Chapter Twenty: Unusual

Ma Old Man was just feeling refreshed after his nasal drink, his whole body relaxed, one hand resting on the armrest, his voice calm and deep, giving off an illusion of a sage with immortal airs: "Saving people in distress is my duty. Naturally, I won’t refuse."

Damn! The difference in attitude is unbelievable! A moment ago, he was about to hit me with a broom, but in front of these two well-dressed fellows, he transforms into a living saint? He must have kicked me out because he figured I had no money!

The two men’s faces lit up with joy and were about to speak when Ma Old Man added, "But I’ve already promised someone else. I need to go to Leizhou first. I won’t be able to come to Second Master’s side for a while."

He’s promised someone else?

Both men were taken aback. One asked, "How long will it take?"

"It’s hard to say. The duration isn’t up to me; it depends on how tricky the matter is."

They hesitated, "Then let’s ask Second Master for his opinion."

One of them took out his phone and went outside, while the other stayed in the living room, watching Ma Old Man intently as if worried he might run off.

With all these errands, can Ma Old Man really help me? I’ve already shown him the Divine Seal—surely it must be effective!

The man who went outside quickly returned, respectfully saying, "Second Master says he’s willing to wait no matter how long it takes. He also instructed us to stay and assist you with anything you need."

In plain terms, they’re here to keep an eye on him! They’re worried he’ll slip away? It seems Ma Old Man’s reputation isn’t the best.

Ma Old Man didn’t mind, and straightforwardly ordered, "Since that’s the case, I won’t be polite. I’m about to set off now, pressed for time—so food, drinks, and supplies are up to you. I’m old, can’t handle too much trouble. And make sure to count this kid in as well."

"I’m going too?" I asked, puzzled.

Ma Old Man shot me a look, "Don’t want me to save your life?"

So he’s agreed to help me. Old Chen’s Divine Seal really works. I asked, "When will you help me?"

"After I’m done with this matter."

Again, I have to wait. It’s not that I’m impatient, but I just hope it doesn’t turn out like it did with Old Chen.

---

I wore a bitter expression, "At least give me a definite answer. To be honest, I’ve waited for ages, just to finally reach you."

"Don’t worry. As long as you have the Divine Seal, I guarantee you won’t die."

Hearing this, I felt reassured but also more puzzled. Where did this Divine Seal come from?

Hearing my exchange with Ma Old Man, the two men looked at me in surprise. They’d always assumed I was one of Ma Old Man’s people. But now, they had no time to question my origins; after Ma Old Man’s instructions, they immediately started making calls, busy arranging everything.

Ma Old Man himself leisurely went into his room, packed a small backpack, and tossed it to me, clearly expecting me to carry it.

He really knows how to boss people around.

In less than half an hour, the two men had everything arranged.

Outside the alley, a black car waited by the roadside, completely out of place with the market surroundings. The two men respectfully invited Ma Old Man into the car, and I followed.

The car sped along, and on the way, I learned the two men’s names: Su Feiyong and Xu Guangyi. As for what they’d asked Ma Old Man to do, they revealed nothing. The Second Master they referred to remained a mystery, except that his surname was Wei; nothing else was known.

Their secrecy was impeccable. This Second Master Wei must be someone important. After all, anyone who can say "money is no issue" can’t be ordinary. Ma Old Man really must have some business with him.

The hospitality along the way was excellent—good food and drinks. Though the drive should have taken only seven or eight hours, it stretched to two days. When we arrived in Leizhou, it was noon. Ma Old Man complained about his age and the long journey, insisting on resting before heading to the destination. So we checked into a five-star hotel.

Only near noon the next day did we set out. Following Ma Old Man’s directions, the car stopped outside a roadside house, where someone was already waiting. When he saw us park, he approached cautiously, only relaxing when he recognized Ma Old Man.

He was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, everything about him—from his appearance to his clothes—spelled "small-town citizen." Compared to the elusive Second Master Wei, he wasn’t even in the same league.

"Ma Old Man, didn’t you say you weren’t coming? Why the sudden change?" the man asked.

That one sentence exposed Ma Old Man’s deliberate delay.

The two accompanying men showed no reaction, while Ma Old Man coughed awkwardly and snapped, "You turtle! Out of respect for our years of friendship, I put off a big boss’s job to come help you, and you’re not pleased?"

"No, no, nothing like that! It’s best you’re here. With you, my daughter is sure to be saved!" the man replied anxiously, glancing at me and the other two. "And these are…?"

Ma Old Man gestured toward me, "This is my apprentice, Luo Zi."

When did I become Ma Old Man’s apprentice?

"So, you’re Ma Old Man’s apprentice? Excellent, you must be quite skilled," he flattered.

"I told you I put off a big boss’s job, didn’t I? These two were sent by that big boss to help," Ma Old Man said, putting on airs.

Hearing this, the man’s respect for Ma Old Man grew even more. Compared to me, the nondescript "apprentice," the "bodyguards" sent by a big boss gave Ma Old Man’s status much more weight.

He invited us into his home. From his conversation with Ma Old Man, it was clear they’d known each other for years. Ma Old Man called him Xing San, which probably wasn’t his real name—maybe he was the third in his family.

Inside, Xing San’s wife came out to greet us. She clearly didn’t like Ma Old Man, only offering a polite hello before withdrawing.

Ma Old Man grinned at her, his sly gaze flickering once more.

Xing San seemed very familiar with Ma Old Man’s character and subtly blocked him from his wife, seating us in the living room.

"Wait!" Ma Old Man’s expression suddenly changed.

Everyone stopped, turning their attention to him. I wondered if he’d already noticed something.

Ma Old Man’s sharp gaze fixed on a certain direction. "Is that your daughter’s room?"

Xing San hesitated, "Yes, it is."

Without another word, Ma Old Man strode quickly toward the room in the corner. I followed, and as we drew closer, I caught a faint fragrance—the scent of lotions and floral water, typical of a young woman.

I looked at Ma Old Man in doubt, wondering if he truly had sensed something amiss.