The Way of Spiritual Journey

Ma Zi was invited by Shi Butong to show his support. It would be embarrassing if no one came to congratulate him on the opening of the business.

Ma Zi is also a loyal friend. Even though he knew that Shi Butong had made a fool of himself at Qifenglou, he didn't show any disgust. His brotherhood with Shi Butong was absolutely genuine.

"Brother Lang, what does this Wangcai Cooperative mean?" Ma Zi looked up at the words on the plaque in front of the courtyard. He recognized the words, but the meaning of them together was not very clear.

Of course, not only Ma Zi, but also the Crouching Dragon, the Phoenix Chick, and Shi Butong all looked at Li Lang, they also needed an explanation.

"Wangcai, it's a general term. I believe anyone who sees these two words will feel happy." Ma Zi came to support him, and Li Lang was delighted. Seeing that Ma Zi was sweet-talking and even called him "brother," he was even more pleased and couldn't help but want to show off a few words.

"The key is the word 'cooperative.' Cooperation, as the name suggests, means that we're not doing business in the ordinary sense. Our relationship with our customers isn't just simple buying and selling; it's cooperation. Cooperation means win-win, understand?" Li Lang gave a vague explanation, not knowing whether the others understood or not, but he himself had made it clear.

Below the plaque was a couplet, which Li Lang personally wrote.

The first line reads: "From east to west, business flourishes across the nine provinces."

The second line reads: "Connecting the south and reaching the north, wealth flows in from all corners of the world."

The calligraphy is like silver hooks and iron strokes, showcasing thirty years of childhood training; the lyrics are even more surging and flowing, effortlessly drawing upon thousands of years of Chinese classical learning.

"What do you think of this couplet?" Li Lang asked confidently, his expression smug. Most importantly, it was entirely his own creation, not plagiarism. At that moment, he truly seemed like a talented young master.

"Hmm, catchy and powerful, truly wonderful! Young Master Bulang can even compose masterpieces like 'The Bright Moon in the Sky' with ease, so a mere couplet is naturally no problem for him." Ma Zi nodded with a smile, trying hard to recall the four-character idioms from his memory, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Li Lang.

Writers are truly a fascinating group!

"Sycophant. So what if he wrote 'Bright Moon in the Sky'? I paid a hefty price for it, and it's all signed by me. Who dares to deny it?" Hearing Ma Zi's words, Shi Butong's face turned pale, and he despised Ma Zi even more.

"The auspicious time has arrived, fire the cannons!" At this moment, Fengchu shouted at the top of his lungs. Choosing the auspicious time was his duty.

Wolong lit firecrackers, and the crackling sound of firecrackers echoed throughout the venue.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

No one expected that the first person to visit the cooperative would be Zhu Huaiyu.

When that massive, mountain-like body, piled high with fat, appeared, everyone was shocked.

However, the shock of the crowd had different meanings.

First of all, Fengchu's shock was the purest. Such a fat man is rare in the world, and to be able to see him today is truly a blessing.

Secondly, while Wolong was shocked, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes. Since his debut, everyone he had encountered had been physically overwhelming; if anyone dared to challenge him, he would simply grab them and beat them up.

Over time, his physique became his unique and superior aura. Unexpectedly, Zhu Huaiyu made a dazzling appearance today, instantly making him seem like a younger brother, and Wolong felt a deep sense of defeat.

Shi Butong's shock was a bit complicated. After parting ways at Qifeng Tower, he knew he had become a laughing stock, but no one would develop a hobby of watching a joke, right? And no one would come all this far to see this, would they?

In that instant, an uncontrollable killing intent surged within Shi Butong.

He made up his mind that from now on, whenever he had the chance—no, if there wasn't one, he would create one—he would drag that fat Zhu into a cesspool and make him choke to death...

Thinking of this, Shi Butong felt a surge of satisfaction, and his murderous intent inexplicably diminished considerably. 'Alright, whether I kill him or not isn't important; what's important is that he chokes on it alive.'

It must be said that although Shi Butong was also a playboy and had some wicked thoughts, he wasn't particularly malicious. This was one of the reasons why Li Lang was willing to associate with him.

Ma Zi used to follow Shi Butong around. Since he had nothing else to do, he decided to stay at the cooperative and explore the possibility of cooperation.

But we haven't even discussed anything yet, and Fatty Zhu has already snatched the first shot, which is really upsetting.

So, Ma Zi was furious, but he wisely stepped aside. If he tried to force his way in on someone even Shi Butong couldn't handle, he'd only be easy prey.

Li Lang wasn't shocked; he was simply startled by Zhu Huaiyu's words.

"I've heard that the famous poem 'Bright Moon in the Sky' written by you at Qifeng Tower is your work?" Most fat people in the world are the same in style: direct.

Zhu the Fat Man had so much money he could kill someone with it, so he was even more direct in his words and actions. If anyone was unhappy, he could exchange his silver notes for small pieces of silver and throw them at them, burying them alive.

Li Lang always held such people in high regard. Of course, he respected not the person, but the money.

"Where did Young Master Zhu hear this rumor? It's absolutely unbelievable." Li Lang was shocked that the news had spread so quickly, and that he was being questioned about it so directly.

Even with the facts right in front of him, Li Lang would never admit it.

"Hmm. Very good. If that's the case, then we can cooperate." Li Lang's denial didn't anger Zhu Pangzi; instead, the latter nodded with a satisfied expression.

"Cooperation?" Li Lang asked, puzzled. He really didn't understand the fat man's intentions.

"Isn't this a cooperative? It's opening today, and I've come here specifically to try it out. What, aren't you welcome?" Zhu Huaiyu raised his thick chin, his downward-slanting eyes slightly provocative. This provocation was unusual; it implied that he was ready to throw money at anyone who disagreed.

"Haha, all guests are welcome. In business, there's no reason not to welcome everyone. Young Master Zhu, choosing our cooperative shows you have good taste. Wolong, bring some snacks; Fengchu, brew some tea." Li Lang laughed heartily. He appreciated this kind of provocative behavior that always seemed to be throwing money at people, and quickly began to greet them.

Seeing this, Zhu Huaiyu smiled, his eyes and brows radiating the satisfaction of a victor. Then he waved his hand, signaling the attendants behind him to step back, making it clear that they wanted to speak privately.

"Don't let others hear your plans"—this is a rule of business, and Li Lang certainly understands it.

"Since this is Young Master Zhu's first visit to our cooperative, I will naturally give you a proper tour." Li Lang gestured for him to enter.

Zhu Huaiyu nodded with even greater satisfaction. As he strode forward, the victor's gaze swept over Shi Butong. This was merely a provocation; there was no silver involved.