Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Closing the Door
We left with the raw stone, guards stationed at the stairway under Chen Xi's orders. No one was to leave, except for Skinny Monkey.
Outside, the rain poured relentlessly, washing the bloodstains left from earlier skirmishes. Skinny Monkey's men had tried to resist, but against our combined assault, they didn't stand a chance. Even with unparalleled skills, Skinny Monkey was trapped like a rat in a cage.
Siyan emerged from the back hall and announced, "Brother Chen, Brother Guang, it's all taken care of."
Before we could respond, the distant wail of sirens reached our ears. Wasting no time, we boarded our cars. The vehicles slowly left the entrance but didn't depart completely. Instead, we parked at a nearby intersection, waiting for the show to begin.
My hand rested on the raw stone—smooth, flawless, and worth a staggering 80 million yuan. Skinny Monkey, ignorant of its true value, had no idea how deeply he'd doomed himself.
The police swarmed the building, dozens of officers charging inside with efficiency. Skinny Monkey's men, now subdued, knelt compliantly on the floor, claiming they were mere bystanders. The officers weren't interested in excuses, forcing everyone to the ground.
Among the officers, I recognized Tian Bin, Qian Guang's father, directing the operation in the pouring rain. Shortly after, several officers emerged carrying three black bags. They opened them to reveal piles of white powder—illicit goods destined to seal Skinny Monkey's fate.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of awe at Qian Guang's capabilities. To orchestrate such a massive transaction with Nungdao's suppliers demonstrated connections that ran disturbingly deep.
Just then, a window on the second floor flung open. A figure leaped out, landing clumsily in the rain-soaked mud. It was Skinny Monkey, scrambling desperately as he fled toward the street.
Chen Xi's car pulled out, trailing him at a leisurely pace without attempting to block his path. Our car followed suit, moving deliberately. We weren't hunting him down but merely guiding him to his end—an end he could not escape.
Skinny Monkey's fear was palpable as he ran, repeatedly glancing back. Panic drove him to seize a passing car at knifepoint, escaping in a frenzy. Our cars stayed in formation, not pursuing but ensuring he could not turn back.
This was Chen Xi's ruthlessness: letting Skinny Monkey run free, only to strip him of everything and leave him to die destitute. We did not intervene—his death was inevitable, whether in a blaze of glory or in misery.
As darkness fell, we turned our cars around and left the bustling World Trade Avenue, heading for Ruili Avenue. Victory was ours, and now, the final strike awaited.
Back at Master Qi's restaurant, a group of men in black tank tops stood in solemn readiness. Among them, the burly Ah Fu waited at the stairs. When he saw us, he approached and said, "Skinny Monkey not only stole Master Qi's stone but also trafficked drugs."
"Master Qi is waiting for you upstairs," Ah Fu added.
Carrying the raw stone, we ascended to Master Qi's office. Inside, he was watching the news—a broadcast of the anti-drug operation. Seeing us, he hurled the remote in rage.
"Deceitful scum!" he roared. "How many lives would he ruin with such a massive haul? A thousand deaths wouldn't be enough for him!"
The room fell silent, his fury casting a heavy pall. Zhao Kui and Zhuzi placed the raw stone on the desk. Master Qi's sharp eyes swept over it.
"Why only half?" he demanded.
"We only found this half," I replied. "The other half was likely already sold."
Ma Lan stood and interjected, "Father, this scoundrel not only sold your stone but also trafficked drugs! And Zhao Fei's previous troubles—it's clear he framed him."
Her words not only stoked Master Qi's wrath but also cleared my name. I silently vowed to repay her.
Master Qi paced, fists clenched. "Ah Fu, spread the word: I want Skinny Monkey brought to me, dead or alive!"
His orders were like an imperial decree. Ah Fu bowed and left, while the men downstairs prepared for action.
But we had other plans—Skinny Monkey was never going to reach Master Qi alive.
"Master Qi," I said firmly, "leave this matter to us juniors. The stone Skinny Monkey sold—this half belongs to you."
He raised an eyebrow, surprised. "And if you can't recover the other half?"
"Then I'll consider it my loss," I assured him. "But no matter what, you will not suffer."
My words gave him an exit from his rage. He glanced at me, gratitude flickering in his eyes.
At that moment, Ma Qing scoffed. "A single stone worth so much? Or are you just trying to act magnanimous?"
I smiled. "Miss Ma, if you don't understand, it's best not to speak. You'll only embarrass yourself. I can have someone buy this stone for 80 million right now."
"Oh? I'd like to see who would pay that price," she challenged.
Without hesitation, I called Boss Wei. Within moments, he arrived, eager to inspect the stone. After a brief examination, he nodded.
"Top-quality jadeite—tricolor, suitable for crafting exquisite ornaments. With proper marketing, 80 million is easily achievable," he declared.
Ma Qing's face turned pale, her defiance crumbling.
Master Qi intervened. "Ah Xin, enough. Focus on business."
Embarrassed and near tears, Ma Qing left the room.
Boss Wei handed over eight checks, each worth 10 million, and took the stone. After he departed, Chen Xi divided the checks into two portions, keeping one and leaving the other on the table.
Master Qi didn't touch the money, maintaining an air of detachment. His focus shifted back to us. "Chen Xi, handle Skinny Monkey cleanly. Make sure he doesn't suffer unnecessarily."
Chen Xi nodded. "Understood, Master Qi."
As we left, the rain continued to pour. I turned to Chen Xi. "Are you sure Skinny Monkey will come to you?"
He smirked. "He won't have a choice. Once the money is secured, his fate is sealed."
Chen Xi's words were like a final verdict, tipping the scales of justice against Skinny Monkey. With his last hope extinguished, he would plummet into the abyss.
A/N
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