Vincent sat on the wooden chair inside his shop, which he had closed earlier, sipping bitter tea with a blank expression.
But at that moment, he was forming a strategy. If the thugs returned, he needed a plan. Vincent listened closely to his thoughts.
Vincent realized that he and Li Wei, despite living in different worlds, shared many similarities. They both faced gangsters, corrupt officials, and moments of despair.
He was grateful that the Qi training he had undergone under the strict guidance of the system had helped him endure pain in both worlds. No matter how intense the suffering, he remained aware and calm.
***
That morning, Li Wei started thinking about how to deal with Zhao Kun and the gang that controlled the market district where he worked. He knew that if he kept giving them money, his business would collapse within weeks.
He regretted not listening to his friend's warning about opening a shop in the capital. But there was no turning back now, and he had no intention of giving up.
Vincent, trapped in Li Wei's body, felt the same uneasiness. Even as a mere observer, he began to understand Li Wei's mindset. The man wasn't just trying to survive, he was looking for a way to fight back.
Li Wei had a plan, to form an alliance with a powerful merchant, someone with enough influence to protect him from the thugs.
His thoughts immediately turned to Master Huang, a wealthy trader who controlled the silk trade in the western district. If he could collaborate with Huang, he might gain protection against Zhao Kun's gang.
Vincent absorbed every detail of Li Wei's thoughts carefully. He understood that forming alliances was just as important as fighting enemies directly.
***
Li Wei selected several of his finest silk rolls, then set out for Master Huang's trade house in the elite part of Chang'an.
The streets were packed with merchants, the market buzzing with people making deals. Li Wei walked cautiously, eyes scanning his surroundings, making sure none of Zhao Kun's or Chen's men were following him.
Vincent could feel Li Wei's heartbeat quicken, like someone who knew he was playing with fire.
When he arrived at Huang's trading house, a guard escorted him inside. The room was filled with high-quality silk rolls, far better than anything Li Wei owned.
At the center, a man in his fifties, wearing a luxurious robe and gold rings on his fingers, sat in a wooden chair carved with dragon patterns. This was Master Huang, the man Li Wei hoped to strike a deal with.
Li Wei bowed respectfully. "Master Huang, I have come with a business proposal."
Huang narrowed his eyes, scanning Li Wei with slight disdain. "A proposal? A small merchant like you wants to work with me?"
Li Wei remained calm despite the dismissive words. "I have silk from the finest artisans in the south, and I know you wish to expand your trade network."
Huang paused, then looked at him sharply. "Are you having trouble with the thugs in your shop?"
Vincent felt a flicker of concern inside Li Wei. Huang already knew about his troubles, and this could be either an advantage or a weakness in their negotiation.
Li Wei decided to be honest. "Yes, I need protection. These thugs keep taking my money, and if I don't act now, I'll lose my business."
Huang smirked. "Interesting. But many have come to me with the same story. Tell me why I should bother helping you."
Li Wei thought quickly, then said, "Because if gangs like this continue to operate freely, they won't just destroy my shop. Soon, they will target bigger merchants like you."
Vincent nearly smiled inside his thoughts. Li Wei was clever. He wasn't begging for help, he was making Huang see that this problem could become his problem too.
Huang stared at him for a long moment, then finally said, "Alright. I'll consider this partnership. But first, I need to test you."
Li Wei straightened, a hint of hope in his mind. He quickly asked, "What do I need to do?"
Huang smiled and replied, "I am hosting a banquet at my trade house tonight. Bring some of your finest silk rolls. I want to see if your goods are worth selling on a larger scale."
Li Wei bowed respectfully, then left with mixed feelings. He felt relieved but wary. Something didn't seem right about Huang's offer.
***
That night, Li Wei arrived at Huang's trade house carrying his best silk rolls.
The room was filled with elite merchants, city officials, and several men who looked like hired guards.
Li Wei placed his goods on the long table in the banquet hall while Huang inspected each roll carefully.
Suddenly, the banquet hall doors shut and locked from the inside, and a group of men moved to surround Li Wei.
Huang smiled slyly and said, "I have some friends who are interested in your business, Li Wei."
From the side of the room, Zhao Kun appeared with his men. They wore rough thug clothing and walked with arrogant confidence, stepping into the hall.
Li Wei's body tensed, and Vincent felt the same cold unease spread through him.
Zhao Kun walked toward Li Wei, grinning. "Did you really think you could escape your problems by hiding behind Huang instead of paying us?"
Li Wei took slow steps backward, his mind racing. 'How do I get out of here?'
Cold sweat trickled down Li Wei's back despite the night's chilly air. Vincent could feel his breath growing rapid.
One of Zhao Kun's men pulled a knife from his belt and lunged. Li Wei grabbed a wooden crate from the long table and blocked the attack, but the blade still cut his arm.
Vincent winced, feeling the sting in Li Wei's hand, as if he himself had been wounded.
Li Wei stumbled back, clutching his bleeding arm, then grabbed one of his silk rolls and hurled it at Zhao Kun's face, making him stagger.
Seizing the opportunity, Li Wei kicked one of Zhao Kun's men, then snatched a glass bowl from the table and smashed it over another thug's head.
As the situation turned, Huang raised his hand and shouted, "Enough!"
Everyone stopped.
Li Wei, panting heavily, blood dripping down his arm, stood firm, glaring at Huang defiantly.
Huang looked at him with a faint smirk. "You are stubborn. Maybe working with you would be useful."
Zhao Kun scowled at Li Wei, but he couldn't attack again without Huang's command.
Li Wei gave a small smile. "So, do we have a deal?"
Huang nodded. "Come to my shop tomorrow. We'll talk business."
Watching everything unfold, Vincent finally understood. Li Wei had just won the fight against the thugs and secured his business's future—without paying them anything.