Chapter 173: Breaking the Deadlock

In Blue Poplar Village, Ma Wu was trying to persuade Chu Huaiyuan.

"Sell the Paramount Club to Monkey Qiu while there's still time."

Chu Huaiyuan had struggled to hold out for a long time, waiting for Ma Wu to show up. And when he finally appeared, that was the first thing he said.

She lost control on the spot and rushed forward, grabbing Ma Wu by the collar. "The Paramount Club is mine! Why should I give it to him? Why?!"

Ma Wu pushed Chu Huaiyuan away and yelled, "If you want to throw a tantrum, do it at home. Don't bring your bad luck to me!"

"Why?" Chu Huaiyuan wailed. "Do you know how much effort I put in to take over the Paramount Club? Why should I leave just because he said so? Doesn't a signed contract count for anything?"

Ma Wu straightened the clothes Chu Huaiyuan had torn and forced himself to calm down. "When I was in dire straits, you left me half dead. I haven't even settled that score with you yet. By right, I shouldn't be saying a single word to you. But I got pulled in because of this matter. Let me remind you again. While Monkey Qiu's still keeping this matter relatively private, set a reasonable price and sell him the Paramount Club. When Lu Dongliang was in charge, most of the businesses were handled by Monkey Qiu. Calm down and think carefully about how ruthless he is. If you want to throw your life away, fine. Just don't drag me into it again in the future!"

Chu Huaiyuan shook her head. "I don't believe you. Where's your friend? That Li Qi. He's got guts. Let him meet me!"

Ma Wu sat down on the sofa and took a long swig from his wine cup.

He wanted to know where Li Banfeng was as well. The situation was growing more complicated by the day, and he wanted Li Banfeng to help him think of a way out.

Ma Wu had clarified several times to the newspaper that there was nothing special between him and Chu Huaiyuan. The paper paid him no mind. Day after day, it churned out stories, fabricating past affairs between the two of them.

Chu Huaiyuan fixed a dark gaze on him and said raspily, "If I can't hold on to the Paramount Club, you won't get off easy either. If I go down, we go down together!"

Ma Wu glared at her. "I'll ask you one more time. Were those newspaper articles your doing?"

Chu Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow. "Yes! I told them to write them! So what? Don't want to be tied to me? Fine! Give me a good solution, and I'll have the newspapers quiet by tomorrow!"

Ma Wu frowned at Chu Huaiyuan. He felt that things were not as simple as they seemed.

Zuo Wugang was not a decisive man, but as a large support hook, he would not make fundamental mistakes.

Since Chu Huaiyuan arrived in Blue Poplar Village, she had not left the village even once, out of fear that Qiu Ziheng would strike from the shadows. Occasionally, she would send Yang Yanzheng out, and even then, he would only go to Greenwater City to gather information.

She did not even dare step outside Blue Poplar Village, yet the newspapers kept reporting about her. Was that not a little strange? Moreover, as far as Ma Wu knew, after Chu Huaiyuan took over the Paramount Club, her finances had been in a terrible state. Under such circumstances, how much value could she still have for the newspapers? On what grounds would they continue to follow her instructions?

He felt as though an unseen hand was pushing events forward from behind the scenes.

The newspapers belonged to Ling Miaowen. If this was the Ling Family's design, then what was Ling Miaowen's objective? Was it to stir up conflict between the Lu Family, the Chu Family, and the Ma Family?

This matter had to be settled as quickly as possible.

While Ma Wu was thinking of a way to convince Chu Huaiyuan to do as he said, Zuo Wugang, the large support hook, walked into the room with a tense expression. "Young Master Wu, Monkey Qiu is here."

Ma Wu rose from the sofa at once. "Who did he send?"

"He came in person."

Given Zuo Wugang's strength and experience, there were not many people he feared, but Qiu Ziheng was one of them.

Chu Huaiyuan rose at once. "Good. Since he's here, we'll settle this once and for all!"

Ma Wu raised his voice in warning. "Miss Chu, this is my territory. Give me some face. When you see Steward Qiu, speak with respect!"

Yang Yanzheng chimed in, "My lady, please listen to Young Master Wu."

Chu Huaiyuan said nothing further. Ma Wu went out to receive Qiu Ziheng in person and invited him inside.

Qiu Ziheng had not come alone; he was accompanied by Lu Yuanshan.

Everyone took their seats. Before any pleasantries could be exchanged, Chu Huaiyuan glared at Qiu Ziheng. "Chief Steward Qiu, say what you came to say. I'm not in the mood for mind games. If you've come for my life, go ahead and try taking it if you can!"

