Chapter 302: Disguise

Zu An chuckled awkwardly, rubbing his head. "That's different. I only know one song on that instrument."

Xie Xiu couldn't help but exclaim, "You're so modest! That's not really like you, Ah Zu."

Zu An realized Xie Xiu was right. Anyway, no one in this world would know. Being a plagiarist... no, no, no, being a "porter" who brings the culmination of human art from his world to this one to be propagated should be a glorious thing. Why should he feel guilty?

Just then, Shang Liuyu hummed a few notes from *The Smiling, Proud Wanderer*. "Ah Zu, I really think this tune is excellent. It has a sense of unrestrained freedom, yet also an inspiring effect, as if I'm hearing the battle hymns of the beast tribes. It's very similar to that B... what was it called, that you used for your entrance last time?"

As she taught a course on the cultures and languages of all races, she was well-traveled and knowledgeable, so no one doubted her claim of having heard beast tribe battle hymns.

"BGM," Zu An clarified, "It means background music."

"BGM..." Shang Liuyu murmured to herself. She was proficient in the languages of various races, yet she didn't know which race this term belonged to.

After pondering for a moment and finding no answer, she let it go. "I heard that you captured the heart of Qiu Honglei, the most popular courtesan at the Immortal Abode, with this song?"

Zu An waved his hand. "Those are just rumors circulating among the common folk; they're not to be taken seriously."

"Really?" Shang Liuyu looked surprised and cast a doubtful glance at Xie Xiu.

Xie Xiu couldn't help but add, "But on that day, you really did make Miss Qiu like you because of that song!"

"Nonsense," Zu An replied with a straight face. "I didn't capture her heart with that song; I did it with my good looks and talent."

Xie Xiu: "..."

Shang Liuyu: "..."

The squad behind them: "..."

How could there be such a brazenly shameless person in the world!

Shang Liuyu was the first to recover. "Ah Zu, when will you compose a song for me too? Your songs are all very interesting."

Her previous exposure to "Hometown Scenery," "God of Gamblers," and "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" had given her a fresh perspective. They were completely different from the popular music of this world, yet they perfectly adhered to musical theory, sounding both novel and emotionally resonant.

"Sure!" Zu An readily agreed.

Xie Xiu, following behind, felt a pang of envy. He thought, *If I had known this, I should have learned more about music from my sister.*

Next, the group arrived at the Silver Hook Casino. Zu An immediately produced the IOU from the Plum Blossom Gang that Shang Liuyu had given him earlier and began the process of taking over.

The Plum Blossom Gang was already in disarray after Mei Chaofeng's death, and Mei Huaqi, who managed the Silver Hook Casino, had been killed by the enraged Shi Kun, making things even more chaotic.

Now, Zu An represented the Chu clan to some extent, accompanied by staff from Brightmoon Academy and the City Lord's son. In a way, these were the three most powerful forces in Brightmoon City. How could anyone at the Silver Hook Casino dare to resist?

Even if a few people voiced objections, Zu An and Shang Liuyu didn't need to intervene; the academy's squad handled them directly.

Xie Xiu, unaware of the transaction between the two parties, was secretly astonished. He wondered why the academy was helping Zu An so much. This fellow was truly unique; he made one group of people despise him, yet another group adored him.

The people sent by Jiang Luofu were indeed professional. They quickly inventoried and sealed the various assets and documents in the Silver Hook Casino, expelled the former Plum Blossom Gang members, and then placed seals on the doors.

Afterward, the academy would send logistics staff to recruit new personnel, renovate, and reopen the establishment.

Seeing the academy's significant assistance, Zu An's takeover of the Plum Blossom Gang's properties was a foregone conclusion. Xie Xiu thought it would be a good idea to play along and gain favor with both sides, so he sent word to dispatch some yamen officials to help.

With this help, the process was twice as efficient. The group went from one Plum Blossom Gang property to another, sealing them off. What was initially expected to take several days was almost completed in just one.

"Ah Zu, after we finish today, you absolutely have to treat us to a good meal. My back aches, my waist hurts, and my legs are cramping from exhaustion!" Xie Xiu had actually grown impatient midway through. After all, a playboy like him couldn't even be bothered with his own serious affairs, let alone have the patience for such tasks.

Fortunately, Shang Liuyu was truly beautiful, and he rarely had the chance to interact with her normally. Enjoying her presence at such close quarters was a delightful pleasure, which was why he managed to persevere for so long.

Zu An said with a chuckle, "Xiu'er, for someone so young to have an aching back, sore waist, and leg cramps, that might be a sign of kidney deficiency. You should go to Doctor Ji for some tonifying medicine."

Xie Xiu: "..."

The others nearby let out a quiet laugh, and even Shang Liuyu covered her mouth and smiled.

Xie Xiu was speechless. He thought, *Which eye of yours saw that I have kidney deficiency? My performance in that area is excellent, thank you very much! Otherwise, why would those young ladies cling to me so desperately when we break up? If you don't believe me, let's have a competition!*

As soon as this thought crossed his mind, the scene he had witnessed in the secret realm flashed before his eyes, and he instantly felt unwell.

*Damn it, let's not compare after all.*

Rage value from Xie Xiu: 666,666...

Sensing his lingering resentment, Zu An burst out laughing. "Just kidding! Of course, I'll treat everyone to a good meal later."

The people around cheered in unison, instantly regaining their energy. Xie Xiu felt a bit better then.

