Chapter 44: Be Careful, or My Fist Might Kill You

Tangwan Town, Youle Food Stall.

This was the name Zhang Tianfeng had given his establishment, borrowing from the classic saying, “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?”

Now, the shop was managed by his fourth uncle, Zhang Jizheng.

Beneath him worked employees Zhou Runbo, Wang Li, Jiang Jiahao, as well as the recently recruited Cantonese chef Wang Defa, and Sichuan chef Hou Li.

“Hahaha, many thanks for your hospitality, Boss Zhou! Come, let’s have a toast.”

“Boss Xu, you’re too polite. There’s no need for such words between us brothers.”

After downing a bottle of beer, Zhou Yuanchong reached for another, only to find the table empty.

He slapped the table angrily and shouted, “Boss, can’t your staff be a bit more observant? Don’t you see we’ve finished our drinks? Bring more beer!”

“My apologies, I really hadn’t noticed. I’ll get them right away,” Zhang Jicheng replied with a smile, then returned to the shop to fetch a case of chilled beer, carrying it over with Jiang Jiahao.

With a thud, the beer was set on the table, and Zhang Jizheng asked, “Is there anything else you need?”

“Another fifty lamb skewers, two bowls of seafood congee, and forty grilled oysters,” came the reply.

“Certainly, please wait a moment.”

Back inside, Zhang Jizheng instructed Wang Defa to start preparing the food.

Zhou Runbo sidled up and whispered, “Old Zhang, do you really need to go this far? Those guys are at odds with your nephew and are clearly here to make trouble. Yet you still serve them?”

“Business is business. As long as they don’t cause trouble, they’re customers like any other. Why turn away money?” Zhang Jizheng had only realized after following his nephew for a while that this was truly the life he wanted.

It might be a bit hectic, and sometimes customers could be difficult, but the shop made money—a lot of money. Helping unemployed workers along the way also brought a sense of pride. No need for the violence and constant fear of the outside world.

This kind of life suited him just fine. He didn’t want to change anymore.

“I don’t want to turn down money either, but there’s barely enough going into our pockets,” Zhou Runbo muttered, glancing around before pulling Zhang Jizheng aside. “Back then you promised me—told me that following your nephew would make us rich.”

“And now? He’s got two women running the easy, profitable job agency and left us here to sweat it out in food service. He’s making a killing trading stocks in Hong Kong, practically a stock god already, but can’t even offer us a helping hand. Isn’t that cold?”

“Fine, I’ll settle your wages later. Go find another job if you like,” Zhang Jizheng said casually, as if the words didn’t bother him at all.

“Come on, Old Zhang, I’m just venting. It’s just that your nephew is going too far. If he doesn’t take me along, fine, but he doesn’t take you either.”

“He says he’s put you in charge of the shop, but every bit of profit gets taken away. He doesn’t even leave you enough for a bottle of beer.”

“Runbo, we’ve known each other for years. When did you become such a gossip, poking around and stirring up trouble?” Zhang Jizheng said. “I told you, my nephew has his way of doing things. I won’t interfere, and you shouldn’t make a fuss here.”

“You can say whatever you like about me, but leave my nephew out of it. If you really feel you can’t stay, then leave. I won’t dock a single penny from your pay.”

His tone suddenly rose, drawing everyone’s attention.

Zhou Runbo gave a rueful smile. “Alright, I admit I was wrong. I’ll get back to work.”

With that, the squabble blew over, and business continued as usual. Xu Juncong and Zhou Yuanchong ate on until midnight.

When it was time to pay, Xu Juncong watched Zhou Runbo bustling around and remarked, “Young man, you seem quite diligent. Your talents are wasted here.”

“If you’re interested, you’re welcome to come to Yuanli Job Agency and look for me. Just mention my name when you arrive, and I’ll guarantee you a job with a salary you’ll be satisfied with.”

“Boss Xu, I’ve barely been gone a minute and you’re already poaching my staff?” Zhang Tianfeng called out as he stepped out of his car.

“Oh, Boss Zhang, back from playing the stock market?” Xu Juncong grinned. “Word of your exploits in Hong Kong has reached us. You must’ve done well this time.”

“The capital was too small, so the profits weren’t much—just some hard-earned cash. But you’re a bit out of line,” Zhang Tianfeng replied.

“Not at all. I just overheard your staff complaining about you keeping all the profits for yourself and the manager scolding him. That seemed a bit much,” Xu Juncong shot back. “We’re all out here trying to make a living, selling our effort and skills. We’re all adults—no need to shout at each other and lose face like that.”

