would you like to buy?"

Liu Qiang's grin widened. "The one from last time, the one this brat called worthless—the black sand-covered stone, over 300 kilograms. I'll buy it as a token of gratitude."

Kun San hesitated, his brows furrowing. "Friend, that stone is nothing but waste. Buying it wouldn't be worth your while."

Liu Qiang shook his head. "It's worth it to me. A gesture of thanks, right? You've helped me eliminate such a big threat—repaying you is the least I can do."

Kun San's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in his gaze. Liu Qiang quickly added, "Come on, Kun San. If you don't trust me, we can do this straight—cash for goods. I'd never deceive someone like you."

Kun San's face grew more serious. "And how much are you offering?"

"Ten million," Liu Qiang said with a smirk. "Fair enough, right?"

Kun San let out a short laugh. "That won't do. Gambling stones follow their own rules. My friend consigned that stone with me for a hundred million. If I sell it to you for ten, I'd lose ninety million when he comes to settle accounts. Even if it's a waste stone, my friend hasn't confirmed that yet, has he?"

"A hundred million?" Liu Qiang seemed genuinely taken aback. He glanced at me and whispered, "Zhao Fei, do you think that stone is worth it?"

I gritted my teeth to suppress a laugh. "Not worth a single penny. Don't buy it. You'll regret it."

Liu Qiang shot me a venomous glare before slapping me hard across the face. "You little bastard! Even now, you refuse to admit defeat? Trying to fool me again? Fine."

Wiping sweat from his forehead, Liu Qiang turned back to Kun San. "I don't have that kind of money. Can't you cut me some slack? It's just a waste stone. I'm sure your friend wouldn't mind."

Kun San's expression darkened as he stared at Liu Qiang, who remained unfazed. I knew this was a veiled threat. Liu Qiang had already crossed the line of trust—what was one more betrayal to him?

After a moment's silence, Kun San finally spoke. "Eighty million. That's the lowest I'll go. If you're not buying, let's move on. We've got other matters to attend to tonight."

Liu Qiang hesitated, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "Fine. Give me a moment."

He stepped outside to make a call. Meanwhile, Kun San approached me, speaking softly. "Zhao Fei, is that stone really worthless?"

I studied his face, noting the faint trace of a smile. Realization dawned on me. "Yes," I replied firmly. "It's completely worthless."

Liu Qiang returned, beaming. "Kun San, the money will be here shortly. Eighty million, as agreed."

Kun San nodded, then ordered his men. "Take them away."

More than a dozen armed men escorted Qian Guang and the others out of the stilted house. Liu Qiang interjected, "We can handle it ourselves."

Kun San shot him a warning look. "No need. On my turf, only my people carry guns. Treat them well—ensure their end is painless."

My heart pounded as I watched Qian Guang and the others being led away. Liu Qiang, meanwhile, seemed both frustrated and resigned.

Just then, his phone buzzed. "The money's arrived," Liu Qiang announced smugly. "Let's make the deal."

Gunshots rang out outside. My body stiffened in shock, and the room fell silent for a moment. Liu Qiang broke the stillness with a laugh. "Perfect timing! Consider that my celebratory fireworks!"

Anger simmered within me, but I forced myself to remain calm.

The massive black sand-covered jade stone was brought in, and Liu Qiang's eyes gleamed with excitement. "There it is! Kun San, let's cut it open. Zhao Fei, you'd better help me reveal something good, or else…"

I stared at Liu Qiang, a cold smirk tugging at my lips. Fine, I thought. Let's cut it open. Let's see how far this gamble takes us.