Return to the Day When My Pregnant Wife Jumped Off the Building-Chapter 349: Stir-Frying Dried Bean Curd Strips_1

"Freaking out? You didn’t even give me a heads-up before you dragged me onto this pirate ship, and now you’re saying I’m freaking out?"

Shi Qianshan seemed to be angry, banging the table loudly.

Fang Muye, who had been silent all along, was about to speak up and try to mediate when he saw Xiao Ming let out a helpless sigh. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"You put up the money, and I’ll handle the situation. We’ll still split it 70-30, agreed?"

Old Man Shi’s rage vanished in an instant, and he clattered his tobacco pipe "Let’s be clear, I’m only putting up the money.

Plus, before the job is done, you can’t use my name."

Xiao Ming couldn’t help but smile wryly. "I guess I finally understand the secret to your decades of success. You’re really like a bandit! ’All gain, no loss’ robbery – how could it not succeed?"

Shi Qianshan laughed heartily. "Do you know what an ’old bandit’ is? That’s exactly what I am.

Let me tell you, when I was young, I really did make myself a king of the mountain. My fourth concubine was a magistrate’s daughter whom I kidnapped from the foot of the mountain. She gave me three sons in one go, hahaha..."

The old man’s laughter was robust, clear as a temple bell – the very image of a seasoned demon.

Xiao Ming felt that even if he died, this man would still be thriving.

Fang Muye, looking at the suddenly cheerful Shi Qianshan and then at the defeated-looking Xiao Ming, suddenly realized what was happening.

Xiao Ming planned to deal with the Hao Family, and it was likely that the Wu, An, and Chang Families wouldn’t be able to escape either.

With a business worth billions at stake, Shi Qianshan was envious but too embarrassed to outright ask for his share, so he used Xiao Ming’s lack of notice to make a fuss.

Xiao Ming had no choice but to split all interests aside from Fanjincheng 70-30 with Shi Qianshan.

It seemed like Shi Qianshan, only providing the capital and getting a mere 30%, was at a loss, but in reality, Xiao Ming was the one taking on the most difficult and dangerous tasks.

If it all fell through, Shi Qianshan’s only loss would be a bit of cash; the profits from Fanjincheng alone would more than make up for it. In the end, not only would he not be at a loss, but he’d even stand to gain.

For Xiao Ming, however, what he stood to lose could be everything, possibly even his life.

Letting him keep a 30% share was an enormous bargain.

An old bandit and truly a robber, in every sense of the word.

Fang Muye felt somewhat sorry for Xiao Ming, after all, it was he who had introduced Shi Qianshan. He was so enthusiastic at first, it was as if he specially dragged someone into a trap.

That’s why, during the meal, he tried to say something several times but felt uncomfortable pointing out Shi Qianshan’s faults directly, so he was restless, hesitant to speak.

Xiao Ming noticed it and felt a warmth in his heart.

Fang Muye might be a bit old-fashioned, but he was a good person, truly exemplifying the compassionate heart of a healer.

Pouring him a cup of yellow wine, Xiao Ming said with a smile, "Old Fang, you needn’t stand up for me. In reality, the situation between Old Shi and me is like Zhou Yu playing a trick on Huang Gai – one willing to give the beating and the other willing to take it.

Consider this, whether it’s the Hao, Wu, An, or Chang Family, each holds immense prestige and power in their respective family territories.

’Forewarned is forearmed,’ and while I have a good chance of succeeding, I still have some inherent disadvantages when it comes to capacity.

To put it simply, it’s like biting off more than one can chew.

The most plausible scenario is a bunch of big shots swarming in from all directions trying to grab a piece of the pie from me.

I may be tough, but how many nails can one iron man hammer in?

What’s more, there’s the Red Lotus Society lurking nearby, itching to flay me alive.

One wrong move could mean not only preparing the wedding dress for someone else but also risking my own life.

But with Old Shi here as the great auspicious presence, things are different. Even if someone else with an iron head thinks about robbing me, they’d have to come to the negotiating table, properly, to exchange interests.

