Hu Xiaotian understood now. This man was a gambling-house owner who also lent money at usurious rates. People like him belonged to the underworld, and most of their dealings could not bear the light of day. Still, they had one useful talent: they were exceptionally well informed about all sorts of things. But why had this man sought him out? Had those scholars hired him to exact revenge?
"I hear you've come here to trade in jewelry and jade, Master Hu," Yu Wanli said. "Perhaps there's room for us to cooperate in that line of business."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "Don't you run a gambling house, Proprietor Yu?"
Yu Wanli smiled. "Haven't you heard that most people who enter a gambling house lose everything, right down to their underpants? Over the years, I've accumulated quite a collection of trinkets."
Hu Xiaotian's eyes brightened. He nodded and said, "I'm staying at the Welcome Immortal. If you're interested in getting acquainted, why not join me there for a cup of tea?"
"It would be my honor," Yu Wanli said with a smile.
Yu Wanli followed Hu Xiaotian to the Welcome Immortal. The fellow was clearly a prominent figure in Sea-Viewing City. The innkeeper treated him with the utmost deference and personally brewed a pot of fine tea and brought it to their room.
Host and guest sat down at the table. Yu Wanli studied Hu Xiaotian and smiled. "What sort of goods are you looking to buy, Master Hu?"
"Profit is what matters most to a businessman," Hu Xiaotian said. "What business he does isn't important. Wouldn't you agree?"
Yu Wanli chuckled. "You and I think alike, Master Hu. Don't judge a merchant by his trade, or a hero by his origins. Excellent! Excellent!"
"Why did you seek me out, Proprietor Yu?" Hu