Chapter 87: Exposed?
Among the doubtful gazes of Lin Quanliang and a few others.
Jiang Cheng followed Zhao Xiangyu into a conference room.
The two sat facing each other, and Zhao Xiangyu immediately said, "Junior Brother Jiang, you must have heard about what happened with the Wild Wolf Gang yesterday, right?"
Jiang Cheng opened his mouth slightly, then nodded, "I've heard; the whole street is talking about it, saying a group from the Wild Wolf Gang was killed at night, and the entire gang is now searching for the killer."
"Not bad."
Zhao Xiangyu gave a slight nod, "The one who died was a minor leader of the Wild Wolf Gang named Wei Bao, and a few of his men were also killed together. Junior Brother Jiang, I ask you, this matter—wasn't it you who did it?"
Jiang Cheng's eyes widened instantly, he pointed at himself, looking utterly shocked.
"Good that it wasn't you."
Zhao Xiangyu let out a breath of relief.
A smile also appeared on his face.
"I heard those people were killed by blunt weapons like staffs, and the Wild Wolf Gang is using that as a basis to lock onto three martial arts halls on the street, inquiring everywhere about our movements that night."
"Senior Brother Zhao, you mean they suspect us as well?"
"Yeah, just that they don't dare make it too obvious. Considering they won't be jumping around for long, we also can't be bothered to argue with them. Junior Brother Jiang, you don't need to be nervous either—I just came to confirm with you that it wasn't you. Actually, I also think it's impossible for you; although your staff technique is not bad, sparring and killing are two different things, let alone killing over a dozen people at once—carelessness could cost your life."
"Yeah, I don't have that kind of ability." Jiang Cheng said self-mockingly, even though Senior Brother Zhao is a decent person, this matter concerns life and death, so it's better to keep it secret.
Moreover, people can change; what you say now, Senior Brother Zhao might keep it for you now, but what about in a few days? A month? No one can guarantee such things.
"However, I do hope someone steps forward to wipe out those gangs completely." At that moment, Jiang Cheng said.
After all, under the gangs' jurisdiction, ordinary people's lives are hard—only those who have experienced it understand.
"They can't be wiped out completely."
Zhao Xiangyu sighed, his face showing helplessness, "Junior Brother Jiang, do you really think the gangs are the root cause of all this?"
"What does Senior Brother Zhao mean?"
"Where there are people, there are interests; even the Poor District is no exception. Gangs are merely pawns; the real big shots are in the Outer City. For a simple example, the money the gangs collect each month— a large portion has to be handed over. I say this, you should understand, right?"
Jiang Cheng fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Understood then. The situation in the Poor District cannot be changed by just killing a few gang members; even if you clean one out, another will pop up in less than half a month, then a third. So remember, unless absolutely necessary, don't clash with those people."
After Zhao Xiangyu gave a couple more reminders, he led Jiang Cheng out of the conference room.
Upstairs, Senior Brother Ceng had already arrived and was giving pointers to a certain member.
Seeing Jiang Cheng return, Lin Quanliang and the others gathered around, curiously asking what had happened.
Jiang Cheng gave a wry smile and shook his head, indicating the matter was a bit complicated and he would talk about it later when the chance arose.
Upon hearing that, several people immediately decided to have lunch together at noon, to listen properly.
Not long after, Jiang Cheng found an opportunity to speak with Senior Brother Ceng.
After he presented his idea, Senior Brother Ceng thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "Okay."
"!"
Jiang Cheng stared wide-eyed.
I never expected the other party to agree directly, and even proactively reduce the fee from two hundred per hour to one hundred fifty, from eight in the morning to noon, totaling four hours.
"Senior Brother Ceng, then for the next few days, I'll trouble you." Jiang Cheng thanked him. "It's nothing."
Senior Brother Ceng said calmly, "The martial arts hall originally has this kind of business; if you don't come to me, looking for Junior Brother Zhao or the others is the same. However, when it's my turn to give guidance to everyone, just like today, I won't be able to be your sparring partner—on that day you can find someone else, and I'll say hello for you."
"No problem."
Jiang Cheng laughed.
Today ran a bit late; next time I can look for Senior Brother Zhao.
If it's just one day, the other party probably won't refuse.
Senior Sister Bai, he isn't unwilling to look for her, but as soon as he does, news will likely reach Senior Brother Xiao's ears within an hour.
He's still quite weak now; it's best not to provoke that person for now.
Time quickly came to noon; after sparring with Senior Brother Ceng, the double staff experience value rose by over a hundred points again.
Lin Quanliang and the others issued another invitation, and while chatting casually, Jiang Cheng felt helpless and had to go along, but this time he didn't intend to take advantage, aa settled.
Still at Tan Ji Fan Dian; the group found a private room and filled the table with dishes.
"Junior Brother Jiang, Senior Brother Zhao mysteriously called you over this morning—what exactly was it?" Lin Quanliang asked first.
"Yeah, Junior Brother Jiang, I rarely see Senior Brother Zhao with a stern face." Sun Xiaoli also asked with a smile.
"Actually, it's nothing."
Jiang Cheng recounted the whole story.
Sure enough, everyone present was stunned, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, Junior Brother Jiang, you're saying Senior Brother Zhao suspects you of killing those Wild Wolf Gang members?"
"Too funny! How could Junior Brother Jiang be that kind of person?"
"Exactly, I heard that person is ruthless and cruel; the courtyard where Wei Bao and his men drank last night belonged to a man named Jiang Xiong, and those few were also killed there. The two women inside are missing, presumed abducted by the killer—shows he's also lustful. Is Junior Brother Jiang that kind of person?"
"I think Junior Brother Jiang probably hasn't even held a woman's hand."
Upon hearing that, Sun Xiaoli quietly sized up Jiang Cheng.
"Yeah, so I said I'm not, Senior Brother Zhao didn't make a fuss either, just told me to avoid provoking those people in the future and focus on training." Jiang Cheng wore a helpless expression.
I couldn't help but feel a mischievous thought: if the few in front of me knew the killer was me, what expressions would they show?
"Come on, come on, eat the vegetables, eat the vegetables, or they'll get cold."
Someone said that, and everyone started moving their chopsticks.
While eating, they chatted about everything under the sun.
Jiang Cheng listened on the side, also gaining some insights.
As they chatted, the topic gradually shifted to Secret Martial Arts.
Even though the Jiao Tribe issued the Martial Arts Ban and the Gun Ban, some still possessed them in secret, and they were often discussed; they only spoke of these matters outwardly and to outsiders, which is not very wise.
A few people discussed this in front of Jiang Cheng, clearly showing their approval of Jiang Cheng and treating him as one of their own.
Thus, Jiang Cheng seized the opportunity and said, "Senior Brother Lin, Senior Brother Zeng and the others should have studied Secret Martial Arts, right?"
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
