Tang Jingde received a short video clip, sent to him by Lin Xiaotian.
It was the same clip that Ye Wantong had recorded while conducting experiments before the auction. She had sent it to Tang Jingde immediately afterward, fearing that the old man might not recognize the true value of the jade pendant and could be swindled out of it.
Less than five minutes after he sent the video, the old man’s call came through.
As soon as the call connected, Tang Jingde’s trembling voice boomed from the other end: "Xiaotian, the treasures you've given me are far too precious. I'll return them to you immediately tomorrow. They are worth billions."
A brilliant smile spread across Lin Xiaotian’s face. "Old man, there's no such thing as taking back what I give away."
"Since it was a gift to you, it was naturally to ensure your safety. Don't forget you have a cooperative relationship with our company, and you're not asking for money. So, I can only offer this gift to compensate for your losses."
"If you don't want it, just throw it away. I always take back anything I give."
Tang Jingde's wry laughter echoed from the phone: "Xiaotian, I owe you a tremendous favor this time."
"Old man, what's this talk of favors between us?"
"You are my wife's elder, which makes you my elder too. I'm simply giving an elder a gift to show my sincerity. When we have a chance to meet next time, we'll have a good drink, and you'll treat me then."
After a few more pleasantries, he hung up the phone.
Before Lin Xiaotian could even put his phone back in his pocket, it rang again.
Seeing the caller ID, Lin Xiaotian's smile widened even further.
"Wife, you miss me already?"
"Don't rush, I'll be home soon. What do you want for dinner? I'll make you a feast."
Chu Nianxue's voice trembled slightly: "Do the jade pendants you sent me before have such effects?"
Lin Xiaotian beamed. "Absolutely. My wife must be the first to use such good things."
"If it weren't for that girl Tongtong winning her gamble with the family, I wouldn't have given her something so precious."
"Now that she's made a fortune, if our family ever needs anything, just go to her."
"Thank you!" Chu Nianxue finally managed to utter after a long pause.
A mischievous glint appeared in Lin Xiaotian's eyes. "Wife, you're saying thank you again. It seems you're really looking forward to tonight when I..."
He didn't finish his sentence before she abruptly hung up.
Before the call ended, an annoyed and shy voice could be heard.
"Pervert!"
Lin Xiaotian, however, wore an incredibly bright smile.
He pocketed his phone, glanced at Ye Wantong busy at her work, and turned to walk outside.
Ye Wantong had already taken all necessary precautions, and he wasn't strictly needed there, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
As he stepped outside, his eyebrows twitched slightly, and the smile on his lips grew more pronounced. He knew there would be tails following him.
He just hadn't expected these tails to find him so quickly.
Reaching the parking lot, a hint of amusement flickered in Lin Xiaotian's gaze. "You're already here, why are you still hiding? Come out!"
"Besides, all the big bosses are busy at the jewelry store right now and won't be showing up anytime soon."
"If you have something to say, just say it directly. I'm too lazy to play guessing games with you."
After speaking, Lin Xiaotian shifted his gaze and saw several people emerging from around the cars.
These individuals had clearly been hiding there all along, and their faces were contorted with ferocity.
The leader, a man in his forties, bore a distinct scorpion tattoo on his face. He stood nearly two meters tall and was incredibly muscular, exuding an intimidating aura even to ordinary people.
As he approached, a deep, guttural voice rumbled from his throat.
"Long Ge's men already told us that you're the one who provided Ye Wantong with those treasures."
"They secretly took your photos and sent them to our phones. This news has spread completely now. Ye Wantong might not encounter any trouble, but you, you probably won't have any peace from now on."
"If you honestly hand over all the treasures you have and provide us with a jade pendant every month, we'll not only give you money but also protect you."
Hearing this, a brilliant smile appeared on Lin Xiaotian's face. "You guys?"
"And you want to protect my safety?"
Scorpion Brother sneered. "Do you think we're not qualified?"
Lin Xiaotian nodded without hesitation. "You all look burly and strong, but in my eyes, you're just a bunch of good-for-nothings."
"If you want to protect me, shouldn't you be stronger than me?"
"How about we have a fight? If you can beat me, I'll give you dozens of those jade pendants for free. If you can't beat me, then perhaps you should leave some parts of yourselves behind?"
"Consider it a small stake for our sparring."
Scorpion Brother couldn't help but laugh, his eyes filled with disdain. In his opinion, Lin Xiaotian, this tall and thin fellow, was nothing but a bean sprout.
"Boss, you don't need to lift a finger. Leave him to me. I'll beat him so badly even his own father won't recognize him."
One of the subordinates stepped forward. Although not as tall as Scorpion Brother, he was still at least 1.9 meters.
With a mocking smile in his eyes, he strode quickly towards Lin Xiaotian and, without hesitation, threw a punch at his face.
Lin Xiaotian smiled and casually raised his hand.
His palm easily caught the subordinate's fist.
"That's it?"
"Did you not eat breakfast?"
"With this little strength, you come out to play fighter? I think you should be melted down and remolded!"
As his words fell, he kicked out.
The subordinate's eyes were still dazed, completely unprepared for the attack.
It was as if he had been hit by a speeding train, and he was sent flying backward, blood spraying from his mouth while still in mid-air.
Lin Xiaotian clapped his hands with a smile. "Who else?"
The men were all stunned into silence.
Scorpion Brother gritted his teeth. "Kid, I didn't expect you to have some skills, but that's as far as it goes."
"I know you might have those treasures protecting you, so I won't use any weapons against you. Now, I just want to take everything you have. Afterward, I'll break your bones one by one."
"You dared to hit my man, you should be prepared to die."