He did not extend his own when his gaze landed on the other’s outreached hand, which was rough, callused, and ugly. The latter’s fingers were also dirty and yellowish, a result of his long-term smoking.

  Known for his mysophobia, the mafia head screwed his brows in disgust. He then coolly remarked in a condescending and contemptuous tone, “Your hand is really dirty.”


  Hints of embarrassment surfaced on the other’s face. Having long heard of the mafia head’s arrogance and disregard for people, he retracted his hand and tried to break the awkward tension by saying, “Boss Gu sure is vigorous and imposing!”


  The poker-face Gu Jinglian blandly replied, “Our time is precious, so just skip the chit-chat and proceed with the transaction.”


  “Sure, sure.”


  The man snapped his fingers, which got his subordinates coming over with several suitcases in their hands. With a sweep of his eyes, he noted that there were six large suitcases in all.

  “Didn’t we agree on a cash-basis payment?” A frown settled on his face. “I doubt two hundred million can fit in these few suitcases.”


  “It’s just a portion of the payment. The rest is in the car.”


  “Dollars?”


  “You don’t have to bother about that. In any case, the price we agreed on remains the same.”


  Curling his lips slightly, he gave a light wave of his hand to have his men collect the suitcases from them. The man voiced his disagreement right away. “Eh? Boss Gu, didn’t we agree on handing over the money and goods at the same time? Before we do the exchange, shouldn’t you let us check the goods? We can’t skip this important step!”


  He sneered at the man. “Sure.”


  The doors of the cargo van slowly opened, revealing the packed, unassembled munitions in the cargo space. The goods in there were worth two hundred million.

  The latter immediately sent his men to go check the goods. Half an hour later, his men hopped off the van and approached him to report, “Everything is in good condition.”


  He broke into a wide grin and turned to face the mafia prince. “Not bad. You’re very sincere about this transaction. I’m very satisfied with the inspection of the goods; they are all of excellent quality.”


  “Now, it’s time for me to see your sincerity.” Gu Jinglian’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Once I get two hundred million in cash, I’ll give you the van’s key and you’re free to drive it away. The van can be considered my meeting gift for you.”


  “With pleasure!”


  With an eye-signal, the man summoned his subordinates, who presented the suitcases to the other. He then opened a random suitcase, but what came into sight were packets of white powder—heroin, to be precise. The corners of his lips turned stiff as he knitted his brows slightly. He was no stranger to this type of drug.

  Displeasure surfaced on his aloof visage. He shut that suitcase then looked up with frosty eyes.

  “What’s this?” His voice emitted a deadly, chilling sensation.

  The man explained, “Don’t underestimate the value of this stuff. It’s excellent stuff from Myanmar. With a little processing, you will be able to sell it off at a high price and can even fetch more than two hundred million. To be honest, I’m a bit reluctant to trade it with you; I initially intended to keep it for myself.”


  There was not a ripple in Gu Jinglian’s expression as his voice became increasingly cold and dangerous. “I remember telling you that I want cash.”


  His eyes narrowed. “Is this your so-called sincerity?”