Even after the prison visit ended, Yuan Zhong was still unable to calm down.
When the topic of the future came up, Jiang Xiu would become extremely excited, even able to describe some of the more detailed aspects, which made him shudder...
Two days later, he learned from Teacher Tang that Jiang Wanqing planned to buy a book. Upon hearing this news, he immediately ran to the book market.
In recent years, many books have become equity investments. It is said that the book Jiang Wanqing wanted could only be obtained through less-than-honorable channels. After much hesitation, he still went.
The dimly lit, inconspicuous alley was filled with carpets, and each vendor's eyes were filled with vigilance, as if they were ready to pack up and leave at any moment.
As soon as Yuan Zhong entered, he felt uncomfortable being stared at.
"Dude, what do you want to buy? Tell me, and I can get it for you."
A man with an extremely unpleasant appearance suddenly put his arm around his shoulder, with such force that he couldn't move.
He struggled slightly: "No...no need, I'll just look around by myself..."
"Just browsing?" The man scoffed. "Are you really that clueless or just pretending? Do you think this is a department store? You think you can just browse? Nobody comes here without knowing exactly what they want. Some things you can't just buy by looking at them."
As he spoke, he increased the pressure on his hands, and his smile became even more malicious. Yuan Zhong swallowed hard. In just a moment, several more pairs of eyes were fixed on him, and they stepped forward.
"Tell me, what kind of treasure do you want? We have things he doesn't have, and the price is negotiable."
"Hehe, there's nothing we can't do, only things you can't imagine."
The people's eyes and tone of voice made him feel cold, just like the environment of this alley. If he lingered any longer, he probably wouldn't be able to leave.
With a determined effort, he wrote down what he wanted on a piece of paper and gave it to them.
"I want this book, can you get it for me?"
The group exchanged glances, as if suddenly realizing something, and began to lead Yuan Zhong into a darker area.
"Oh, you wanted a book? That's easy, easier than anything else, and cheap too. We happen to have one on hand, but..."
One of them deliberately piqued Yuan Zhong's interest, and he fell for it.
"But what? You name the price."
“Hey brother, this matter is related to money in some ways and unrelated in others. The problem is that someone else also wants this book and has already placed an order, so we didn’t bring it with us and left it at home for that person to come and pick it up.”
"It's a woman, isn't it!"
Yuan Zhong immediately chimed in, saying that he had originally taken Jiang Wanqing's review materials, so his first thought was of her. She was also looking for this book, so if he bought it first, wouldn't he have gained an advantage?
"Yes, yes, it's a woman. Looks like you know your stuff, brother."
The man laughed and patted him on the shoulder, then looked troubled.
"Since you know that, then we won't say anything more. We can't give this to you. Although we're not in the business of legitimate trade, we still have to be honest and respect the principle of first come, first served. Otherwise, who would dare to buy things from us in the future?"
"Yeah, brother, you should leave. Sigh, what a pity. If only we had two shares, but it just had to be equity. Sigh."
The group exchanged glances several times. Yuan Zhong, still immersed in excitement, weighed the importance of the book and immediately took out money from his pocket.
“I’ll pay her twice the price, sell it to me, I really need it.”
"Didn't I just tell you? This is difficult to handle..."
"Yes, it's difficult. A book only costs a few dollars. Even if you double the price, people might still be unable to afford it. No way..."
The group kept saying no while staring at the money in his hand, but none of them took any, waiting for Yuan Zhong to take the bait.
Sure enough, seeing that no one seemed interested in his money, he got a little anxious and forcibly stuffed the money into their hands.
“Three times, I’ll pay three times! Consider this a deposit. Give me the books first, and I’ll pay you the rest when I get back. Is that alright? Please do me this favor. I’ll definitely patronize your business when I become successful.”
"Hahaha... No problem, no problem. Since you're so eager to get it, we won't make things difficult for you. Come back with us and get it. We'll consider you our friend."
"Yes, yes, making friends is more important than having more buyers. Come with us to get the books."
"Okay, where is it? I'll go with you."
Yuan Zhong gradually became involved and immediately agreed to go with them, as if he was afraid that he would miss out if he was late.
"Just follow us, it's not far, just ahead."
There are always people talking and others agreeing with them; they were competitors at the beginning, but now they're incredibly harmonious...
He shifted his shoulders: "You guys...you're not lying to me, are you?"
"Brother, you were just being nice to us, why are you starting to doubt us? You can leave now. If you don't believe us, don't follow us. We'll sell that book back to that woman."
"That's not what I meant. Let's go then."
"That's right."
Several people left the alley, saying they would be nearby, but they walked further and further away, eventually forming an encirclement. Yuan Zhong was caught in the middle, and finally they arrived at a house with its door tightly closed.
He pushed the door open, went in, and slammed it shut with a bang. The whole thing happened in less than two seconds. Yuan Zhong turned around and slammed his fist against the door.
"What...what are you going to do? Aren't you here to give me the book?"
"It's a book for you, hahaha... I'll give it to you right away, but how we give it to you is up to us, and this money... you can't buy it for three times the price."
"You've gone back on your word! I've already surpassed that woman..."
"Tsk, where did this woman come from? Only you."
Several people had somehow acquired sticks and were striking Yuan Zhong with seemingly light but gentle force. Suddenly, Yuan Zhong felt a chill run down his spine. If they were hitting him on the head, he would be in serious trouble!
"What do you want from me by lying to me? I've already given you the money."
"It's nothing, I just wanted to ask you for a favor."
"Yes, it's just a favor. Stay here for two hours, and you can leave. I guarantee you'll be unharmed."
"What kind of help?" Yuan Zhong had no choice but to ask first.
"Help us guard what's inside." One of them gestured with his chin towards another closed door: "Someone will be here in two hours."
"It's that simple?"
"It's that simple. You have to do it whether you want to or not!"
"I...I'll do it."
Yuan Zhong almost thought the stick was about to hit his head, and instinctively squatted down to protect his head, looking cowardly. The others nodded to each other.
"Let's go, let this kid take over here."
"Walk!"
When he looked up again, the person was gone. He was the only one left in the courtyard. It seemed to have gone too smoothly. He hadn't lost any kidneys or limbs.
He peered curiously into the locked room. He didn't know if there were any books inside, but he had to see what they had made him guard.
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