"Perhaps they saw we weren't locals? Trying to bully strangers."
"There's probably a bit of truth to that," Xu Dahai admitted.
People in Shanghai were generally quite snobbish, always feeling a bit superior.
"Yóu Lè Píng mentioned that Xiao Fan cursed at you, and then a woman hit him."
"Ye Zi hit him," Guo Xu Yang confirmed.
"Ye Zi? No wonder! Two slaps knocked Xiao Fan down."
"Ye Zi went easy on him. Otherwise, it wouldn't have just been a bloody nose."
"Is she some kind of female berserker? How do you manage her?"
"Naturally, by showing virtue and winning hearts," Guo Xu Yang boasted.
"Oh, come on. I wouldn't believe you if you told me you weren't involved with these women."
"Do you see me as such a promiscuous person?"
"Pretty much. If Ye Zi wasn't yours, she definitely wouldn't have stepped in to defend you so fiercely."
"Speaking of which, who is this Yóu Lè Píng to you?"
"My nephew, my own nephew."
"I heard he's the young master of that department store?"
"That's right. His father is quite influential. Or rather, his father's family is quite influential."
"I see. I've opened a small shop on the second floor selling jade, gold, and silver jewelry, managed by Xǔ Lì Píng."
"Xǔ Lì Píng? I know her. She's not one of your women, is she?"
"What do you mean?"
"My nephew has taken a liking to her."
"How old is your nephew? Do you know how old she is?"
"Love doesn't concern itself with age."
"How should I put this? Xǔ Lì Píng is already taken; she's a kept woman by my friend."
"As long as she's not kept by you, that's fine."
"Would your nephew's family agree to Xǔ Lì Píng entering their household? Don't bother with her. If he has the time, he might as well find someone better."
"You're right, but I can't control this matter."
"Then let it be. If your nephew is truly capable of snatching her away, that's his skill. Xǔ Lì Píng is quite a decent person, at least she knows her way around business."
"How many days are you planning to stay here this time?"
"There's nothing much left to do here. I'm planning to head back tomorrow or the day after. I've seen all there is to see."
"Stay for a couple more days. I'll show you around," Xu Dahai suggested.
"What's there to see here? It's such a small place. Let's go home. It's better to be with my wife and kids by a warm stove for a few days. I'll have to leave again soon."
Xu Dahai glanced at his watch and said, "Come on, I'll take you somewhere. You sell jade, right? You'll definitely like this place."
"Where is it?"
"You'll know when we get there. Ladies, let's go!" Xu Dahai called out to the people chatting in the courtyard.
"Master Xu, are you a tycoon? To have such a large courtyard in such a prime location," Ye Zi remarked.
"This was left by my ancestors; it has nothing to do with me. I'm just enjoying the blessings of the elders."
"So, your ancestors must have been quite remarkable?"
"This entire area used to belong to my family. Later, a lot of it was divided off."
"You're a proper landlord then."
"You can't say that. We have to move with the times. Come on, let's go find a place to strike gold," Xu Dahai said as he walked out.
He drove Guo Xu Yang, Ye Zi, and Yu Er, leading the way. After several turns, they arrived at a villa complex.
"Come down. There's something fun inside," he said, turning to Guo Xu Yang and the others.
"You're so mysterious, what is it?"
"You'll find out when you go in. Let's go."
Guo Xu Yang and the others followed Xu Dahai inside and discovered a hidden clubhouse. The upper floor was a teahouse-like establishment, filled with beautiful women of various charms, and professional tea ceremony practitioners. The two underground floors were even more lively, with five or six large gambling tables and dedicated rooms for gambling on raw stones.
"Yang Zi, don't you sell jade? The raw stones here are of very high quality, and there are basically no duds. Let's see how lucky you are!" Xu Dahai's eyes gleamed with eagerness.
"You like this sort of thing too?"
"Of course. I don't know much about it, but I rarely lose money. The owner here says these raw stones are all of very high quality."
Guo Xu Yang took a look at the stones, then at Xu Dahai, lost in thought.
"Shall we go in and have some fun?" Xu Dahai urged.
"Let's go. Xiao Yun, each of you take one later. Don't take too many," Guo Xu Yang instructed as he turned back. He then followed Xu Dahai inside.
"Manager Xu, it's been a while since you've come to play!" a plump middle-aged man greeted him.
"I haven't had the time. Today, I've brought some friends to try their luck."
"Certainly, certainly. Whichever one you fancy, I'll give you a 20% discount."
"Thank you. I'll let my friends look first." Xu Dahai did not introduce Guo Xu Yang to the man.
"Take your time choosing. Call me when you've picked," the middle-aged man said before going to greet others.
"He's Gu Li Nan. He's a shareholder here and is specifically in charge of the raw stones."
"Do these raw stones have to be cut?"
"No, it's just for show if you cut a couple. However, most people cut them on the spot, as few have specialized cutting equipment at home."
"I see. Shall we pick a couple?"
"Let's go." Xu Dahai walked further inside. The raw stones were not large, most weighing around five to six kilograms, with the heaviest not exceeding a hundred catties. After all, they were hidden beneath the villas, and heavier ones would be difficult to transport down.
Guo Xu Yang picked out a stone for Xiao Yun, Xiao Yu, and Xu Li Ping each. They weren't large; the heaviest was only about twenty catties, meant for Xiao Yu.
"Take these back with you and don't cut them. Consider them gifts. If you want to cut stones, you can choose one yourselves and try your luck."
Xiao Yun, Yu Er, and Ye Zi understood immediately. Guo Xu Yang had found some good finds. Xiao Yu and Xu Li Ping didn't know about Guo Xu Yang's skills, but they followed his instructions.
"Yang Zi, is there something good inside?" Xu Dahai asked after hearing Guo Xu Yang's instructions to Xiao Yun and the others.
"Would you like me to help you pick one?"
"Sure. If there's something good, tonight we'll have a 'one-stop' experience, you can choose the place."
"I'm not familiar with this place, how would I know where the fun is?"
"I'll take you to the most top-tier enjoyment place."
"Aren't you afraid of violating regulations?"
"It's vacation time now, and I'm just a common citizen. Violate what regulations? You know and I know about this, there's no need for everyone to know," Xu Dahai said, winking.
"Ask them if they agree," Guo Xu Yang gestured behind him.
"What are you thinking? Does a man only find enjoyment with women? Don't disappoint me." Xu Dahai's words made Guo Xu Yang blush deeply. He had indeed been thinking about something like a massage service. Alas, poverty limits imagination. He looked forward to the top-tier enjoyment Xu Dahai spoke of.