Chapter 134: I Did It on Purpose

Lin Feng moved with lightning speed. Before the man could strike with his dagger, Lin Feng had already snatched the weapon away and seized the man's arm. With a sharp crack, he snapped the joint right on the spot!

"Argh!"

In an instant, the stall owner clutched his arm, letting out a piercing scream of agony.

"Just you wait, you brat! You dared to ruin my business; I will never let you get away with this!"

Enduring the searing pain, the stall owner shouted a threat and fled into the distance, abandoning his stall entirely.

Lin Feng did not pursue him. He scoffed with disdain, "With such pathetic skills, you have the nerve to go around scamming people? Aren't you ashamed?"

"Lin Feng, are you alright?" Zhou Nianying, who had been startled by the sudden violence, hurried over to ask.

Lin Feng smiled slightly, shook his head, and said, "I'm fine. Do you still have access to the platform where you placed the order? I suspect this person is a repeat offender, and he isn't working alone."

"What do you mean?" Zhou Nianying asked in surprise.

"Look at the items on his stall. They are all low-grade, shoddy imitations. They’re worthless, and since they all share the same style of forgery, they clearly come from the same source."

Lin Feng explained seriously, his gaze shifting to the sign for the "Green Jade Pavilion." He continued, "And take this sign for the Green Jade Pavilion—they have put a lot of effort into this ruse. They know that to scam people, a small street stall isn't enough to attract big fish. So, they fabricate a shop and a fake identity to lure people in, then use high-pressure tactics to sell these antiques at exorbitant prices."

"I see! Now that you put it that way, it really does make sense. That’s exactly how I was taken in, step by step."

Zhou Nianying’s realization dawned on her. Her cheeks puffed up with indignation, turning bright red. "That is just despicable! Those animals deserve worse than a beating."

"Lin Feng, you should have just captured him. Letting him go like that is letting him off too easily."

"I did it on purpose. If he were caught now, I wouldn't have the chance to round them all up," Lin Feng replied calmly.

"Huh? On purpose?" Zhou Nianying’s mouth fell open in shock.

"Yes. Once he goes back, he will certainly tip off his accomplices and bring them back to take revenge on me. When that happens, I’ll just catch them all at once and hand them over to the police," Lin Feng stated bluntly.

Zhou Nianying blinked her beautiful eyes and pouted. "Fine, I suppose you have your ways. But you must be careful; these people are surely devious." She added, "I’m so grateful you came with me today, otherwise I surely would have fallen for his trap."

"By the way, I still don't know why you needed this jade ring. Is it really that important to you?" Lin Feng asked.

"It is. But I’m not buying it for myself; I’m getting it for an elderly lady at the nursing home," Zhou Nianying sighed, explaining, "The jade ring was an heirloom from her ancestors. It was stolen a while ago, and she was heartbroken. I promised her I would help her find it."

"I heard a while back that it had appeared in the Antique Street, so I tried to buy it, but I never expected it to be a trap."

"I see. Are you close with this lady?" Lin Feng asked curiously.

"Yes, I visit her every year. Her husband and son have both passed away, and she has no one left—it's truly tragic. When I left last time, I promised that the next time I saw her, I would bring back her lost bracelet." Zhou Nianying said, looking dejected. "But now it seems that’s impossible."

"Perhaps I can help you with that."

Hearing her story, Lin Feng decided to assist. After all, she was doing a good deed, and that was something worth supporting.

"You can help me?" Zhou Nianying looked at him in surprise, stroking her chin as she mused, "How? Do you know people in the antique trade?"

"Come with me and you'll see."

Lin Feng took Zhou Nianying by the hand and headed straight for the Bright Jade Pavilion. The owner, Pei Dafu, was an acquaintance of his, and his business was the largest in Jiang City. If anyone could help track it down, it would be him.

"Oh! Mr. Lin! What a rare guest. Please, come right in!"

As soon as Lin Feng stepped into the shop, Pei Dafu recognized him and hurried over, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Lin, what brings you here today? Are you looking to purchase something?"

"I'm not here to buy. I just wanted to ask for your help in finding something," Lin Feng replied with a smile.

"Oh? Say no more! Please, go upstairs. Someone, bring tea for Mr. Lin and the young lady!"

Pei Dafu instructed his staff and respectfully led them to his office. Zhou Nianying looked around, marveling at the jade carvings and luxurious decor. She was stunned—she hadn't realized Lin Feng had such powerful connections in the antique world! This Mr. Pei was clearly a man of status. This was a proper jade shop; that little street stall couldn't even compare.

Once in the office, she sipped her tea while listening to Lin Feng explain the situation to Pei Dafu.

After listening, Pei Dafu frowned. "There’s such a thing going on? Mr. Lin, please rest assured. I may not have many talents, but when it comes to finding antiques, especially jade, it’s a specialty of mine."

"I will put out the word to all my connections right now and have them keep an eye out for this jade ring. As long as it’s still in Jiang City, I guarantee we will find it within the hour."

"Wow, is he really that capable?" Zhou Nianying couldn't help but exclaim in excitement before Lin Feng could respond. She leaned closer to him and whispered, "Lin Feng, you are amazing! This Mr. Pei is clearly a big shot, yet he treats you with such respect. You have so much influence!"

"Hush!" Lin Feng gestured for her to be quiet. What if Mr. Pei heard that? He turned back to Pei Dafu and smiled, "I appreciate it, Mr. Pei."

"It’s nothing at all. Mr. Lin, do try this tea. A friend of mine had it specially picked from a private tea garden and processed by a master tea maker. The quality is top-notch."

Pei Dafu poured more tea for Lin Feng. They chatted while waiting for news of the artifact.

About forty minutes later, Pei Dafu received a call. The jade ring had actually been found.

"So, the ring is in your hands? I need it urgently. No matter the cost, bring it over here immediately," Pei Dafu commanded after hearing the good news. The person on the other end agreed and immediately set off to deliver it in person.

Pei Dafu put his phone away and smiled at Lin Feng. "It’s found. My friend has recovered the ring and is bringing it here now."

"Mr. Pei, you truly are capable. I’m afraid this favor will be hard to repay," Lin Feng said with a playful smile.

"Mr. Lin, what are you saying? If it weren't for you, my business would have collapsed long ago. Serving you is my honor; this is a trivial matter, not worth mentioning," Pei Dafu replied, looking genuinely humbled.

Before long, his friend arrived with the ring. It was encased in a brocade box. Once it was in his hands, Pei Dafu opened the lid, and a brilliant, pristine white glow emanated from the jade inside.