Probing

Xiong Da, Xiong Er, and Hu Qiang were drinking heartily at the restaurant, their cups clinking as they exchanged jokes and interesting anecdotes, creating a lively atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in Flower Alley within the city, a young man dressed in plain clothes with a calm expression arrived at the Giant Bear Gang's establishment. His phoenix-like eyes were even more beautiful than a woman's, yet they exuded no effeminate aura. With every breath, a vigorous masculine energy radiated from him, truly marking him as a fine young man.

Flower Alley was indeed a small alley, lined with small houses built from blue bricks and red tiles on either side. Though not large, they were sufficient to accommodate a bed, table, and chairs. These places weren't originally intended for habitation.

Outside the alley, every few steps, a woman adorned in bright clothing would wave her handkerchief to attract customers. Some women had wrinkles around their eyes, their faces displaying forced smiles, while their inner eyes held a vacant indifference. In this life, who would choose such a profession if there were any other option?

"Young man, what do you say? Come in with me for some fun? It'll surely send you to the heavens, and you wouldn't trade it for an emperor's throne."

A woman who appeared to be in her thirties, spotting Xiang Yang standing at the street corner looking into Flower Alley, her eyes lit up. She approached Xiang Yang in a few steps and teased him, playfully adjusting his clothes and flicking her fingers. Her touch was so nimble, more so than the rope-untangling techniques practiced with the Iron Finger Technique, that Xiang Yang couldn't help but shiver. He quickly batted away the woman's fingers.

"Big sister, please hold on. I have something to ask you. If you answer well, I'll give you this silver coin for free. What do you say?"

To gather information, one relied on connections and networks, or on wealth and money. Xiang Yang's knowledge of Hu Qiang descending the mountain to join the Giant Bear Gang was thanks to Fu Da Chun's tip-off. However, specific related information would require money to smooth things over.

The woman before him looked to be of a considerable age and had likely worked in Flower Alley for a long time, possessing deep knowledge. If he could obtain useful information from her, not to mention a silver coin, even an ounce of silver would be well worth the price.

Seeing the piece of silver in Xiang Yang's hand, the woman's eyes gleamed. She snatched it and then threw Xiang Yang a seductive glance before speaking.

However, after glancing around and seeing many women like herself noticing them, she quickly pulled Xiang Yang further into the alley, stopping under a willow tree and sitting down on the ground.

"Ask whatever you need to ask quickly. After you're done, we'll pretend we don't know each other. The Giant Bear Gang is not to be trifled with. Whatever you're planning, don't drag me into it."

The woman's words were clear and direct, which eased Xiang Yang's worries. He meticulously inquired about the specific situation in Flower Alley, such as its operational model, operating hours, and the number of Giant Bear Gang members stationed there, asking about every detail he could think of.

Xiang Yang intended to kill Hu Qiang under the protection of the Giant Bear Gang, and even before Hu Qiang's death, to interrogate him to find the mastermind behind his father Xiang Da Niu's demise. Naturally, he had to consider all possibilities; the more he knew, the more advantageous it would be for him.

The woman was merely a person from the lower strata who sold her body. Some things she knew, and some she didn't. However, when Xiang Yang inquired about Hu Qiang, he unexpectedly received useful information: this woman had actually served Hu Qiang.

"Originally, that dead man was supposed to be served by the people from Crimson Tower. Who knew those little vixens couldn't handle that pervert? They were used up and broken in no time. In the end, they chose me from the crowd to take over. And I must say, while he's fierce, this old lady isn't a pushover either. We fought for three hundred rounds, and he was the one who surrendered first."

When the woman spoke of the Crimson Tower's women, her face showed disdain, but her eyes held envy. As they say, rivals in trade, especially since her business catered to the lower-class clientele, while Crimson Tower served the wealthy. Naturally, she was envious. The rest was self-praise and boasting about her charms, which Xiang Yang didn't mind.

"This is truly an unexpected delight. According to him, Hu Qiang is indeed lustful, and every time he comes, he goes to the innermost room in Flower Alley. There are at most three guards outside, not a strict security detail."

The three guards weren't constantly stationed outside the door but were members of the Giant Bear Gang left to manage the alley, specifically dealing with customers who refused to pay or caused trouble. Strictly speaking, at times, Hu Qiang might not have had any guards at all.

"It's not that the Giant Bear Gang doesn't know how to handle things, but Hu Qiang is confident in his own prowess and dislikes being disturbed when he's enjoying himself. So, he refused any extra attention, relying on his strength. I wonder if he's still that confident now that you're injured."

Seeing Xiang Yang lost in thought, the woman looked at the young man's handsome face with a touch of melancholy. She vaguely recalled the village boy from next door in her youth. Years had passed, that person was gone, and she had fallen into disrepute. A wave of emotion washed over her.

"Young man, no matter what you're asking about, your own life is the most important. Don't act rashly out of impulse. Here, I'll show you one last way. In the second courtyard from the innermost part of Flower Alley, there's a dog hole covered by haystacks. It leads directly outside. I hope you won't need it."

Seeing the woman's expression, Xiang Yang narrowed his phoenix eyes. This woman was too perceptive, anticipating his thoughts. If such a dog hole truly existed, his safety would greatly increase. But could he trust her?

In fact, by this point, Xiang Yang had already revealed many issues, such as his interest in Hu Qiang and his malice towards the Giant Bear Gang. Yet, this woman had disclosed so much information. Was it true or false? Could she be a lure?

The woman, having experienced much in life, understood Xiang Yang's thoughts from his expression. She shook her head.

"I don't know why I'm telling you so much. In the past, I would have taken the money and sent you away, not wasted so many words with you. Whether you believe it or not, this is all I can say.

Alright, I need to go attract customers. If you have nothing else, hurry up and leave. The people guarding here are not easy to deal with."

With that, the woman swayed her hips and returned to the street to solicit customers. Her retreating figure looked somewhat desolate and heart-wrenching.

It was normal for the woman to say so much. It was like going to the same canteen for food and ordering the same dishes; there was a definite difference in portion size between an ugly person and a handsome one. Canteen aunties also judged by appearance. If you were handsome, you got a few extra pieces of meat, naturally bringing benefits.

This could be considered a bonus from Xiang Yang's good looks, coupled with the woman's unusual sentimentality that night, leading to an impulsive act. At another time, in another place, such good fortune might not have occurred.

Xiang Yang nodded secretly. The woman's final words sounded sincere and believable. He wasn't planning to act tonight anyway; he could observe secretly, for example, that dog hole.

With that thought, Xiang Yang glanced around. It was still early, and there were hardly any people engaging in "activities." The alley was quiet, perfect for him to investigate.