Chapter 17: The Strange Trio

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At half past four in the morning, inside the security room of the residential complex.
Wu Bei, Luo Hou, and Qi Jinlong stared at each other with wide eyes.
After much consideration, Wu Bei decided to reveal the truth to Qi Jinlong; the situation had spiraled far beyond his control.
Qi Jinlong wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at Wu Bei: "So, you mean he was wealthy during the day, and now he's bankrupt?"
Luo Hou shook his head like a rattle and explained, "Not bankrupt exactly. That old man in my family locked the funds up. The money’s still in my account; we just need to change the password. The problem is, I have to go back to the capital to do it."
"Could you just shut up?! Go sulk in a corner!"
Qi Jinlong pointed at Luo Hou in fury.
Luo Hou clicked his tongue, angry but silent, crouching in the corner and muttering softly.
Qi Jinlong grimaced and looked at Wu Bei again: "Brother, you’re seriously messing with me. I swore on my boss’s name I wouldn’t lose a single cent of the 300,000."
"Sigh..."
Wu Bei sighed helplessly and then told Qi Jinlong about Luo Hou and the luxury car stuck in the repair shop.
"What’s that mean? You want me to front 40,000 first?"
Qi Jinlong instantly lost his temper and cursed at Luo Hou: "I’m not looking down on anyone, Wu Bei, but look at this guy—where does he have the vibe of a rich second generation? He’s probably a scammer. What car sells for six million? Amphibious? He’s playing you for a fool!"
"It’s really worth six million..."
Luo Hou defensively insisted, undeterred by past failures.
"Stop spouting nonsense!"
Qi Jinlong exploded, standing up angrily and ready to loosen his belt.

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Wu Bei reached out to stop him, furrowing his brows as he reasoned, "Alright, brothers, let’s think this through together—that’s the real deal."
Everyone’s background was different, so their perspectives naturally varied. Some thought six million was astronomical, while others saw it as a mere drop in the bucket.
One crucial discipline adults must master is restraining the urge to correct others’ mistakes.
Qi Jinlong shook his head like a rattle: "I have no choice. If I can’t get the 300,000, my boss would really ‘take my kidney to settle the debt’!"
At the mention of ‘taking kidneys,’ Wu Bei and Qi Jinlong glanced simultaneously at Luo Hou.
Luo Hou shivered, terrified, clutching his lower back: "Don’t joke around, man. I’m not even married yet."
Though he joked, Wu Bei hadn’t reached that level of severity. After a moment of silence, he asked Qi Jinlong about the debt he mentioned during the day.
Qi Jinlong sneered: "Forget it, man—that’s a deadbeat debt. You know what a deadbeat debt means? It means..."
"Any IOU means it’s not deadbeat! We can try!"
Wu Bei cut him off immediately.
His father, Wu Shihao, was one of the earliest real estate developers in Chong City. As the legitimate heir, Wu Bei grew up in that environment and was well-versed in business tactics.
Moreover, Wu Bei cleverly included everyone present with the word "we."
His idea was simple: use this money to cover Luo Hou’s hole first, then settle accounts with that bastard later.
He trusted his instincts—rich people might fake appearances, but their habit of extravagance was hard to fake.
Luo Hou definitely came from a wealthy or noble background. If Wu Bei could pull him through, maybe even the old man’s hospital bills wouldn’t be a problem.
Most importantly, Luo Hou was now backed into a corner. Wu Bei had no choice but to help him.
Qi Jinlong wrinkled his nose and replied, "We want the IOU, but it’s really hard to collect. Do you know Aoxue Group? The one owing us is the project manager of Aoxue Group. In the past two years, Aoxue Group has been booming, taking on a lot of city projects. Forget us—banks don’t even stand a chance."

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Hearing "Aoxue Group," Wu Bei instinctively fell silent again.
Maybe from Wu Shihao’s perspective, he didn’t want to have the slightest connection with anyone from that circle.
Qi Jinlong puffed his cheeks and blew out air: "I told you, that money’s tough to get back. Better spend time thinking about how to ‘take his kidney’..."
"We’ll take it! We’ll take this job!"
With determination, Wu Bei clenched his fists and stood up.
After deciding, Wu Bei called Qi Jinlong and Luo Hou out. He didn’t want Uncle Ren to see him bringing so many people back, nor did he want the residents of the complex to gossip.
Fortunately, it was summer, and by five o’clock, the sky was bright. This odd trio drifted like ghosts through the streets.
"Glug glug..."
As they walked, Luo Hou stopped, looked up, and stared at the breakfast shop across the street, licking his lips.
"Damn, you’re useless at everything except eating. You’re an animal!"
Qi Jinlong kicked Luo Hou’s butt, his bloodshot eyes glaring.
Wu Bei laughed heartily and waved his hand generously: "To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools! This meal’s on me!"
Luo Hou made a cheeky heart shape with his fingers, pouted in a flattering way: "Dear, Second Brother loves you—deeply, painfully. Wait until I get back to the capital..."
"Smack!"
Qi Jinlong slapped the back of his head impatiently and reprimanded, "Even eating can’t shut that miserable mouth of yours..."