"I'm busy lately, unlike Lord Jin who has so much leisure time," Liu Liu taunted Jin Shaoyuan, wondering if there was nothing else to do in the vast Tianfeng Empire.
Moreover, she knew very well who wanted to see her. She was already tired of seeing them in the palace; why would she want to meet them elsewhere?
After refusing Jin Shaoyuan, Liu Liu turned and walked away. Dai Mei followed closely behind, both of them eager to return and check on Chu Feng and Duanmu.
Jin Shaoyuan had been wandering this street on the Emperor's orders to investigate the true identity of this 'Qi Ye' and bring him to the Emperor. He hadn't expected the young man to be so defiant.
As a Vice Minister of War, he couldn't even handle such a minor matter. Unwilling to let it go, he flashed forward, his tall figure blocking Liu Liu's path.
Seeing her way blocked, Liu Liu frowned and a plan formed in her mind. "Don't block my way. The real Qi Ye isn't me; I'm just a chief steward under Qi Ye."
As soon as Liu Liu finished speaking, Dai Mei was startled but quickly calmed down, a playful smile on her lips as she mockingly looked at Jin Shaoyuan.
"I didn't expect the renowned Lord Jin to be so flustered. This is truly satisfying."
"You're not Qi Ye, you wretch!" Upon hearing that Liu Liu was not Qi Ye but had been toying with him, Jin Shaoyuan's face instantly turned grim. He clenched his fist and swiftly struck towards Liu Liu's forehead.
Liu Liu nimbly dodged the attack, her body as agile as a swallow and as slippery as a loach. Jin Shaoyuan's palm wind couldn't even touch her.
With a swift movement, she appeared to Jin Shaoyuan's front left, her left hand forming a hook, reaching for his Baihui acupoint.
Jin Shaoyuan's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected this fellow to be so ruthless. He wondered why Dai Mei was with him, and the thought irritated him. However, he didn't forget the immediate danger and quickly dodged the attack.
Liu Liu's body landed outside the tea house door, and she coldly uttered,
"Lord Jin, it's best you leave and don't get angry in frustration."
Dai Mei glanced back at him and then flashed out to follow.
Many people in the tea house recognized Jin Shaoyuan. They didn't know what was happening between him and the young person, but seeing Lord Jin's displeased expression, no one dared to speak, lowering their heads to silently drink their tea.
Jin Shaoyuan scanned the crowd and, infuriated, waved his hand. "Let's go," he said, leading his two subordinates away from the Wanfeng Tea House.
As Liu Liu and Dai Mei returned to Fengtian Pavilion, Dai Mei couldn't hold back her curiosity and asked on the way, "Boss, why did you say you weren't Qi Ye just now?"
"Because we've been targeted recently, so I've decided to sell all the shops on Black Street."
Dai Mei was startled by Liu Liu's words. When had Boss decided this? Selling all the shops on Black Street, what would they do afterward?
As if sensing Dai Mei's worries, Liu Liu softened her tone. "Don't worry, I have a preliminary plan. It will ensure you all have a purpose. We used to operate in the open, but from now on, we'll be in the shadows. Operating in the open attracts trouble, but the shadows do not."
"Oh," Dai Mei breathed a sigh of relief. So Boss had other arrangements. That was good. Whether in the open or in the shadows, as long as they were with Boss, they felt reassured.
As the two entered Fengtian Pavilion, the gatekeepers immediately reported that Chu Feng and Duanmu had returned. Liu Liu and Dai Mei immediately darted into their small building.
The two were sitting on a couch in the hall, with someone tending to their wounds. However, they were only minor abrasions, suggesting that Mu Qingyun hadn't dared to inflict serious harm.
Moreover, if Chu Feng and Duanmu hadn't been concerned about Black Street, their skills could have defeated ten Mu Qingyuns. This further strengthened Liu Liu's initial idea: she wanted to take over Black Street.
"Boss?" Upon seeing Liu Liu, Duanmu immediately lowered his head. He had caused such a big mess and implicated Chu Feng. Would Boss get angry and kick him out of Black Street? She had warned him so many times.
Due to his nervousness, sweat beaded on Duanmu's forehead. Chu Feng, beside him, reached out and patted his tightly clenched fist, signaling him to calm down. Boss wasn't cold-blooded or heartless. They had followed her for years; didn't they know her character?
However, it was probably good for Duanmu to learn a lesson.
"Mm," Liu Liu nodded and sat down, her mind still mulling over her recent thoughts. Dai Mei stood beside her, also with a serious expression.
Seeing this, Duanmu thought Liu Liu was contemplating how to expel him. He became incredibly nervous and slid down the couch, kneeling.
"Boss, please don't expel me. I promise I'll never do anything so foolish again. Please give me another chance."
"Eh, what are you doing?" Liu Liu was somewhat bewildered. Then she remembered he must have been afraid she would kick him out and decided to take the opportunity to teach him a lesson, adopting a stern expression.
"Duanmu, what can I say to you? How many times have I told you not to cheat? And now you've been caught red-handed, and many people are watching us! Boss, I've decided to take over Black Street and abandon this line of business."
Hearing Liu Liu's words, both Chu Feng and Duanmu's faces turned pale. Had Boss gotten angry and no longer wanted them? They felt an overwhelming sadness. Dai Mei, standing beside Liu Liu, understood their thoughts and couldn't bear it, quickly interjecting.
"Boss has other plans. Many people are watching Black Street recently, and we need to move into the shadows."
"Oh," Duanmu and Chu Feng breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Dai Mei's words, their palms covered in cold sweat. The three of them followed Boss as if they were family. If they lost her, they wouldn't know what to do.
Seeing that Dai Mei had revealed her plan, Liu Liu waved for Duanmu to get up.
"Since you're all here, let me outline my preliminary concept."
"Yes, Boss," the three replied, their eyes shining. To be honest, their personalities gravitated towards bolder and more exciting endeavors.
"I want to establish a Seven Stars Tower. Besides the various shops operating in the open, there will be many underground operations. You will all be my partners, and I believe you will thrive even more."
As Liu Liu finished speaking, all three beamed with joy. They could finally act freely, without the current constraints and the need to constantly consider the homeless people in Black Street.
"Alright, we'll listen to Boss. We'll do whatever Boss arranges," the three declared loudly, cupping their fists.
Liu Liu nodded, looking at each of them in turn.
"Dai Mei, start looking for buyers immediately. When selling, sign an agreement with the buyer that they must hire the existing workers and reduce the price by ten percent."
"Okay," Dai Mei knew Boss wouldn't abandon those people. Signing this agreement would guarantee their livelihoods.
"Chu Feng, you will immediately head to Yuehai City. In the eastern part of Yuehai City, there is an uninhabited island called Xiaoyao Island. It is surrounded by the sea, with treacherous terrain and numerous hidden reefs. I purchased it years ago.
Just mention my name, and a boat will take you there. Bring more manpower to organize it.
This will be the headquarters of our Seven Stars Tower. Additionally, Yuehai City is the necessary route for all merchants coming and going to Tianfeng. Buy valuable shops on the street to serve as the front-facing establishments of our Seven Stars Tower."