Chapter 173: Breaking the Deadlock

In Lanyang Village, Ma Wu was trying to persuade Chu Er.

"Sell the Paramount to Monkey Qiu while there's still time."

After waiting for so long, and finally meeting Ma Wu, she received only this one piece of advice.

Chu Huaiyuan lost control on the spot, stepping forward to grab Ma Wu. "The Paramount is mine! Why should I give it to him? Why?"

Ma Wu pushed Chu Er away and barked, "If you want to throw a tantrum, go home and do it. Don't bring your bad luck here!"

"Why?" Chu Er wailed. "How much effort did I put into acquiring the Paramount? Why should he just take it with a single word? Doesn't a signed contract count for anything?"

Ma Wu straightened his clothes, which had been torn by Chu Er, and calmly said, "When I was down and out, you nearly killed me. I haven't settled that score with you yet. Logically, I shouldn't say another word to you, but this matter involves me. I'm just giving you a warning: while Monkey Qiu doesn't want to blow things out of proportion, sell the Paramount to him for a reasonable price. When Lu Dongliang was in charge, most of the business was handled by Monkey Qiu. Calm down and think carefully: how ruthless is Monkey Qiu when he does things? If you don't care about your life, fine, just don't involve me again!"

Chu Er shook her head and said, "I don't believe you. Where's your friend? The one called Li Qi? He's a man of courage; make him see me!"

Ma Wu sat on the sofa, raised his glass, and took a big gulp.

He also wanted to know where Li Banfeng was. The current situation was becoming increasingly complicated, and he wanted Li Banfeng to help him come up with an idea.

Ma Wu had declared several times to the newspaper that there was no special relationship between him and Chu Er, but the newspaper completely ignored it. Every day, there were constant news stories, big and small, all fabricating a past between him and Chu Er.

Chu Er glared at Ma Wu with a dark expression and said in a hoarse voice, "If I can't hold onto the Paramount, you won't have an easy time either. If we're going to die, we'll die together!"

Ma Wu stared at Chu Er and asked, "I'm asking you one more time: did you have them write those articles in the newspaper?"

Chu Er raised an eyebrow. "It was me! So what? You don't want to be associated with me? Fine! Give me a good idea, and I'll make the newspaper quiet tomorrow!"

Ma Wu frowned, looking at Chu Er, feeling that things weren't that simple.

Zuo Wugang was an indecisive person, but as a high-ranking enforcer, his basic skills were flawless.

Since Chu Er came to Lanyang Village, out of fear that Monkey Qiu would make a move against her, she had not left the village. Occasionally, she would send Yang Yanzheng out, but only to inquire about news in Lushui City.

She didn't even dare to leave Lanyang Village, yet the newspaper kept circling around her. Wasn't this a bit strange?

Furthermore, as far as Ma Wu knew, Chu Er's financial situation had been dire after she took over the Paramount.

In such a situation, how much value could she still create for the newspaper? Why would the newspaper still obey her orders?

He felt there was a hidden hand behind all this, pushing things forward.

The newspaper belonged to Ling Miaowen. If this was the Ling family's idea, what was their purpose in doing so?

To provoke a conflict between the Lu, Chu, and Ma families?

He had to calm this matter down as quickly as possible.

While Ma Wu was still thinking about how to persuade Chu Er, he suddenly saw the high-ranking enforcer Zuo Wugang walk into the room with a tense expression. "Fifth Young Master, Monkey Qiu has arrived."

"Who did he send?" Ma Wu immediately got up from the sofa.

"He came himself."

Given Zuo Wugang's combat strength and experience, there weren't many people he feared, but Monkey Qiu was one of them.

Upon hearing this, Chu Er immediately stood up. "It's good he came; I'll settle things with him once and for all!"

Ma Wu called out, "Second Miss, this is my territory, after all. Please give me some face. When you meet Steward Qiu later, speak respectfully!"

Yang Yanzheng also advised from the side, "Miss, please just listen to Fifth Young Master."

Chu Er said nothing more. Ma Wu personally went out and invited Monkey Qiu in.

Monkey Qiu didn't come alone; Lu Yuanshan was with him.

