Chapter 96: Backed by the Ma Army Mountain?

Gu Reyi knew more than Qin Jing, and understood well that Ma Tong was an extraordinary being. Between two supernaturals, it was unlikely for conflicts to arise over mundane matters, so she felt quite reassured.

As expected, upon hearing Gu Reyi's words, Ma Tong chuckled slyly and raised his voice: "If Miss Gu would be willing to accompany me for dinner, I'll pay the 3.3 million for you. How about it?"

He was truly a scoundrel, making no effort to hide his intentions towards Gu Reyi. His gaze was eager, and his words almost implied, "I'll spend this 3 million for you; how about you spend an evening with me?"

Gu Reyi could hardly tolerate such teasing. Her willow brows furrowed, and her eyes flashed coldly: "Ma Tong, you'd better show some self-restraint. Others might not know your background, but I do. Ma Junshan only acknowledges you as a nephew; you're not truly related to that big shot!"

Ma Junshan?

Qin Jing's expression turned odd. He had spoken with that man just this morning. Ma Junshan was a local kingpin in Lenghai, with tangled webs of influence. He hadn't expected Ma Junshan to have subordinates even in Erdaozi Alley. But hadn’t Ma Junshan informed Ma Tong to keep an eye on him? Otherwise, Ma Tong shouldn’t have treated him as an ordinary person.

Ma Tong was momentarily stunned. It was his first time meeting Gu Reyi today; he’d found her beautiful, and though she was extraordinary, he couldn’t help but tease. Yet now, she had exposed his background, and Ma Tong felt a surge of humiliation and anger.

Still, no one was a fool; Gu Reyi’s boldness suggested she had some leverage. Ma Tong found himself reluctant to flare up, caught in an awkward situation.

Just then, he caught sight of Qin Jing, who had been sitting beside Gu Reyi all along. His eyes rolled and he revealed a menacing smile: "You, boy, get over here. Who gave you leave to sit by Miss Gu? We still have an account to settle, you know."

To outsiders, it seemed Ma Tong was pursuing the beauty, and had deliberately teased her. Now, seeing Qin Jing seated next to her, he had become the target of Ma Tong’s ire. Many neighbors glanced at Qin Jing with sympathetic eyes.

Old Song frowned, coughed lightly, and walked over to Ma Tong with a conciliatory smile: "Captain Ma, Qin Jing's our neighbor. He's a decent young man; what could you possibly have against him?"

Ma Tong was looking for trouble, so he snorted, raising his nose: "This kid looks like a pretty boy, just seeing him puts me in a foul mood."

He pointed at Qin Jing and asked directly, "Hey, what's your relationship with Lian Weili? I can't stand that guy."

So there was actually something between them? Old Song was surprised, not knowing how Qin Jing had clashed with Ma Tong.

Even Gu Reyi was slightly taken aback. Lian Weili sounded familiar—another extraordinary being, perhaps. Could it be Qin Jing truly had a conflict with Ma Tong?

Qin Jing, however, saw through it at a glance. Ma Tong was simply picking the easy target, using his relationship with Lian Weili as a pretext.

Ordinarily, Qin Jing would have softened, claiming he’d only met Lian Weili once, didn’t really know him, apologized to Ma Tong, and let him show off in front of Gu Reyi. That would have been the end of it.

But knowing Ma Tong’s identity, Qin Jing couldn’t do that. Ma Tong was backed by Ma Junshan, and Qin Jing had spoken bluntly to Ma Junshan earlier. If he now backed down before a mere subordinate, wouldn’t he become a laughingstock? This matter had to be handled deftly; he would use Ma Tong to send Ma Junshan a warning, and perhaps even draw out the elusive Zhou Jian.

His mind raced with possibilities. Qin Jing rose, looked at Gu Reyi, and smiled: "I never thought sitting beside my senior sister would be considered an offense. Truly, beauty brings trouble."

His words had a hint of complaint, fitting his persona as an ordinary man. Gu Reyi heard him and felt slightly embarrassed. She stood and addressed Ma Tong: "If you have something to say, say it to me. Why shout at my junior brother? Trying to make yourself look impressive?"

With that, the situation escalated; Gu Reyi and Ma Tong were now at odds.

Ma Tong was irritated. In his eyes, Qin Jing had become a typical pretty boy, only capable of hiding behind women. He snorted coldly: "Miss, don't mistake kindness for weakness. I can be gentle when pursuing women, but stubborn ones can be tamed, too."

"3.8 million!"

Just then, a voice sounded, announcing a bid.

Everyone was suddenly reminded that the auction was ongoing. Looking over, they were astonished to see it was Qin Jing who had made the bid.

"Pretty boy, what are you playing at?"

Ma Tong frowned, glaring at Qin Jing, full of warning.

Qin Jing ignored him, raising his hand and smiling at Old Song: "Hurry up with the auction. I've had my eye on that plate for quite some time."

Indeed, everyone was here to buy the plate. The crowd snapped out of it; those with means considered the price and continued bidding.

Gu Reyi showed a faint smile, sat back down, and glanced curiously at Qin Jing. She had heard his name from Old Wang and knew his situation. How could he suddenly afford so much money?

Ma Tong felt humiliated by Qin Jing’s indifference, but if he lost his temper now, it would truly be unreasonable. So he snorted and raised his hand to bid as well: "5 million!"

To these connoisseurs, the blue-and-white porcelain plate’s price capped at 5 million. Though valuable, Old Song’s item was not a legendary masterpiece. Ma Tong’s price was close to the limit, so the scene quieted instantly.

Old Song, however, couldn’t muster a smile. He knew Ma Tong’s reputation and worried he wouldn’t get his money afterward.

After some thought, Old Song timidly asked, "Any higher bids?"

This question thoroughly offended Ma Tong, who glared at Old Song and took note of him.

Outwardly, Ma Tong maintained his composure, wearing a cocky smile: "Who could possibly go higher than 5 million, hmm?"

He looked around, his fierce expression making his threat clear.

"6 million!"

Qin Jing calmly announced his bid. With Ma Tong involved, he no longer needed to consider Old Wang’s concerns, so he acted without restraint.

"Pretty boy, are you deliberately opposing me?"

Ma Tong glared at Qin Jing, his eyes ablaze. In fact, he had already positioned a hand behind his back, ready to strike.

Gu Reyi sensed a strange surge of spiritual energy and immediately became alert, watching Ma Tong closely.

Ma Tong hesitated, his face turning ugly as he withdrew his aura.