Hu Qing sprang to his feet, ready to draw his weapon, but I grabbed him, saying, "We drink our wine and sing our songs; let's not meddle in the affairs of triads." Hu Qing sat back down, "Forgot myself. With these two heavyweights around, why the rush? Here's a toast to Tang Han and Zhou Qiang—I wish you smooth sailing and fair winds.
When you move your division back to the capital, I'll host a banquet for everyone!" "Hold it!" The more than twenty men who had been charging forward were abruptly halted by a single shout. "Big Head Shoes, did you forget your glasses tonight? Are you blind?" a cold voice rang out from the side.
Brother Shoe turned, a look of shock crossing his face. "Why, it's Brother Niu from the Brotherhood Alliance's Niu Hall. What wind blew your esteemed self over here?" Hall Master Niu emerged coldly from the corner.
"You're mobilizing forces in my territory; how could I not come to have a look? Otherwise, how would I explain myself to Master Zhu?" As Hall Master Niu spoke, he moved to stand behind Zhu Da. Brother Shoe's face changed drastically.
"He's Master Zhu of the Brotherhood Alliance?" Hall Master Niu snorted dismissively, offering no answer. Brother Shoe's expression quickly normalized. "Didn't realize we were among our own.
A misunderstanding. Let's let this matter drop. I'll discipline those short-sighted underlings later." Zhu Da cursed, "Damn it, who's your own?
I don't know you." Hall Master Niu whispered conspiratorially in Zhu Da's ear, "Master Zhu, this kid has some backing. His patron is Tan Tian of the Tan family. If it weren't for that, we would have dealt with his arrogance long ago." Zhu Da nodded.
"Don't you involve yourselves with the Tan family matters. The Brotherhood Alliance must keep a low profile for now because the Tan family controls so many government departments; that will hinder our operations in the future." Naturally, I heard every word of their exchange. I hadn't expected that brat Tan Tian would never rest; now he was even organizing triads like me.
Did he intend to go head-to-head with me? Others had to respect his power, but I didn't need to, because we were born rivals—there would never be a day for reconciliation. I stood up and pointed at Brother Shoe.
"You! Get over here. Your lackey interrupted our singing just now.
Come on, finish a song for us first." Brother Shoe’s face flushed crimson. Of course, he didn't recognize me. He couldn't fathom why, even after revealing his powerful connections and with the Brotherhood Alliance standing down, this young, pale-faced 'Yellow Face' dared to speak to him like that.
Why 'Yellow Face'? After fishing for over half a month, it was a miracle his face hadn't darkened; staying yellow was inevitable. Brother Shoe said, "May I ask your name, sir?
You look unfamiliar." I had already decided to clash with them. "You don't need to know my name. I am naturally opposed to the Tan family.
Those four men just now—each must have an arm broken, then get lost. You can leave with one leg!" Brother Shoe's face turned from red to green with rage. He might defer to Zhu Da of the Brotherhood Alliance, as they were no small fry; although the Alliance hesitated to provoke the Tan family, the Tan family was equally not one to be trifled with.
But this unknown 'Yellow Face' kid dared to speak to him in such a manner—he simply couldn't stand it. "Brothers, what are you waiting for!" Brother Shoe waved his hand behind him. To strike first is to control the opponent.
Before that group of brutes could charge, I had already moved. Back then, when Peach and I charged through armies of thousands, we never flinched; these twenty-odd thugs were nothing in my eyes. Besides breaking one leg on each of them, I also gifted them a few slaps.
Brother Shoe froze. He only heard a chorus of yelps. When he looked back, all his underlings were sprawled on the ground.
This time, his face turned from green to yellow. "You, you, who are you? How can you be so fast?" I returned to my seat.
"Go back and tell Tan Tian that my name is Zhao Qian. Tell him to wash his neck clean and wait for me to take his head!" Brother Shoe certainly didn't know the history between Tan Tian and me, but he knew he had run into a master today. Before I finished speaking, he spun around, trying to flee.
I casually tossed a handful of bamboo skewers from the grilled meats, which struck his thigh dead center. The force was so great that it pierced through the bone. If he thought he could walk away without losing a leg, I would lose too much face.
In the ensuing chaos, the response to the food stall owner's emergency call arrived: two police cars wailed into the scene. Since the report mentioned a mass brawl, most of the officers were riot police. Hu Qing stepped forward and flashed his badge.
His status now was far from ordinary—Director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Capital City Public Security Bureau—a high-ranking official to these regular officers. The leading officer snapped to attention and saluted. "Requesting instructions, Director." Hu Qing waved his hand.
"Take them all in first. After questioning, if they have no other records, release them in 48 hours." The scene was quickly cleared. All the other barbecue patrons had scattered due to the commotion, which was better; it meant we could relax a bit more.
I turned to the group. "You all saw it. The Tan family's expansion has never stopped.
To be honest, our action is a step behind. While their influence in the military is shrinking, they are tightening their grip on political power. You all need to be mentally prepared." The others laughed.
"With you leading us, what the hell do we fear! Let's drink! Hu Qing said, "My favorite song is 'Light of Friendship.' Let's sing it to bid farewell to these two brothers who are about to depart." "How many true friends does one have in life?
How many friendships last forever? Today we part, shaking hands with you twice; friendship remains in our hearts. Though we must part today, we will surely reunite someday; even if we cannot meet, we are friends forever..." Near dawn, I was singing drunkenly, stumbling in front of the building that used to be my home.
I thought my vision was playing tricks on me. I rubbed my eyes and looked again; it definitely wasn't the building I remembered. I turned and ran out of the complex entrance, double-checking that I hadn't taken a wrong turn, before returning.
My old, dilapidated building and the one next to it were gone. In their place stood a brand-new four-story structure. Although the exterior showed no signs of extravagance, the design and materials bespoke meticulous craftsmanship and careful thought.
I quickly texted Peach: "Damn Peach, I told you to watch my place. Where is my home?" A moment later, Peach replied: "Boss! Good thing I'm watching the US stock market, or your late-night interruption would have ruined my beautiful dream.
Your home is fine; I'm online right now." "Nonsense, I'm right downstairs. How can my building be gone?" "Haha, quite the shock, isn't it? Your wives did this while you were away on business.
I’ll call them down for you." Soon, more than ten alluring women rushed down, clad in flimsy nightgowns, all flocking toward me. "Husband, why are you back in the middle of the night? We missed you so much." I hugged one and stroked another, whispering tenderly, "It's getting cold, hurry inside.
Don't catch a cold." Fang Yanmeng nestled in my arms, while Zhao Fang hopped onto my back. Both said, "Shocked, weren't you? Couldn't find the door?
We used the real estate company we set up to renovate the old place ourselves. Now we never have to worry about not having enough space!"