Chapter Twenty-Six: Old Dong the Gatekeeper

"Are you fucking playing me?"

The scar-faced man’s expression twisted into a snarl as he tightened his grip on his club, advancing with menacing intent. "You’re paying this money today—like it or not, you’re paying!"

"And if I don't?"

"If you don't? What, you're going to take my life?" Jiang Changyuan toyed with his phone, his tone heavy with hidden meaning.

The scar-faced man paused, his confidence wavering. The kid didn't show a hint of fear, as if he were absolutely certain of his position. Could he have brought backup?

Zhang Qiang and Wang Kang’s eyes lit up. Young Master Jiang had brought the boys.

"Listen, kid, I know you used to run these streets, but these two brothers of yours shredded Brother Niu's invoice."

"Every debt has a debtor, every wrong has a perpetrator. The rules can't be broken. If you don't cough up the cash, don't blame us for being ruthless and breaking their legs."

"What kind of invoice is worth that much?"

"Hmph, someone owes Brother Niu ten thousand. Debts must be repaid; that’s only natural. We’re running a legitimate business here."

"Bullshit!" Zhang Qiang shouted, struggling against his restraints. "You’re nothing but loan sharks, feeding on people's blood!"

"Shut up!" If not for the fear that Jiang Changyuan had men stationed outside, the scar-faced man would have slapped him across the face. "I don't care what you think we are. They cost Brother Niu a payout, and it has to be settled! Pay up or get your legs broken. If this reaches Brother Niu, he won't be as reasonable as I am."

"So, you’re saying I have no choice but to pay?"

"You're a smart man. Best to keep it that way."

"Fine. You've got the numbers, you make the rules."

Jiang Changyuan paid up readily. The hesitation in the scar-faced man’s eyes vanished instantly; it seemed the kid was just putting on a show earlier. But with the money in hand, his job was done.

"I’m sorry, Young Master Jiang. We dragged you into this."

"Tell me, what happened?"

Zhang Qiang and Wang Kang spilled the story, filled with remorse. Ever since Jiang Changyuan had parted ways with them, they had wanted to make something of themselves, but as men with no backgrounds and no qualifications, even honest work was hard to find. They were loyal to Jiang and didn't want to turn to the dark side, so they had all gone their separate ways. The unlucky pair, Zhang and Wang, had been tricked into joining Brother Niu’s collection team, but for the past half-month, their consciences had prevented them from actually collecting anything.

Before Jiang Changyuan called them to Lishan Village, they had just been beaten up and forced to carry an invoice.

"We didn't understand what you meant before you left, Young Master Jiang. But after we went to Lishan Village and met your mother, she took such good care of us on the way back."

"She taught us so much. We could feel that, just like you, she truly cared about us, so..."

When they got back, they tore up their first 'invoice.'

Jiang Changyuan was speechless. They had been street toughs, yet they were still so easily swindled. Their intelligence was worrying.

"What about the others?"

"They’re scattered all over Beining City. Some are washing dishes, others are doing black-market labor..." In short, none of them had a decent job.

"Call them all back. Tell them I’ve found a way for us to make a living. Anyone who wants to work with me needs to be at this address by 1:30. No pressure for those who don't."

As he stood up, Jiang Changyuan added, "You two, pack your things. You aren't living here anymore. If anything is worthless, just leave it."

Zhang Qiang and Wang Kang exchanged glances, their faces radiant with joy, and immediately began calling their brothers.

"Young Master Jiang is back in the game? Damn it, whoever wants to wash these dishes can have them, I’m done!"

"I knew Young Master Jiang wouldn't abandon us. Screw the deliveries, I’ll be there by 1:30!"

"Hahaha, I don't have to go dig coal anymore, I'm out!"

While everyone gathered, Jiang Changyuan took a detour to the nearest police station. "Officer, someone is trying to extort me!"

They could try to take money from his pocket, but they’d better see if they could handle the heat.

When the scar-faced man’s den was raided, his expression was a mix of confusion and terror. Who on earth had reported them?

"Ma Xiaodao, you are involved in extortion and disrupting financial order. Come with us for questioning. Take them all!"

Seeing Jiang Changyuan lounging at the police station, the scar-faced man—Ma Xiaodao—finally realized who the rat was. "You bastard! You dared to report me! Brother Niu will never let you go!"

"Oh, I'm so scared," Jiang Changyuan taunted with a mocking grin. "Officer, he’s threatening me. That should be an additional charge. If any harm comes to me in the future, it’s definitely their doing."

The young officer looked at Jiang Changyuan, unable to stop himself from thinking that the man didn't look afraid in the slightest.

"You..."

"Stay quiet!"

Jiang Changyuan had recorded the confrontation with Ma Xiaodao, and with the evidence in hand, the stolen money was quickly recovered. Though Ma Xiaodao was caught, Brother Niu wasn't at the hideout, but the police promised to intensify their search.

Jiang Changyuan didn't dwell on it. Zhang Qiang and Wang Kang wouldn't be living there anymore, and he wouldn't be coming back. If Brother Niu wanted revenge, he’d have to survive the police investigation first.

At the Cheng Shen Building, a group of men with wildly colored hair were blocked at the main entrance, arguing heatedly with the security guards.

"Our Young Master Jiang opened a company here! On what grounds are you stopping us from entering?"

"You dogs looking down on people! Wait until Young Master Jiang gets here, you'll see!"

The security guard sneered with disdain. A bunch of shiftless thugs claiming to open a company? What a joke.

"This is the Cheng Shen Building, one of the best in Beining City. Look at the big bosses who come through here. You lot wouldn't even be hired to sweep the floors, let alone open a company. If you can open a company here, I could be the Chairman!"

Zhang Qiang’s temper flared, and just as he was about to force his way in, a mocking voice sounded from behind.

"Chairman? You mean the Chairman of the front gate?"

"Young Master Jiang! It’s Young Master Jiang!"

Amidst the cheers of his men, Jiang Changyuan walked forward, surrounded like a king.

Seeing yet another young punk, the guard’s expression grew even more dismissive. "Get lost, get lost! A bunch of green-behind-the-ears brats, acting like big shots in front of me? It’s almost work hours, don't stand here blocking the way. Scram!"

The guard raised his baton to chase them away. Just as the club was about to strike Jiang Changyuan, a tower of a man lunged from the right.

Zhen Dadan caught the baton in his hand, his eyes bulging like copper bells, enough to strike fear into anyone.

"Try touching Young Master Jiang, I dare you."

Zhang Qiang and the others remained silent, but they all stepped forward in unison. If Jiang Changyuan gave the order, they would throw their brains out the window and charge, just like the old days.

The guard tried to pull his baton back, but it wouldn't budge. His face turned deathly pale. "You’ve lost your minds! Daring to cause trouble at the Cheng Shen Building? Do you believe I can call people down here to teach you a lesson right now?"

"Fine. Give you a chance. Call as many as you want."

Jiang Changyuan’s words stunned the guard. The kid had been calm from start to finish. Could he really have opened a company inside?

He immediately dismissed the thought. A bunch of thugs were likely penniless; it was impossible.

Not knowing what Jiang had up his sleeve, Zhen Dadan let go of the baton, and the others stood ready for a fight.