Where there are people, there is a world. And this world, often called the "Jianghu," is an intricate and mysterious place that’s never fully understood.

"Smiling Tiger" Yang Sandao is a well-known and respected underworld figure in Haixia City. Lin Zhiming has heard of him, as has nearly everyone in the city. Just as Lin Zhiming’s reputation as the "useless son" of the Lin family is widely recognized, Yang Sandao’s ruthless nature is also a well-known fact in Haixia. Rumor has it that he once served time for robbery, and after his release, he started a freight company. His aggressive methods allowed him to monopolize a significant part of the shipping market at the time. With newfound wealth, Yang expanded into nightclubs, saunas, and gambling halls. His many businesses were accompanied by a loyal following of "brothers," allowing him to thrive in Haixia City, where most would address him respectfully as "Brother Yang."

Although Lin Zhiming knows of Yang Sandao, he doesn’t know much about him personally. What he does know is that, despite Yang's friendly smile and harmless demeanor, when angered, this "Smiling Tiger" fears no one. Hence, he earned his nickname.

“Is Yang Sandao really the descendant of that bandit leader from back then?” Lin Zhiming asked.

“Absolutely!” Zhou Wenwei nodded firmly.

“So it looks like that bloodline really did get passed down!” Lin Zhiming laughed. Though Yang Sandao’s businesses seem legitimate on the surface, everyone knows he deals in more unsavory affairs—like the escorts in his clubs or the millions that flow through his gambling halls daily.

“I originally intended to find Yang Sandao myself, but he’s notorious for his greed,” Zhou Wenwei said seriously. “Since I’m not local and have no standing or connections here, if he knew my intentions, I could easily end up taken advantage of. So, after thinking it over, I came to find you.”

“And you think I wouldn’t get taken advantage of?” Lin Zhiming laughed. “Yang Sandao’s been known to bleed people dry without distinguishing between locals and outsiders.”

“Your Lin family has been respected in Haixia City for decades. People here owe your family some respect. And Yang Sandao, at his core, is just a thug. Coming from a local prominent family, you would have the upper hand negotiating with him,” Zhou Wenwei replied.

“Let’s talk about this later,” Lin Zhiming replied, shaking his head. He had little interest in the so-called Luoshen Treasure. Even if he were to find a second piece, what would it matter if the third one remained missing? After all, countless people had been searching for it over the centuries, and no one had found it yet. So, why should he be the one to succeed now?

"Lin, the treasure is rumored to be worth over ten billion yuan! Whoever finds it would become unbelievably wealthy!" Zhou Wenwei said excitedly.

"Ten billion?" Lin Zhiming chuckled. Perhaps for others, that figure would be incredibly tempting, but for him… ten billion wasn't exactly impressive.

Seeing that Lin Zhiming wasn’t interested, Zhou Wenwei sighed, handing him a business card. “Well, Lin, if you ever change your mind, let me know.”

“Aren’t you worried I’ll just go find Yang Sandao myself and get the Luoshen Earring?” Lin Zhiming asked.

“Even if you had all three pieces, it wouldn’t matter—you don’t know how to use them. But I do,” Zhou Wenwei replied confidently.

“Ah, I see!” Lin Zhiming nodded, putting the card in his pocket.

“One last thing—your wife is, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Zhou Wenwei said sincerely.

“I’d have to agree with you,” Lin Zhiming replied, nodding.

As the evening passed, Yao Jing ended up drinking more than she intended. Though she wasn’t one to drink heavily, she found it hard to refuse her former classmates’ toasts. One drink wouldn’t cause much harm, but dozens of people asking for a toast added up.

Many of the men who once courted Yao Jing were here tonight, regardless of their current marital status. The reason they came to the reunion was simple: Yao Jing.

These people, all dressed to the nines, originally intended to impress Yao Jing. However, with Lin Zhiming's grand entrance, they felt overshadowed and eventually settled for the consolation of sharing a drink with Yao Jing as the highlight of their night.

By around ten o'clock, everyone was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol. Following He Shuhui’s arrangement, the group left the courtyard and headed towards the luxurious row of villas in the center of the estate.

“Jingjing, you stay here and enjoy yourself with them. I'll head back first,” Lin Zhiming whispered to Yao Jing as he stood by her side.

“You’re heading back?” Yao Jing asked, a bit surprised. She had initially assumed that, from his expressions, Lin Zhiming might be looking forward to them spending the night together.

“There’s a lot of work at the company; I need to go handle it,” Lin Zhiming explained.

“Then I’ll go back with you. I’m not used to staying outside,” Yao Jing replied.

“It’s a rare gathering. You should spend a bit more time with your classmates,” Lin Zhiming insisted.

