Chapter 189: Reading

At this moment, Shangguan Zhuren took out book after book from his bag.

I held them in my hands and read.

Past Events of Sijiucheng

Stories of the Hutong

Capital Big Brother and so on,

All were old books about Sijiucheng

I looked and asked Shangguan Zhuren, "Shangguan Zhuren, what are these books for?"

"What are they for? You read them. You need to catch up on knowledge. Anyway, you have nothing to do at home, just idling day after day,

when you have nothing to do, just read more books." Shangguan Zhuren said with a smile.

I said, "They're just old tales and legends from Sijiucheng; why should I read such books?"

"After reading them, you'll understand. Besides, reading more is good for you. What did you have for lunch?" Shangguan Zhuren asked.

I said, "Two steamed buns."

"That won't do, Jianqiang. Tell me what you want to eat, I'll make it—there's everything in the fridge." Shangguan Zhuren said.

"No, Shangguan Zhuren, how could I let you cook? I'll do it; I'm lazy when I'm alone at home." I said with a laugh.

"You read books; now you must seize the time to read, and I'll handle the cooking. Aim to finish reading all of this within a week. This is a task—did you hear? You must complete it." Shangguan Zhuren said sternly.

It seems I can't cook anymore.

I can only read books.

So I picked up a book and began reading.

This book tells the legendary story of an old gunner in Sijiucheng.

How he became a big brother in Sijiucheng, similar to an online novel.

However, it's written quite well.

It lets readers pass the time.

I slowly read the story inside.

Actually, things in the world are all pretty similar,

an ordinary hoodlum wanting to become a big brother in Sijiucheng is impossible without someone backing him.

Because what he does are things that can't see the light,

either fighting or on the way to fight; every day is brawling and killing.

But this big brother never gets into trouble; at critical moments, a mysterious person always comes to rescue him.

Whatever the law, whatever detention,

a single word from the mysterious person can get someone released.

How such a person could rise to prominence in Sijiucheng, eventually becoming the big brother of Sijiucheng,

this Sijiucheng big brother is precisely someone who relies on having connections behind him.

Otherwise he would have died long ago under the blade.

He's just a puppet; even the old gunner is nothing but a shell.

He can be used at any time.

The mysterious person behind this big brother isn't detailed in the book; it only mentions Si Shao, saying that behind this big brother is one of the 'young masters'.

Si Shao—I'd heard Hou Laoban mention him before, but back then I took it as entertainment gossip.

Does such a person really exist? I'm somewhat doubtful.

As for the Sijiucheng Capital area, I know little; I only know that the waters there run deep, and anyone who can live in Sijiucheng is no ordinary person.

Of course, this old gunner hasn't failed to give the mysterious person benefits,

as long as there's profit, he'll share it with the mysterious person right away.

Everyone knows this; it's nothing more than mutual exploitation.

No matter where or when, everyone does pretty much the same thing.

Looking at the story in the book, no matter how awesome this old gunner is, no matter how strong, if he lacks someone backing him, he's just a nobody.

About an hour later, Shangguan Zhuren simply cooked four dishes and brought them to the table.

Shangguan Zhuren said to me, "Jianqiang, eat, stop reading."

So I put down the book in my hand,

then washed my hands,

and sat at the table to eat.

Shangguan Zhuren said, "Try my cooking—how is this stir-fried shredded meat? It should be better than a restaurant's."

I picked it up with chopsticks and took a bite,

It was quite tasty.

I then said, "Shangguan Zhuren's cooking skills are not bad; it's very delicious."

Shangguan Zhuren laughed,

"Originally I wanted to have a drink with you, but you're currently drinking medicinal tea and can't have alcohol. I hear your voice has already changed."

"Jianqiang, there's no choice. We can only endure some hardship; otherwise, as soon as you go out, someone will catch you, and then we'll have nothing."

I nodded,

"Shangguan Zhuren, don't worry—this bit of hardship is nothing; I've suffered far worse in the past."

Having said that, I started eating heartily.

"Then that's good; we can only do this, there's no other way. Our opponents aren't just one person but a gang, and they hold power in their hands—they could put us in a death trap at any moment." Shangguan Zhuren also picked up a steamed bun and began eating.

Because we didn't drink alcohol, we finished this meal quickly.

After the meal, I hurried to get up and wash the dishes.

After washing the dishes, I returned to the table,

Shangguan Zhuren tossed a cigarette to me,

"A cigarette after a meal is like a deity. Jianqiang, have one."

I took out a cigarette and started smoking.

At that moment, Shangguan Zhuren picked up the book I was reading,

and asked me, "You've read most of this book; what do you think?"

I took a drag and then said, "Shangguan Zhuren, are the Four Young mentioned in this book really real people?"

Shangguan Zhuren smiled,

"What do you say?"

I said, "In this book, some parts read as if true, others are deliberately exaggerated. You say that that old veteran ended up in prison, then a mysterious person made a call and got him released—how could that happen? I find it hard to believe."

"Jianqiang, how should I put it? Whether you believe it or not, certain things keep happening in this society.

I also don't think everything written in the book is true, but some things are indeed like that,

matters that seem difficult to us can be solved with a single phone call.

In Sijiucheng, some people are far more wicked than we imagine."

I said, "Shangguan Zhuren, I've always been in the business world, so I don't know much about the political arena.

From the struggle between Niu Ju, Kong Shi and Zhu Sheng, it's clear that in the official circles there is no room for personal favors.

I've never understood why Zhu Sheng got into trouble, and why Kong Shi wants me to turn against Zhu Sheng. You should know that Kong Shi was also promoted by Zhu Sheng."

After I finished asking, Shangguan Zhuren gave a slight smile,

and said, "Everything is for profit. Zhu Sheng offended someone, and not just an ordinary person, so there's no choice but to face unfair treatment.

Kong Shi turned against Zhu Sheng only to flatter the new master and show loyalty.

In the political arena, no one is loyal to a person; they are only loyal to greater power.

Kong Shi, for his own benefit, can turn against Zhu Sheng without hesitation.

He reveals the base side of human nature.

Therefore, don't talk about personal favors in the official circles.

The content written in the book you just read,

has some parts that actually exist,

In fact, the business world is also inseparable from the political arena.

Especially in your line of work, without support from officials, you simply couldn't develop.

Think about land acquisition, demolition, and illegal acts during demolition; without someone shielding you, no enterprise could continue.

When Zhu Sheng fell from power, your Da Heng Group was swiftly seized by others.

If Zhu Sheng were still in power, they should think it over carefully."

I nodded at Shangguan Zhuren,

"Yes, Shangguan Zhuren, you're absolutely right. Once Zhu Sheng got into trouble, I could already see how my own end would look. I just didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Could it be that this group also has backing from mysterious people behind the scenes?"

Hearing my question,

Shangguan Zhuren laughed heartily,

"Why did I have you read such books? Although some parts are exaggerated, others are realistic."