"How will we ever repay this debt?" Tong Yousan asked with a bitter smile, his voice heavy with worry. "How are we supposed to pay back what we owe Zhang Gunli?"
"We've made substantial earnings over the years, haven't we? We initially borrowed five hundred thousand Ocean Dollars from him. Is paying back a million not enough?"
"A million Ocean Dollars?" Tong Yousan immediately shook his head, his expression grim. "You truly underestimate how he calculates his interest. A million wouldn't even cover the accumulated interest!"
Li Banfeng stood silently near the bookstore's wall, an unseen observer to the conversation unfolding within the room.
So, these individuals hailed from Puluo State. He wondered about the identity of Zhang Gunli, the man to whom five hundred thousand Ocean Dollars was owed. The question of the true repayment amount loomed large.
"No matter the sum we offer, it will be insufficient!" Feng Chongli exclaimed with a sigh. "That scoundrel Zhang Gunli possesses an uncanny ability to multiply even a single dollar into afortune akin to Golden Mountain."
Mu Yuejuan presented a painting to Feng Chongli. "Nine goes out, thirteen returns; he is bound by his own rules. I invested significant effort into this artwork, and its value should help. Please, take it to offset a portion of the debt."
"I appreciate your gracious offer," Feng Chongli replied, returning the painting to Mu Yuejuan. "However, the amount I owe is simply too substantial. Zhang Gunli's interest accrues at an exorbitant rate, and this painting, while valuable, is merely a drop in the ocean. It won't make a meaningful difference."
Mu Yuejuan gently touched Feng Chongli's cheek. "You fail to recognize my sincere intentions. If not for the shared journey on that boat and the budding affection that grew between us, I wouldn't concern myself with your troubles."
Feng Chongli was visibly taken aback. "You harbor affection for me?"
"If not for that, then what else would it be?" Mu Yuejuan playfully pinched Feng Chongli's nose. "Your physique isn't exactly the most robust, and you can hardly sustain many rounds in a confrontation. If it weren't for this affection, what else could I possibly see in you?
I once found your standing within Snowflake Beach quite appealing, but now, I truly cannot comprehend it. How has Snowflake Beach fallen into such destitution? It has even impoverished a wealthy businessman like you, forcing you to seek loans from Zhang Gunli?"
Feng Chongli let out another sigh. "Don't assume you're the only one who finds it incomprehensible. There are matters even I cannot grasp. Since setting foot in Snowflake Beach, my fortunes have taken a turn for the worse!"
"Then why not seek a different patron?"
Feng Chongli shook his head. "It's exceedingly difficult. Snowflake Beach is not a place one can simply depart from at will. Zhang Gunli's collection day approaches once more, and I must accelerate my efforts to gather funds. At the very least, I need to cover the interest. If all else fails, I will be forced to devise another solution. I haven't even the slightest clue where that man Zhang Gunli has disappeared to."
Mu Yuejuan chuckled lightly. "I might have a suggestion that could help, but it hinges on your objective: do you wish to evade him, or do you intend to find him?"
Feng Chongli seemed bewildered. "Why on earth would I want to find him?"
"You truly wish to find me?" At precisely 7:11 PM, within the private dining room of a restaurant in Peace Mansion, Zhang Gunli posed this question to Shen Rongqing, who sat across from him.
Shen Rongqing affirmed with a nod. "I have given it considerable thought. I wish to borrow your Eighth Layer battle power for a duration of two days."
Zhang Gunli idly rubbed a walnut between his fingers. "May I inquire about the purpose for which you require this battle power?"
Shen Rongqing took a sip of tea before looking up. "That is a matter you are not meant to inquire about."
"Indeed, I should not. Were it anyone else, I would certainly refrain from asking," Zhang Gunli stated, rotating the walnut twice in his hand. "There are certain truths you may find difficult to believe. In your eyes, I may appear as an ordinary individual. However, I genuinely appreciate your literary works and admire your talent. Given the predicament you face, I feel compelled to offer a reminder:
Should you encounter an adversary, engaging an assassin is often the most prudent course of action. Should you find it challenging to locate a suitable individual, I can suggest potential avenues."
Shen Rongqing responded with a shake of her head. "The individual I intend to eliminate is one no assassin would dare to target."
"Would you be so kind as to divulge the name?"
Shen Rongqing spoke plainly: "The Fifth Young Master of the Ma Family, Ma Junyang."
Zhang Gunli held the walnut, continuing to rub it for a prolonged moment before emitting a sigh. "This individual is indeed formidable and presents a significant challenge. Those with the means to employ skilled talent would likely hesitate to act against him, and those who might dare to do so, I fear, are beyond your current financial reach."
Shen Rongqing's resolve was evident. "Therefore, the task falls upon me to handle it personally."
Zhang Gunli placed the walnut deliberately on the table. "You should reconsider this decision carefully. Borrowing Eighth Layer cultivation for a mere two days incurs a debt that will not be easily repaid."
Shen Rongqing met his gaze with unwavering determination. "If I am unable to repay the debt, I shall pledge myself entirely to you, to be dealt with as you see fit."
Witnessing Shen Rongqing's firm resolve, Zhang Gunli ceased his protestations. "From which Daoist Sect do you wish to borrow this power?"
"The Literature Cultivator Sect."
"Do you seek only battle power, or do you also require the associated techniques?"
"I require both the battle power and the techniques."
"Do you require it this instant, or shall we schedule a different time?"
"Now."
"Excellent!" Zhang Gunli retrieved a promissory note from his jacket. "Kindly affix your fingerprint."
Shen Rongqing's gaze fell upon the sum stated in the note. Despite her prior anticipation, a shiver coursed through her.
Zhang Gunli's demanded price was nothing short of usurious. If payment were to be made in currency, Shen Rongqing would be utterly incapable of fulfilling the obligation.
Yet, if not with money, what other means could she possibly employ? She was left with no choice but to offer herself.
Zhang Gunli offered one final warning: "There is still time to reconsider!"
"No reconsideration!" Shen Rongqing delicately pricked her fingertip with a needle, pressing her fingerprint onto the promissory note.
As Zhang Gunli clutched the promissory note, ethereal mists began to emanate from it, enveloping Shen Rongqing.
"Miss Shen, effective immediately, you possess Eighth Layer Literature Cultivation. In two days' time, when your cultivation repayment is due, inform me of a location, and I shall arrive to collect what is owed."
Shen Rongqing replied: "We will set the rendezvous at my residence; you are aware of where that is."
"Miss Shen, when I arrive to seek you out, you would be wise to await me at home. Should you default on your debt and delay repayment, even by half a day, the interest calculation will escalate. Do not even contemplate evasion, for I possess the means to locate you anywhere."
...
As night descended, Ma Wu was diligently managing the accounts at Xiaoyao Lodge when Zuo Wugang entered. "Master Wu, Miss Shen has arrived to see you."
Ma Wu was momentarily stunned, his expression quickly shifting to one of profound delight. "Please, usher her in."
Shen Rongqing entered the chamber, offering a polite greeting by clasping her fists: "It has been a considerable time since we last met. How have you been, Fifth Young Master?"
Ma Wu swiftly reciprocated the gesture: "Thanks to Miss's good fortune, my days have been auspicious. However, I confess to having yearned for you day and night."
A faint blush tinged Shen Rongqing's cheeks: "Do you truly miss me?"