Chapter 190: The Perfect Tool for Raising Bids

Amei’s face was full of confusion. What the heck?

Weren’t they supposed to be partners in raising the price together? Why was she suddenly getting the cold shoulder? Was it because she wasn’t doing a good enough job?

Thinking this, Amei couldn’t help but feel a newfound respect for Hei Meier.

Sis, you’re ruthless—so ruthless you’d even screw over your own man. I can’t compete with that.

“Amei, what are you daydreaming about? The next round is about to start. Go comfort your man and make sure he doesn’t get discouraged. We still need him to be a good little tool for raising the price,” Weiwei came over, pulled Amei aside, and whispered a reminder in her ear.

“Ah, oh, okay.” Amei nodded absentmindedly, but couldn’t help glancing in Hei Meier’s direction, wondering if she should also drag her own man into the mess to show her dedication.

But then Weiwei spoke up quietly beside her, “That woman, her name is Hei Meier. She’s the favorite of Kuíhu, the Bloodthirsty Tiger. She always acts all innocent, but she’s actually vicious as hell. Last time, a friend of mine offended her and Hei Meier got so petty that my friend’s face was ruined on the spot. You’d better stay away from her.”

“Huh, so she’s not on our side after all.” Amei finally realized Hei Meier wasn’t a fellow price-raising ally, but a fat sheep to be fleeced.

Her eyes sparkled as a plan formed in her mind.

Weiwei noticed something was off and warned, “What are you thinking? Don’t mess with that snake of a woman.”

Amei smiled slightly. “Relax. My man’s from Red Lotus Stronghold, and Bloodthirst is our natural enemy. She can’t do anything to me—Red Lotus will protect me.”

Weiwei hesitated, worry written all over her face. “But didn’t they say Red Lotus’s leader, Yi Beimíng, is seriously injured and won’t last much longer? I saw him yesterday being helped around—he didn’t look good.”

Amei immediately disagreed. “Who says so? Chief Yi will live a long, blessed life—he’ll be fine. Besides, I heard Miss Yun brought a batch of healing potions today. As long as the chief can buy some, he’ll recover for sure.”

Weiwei looked at her in surprise. “So you snuck in here to get close to Miss Yun?”

Amei scratched her head sheepishly. “Hehe, I’m just doing my part. My man’s from Red Lotus, so I’m half a member myself. I have to help out. The chief treats us really well—just the other day, he bought food and shared it with us. It was delicious!”

Weiwei gave her a knowing look. “And you say you’re not Red Lotus? You’ve already been assimilated by those big lugs—always singing the chief’s praises.”

Then she couldn’t help but lean in closer. “So, what’s your plan? Need my help? I’ve had it with Hei Meier too. Worst case, I’ll have Haozi join Longteng or Red Lotus. If we could get under Miss Yun, that’d be even better—then I wouldn’t have to worry about Hei Meier at all.”

Amei grinned. “Sure, if you want to join Red Lotus, I’ll have my man vouch for you.”

The two girls huddled together, whispering excitedly, their faces growing more animated by the minute. The two men accompanying them exchanged helpless glances.

Meanwhile, the single guys nearby looked on with envy and resentment. On this exile star, women were far rarer than men—especially pretty ones.

Hmph, some people just don’t know how lucky they are!

On the other side, Shentu had quietly slipped over to the transaction counter, just in time to see Kuíhu fork over 3,000 energy credits for a mango-flavored green jelly stone.

Judging by the size of that green jelly stone, and with today’s discount, it should have cost no more than 100 credits. Yet it sold for 3,000—a thirtyfold markup!

Shentu’s eyes lit up at the sight.

“Brother Tu, you’re here too?” A big, burly guy walked over to greet Shentu.

“Ah, Daliu.” Shentu glanced at him, then saw him looking around sneakily before sidling up and rubbing his hands together. “Brother Tu, could you lend me some energy credits? Amei wants a sweet-flavored green jelly stone, but I don’t have enough on me.”

Shentu immediately clutched his pocket and glared at him warily. “No way. I borrowed these myself. If you want to please your woman, figure it out yourself. I’m not lending you anything.”

Daliu looked at him pitifully. “Really not lending?”

Shentu shook his head firmly. “Nope. I’m counting on this to make big money and buy green jelly stones for the chief. There are still lots of flavors he hasn’t tried.”

At the mention of the chief, Daliu didn’t dare complain anymore. “Alright, the chief comes first. I’ll figure something out.”

“Daliu, Daliu, what are you doing here?” Amei dragged Weiwei over, Haozi in tow, and shot Daliu an annoyed look.

For such a big guy, he sure could move quietly.

Daliu scratched his head and grinned. “I saw Brother Tu and came over to say hi.”

“Oh, it’s Brother Tu. Hello!” Amei snapped out of it, her expression brightening as she greeted Shentu with a big smile.

“Hello, hello.”

“Move aside, you’re blocking the way.” Behind them, Kuíhu stormed out after paying, his face dark. Only after Hei Meier fed him a spoonful of mango jelly did his mood improve a little.

But as soon as he spotted his old rival Shentu, his anger flared up again.

Shentu’s friendly demeanor vanished. He turned, scowling fiercely at Kuíhu. “What are you yelling for? The road’s wide enough—why do you have to walk right here?”

“Hmph, because I want to. I’ll walk wherever I please. What’s it to you, pauper?” Kuíhu sneered, his eyes full of contempt.

As the wealthiest of the three major factions in Chaos City, Bloodthirst was Kuíhu’s pride and joy. Every time he thought about it, he felt superior to Shentu, that idiot.

In fact, Kuíhu and Shentu had grown up together, brothers-in-arms from the same trench. But Kuíhu was ambitious and greedy, and when Lin Qiu offered him a better deal, he betrayed Shentu without hesitation—even stabbing him in the back.

So, former brothers had become bitter enemies.

Shentu was lucky to survive, saved by Yi Beimíng, and naturally joined Red Lotus after that.

Once Red Lotus rose to power, Kuíhu shamelessly tried several times to persuade Shentu to defect, but Shentu refused and even gave Kuíhu a good beating. If Bloodthirst’s people hadn’t arrived in time, Kuíhu might not have survived.

With both men having nearly killed each other, and with Bloodthirst and Red Lotus being mortal enemies, they were now sworn foes.

A little taunting, a scuffle—none of this was unusual anymore.

So here was Kuíhu again, swaggering over to mock Shentu, flaunting his advantage."