Chapter Fifty-Three: Idle Conversation

Up close, Fang Yuan thought that Guo Xiaohua appeared to be just a little over twenty. Even if he could hide his age, sometimes a small, inadvertent gesture revealed his youth. The owner soon brought over some beer and snacks, and as they drank, Guo Xiaohua chatted with Fang Yuan, both casually and deliberately.

"Fang Yuan, where did you learn your skills? Those people I brought last time are usually not ones others dare provoke, yet you took them down in an instant, all by yourself. With abilities like yours, I dare say no one around here could do the same," Guo Xiaohua asked.

Though Fang Yuan hadn't really shown much at the time—the men were so useless that they were already on the ground before he could even begin—Guo Xiaohua, from the first move, knew not to underestimate him. After a brief exchange, he was even more certain that Fang Yuan was not someone to be trifled with.

If they were just street thugs, they wouldn't think about consequences when fighting, but these men were not mere hooligans. They kept such people around because there were many occasions that called for them.

Guo Xiaohua understood well the kind of trouble inviting the wrong person could bring. To be so young and occupy such a position, he must have his own ways of reading people.

"I didn't learn from anyone in particular—just have a bit of brute strength," Fang Yuan replied. It wasn't a believable answer, but he couldn't think of a better excuse. He worried that if he mentioned anyone or any place, Guo Xiaohua might really look into it. This answer, though unconvincing, cut off further questioning.

Guo Xiaohua recognized that Fang Yuan didn't want to answer, so he didn't press the matter. If someone doesn't wish to speak, no amount of questioning will yield anything useful.

"You haven't been here long, have you? What are your plans?" Guo Xiaohua probed.

"I've just arrived and don't have much experience. I'll just take things as they come," Fang Yuan replied, unable to figure out Guo Xiaohua’s intentions, so he kept his demeanor calm to gauge the other’s reaction.

"That’s good too. Sometimes ordinary days are best. Here, let me toast you. If you encounter anything here, just give me a call—I’ll be there whenever you need," Guo Xiaohua said, full of schemes but aware that Fang Yuan didn’t trust him yet. He knew better than to say more and risk leaving a bad impression.

As they raised their glasses, Guo Xiaohua caught sight of the stone hanging around Fang Yuan’s neck—the so-called lucky stone Pei Xi had given him.

"Fang Yuan, where did you get that? Could you take it off and let me see?" Guo Xiaohua’s gaze changed as he looked at the amber-like stone around Fang Yuan’s neck.

The stone was usually kept in his pocket, but today, after swimming, Fang Yuan had hung it around his neck to avoid losing it to the waves. He barely noticed it hanging there and had forgotten to take it off.

Only now, prompted by Guo Xiaohua, did Fang Yuan realize he’d been wearing it all along.

"It’s just an ordinary stone—a friend gave it to me," Fang Yuan said. Though Pei Xi called it a lucky stone, Fang Yuan didn’t take it seriously, thinking it was nothing special. The so-called lucky stone was just a psychological comfort; since Chong Chong liked it, Fang Yuan kept it close.

He took the stone off and handed it to Guo Xiaohua without much thought.

Guo Xiaohua received it respectfully with both hands, took out a small magnifying glass from his leather bag, and examined it closely.

"Do you know Old Master Pei?" Only after a long while did Guo Xiaohua set down the magnifier and ask.

"I do, but not very well," Fang Yuan replied, noting that Guo Xiaohua seemed to know the stone’s origin.

"Did Old Master Pei give this stone to you?" Guo Xiaohua looked at Fang Yuan in a new light; to know Old Master Pei was impressive enough, but to receive a gift from him was extraordinary.

Though he’d never met the legendary Old Master Pei, no one here was unfamiliar with his name. Old Master Pei was a wealthy man, harsh and fiercely protective of his own.

"No, it was his daughter," Fang Yuan replied frankly, since Guo Xiaohua clearly knew of Old Master Pei, and there was nothing to hide.

"What? You mean this lucky stone was given to you by Pei Xi, Old Master Pei’s only daughter?" Guo Xiaohua was far more agitated than before.

Now, hearing the stone was from Pei Xi, his expression was one of fear and disbelief.

"Yes, why?" Fang Yuan couldn’t understand why hearing Pei Xi’s name made Guo Xiaohua so unsettled.

"It’s nothing, really. Seems Old Master Pei holds you in high regard," Guo Xiaohua said, offering no further comment.

He remembered the lucky stone—it had once passed through his own hands. He knew Old Master Pei had bought it, but had never met him in person. At the time, he’d thought Old Master Pei bought it for himself; little did he know it was for his daughter Pei Xi, and even less that Pei Xi would give it to Fang Yuan. Most surprising of all, after receiving Miss Pei Xi’s gift, Fang Yuan could still sit here, safe and sound.

The reason Old Master Pei’s name was so memorable was not his wealth, nor his legendary life, but because of his daughter, whom he protected fiercely. He refused any man the chance to approach her for any reason; his protective nature was the first impression anyone had upon hearing his name.

Those persistent young men, convinced of their own superiority, even those with influence, all met tragic ends.

So it was no wonder Guo Xiaohua was so stunned by Fang Yuan’s words, nearly dropping his jaw in shock.

If those who had suffered at Old Master Pei’s hands ever learned of this, they would never believe it was true.

Could it be that Old Master Pei’s time was nearing its end, and he had finally chosen to show mercy to Fang Yuan?