Yao Jing shook her head. “No, let’s go back together.”

“Alright then,” Lin Zhiming nodded. He found He Shuhui and briefly explained their plan to leave. In fact, He Shuhui couldn’t have been happier for Yao Jing to leave; Yao Jing had already completely shattered her sense of superiority. Hearing Lin Zhiming say they were planning to leave early filled her with nothing but relief.

After some perfunctory attempts at keeping them to stay, He Shuhui, along with a few other classmates, escorted Lin Zhiming and Yao Jing to the estate gate.

The Rolls-Royce was already waiting at the entrance.

“Aren’t you coming with us?” Yao Jing asked Song Siqing.

“You’ve already beaten He Shuhui; I still have a score to settle!” Song Siqing replied with a flushed face, her spirit undeterred.

“What’s there to compete about with her?” Yao Jing frowned.

“You don’t understand. There's a certain thrill in a good rivalry. Go on, enjoy your Rolls-Royce ride!” Song Siqing waved her off.

“Be careful, then, and keep a cool head!” Yao Jing advised her, before getting in the car with Lin Zhiming and leaving.

Song Siqing watched as the car disappeared into the distance. He Shuhui came up beside her and said with a smile, “Don’t bother envying her. Men with Rolls-Royces and private jets are hard to come by.”

“Who said I was envious?” Song Siqing rolled her eyes.

“Back in high school, you were always following Yao Jing around. All these years and nothing’s changed. But it’s clear now—you’re no longer on the same level. She’s on her way to becoming a wealthy lady, while you’re just a minor office worker. Oh, and I heard that you also moonlight as an online streamer? Must be a tough life for you!” He Shuhui laughed, patting Song Siqing on the shoulder.

When it came to Yao Jing, He Shuhui had always opted for veiled jabs. With Song Siqing, however, she was far more direct. The animosity ran much deeper; back in the day, Yao Jing had barely interacted with her, but it was only Song Siqing who would constantly compete with her.

“Streaming is great! Easy money and plenty of fans,” Song Siqing replied with a sweet smile, casting a flirtatious glance at Zhou Wenwei behind He Shuhui, giving a slight wink.

Zhou Wenwei returned her smile.

“So, you enjoy getting attention and tips from a crowd? I know quite a few hostesses who make a living that way. I could introduce you to some.” He Shuhui replied as she turned to walk back toward the estate.

“You really think that just because you have a wealthy man on your arm, you’ve bested me? He Shuhui, you’re way too naïve!” Song Siqing chuckled to herself before also heading back.

In the night, the Rolls-Royce cruised steadily toward the city center. Lin Zhiming and Yao Jing sat apart, each on their own side.

Yao Jing looked out the window, puzzled as to why Lin Zhiming had been silent since they got in the car. She stole a glance at him, only to see him gazing at the moon outside the window. Was the moon more beautiful than she was?

She followed his gaze, but her view was devoid of the moon, only a few stars twinkling in the sky.

Soon, the alcohol mixed with drowsiness overtook her, and Yao Jing fell asleep.

When she awoke, she was already lying in her own bed. Startled, she sat up and looked around. She was in her room, with the air conditioning set to a comfortable 27 degrees—not too hot, not too cold. She was still dressed in her gown from earlier, with an added light blanket over her.

Removing the blanket, Yao Jing got up, walked to the door, and opened it. The living room outside was dark, bathed in silver light from the moonlight streaming in through the windows.

Quietly, Yao Jing tiptoed to Lin Zhiming’s room. His door was shut. She placed her hand on the doorknob. After hesitating for a moment, she decided not to open it, turning instead toward the kitchen to make herself a cup of water to alleviate her thirst from the night’s drinks.

When she reached the kettle, she discovered it was already full of water, cooled to just the right temperature, clearly having been boiled and then allowed to cool.

This was obviously Lin Zhiming’s doing; he must have filled the kettle with water, and not just for himself.

Yao Jing smiled, poured herself a glass, and drank it before returning to her room. Lying back down, Yao Jing felt genuinely happy.

Lin Zhiming was someone who understood boundaries, both in the past and now.

Since their marriage, they had slept in separate rooms, a decision that hadn’t come from Yao Jing but from Lin Zhiming himself. Yao Jing could still remember what Lin Zhiming had said to her on that first night.

“I know you don’t like me. You married me for the sake of your elders, just as I married you for the same reason. Sharing a room with someone you don’t like would be torture, especially for a woman like you. So, from now on, you take the master bedroom, and I’ll stay in the storage room next door. Call me if you need anything; otherwise, I won’t enter your room.”

It was those words that had convinced Yao Jing to put away the scissors she’d hidden under her pillow, allowing her to live here peacefully for the past four years.