CHAPTER 214: CHAPTER 214: A TRANSACTION

Gu Ningyue realized that Tan E had the key to Cheng Yihan’s house only when he took it out to unlock the door.

Suppressing many doubts in her heart, Gu Ningyue stood beside him in the room lit by candlelight.

Cheng Yihan certainly couldn’t recognize the current Gu Ningyue, but seeing Tan E bring her in, he seemed to tacitly accept her presence due to his trust in Tan E.

However, Lu Qingqing, sitting across from Cheng Yihan, said, "Mr. Cheng, it’s not quite right to have outsiders here, is it?"

Gu Ningyue’s gaze fell on the unfamiliar man, and she scoffed internally; soon you’ll know whether my presence is good or not.

"It’s okay," Cheng Yihan’s voice was very gentle, seemingly with a calming effect: "Hand over the money and goods in seconds; it won’t be a problem."

Lu Qingqing glanced at her wristwatch, "Shall we start now?"

Cheng Yihan didn’t speak, but when Tan E, behind him, lightly placed his hand on his shoulder, he nodded and said, "Let’s wait a bit longer! It’s not the time yet, right?"

Lu Qingqing was puzzled, "I’ve already brought the money, Mr. Cheng, why must we wait until that exact time?"

She had arrived half an hour early, not late, why be so stubborn?

Gu Ningyue watched their interaction without speaking; Cheng Yihan seemed to know today’s transaction wasn’t going smoothly, and he was waiting for someone to arrive.

Was he planning a counter-strike or forcing the other party to reveal themselves?

Gu Ningyue was somewhat looking forward too, after all, this was the first serious mission after so long.

"So," Cheng Yihan chuckled, "Maybe I’m somewhat superstitious; you know, jade has spiritual qualities. It can only be traded at specific times."

Gu Ningyue mused, you didn’t have so many rules when trading with the boss before, the faster the money, the better.

How come this time, you start believing these things?

Lu Qingqing sat on the sofa, her left leg over her right, her stunning face more alluring under the candlelight, "Alright, respect Mr. Cheng’s rules."

Gu Ningyue discreetly observed the unfamiliar man, occasionally listening to Lu Qingqing’s and Ji Qianqian’s idle chatter.

The only sound in the room was this; Cheng Yihan quietly sat in front of her, only watching his watch, seemingly waiting for an important moment to arrive.

Suddenly, Gu Ningyue felt uneasy; with so many people in this room, if Tan E and Cheng Yihan became her enemies, along with the unfamiliar man, she’d be deeply ensnared.

Lu Qingqing only thought of protecting Ji Qianqian, likely not caring about Gu Ningyue’s fate.

Thinking this, Gu Ningyue shivered.

"It’s time!"

After an unknown amount of time, Cheng Yihan suddenly spoke.

From somewhere appeared a brocade box in his hand, which, when opened, was sent to Lu Qingqing.

It was an uncarved Blood Jade, in the candlelight, one could faintly see that enticing red shade.

Though irregular, even in such an environment, the jade quality could hint at a superior jade.

Gu Ningyue’s heart raced; she hadn’t been this nervous in a long time.

Lu Qingqing examined it by candlelight, confirmed it was the one she’d seen before, motioned to have the box opened on the table.

The stacks of red bills almost blinded Gu Ningyue’s eyes, this box of money seemed to be hundreds of thousands.

"Five hundred thousand altogether; does Mr. Cheng need to count it?"

Cheng Yihan shook his head, glanced around, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "No need, I trust Miss Lu wouldn’t tamper with this."

Lu Qingqing smiled seeing this, put the Blood Jade in her bag, stood up, and extended her hand to him: "Goodbye?"

Cheng Yihan gently shook her hand: "Goodbye!"

Gu Ningyue watched from the side, and just as Lu Qingqing let go of his hand, a shadow approached her at unimaginable speed.

A flash of silver, and before Lu Qingqing could react, Gu Ningyue already engaged with him.

"Lu Qingqing, hurry and take Ji Qianqian and leave!"

Reminded by Gu Ningyue, Lu Qingqing finally reacted, immediately grabbing Ji Qianqian’s hand to flee.

But before reaching the door, someone from the crowd suddenly blocked her: "Miss Lu, hand over the Blood Jade to leave this door alive!"

The speaker was none other than the leading man in black from the elevator earlier.

Lu Qingqing’s eyes widened for a moment: "Yun Jin, what are you saying?"

She seemed not to expect the person betraying her was him, disbelief lacing her voice.

Only then did Gu Ningyue understand why careful Lu Qingqing was indifferent to the unfamiliar man.

It was because such a presence existed.

Others seemed surprised their longstanding leader suddenly changed his tune, hesitated for a moment, then rushed up to engage in a chaotic battle.

Clearly, these people were no match for Yun Jin.

In moments, they were defeated.

"Tan E, are you just watching?" Seeing the Blood Jade about to fall into others’ hands, Gu Ningyue couldn’t hold back and called out.

Tan E stood coldly aside, "My task is to protect Cheng Yihan, other lives aren’t within my protection scope."

Gu Ningyue managed to hold off the man in front, but by then the Blood Jade was already in Yun Jin’s hand: "Miss Lu, thanks for the care during this time!"

His mouth bore a triumphant smile as if the humble servitude had been nothing but a dream.

Lu Qingqing, fueled by some courage, grabbed his arm: "No. You can’t leave! Yun Jin, you know how much this jade means to me!"

He hadn’t harmed her; he just wanted the jade. Lu Qingqing’s brain spun fast, but her voice trembled uncontrollably: "If you need money, I can give it to you, and I won’t hold today’s events against you, as long as you return the Blood Jade to me!"

After so long, she never dreamed the one to betray her in this transaction would be him!

Having known each other for years, Yun Jin seemed to hear something amusing and briskly shook off her delicate arm: "Miss Lu, goodbye!"

Gu Ningyue couldn’t let him vanish before her eyes, stepped over fallen bodies, and pursued him.

She couldn’t just let him go, for Lin Ruixian’s sake and Ji Qianqian’s, she couldn’t let him go!

With a "sizzle," the lights flashed, restoring brightness in the room.

Lu Qingqing held Ji Qianqian tightly, talking on the phone with someone.

Bright red blood seeped into the cracks. Cheng Yihan frowned; the floor here was not easy to clean.

It seemed he had work ahead...