Wen Hongyan immediately readied herself for a fight.

Seeing this, Zuo Wugang waited for Ma Junyang's command.

Yang Yanzheng tugged at Chu Huaiyuan's sleeve, silently pleading for her to calm down a little.

Lu Yuanshan let out an awkward laugh and turned to Ma Wu. "Junyang, control your woman. How can she speak so rudely in front of her elders?"

Ma Wu drew in a deep breath. "Brother Shan, she's not my woman. There are many misunderstandings. Let's just talk through them slowly—"

"What's there to talk about?!" Chu Huaiyuan snapped. "Qiu Zhiheng, what exactly do you want from me?"

Despite Chu Huaiyan's attitude, Qiu Ziheng remained calm. "I want to buy the Paramount Club."

Chu Huaiyuan slammed the table. "Not selling it!"

Lu Yuanshan frowned. "Crazy woman, can't just have a proper conversation with us?"

Ma Wu lowered his hands, signaling for calm. "Uncle Qiu, since you're offering to buy, we should at least discuss the price."

Qiu Ziheng nodded. "Good. There's at least one reasonable person here. Five hundred thousand silver dollars. Does that sound fair?"

Chu Huaiyuan gritted her teeth. "Five hundred thousand? Are you kidding me? I bought the Paramount Club from Lu Dongjun for eight hundred thousand silver dollars. Your offer is practically half that. Why should I sell to you?!"

Ma Wu said to Qiu Ziheng, "Uncle Qiu, that price truly isn't appropriate. The Paramount Club is the star attraction of Greenwater City—"

Qiu Ziheng smiled. "Then I'll buy half of it,"

Ma Wu was stunned.

Chu Huaiyuan yelled, "I won't sell even half. I'll fight you all—"

Ma Wu glanced at Chu Huaiyuan. She suddenly felt her blood surge upward and coagulate at her throat, blocking her windpipe.

The Blood-Surge Technique?

Qiu Ziheng thought.

That should not be possible. Ma Wu is only a level-one cultivator.

Qiu Ziheng looked rather surprised. "Junyang, seems your cultivation level has increased."

Ma Wu smiled. "You flatter me, Uncle Qiu. My cultivation level is not high enough to use the Blood-Surge Technique. What I used just now was the Motivation Technique."

Qiu Ziheng was a level-seven Hedonism Cultivator and shared the same cultivation path as Ma Wu. After observing closely, he confirmed that Ma Wu had indeed used the Motivation Technique.

The Motivation Technique was a low-level ability, but its principles overlapped with those of the Blood-Surge Technique. The fact that Ma Wu could produce effects similar to the Blood-Surge Technique with such a basic ability demonstrated that he had exceptional talent in Hedonism Cultivation. It truly made Qiu Ziheng look at Ma Wu in a new light.

While Chu Huaiyuan was unable to speak, Ma Wu quickly took over. "Uncle Qiu, do you mean that the Paramount Club will be jointly operated by the Lu Family and the Chu Family?"

Qiu Ziheng nodded.

Ma Wu had never imagined that a situation that had seemed unsalvageable could be resolved in such a manner.

Lu Yuanshan looked at Chu Huaiyuan. "Huaiyuan, Uncle Qiu has given you more than enough face. Shouldn't you know when to be satisfied?"

Yang Yanzheng urged Chu Huaiyuan, "My lady, let's just settle it this way."

Chu Huaiyuan swallowed several times before she managed to steady her breath.

After regaining her composure and clarity, she spoke with a different tone. "Uncle Qiu, let's make this clear. Will the Paramount Club bear the surname Chu or Lu?"

That was the crucial issue. Shares could be divided in half, but which family would hold the power over the operations?

Qiu Ziheng replied, "It will bear both surnames. Since you've managed it fairly diligently thus far, operational control will remain with you for now. With Junyang assisting, the Paramount Club should not incur losses. But if the losses exceed twenty percent, you must hand over control. Do you agree to that?"

Chu Huaiyuan was hot-tempered, but she was not foolish. Qiu Ziheng had made a major concession, giving her the advantage. So, of course, she stopped arguing, immediately drafted a contract, and finalized the matter.

With that, Ma Wu finally relaxed. He turned to the group and said, "Uncle Qiu, if you do not mind, please stay the night at Dreamspring Garden. Allow this junior to host a dance party this evening as a modest gesture of hospitality."

