Chapter 683

Shi Yong came in the evening, but he wasn't alone

I also brought Shi Jinhe.

Because Shi Jinhe got exhausted building a house on Niushiling, I want him to rest at home for a while.

Shi Jinhe's arrival is perfect; one more person means one more helper.

The next day Ding Li arrived in a minibus, bringing over ten mine security guards, all energetic young guys.

I temporarily put them all up in the hotel.

Ding Li, upon seeing me,

"Zhao Ge, I've been bored to death in the mine these days. Should we do something big like before?"

"Ding Li, even with Xiao Feng keeping you company at the mine, you're still bored—that's still a big deal, but it's different from before." I said with a smile.

Ding Li laughed embarrassedly,

"Zhao Ge, I don't mean that. I mean managing the mine's production every day has gotten boring. Zhao Ge, I have a favor to ask of you."

"What is it? Tell me."

"A few days ago I proposed to Miss Xiao Feng, but she didn't accept. See if you can mediate." Ding Li said, scratching his head.

"Oh, Xiao Feng didn't agree. She surely has reservations. Let's do this: after we finish the Huaihai Ancient City matter, I'll go back to Qi He Mine and talk to Xiao Feng again." I said, looking at Ding Li.

Ah, Ding Li, I really won't pry too deeply into your and Xiao Feng's affair. I thought to myself.

"Regarding the Huaihai Ancient City matter, are we investing in this project again?" Ding Li asked, looking happy.

"Huaihai Ancient City, we've contracted it—let's get to work, brother." I laughed.

"Oh, Zhao Ge, you're amazing; following you guarantees big things." Ding Li said.

"Ding Li, take your people to rest; tomorrow we'll go to the Ancient City together." I said.

Ding Li then took his people to rest.

In the evening Xiao Wu came over,

He had already arranged to meet Ren Xiagou.

I had Shi Yong prepare some cigarettes and alcohol, after all, when visiting someone's turf, we need to first pay respects at the dock.

I brought Shi Yong and Shi Jinhe to the meeting.

The meeting place was a hotel in the northern part of the city.

Xiao Wu had ordered a table of food and drinks.

When we entered, Xiao Wu was chatting with a shirtless, tattooed man.

This man was in his forties,

very muscular, with tattoos of beltfish and shrimp all over his body,

deliberately exposing his upper body so anyone could tell he was a gangster.

Xiao Wu then stood up,

"Brother Ren, let me introduce you: this is Zhao Jianqiang, a former badass from Zaocheng."

Ren Xiagou stood up and looked at me.

His face, with one blind eye, made people shudder.

"Brother Jianqiang, right? I've heard about you for a while. Nice to meet you."

"Me too; just upon entering Huaihai City, I've long heard your great name, Brother Ren." I said politely.

Then I gestured for Shi Yong and Shi Jinhe to bring the cigarettes and alcohol to the table.

"No need for formalities, Brother—what brings Brother Jianqiang to Huaihai?" Ren Xiagou said, shaking my hand.

"Mainly I just wanted to meet Brother Ren. Everything else is trivial." I said with a smile.

"Brother Jianqiang, you really know how to talk; I'm also a straightforward person. I just chatted briefly with Xiao Wu earlier and heard you're quite interested in the Ancient City project." Ren Xiagou said.

"Brother Ren, sit down, let's eat and chat. Shi Yong, pour the wine." After I said that and sat down, Shi Yong poured the wine.

After Shi Yong poured the wine,

I raised my wine cup,

"This is the first cup; I'll first toast Brother Ren. At home we rely on parents; away we rely on friends. Since I'm in Huaihai, I'll rely on Brother Ren."

I said to finish the drink.

Ren Xiagou also heartily finished his drink.

"Brother Jianqiang, you're familiar with Brother Xiao Wu; coming to Huaihai, you're also my friend. We look out for each other. Your coming to Huaihai is like my going to Zaocheng."

"Brother Ren, you just spoke about the Ancient City; I now clearly say I will take up residence in the Ancient City tomorrow. We have already contracted it from the Huaihai Cultural Tourism Bureau. We want to develop the Ancient City." I said, looking at Ren Xiagou.