Everyone sat down, and before any pleasantries could be exchanged, Chu Er stared at Monkey Qiu with wide eyes and said, "Chief Steward Qiu, speak frankly. I'm not in the mood for roundabout talk. If you want my life, come and take it if you dare!"

Wen Hongyan heard this and prepared for a fight.

Seeing this, Zuo Wugang waited for Ma Junyang's command.

Yang Yanzheng pulled Chu Er, pleading for her to calm down.

Lu Yuanshan let out a dry laugh, then turned to Ma Wu. "Junyang, control your woman. How can she be so disrespectful when speaking in front of elders?"

Ma Wu took a deep breath and said, "Brother Shan, she's not my woman. There are many misunderstandings here; we need to discuss them slowly…"

Chu Er yelled, "No need to talk! Qiu Zhiheng, what exactly do you want from me?"

Monkey Qiu calmly said, "I want to buy the Paramount."

Chu Er slapped the table. "Not for sale!"

Lu Yuanshan frowned and said, "Crazy woman, can you speak properly?"

Ma Wu pressed his hand down, signaling both sides to calm down. "Uncle Qiu, since you're saying you want to buy, shouldn't we discuss the price?"

Qiu Zhiheng nodded and said, "Alright, someone reasonable here. Fifty thousand silver dollars, do you think that's a suitable amount?"

Chu Er gritted her teeth and said, "Fifty thousand? Are you joking? Lu Dongjun sold the Paramount to me for eighty thousand silver dollars. You just cut off almost half right away? Why should I sell it to you?"

Ma Wu said to Qiu Zhiheng, "Uncle Qiu, this price really isn't suitable. The Paramount is Lushui City's landmark…"

"Buy half." Qiu Zhiheng smiled as he looked at Ma Wu. Ma Wu was stunned.

Chu Er angrily shouted, "I won't sell half either, I'll…"

Ma Wu glanced at Chu Huaiyuan. Chu Huaiyuan felt blood rush up, coagulating near her neck, choking her throat.

Blood Surge technique?

That shouldn't be possible; Ma Wu was only at the first level of cultivation.

Monkey Qiu was quite surprised. "Junyang, your cultivation has advanced."

Ma Wu chuckled. "You flatter me, Uncle Qiu. My cultivation isn't high enough to use the Blood Surge technique yet. What I just used was the Inspiration technique."

Monkey Qiu, a seventh-level Joy Cultivator and Ma Wu's fellow disciple, observed carefully and confirmed that Ma Wu had indeed used the Inspiration technique.

The Inspiration technique was a low-level skill, but its principles were similar to the Blood Surge technique. To use the Inspiration technique to achieve the effect of the Blood Surge technique proved exceptional talent in Joy Cultivation, which indeed made Monkey Qiu look at him with new respect.

While Chu Er couldn't speak, Ma Wu quickly interjected, "Uncle Qiu, do you mean that the Paramount will be jointly operated by the Lu and Chu families?"

Monkey Qiu nodded.

Ma Wu had never dreamed that a seemingly irreversible situation could be resolved in such a way.

Lu Yuanshan looked at Chu Er. "Huaiyuan, Uncle Qiu has given you ample face. Shouldn't you be satisfied now?"

Yang Yanzheng repeatedly urged from the side, "Miss, let's agree to this."

Chu Er swallowed for a long time, finally managing to regain her breath.

Her mind was much clearer now, and her tone of voice had changed. "Uncle Qiu, let's make this clear: will the Paramount be under the Chu name or the Lu name?"

This was a crucial question. Shares could be divided in half, but who would have the operating rights?

Qiu Zhiheng said, "Both Chu and Lu. Given that you've managed it diligently so far, the operating rights will temporarily be handed over to you. With Junyang's help, the Paramount shouldn't lose money. But if losses exceed twenty percent, you'll have to hand over the operating rights. Do you agree?"

Although Chu Er was fierce, she wasn't foolish. Monkey Qiu had made such a significant concession, so she naturally wouldn't continue to make a scene. A contract was immediately drawn up, settling the matter.

