Chapter 118: The Bar

"Goods?" I echoed, a flicker of surprise in my voice as I looked at the short man. I hadn't anticipated he was involved in such dealings.

He chuckled lightly, then said, "Yes, and it's pure. If you don't have the guts, let my people handle it. I'll still give you thirty percent. Business there is booming, close to the Burmese border. It'll be a goldmine."

I smiled faintly. "Apologies, but I don't do this kind of thing, nor will I help you with it."

His expression darkened slightly. He glanced around, and for a moment, I felt a pang of incredulity. Seriously? Discussing such matters in the middle of a bustling street—it was utterly inappropriate.

Taking a drag from his cigarette, he sneered, "We're all players in the same game. Don't pretend anyone's clean here. I've heard about your ruthlessness—taking down Baldy was no small feat. But let me remind you, respect is mutual. If you don't give me face, don't expect me to give you any either."

I turned my gaze briefly to Huang Qin, surprised by his silence. The short man continued, "Zhao Fei, Baldy's parlor was under my banner. He just took my goods every month, earning me hundreds of thousands in profit. Now that you've eliminated him, don't you think you owe me some form of compensation?"

I chuckled, lifting the hem of my jacket to reveal the butt of my gun. His face stiffened as he caught sight of it, and his eyes darted around nervously.

"Respect is a two-way street," I said calmly. "Your underling tried to hack me to death. What was I supposed to do? Roll over? If you think you can come for me, feel free to try."

He took two steps back, his face pale, while I lowered my jacket again with a faint smile.

"You're formidable," he admitted reluctantly. "Even more so than Huang Qin described. I'll let it slide this time. But Zhao Fei, we're all in this to make money. Why turn your back on easy cash? This trade is the quickest way to fortune..."

"Sorry," I interrupted, smiling as I brushed past him. "This kind of money costs lives, and I'm not brave enough to earn it. Let me buy you a drink instead. Hopefully, you'll give me that courtesy."

Without waiting for a response, I strode away nonchalantly, waving over my companions. The group stood, following me out. As I passed by Huang Qin, I grabbed his collar and murmured, "You're bold—take care of yourself."

Huang Qin inhaled deeply, remaining silent but visibly resentful. Perhaps he thought he had found a powerful backer, only to realize I was unshaken. The frustration in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Are we just letting this go, Brother Qi?" one of his men, Hua Hua, protested.

Qi Ge shot Hua Hua a sharp look before turning to me with a forced smile. "Zhao Fei, let's talk again sometime."

I shook my head, got into my car, and drove off. Once we left the bustling pedestrian street, Xuan Ling spoke up, concern evident in her tone. "What happened? Don't fight them, okay? They look dangerous…"

I reassured her with a smile. "Don't worry, I won't fight. See? Everything's fine."

She nodded, visibly relieved. We arrived at the university, and I walked her to her dormitory. Before heading upstairs, she reminded me again not to get into fights. I promised her, waved goodbye, and watched as she disappeared into the building.

Back in the car, Wang Gui asked, "What did that bastard say?"

"He wants me to smuggle his goods—drugs," I replied flatly.

Zhao Kui's face hardened. "Brother Fei, you can't touch that business. It's deadly."

"I'm not stupid," I assured him. "Of course, I won't do it. But Huang Qin, that snake, must've spilled everything we did to that short man. Baldy was his underling, and that massage parlor was a drug den funneling him tens of thousands monthly. We've cut off his cash flow. He's holding back now, probably wary of us. But I can tell—he's no easy foe. He's been operating this long without getting caught for a reason."

"Let's report him to the police," Zhao Kui suggested. "Let them handle him."

I chuckled softly. "Evidence? Even if the police raid his den, what happens? They'll only catch his lackeys. He'll remain untouchable. Besides, we're not knights in shining armor. As long as he doesn't cross us, it's best not to act rashly. We've got bigger things to handle. You two head back to Ruili and focus on setting up the bar. Put everything else on hold for now."

They nodded in agreement, and we left it at that. Yet deep down, I couldn't shake my unease. I wanted nothing unpleasant to happen in Kunming, but life seldom adheres to our wishes. No matter what, though, anyone who dared provoke me would pay the price—no exceptions.

The next few weeks in Kunming passed in relative calm. I attended classes, spent time with Xuan Ling, and tended to my little world. Neither Chen Hong nor the short man sought trouble, but my professor posed a different challenge. Due to my frequent absences, he docked my credits.

Professors are ruthless. My pleas, threats, and even near-begging promises to turn over a new leaf fell on deaf ears. He was unmoved, deducting every credit without hesitation. Even Xuan Ling, who secretly pleaded on my behalf, achieved nothing. Instead, the school issued a notice reprimanding me for idleness and warning of expulsion for any further infractions.

No matter how formidable you are, you're powerless against a professor.

Driving Xuan Ling and Cheng Na to dinner, I tried to shake off the frustration from the day's events. We found a small restaurant and ordered a few dishes, settling into the cozy atmosphere.

As I sat down, my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Qian Guang calling. A faint sense of foreboding washed over me—something was happening in Ruili.

I stepped outside to answer. "Hello, Brother Guang."

"Seventh Master wants to host a banquet for us. When can you come over?" Qian Guang asked casually.

Looking back through the restaurant's window at Xuan Ling, I felt a pang of guilt. Another separation was inevitable. "Anytime," I replied after a brief pause.

"Good. I'll be waiting for you in Ruili," he said before hanging up.

Returning to the table, Xuan Ling looked up at me, her gaze laced with understanding. "You're leaving again, aren't you?"