I just need to focus on dealing with the Red Lotus Society.

So, just think of it as if I’m paying protection money. Doesn’t that make the whole arrangement sound much more palatable?"

Fang Muye carefully considered the matter and realized it was indeed so. He couldn’t help but feel embarrassed as he clasped his hands towards Shi Qianshan, "I’m sorry, Old Sir Shi, I misunderstood you. Let me punish myself with a drink."

"We’re old friends, no need for such formalities."

Shi Qianshan waved his hand and glanced at Xiao Ming, "However, you have to remember from now on, you can’t treat this youngster as some easy target anymore.

Although the strength of the Hao, Wu, An, and Chang families is average, even I would have to think carefully before swallowing them up.

Look at him, from the way he speaks, he doesn’t put those four families in his eyes at all. He hasn’t even started, and he’s already looking for help for the troubles after his victory."

"The only thing he cares about is the Red Lotus Society."

"Do you know what this means?"

Fang Muye shook his head blankly.

"It means that he is either a fool who doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth, or he has already made thorough preparations and is aiming with precision."

Shi Qianshan snorted coldly, "Earlier, when the dishes were first served, the first one he picked up was that unassuming dry braised shredded tofu.

Obviously, he knew that it was the essence of Huaiyang cuisine; if the shredded tofu is delicious, the chef’s skills in other dishes are unlikely to be bad.

Every move has a purpose, his actions are precise and decisive, without the slightest hesitation or second-guessing.

Hao Taixing was speaking out of anger when he said that the youngster was formidable, but right now, I truly believe this kid is a little monster.

If all the young people out there are this ruthless, I would immediately retire completely, retreat to the southern mountains, and never come out again."

Xiao Ming responded with a wry smile, "Old man, it was just me eating some dry braised shredded tofu first. You’re going too far by describing me as a cunning old fox!

When I eat Cantonese cuisine, I also start with stir-fried beef ho fun; it’s just a habit.

Lucky for me, Muye is a doctor and not a businessman. Otherwise, you would have exposed all my little tricks, and how would I ever make my way after that?"

Shi Qianshan chuckled, his expression softened, and he didn’t hide the admiration in his eyes.

"Say what needs to be said, even if it’s playing the villain, do it openly. Don’t hide anything from those you truly respect. That’s the only thing that makes you feel at ease about you.

Don’t worry! I’ve roamed the jianghu all my life, relying on the word ’honor.’ Since I took advantage of you just now, there’s no reason for you to suffer a loss for nothing.

Cheating a greenhorn kid like you wouldn’t be worth losing my face!"

Xiao Ming laughed, raised his cup, "Alright, I was just waiting for those words from you. I’ll drink to you with this cup!"

Shi Qianshan drank his cup in one go, clearly in high spirits.

After drinking with him, Fang Muye put down his cup and said, "By the way, young friend, there are two things I’ve been puzzled by."

"Don’t keep calling me ’young friend’. Just call me Xiao Ming, or ’kid’ like Old Sir Shi does."

"Alright then, Xiao Ming. Since you’ve been preparing to deal with the Hao Family all along, why did you keep provoking and angering Hao Taixing again and again before? Aren’t you afraid of startling the snake in the grass?

Moreover, why has Hao Taixing been enduring all along, even when his favorite grandson got injured? Why is that?"

"It’s simple, I was testing."

Xiao Ming poured wine for both him and Shi Qianshan, and said, "When you took me to meet Old Man Shi before, I noticed that the four old men, Hao, Wu, An, Chang, didn’t even recognize me.

That’s strange.

If they don’t even know who I am, then who sent me the invitation card?"

"Right!"

Fang Muye suddenly clapped his hands, "The Hao, Wu, An, and Chang families have controlled the Ancient Appraisal Association in Jiuzhou for many years. As the organizer of this appraisal event, Hao Taixing has no reason to be unaware of the identities of the invited guests.

This is indeed very abnormal!"