0024 : Boss

The Lady Boss briskly nudged him aside, though her lips betrayed a faint smile as she remarked, "Joking or not, it's none of my concern. You can frolic wherever you please, but my interest ends here."

Yet, Xue Yang gazed at her with a pitiful expression, pleading, "If you don't care about me, who will? I'll be left to scrape by on the streets."

Early the next morning, just as Xue Yang contemplated a visit to the Jade Market, a Ferrari abruptly hurtled toward him. It was an extravagant vehicle, a testament to its owner's affluence.

Seeing recognition dawn on the woman's face, Xue Yang could only offer a helpless smile. "Yesterday was chaotic, your place was empty, and you needed urgent aid. If I hadn't intervened, who knows what could've happened?"

Attempting to reason with a woman, however, proved futile. The stunning beauty brushed off Xue Yang's words with nonchalance.

The audacity to utter the word 'tarnish' was not lost on Xue Yang. He vividly recalled suppressing the urge to be intimate to save her.

Frowning, Xue Yang retorted, "Regardless of the price, I won't marry you, alright?"

Inwardly, he grumbled, even if she were a tigress, he had no mountain to shelter her.

The beauty haughtily snorted, "Your aesthetic judgments are flawed. I've investigated you; you crafted a majestic green glass Phoenix for the Huang Family, a piece that astounded Eastsea City. Boss Bai's skull is rumored to be your handiwork. Your skill is evident. Now, I want you to inscribe something for me, matching the caliber of that regal green glass."

Feeling a headache at the woman's request, Xue Yang was acutely aware of his sculptures' worth.

To avoid potential accidents on the streets, Xue Yang reluctantly conceded, "Fine, provide the materials and your stringent specifications. I'll deliver something commendable, though perfection is in the hands of fate."

The beauty's face finally softened with a smile upon hearing his agreement. "You've said it. I haven't decided what you'll carve yet, but once I do, I'll return with the details."

With that, she hopped into the Ferrari and sped away.

Xue Yang sighed, "I forgot to ask for your name."

The beauty, with a cold demeanor, leaned out the window, "Wu Yali. Clearly, you're quite ignorant."

With a screech of the accelerator, the Ferrari vanished from Xue Yang's view.

Observing the display of wealth, Xue Yang admitted he lacked the qualifications to act cool.

Post-negotiation, Xue Yang lost interest in loitering. He hailed a taxi, purchased random gifts, and headed straight to Elder Yu's abode.

The displeased little girl greeted him at the door, "I haven't given you permission yet!"

She soon relented, "Alright, come in."

Faced with an awkward entry, Xue Yang persisted for his objective. Once inside, he greeted Elder Yu, "Thank you for your significant assistance last time."

The old man glanced up from his newspaper, "Regarding that matter, you compensated my grandson and daughter generously. We're even now. You didn't come here just to express gratitude; speak your mind."

"I wonder if your boat has any upcoming sea ventures. If so, I'd like to catch the wind on it."

The youth deposited his acquisitions on the floor.

Without looking up, Elder Yu inquired, "You're not planning to fish with my boat, are you?"

Xue Yang chuckled, "Fishing, yes. But I'm aiming for bigger prey."

"If you're eyeing the Sinking Ship Monuments, find someone else."

"Why?" Xue Yang protested. Having recently acquired diving skills, he intended to explore the secret place.

Despite possessing the means to hire or even purchase a boat, he hesitated. He preferred a discreet journey, avoiding any inadvertent disclosure of his plans.

Elder Yu, however, staunchly refused.

Lighting a cigarette, Elder Yu explained, "Sinking Ship Monuments earned its name because countless boats sank there throughout history. It's perilous, attracting treasure hunters. I, an old man, won't involve myself."

"Elder Yu, I'll reward you handsomely. Despite the potential insult, I genuinely wish for your help," Xue Yang implored.

The plea fell on deaf ears.

After finishing his cigarette, Elder Yu confronted Xue Yang, "Young man, I won't take you there for your own good. My son explored it once, seeking treasures, but he returned a broken man. He's essentially a vegetable now. Many others met similar fates. Even if you go, it won't end well."

Stunned by the revelation, Xue Yang persisted, "Elder Yu, I'd still like to see him."

Reluctantly, Elder Yu gestured for Xue Yang to follow. In the inner room lay a middle-aged man, unresponsive and vacant-eyed.

Xue Yang, not a medical professional, detected abnormalities using his dragon blood realm. "He's been poisoned."

Skeptical, Elder Yu dismissed the diagnosis, citing the impossibility of a hospital overlooking sea serpent poison.

Xue Yang reasoned, "New species constantly emerge in the sea. Even if not officially recognized, they exist."

Though dubious, Elder Yu remained unconvinced.

"I can cure him. Just take me to Sinking Ship Monuments," Xue Yang asserted, confidence etched on his face.