The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

"Wow! It's so beautiful!" Sasha couldn't resist opening the box.

Inside was a pearl necklace, each pearl the size of a fingertip. The golden chain and white pearls shimmered under the light, making her heart flutter with joy.

"Second Brother, this gift is far too valuable!" Wu Chengxiu said, frowning, as the group consisted of people who knew their stuff.

"Hey! Why are you talking about this with me, brother? Actually, it didn't cost much. I got all the goods directly from the source." Shen Lian waved his hand.

Yingzi opened the box as well; inside was a silver pearl bracelet. The silver chain strung with ten large pearls. Although it wasn't as nice as Sasha's necklace, she liked it very much. She hadn't expected Shen Lian to be so generous!

"Alright! You can put your things away now! Let's toast Second Brother first." Wu Chengxiu tapped the table.

"Okay! Toast to Second Brother! Thank you for the gift, Second Brother." Sasha and Yingzi quickly raised their cups.

"Come on, second brother, have some food! This is a wild yellow croaker, you probably can't find it in the inland areas. Try it!" After everyone had a drink, Wu Chengxiu pointed to a golden steamed fish and said.

"Oh! Really? Then I'll have to try it. I heard this fish is very expensive. Sixth Brother, you've gone to a lot of trouble."

"Hey! You're my second brother, you have to be treated to the best of everything since you've come! Hehe!"

Mmm! The meat was indeed firm yet tender, and the taste was incredibly delicious. It was definitely much better than any fish Shen Lian had ever eaten before.

"Second Brother, stay a few more days this time. I'll take this opportunity to relax and show you around," Wu Chengxiu said, clinking glasses with Shen Lian.

"Next time! I really can't this time, I've been quite busy lately. I just went to Zhuji to pick up some goods today, and I thought I'd buy something here since I was passing by. I have to rush to Guangnan tomorrow, and then I'll be going abroad for a while in a couple of days." Shen Lian quickly waved his hand.

"So busy?" Wu Chengxiu said disappointedly.

"Yes! The company is just starting out, and there's been a lot of business lately, so I have to go there personally. I can't help it!"

Wu Chengxiu nodded in understanding; "Second brother, what kind of goods do you want to get from us? I have some connections here."

"It's nothing special, just something I wanted to get some lighter parts. One of our clients is planning to set up a kerosene lighter factory in Africa, and you know the conditions there. We wanted to get some parts that can't be produced there first, to test the waters."

"Hehe! Then you've come to the right person, Second Brother. Our Lucheng is the world's largest metal lighter production base. We can have whatever you want. It just so happens that one of my childhood friends is in the parts business. I'll call him over right away."

"Sixth Brother, I don't need much. I can just buy some tomorrow, so let's not call them over!"

“What kind of market is this? Even a small mosquito bite is still meat! Don’t worry, he’ll be rushing over as soon as I call.” Wu Chengxiu picked up the phone with a smile.

"Hey, Brother Xiu, so early tonight? Jade Palace or Dynasty? I'm coming right away." As soon as the call connected, before Wu Chengxiu could even speak, a voice came from the other end.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I don't know what you're saying." Wu Chengxiu glanced guiltily at Sasha and quickly covered the phone. He realized the two women were whispering and not paying attention to him. Only then did he put the phone to his ear.

"Where's Xiao Guan? Hurry up and come to Yuntianlou. I'll introduce you to a friend; there's a business opportunity for you. Yes, room 666. Come on over! We've only just started! Okay, okay!"

"Second brother, he'll be here soon. I'll have a drink first." Wu Chengxiu put down her phone and picked up her glass again.

A dozen minutes later, a thin, young man with a buzz cut knocked on the door and came in.

"Brother Xiu, sister-in-law!" The crew-cut man came in, nodded, and took out a cigarette as he greeted them.

"Xiao Guan, come here quickly. Waiter, bring another set of chopsticks and a bowl." Wu Chengxiu stood up and waved.

"Xiao Guan, this is Shen Lian, my second brother from my dorm in college! He's my best brother."

"Second brother, this is my childhood friend Guan Tianming!"

"Hello there!"

"Hello! Second Brother! Since Brother Xiu calls you Second Brother, I'll follow suit and call you Second Brother too." Guan Tianming said with a smile, shaking Shen Lian's hand.

"Here, Second Brother, Brother Xiu. Have a smoke!" Guan Tianming handed one of the two cigarettes to Shen Lian and his brother.

“Just offering cigarettes won’t do. You came last, so have a drink with my second brother first. Sasha, quickly pour Xiao Guan some wine,” Wu Chengxiu called out.

"What else is there to say? Brother Xiu has spoken, how could I dare disobey! Second Brother, this cup is for you!"

Guan Tianming didn't stand on ceremony, picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. After downing three or four ounces of red wine, his face didn't turn red and his heart didn't race.

"Good! You're smart enough to eat a couple of bites to calm down." Wu Chengxiu clapped and cheered. Shen Lian also nodded with a smile; this kid was clearly tested by alcohol.

After a few rounds of drinks, Wu Chengxiu brought up the important matter.

"Xiao Guan, the main reason I called you over is that my second brother needs to purchase a batch of lighter parts. Of course I have to take care of my own brother when there's such a good thing, right?" Wu Chengxiu said, patting Guan Tianming on the shoulder.

"That's great! Thank you, Brother Xiu!" Guan Tianming was overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Second brother, don't worry! My family has all kinds of parts, and I guarantee you the best quality at the lowest price."

"Well, Xiao Guan. Since this is our first collaboration, I might not need a large quantity."

"So, how much does Second Brother plan to order?"

"Okay! Let's start with ten thousand sets!" Shen Lian held up one finger.

"Hehe! That's quite a lot. Thank you, Second Brother! Sigh, Brother Xiu, you know how difficult it has been for me to do sales these past six months, with my family forcing me to.

Guan Tianming exhaled a puff of smoke; "Big clients, the old clients won't let me touch them. They want me to develop new clients. Where am I supposed to find them? Everyone's cutting production capacity right now, there's no new client to be found. To be honest, this order from Second Brother is the biggest order I've ever received. Heh!"

"Nothing much to say, I'd like to toast you both!" Guan Tianming said, raising his glass.

In fact, the Guan family was much stronger than Wu Chengxiu's family. It's just that Guan Tianming's father was shrewd and capable, and unwilling to let go. He also had a powerful older sister and second brother, so he became the scapegoat in the family.

Anyone can give him a nudge, and he can't retaliate. You can imagine how frustrated he must feel. He usually drowns his sorrows in alcohol, so bars and nightclubs are his favorite places to go.

The group drank for another half hour, finishing off four bottles of red wine before settling the bill and leaving.

"Come on, Brother Xiu, Second Brother. I'll make the arrangements for tonight!" At the entrance of the restaurant, watching Sasha and Yingzi walk away, Guan Tianming hailed a car.

A dozen minutes later, the car arrived. Shen Lian got out and looked up; it read: "Red Romantic Bath Center".

I'm a respectable person, are you trying to test my weaknesses?