Qiu Ziheng nodded. "Very well. I intended to stay the night anyway. Tomorrow, I will speak further with you about business."

Ma Wu's heart had only just settled into a calm state, but now it was back up in his throat.

What business did Qiu Ziheng want to discuss with Ma Wu? Ma Wu was no fool. He could already guess what it was.

Once the Liu Family and the Si Family were cut out of the middle, Blue Poplar Village was, at its core, still Lu Family territory.

If Ma Wu wanted to operate there, he would have to pay the Lu Family dividends. How much he would have to pay depended on tomorrow's negotiation.

By bringing it up in advance, Qiu Ziheng was giving Ma Wu time to prepare. From every angle, Qiu Ziheng had handled the matter flawlessly.

Now it would come down to Ma Wu's sincerity.

What percentage of profit would be appropriate? Split it evenly down the middle? Would Qiu Ziheng accept that? If Ma Wu were to offer more, he would not be able to stomach it.

Brother Li, where have you gone? I need you to return so I can discuss this with you.

***

At seven in the evening, the dance party began. Lu Yuanshan invited Chu Huaiyuan onto the dance floor, but she was not interested in dancing. Her thoughts were still fixed on the Paramount Club.

Ma Wu had made careful preparations. He had summoned the most beautiful and skilled dancers in Blue Poplar Village and sent them out in turns to invite guests onto the dance floor.

Qiu Ziheng was a Hedonism Cultivator. He should have delighted in such hospitality.

Yet, he seemed uninterested. He sat alone in a corner, drinking. Left with no choice, Ma Wu personally took to the dance floor, dancing to one song after another to keep the atmosphere lively.

Halfway through the evening, Little Chuan hurriedly changed the record. In his fluster, he put on "When Will You Return?"

Ma Wu shot Little Chuan a sharp look. That song carried a special meaning. It signaled the end of a gathering.

「"Fair flowers do not bloom forever,

Fine days do not last.

Smiles ease brows furrowed with worry,

Tears stain the sash of longing.

After parting tonight, when will you return... 」

The song had already begun. They couldn't just cut the song off now.

Ma Wu forced an awkward smile. Then he noticed that Qiu Ziheng had changed seats. He had moved from one corner to another.

In the new corner, there was a guest who stood out from the rest. He wore a black suit and had a fedora pulled low over his face. Beneath the brim, a thick beard shadowed his jaw.

Li Qi.

Ma Wu had not expected Li Banfeng to return and had no idea when he had entered the dance hall.

However, Qiu Ziheng knew. From the moment Li Banfeng stepped inside, Qiu Ziheng had sensed him.

The two sat in silence for a moment.

Then Qiu Ziheng spoke. "Little brother, have you been well?"

He had recognized Li Banfeng, of course. Qiu Ziheng was a level-seven Hedonism Cultivator. To a certain extent, he could neutralize the Homebound Cultivator's innate ability of being overlooked by others.

More importantly, he had not merely seen photographs of Li Banfeng; he had met him in person. Even if he could not see Li Banfeng's face clearly right now, he remembered Li Banfeng's build.

Li Banfeng gave a slight nod. "I've been doing pretty good. And how have you been, Elder Brother Qiu?"

"Not good," Qiu Ziheng replied with a sigh. "Ever since I went looking for you in Greenwater City, the trouble hasn't stopped."

"Did you come here today to look for me again?" Li Banfeng asked. He assumed Qiu Ziheng was there because of the Arcane Crimson Lotus.

Qiu Ziheng fell silent for a moment. "In a way."

Li Banfeng slipped his hand into his pocket and closed his fingers around his house key.

Qiu Ziheng continued, "I came looking for you because of a matter regarding Blue Poplar Village. This place is still considered Lu Family territory. From now on, you'll have to give us a share of your profits."

Li Banfeng's sitting posture remained unchanged. He replied quietly, "Ma Wu and I are just trying to make a living here to put food on the table. How much you leave us depends on you, Elder Brother Qiu."

Just trying to make a living to put food on the table...

Qiu Zhiheng suddenly recalled the time he asked Li Banfeng for food on the train.

That matter had long passed. The favor had been repaid. There was no need for him to dwell on it.

Qiu Ziheng stayed silent until the song's final refrain. Then he said, "If it is still the two of you running things, then at the end of each year, send the Lu Family a token of goodwill. But the Ma Family cannot take over Blue Poplar Village. The Lu Family's banner must remain here. Otherwise, we will have to reconsider everything."

Qiu Ziheng ended up making another concession, this time with Li Banfeng.

