Chapter 6 – Partnership
Yan Sanniang arranged for a carriage to pick up Gu Mo and Gu Chudong. It didn’t take long before they arrived at the Hundred Flower Restaurant.
One of the grandest establishments in Linjiang City, the restaurant was usually packed. But today, it was completely empty—eerily quiet.
Yan Sanniang had spared no expense. She had bought out the entire pce just to py mediator.
The three of them waited in the main hall. It didn’t take long before someone came to announce the arrival of the Broadsaber Gang.
Yan Sanniang personally went to greet them.
Soon, a group of men entered, led by a thin, aged man whose presence was mountain-like and still. His silver hair flowed freely, and his hawk-like eyes shone with calm dominance.
This was Lu Yingchuan—“Old Knife” Lu—the feared patriarch of the Broadsaber Gang. Behind him followed three other middle-aged men: the Wolf, Tiger, and Leopard of the gang’s infamous “Wolf, Bear, Tiger, Leopard” quartet. Qin Che the Wild Wolf, Du Yang the Mountain Tiger, and Lin Heng the Leaping Leopard.
Each of the three men instinctively kept a half-step behind their leader.
Yan Sanniang introduced everyone.
Gu Mo respectfully cupped his hands. “Leader Lu, I’ve long heard of your name.”
Lu Yingchuan gave a nod and sat without speaking. The other three followed suit.
Gu Mo remained calm and sat down, with Gu Chudong next to him. Outwardly composed, inwardly she was tense—understandably. These weren’t just street thugs. They were giants of the Linjiang underworld. Legends. Names she’d grown up hearing.
The room was thick with tension.
Yan Sanniang ordered tea, then began, “Leader Lu, I invited you here today to mediate this matter. Gu Mo is affiliated with my No Second Manor, and as you know, we’ve recently transitioned into a bounty operation. Gu Mo is our lead bounty hunter, and I rely on him quite heavily.
“I won’t retread what happened today. We all know the facts. But we all live by the code of the jianghu—profit over blood. Let’s talk it out, make peace, and build a mutually beneficial future.”
Lu Yingchuan took a slow sip of tea before speaking. “Yan Boss, out of respect for you, I’m here. I won’t argue the details. But Gu Mo did kill one of my men. There must be... some form of closure.”
Yan Sanniang smiled. “And what form would that take?”
Lu Yingchuan looked to Gu Mo. “Young man, how do you suggest we settle this?”
Gu Mo rose, raised his cup of tea, and said, “Then let me offer this cup in apology. From now on—”
“Bang!”
Before he could finish, Du Yang—the Mountain Tiger—smmed the table and stood.
“You blind bastard! Who the hell do you think you are?! My boss is giving you a chance to save face, and you raise tea like it’s enough?! Kneel, apologize, break your own arm—maybe then—”
Before the tirade finished, Gu Mo’s hand twitched. The teacup flew from his grasp.
Du Yang reacted instantly, striking to intercept.
Too slow.
The cup hit his chest with a loud crack. His ribcage caved in and he flew backward, crashing into the floor hard enough to shatter tiles. Blood gushed from his mouth—he couldn’t stand.
Even more shocking: the cup didn’t break. It rebounded perfectly—tea still inside—and nded back in Gu Mo’s hand.
Still smiling, Gu Mo lifted the cup again. “Leader Lu, I drink to you.”
Lu Yingchuan’s eyes widened in disbelief. His aura surged sharply—then slowly ebbed away.
After a long pause, he stood, raised his own cup, and said, “Brother Gu, it would be my honor.”
He drained his tea in one gulp.
Gu Mo followed suit.
Lu Yingchuan cupped his fists. “Let bygones be bygones. From now on, we’re allies. If you ever need help—look for me.”
He turned to Yan Sanniang. “Boss Yan, thank you for the hospitality. Farewell.”
“Take care, Leader Lu.”
She saw them off to the door. As they disappeared into their carriage, she turned back and grinned.
“That old fox still has some fire in him. I thought he’d make a move on you.”
Gu Mo chuckled. “If he had, and lost, his reputation would’ve shattered. Now, as someone who didn’t strike but made peace—his mystique remains.”
“True enough.”
She plopped herself beside him, sighing dramatically. “I went through all this trouble to help you out, thinking you’d owe me a favor. But you scared off Old Knife before I could cash in. What a waste!”
Gu Mo replied calmly, “I still owe you.”
She pulled out a contract from her sleeve and spread it before him. “Great! Then sign here. Officially partner with No Second Manor, and don’t you dare go off and join another bounty guild. My poor heart couldn’t take it.”
“...”
Gu Chudong took the contract and said, “Let me read it first.”
Yan Sanniang smacked her forehead. “Right! He can’t see! But seriously, Young Master Gu—you really can’t see?”
Gu Mo nodded slightly.
She murmured, “If I didn’t know, I’d never believe it. You don’t look blind at all.”
Gu Mo just smiled.
After reviewing the contract, Gu Chudong said, “It’s fine.”
Gu Mo nodded. “Then... let’s work together.”
Yan Sanniang beamed. “Delighted! I’m sure working with you, Young Master Gu, will be... very, very, very satisfying!”
(End of Chapter)
