Chapter Forty: "The Decision Maker?"

Chapter 40: "The Decision Maker?"

He was dressed in a beige suit, impeccably tailored, clearly a high-end brand. No ordinary label could produce such craftsmanship, nor could anyone but a refined man wear it with such effect. His hair was neat, his forehead broad, and his eyes shone with spirit. Though he spoke with a careful, smiling manner, there was an unmistakable sense of calm dignity beneath it all—a composure that no nouveau riche could possess.

Chen Xiao noticed his shoes were polished to a shine, the kind that spoke of someone who rarely walked, for there was hardly any dust on them. In one hand, he carried a briefcase, and on his wrist was a delicate, undoubtedly expensive watch.

The middle-aged man entered the shop, politely nodding and smiling at the three proprietors of the shops along this commercial street before finally turning toward Chen Xiao, who stood by the counter. It was obvious that Chen Xiao was the one who belonged to the café, as only he wore the staff apron.

"How may I help you?" Chen Xiao cleared his throat.

"I wish to make a commission." The man's voice was calm, though his eyes betrayed a faint, involuntary worry.

A commission?

Chen Xiao was puzzled.

Seeing Chen Xiao's silence, the man's anxiety deepened. Almost reflexively, he glanced back at the door—outside, the bodyguards stood on high alert. Chen Xiao could tell that some of them had bulges at their waists beneath their jackets, no doubt guns. Their seemingly casual stance actually conformed to a subtle pattern, ideal for defense, as their positions covered all possible blind spots—no matter the direction, at least two guards would always have eyes on it.

"Don't worry. Whatever trouble you have outside, whether or not we accept your commission, the moment you walk through this door, you’re on our turf. At least within these walls, you are absolutely safe."

Uncle Tian, who was seated nearby, spoke unhurriedly. His voice was slow, yet carried an undeniable confidence.

"Ah..." The man finally seemed to breathe easier. He glanced at Uncle Tian. "May I..."

"No need to speak to me, talk to him. Right now, he's the decision maker for this café." Uncle Tian smiled, reclined comfortably on the sofa with his hands clasped behind his head.

A flicker of surprise appeared in the man's eyes, but he looked at Chen Xiao with solemn respect, not daring to show the slightest contempt despite Chen Xiao’s youth.

"Hello, my surname is Lu," he said politely. "My name is Lu Chengzhe."

With that, he placed his briefcase gently on the counter, resting both hands on its edge. With two soft clicks, he opened it to reveal its contents...

Chen Xiao glanced inside and felt his heart leap!

Given the poverty of his childhood, mere money wouldn't have startled him. Besides, with the café's upstairs safe holding so many priceless diamonds and gold, he was used to such things.

But in this case, the briefcase contained a sword!

More precisely, an ancient sword.

Its blade was three feet long, the hilt and guard bore the yellow-green patina of age, clearly an antique. Though the blade was marked by time, its edge still glimmered with a cold light. Gems of red and green were set into the hilt, glowing with a faint, eerie radiance...

Although Chen Xiao knew little about antiques, Lu Chengzhe's cautious manner alone suggested the sword was of extraordinary value.

The sword was secured inside the case with soft ribbons, cushioned all around.

Lu Chengzhe opened the case and carefully lifted the sword with both hands, holding it out respectfully. His voice was steady as he said, "I know your organization is far from ordinary. You would hardly be interested in common wealth or trinkets, but this sword is a family heirloom. As for its value, three years ago, a similar sword—of a slightly lesser quality—was auctioned at Sotheby’s for ten million dollars."

Ten million dollars?

Even Chen Xiao could not help but be moved.

Uncle Tian and the feuding couple, on the other hand, remained utterly composed, as if such priceless treasures were nothing new to them.

Zhu Rong glanced at Uncle Tian and curled her lip. "Old Tian, you’re the expert here. Take a look."

Uncle Tian smiled and stepped forward, lifting the sword gently...

The instant the sword was in the hands of this man, who usually looked every bit the grease-stained mechanic, his entire demeanor transformed! The once unremarkable face and kindly eyes now radiated a sharp, formidable presence, as if the sword’s aura had fused with his own. It was hard to say whether the man lent his spirit to the sword, or the sword to him.

Hummmm—

Uncle Tian flicked the blade lightly with his finger, and it sang with a dragon’s cry, the edge quivering with a rapid, subtle vibration. The sound seemed almost to entrance Chen Xiao, making his mind reel.

"A fine sword," Uncle Tian said calmly, one hand behind his back as he gently returned the sword to its case. He seemed to smile, murmuring to himself,

"It just about matches the one I used in my younger days."

He spoke so softly only Chen Xiao, standing beside him, could hear. Chen Xiao’s expression grew odd...

In his younger days? The one he used? Did Uncle Tian once wield a sword? But the age of cold steel weapons has been over for more than a century...

This thought gave Chen Xiao a strange feeling, and he couldn't help but sneak a glance at Uncle Tian.

Lu Chengzhe, looking relieved, wiped the sweat from his brow. "Then... are you willing to accept my commission?"

Uncle Tian and the feuding couple exchanged glances. Uncle Tian seemed to smile, then pointed at Chen Xiao. "Mr. Lu, I think you’ve forgotten what I just said. In this room, he is the decision maker. All commissions, in this place, can only be decided by the café’s decision maker."

At these words, not only was Lu Chengzhe astonished, but Chen Xiao himself was struck dumb, rooted to the spot!

A commission?

A commission worth ten million dollars?

Me? The decision maker?

I get to decide??

(Do you have any recommendation votes? Please throw them my way—there’s more to come tonight!)