Chapter 122: Silence

"Don't be reckless; that's something you can't afford to mess with," Qian Guang warned.

I nodded. "I've already taken action, but trouble might follow. The stores run by Fat Pig Zhu and Skinny Monkey were fronts for expanding their drug business in collaboration with outsiders. We accidentally disrupted their plans. Now, they want me to take Zhu's place, but they're also threatening to harm me."

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Qian Guang asked angrily.

"Last night's events—it's probably because you were busy playing golf with Miss Ma," I replied with a smirk.

Qian Guang shot me a dissatisfied look. "Your business is my business. Even if I were busy, I'd make time for you. But now, things have become tricky; we're at a disadvantage."

"I've already come up with a plan to deal with Skinny Monkey. If he makes a move against me today, I'll ensure he never returns," I said with determination.

Qian Guang glanced at me with surprise but didn't comment further. At that moment, Boss Wei's car pulled up. I watched him step out with a dozen men, carrying an enormous string of firecrackers—at least a hundred thousand rounds.

"Brother Zhao Fei, congratulations!" Boss Wei said as he handed me a red envelope.

I accepted it with a smile and invited him inside. Qian Guang took over entertaining him. The venue filled with guests—some familiar, others likely invited by Qian Guang to lend support. I personally greeted everyone and ushered them in.

By noon, the bar was bustling with activity. Friends and well-wishers crowded both inside and out, creating a lively scene. Once the place was packed, I called Ma Lan. "Will Seventh Master be attending?" I asked.

"He's already arrived," she replied.

Moments later, I saw Ma Lan's BMW 760 pull up. She stepped out, dressed daringly in a low-cut dress, exuding boldness. I glanced at the car and spotted Seventh Master sitting inside. I approached and greeted him. "Seventh Master..."

"Is everything you've said true?" he asked coldly.

Judging by his demeanor, Ma Lan must have already briefed him. I nodded solemnly. Seventh Master's face twitched with tension before he said, "Let's go inside. I want to see if anyone dares challenge me."

I called Wang Gui to escort Seventh Master to a quiet spot. Ma Lan parked her car and walked over, whispering, "This is as far as I can help you. My father is furious. You'd better provide concrete evidence, or he'll come after you for causing trouble."

I nodded and stepped into the bar. The place was brimming with people. Wei Boss and a few other influential figures sat together. I approached them with a smile. "Let's cut the ribbon together, gentlemen."

They laughed and joined me at the entrance. Sang Ling handed us scissors along with ceremonial ribbons. As we cut the ribbons together, Wei Boss offered his blessings, "May your business flourish!"

When the ribbon-cutting ended, Zhao Kui and his men ignited the firecrackers laid across the street. The explosions roared like a fiery dragon, filling the air with smoke and drawing everyone's attention. My heart swelled with pride. This was my grand opening, and for a moment, all eyes were on me.

Inside, I shouted, "Drinks are on the house today! Celebrate to your heart's content!"

"Thank you, Brother Fei!"

While Qian Guang entertained Wei Boss, Skinny Monkey suddenly grabbed me, his face dark with anger. "Let's talk, just you and me," he demanded.

I glanced at his furious expression, hiding my inner satisfaction. He took the bait. Without a word, I led him to a secluded private room, one I had prepared in advance.

Once inside, Skinny Monkey surveyed the empty room before sitting across from me. Lighting a cigarette, he sneered, "You're riding high today, Zhao Fei."

"Thanks to the support of friends," I replied lightly.

"Good. If you want to stay on top, you'll need to play smart. What about that stash of powder? Who's handling it for you? That loser Wang Gui? I didn't see him around," he mocked.

I smiled faintly. "I rejected you yesterday, and I'll reject you again today. I won't deal in drugs. It ruins lives. If Seventh Master finds out, he'll kill me."

"Damn it, I'm not asking you to use it. What are you afraid of? Seventh Master won't know if you keep quiet. And even if he does, what's he going to do? We've been collaborating with Nongdao's people for ages. If he gets in the way, we'll topple him and take over. That old man doesn't realize he's losing billions by not running this business," Skinny Monkey retorted angrily.

"I already flushed the stash down the drain," I said calmly.

Furious, he slapped me hard, grabbed my collar, and snarled, "You're courting death, Zhao Fei! Do you believe no one can save you from me?"

Suppressing my rage, I replied, "Try it. Seventh Master won't let you off."

"Don't use that old man to scare me. If you push us too far, your mother and girlfriend might suffer for it," Skinny Monkey threatened coldly.

"Leave my family out of this!" I growled, my fists clenching.

Pulling a packet of powder from his pocket, he slammed it on the table. "Sell this, or I'll turn your bar into a bloodbath today," he demanded.

I took the packet, walked to the restroom, and flushed it down the toilet. Turning back to him, I declared, "I'd rather die than deal in drugs."

Seething, Skinny Monkey wiped his face and dialed his phone. "Do it," he ordered.

As the door opened, he froze in shock. Standing before him was Seventh Master. His fear was palpable as he stammered, "Seventh Master, you're... here..."

Seventh Master stepped inside, his expression thunderous. His presence alone silenced Skinny Monkey. What followed was a reckoning that would define our paths forever.