"Alright, I'll have someone bring out Hao Yanyan for you to see," the Black Mountain Dragon King responded decisively, turning to order his subordinates to fetch her.
Not long after, Hao Yanyan was brought to the main hall by his men. The moment she saw Li Yang, she cried out in alarm, "Li Yang, hurry and leave! The Black Mountain Dragon King will kill you."
"Sister Yan, I'm here to save you. I've already reached an agreement with the Black Mountain Dragon King. He won't harm me, nor will he harm you," Li Yang said earnestly.
"Li Yang? So you're Li Yang?"
Upon hearing the name, the Black Mountain Dragon King's brow furrowed instantly. Li Yang also noticed his unusual expression and asked curiously, "Does Master Hei know my name?"
"Indeed. I had contact with some treasure appraisers from Sakura Country before, and they told me about you." The Black Mountain Dragon King stared deeply at Li Yang. After a moment, his furrowed brow relaxed slightly, and a smile returned to his face. He stepped forward and said, "From what they told me, you are indeed a treasure-appraising prodigy. Even their boss, Ku Teng, was defeated by you."
"I was curious who you were, but now it seems you are my enemy."
"So, does that mean our cooperation is off?" Li Yang asked, shrugging.
"Of course not!" The Black Mountain Dragon King decisively cut Li Yang off, a smile on his face. "I, the Black Mountain Dragon King, have always respected strength. My previous cooperation with the people from Sakura Country was because I admired their ability to establish a business in China's antique industry."
"Although they did many things that offended China, it didn't involve my interests. Moreover, their actions were actually beneficial to me, which is why I associated with them."
"But now that Mr. Li's strength easily crushes them, I am naturally willing to cooperate with you for mutual benefit."
"Li Yang, don't! This Black Mountain Dragon King says one thing and does another; he's very untrustworthy. Even those people from Sakura Country couldn't outsmart him; they were all his pawns. If you trust him, he'll definitely make you do some shady business." Before Li Yang could agree, Hao Yanyan loudly reminded him.
Hao Yanyan understood the Black Mountain Dragon King far better than Li Yang. She knew what he was capable of. Li Yang, however, did not heed her words. Instead, he nodded and smiled at the Black Mountain Dragon King, agreeing, "No problem. Since there's profit to be made, I agree. It just so happens that we are quite similar; we stop at nothing to achieve our goals."
"I'm operating in the provincial capital, and there might be times I need Master Hei's help. Cooperating with Master Hei, I believe, will only benefit me and bring no harm."
"Good brother, I knew you were a smart one. With your help, my future endeavors can also soar." The Black Mountain Dragon King showed great excitement upon his agreement. He stepped forward, put an arm around Li Yang's shoulder, and said, "Brother, to celebrate our successful cooperation, why don't we go in for a couple of drinks?"
"No, I'm here to take Sister Yan home today. I won't be at ease until I send her back. Let's postpone the drinking for another day," Li Yang politely refused.
"That's fine too. Then tonight, I'll be the host. We'll meet at the Xin Hao Bar. I'll arrange everything perfectly for you there, ensuring you have a great time."
"Also, I want to discuss a plan with you. This matter is of great importance, and it's not convenient to talk about it here," the Black Mountain Dragon King whispered into Li Yang's ear as he spoke.
"No problem, it's settled then!" Li Yang readily agreed. He turned to look at Hao Yanyan, who was still being held, and pointed, "Now, can my Sister Yan be...?"
"Haha, no problem! Release her, release her! Let Brother Li take Hao Yanyan away. From now on, the money she owes us is wiped clean!" The Black Mountain Dragon King laughed heartily and ordered his subordinate. The subordinate immediately released her.
Hao Yanyan quickly ran to Li Yang's side, looking at him with concern. "Li Yang, you're being foolish. Why did you have to compromise and cooperate with the Black Mountain Dragon King for me?"
"You are my woman. Anyone who bullies you, I will fight them to the death. How could I stand by and watch you be bullied?" Li Yang flicked Hao Yanyan's nose, causing her to tremble. She looked at Li Yang in surprise, thinking, Why is he saying this? Since when is she his woman?
"Master Hei, I'll be taking Sister Yan now. We'll meet tonight," Li Yang said, seizing the moment while she was still in a daze. He put his arm around her waist and turned to leave with her. The Black Mountain Dragon King smiled and bid Li Yang farewell. After Li Yang walked out, he casually called over a subordinate and ordered, "Have someone follow this kid Li Yang and see what he's up to."
"Yes, Master Hei." The subordinate immediately agreed and left with two others.
After Li Yang left the Gambling Stone Pavilion, Hao Yanyan pushed him away, saying angrily, "Hey, what are you doing taking advantage of me? I'm so much older than you, and you're still hitting on me!"
"Don't think that just because you saved me, I'll give myself to you!"
"Sister Yan, what are you thinking? With your looks and figure, you can't attract me. I said that intentionally just now to help you. Now that I've reached an agreement with the Black Mountain Dragon King, his subordinates won't dare to act rashly against me."
"If I say you are my woman, they will naturally be wary of you too," Li Yang said earnestly.
"By the way, what are you really thinking? You didn't really make a deal with the Black Mountain Dragon King just to save me, did you? I was a bit surprised when I heard you say that earlier," Hao Yanyan asked, confused.
"What answer do you want to hear? That I have everything under control and can manipulate the Black Mountain Dragon King at will?" Li Yang chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Then you'll probably be disappointed. I was also forced to do it. After all, your capture this time is also related to me using your shop. So, I had to save you. Consider it settling our accounts."
"Then what will you do in the future? I wasn't joking earlier; that Black Mountain Dragon King is truly ruthless. He's difficult for ordinary people to deal with," Hao Yanyan asked worriedly.
"That's easy. The reason he wants to cooperate with me is that he wants me to help him appraise treasures. As long as I can appraise treasures for him, he won't make a move against me. However..." At this moment, Li Yang's peripheral vision caught sight of two subordinates walking out of the Gambling Stone Pavilion, their eyes on him seeming a bit unusual.
Instantly noticed by Li Yang, he suddenly turned back to Hao Yanyan and said with a grin, "Sister Yan, I need you to help me with something."
"What is it?" Hao Yanyan asked, not understanding.
"That kind of thing!" Li Yang finished, and then he leaned in and kissed her.