Chapter 106: The Moon Gazing Eels

　　Without even having to think, Lu Fei said, "Is there even a need to guess? It must be someone related to the original developers! More than likely, it has something to do with those who were involved in the demolition back then."

　　"Shopkeeper Lu truly is a master of deduction!" Chen Jinfa gave a thumbs up.

　　The perpetrator was indeed one of the people who had gone door-to-door to persuade residents to relocate. He admitted that in order to force the old woman to agree to the demolition, he impulsively resorted to violence. In her struggle to escape, the old woman fell into a water vat and drowned.

　　To cover up his crime, he buried the old woman along with the water vat underground.

　　He never expected that after six or seven years, when the mall was being rebuilt, the old woman's remains would be unearthed.

　　Knowing he couldn't avoid it, he decided to come clean on his own initiative.

　　"Even if this son of a bitch is a scapegoat, we're still doing the public a favor! I bought graves for the old woman and the two mud dolls as you said. Hehe, now my construction site can finally proceed smoothly!"

　　Chen Jinfah was in a great mood, his face glowing with joy.

　　"Manager Lu, I've set up a feast at a nice place today, you must honor me with your presence! Otherwise, it would mean you look down on me, Chen Jinfah!"

　　"Brother Fa, no rush for the meal, we haven't finished our business yet."

　　Lu Fei took out the small coffin and the pawn ticket.

　　"How does Brother Fa plan to pawn it, dead pledge or live pledge? And what price?"

　　"I already said I'm giving it to Manager Lu, what price is there to talk about? You helped me a lot, I should be the one thanking you!" Chen Jinfah waved his hands impatiently.

　　"Brother Fa, these are the rules of our Sinisterium Pawnshop, they cannot be broken." Lu Fei held a pen and paper, smiling faintly.

　　Chen Jinfah scratched his head and looked at Lu Fei: "Your Sinisterium Pawnshop really does things differently. Others take money to get rid of troubles. You don't take money, but instead, you accept these evil objects that others fear. Could it be that these evil objects are actually good things?"

　　Hu Zi said proudly, "Of course, haven't you heard of Brother Fa? Our Sinisterium Pawnshop has the ability to turn evil into treasure. What is an evil object in someone else's hands can become a treasure in my boss's hands."

　　"Wow! That's impressive!" Chen Jinfa smacked his lips in amazement and became interested. After examining the small coffin, he asked, "Manager Lu, what treasure can this coffin turn into?"

　　"Brother Fa, I'm afraid I can't tell you. It's also one of the rules of our Sinisterium Pawnshop," Lu Fei replied with a smile, shaking his head.

　　Although he had no use for the small coffin, there were people who would love it and pay a high price, otherwise it wouldn't be worth all the effort.

　　"I was being presumptuous! I know every profession has its own secrets, especially for experts like you."

　　"You flatter me, Brother Fa. I'm no expert, just running a small business on the side," Lu Fei steered the conversation back, "Brother Fa, how do you plan to pawn it?"

　　Chen Jinfa didn't beat around the bush and said, "This thing is useful to your Sinisterium Pawnshop, so I definitely choose a dead pawn! As for the price, how about one dollar and sixty-eight cents, all the way to prosperity! Let's all prosper together!"

　　"Okay."

　　Lu Fei wrote up the pawn ticket and had Chen Jinfa sign and stamp it.

　　He then transferred the payment.

　　The bill was in duplicate, and the transaction was completed.

　　"It's done! Can Manager Lu now do me the honor of going for a meal?" Chen Jin gave the impression that he wouldn't leave unless Lu Fei went with him.

　　Unable to refuse, Lu Fei called Liu Fugui along.

　　Liu Fugui was so happy his mouth wouldn't close, and he used all his tricks, quickly getting along well with Chen Jinfa.

　　By the time they reached the place for the meal, the two were already as close as if they were long-lost brothers.

