“Oh my!”

“This isn’t just a young master – this is our ancestor!”

What timing – couldn’t that mouth of his show some restraint?

Even if Ah Hua was willing to sacrifice his life for Young Master, at such close range, the best outcome would only mean Du Zhaohui taking fewer bullets – what difference would it make? Whether hit by 10 bullets or 5 bullets, death was death!

Du Zhaohui stuck out his neck, ignoring Chai Hai’s threat:

“If you’ve got the guts, then kill me! You think I was raised to be scared?”

Without Chai Hai’s order, the previously holstered guns were all drawn again, instantly cocked with their dark barrels all aimed at Du Zhaohui and Ah Hua.

Ah Hua was on the verge of tears, already prepared to take bullets. If he moved quickly enough, maybe the Young Master would take two fewer bullets. With only two or three shots, Young Master might have a chance to survive, provided none hit vital spots.

Chai Hai’s face turned blue with anger. If he had the authority, he would have truly ordered his men to shoot Du Zhaohui dead. Chai Hai genuinely despised Du Zhaohui, from his persistence about buying the vase to demanding to meet Master Qiu – every single thing, never taking no for an answer! Yes, he was just another spoiled rich kid who wouldn’t listen – truly detestable!

“You’re not afraid of death-“

“I am afraid! I’m afraid you don’t dare give the order, you street rat! My death doesn’t matter, but can you still survive in Hong Kong afterward?”

Du Zhaohui was incredibly arrogant.

Ah Hua wanted to cover his eyes, too afraid and unwilling to watch. Perhaps this was Young Master’s survival strategy – acting extremely arrogant to make Chai Hai and others believe he had powerful backing.

Chai Hai was nearly coughing blood from anger.

As both sides were deadlocked with conflict about to erupt, a voice suddenly came from the cabin:

“Chai Hai, all of you stand down.”

“Master Qiu-“

“Hmm?”

“Yes, Master Qiu!”

They all holstered their guns again.

Master Qiu, wearing a long traditional robe, slowly walked up from the cabin. Du Zhaohui sneered, “So Master Qiu was here! What, Master Qiu wanted to test my courage?”

Their previous meeting was at dusk. This meeting was even later, directly at night. Under the swaying ship lights, Du Zhaohui couldn’t make out Master Qiu’s features even while squinting. This person was always like this – mysteriously keeping their face hidden.

Du Zhaohui knew why Master Qiu’s people had brought him here – he had been investigating Master Qiu’s background and was close to uncovering the truth. Master Qiu must be getting anxious.

Master Qiu sat opposite Du Zhaohui:

“You are indeed very brave, Young Master Du. You’re riding high in Pengcheng recently – wouldn’t it be better to happily make your money? Why bother antagonizing someone like me?”

Du Zhaohui suddenly leaned forward, face-to-face with Master Qiu, their faces no more than 20 centimeters apart.

“Du-“

Chai Hai almost drew his gun to shoot Du Zhaohui, but Ah Hua blocked him:

“If Master Qiu doesn’t mind, why are you anxious?”

No wonder Young Master called him Steward Chai – the emperor isn’t worried but the eunuch is dying of anxiety!

Ah Hua relaxed upon seeing Master Qiu. If Chai Hai’s men tried to harm Young Master, he would just grab Master Qiu – at such close range, Ah Hua was confident he could restrain Master Qiu. After all, Master Qiu looked so frail that even a strong sea breeze might blow him away.

Du Zhaohui carefully examined Master Qiu for a while. Master Qiu didn’t stop him, maintaining a calm expression.

After looking for a long time, Du Zhaohui plopped back into his chair.

“When I started investigating you, I was just curious. But unexpectedly, I found some interesting things. Master Qiu, you’re scared now!”

Master Qiu appeared completely unafraid:

“What should I fear? A person only fears when they have a weakness. I have no family or relatives, I’m alone except for these brothers and workers who make a living with me. But Young Master Du… you should be more afraid.”

Du Zhaohui suddenly slammed the table:

“Ridiculous! I’ve never feared anyone in my life!”

“Is that so? I thought Young Master Du had a weakness. When someone has a weakness, they can’t be bulletproof. I know many people don’t fear death, but they fear the death of those they care about.”

Master Qiu’s tone was calm, speaking of “life and death” as if discussing the most ordinary matters.

Weakness?

Du Zhaohui’s expression slightly stiffened, and the first person he thought of was Xia Xiaolan.

Living in the underworld meant inevitable encounters with danger – he often talked about tying people to rocks and sinking them in the sea, and perhaps that would be his fate too. After all, many people in the Du family wanted him dead; if he couldn’t escape it one day, it would just be bad luck! Du Zhaohui was mentally prepared for such an end.

But when he thought about Xia Xiaolan being tied to rocks and sunk in the sea… just the possibility made Du Zhaohui feel suffocated.

His expression turned extremely unpleasant: “Is Master Qiu suggesting using the Du family to threaten me? Oh, how scary! Should I kneel and beg you to spare the Du family?”

What a drama queen.

Young Master would probably be delighted if Master Qiu killed all the Du family members!

Without the elders, the Young Master would naturally be in charge.

Without the younger ones, no one would compete with Young Master for the inheritance.

How could Young Master be so devious…

Ah Hua, having been by Du Zhaohui’s side for long, had mastered the art of maintaining a serious exterior while internally making sarcastic comments.

Just as he finished his internal monologue, he heard Master Qiu laughing:

“Young Master Du, let’s all be honest here. The weakness I mentioned isn’t the Du family. For whom did you become so obsessed with a blue and white porcelain vase? For whom did you collect antiques and paintings I sold everywhere? And for whom did you investigate my background? Do I need to spell it out so clearly?”

Du Zhaohui’s face reddened:

“Of course, it’s for myself! Whoever looks down on me, I won’t give them a face! Being a broker and antique dealer are just your cover identities, actually you-“

Master Qiu interrupted him: “What I am doesn’t concern Young Master Du. Don’t you want to know why I invited you aboard today?”

“What else could it be? Someone’s getting anxious now that I’m about to expose their true identity.”

Du Zhaohui’s eyes showed contempt.

Master Qiu’s self-control was excellent, remaining unaffected by Du Zhaohui’s provocations, and still maintaining his composure.

“I’m not anxious. As I said before, I have no family or attachments to worry about, but Young Master Du has a weakness. I invited Young Master Du here to ask for a favor.”

Du Zhaohui laughed in anger, “Qiu, you kidnapped me onto this boat, had your men point seven or eight guns at me – is this how you ask for favors?”

Ask him to stop investigating.

Impossible, unless they killed him!

Du Zhaohui couldn’t swallow this insult.

Master Qiu had Chai Hai bring up a pot of tea and personally poured a cup for Du Zhaohui.

“Young Master Du, don’t be so angry. I want to ask for your help, but you’ll be helping yourself too. Unlike me, Young Master Du has a weakness. Everything related to her, you want to handle perfectly; words she casually spoke and forgot, you remember; when she’s angry at you, you get anxious; when she smiles at you, you feel the room brightens even without lights… So if she were in danger, would you care?”