Chapter 360: Worst Comes to Worst, We Fight

Chapter 360 -195: Worst Comes to Worst, We Fight

Uncle Dou had been on this street for twenty years, and the honored guests he’d hosted could be counted on one hand. Those people were either Grandmaster Level figures or the scions of powerful families.

And yet, Uncle Dou had actually called Wan Ze—this young man in a mask and a baseball cap—an “honored guest.”

What did that mean?

It meant that Wan Ze’s background was likely far more formidable than Dong Hui had imagined.

Thinking of this, a chill ran down Dong Hui’s spine.

He frantically replayed their meeting in the alley, wondering if he had said or done anything he shouldn’t have.

He quickly ran through his memory and, after confirming he hadn’t offended Wan Ze, finally relaxed a little.

But immediately, another emotion surged through him: excitement.

‘Damn, this is a godsent opportunity!’

‘I’ve really found a powerful patron to latch onto!’

Dong Hui might be fat, but he wasn’t stupid.

He knew that to get by on this street, you couldn’t rely on yourself alone; you needed someone to have your back.

Boss Zhao was his biggest client, but Boss Zhao was distant water that couldn’t quench a nearby thirst.

Uncle Dou, on the other hand, was right here, but a figure of his stature wasn’t someone Dong Hui could get close to just because he wanted to.

But now, someone who could connect with Uncle Dou was standing right in front of him.

If he could build a good relationship with Wan Ze, wouldn’t that be the same as indirectly establishing a line to Uncle Dou?

At this thought, Dong Hui’s heart began to race.

…

Wan Ze looked at Uncle Dou.

Uncle Dou was looking back at him, a gentle smile on his face. “My apologies for the earlier discourtesy. Please don’t mind it, Mr. Wang. These people are ignorant. I will discipline them properly later.”

Wan Ze nodded slightly, his tone calm. “You’re too kind, Uncle Dou. I’m sorry to have troubled you.”

He knew Uncle Dou was acting, and Uncle Dou knew he was acting, but they both had to play their parts for the show to go on.

In the underworld, many things were better left unsaid. Spelling them out ruined the fun.

Uncle Dou smiled and turned to Boss Qu. “Boss Qu, whatever Mr. Wang takes a fancy to today, put it all on my tab.”

Boss Qu nodded hastily, his attitude even more cautious than before. “Yes, yes, of course. Rest assured, Uncle Dou, I will take good care of Mr. Wang.”

Uncle Dou then looked back at Wan Ze and said, “I have nothing else to do, so I’ll just sit here for a bit. Please, Mr. Wang, look around as you please. Don’t mind me.”

Wan Ze nodded and didn’t refuse.

Uncle Dou walked over to the grand tutor chair next to the counter, slowly sat down, and placed his hands on the armrests, looking very relaxed.

Boss Qu personally went to brew tea, using an old Zisha teapot from the shop and high-quality Longjing tea leaves.

He placed the tea on the small table by Uncle Dou’s hand, poured another cup for Wan Ze, set it on a small end table near the Treasure Pavilion, and then stepped aside without another word.

Wan Ze walked back to the front of the Treasure Pavilion.

This time, no one interrupted him.

He reached out and touched an item.

[Stealing Celestial Secret successful! Stubborn Stone +100%!]

…

Uncle Dou picked up his teacup, blew on the hot steam, took a sip, and then turned to look at Dong Hui.

“Xiaodong, what have you been busy with lately?”

Uncle Dou asked casually, as if just making small talk.

Dong Hui stood nearby, his hands held properly at his sides, his posture deeply respectful.

In the past, he wouldn’t have even been qualified to wait at the door for such a big shot. He never expected Uncle Dou to initiate a conversation, let alone know who he was.

He could barely contain his excitement.

However, he quickly composed himself and answered respectfully, “The usual. Running errands, making connections, handling a few things for my clients.”

Uncle Dou grunted in acknowledgment and took another sip of tea. “At last week’s auction, I heard you and Xiaozheng had a bit of a disagreement?”

Dong Hui’s heart skipped a beat.

‘How does Uncle Dou know about that?’

But on second thought, Uncle Dou was the stabilizing force of this street; how could any rustle of the wind or stir of the grass escape his notice?

The incident at last week’s auction had probably reached Uncle Dou’s ears that very night.

Dong Hui didn’t hide anything, replying honestly, “You see things clearly, Uncle Dou. At last week’s auction, I acquired the Dragon Gazing Sword for a client. Supervisor Zheng was not pleased; he felt I’d ruined his plans. He’s been causing trouble for me ever since, and you saw what happened today… But I, Old Dong, have always been an honest, law-abiding man.”

He complained just a little but knew when to stop. Dong Hui was well aware that saying too much could make one tiresome.

After listening, Uncle Dou didn’t speak, just nodded slightly.

He set down his teacup, his gaze falling on something outside the window as if lost in thought.

After a moment, he spoke slowly, “That Xiaozheng… he’s too impetuous. I’m aware of this matter. I’ll handle it.”

Hearing this, Dong Hui felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. He quickly said, “Thank you, Uncle Dou!”

Uncle Dou waved his hand, signaling that thanks weren’t necessary.

His gaze shifted from Dong Hui and slowly turned toward Wan Ze, who was examining items in front of the Treasure Pavilion.

It was unclear what he was planning.

Dong Hui noticed Uncle Dou’s gaze, and his heart stirred once more.

Uncle Dou was watching Wan Ze.

Dong Hui didn’t dare to interrupt and stood quietly to the side, but his eyes were also secretly observing Wan Ze.

He couldn’t see Wan Ze doing anything out of the ordinary.

He was simply touching every single item, no matter how large or small.

He lingered on some objects a little longer, while others he touched only briefly, pulling his fingertips back almost as soon as they made contact, as if he held them in complete disdain and felt that even a moment longer was a waste of time.

But to Dong Hui, all of this seemed perfectly normal.

Eight out of ten people who came to the black market to look at antiques did the same thing: first, they’d handle the item to get a feel for its texture and craftsmanship, then decide whether to inspect it more closely.