Chapter 122: The First Fortune

After finishing his words, Chen Cao immediately took the lead with his pistol in hand. This was a concession to Hua Fo; since the suggestion had been his own, he had to be the one to charge forward first. It was a psychological acknowledgment of Hua Fo’s status—at least for a top-tier expert like him, a discrepancy of even a few seconds could be the difference between life and death.

Step by step, the group of ignorant natives seemed not to notice. Chen Cao and Hua Fo had only gone a few paces before pressing themselves against the wall of another thatched hut. Chen Cao realized his back was drenched in sweat; the tension was unbearable. He peered around the corner once more, only to find total darkness in front of him. What was going on? A sense of foreboding suddenly gripped the highly vigilant Chen Cao. Seeing him remain still, Hua Fo lowered his voice and asked, "Chen, what’s wrong?"

Before Chen Cao could answer or even move, he felt something catch on his clothes, and his heart skipped a beat.

The air inside the room was heavy and stifling, permeated with the scent of leftover bones.

Hua Fo pressed his body against the doorframe, his finger already resting on the trigger of his submachine gun as he observed the situation outside.

Through the faint light of the torches flickering outside, Chen Cao stared coldly at Wuji, who was lying on the bed. He had originally intended to finish off this malicious boy; if not for the betrayal of this native child, perhaps he would not have failed so miserably.

However, Wuji now lay on the bare bed, his eyes filled with anticipation. A patch of ointment, smeared onto a yellowed leaf, was stuck to his temple, and half his face was bruised—clearly the result of violence.

Time was short. Chen Cao looked coldly at the boy who had once betrayed him. "Do you know the consequences of pulling my clothes just now? In that situation, I very well might have opened fire."

Wuji struggled to sit up on the bed, his hollow eyes fixed on Chen Cao. "Sir, please forgive me. It was all Sangla’s arrangement; I truly did not want to do it!"

Chen Cao had no interest in such nonsense. Was there any point in saying these things now? He looked at Wuji and said, "Enough. None of that matters to me. I have my own business to attend to. I will spare your life for now, and while I’m at it, I hope your mother finds a few more cheap fathers for you at the breeding farm!" Chen Cao’s sneer was venomous, but Wuji burst into tears, only half-understanding the insult. Sobbing, he whispered, "My mother is already dead. She was killed by that bastard Sangla!" When he said the name "Sangla," Wuji spoke through gritted teeth. "I want to kill that bastard Sangla!"

Chen Cao spread his hands and replied, "And how does that concern me?" With that, he drew his pistol from his waist.

Seeing Chen Cao about to leave, Wuji’s eyes darted around. "I know everything you want. You are going to the altar; the guards there are heavily armed, and the gems were moved that very day. Of course, I also know where your companions are being held, and I have the things you are looking for. I have only one request: kill Sangla!" Wuji gritted his teeth, flipped over to pry up a floorboard in the room, and pulled out a pouch made of animal hide. He shook it, and the bag emitted a crisp rattling sound. He opened the pouch, and a brilliant, multicolored light refracted out.

Hua Fo had an innate sensitivity to gems. His eyes lit up the moment he saw the cloth bag in Wuji’s hands. He had clearly heard their conversation; Wuji had betrayed Chen Cao for his mother’s sake, but now that his mother had been killed by someone named "Sangla," these gems were clearly the payment for vengeance.

Hua Fo’s eyes gleamed as he hurried over, smiling. "Little brother, isn't it just killing a native? I’ll do it for you—just give me those gems!" He reached out to snatch the bag from Wuji’s hands.

Wuji looked at Hua Fo and pulled his hand back, a resolute expression on his face. "No, I only trust him!" He pointed a withered finger at Chen Cao.

Hua Fo lacked such patience. His expression darkened. "Little boy, it’s obvious he doesn't want to make this deal. I can help you. As long as you find your enemy, I will certainly kill him!" Hua Fo was quite confident in this. He reached out and walked toward Wuji, intent on seizing the gems.

"You—don't come any closer!" Seeing that Chen Cao remained expressionless, Wuji backed up indignantly against the wooden wall of the room. "If you force me, I’ll scream and bring the guards here. We might as well all go down together!" As he spoke, Wuji’s face was filled with defiance.

Hua Fo paused. This was no joke; he could kill the boy within three seconds, but he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't make a sound. If he drew a swarm of native soldiers, not even a hundred men could escape. Finally, he looked toward Chen Cao, who was watching from the sidelines, waiting for his answer. After all, they were partners, and if Chen Cao agreed, he would be entitled to half of all the gems.

Chen Cao spoke coldly: "Alright, enough of this. We have much to do." He beckoned to Wuji. Wuji understood immediately, his expression relaxing as he tossed the bag to Chen Cao. When Chen Cao opened it, the colorful gems nearly blinded him. Hua Fo was brimming with excitement but dared not make any rash moves; he shuffled his feet and stretched his neck, asking, "Can I see them now?"

Chen Cao didn't answer. He grabbed a handful of gems, wrapped them in a piece of cloth he tore from his own clothing, and then tossed the rest of the animal-hide pouch to Hua Fo. "No matter how many are in there, consider it a reward for saving my life."

Hua Fo caught the bag and opened it. Emeralds, agates, diamonds—there were even two natural green diamonds. Such green diamonds were worth at least eighty thousand dollars each on the market. Despite his excitement, Hua Fo quickly regained his composure, tucked the bag away, and said, "Good, you’re a man of your word. I won’t beat around the bush either; I won’t go back on my promise regarding future gems!"

Chen Cao nodded and turned his attention back to Wuji. "I want to know the specifics. You know, if I find out you’ve betrayed me again, I guarantee you won’t be breathing tomorrow’s air."

Hearing Chen Cao’s icy, dagger-like words, Wuji took a deep breath and said, "Very well, sir. I will tell you everything I know. This time, it is absolutely the truth."