Emerald Ranch is a sweet spot.

  If New Hanover is called the Heartlands, then Emerald Ranch is the heart of the Heartlands.

  It boasts endless prairies, crisscrossed by streams and lush with vegetation, making it a perfect ranching area.

  The vast grasslands are teeming with wildlife. Stephen spotted no fewer than five or six species of large wild animals in just a short walk.

  Down below a small hillside in the distance, Stephen even saw a massive herd of bison gathered by the river, drinking water.

  These bison are plains bison, huge in size and valuable from head to toe. In later generations, they'd be an endangered species.

  Stephen took out his camera and quietly approached the big guys, snapping a close-up shot of them.

  This place is really something. Every time Stephen comes here, his mood gets a lift.

  He leisurely led six horses across the prairie, snapping photos of anything interesting with his camera.

  By the time Stephen reached Emerald Ranch, it was almost dark.

  He went straight to a secluded stable and knocked on its tightly shut door.

  After a while, a balding middle-aged man warily cracked the door open a sliver, glancing first at Stephen and then at the horses behind him.

  "Hey there, good to see you again." Stephen grinned, greeting him.

  He remembered the guy's name was Seamus, a bit of a tongue-twister.

  Seamus clearly recognized Stephen. Seeing a returning customer, he opened the door wider.

  Stephen had sold him a few carriages before, so they were more or less partners.

  "What goodies have you got this time? Those horses?" He looked at the horses behind Stephen and chuckled, "Look like some fine steeds."

  "That's right, so you better have the cash ready."

  Stephen pointed at the horses. "How much will you give me for these five horses?"

  Seamus didn't move forward, but stood his ground, sighing.

  "What's wrong? Something wrong with the horses?" Stephen stared at him, puzzled.

  "No, it's me. I mean, I'm in trouble."

  Seamus looked a bit melancholy. He shook his head and said to Stephen, "I know you're a capable bounty hunter, so I need your help."

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  That's rich. A black marketeer asking for my help. Now that's something.

  Stephen was clearly intrigued. He slowly lit a cigarette, then said with a flourish, "Let's hear it."

  Seamus glanced outside, then opened the door wider. "Come on in. I don't want to be seen."

  Stephen glanced at him, noticing he seemed a bit nervous. But he doubted Seamus would dare try to double-cross him.

  After getting all the horses into the stable, Seamus busied himself getting them settled, while Stephen sat at a small table nearby, quietly smoking.

  Once Stephen finished his smoke, Seamus finally wrapped things up and slumped down across from Stephen, looking anxious.

  "I'm in trouble, big trouble."

  He tapped the table nervously, saying in a fluster, "I've always been the only smuggler on this ranch. I keep my word and never cheat anyone. I just make a little money."

  "I've got a pretty good reputation around here. Everyone trusts me..."

  Seeing that the guy was rambling and getting nowhere, Stephen grew impatient.

  He reached out and tapped the table in front of him. "If you really want me to help you, you'd better get to the point before my patience runs out."

  Seamus, seeing Stephen's impatience, quickly waved his hands. "Alright, alright, I'm getting to the point."

  "A week ago, some guys came to Emerald Ranch wanting to steal my business."

  "At first, I thought they were just a bunch of fools dreaming of getting rich, so I gathered some men to drive them off."

  "But I got the short end of the stick. Two of my men got hurt, and they told me to clear out of here or they'd kill me."

  Saying this, Seamus grabbed Stephen's hand tightly, his face filled with fear. "I wanted to find someone to help me, but I, I..."

  Stephen understood right away. It was a case of black eats black.

  Who could this guy turn to for help? Who would risk their neck for a black marketeer?

  The law-abiding citizens wouldn't, and the police wouldn't get involved. As for his former partners?

  They couldn't care less. As long as they could make money, they didn't care who they worked with.

  Stephen smiled. "So, you want me to take out those guys and get your business back."

  "But why should I do that?"

  Seamus kept shaking Stephen's arm, pleading humbly, "Please, please help me. I..."

  "Those guys will really kill me. They, those O'Driscoll gang bastards are ruthless..."

  Wait a minute...

  O'Driscoll gang? Stephen suddenly perked up. He was just looking for these guys, and they show up themselves.

  He subtly pulled his arm away from Seamus's grip, then pulled out a cigarette and silently lit it.

  Since the target was the O'Driscoll gang, he was willing to lend a hand.

  But the price had to be right. This guy wasn't exactly a saint, and Stephen wouldn't feel the slightest bit guilty about squeezing him for some extra cash.

  He silently smoked, coldly staring at the gloomy-faced Seamus.

  "If I help you, what's in it for me?"

  Seeing the time was ripe, Stephen blew out a puff of smoke, his tone turning cold.

  Hearing this, Seamus was like parched land greeting rain. He exclaimed excitedly, "Money! I can give you lots of money!"

  Stephen couldn't help but chuckle derisively.

  He leaned in closer, looking into Seamus's eyes. "Don't kid yourself, pal. How much money could you possibly offer?"

  "Those are the O'Driscoll gang. They're not just some little dogs you can chase away easily. You've learned their skills already, haven't you?"

  Seamus looked at Stephen's face, now inches away from his own, looking helpless. "Then... then what do you want?"

  "As long as I can protect my business, I'm willing to offer anything!"

  Stephen didn't say anything, just kept looking coldly.

  Clearly, his expression indicated that wasn't enough. Just a bit of petty cash wasn't enough to move him.

  Seamus frantically scratched his head, pacing back and forth in the stable, as if considering what else he could possibly offer.

  Stephen wasn't in a hurry, and waited quietly.

  Suddenly, Seamus excitedly said to Stephen, "A horse! I have a good horse!"

  "It's an absolutely top-quality horse! If you help me, I'll give it to you!!"