But I didn’t express my stance immediately, which indicated that I didn’t believe it right away, but I knew I was almost convinced.

“Honestly, what you just said really makes me want to kiss you. You know, when someone keeps digging and digging, the more they find, the more chaotic it gets; that feeling can really drive you crazy. Hearing your perspective made me realize that there are a few other fools like me out there, and that’s quite comforting,” the girl said, acting all grown-up. “What do you think? Should we have a drink together?”

“Why are you interested in this matter?” The fat guy, being an observer, seemed to still be skeptical, “Is it just to figure out that videotape?”

Huo Xiuxiu nodded, “For a blossoming young girl, seeing that kind of videotape can completely overturn her worldview.”

The fat guy raised his eyebrows and looked at me, “See, I told you. Adults can watch it, but that kind of tape must be kept safe; otherwise, if children see it, it could corrupt the youth.”

Huo Xiuxiu slapped him, “You just know that fat guys are all lecherous and think dirty thoughts. It’s not as filthy as you imagine.”

“What you said would make Maitreya Buddha very unhappy,” the fat guy replied.

I interrupted their banter, having realized something. I said, “Seriously, have you really looked into their matters? Just for that box of videotapes?”

She nodded, “And I actually found some results. Although what I found is much shallower than what you have, and I haven’t experienced as many life-and-death separations as you have, I have advantages that you don’t have. First, my grandmother is still alive; second, I can access many places that ordinary people can’t, and I know a lot of people who can get old files. So, I can’t say I found more than you, but there’s definitely a significant portion that you don’t know about.”

I became interested, “Oh, so you want to exchange information with me?”

“For me, it doesn’t matter, but for you, based on what you said, it’s very important. So, I think you have no reason to refuse.” She smiled slyly, revealing her white teeth, “If the information you give me is crucial, I’ll even throw in a kiss for you.” Saying this, she giggled at me, her eyes sparkling with an astonishing charm.

I looked at her and felt that although this girl seemed a bit crazy and quirky, her speech was remarkably clear and logical. I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly that this girl from the Huo family seemed quite impressive; men generally can’t resist her. No wonder Grandpa chose Grandma in the end. Such a young girl already had the seductive charm of a mature woman, a unique aura that made me follow her line of thought. I thought, if she grows up, she’ll definitely be a handful.

After taking a sip of Erguotou, I had a moment of clarity and thought I still needed to be cautious. I didn’t give her a direct answer but instead asked, “I’m still not entirely convinced that the things in that videotape would interest a girl like you so much. You need to tell me first what’s in it.” I wanted to test whether her motives were genuine.

She didn’t take it to heart at all and answered directly, “It’s about my aunt, the one you mentioned, Huo Ling.”

“You’re checking on your aunt while he’s checking on his uncle? What’s up with you guys from the Old Nine Gates? Is there no family privacy anymore?” the fat guy complained angrily.

I felt a jolt in my heart and waved my hand for the fat guy to stop interrupting, “Could it be that your aunt is combing her hair?”

She shook her head and said, “No, that videotape has already been confiscated by my grandmother. However, I will never forget the content inside it, and once I mention it, you will immediately know it’s true. Look, I know less than you do, so I can’t give away too much for free. Brother Wu Xie, are you willing to trade?”

I glanced at the胖子, who nodded and said to the girl, “Give us another hint, girl. If you hit the nail on the head, I, your胖爷, will give you a sweet kiss. What was on that videotape?”

Huo Xiuxiu blinked her charming eyes and replied, “My aunt and a few other people, they were crawling on the ground.”