Only one property remained. A moment later, someone grabbed a middle-aged man and threw him over. "Teacher Shang, Teacher Zu, this fellow tried to escape, and he was carrying a large number of land deeds and banknotes."

"Isn't this Mei Hua Si of the Plum Blossom Gang?" Someone recognized him.

Zu An snatched the land deeds and banknotes, scoffing, "No wonder I felt so many things were missing when we were inventorying the Plum Blossom Gang's properties earlier. They were all with you, huh?"

A malevolent glint appeared in Mei Hua Si's eyes. "Zu, you won't be gloating for long!"

The Plum Blossom Gang was a massive organization that had enjoyed immense influence in Brightmoon City for years. As the fourth-ranked brother, his life had been exceptionally comfortable, but everything changed with Zu An's arrival.

Their leader was dead, the flourishing Plum Blossom Gang had collapsed, and he had become a stray dog. How could he not resent the one who caused it all?

Rage value from Mei Hua Si: 999!

Zu An sighed. "Your gang leader is dead. What's the point of spouting threats here?"

Shang Liuyu, disliking such scenes, subtly frowned and moved to the side. Xie Xiu naturally scurried after her. Dealing with these Plum Blossom Gang members simply lowered his prestige; it was much more pleasant to be with the beautiful teacher.

Mei Hua Si said malevolently, "As far as I know, Chen Xuan of Black Wind Stronghold wants to take your life."

Zu An smiled. "It seems your information network is quite good. But I'm still alive and well after all this time, aren't I?"

He thought to himself, *It seems that even most of the Plum Blossom Gang's top brass don't know that Chen Xuan and Mei Chaofeng are brothers.*

Mei Hua Si sneered, "With the Chu clan's protection, killing you naturally isn't easy. However, you're about to offend the Giant Whale Gang. No one in Brightmoon City who offends both Black Wind Stronghold and the Giant Whale Gang simultaneously has ever lived for more than three days."

"The Giant Whale Gang?" Zu An was startled. He had been investigating that gang recently. "Why would I offend the Giant Whale Gang?"

"Hmph, because these land deeds and banknotes were originally meant to be given to the Giant Whale Gang leader today. You've stolen his property, so of course you've offended them." A flicker of malicious pleasure shone in Mei Hua Si's eyes. Clearly, the thought of the retaliation Zu An might face made him feel quite satisfied.

"You were going to give these items to the Giant Whale Gang leader today?" Zu An's heart lifted. "Have you met him?"

"Naturally, I haven't met him, but I arranged to meet him today." Mei Chaofeng was dead, and the Plum Blossom Gang was in decline. Everyone was looking out for their future. Mei Hua Si had originally planned to use the properties under his control to secure a future with the Giant Whale Gang.

Because he was a high-ranking member of the Plum Blossom Gang and his introductory gift was substantial, the Giant Whale Gang leader took it very seriously and decided to personally meet him.

*Too bad I was just one step away. This fellow caught me, otherwise, I'd already be free and easy.*

"Don't even think about getting information about the Giant Whale Gang from me. I will absolutely not... *cough cough*," Mei Hua Si hadn't finished speaking when Zu An stuffed a pill into his mouth, startling him. "Ptooey, ptooey, what did you give me?!"

Zu An smiled faintly. "Oh, it's nothing much. Just a pill containing sealed parasitic worms. If you don't take an antidote within a day to suppress them, the worms will hatch and lay eggs. Your blood vessels will carry their eggs to all your internal organs, and then the worms themselves will travel into your brain, slowly gnawing on your brain matter... Tsk, tsk, I wonder what sound it makes when it gnaws?"

"Stop... stop talking..." Seeing that Zu An was even contemplating making gnawing sounds, Mei Hua Si thought, *I'm practically peeing myself here!*

He wasn't particularly afraid of ordinary poisons; at worst, it meant death. But this current situation seemed to promise a fate worse than death.

Zu An's expression turned cold. "Since you're afraid, then tell me everything, truthfully and in detail, about where you're meeting. If I'm satisfied, I'll give you the antidote."

*It seems humans are ultimately afraid of these insects,* he thought. Earlier, when he was thinking of ways to scare the man, many horror movie scenes came to mind, but he ultimately decided that parasitic worms would be most effective. Sure enough, it only took a moment to make him break down.

"I'll talk, I'll talk..." Mei Hua Si's voice trembled, and he hurriedly spilled everything he knew like pouring beans from a container.

After listening to him, Zu An fell into thought. After a long pause, he said, "Alright then, you take me to meet the Giant Whale Gang leader, and I'll give you the antidote afterward."

Mei Hua Si jumped in fright and quickly waved his hands. "Master Zu, if they find out, I'll be dead for sure!"

The Giant Whale Gang was known for its bloody and ruthless dealings, often not just killing an individual but even wiping out entire families. That's why Mei Hua Si was so terrified.

"You don't need to be afraid. When the time comes, I'll disguise myself as one of your subordinates and blend in. How could anyone from the Giant Whale Gang recognize me? As long as we get this done, I'll not only give you the antidote but also let you go and provide you with a settlement fund to live out your later years comfortably. It's up to you to decide." Zu An thought that this time, no matter what, he had to uncover information about the mysterious Giant Whale Gang, so he could give his wife a surprise when he returned.

Mei Hua Si's expression flickered between hesitation and resolve. After a long moment, he nodded. "Alright, I hope you don't go back on your word!"