Big Gold Seal

In a courtyard house on Shanyuan Road in Green Water City, Li Banfeng sat on the sofa wearing a top hat with the brim pulled very low.

Shen Jinzhong, the Second Boss the Three Heroes Gate, is forty-eight years old this year. Bald Head, has a round face, a full beard, and is a seventh-level martial arts practitioner.

Looking at Bao Yingchen beside him, Shen Jinzhong felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew that this Bao Yingchen was not the real one, but over the years, his fear of Bao Yingchen had become ingrained in his bones.

"Seventh Master, this puppet is perfectly made, except its complexion is a bit off; it looks a little green."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "The complexion is easy to deal with; we'll dress it up later."

Shen Jinzhong added, "His speech and behavior are also quite different from our First Boss's."

Our First Boss only speaks three-tenths of what he means, hiding seven-tenths, and even that three-tenths is spoken veiledly.

When he spoke, everyone around him thought it made a lot of sense, but few could clearly explain why.

Shen Jinzhong had clearly explained his impression of Bao Yingchen, but Li Banfeng was deep in thought. He couldn't turn a Cabbage Man into a seasoned veteran in a short time.

Since it's impossible to create a highly similar Bao Yingchen, we have to find another way.

He likes to speak in a roundabout way, which makes him difficult to deal with. You have to design a lot of convoluted scenarios for him, because if he says even half a sentence wrong, he might reveal his identity.

Even if there's not a single correct statement, if you strictly follow Bao Yingchen's habits and speak in a way that's obscure and confusing, making it impossible for others to understand, the matter still won't be accomplished.

The best way to deal with this is to not let the Cabbage Man talk too much.

Shen Jinzhong asked, "Seventh Master, how much do you think is appropriate?"

"I think three sentences are enough."

Shen Jinzhong was taken aback. "Can things be explained in just three sentences?"

"Add two sentences for introduction, two sentences for conclusion, and only three sentences for the main topic. Seven or eight sentences in total, I think that's enough."

Seven or eight sentences are enough? Shen Jinzhong was a little uneasy.

Li Banfeng said, "It doesn't matter how much or how little you say, the key is to have someone as a witness. Invite all the members of your various factions to the Golden Seal Hall. How many you can invite depends on your influence."

I'll also be inviting some people over. Tonight, you'll take the Big Gold Seal home, but make sure you don't leak the news beforehand.

Shen Jinzhong was somewhat troubled. "Seventh Master, you forbid me from revealing the news of the Big Gold Seal's return home. How am I supposed to invite people over?"

"That depends on your ability. I don't think we need to worry about this. What's meant to happen will happen eventually, and what's not meant to happen shouldn't come and cause trouble." Li Banfeng took out a Contract Paper. "Let's draw up a contract first. Everything we agreed on before is written in it."

Shen Jinzhong pricked his finger and pressed his bloody handprint on it.

Li Banfeng rewrote the script, and the two rehearsed it carefully several times.

Shen Jinzhong returned to the Golden Seal Hall.

The Golden Seal Hall is a large mansion where important matters of the Three Heroes Gate are usually discussed.

Shen Jinzhong sat in the second seat, as instructed by Li Banfeng. The first seat had to be vacant until things were settled, as a sign of respect for Bao Yingchen and loyalty to the gang.

He summoned several of his men and instructed them to prepare invitations, "I bought twenty sheep from Bai Mu Yuan. Go and prepare twenty pots. The feast will be held tonight."

His subordinate asked, "Whom did you invite?"

"I've written a list; you can prepare the invitations."

"Honey, isn't it inappropriate for us to hold such a large banquet at this time?"

Shen Jinzhong frowned and said, "What's the big deal about having hot pot? I invited these people here to help us find our First Boss."

The subordinates looked at the list, which consisted of prominent figures in Green Water City. These people were not easy to invite. "The first two days are for inviting, the next day is for calling, and the day after that is for asking for a house. If we ask for a house now, the boss might not be willing to come."

Shen Jinzhong said impatiently, "Those who should come will definitely give me face, and those who shouldn't come will be spared from causing trouble. Go on!"

Around six o'clock in the evening, guests began to arrive one after another.

The first to arrive were the people from the Three Heroes Gate. Several elders were invited over. Shen Jinzhong himself sat in the second seat, leaving the first seat empty. He invited Elder Dong Kaibin to the third seat.

With the support of the Chu family, Dong Kaibin has already taken over the position of the Third Boss Three Heroes Gate, the only thing he lacks is a formal title.

Shen Jinzhong invited him to sit down, but he politely declined, saying, "My lord, it's not appropriate for me to sit here; it's not my proper place."

"What are you afraid of!" Shen Jinzhong laughed. "The reason for this banquet today is to solidify your status."

"There's still no news from the First Boss, so my little matter isn't worth mentioning..."

