Sludge suction system

At midday, under the blazing sun, Qian Wanguan was busy at the treasure appraisal event, meticulously examining every detail of the setup. He wore a long brocade robe, and the jade pendant hanging at his waist swayed gently with his movements, highlighting his wealthy status.

Just then, a servant rushed over, looking flustered, and whispered a few words in his ear. Qian Wanguan's previously relaxed brows instantly furrowed into a deep frown, a hint of annoyance flashing across his face, but he quickly regained his composure, straightened his collar, and walked towards the reception room.

Wan Fugui sat swaggering in the main seat of the hall, a small table beside him laden with exquisite tea and snacks, yet he didn't touch a bite. His legs were spread wide, shaking incessantly. He was obese, his belly protruding as if he were several months pregnant, and the silk robe embroidered with gold peonies on his body was stretched taut, as if it might burst at any moment. Layers of fat piled up on his face, squeezing his eyes into two narrow slits, which were now darting around, revealing shrewdness and greed.

As soon as Qian Wanguan entered the reception room, he immediately put on a big smile, cupped his hands and said, "President Wan, what brings you here? I apologize for not greeting you properly."

Wan Fugui didn't even lift his eyelids. He casually grabbed a pastry from the table, stuffed it into his mouth, and mumbled, "Old Qian, the treasure appraisal event is about to start. There are some things we need to talk about."

Qian Wanguan maintained his smile, sat down on a chair, and said calmly, "President Wan, please speak frankly. As long as it is within my power, I will do it without hesitation."

Wan Fugui slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup shake. He straightened his back and said loudly, "You have to give me 70% of the profits from the treasures auctioned at this appraisal event!"

Qian Wanguan was startled, and the smile on his face almost crumbled, but he still forced himself to remain calm and said with a forced smile, "President Wan, you are really flattering me. It's just that 70% profit is really too much. You know how much manpower and resources I have invested in this treasure appraisal event..."

Wan Fugui impatiently interrupted him, glaring at him and saying fiercely, "Stop talking nonsense to me. Who in this city doesn't know my abilities, Wan Fugui? I have extensive connections and powerful backing. If it weren't for my help, could you have persuaded that old bastard Sang Xuan to bring the Blood Jade to participate? Don't you think that if I hadn't lent him your concubine Tian Xue'er for a month, would he have agreed?" As he spoke, Wan Fugui licked his lips, reminiscing about Tian Xue'er's appearance.

Qian Wanguan clenched his fists secretly in his sleeves, but his face was full of flattery: "What Chairman Wan said is right, but could we discuss the profit distribution again?"

Wan Fugui snorted coldly, stood up, and paced back and forth in the hall, his fat jiggling with each step: "No discussion! If you don't agree, believe me, I'll tell Sang Xuan right now that you plan to tamper with his blood jade at the treasure appraisal conference! At that time, forget about making money, whether your treasure appraisal conference can even be held at all will be a question!"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Qian Wanguan's forehead. He secretly groaned inwardly, but dared not lash out.

Seeing that Qian Wanguan remained silent, Wan Fugui assumed he had wavered, so he took another step closer, lowered his voice, and his eyes gleamed with greed: "And that Sang Xuan's blood jade, you have to find a way to switch it out for me. As long as you get the blood jade, you'll benefit from the jade business from now on. If you mess it up, hmph, you won't have a place to stand in this city!"

Qian Wanguan's face turned pale. After hesitating for a moment, he nodded with difficulty: "President Wan, don't worry, I will definitely find a way."

Wan Fugui smiled with satisfaction and patted Qian Wanguan on the shoulder: "That's right, a wise person knows when to yield. Once things are done, you'll get your share of the benefits."

Wan Fugui's arrogant footsteps completely disappeared at the end of the corridor, and Qian Wanguan's tense nerves finally relaxed a little. He slumped wearily into a chair, his face full of irritability and helplessness.

At this moment, Tian Xue'er tiptoed out from the back room, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, her eyes filled with a hint of fear and unease, but even more so with a resolute determination for revenge.

Qian Wanguan noticed someone approaching, looked up, and saw Tian Xue'er. His face instantly darkened, and he said unhappily, "Xue'er, who gave you permission to eavesdrop in the back room? Is this something you can interfere with?" His voice was icy cold, devoid of any warmth, as if Tian Xue'er in front of him was just an insignificant object.

Tian Xue'er's heart tightened, but she still mustered her courage and said, "Master, I came to bring you some snacks, but when I heard Wan Fugui's bully voice, I was so scared that I didn't dare to come out." She bit her lower lip slightly, and her eyes welled up with tears, making her look pitiful.

Qian Wanguan snorted coldly and waved his hand impatiently: "Fine, since you've heard it all, you should know how troublesome this matter is. Wan Fugui is a bottomless pit. How could I possibly agree to his demands? But if I don't agree, this treasure appraisal conference might not be able to be held, and all my hard work will be wasted." In Qian Wanguan's mind, the enormous profits behind this treasure appraisal conference were far more important than the feelings of a concubine.

Tian Xue'er took two steps forward, then knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down her face: "Master, I will never forget what Wan Fugui did to me, even if it kills me. He is so arrogant, we can't just swallow our anger like this. I have a way to help you get rid of his harassment and also let me vent my anger."

Qian Wanguan looked at Tian Xue'er kneeling on the ground, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. In his heart, women were merely a spice in life, while business interests were paramount. But now, Wan Fugui's刁难 (difficulties/obstacles) had him completely overwhelmed, and perhaps Tian Xue'er could truly bring about a turning point. Thinking of this, his expression softened slightly, and he said, "Tell me your thoughts. If they're truly useful, you'll be rewarded; if they're just bad ideas, don't blame me for being impolite."

Tian Xue'er quickly said, "Master, Wan Fugui is determined to get Sang Xuan's Blood Jade. We'll agree to help him on the surface, but secretly send a message to Sang Xuan saying that Wan Fugui is going to tamper with the treasure appraisal event. Sang Xuan will definitely be on high alert, and when Wan Fugui makes his move, he will inevitably clash with Sang Xuan. At that time, they will both be severely injured, and we can reap the benefits."

Qian Wanguan stroked his chin, pondered for a long time, and a hint of doubt appeared on his face: "Sang Xuan is not stupid. Can he believe an anonymous letter? If he finds out that we are the ones who are behind this, we will not only offend him, but Wan Fugui will also have something on us. The risk is too great."

Tian Xue'er raised her head and said urgently, "Master, we'll attach some fake evidence to the letter, proving that Wan Fugui is secretly colluding with Jianghu forces. We'll make it look more convincing. Sang Xuan is naturally suspicious. Even if he doesn't completely believe it, he'll be on guard after seeing this. Once he's on guard, Wan Fugui's plan will be difficult to succeed. Then we can intervene and we'll definitely be able to get rid of Wan Fugui's control."

A hint of admiration flashed in Qian Wanguan's eyes. He hadn't expected that this usually unremarkable concubine could come up with such a comprehensive plan. But he quickly regained his coldness and said, "Let's try it as you say for now. If anything goes wrong, you know the consequences. Go and prepare. Remember, this matter must not be leaked in the slightest."

A hint of smugness flashed in Tian Xue'er's eyes. She knew that she was one step closer to revenge. She replied in a low voice, "Xue'er understands and will not let Master down."