The next morning, a guest arrived at the Guogong Mansion. Well, he might not really be considered a guest, since he had been treating the Guogong Mansion like his own home lately, visiting almost every other day. This person was none other than Wang Weilong.

On any other day, given his usual nature, Wang Weilong would probably still be indulging in pleasures, striving toward his lifelong goals. But today was different, as it was the big day for him and Ye Yiming to collect a debt!

What debt? The one with the staggering 150-fold payout!

A 150-fold payout meant that after betting one million, the resulting figure was astonishing—150 million!

150 million taels of gold—how many lifetimes would it take to spend that? Because of this number, Wang Weilong had fainted and revived seven or eight times yesterday!

Walking to Ye Yiming's room, Wang Weilong couldn't help but laugh out loud as he recalled the bewildered expression of He Youjin, the manager at He Family's gambling house, when he had presented the betting slip yesterday to exchange for the gold. Due to the large amount, He Youjin had told Wang Weilong to return today to collect the money.

As soon as Wang Weilong laughed out loud, Ye Yiming opened his door and came out. Seeing Wang Weilong's expression, Ye Yiming couldn't help but tease him.

"You silly boy, what are you laughing at so foolishly this early in the morning?"

Ye Yiming's words startled Wang Weilong out of his daydream. Wang Weilong chuckled, rubbed his head, and said sheepishly to Ye Yiming, "I'm just happy, you know? Having so much money all of a sudden, if I didn't laugh foolishly, that would be strange!"

Not laughing foolishly would be strange?

Looking at the still somewhat foolishly smiling Wang Weilong, Ye Yiming had nothing but exasperation for his reasoning.

"Alright, enough talking. Cousin, let's hurry to the He family to collect the debt!" Wang Weilong said, dragging Ye Yiming out the door.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Let me finish my breakfast first!"

"What breakfast! Let's go now!"

...

The He Family!

Since Ye Yiming won the challenge yesterday, the He family had been exceptionally busy.

The He Family's main hall was filled with people, all of whom held significant influence within the family. It was rare for even family members to gather like this, but now everyone was here.

"You all know the situation now. Let's hear your thoughts," said an elderly man seated in the center. This was He Daji, the old patriarch of the He family.

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Though He Daji's name sounded quite rustic, anyone in Tianyang would recognize it.

The He family originally owned a small, ancestral steamed bun shop, but He Daji was not content with a lifetime of selling buns. He ventured into business, and in just ten years, he became a famous merchant in Tianyang. In less than another ten years, he transformed the He family, which had been selling buns for generations, into the wealthiest family in Tianyang.

"Father, our current liquid assets are somewhat insufficient. We've spent a lot for Black Tiger's advancement, and his level is still not stable, which will require more funds," said He Youhua, the current head of the He family and He Decai's father. As soon as He Youhua finished, his second brother, He Youjin, spoke up.

"Father, big brother is right. Although our He family is the wealthiest in Tianyang, we've already spent a lot recently. If we have to pay out another 150 million, it could delay Black Tiger's advancement!"

He Youjin had just finished speaking when He Youcheng chimed in, but his opinion was more about blaming He Decai.

"Hmph, I say this is all Decai's fault for messing around, opening such a reckless bet! Now we have to pay out 150 million in one go, which is almost our entire year's income! I think..."

He Youcheng suddenly fell silent, seeing the old man's displeased expression, and immediately shut his mouth.

Seeing He Youcheng stop talking, He Daji's expression softened a bit. He turned to a young man in his twenties beside him and asked, "Dewen, what do you think?"

Among all the people present, who were all at least in their thirties or forties, the young man He Daji addressed was He Dewen, He Decai's elder brother and the designated next head of the He family. His seat was on par with the current head, He Youhua, showing his significant status in the family.

He Dewen stood up and bowed to everyone, earning their favor, before he began to speak slowly.

"Grandfather, uncles, I shouldn't be speaking here, but since Grandfather asked, I'll share my thoughts. Please correct me if I'm wrong."

He Dewen's humble words made everyone nod in approval, and He Daji smiled in satisfaction.

After a brief pause, He Dewen continued, "We're gathered here today mainly because of the high bet payout. 150 million is not a small amount. Although Decai was reckless, it brought out Ye Yiming's true strength. From this perspective, Decai's actions, while foolish, have some merit in revealing Ye Yiming's true capabilities, which could be beneficial."

His words made everyone nod in agreement. After all, a notoriously lazy young master suddenly showing such prowess was suspicious. Even if there was nothing wrong, it was better to be prepared.

This way, He Decai's actions had both merits and faults, balancing out the situation.

Satisfied, He Daji asked, "Dewen, how do you propose we handle this?"

Relieved that He Decai's faults were not pursued, He Dewen promptly replied, "It's actually easy to handle."

"Easy?" He Daji was surprised, as were the others.

He Dewen smiled confidently and said, "We can pay Ye Yiming 50 million for yesterday's bet. For the remaining 100 million, we can offer equivalent goods. I heard Ye Yiming has been dabbling in alchemy. This way, we can verify his skills and ensure Black Tiger's advancement isn't delayed. It's a win-win!"

He Dewen bowed to everyone again and then sat down, remaining silent. Though the hall was quiet, everyone agreed with He Dewen's plan. Finally, He Daji slapped the table and agreed.

"Alright, we'll do it this way! Dewen, since it's your idea, you'll handle it."

"Yes, Grandfather. I'll prepare right away." He Dewen stood up and left after getting the nod from his grandfather.

After He Dewen left, He Daji waved his hand, dismissing everyone.

Once everyone had left, He Daji spoke again.

"Report this matter to the lord and ask him to keep an eye on Ye Yiming. I feel something is amiss with the Guogong Mansion."

"Yes!" A cold, emotionless voice answered from nowhere, and then silence returned.

He Daji closed his eyes to rest, making the empty hall even quieter.

The lord?

Who could this mysterious figure be, that even the wealthiest family in Tianyang called them lord?

Things were getting more interesting!

The winds were rising!