"We need to keep looking for the First Boss, and we also need to take care of your business. Brother, just sit here and relax."

Judging from Shen Jinzhong's attitude, Dong Kaibin understood what was going on.

He's trying to back down, but he's definitely not backing down to me; he's backing down to the Chu family.

The Chu family is at the height of its power. If Shen Jinzhong submits to the Chu family, it is equivalent to submitting to the Guanfang Envoy. The key is to see to what extent he submits.

If he honestly plays the role of the Second Boss, things might be delayed, and he could be allowed to coast along for a few more years.

If he still wants to compete for the top spot, there's no room for negotiation. Either he gets kicked out of the gang, or his life is taken.

Most of the members of the Three Heroes Gang had arrived, and members of other gangs also arrived one after another. Han Yaomen, the First Boss of the Azure Cloud Society, clasped his hands in greeting to Shen Jinzhong and said, "Shen Jinyin!"

He then clasped his hands in a fist salute to Dong Kaibin and said, "Elder Dong."

Shen Jinzhong smiled and said, "Brother Han, you can't call me Elder anymore. I'm Dong Jinyin now."

Han Yaomen smiled, lifted his long robe, sat down in a chair, and said nothing.

What Dong Jinyin? Wagging his tail in front of the Chu family, does this lapdog even deserve to be called a Jinyin?

Zhang Xiuling, the Hundred Flowers Gate Sect, has arrived.

White Crane Gang of the Bai Wuchuan Gang, has arrived.

Li Haoyun, the owner of Hibiscus Studio, has arrived.

Xie Juncong, the leader of the Ghost Hand Gate, also came.

When the leaders of these gangs saw Dong Kaibin, some called him Elder Dong, while others simply ignored him; none of them recognized him as Jin Yin.

Dong Kaibin was a little embarrassed, but he remained calm inside. This was something he had expected before his official status was confirmed.

The soup in the pot is boiling, but why haven't Li Qi's guests arrived yet?

Just as Shen Jinzhong was getting anxious, the guest arrived.

The first to arrive was Lu Chunying, followed by Tan Fucheng and Lu Yuanxin.

The Lu Family was also being targeted by the Guanfang Envoy, but they still held a prominent position in Pro State. Everyone was somewhat surprised that a hot pot meal could invite the Lu Family to come.

The second person to arrive was Shen Rongqing, who came on behalf of Ling Family Film Industry.

After so many things happened to the Ling family, their status in Pro State is no longer what it used to be.

But Shen Rongqing's reputation remains; she is a talented woman from Pro State.

She happened to sit next to Zhang Xiuling, and the two talented women were together, which made Shen Jinzhong feel even more proud.

The third person to enter was He Yuxiu.

When they saw He Yuxiu arrive, everyone tensed up.

Why did they bring her here? Has Shen Jinzhong gone mad?

He Yuxiu killed Yang Xingbo, the Third Boss of the Three Heroes Gate!

Of course, this is just a rumor and hasn't been confirmed yet. The fact that He Yuxiu dared to come today suggests there might be another explanation.

Even if there is an explanation, it's still wrong to invite her here so openly.

He Yuxiu is now a thorn in the Guanfang Envoy and could lose her life at any time. If he invites her to the banquet, isn't Shen Jinzhong afraid of being implicated?

Surprised as she was, He Yuxiu walked into the lobby, and everyone stood up.

This is the eldest sister of the He Family, one of the most prominent figures in Pro State, and also the most resilient person in Pro State.

From the early Ma family to the Lu Family at its peak, and now the Guanfang Envoy, no matter what kind of opponent she encountered or what kind of situation she faced, He Yuxiu never yielded or bowed her head.

Everyone present, regardless of age, status, or position, had to respectfully address He Yuxiu as "Sister Xiu"!

He Yuxiu pulled up a chair and sat down next to Lu Chunying, smiling as she said to Shen Jinzhong, "Old Shen, I hope my coming here for dinner won't cause you any trouble?"

"Sister Xiu, what are you saying? Your presence is an honor for me! I am honored!" Shen Jinzhong had someone bring a wine jar and personally poured wine for He Yuxiu.

Dong Kaibin, standing to the side, darkened his face. "Sister Xiu, is our Third Boss really...?"

"Who are you?" He Yuxiu looked at Dong Kaibin. "Do I know you?"

Dong Kaibin looked at Shen Jinzhong, waiting for Shen Jinzhong to say a word on his behalf.

Shen Jinzhong seemed not to hear anything. He poured wine for He Yuxiu and even specially prepared a dipping sauce for He Yuxiu: "Sister Xiu, please try it! I learned this from a famous chef."

He Yuxiu said, "Is everyone here? If everyone's here, I'll start eating!"

Shen Jinzhong laughed and said, "Don't be so polite. Now that Sister Xiu is here, everyone is here. There's no need to wait for anyone else."