Li Banfeng removed his fedora, placed it against his chest, and bowed to Qiu Ziheng. It was a gesture of his gratitude toward Qiu Ziheng.

Qiu Zhiheng smiled, set his fedora back on his head, and stepped onto the dance floor.

Later that night, Qiu Zhiheng and Lu Yuanshan left Blue Poplar Village.

Ma Wu had been terrified. He had thought Qiu Zhiheng had recognized Li Banfeng and would take action against him. After all, Lu Dongliang had been hunting Li Banfeng all this time.

If that had happened, Ma Wu would have risked his life and emptied his entire fortune to fight Qiu Ziheng to the end. He would have protected Li Banfeng no matter the cost.

However, Qiu Zhiheng had simply left. Not only had he refrained from harming Li Banfeng, but he had even settled the matter regarding Blue Poplar Village.

All that's required is a token of goodwill at the end of the year? Is Monkey Qiu truly that generous?

Ma Wu was overjoyed. "Brother Li, are you friends with Qiu Zhiheng or something?"

Li Banfeng did not answer.

They had a friendly relationship, but that was not enough to explain this.

Qiu Ziheng had already repaid the favor for the kindness Li Banfeng had shown him on the train. Neither man owed the other anything. Even Li Banfeng was quite puzzled by Qiu Ziheng's leniency.

Inside the carriage, Lu Yuanshan asked Qiu Zhiheng, "Uncle Qiu, aren't we conceding too much? I think we should hold at least sixty percent of the Paramount Club and collect no less than thirty percent of the profits from Blue Poplar Village."

Qiu Ziheng gave a slight shake of his head and handed Lu Yuanshan a newspaper.

It was that evening's edition. The headline read:

The Clash Between the Lu and Chu Families, Who Will Carry Greenwater City's Banner?

On the second page was another article. The title read:

A Fallen Tiger in the Plains, The Ma Family Seizes Blue Poplar Village. Will the Lu Family Swallow the Insult?

There were articles like this every day. Lu Yuanshan saw nothing unusual.

Qiu Ziheng said, "If even you find nothing unusual about it, then all of Puluo will feel the same way. Tomorrow, if they print another piece claiming the Lu Family has fallen out with the Ma Family and the Chu Family, people will think it perfectly natural."

Lu Yuanshan waved it off. "Newspapers are always like this. Let them write what they want. It doesn't make it true."

Qiu Ziheng shook his head. "If we had not handled this properly tonight, it could have become true. If Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Junyang had died by our hands, tomorrow we would have likely found ourselves at war with the Chu and Ma Families.

Those two are outcasts of their respective families, but they are still considered part of the family. At the end of the day, aristocratic families like theirs will still care about their face, their prestige. Moreover, there's clearly someone fanning the flames of conflict between the aristocratic families; things could very easily spiral beyond control."

Lu Yuanshan looked at the newspaper again, finally grasping the severity of the problem at hand. "Uncle Qiu, the one fanning the flames of conflict... do you mean the Ling Family?"

Qiu Ziheng's gaze turned cold. "Lu Dongjun made a grand spectacle at the Ridges of Bottomless Stomachs and then vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, the Ling Family secured numerous businesses. They filled their coffers at the Ridges of Bottomless Stomachs. Now they've shifted their attention to Greenwater City.

"Today, the Lu Family quarrels with the Ma Family. Tomorrow, it clashes with the Chu Family. The day after, it tears itself apart. In their newspapers, it will look as though the Lu Family is fighting all of Puluo. We can temporarily yield the revenue from the Paramount Club and Blue Poplar Village to Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Junyang. But we cannot allow the Ling Family to control the chessboard."

He paused pensively, then he said, "Yuanshan, I recall you once ran a newspaper yourself."

Lu Yuanshan nodded. "I did for a time. It made good money. But my father said it lacked prospects. I even tried filmmaking, and he disapproved of that as well. So I had to stop doing that too."

"Start up the newspaper again. Build the film studio as well. We cannot let the Ling Family grow quietly behind the scenes. It is time to expose some of their secrets."

Lu Yuanshan smiled. That was something he would gladly do.

***

Three days later, the Paramount Club reopened. Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Wu hosted a grand singing and dance competition and selected this year's twelve Singing Queens.

He Jiaqing sat on his hospital bed, his face ashen with anger.

Qiu Ziheng had broken the deadlock.

The traps involving the Paramount Club and Blue Poplar Village—he's dismantled them both!

I've truly underestimated him!