Chapter 30: Making a Call

Jared slapped the stall owner, a snorting, swift blow that landed first despite not being the initial aggressor. The impact sent the stall owner spinning. His already chubby face swelled further, making him resemble a pig even more.

“Get him! Kill him!” the stall owner bellowed.

A group of burly men roared and charged. Jared, however, swiftly kicked them all back. They crashed to the ground, unable to rise.

The shouting traders fell silent, stunned. Realizing Jared's strength, they attempted to slip away.

The stall owner, regaining his composure, scowled. “Kid, how dare you cause trouble on Antique Street? Do you know who owns this turf? The Templar Regiment! Mr. Lewis runs this place, and you’ve just gotten yourself into serious trouble!”

He knew the name would instill fear. Trouble was common on Antique Street, and the Templar Regiment's name was a useful deterrent.

“The Templar Regiment?” Jared sneered. “What are you going to do if I told you I’m not afraid of them?”

Before the stall owner could reply, a piercing voice cut through the air. The crowd parted to reveal a man with a scar on his left cheek, followed by more than ten menacing men. Terror gripped the stall owner and the onlookers.

The stall owner scrambled forward. “Scarface, this kid’s causing trouble and stole the jade I was going to give Mr. Lewis! It’s imperial jade, his favorite!” He delivered his lie with practiced cunning.

“Imperial jade?” Scarface’s eyes lit up. “Kid, show me the jade!”

“Are you one of Tommy’s men?” Jared asked.

“Bastard! How dare you address Mr. Lewis by name?” Emboldened, the stall owner pointed at Jared. “This is Mr. Lewis’s most important lieutenant, Scarface. He’s in charge of Antique Street’s security.”

Ignoring the stall owner, Jared showed Scarface his ring. “Recognize this?”

Scarface scoffed, examining it. “A worn-out bronze ring? Hand over the jade, and I’ll overlook your transgression against Mr. Lewis!”

Jared produced the jade. Its gleam under the light delighted Scarface.

“Quick, give it to me!” Scarface waved impatiently.

Jared toyed with the jade. “Since you don’t recognize my ring, you should get Tommy here. If he wants it, I’ll give him the jade.”

“What did you say?” Scarface fumed. “Mr. Lewis isn’t someone you order around! Who do you think you are? You arrogant idiot, I’ll teach you a lesson!”

“If you refuse to get him, I can call him.” Jared pulled out his phone.

Scarface furrowed his brows. “You have his number?” Tommy’s number was not widely known; possessing it suggested Jared was no ordinary person.

Jared read the number aloud. “139322… Do you want to call him, or should I?”

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