“Face? How much is that worth? Name a price and I’ll sell you some,” Zhang Tianfeng retorted.

“Haha! I’m starting to like you more and more, kid.”

Zhou Yuanchong, cheeks flushed, stumbled over, let out a beery hiccup, shoved Gao Ran back into the car, and said, “Boss Zhang, how about coming to my factory as sales director? With your shamelessness, you could make at least a hundred thousand a month.”

Xu Juncong added, “That’s a good idea. I’ll recommend you myself. No trial period—just take the position. What do you think?”

Zhang Tianfeng shook his head. “I really can’t stand dirty fat guys like you. I’m afraid if I see you too often, I’ll end up smashing your glasses with a punch.”

“Hit me?” Zhou Yuanchong sneered. “In Tangwan Town, I’m the local kingpin. Believe it or not, with a single word you won’t live to see the sunrise.”

“Enough, enough,” Xu Juncong interjected. “Boss Zhou, no need to lose your temper over someone who’s soon to disappear. Not worth getting yourself worked up.”

“Soon to disappear? You’re planning to take me down?” Zhang Tianfeng feigned surprise.

Xu Juncong shook his head. “Not you—your shop.”

“Yuanli Group has formed an alliance with Boss Zhou. We share all interests. Soon—”

Zhou Yuanchong cut in, “All 309 factories in Tangwan Town will be working directly with Yuanli Group. Any worker who leaves your shop won’t be hired by a single factory in town.”

“That’s a harsh move. Quite a headache,” Zhang Tianfeng nodded.

Zhou Yuanchong looked smug. “You shouldn’t have crossed me in the first place. If you’d just fired those two women, none of this would be happening.”

“Once you go bankrupt, I’ll take my time dealing with you. Don’t worry—you won’t set foot outside Tangwan Town after today.”

“Ever heard the saying? Boasting too much is a sure way to fall flat. Boss Zhou, be careful what you say.”

“What am I afraid of? In Tangwan Town—”

Before he could finish, the familiar wail of a police car sounded from the end of the street.

Unlike last time, when it was two in the morning and the streets were empty, now it was just after work and the street was full of factory workers.

The police car pulled up in front of the shop.

Chief Lu Dingqian got out, shot Zhang Tianfeng a glare, and said, “You really know how to stir up trouble, don’t you?”

“Hey, let’s be clear—I’m as innocent as they come.”

“We’ll talk later!”

Muttering, Lu Dingqian pulled out an arrest warrant and addressed Zhou Yuanchong, “Following orders from above, our station now has evidence of your trafficking in national resources. Please come with us.”

“Chief Lu, this must be a mistake,” Zhou Yuanchong sobered instantly, his legs shaking.

“Your wife, Zhou Meimei, has already confessed. Are you still planning to deny it?”

“That damned woman! I should’ve finished her off long ago!” Zhou Yuanchong spat, teeth clenched in rage.

“Well, now you’ve earned yourself another charge—attempted murder. Cuff him and take him away.”

As the handcuffs clicked shut, Zhang Tianfeng finally saw fear and confusion in Zhou Yuanchong’s eyes.

Perhaps even now, he couldn’t understand why Zhou Mei would betray him, even under threat of death.

He only realized the truth three days later—but by then, it was too late, and there was little he could do.

“Kid, I need to take him to Zhucheng now. I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Lu Dingqian.

“Go ahead. I’ll have food and drink ready for you,” Zhang Tianfeng replied.

Lu Dingqian nodded and left in haste.

The bustle faded, and the crowd dispersed. Apart from the workers from Zhou Yuanchong’s toy factory, who looked anxious, everyone else couldn’t care less and went about their lives.

Zhang Tianfeng turned and saw Xu Juncong standing there, dumbfounded. He clapped his hands and laughed, “See? I told you, boasting too much is a sure way to fall flat.”

“Boss Xu, your grand plan just went up in smoke. How do you feel now?”

“How do I feel?” Xu Juncong pushed up his glasses. “I underestimated your methods, Boss Zhang. But this isn’t over. The labor market in Tangwan Town will be mine—no one can stop me!”

Zhang Tianfeng replied calmly, “Then you’d better watch out. I might just bring you down with a single move!”

Xu Juncong said nothing and hurried away.

With Zhou Yuanchong out of the picture, he needed to come up with a new plan.