Chapter 29: Killing Notice

The next day, early morning.

During breakfast, Gu Chutong suggested hosting a housewarming party, but Gu Mo refused.

Gu Chutong pouted, saying, "Brother, are you really not going to host one? We've given out quite a lot of gifts over the past few years, some even multiple times. Wouldn't it be great to host a housewarming party and get some of those gifts back?"

"Forget it," Gu Mo waved his hand. "The people we used to associate with were all acquaintances from the Changfeng Escort Agency. It's unlikely we'll have much contact with them in the future, so there's no need for a big housewarming party. However, we could invite close acquaintances, like Uncle Qu, over for a meal to familiarize them with our new home."

"You're really not going to host one?" Gu Chutong mumbled, very unwillingly. "We've given out so many gifts!"

Gu Mo chuckled slightly but remained silent. He knew his sister was a little money-grubber. Whenever a wanted criminal was killed, Gu Chutong was always the first to search the body for money. She would even be happy for half a day after picking up a single copper coin on the street.

"Well, brother, I have a few good friends. Can I invite them?" Gu Chutong asked.

"Of course, you can."

For the past few years, the siblings had been drifting through the pugilistic world without a fixed home. Later, under Qu Heng's guidance and support, they joined the Changfeng Escort Agency and finally settled down. It was then that Gu Chutong started making friends, mostly daughters or granddaughters of the escorts and escort leaders at the agency.

Gu Mo, on the other hand, had many casual acquaintances, but few reliable ones, so he only planned to invite a few people.

As the siblings discussed whom to invite, a knock sounded at the door. Gu Chutong immediately ran out and then called, "Brother, it's Boss Yan! And also Gang Leader Lu from the Great Saber Gang!"

Gu Mo wasn't surprised by Yan San Niang's arrival, as she had helped them find a real estate agent for their new house. However, Lu Yingchuan's presence was a bit unexpected for him.

Soon, footsteps approached.

Gu Mo could sense that besides Gu Chutong, there were three other people: Yan San Niang and her bodyguard A Qi, and presumably Lu Yingchuan.

Upon entering, Lu Yingchuan cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Young Hero Gu, I heard you moved into a new home, and I've come uninvited. Please forgive my presumption!"

Gu Mo returned the bow with cupped hands and replied, "Gang Leader Lu, your presence graces my humble abode. Please, take a seat. Boss Yan, Brother A Qi, please sit as well. Chutong, go make some tea!"

Lu Yingchuan quickly said, "Please don't trouble Miss Chutong." As he spoke, he handed a box he was carrying to Gu Chutong and said, "It's just a small token, not much, but please accept it as a congratulation to Young Hero Gu and Miss Chutong on your new home. Please don't despise it."

Yan San Niang also presented a gift box, saying, "Sister Chutong, this is face powder I specially chose for you. You've been traveling with your brother for a long time, exposed to wind and sun, so you need to take care of your skin. As girls, we should be good to ourselves."

"Thank you, Boss Yan, thank you, Gang Leader Lu." As she spoke, Gu Chutong looked toward A Qi, the swordsman.

A Qi, always dressed in black and holding a long sword, rarely spoke, appearing cold and distant. Suddenly seeing Gu Chutong's expectant gaze, he slowly said, "I am a bodyguard."

Gu Chutong continued to stare intently at A Qi, asking innocently, "I know you're a bodyguard and your monthly salary isn't high, so don't worry, I won't dislike your gift."

A Qi was speechless.

Yan San Niang couldn't help but laugh as she looked at A Qi, saying, "Yes, A Qi, Sister Chutong is very understanding. As the saying goes, 'a goose feather sent from a thousand li away, a small gift but deep affection!'"

"Yes, yes, exactly!" Gu Chutong nodded.

With a helpless expression, A Qi took out a money pouch from his pocket and handed it to Gu Chutong.

"Thank you."

Gu Chutong took the money pouch and ran off.

A Qi was speechless.

Gu Chutong left with her gifts to make tea.

Lu Yingchuan and Yan San Niang couldn't help but laugh as they watched the dejected A Qi, who had just been 'extorted.' Although Gu Mo couldn't see, he could likely imagine the scene and also found it quite amusing.

It was perhaps A Qi's bad timing.

Since they weren't hosting a housewarming party, Gu Chutong was feeling the sting of not being able to recoup the gifts they had given out. It just so happened that A Qi arrived, and since A Qi was clearly not good with words, it would have been strange if Gu Chutong hadn't 'extorted' him!

"Young Hero Gu," Lu Yingchuan began, "Some time ago, due to my lax management, an unpleasant incident occurred between us. I came specifically to apologize today."

"Gang Leader Lu, what are you talking about?" Gu Mo said. "The misunderstanding at the Hundred Flowers Restaurant was already cleared up. For those of us in the pugilistic world, it's better to resolve enmity than to foster it. After sharing a drink, we're all friends. Let's look out for each other from now on, alright?"

"Yes, yes, that's exactly right!" Lu Yingchuan said heartily. "Young Hero Gu, you have a generous spirit, and I, Lu Yingchuan, admire that. If you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to come find me at the Great Saber Gang."

The two chatted for quite a while.

Lu Yingchuan didn't mention any specific business and then took his leave, leaving Gu Mo rather bewildered.

Yan San Niang noticed Gu Mo's confusion and said, "Don't overthink it. Today, that old boss came to see you with no other purpose than to apologize. That old boss is getting on in years and isn't like he was when he was young. He just wants to live out his retirement peacefully. Before, at the Hundred Flowers Restaurant, although I mediated and resolved your issue, it wasn't a very pleasant resolution at the time. This time, you killed Fei Long and received high praise from the famous hero Shen Bai. That old boss realized your great potential and became fearful. When he heard you moved into a new house, he asked me to bring him here so he could feel at ease."

"So that's how it is," Gu Mo realized.

Yan San Niang said, "It's good that you've befriended him. As the saying goes, there's a path for everyone; people from a gang like the old boss can sometimes be surprisingly useful."

Gu Mo nodded and said, "I understand."

Yan San Niang then said, "Besides congratulating you on your new home, I actually have something else to discuss with you today. I recently received a big commission, but among the hired blades I currently have, no one can handle it except for you. How is your rest going?"

"Tell me the details."

Gu Mo was indeed ready to take on tasks again. His previous rest was mainly to help Gu Chutong absorb the medicinal power of the Minor Revival Pill. Now that Gu Chutong had fully absorbed the pill, there was no longer a need for him to continue resting.

Yan San Niang slowly said, "This mission's target is the assassin Silver Fox!"

Gu Chutong exclaimed in surprise, "The Silver Fox, who's known as Yunzhou's top assassin?"

Yan San Niang nodded, saying, "Yes, that's him. He's reappeared, as arrogant as ever. He issued a death notice to Wang Yuanbao, the richest man in Yong'an County, stating he would kill him seven days from now!"