Chapter 5

"Great!" Upon hearing that Xia Ruofei was willing to sell, "Cool Cactus" was very happy and said hurriedly, "The price will definitely not let you down! Besides, since you can cultivate such an exquisite ice lantern, you must be an expert. I wouldn't dare to deceive you!"

At this, "Cool Cactus" said impatiently:

"Blood Wolf, give me your address! I'll come over right away!"

"Let me come to your place instead! I'll come in the afternoon," Xia Ruofei thought for a moment and said, "Didn't you say you have quite a few succulents? I also want to visit your greenhouse."

Xia Ruofei saw the potential for making money from this exquisite ice lantern and naturally wanted to learn more about succulents. Looking up information online wouldn't be as good as seeing it in person, and "Cool Cactus" seemed like a straightforward person. Xia Ruofei also wanted to learn more about succulents from him.

Therefore, he decided to visit in person.

"Cool Cactus" was even happier when he heard this and said hurriedly:

"Welcome, welcome! Blood Wolf, I'll send you the address right away!"

Not long after hanging up, Xia Ruofei received a text message with the address from "Cool Cactus."

Xia Ruofei took out the spirit map he kept close to his body, and with a thought, he entered the spirit map space.

He walked over, picked up the pot of exquisite ice lantern, and in a flash, left the spirit map space.

Xia Ruofei found a large plastic bag to pack the ice lantern, then quickly made a simple lunch at home. After eating, he prepared to go out with the plastic bag containing the ice lantern.

Just as he reached the door, Xia Ruofei felt his hand go weak, and the plastic bag almost slipped from his hand. He quickly used his other hand to grab it, stopped to steady himself, and it took a while for the weakness in his hand to gradually disappear.

Xia Ruofei couldn't help but show a bitter smile: that damned ALS seems to be getting worse...

Years of special operations had made Xia Ruofei accustomed to life and death, and he had been diagnosed with this disease for some time, so he wasn't particularly afraid of death.

However, he felt a sense of urgency—looks like he needed to speed up his money-making efforts! He had to earn enough money for Hu Zi's mother to get a kidney transplant before he couldn't move, or he wouldn't have the face to meet Hu Zi in the afterlife!

Steadying his mind, Xia Ruofei left the rental house with firm steps.

To save time, he directly hailed a taxi and headed straight for the "Succulent Delicacies" in Anhua District.

...

In the suburbs of Anhua District.

At the entrance of a ten-acre planting base, a sign read "Succulent Delicacies." Two security guards stood on duty, looking alert—because the rarely seen boss was visiting the base today with several friends.

Inside the planting base was a three-story building, which served as the office for "Succulent Delicacies."

The entire third floor was open, serving as the exclusive floor for the boss of "Succulent Delicacies."

A large office of over 200 square meters had a dedicated rest room, a reception area, a fitness zone, and even a professional snooker table and an indoor golf course in one corner.

At the reception area, four or five young people were sitting around a coffee table.

One of them, about 25 or 26 years old, was wearing a well-fitted suit. He had thick eyebrows and bright, piercing eyes. This young man was skillfully brewing tea for everyone.

The others were also dressed well and were about the same age as the tea-brewing young man.

A girl in her early twenties was also sitting with them.

This girl was extremely beautiful, with a flawless face and skin that seemed to glow. Her long legs, in particular, would make any man fantasize about them being draped over his shoulders.

Such a beautiful girl naturally became the focus of the group.

However, this stunning girl was a bit cold, maintaining a distant demeanor despite the flattery from those around her.

These people were the children of some private entrepreneurs in San Mountain City, typical rich second-generation.

The young man brewing tea was named Liang Qichao. His father was the boss of the well-known real estate company Jian Da Group in the city. This "Succulent Delicacies" was opened by Liang Qichao, who was the "Cool Cactus" Xia Ruofei had contacted.

Of course, Liang Qichao was more of a hobbyist, mainly because he liked succulents.

The long-legged beauty was named Ling Qingsnow. Her father was Ling Xiaotian, a giant in the catering industry in San Mountain City. The Ling Family's catering chain had a significant influence throughout South East Province, with assets worth at least several hundred million.

The other three young men included a slightly overweight one named Lu Wen, whose family was also in the catering industry, with a chain of Minghao Hotels that had a similar influence to the Ling Family's catering chain.

Another young man with slicked-back hair and a middle part, named Liu Minghao, was from a real estate family. Being in the same industry as Liang Qichao, they were natural rivals and didn't get along well.

The last young man, a gentle and bespectacled one named Lu Ping, was also a rich second-generation, with a family in the logistics industry.

Of course, these young men all shared a common identity—they were all admirers of Ling Qingsnow, so there was a subtle sense of competition among them.

In fact, the one who truly liked succulents was Ling Qingsnow. Liang Qichao was influenced by her and gradually developed a liking for the cute succulents, even opening this "Succulent Delicacies" later on.

Liu Minghao, Lu Wen, and Lu Ping often tried to win her favor by collecting rare succulents to give her, but Ling Qingsnow mostly didn't find them impressive.