"This matter, I say we are friends; as a friend, I must remind you: that Ancient City is a pit—hardly any visitors come in a year."

"Also there are the demolition households—these are all troublesome. I advise you, Brother, to consider other plans." Ren Xiagou said, taking a puff of smoke.

"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Ren. I've already signed a contract with Director Guo—there's no turning back."

"I came here to see Brother Ren, just to ask Brother Ren for help."

"I believe there are Brother Ren's connections inside the Ancient City,"

"After we take up residence in the Ancient City,"

"we will definitely make big moves; if someone seeks out Brother Ren, please give Brother Ren face."

"Also, as long as we profit, I will keep Brother Ren in mind."

"What kind of person I am, Xiao Wu knows better."

"Brother Ren, rest assured about Zhao Jianqiang's conduct—he's never let his brothers lose out on money."

"Let's help him settle the Ancient City affair; then we'll all make big money. How about that?" Xiao Wu said happily.

"Is that so? I'll speak plainly: many shops inside the Ancient City have paid me money, because my brothers need to eat. They also need protection, fearing outsiders causing trouble."

Those demolition households are relatives of mine; they can't get enough to eat, and I feel sorry for them.

The future profitability of the Ancient City is something I can't see or grasp.

"These people all need to eat; the situation right now is too hard to deal with," Ren Xagua looked at me and said directly.

I of course heard that.

So whether the Ancient City makes a profit in the future or not, he can't ask about it,

but right now I must show some sincerity, otherwise this matter will be difficult.

After hearing Ren Xagua finish speaking, I smiled,

because I know people like this very well.

They don't care about the lives of our brothers; whoever gives them money, they listen to that person.

I then signaled Shi Jinhe to bring out a bag,

and placed it on the table,

I said straightaway, "Brother Ren, I've thought of this for a long time; feeding the brothers is a big matter.

Here are 100,000 yuan, to be used for the brothers' meals first.

In the future, whatever happens, everyone will look after each other.

You also tell your friends and relatives,

that Huaihai Ancient City is changing hands, so there won't be any mishaps later."

This Ren Xagua, upon hearing that 100,000 yuan is given to him,

his expression changed,

"Brother, I'm a meticulous person; everything is easy to discuss.

Rest assured, tomorrow I will inform those people and let them know what to do.

In the future, in the Ancient City you can act boldly," Ren Xagua said proudly.

At this moment I raised my wine cup,

"Brother Ren, this second cup of wine continues to express my feelings.

Here in Huaihai, it's your one mu and three fen of land.

Our relationship is a cooperative one.

If anything arises, we communicate with each other.

We are seeking wealth, and seeking wealth requires smoothness and safety.

I still say the same: as long as the Ancient City makes money, I will never forget you, Brother Ren."

After speaking, I drained the wine in my cup.

"Alright, between me and Mr. Zhao we have a win‑win cooperation. Let's do this together," Ren Xagua also drained his wine.

In Huaihai, we only toast twice; the third drink doesn't require a toast.

We all began, drinking wine and eating dishes together.

Xiao Wu noticed that Shi Yong wasn't drinking,

and shouted, "Shi Yong, why aren't you drinking? Are you still a man?"

Shi Yong lifted his tea cup and laughed, "Xiao Wu, does one have to drink alcohol to be a man? Actually, men who drink alcohol are…

…far inferior; men who drink tea are truly mature."

This Shi Yong has also learned to retort.

Xiao Wu immediately said, "Shi Yong, you're so mature, you're completely ripe.

You not drinking today is unacceptable,

I've gotten you drunk many times before,

today I take revenge. Don't say it's useless; quickly throw away your tea cup."

Xiao Wu and Shi Yong are very familiar with each other; they often joke together. In the past Shi Yong often urged Xiao Wu to drink.

Now Xiao Wu can seize the chance to persuade Shi Yong.

Shi Yong's face showed reluctance.

If I don't drink, Xiao Wu will say even harsher words.

Drink then, my body won't allow it.