The Absolute Son-in-law And The Ten Rings Of Power

Craig

Zeke and Mei stood quietly, watching as the pawn broker appraised the pile of jewelry and accessories laid out before him.

There were a collection of diamond necklaces, gold bangles, four luxury designer bags, designer sunglasses and two rose-gold watches on the counter.

After several long minutes of appraisal, the pawn broker cleared his throat. "These are good pieces. If they were new, the total value would amount to $250,000. However, since I'm buying them from you at a second-hand price, I'm willing to pay $150,000 for the lot."

Mei frowned. "A hundred and fifty grand? That's too poor. You said it yourself they're worth a quarter of a million. Make it $200,000."

"$160,000. Final offer," the broker offered. "Take it or leave it. The stock market crashed today, ma'am. You're not the only rich girl who've come here this afternoon to pawn their valuables. No other pawnbroker would offer you full price in this crisis."

Mei hesitated, biting her lips. She knew he was right, but $160,000 wouldn't get her anywhere.

Not in this economy.

Zeke stepped forward and placed his wrist-watch on the table. "How much is this worth?"

Mei turned sharply to Zeke, startled. "Zeke, isn't that the watch I got you for your birthday last year?"

Zeke smiled sheepishly at her. "What can I say, I think I've grown tired of using it. Look, we need every penny we can get. If this watch is still worth at least anything, It'll go a long way to help."

Mei couldn't even protest. They were very short on money. Every penny was worth everything to her.

"Thank you, Zeke," She said, a small smile appearing on her face.

The pawnbroker picked up the watch and examined it. He nodded in approval. "This is a Rolex Daytona. I'll offer $40,000 for it."

"Huh, I got that for $50,000 last year," Mei protested.

But Zeke stopped her. "Mei, it's alright. At least we've got $200,000. That's enough for now," Zeke returned his gaze back to the pawnbroker. "We'll take it. Cash."

The pawnbroker grunted. "Give me five minutes."

Then he disappeared into the back office to get the cash.

Mei sighed, her eyes resting on the items on the counter. "We need more money, Zeke. This won't last us a week. Not with our goal in sight."

Zeke hide a knowing smirk. "I don't think you need to worry about money. Who knows, you might hit the jackpot on Monday."

Just then, the shop door opened, and a middle-aged man entered with two bodyguards at his heels.

He walked into the pawnshop like he owned the place.

He wore a navy blue tailored suit with a pair of Italian leather shoes that reflected like a mirror.

His cold gray eyes rested on Mei as he approached her, smoothing his hand over his black hair slicked back, not a strand out of place.

"Well, well," He said, stopping right before Mei. "If it isn't the beautiful Mei Zhao. I thought it might be you."

Mei was surprised to see the newcomer. "Craig? What are you doing here?"

Craig stroke his stubble jaw, his eyes restless. "I was driving by the neighborhood when I spotted your car outside this pawnshop. I had to be sure it was you so I decided to stop by and check."

Craig paused as he glanced at Zeke out of the corner of his eyes. "Oh, Hi Zeke."

"Hi, Craig," Zeke growled, his eyes filled with disdain.

Craig was one of Mei's numerous suitors whom she rejected to marry Zeke.

Unlike the other suitors who gave up after Mei rejected them, Craig was still persistent.

He pursued Mei like a mad dog, always flirting openly with her and offering her the prospect of a second marriage to him.

Of course Mei had rebuked him times without number but that wasn't enough to stop Craig.

The man was an obsessive stalker. He was born from one of the most influential families in UFC Republic. An entitled Nepo baby.

"Anyways, what are you doing here?" Craig asked, changing the subject. "It's not like you to be at a pawnshop."

Mei laughed uneasily. "This is embarrassing. I guess there's no point in hiding it. You're aware of the stock crash that happened earlier today?"

Craig covered his mouth in shock. "Oh my God, Mei. Don't tell me..."

Mei nodded, looking away sadly. "I lost my family's entire fortune in the crash. We haven't a penny left and it's all my fault."

Craig tsked in pity. "What a shame. Are you selling all your stuffs inorder to raise funds for the company?"

"Yes, this wouldn't be enough but it's a start," She said. "Tomorrow, I'll start making calls to secure clients who'll be willing to invest in Zhao Dynasty. I only have four weeks to do that."

Zeke didn't like how much information she was feeding Craig. He could see the bastard was already devising an idea in his mind.

"Yes and we're doing fine," Zeke said, turning to Mei. "Darling, let's grab our money and leave. We have so much to do."

Just then, the pawnbroker returned with bills of $200,000 in neat bundles.

Craig raised his hand. "Wait, Mei. I can help you."

Mei glanced sharply at Craig. "Y-You will?"

"Yeah," Craig grinned. "I have a list of investors the length of my arm. I'll get you clients who would invest in Zhao Dynasty."

Mei couldn't believe her eyes. "Really? I can't believe it. You'd do that for me?"

"Why not," Craig chuckled. "I love to help people."

Then Craig turned to the pawnbroker. "Return your cash back, Sir. The lady isn't selling her jewelry anymore."

The pawnbroker shrugged. "Whatever." Then he returned back to his office.

Mei approached him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I honestly don't know how to thank you, Craig. This is too good to be true."

Craig licked his lips. "I'm having dinner with some of my business associates tonight. I'd like you to come and maybe we can discuss terms."

Before Mei could respond, Zeke protested.

"I refuse!"