　　This place was called Moonview Manor; the name was nice, but the environment and facilities were just average, looking more like a rural retreat.

　　However, business was good, with almost every table occupied, and there were even people queuing outside.

　　Hu Zi couldn't help but feel a bit skeptical.

　　This is what he calls treating someone to a meal?

　　Even if they didn't go to a high-end club like the Su family's, at least they could have found a nicer place.

　　Chen Jinfɑ called ahead and had a private room prepared.

　　"Manager Lu, don't let the old look of this place fool you. You have to make a reservation well in advance if you want to eat here! Ordinary people can't even get on the waiting list!"

　　"Brother Fɑ must have picked a great place," said Lu Fei with a smile.

　　Liu Fugui seemed to have heard of this place. His eyes lit up as he asked excitedly, "Brother Fɑ, is this Moon Gazing Manor, the one famous for its moon gazing eels?"

　　"That's right! Brother Fugui, you really know your stuff!" Chen Jinfɑ was very pleased.

　　Liu Fugui couldn't help but swallow his saliva as he said, "I've heard that these eels are much bigger than regular eels. The largest ones can be as thick as a baby's arm and are particularly intelligent. Every full moon night, they swim out from their water holes to worship the moon! That's why they're called moon gazing eels."

　　"Exactly! The moon gazing eels here not only taste exceptionally delicious, but they also have the effects of nourishing yin and strengthening yang. They're a major tonic! It's like an energy station for men and a beauty salon for women!"

　　Chen Jinfɑ laughed heartily.

　　"Really? That impressive?" Tiger was amazed, and his eyes filled with anticipation.

　　It's just like no one would ever think they have too much money. Who doesn't want to become stronger?

　　"The boss of this place is one of my former underlings. When he heard I was going to host a banquet for the manager of Sinisterium Pawnshop, he specially reserved a spot for us. That young man said he had some matters to attend to and also wanted to meet Manager Lu, so he asked me to introduce them."

　　"Manager Lu refused to take the money, so I can only repay him in other ways. If I can help facilitate more business deals and collect more evil artifacts for you, it would be a fulfillment of my gratitude."

　　Chen Jinfah looked at Lu Fei seriously.

　　"Although you are young, it's good to build up your strength. A man should always strive to be stronger!"

　　Lu Fei's curiosity was piqued by his words.

　　He had heard of a type of crescent loach, but it was different from what Chen Jinfah described. The kind he knew about couldn't be eaten.

　　However, the business here was indeed booming, with every table filled with people.

　　Soon, the dishes were served.

　　In addition to the side dishes, each person had a large plate in front of them, and the lids could hardly contain the fresh and delicious aroma.

　　Just the smell alone was enough to whet one's appetite.

　　"I've prepared a top-grade eel for everyone! Don't be shy, just dig in! We have more if you need it!"

　　Jinfa Chen clapped his hands magnanimously, and the waiter immediately lifted the lid.

　　The eels, as thick as a baby's arm, were coiled in the plate. They were steamed and garnished with shredded ginger and green onions on top.

　　The rich, fresh aroma filled the entire private room.

　　The scent seemed to have a magical effect, stirring the hunger in everyone's belly.

　　"I heard that a top-grade moon gazing eel costs at least ten thousand per piece. Today, I'm really lucky to be here with Brother Lu and Brother Fa," Liu Fugui kept swallowing his saliva.

　　"My goodness, such a thick one! How many years would it take to grow this big? It must have become a spirit!" Hu Zi exclaimed, having never seen such a thick eel before.

　　"Eat, eat, don't be shy! Once you taste it, you'll know how good it is!" Jinfa Chen enthusiastically urged, "Especially you, Shopkeeper Lu, have some more!"

　　Everyone eagerly picked up their chopsticks, even Long, who rarely showed any emotion, had a glimmer of desire in his eyes.

　　Only Lu Fei looked somewhat serious, staring at the moon gazing eel in the dish, hesitating to pick up his chopsticks.