Chapter 69: Three Days' Deadline

"I'm more interested in the first option. I can't let you suffer a loss. How much did it cost to build this tower?" Xiao Yao pressed further.

Qin Huali felt his heart sink even deeper. "From acquiring the land to completing construction and opening for business, I spent a lot of favors. The total cost is about 7.5 billion yuan."

The site of this building was truly a rare resource. Too many powerful people had their eyes on it, and when Qin Huali acquired the land, he paid a steep price and owed many favors. From acquisition to completion and opening, it had taken five years—no easy feat.

Now, with the building newly opened and about to start generating profits, to sell it at cost was something Qin Huali was extremely reluctant to do. Yet faced with Xiao Yao's uncompromising stance, even if he was unwilling, he dared not haggle a second time. Compared to his grandson’s safety, the price, though steep, was something he could only accept. If he didn’t agree to Xiao Yao’s terms, even if he paid ten times more elsewhere, he wouldn’t find a talisman with the same effect.

"My master’s savings were all converted into bearer stocks and antique jewelry. Seventy-five billion is a huge number—I can't produce that much cash at once. Would you accept payment in full within three years?" The building was worth too much; Xiao Yao didn't have the cash on hand and could only propose this solution.

Of course, the main reason was that he didn’t want to pay Qin Huali immediately; given a few months, he could gather the funds. The building’s construction cost was seventy-five billion, but after four or five years of investment, its current value was at least a hundred billion. Now Xiao Yao was taking over at cost, and the loss was staggering.

He had thought Xiao Yao’s master was ruthless enough, but Xiao Yao, so young, cut even deeper. He knew nothing of this young man he’d just met and had even thought to take advantage of him; now he realized how wrong he'd been.

Now that Xiao Yao had struck, he had no power to resist and could only submit. To have a hundred billion tied up for three years was another heavy blow. Qin Huali wanted to say that if the price was right, he could use antique jewelry, but he didn't dare, lest Xiao Yao take him for a ride again.

"If Mr. Xiao finds it inconvenient, a bit more time is no problem," Qin Huali said against his will.

"I wouldn’t feel right about that. Three years should be sufficient," Xiao Yao replied, though he wanted to teach Qin Huali a lesson, he knew he should stop at the right point.

"Since you’re so straightforward, let me give you some information. The three-year payment term is lengthy; I don’t want you to suffer too much."

"What information? Please tell me," Qin Huali said, still somewhat resentful of Xiao Yao’s harshness, but he valued any information he offered.

"Your eldest grandson, Qin Heming, is about to face a deadly calamity—a blood disaster, with almost no chance of survival. The time is three days from now. The payment period may be long, but with this news, you shouldn’t feel it’s a loss." Xiao Yao had read this from Qin Huali’s features.

He hadn’t expected things to be so coincidental; no wonder Qin Huali was so eager and anxious for a peace talisman—his grandson was in grave trouble and could die at any moment.

Qin Huali’s expression changed at once, and he asked urgently, "How could this happen? Is the news accurate? Could you please check again, Mr. Xiao?"

"If you don’t believe me, treat it as if I hadn’t spoken," Xiao Yao replied indifferently.

"Mr. Xiao, you were Master Zhao’s prized disciple and inherited all his teachings. Of course I believe you; I was just shocked by the news and spoke carelessly. Please forgive me," Qin Huali apologized hastily.

"I heard Master Zhao say that making a peace talisman is very difficult, and three days is rather rushed. Do you think it can be done in time?" Qin Huali never imagined the situation so dire. If he’d known, he would never have delayed and would have come half a month ago to settle this.

"My master needed ten days to make a talisman. Though I have received his full guidance and inherited his skills, I am still new to the craft and not yet as proficient. To make one myself, the fastest would be half a month." Xiao Yao spoke truthfully; it wasn’t deception.

If something is gained too easily, people won’t treasure it, nor will they be grateful. Xiao Yao, inheriting Pan Wu’s three thousand years of experience, understood this deeply.

"What should I do?" Though Qin Huali was a seasoned fox, when it came to his grandson’s life, he was flustered.

"Mr. Xiao, as long as you can protect Heming through this calamity in three days, whatever you need—if I can provide it—I will do so without hesitation. Please, you must have a way!" Qin Huali could only pin his hopes on Xiao Yao.

Xiao Yao frowned, and after a pause, finally said, "There is a way, but it will cost me dearly."

"No matter the cost, I will shoulder it. All losses are mine; I won’t let you suffer," Qin Huali’s resolve showed at this moment.

"The price isn’t monetary. If money could solve it, it wouldn’t be difficult for me; money is the least of my concerns," Xiao Yao said, meeting Qin Huali’s gaze with visible displeasure.

"I was too shallow. Unfortunately, I’m just a common man, and all I can offer is the wealth my family has accumulated over the years. May I ask, what price must you pay? Is there any way I can help?" Qin Huali pressed on.

Xiao Yao replied, "Normally, it takes half a month to make a peace talisman. If I have to finish it in three days, there’s only one way—using a secret technique to overdraw my own vitality. If I do this, it will take me half a year to recover; the cost is truly heavy."

"Because of my Qin family, I’ve caused you trouble. Unfortunately, I lack the ability to help, but I will thank you profoundly for your kindness," Qin Huali said with sincere gratitude. "Once Heming survives this calamity, on behalf of our entire family, I will prepare a great gift to express our thanks for your selfless help."