After much thought, I finally decided not to tell the middle-aged man who my master was. I simply made up a lie and left.
Human hearts are unfathomable, difficult to guard against.
Although I didn't know the middle-aged man's ultimate purpose in asking about my lineage, I would never reveal anything about Uncle Tuo's affairs to anyone.
After leaving the bus station, I didn't have Han Jinlun drive too far. Instead, I found a hotel about three kilometers away on Fashion Street and booked a large suite.
The reason I didn't move further away from the bus station was mainly to test the middle-aged man. I wanted to see if he would play the trick of "feinting east while attacking west," agreeing to my face but secretly sending people to follow me.
Originally, my plan for this trip was to find some helpers, but I never expected that there would be people behind these helpers.
Having already gotten myself into a mess, I didn't want to be targeted by other dogs following the scent.
I stood by the window and observed for a while. After confirming that the middle-aged man hadn't sent any other disciples to follow me, I finally relaxed.
After a brief self-introduction, I learned that Shi Yu's real name was Xu Shiyu, and the young man who had a crush on her was named Ma Wei.
After honestly explaining my purpose for seeking them out, Xu Shiyu and Ma Wei's hostility towards me significantly decreased.
Of course, the financial incentive also played a part.
I told Xu Shiyu and Ma Wei that I sought them out purely because I valued their teamwork abilities and wanted them to cooperate with me in setting up a scheme.
Regardless of whether the scheme succeeded or failed, they would each receive a reward of at least fifty thousand yuan.
Furthermore, if they wished to cooperate further in the future, they could contact me directly.
Unlike beginners entering the Thousand Doors for the first time, upon hearing about setting up a scheme with a high reward, neither Xu Shiyu nor Ma Wei asked what the scheme was or if it would be dangerous.
This point satisfied me greatly.
I detest people who want to earn a lot of money but are unwilling to put in much effort, and who pester with endless questions before anything is even done.
Professional con artist teams truly just take the money and do the job; they never ask questions they shouldn't...
When it was time for dinner, I took the four of them downstairs, ordered a few dishes, and asked the hotel staff to bring a case of beer, planning to eat and chat.
After three rounds of drinks and finishing the dishes.
Out of curiosity about the middle-aged man, I looked at Xu Shiyu and Ma Wei and asked, "Your master mentioned before, why did he teach you skills but not want you to get involved in the true world of deception?"
Upon hearing my words, Xu Shiyu and Ma Wei both paused.
After putting down their chopsticks, Xu Shiyu sighed, "I don't know the reason. Among my master's disciples, I've been with him the longest."
"But from the time I met him, he seemed to be in a state of retirement from the martial world. He spent his days setting up schemes on the streets near the bus station, earning small amounts of money to get by."
Although Xu Shiyu's tone didn't sound like she was lying, the moment she and Ma Wei both froze made me feel that things were not as simple as she described.
However, she simply didn't want to tell the truth.
It's understandable, after all, we had only met for less than a day, far from being able to confide in each other and share secrets.
With this thought, I stopped asking questions and changed the topic to casual conversation...
After dinner, I took them back to the suite.
Upon entering the room, I told Xu Shiyu and Ma Wei that they could stay or return to their rented apartment at the East Station until I notified them of the operation.
However, there was one condition: their phones must be kept on and ready at all times.
Although I wasn't sure if Yu Shuang's counterattack would come before or after Ying Baolin contacted me for work, it was always better to be prepared.
To my surprise, just as I had found two reliable helpers, Ying Baolin called that very evening!
This call I had been waiting for finally came tonight!
The moment I answered the phone, before I could even speak, this influential figure directly said, "Do a favor for me tonight. After it's done, all past grievances will be settled!"
Upon hearing this, I immediately became extremely alert: "Okay!"
"Wait for my call!"
With that, Ying Baolin hung up.
Clean and efficient, without any hesitation.
For the time that followed, I stayed in the hotel, not going anywhere, quietly waiting for Ying Baolin's call.
In the evening, around eight-thirty.
Ying Baolin's second call came.
"Be at the entrance of the Jiutian Ballroom by nine o'clock sharp."
"Remember, you go alone."
"Someone will meet you there."
"As for what needs to be done, you'll know when the time comes!"
"Don't try any tricks. Once you get to the Jiutian Ballroom, someone will be monitoring your every move!"
After saying that, Ying Baolin hung up.
Glancing at the time on my phone, I didn't delay for a second. I immediately called Han Jinlun, gave a few instructions to Cheng Minglang, and then hurried on my way.
...
Eight fifty-five.
The moment Han Jinlun dropped me off at the Jiutian Ballroom, I saw Jiang Xiaowan at the entrance.
Much like Ying Baolin, upon seeing me, Jiang Xiaowan cut straight to the chase and said, "Come with me."
As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and walked inside.
Following Jiang Xiaowan into the ballroom and through the lobby, hearing the service staff along the way greet her with "Good evening, General Manager Jiang"...
It was then that I realized this ballroom was Jiang Xiaowan's establishment!
It seemed that all the "Twelve Dark Lanterns" who followed Ying Baolin were indeed incredibly wealthy!
Following Jiang Xiaowan all the way to the ballroom dancers' dressing room, she told me to sit in front of the mirror and not move, saying she was going to give me a makeover.
Although Jiang Xiaowan didn't tell me the reason, I deduced that it must be related to the night's business.
About ten minutes later...
Jiang Xiaowan transformed me into a middle-aged man, appearing to be in his early thirties, with rough skin and a scruffy, unkempt beard.
Then, she took a suit that had been prepared from a nearby rack and handed it to me to change into.
Looking at myself, completely transformed from head to toe, Jiang Xiaowan first nodded with satisfaction, then said, "Since Hao Qi can't make it due to other matters, you will take over what he was supposed to do tonight."
She paused, then continued, "Listen carefully, Chen Xiang. What you need to do tonight is very simple."
"That is, with this new appearance, you will sweep the Yun Jin casino for the boss!"