Chapter 45: Saw It

Leaving the Martial Arts Hall, on the way back Jiang Cheng's steps were much lighter.

With Senior Member status, he no longer had to worry about running into those well‑connected thugs; even if he met members of the Wild Wolf Gang, his safety would increase greatly.

More importantly, he now had a fixed place to practice self‑defense techniques, so at night he didn't have to stay at home—just go to the Martial Arts Hall.

Moreover, he now had a chance to encounter Secret Martial Arts.

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath.

Rely on a mountain and the mountain may crumble; rely on people and people may fall.

Only oneself is truly reliable.

And to truly possess self‑preservation power, a Short Staff is far from enough; no matter how skilled, against a few ordinary people armed with Firearms, the result would be a sudden death on the spot—only by learning Secret Martial Arts can one counter hot weapons.

Previously, when he was at the Martial Arts Hall, he hadn't asked Zhao Xiangyu this question.

After all, a person with a bit of emotional intelligence wouldn't pose such a question without any rapport.

Once his Proficient Panel and "talent" gradually show, he will surely enter the core circle of the Martial Arts Hall, and then things will become simpler.

Of course, besides that, Chen Sao's three thousand yuan also needs to be repaid quickly.

Don't be fooled by Chen Sao's calm demeanor when taking the money; gathering that three thousand yuan in less than a year or two is unrealistic.

Soon, Jiang Cheng arrived at his home's doorstep.

"Grandma, I'm back."

"Back?"

The Old Man was cooking lunch; seeing Jiang Cheng return, he emerged from behind the stove, his face tense as he asked, "How did it go?"

"Very smoothly."

Jiang Cheng placed two bags of training robes on the table.

Then he waved the Membership Card in his hand, "With this, we won't have to pay the Wild Wolf Gang next month, and on the way back no one will dare to do anything to me."

"Really?"

The Old Man's face broke into a smile.

"Of course it's true; the Martial Arts Hall has been on the street for decades, there's a reason for that."

"That's good, that's good."

The Old Man muttered to himself.

Every time night fell, she began to worry.

Worried that Jiang Cheng might encounter danger on his return.

Also worried about the money being lost, after all setting up a stall on the street is to earn money; if by month's end the owed money isn't gathered, the consequence won't just be being kicked out of the house but being expelled from the whole area.

"Xiao Cheng back?"

Chen Sao also hurried over on hearing the voice, "How's it? Any results?"

"Chen Sao is here? I was just about to go over." Jiang Cheng smiled and recounted what had happened.

"That's good."

After listening, Chen Sao said seriously, "Xiao Cheng, remember what they told you: if someone blocks you, pull out the Membership Card; if they don't acknowledge it, don't resist, give them the money, then later tell the Martial Arts Hall people; since they said so, they'll definitely give us an answer."

"Mm, that's what I think too."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

"And there's one more thing."

He looked at Chen Sao, then at the Old Man beside him, "Grandma, Chen Sao, I want to go to the Martial Arts Hall every morning and evening from now on, after all I paid five thousand yuan, which is two thousand more than the monthly fee to the Wild Wolf Gang; if I don't learn anything, it'd be a loss."

"What?"

The Old Man was startled, "Even in the evening?"

"Grandma, you forgot I have this now."

Jiang Cheng waved the card, "Now that I have this, not only is it useful when I finish the stall, but going out at night won't be dangerous, and unlike daytime when I'm on a three‑wheeler and less mobile, at night I'm empty‑handed; even if danger comes, I can run away."

"Xiao Cheng, going out at night is still a bit risky; maybe just skip it? Morning is enough." Chen Sao also voiced her concern.

Jiang Cheng hesitated a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I'll skip the evening for now and go in the morning."

Grandma and Chen Sao, being kind, temporarily agreed and said they'd discuss it in a few days.

"By the way, Chen Sao, that three thousand…" Chen Sao pretended to be angry and glared at him.

"Xiao Cheng, my lunch is ready, come over and eat together?"

"No, no, I've already got dinner at home." Jiang Cheng quickly declined.

"Alright, I'll head back then."

Chen Sao stood up, and before leaving added another remark.

She wasn't in a hurry about the money; whenever she has it, she'll repay it then.

After finishing the meal, a little after eleven, Jiang Cheng set off pushing his three‑wheeler.

Such an important item as the Membership Card, he naturally kept it close to his body.

When he reached the stall, Lu Zicheng was also there; the two exchanged greetings.

As the sweet potatoes were about to finish roasting, a crowd gathered around the stall, each waiting anxiously.

Two batches of sweet potatoes came out of the ovens, and within minutes they were sold out completely.

Those who didn't manage to buy anything could only leave temporarily.

"Jiang Cheng, your business is really good."

Lu Zicheng said enviously from beside him.

Jiang Cheng smiled faintly.

He had nothing much to say.

And in the alley, several figures were watching this spot.

"Big brother, you see that, right?"

Fan Hua stared at Jiang Cheng while saying, "Two batches of Roasted Sweet Potato just came out of the oven, and in the blink of an eye, they were all sold out."

"Hmm."

Jiang Xiong nodded and asked, "Will his business continue to be this good?"

"Exactly."

That person continued, "Although the selling speed isn't as fast as now, within fifteen minutes they could basically sell out, especially around four or five in the afternoon, when they'd sell out as soon as they came out of the oven; I watched them for an afternoon yesterday, and that's exactly how it was."

"The day before yesterday was the same."

Liu Yang at the back hurriedly said, "I counted; that guy can sell over a thousand Roasted Sweet Potato a day, and even if we calculate only half the profit, that's still five or six hundred."

"Yeah, yeah."

The two lackeys behind him also chimed in agreement.

Jiang Xiong, upon hearing that, looked toward Fan Hua.

Yesterday, he had specifically sent the latter to follow Liu Yang and the others to see whether what they said was true or false.

The latter nodded.

"Good."

Jiang Xiong's face showed a sinister grin as he said, "Leave two or three people here to watch, and when he's about to pack up and head back, have one person come notify us."

"Brother Xiong."

Liu Yang promptly warned, "That kid's short staff is formidable; three or four people might not even be his match."

"Is he the only one who can wield a short staff?"

A cold snort came from the mouth of someone nearby.

"When we were practicing with the short staff, that kid was still nursing in his mother's womb."

"'Kid, if we really fight, you'd better worry about yourself.' The remaining person patted Liu Yang on the shoulder."

"Since you big brothers are confident, that's naturally the best."

Liu Yang smiled obsequiously.

When his gaze fell on Jiang Cheng, a flash of malice crossed his eyes.

"'Kid, last time it was because that bunch were useless, scared off by just a few words from you. This time, let's see what you can do!' (End of chapter)"

This time, let's see what you can do! (End of chapter)