I nodded. "There's business I need to handle over there."

She sighed softly. "I understand."

Her quiet acceptance stung more than anger ever could. We finished the meal, and I walked her back to the dormitory. At the entrance, she embraced me tightly, holding on as though unwilling to let go.

"Take care of yourself," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

I kissed her gently, lingering in the moment before stepping away. Watching her walk upstairs, I turned to Cheng Na.

"Look after Xuan Ling," I said, handing her Zhao Kui's number on a scrap of paper.

She glanced at it, her expression unreadable, then tucked it into her pocket without a word before walking away. Her nonchalance was striking, but I shook my head and dismissed the thought as I headed to my car.

Driving through the night, I reached Ruili and went straight to the border trade street where my bar was taking shape. The area remained lively and thriving, a constant buzz of energy and opportunity.

Entering the bar, I was greeted warmly by the staff. "Brother Fei!"

I nodded in acknowledgment, surveying the renovations. Wang Gui and Zhao Kui approached, their faces lighting up with pride.

"Not bad," I said approvingly.

"It's more than 'not bad.' This place is top-tier now. Over a million went into this international-style redesign," Wang Gui boasted. "I merged three units—one for private rooms, another for the dance floor, and the last as the DJ area. Once we get the liquor and DJs in, we're set to party!"

His enthusiasm was contagious. "You've done well," I said. "I'll talk to Brother Guang about securing a liquor supply."

Soon after, we visited Qian Guang's bar, already bustling with patrons. In his office, he was on the phone, smiling broadly. I waited patiently until he finished.

"You're here," he said, his tone welcoming.

I raised an eyebrow. "You seem in good spirits. Who was that?"

He lit a cigarette, exhaling leisurely. "Miss Ma—the second daughter. She's busy with her business and wants me to help oversee things."

I was momentarily taken aback. Ma Qing? "Seventh Master has plenty of people. Why you?"

His nonchalant smirk told me everything. "She's clearly interested in you, Brother Guang. Congratulations!"

He waved it off. "I don't rely on others to get ahead. I turned her down, though I agreed to play golf with her."

Despite his dismissive words, there was a discernible warmth in his tone when he spoke of her. He wasn't indifferent—he simply had his own principles.

Returning to business, I said, "The bar's nearly ready, but we need a steady supply of liquor."

"Leave it to me," he said confidently. "I'll send everything over. You focus on running the place. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty, and I'll cover the initial supply costs."

I was surprised by his generosity but knew this was small change for him. He added, "We still owe the bank seventy million. Before the jade public sale, how about we go big one more time?"

I grinned. "Let's do it. Once the bar opens, we'll hit Jie Gao's jade market. But this time, let's not bring Boss Wei."

He laughed heartily, clapping my shoulder. "Agreed. Let's keep this one between us."

That evening, Qian Guang made good on his promise, arranging for trucks to deliver liquor to my bar. Cases of wine, spirits, and mixers were unloaded by the staff. As the last crate was stacked, Qian Guang reminded me, "Keep a record. Business is business—make sure the accounts are clear."

His words resonated. The bar wasn't just a venture; it was a safety net for the future. Gambling on jade was unpredictable—wins and losses were inevitable. Having a steady income meant security in uncertain times.

With the liquor supply settled and the bar on the verge of its grand opening, I could finally breathe a little easier. The place was shaping up beautifully—sleek, modern, and buzzing with potential. Wang Gui's enthusiasm for the project was infectious, and Zhao Kui's quiet efficiency ensured everything was running smoothly.

"Brother Fei," Wang Gui said as he walked me through the final setup. "This place is going to be the hottest spot in Ruili. We've got the best DJs lined up, and once the word gets out, people will be flocking here."

I nodded, impressed by his dedication. "You've done well. Let's make this a place people talk about, not just for the music but for the atmosphere and class."

Later that evening, as I sat in the office reviewing the accounts, my thoughts drifted to Xuan Ling. She had always been supportive, even when my choices led me into dangerous waters. Her quiet strength and unwavering belief in me were both a comfort and a burden.

The phone buzzed again, interrupting my thoughts. This time, it was an unexpected caller—one of my old associates from Kunming. I hesitated briefly before picking up.

"Brother Fei, we've got a situation," he began, his voice tense.

"What's going on?" I asked, my tone sharp.

"It's about the short guy you dealt with. He's been stirring up trouble, and there's word he's trying to move against you discreetly. He's not happy about losing his foothold, and he's reaching out to some unsavory types."

I frowned. "Let him try. I'm not looking for trouble, but if it comes to me, I won't back down."

After ending the call, I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. It was only a matter of time before someone tried to test my resolve. The world I navigated wasn't forgiving, and showing weakness was never an option.

The bar's opening day arrived swiftly, and as expected, the turnout was massive. The vibrant lights, pulsating music, and flowing drinks created an electric atmosphere. Patrons packed the dance floor, and the VIP sections were bustling with Ruili's elite.

Standing at the bar, I watched the scene with a sense of accomplishment. This wasn't just a business—it was a statement.

Wang Gui approached, raising a glass. "To success, Brother Fei!"

I clinked glasses with him, a rare smile on my face. "To success."

As the night wore on, I received a text from Qian Guang: "Ready for Jie Gao? Let me know when you're free."

I replied simply: "Soon. Let's win big."

But even as the festivities continued, I couldn't shake the sense of unease. In this world, success often painted a target on your back. For now, I would enjoy this victory, but my guard would remain up—always.