Chapter 105: Have You Even Considered Whose Disciple You Are?

Chapter 105: Don’t You Even Know Whose Disciple You Are?

“Thank you, boss! I guarantee the task will be completed!”

The man was overjoyed. Organizing a hospital blood donation drive was such a simple task, yet the reward was five million. This money was far too easy to earn.

Someone nearby felt envious and suddenly got an idea. “Boss, I heard there’s an orphanage in Silver City with thousands of orphans. If we could capture them, it would definitely be enough.”

A cold glint flashed through Xu Tianming’s eyes, and a wicked smile curved his lips. “Good. Go buy that orphanage. Once the job is done, you’ll get the same five million reward!”

“Thank you, boss!”

“Hahaha... Once my plan is complete, all of Silver City will be mine. And that useless Shen An—I’m going to take his life sooner or later!”

...

Second floor of the Imperial Emperor Hotel, Room 888.

Twenty or thirty people gathered inside, drinking. They were all Awakened Ones, distinguished guests of the Imperial Emperor Hotel.

The Imperial Emperor Hotel was the first club established exclusively for Awakened Ones. As its reputation grew, it attracted a large number of Awakened Ones from all over the community.

Membership granted access to five-star hotel services, with free drinks, fruits, and snacks—one could eat and drink to their heart’s content without spending a penny.

Many Awakened Ones frequently came here to relax and socialize, often making new friends who shared their awakening.

At that moment, the room was lively. A group chatted and drank together, including several new faces Shen An had seen twice before: Zhang Haojie, Bai Xuan, and Li Cheng.

These newcomers had only joined the club a few days ago but had already become familiar and blended well with everyone, engaging in lively conversations.

Besides drinking and chatting, they sometimes discussed cultivation experiences.

Shen An pushed open the door and entered. The conversation paused as everyone stood, greeting him warmly.

“Hello, Boss Shen!”

“Good evening, boss!”

“No need for formalities, just relax and chat,” Shen An waved his hand.

“By the way, where’s Xiao Miao? And what about Mu Linqiu and Jiang Meng? I haven’t seen them.”

Zhang Haojie replied, “They’re playing on the third floor.”

The third floor of the Imperial Emperor Hotel was an entertainment area, equipped with ping-pong tables, billiards, treadmills, and other fitness equipment. Everyone often came up here to unwind.

Shen An took the staff-only elevator to the third floor.

“Yeah! I pocketed another ball!” Xiao Miao exclaimed excitedly, holding a cue stick.

“Xiao Miao’s amazing,” said Viper.

“Yeah, he’s only been learning for two hours and already beat me,” Viper added.

Mu Linqiu glanced at him and laughed. “It’s not that Xiao Miao is amazing—it’s that you’re terrible. Besides, don’t you know whose disciple he is? Xiao Miao is my apprentice!”

Xiao Miao and Mu Linqiu were having a great time. He had grown up with his master as a Taoist on the mountain and rarely encountered billiards or such modern games, so he was especially enthusiastic.

Shen An approached, and Mu Linqiu and Viper quickly greeted him respectfully.

“Good evening, boss!”

“Hey, you guys keep playing. I just came up to take a look.”

Xiao Miao eagerly said, “Big Brother Shen, will you play a game of billiards with me?”

Shen An laughed and patted his head. “What, you think you can beat Viper and now you’re getting cocky? Playing me? You’re just asking for punishment.”

Xiao Miao turned away with a huff. “I don’t believe it. You must be bragging.”

“All right, I’ll play one game with you. If you win, I’ll give you a gift. But what if you lose?”

Xiao Miao thought for a moment. “If I lose, I’ll do a hundred push-ups!”

Mu Linqiu’s mouth dropped open. “Xiao Miao, can you really do a hundred push-ups in one go?”

Xiao Miao was just over ten years old, only waist-high to her. He was skinny with slender arms and legs—not exactly sturdy. It was hard to believe he could do even one push-up, let alone a hundred, something many adults struggle with.

“Don’t underestimate me. My master used to have me fetch water and chop wood every day. I’m really strong,” Xiao Miao said proudly.

Shen An smiled slightly. “Fine, if you lose, one hundred push-ups it is.”

“Let’s go!”

Shen An selected a suitable cue stick and started a game of billiards with Xiao Miao.

Back in university, Shen An often played billiards with classmates near the campus gate. Though not especially skilled, he could easily defeat Mu Linqiu, let alone Xiao Miao. He was confident he could win by five balls.

Shen An broke first, pocketing a solid-colored ball.

“I’ll take the solids; you take the stripes.”

He randomly picked five striped balls, leaving Xiao Miao only two balls to sink. If Xiao Miao pocketed those two stripes, he’d win. Shen An still had six balls left.

Mu Linqiu clicked his tongue. “Tsk tsk, boss, you’re really underestimating Xiao Miao. He’s my own apprentice.”

“Haha, even if his master played, I’d still dare to give you a five-ball handicap.”

“You’re all talk!”

“Xiao Miao, take down Big Brother Shen! If you win, I’ll buy you bubble tea tonight!” Mu Linqiu encouraged.

At the mention of bubble tea, Xiao Miao was instantly motivated, looking determined.

But Shen An had no intention of holding back. After sinking the first ball, he pocketed three more solids consecutively.

The score quickly shifted to 3-2, with Xiao Miao’s advantage slim.

On the fourth shot, Shen An made a mistake, giving Xiao Miao the turn.

Xiao Miao stood up. Being just as tall as the billiards table, he had to stand on a stool to reach and pocket a ball.

Holding his breath, he took the shot.

Bang!

Xiao Miao scored!

“Yeah! That’s my apprentice, awesome!” Mu Linqiu beamed with pride.

Shen An smiled. “Don’t celebrate too soon. The game’s not over yet.”

Sure enough, on Xiao Miao’s second shot, he fouled by sinking the black eight ball.

“Haha, I told you, Xiao Miao, you’ve lost.”

Shen An grinned, took his cue, and with precise shots cleared the table in three turns, pocketing the remaining three balls.

Xiao Miao lost!

True to his word, Xiao Miao accepted defeat and lay on the ground, doing push-ups—but he performed a two-finger push-up, supporting his body on just his thumb and index finger, completing all one hundred in a single breath.

“Not bad, really impressive.”

Shen An and Mu Linqiu praised him repeatedly.

After finishing, Xiao Miao stood and clapped his hands. “Big Brother Shen, I’m not convinced. Let’s play again!”

Shen An was about to agree when his phone rang. It was Bai Weiwei calling.

“Xiao Miao, I’ll play with you next time. I have something to do now. By the way, I’ll give you a gift next time.”

Xiao Miao obediently nodded. “Okay.”

Shen An answered the call. Bai Weiwei’s voice came through.

“Hello? Shen An, are you free now?”

“Yes, Weiwei beauty, inviting me to dinner?” Shen An teased.

Bai Weiwei nodded. “Yes, at the Dongyang Street barbecue. I’m waiting for you.”

After hanging up, Shen An didn’t delay. He drove straight to Dongyang Street. Although Bai Weiwei only said she was inviting him to dinner, she likely had something important to discuss.