This time, when Liang Qichao mentioned finding an exquisite ice lantern online and praised it highly, Ling Qingsnow became interested and came to "Succulent Delicacies."

Naturally, Liu Minghao and the others followed, but their intentions were only known to themselves.

Liang Qichao handed the first cup of tea to the girl and said with a smile:

"Qingsnow, I didn't expect you to come here and join the fun. My humble place is truly honored!"

The girl named Qingsnow, with a cold expression, said lightly:

"I'm just curious about the exquisite ice lantern you mentioned. I hope it won't disappoint me later."

Liu Minghao, with the slicked-back hair, grinned and said:

"Qingsnow, I think Liang Qichao is probably being scammed. You saw the picture just now; how could there be such a beautiful ice lantern? It must be photoshopped."

Liu Minghao and Liang Qichao were both pursuing Ling Qingsnow, and their families were in the real estate industry, so he naturally wouldn't miss the chance to undermine Liang Qichao.

The slightly overweight Lu Wen also chimed in:

"I think Minghao has a point. There are many scammers online. Liang Qichao, you shouldn't be too trusting!"

This seemed to be a well-intentioned warning, but it subtly suggested that Liang Qichao lacked social experience and was easily deceived.

Liang Qichao snorted and said:

"I've been playing with succulents for a long time. Can't I tell the difference between real and fake? Besides, we're doing a face-to-face transaction. If it's photoshopped, would they dare to come? They'd be exposed as soon as they show the goods!"

Liu Minghao chuckled:

"Even if it's not photoshopped, it could be dyed with chemicals. It might look beautiful, but it will reveal its true colors in a few days..."

Lu Ping, who had been silent, adjusted his glasses and said:

"Regardless, we'll all appraise it together later. Do you think we can't tell the difference with so many of us?"

"Let's see the truth later!" Lu Wen laughed.

The men were engaged in a verbal battle, but the main character, Ling Qingsnow, remained calm, sitting gracefully on the sofa, occasionally sipping her tea, elegant and beautiful.

At this moment, the phone on the desk rang. Liang Qichao got up, pressed the speaker button, and heard the security guard's voice:

"Mr. Liang, a young man has come to the gate, saying he has an appointment with you to trade succulents."

Liang Qichao immediately said:

"Ask him to wait a moment. I'll be right there!"

Liu Minghao sneered:

"Liang Qichao, you're actually going to meet a scammer in person? You're really going downhill!"

Liang Qichao snorted and said:

"I don't have time for your nonsense!"

He quickly walked to the door.

Lu Wen called out:

"Come, come, come! Everyone, have some tea!"

He acted as if he were the host.

...

Xia Ruofei waited for two minutes at the security booth and saw Liang Qichao walking out hurriedly.

Liang Qichao saw Xia Ruofei and was taken aback. He hadn't expected "Blood Wolf" to be so young. After a moment of surprise, he asked uncertainly:

"Are you... Blood Wolf?"

Xia Ruofei smiled and nodded:

"You must be 'Cool Cactus,' right?"

"Blood Wolf! It's really you!" Liang Qichao immediately extended both hands warmly, "Nice to meet you! I didn't expect you to be so young!"

Xia Ruofei smiled faintly:

"My name is Xia Ruofei. May I ask your surname? In person, it's better to use our real names rather than our online IDs, which feel a bit strange."

Liang Qichao couldn't help but laugh:

"My surname is Liang, and my name is Liang Qichao!"

"Liáng Qǐchāo?" Xia Ruofei repeated subconsciously.

Liang Qichao laughed:

"I knew you'd misunderstand! It's '齐' for 'neat' and '超' for 'exceed,' not '启' for 'start.' I have a childhood friend named Kang Youwei! Our fathers are good friends and admire the two reformers, so they gave us these names. We always have to explain them when we introduce ourselves..."

Xia Ruofei also laughed:

"Good names, at least they're easy to remember!"

It was clear that Liang Qichao was a talkative and straightforward person, and Xia Ruofei had a good first impression of him.

Then, Xia Ruofei smiled:

"Mr. Liang, I've brought the ice lantern..."

"Quick, quick, quick! Please come inside!" Liang Qichao said impatiently, "Let's talk in my office!"

The two walked into the "Succulent Delicacies" planting base. Along the way, Xia Ruofei saw neatly arranged greenhouses, with workers coming and going. They all greeted Liang Qichao respectfully.

It was clear that the planting base was large and well-managed.

Liang Qichao led Xia Ruofei through the greenhouse area to the three-story building. He walked quickly and soon arrived at the large office on the third floor.

"Mr. Xia, I have a few friends who are also succulent enthusiasts. They want to see your exquisite ice lantern," Liang Qichao asked carefully, "Do you... mind?"

Xia Ruofei smiled:

"Of course not!"

"That's great, that's great..." Liang Qichao was delighted.

At the door of the large office on the third floor, Liang Qichao gestured invitingly:

"Mr. Xia, please come in!"

As soon as Xia Ruof