In a hotel suite, Wang Haoran listened closely to a conversation between Su Lang, Yang Jingwan, and others.

Su Lang’s Global Supreme Black Card was missing, and the process to reissue it would take at least two weeks. This meant Su Lang couldn’t access the funds for this period. Nevertheless, as Su Lang mentioned, the wedding would still go ahead, though money would be an issue…

Su Lang would surely find a way to get money. But from where?

Ma Hongsheng was unconscious, unable to assist. However, Ma Hongsheng had two representatives: Ma Weicai, who was currently in trouble and unavailable, and Cheng Rui.

Having thought it through, Wang Haoran immediately called Cheng Rui. After two rings, Cheng Rui answered, though it was unclear if she’d been idly holding the phone or had reacted swiftly to the call.

“What is it?”

“The night is long, madam, can you sleep?” Wang Haoran asked with a teasing smile.

“If you have something to say, make it quick. Otherwise, I’m hanging up,” Cheng Rui replied, her tone somewhat cold.

Wang Haoran smiled silently and didn’t speak for a moment. Cheng Rui also remained silent but didn’t hang up.

“It seems, madam, you’re quite eager to talk to me,” Wang Haoran pointed out.

“I have nothing to discuss with you,” Cheng Rui’s voice kept its distance.

“But I’d really like to chat,” Wang Haoran said, undeterred, with a voice full of charm.

Cheng Rui paused before speaking again, her tone softer, “What do you want to chat about?”

“You made me wait too long, and now I suddenly don’t feel like talking,” Wang Haoran jested.

“You…” Cheng Rui’s breathing grew heavier with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

“Alright, let’s get to business,” Wang Haoran shifted the conversation. “Do you remember that mysterious young man?”

“I remember. Why bring him up now?”

“You know Ma Hongsheng respected him a lot. Now that Ma Hongsheng is unconscious, he might have you step in for him.”

“Who is he, really?”

“I can’t disclose that. Just know he’s not someone to offend.”

“So, what should I do if he comes to me?”

“Follow his instructions, but I want you to record everything. You get what I mean, right?”

“To gather evidence against him.”

“You’re quick on the uptake.”

“But I’m concerned. You said he’s not someone to cross. If he finds out I helped you, wouldn’t I be in danger?”

“You have value to him. Even if he finds out, you won’t be harmed. But I believe you won’t slip up.”

“Of course,” Cheng Rui said confidently, then playfully added, “But aren’t you worried I might double-cross you?”

“Could you really betray me?” Wang Haoran asked with a smile.

A full score of 100 in favorability wasn’t just for show. Cheng Rui had already proven herself once. He wasn’t truly worried about a betrayal but knew Cheng Rui was adept at concealing her emotions.

“Maybe not right now, but if you keep calling me at such odd hours, who knows,” Cheng Rui teased darkly.

“Alright, I won’t call after ten from now on. Goodbye,” Wang Haoran said, hanging up the phone.

Cheng Rui was left listening to the busy tone, feeling frustrated. Her tactic ended up backfiring. She had hoped for more late-night calls, but it turned out Wang Haoran took her words at face value.

…

The next morning, Su Lang’s other aides arrived in Qingling and reported to him. Su Lang immediately tasked them with gathering any news about Shadow. Yesterday, Shadow had suddenly gone silent halfway through a report, which Su Lang initially dismissed, thinking Shadow was handling minor issues. But with no update from Shadow, Su Lang suspected trouble.

After dispatching his men to find Shadow, Su Lang went to the market as usual. There, he encountered a hunchbacked, ugly man with a bamboo pole and a fortune-telling cloth. The cloth read: “For those with fate, no charge; for those without, a fortune costs a thousand gold.”

He was clearly a fortune teller, and many avoided him due to his ghastly appearance. But the man wasn’t deterred and proclaimed:

“With a clear heart, all things are auspicious. Do not follow the left path to manipulate yin and yang. Discerning the wise from the foolish in secret, only then can a master assist you.”

Su Lang slowly approached and smiled, “Fortune teller, do you think I am someone with fate or without?”

“Sir, your aura is extraordinary, not of an ordinary person. You are someone with fate,” the fortune teller replied.

“Then tell me, how’s my fortune lately?” Su Lang inquired.

The fortune teller examined Su Lang closely for about ten seconds. The smile left his face and he looked alarmed.

“Sir, you are facing a calamity of blood soon, with danger to your life. You must leave Qingling immediately to avoid disaster!” the fortune teller warned solemnly.

“Haha, we’re old friends. Is that how you greet me?” Su Lang laughed.

The fortune teller was actually his friend, Guimian Shenxiang Tianjizi.

“You know I don’t joke,” Tianjizi asserted seriously.