Ma Wu let out a sigh of relief and said to everyone, "If Uncle Qiu doesn't mind, please stay a night at Dreamspring Garden. Tonight, allow me to host a ball as a small token of hospitality."

Monkey Qiu nodded and said, "That's fine. I was thinking of staying a night anyway. Tomorrow, I'd like to discuss business with Junyang."

The heart that had just settled immediately tensed up again.

What business did Monkey Qiu want to discuss with Ma Wu?

Ma Wu was intelligent; he could naturally figure it out.

Even if the Liu and Si families in between were cut out, Lanyang Village was, ultimately, still Lu family territory.

If Ma Wu operated here, he would have to pay a share to the Lu family. The exact amount would depend on tomorrow's negotiations.

Monkey Qiu stated the matter beforehand, giving Ma Wu ample time to prepare. From all perspectives, Monkey Qiu's actions were impeccable.

Now it would depend on Ma Wu's sincerity.

How much of a share would be appropriate?

Half and half?

Would Monkey Qiu be satisfied?

Any more, and Ma Wu couldn't accept it either.

Brother Li, where did you go?

This matter had to wait for his return to be discussed.

At 7 PM, the ball began. Lu Yuanshan invited Chu Er to dance, but Chu Er had no interest; her mind was already flying to the Paramount.

Ma Wu, on the other hand, had made careful preparations, summoning all the most beautiful and skilled dancers from Lanyang Village, who took turns inviting guests to dance.

Monkey Qiu was a Joy Cultivator, and by rights, he should have gladly accepted such entertainment.

But he seemed to have little interest, sitting alone in a corner, drinking. Left with no choice, Ma Wu had to keep dancing with the dancers, one song after another, to maintain the atmosphere of the ball.

Halfway through the ball, Xiaochuanzi changed the music. In the rush, he put on "When Will You Return?"

Ma Wu glared at Xiaochuanzi. This song had a special meaning; it implied the ball was about to end.

"Good flowers do not bloom forever, good times do not last forever. Sadness weighs on smiling brows, tears stain the sash of longing. After tonight's parting, when will you return?"

The music had started and couldn't be easily stopped. Ma Wu looked embarrassed, but then he saw Monkey Qiu change seats.

He moved from one corner to another.

There, a special guest was sitting, wearing a black suit and a fedora, with the brim pulled low. Only a faint glimpse of thick beard on his jawline was visible.

Li Qi!

Ma Wu hadn't expected Li Banfeng to return, nor did he know when he had entered the ballroom.

Monkey Qiu knew.

He had already sensed it the moment Li Banfeng walked in.

The two sat in silence for a moment. Then Monkey Qiu asked, "Young man, are you well?"

He recognized Li Banfeng.

He was a seventh-level Joy Cultivator, capable of somewhat counteracting the overlooked talents of a Hermit Cultivator.

Most importantly, he had not only seen Li Banfeng's photos, but also met Li Banfeng in person. Although he couldn't see Li Banfeng's face, he hadn't forgotten his physique.

Li Banfeng nodded slightly. "I'm fine. How have you been, Brother Qiu?"

"Not so good," Qiu Zhiheng sighed. "Since I looked for you in Lushui City last time, I've had nothing but trouble."

"Are you here for me today too?" Li Banfeng thought Monkey Qiu was there about the Red Lotus matter.

Monkey Qiu was silent for a moment, then said, "You could say that."

Li Banfeng's hand slipped into his pocket, gripping the key.

Monkey Qiu continued, "I'm here for you regarding Lanyang Village. This is still considered Lu family territory, so a portion of future profits will ultimately need to be given."

Li Banfeng's posture remained unchanged. He replied softly, "Ma Wu and I are just trying to make a living here. How much we keep will depend on what Brother Qiu decides."

"Making a living…"

Qiu Zhiheng remembered asking Li Banfeng for food on the train.

That matter was in the past. The debt of gratitude had been repaid. Qiu Zhiheng had no reason to dwell on it.

Only at the end of the music did Qiu Zhiheng speak. "If the two of you continue to operate it, just send a token of appreciation to the Lu family at the end of each year. But the Ma family cannot take over Lanyang Village. The Lu family flag still stands here. Otherwise, it's another matter entirely."