He Yuxiu picked up a piece of mutton and said with a smile, "Old Shen, why is the first chair still empty? Aren't you the head of the Three Heroes Gate?"

Shen Jinzhong waved his hand and said, "The top seat belongs to our Big Gold Seal; no one can touch this position!"

Everyone started eating, Dong Kaibin sensed something was wrong and wanted to find a chance to slip away. Suddenly, he heard someone outside the door say, "Everyone's here. It's quite lively."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Bao Yingchen First Boss the Three Heroes Gate, walking into the main hall with his hands behind his back.

Everyone put down their chopsticks, and the entire Three Heroes Gate immediately stood up to bow to the Big Gold Seal. The others also stood up one after another.

He Yuxiu gritted her teeth. "Bao Yingchen, I'm looking for you right now! Where did our Seventh Brother go?"

As the two sides were about to engage in combat, many disciples of the Three Heroes Gate drew their weapons.

"Don't rush," Bao Yingchen said slowly, sitting in the head seat and looking at everyone. "I was away from home for a few days and only returned today. You all have food and drink here, so it seems you're doing quite well without me."

The saying goes, "Leave three parts for the rest, seven parts for the future," and at least that part has been done.

Shen Jinzhong quickly explained, "Brother, I called them here so that everyone could help find you. We were terrified because we haven't heard from you for the past few days..."

Bao Yingchen waved his hand and said, "No need to say anything. I'm happy that you're doing well. I've come back to say three things. First, bring me my golden seal."

Shen Jinzhong quickly went into the inner room and took out Bao Yingchen's gold seal.

Now that the introduction is over, let's get to the main topic.

The main point can be summarized in just three sentences, but it is the most crucial of all.

The soup in the pot was boiling, and Shen Jinzhong was covered in sweat.

Bao Yingchen said, "The first thing is to make friends. Li Qi is my friend, a friend of our Three Heroes Gate. We must never forget this."

Everyone was startled at first, then focused their attention on Zhang Xiuling.

Everyone thought this woman was making things up, but unexpectedly, Big Gold Seal and Li Qi became friends.

Zhang Xiuling glanced at Shen Rongqing with a smug look, while Shen Rongqing kept her eyes fixed on Bao Yingchen's face.

"His complexion is off; he looks like he's been poisoned."

Bao Yingchen's face was pale with a greenish tinge, indeed resembling someone who had been poisoned.

Bao Yingchen continued, "The second thing is that the blood feud has been avenged. The Chu family hired a traitor within our gang to assassinate me. I was poisoned and barely made it back to the main hall, all so that you would remember this: this grudge must be avenged!"

Everyone's gaze shifted away from Zhang Xiuling.

Their eyes were all focused on Elder Dong Kaibin.

With the support of the Chu family, Dong Kaibin is about to become the Third Boss, and may even compete for the First Boss.

Now that the real First Boss has returned, isn't the mole he was referring to Dong Kaibin?

Bao Yingchen's gaze also fell on Dong Kaibin, Dong Kaibin shocked and didn't know what was going on.

Did the Chu family plot against Bao Yingchen?

Is that possible?

Even if it exists, it has nothing to do with me!

Dong Kaibin stood up to explain, Shen Jinzhong pressed him back into the chair. "Don't move! Wait until your brother finishes speaking!"

Without giving Dong Kaibin a chance to explain, Bao Yingchen picked up the gold seal and placed it in Shen Jinzhong's hand. "The third thing is that the gang has to take care of things. I am no longer in charge. According to the gang's rules, the Big Gold Seal will be handed over to the second brother, Shen Jinzhong."

"Brother!" Shen Jinzhong said in a trembling voice, his eyes filled with tears, "Don't say such discouraging things. I'll have someone detoxify you right away."

"No need!" Bao Yingchen stopped Shen Jinzhong with a smile and said, "The matter is settled. Thank you all for gracing us with your presence at my Three Heroes Gate. Please enjoy your meal and drinks."

After saying that, Bao Yingchen picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of mutton, but before he could put it in his mouth, he stopped moving.

He Yuxiu looked at Bao Yingchen and nodded, saying, "Old Bao, you're a tough guy!"

Han Yaomen, the leader of the Azure Cloud Society, said with tears in his eyes, "Brother Bao, may you rest in peace."

Lu Chunying raised her glass and said, "Old hero, this junior toasts you."

Shen Rongqing still felt that something was wrong, that there were many things that were not right.

The disciples of the Three Heroes Gate were all shedding tears, and others were also moved to tears. It seemed inappropriate to raise questions at this time.

Shen Jinzhong hugged Bao Yingchen and said, "Brother, brother, please answer me! Brother, you can't leave me..."

He cried, sobbing uncontrollably.

But he didn't forget Li Banfeng's advice: he must not overact in this scene.

P. S.: Whether the acting is convincing or not is another matter. If I overdo it and damage the Cabbage Man, that would be troublesome.