Qiu Zhiheng had made a concession once again.

Li Banfeng took off his fedora, placed it against his chest, and bowed to Qiu Zhiheng.

This was to express his gratitude to Qiu Zhiheng.

Qiu Zhiheng smiled, put on his fedora, and left the ballroom.

That night, Qiu Zhiheng and Lu Yuanshan left Lanyang Village.

Ma Wu was terrified. He thought Qiu Zhiheng had recognized Li Banfeng and would make a move against him, especially since Lu Dongliang had been trying to apprehend Li Banfeng previously.

If that were the case, Ma Wu would risk his life and spend all his savings, fighting Monkey Qiu to the very end to protect Li Banfeng.

But to his surprise, Qiu Zhiheng simply left, not only without harming Li Banfeng, but also settling the matter of Lanyang Village.

Just a token of appreciation at year-end?

Was Monkey Qiu really so lenient?

Ma Wu was overjoyed. "Brother Li, do you have a personal relationship with Qiu Zhiheng?"

Li Banfeng did not answer.

There was a connection, but not to this extent.

The matter on the train was settled, and neither party owed the other. Monkey Qiu's leniency left Li Banfeng somewhat puzzled.

In the carriage, Lu Yuanshan asked Qiu Zhiheng, "Uncle Qiu, aren't we giving them too much leeway? I think we should control at least sixty percent of the Paramount and collect at least thirty percent of the profits from Lanyang Village."

Monkey Qiu shook his head slightly and handed a newspaper to Lu Yuanshan.

This was today's evening paper. The headline read: "Lu-Chu Rivalry: Who Will Uphold Lushui City's Name?"

On the second page, there was another news item: "A Tiger in Trouble: The Ma Family Seizes Lanyang Village; Will the Lu Family Suffer in Silence?"

Similar news articles appeared daily. Lu Yuanshan didn't find anything special about them.

Monkey Qiu said, "Even you don't find it special, and the entire Puro Province also thinks nothing of it. If he publishes another report tomorrow saying that the Lu, Ma, and Chu families have fallen out, others will consider it a matter of course."

Lu Yuanshan dismissed it. "Newspapers are like that; let him write whatever he wants. It's not true anyway."

Monkey Qiu shook his head. "If this matter hadn't been handled properly tonight, it could very well have become true. If Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Junyang had died by our hand, we could have been at war with the Chu and Ma families tomorrow. Although these two are cast-offs from the Chu and Ma families, their deaths ultimately concern the reputation of major families. With someone fanning the flames from within, things could easily have gotten out of hand."

Lu Yuanshan looked at the newspaper again, realizing the seriousness of the situation. "Uncle Qiu, is the 'fanning the flames' you mentioned referring to the Ling family?"

A cold glint appeared in Monkey Qiu's eyes. "Lu Dongjun caused quite a stir in Haichi Ridge, and now there's no news of him. Yet the Ling family acquired a large business. They made a fortune in Haichi Ridge, and now they're targeting Lushui City. Today, the Lu and Ma families are at odds; tomorrow, the Lu and Chu families will fall out; the day after, the Lu family will have internal strife. According to their newspaper, it seems the Lu family is going to fight everyone in Puro Province. The income from the Paramount and Lanyang Village can be temporarily conceded, but the situation absolutely cannot be manipulated by the Ling family. Yuanshan, I recall you ran a newspaper once."

Lu Yuanshan nodded. "I ran it for a while and made a good amount of money, but my father said it was unpromising. I also made movies, but my father didn't approve of that either, so it just faded away."

"Restart the newspaper and set up the film studio. We can't always let the Ling family silently achieve great things; let's expose some of their secrets too."

Lu Yuanshan smiled; this was something he was willing to do.

Three days later, the Paramount reopened. Chu Huaiyuan and Ma Wu jointly hosted a singing and dancing competition, selecting this year's twelve singing queens.

He Jiaqing sat on his sickbed, his face livid.

Monkey Qiu had broken the deadlock.

He had resolved the Paramount situation and the Lanyang Village situation!

He had truly been underestimated!