Chapter 990: Trouble

Huanghe Road, the fifth day of the first lunar month—today welcomed the God of Wealth and marked the opening of the long-anticipated new restaurant.

At the intersection, crowds gathered, all staring at the woman by the restaurant’s entrance: her wavy short hair, fiery red lips, and a purple-black body-hugging gown draped with a fur shawl.

On one hand, people had long heard of her beauty; on the other, they were curious how she had taken over this restaurant. After all, this was one of the most profitable spots on Huanghe Road, arguably the best location on the entire street—even the worst spots here still drew business.

And since it was opening day, everyone naturally paid extra attention to the guests and the first-day business—something especially crucial for other restaurant owners.

The appointed time arrived. Li Li untied the rope, and after a series of mechanisms, the red cloth covering the sign was yanked away with force. As the cloth fluttered, three bold characters appeared: “Zhi Zhen Yuan.”

Boom…

As the sign was unveiled and the restaurant officially opened, fireworks worth over ten thousand yuan erupted into the sky above Huanghe Road, while firecrackers crackled nonstop at the same moment.

People weren’t bothered by the smoke from the firecrackers; reporters hired for the occasion snapped photos and recorded video, and some invited guests approached with their invitations, exchanged a few words with the beautiful owner, and were led inside by waitstaff to their seats.

“Boss Wang’s here! Those fireworks were great, right? I heard each one cost over ten thousand yuan—today Zhi Zhen Yuan set off three.”

Wang Yan exhaled smoke and smiled: “I heard the government’s planning new policies to tighten control—likely banning fireworks and firecrackers within the next year or two.”

“Then today’s even more special,” Jing Xiu asked. “You came for Zhi Zhen Yuan’s opening too? If you’re here, why didn’t they advertise it?”

“I’m no big star—who’d recognize me?”

“Oh come on, Boss Wang, you’re too modest. If people knew your real power, Huanghe Road would be completely blocked—with everyone wanting to do business with you. But you don’t rely on that kind of thing. Bao Zong is different—he came to Huanghe Road and truly stole the spotlight.”

“When we first met in 1990, wasn’t I the one shining bright?”

Jing Xiu paused, then nodded and laughed: “Of course you were. I still remember clearly—back then, you drove a tricycle, carried a barbecue grill and some seasonings, and shook up all of Shanghai.”

“You’re exaggerating. Shook up Shanghai? I just made Huanghe Road smell so good everyone got dizzy.”

The two burst into laughter.

Wang Yan crushed out his cigarette and said to Jing Xiu: “Want to come in? They’ve reserved a private room just for me and Tao Tao—let’s eat, drink, and have some fun together?”

“I won’t go. To be honest, Boss Wang, Zhi Zhen Yuan sent me an invitation—even if it wasn’t a private room, I still got a seat. But I didn’t show up. I’ve got a living to make.”

He’d only asked casually; if someone didn’t want to come, there was no need to press. Wang Yan waved his hand and strolled casually through the crowd, crossed the street, and arrived at Zhi Zhen Yuan.

Manager Pan stood beside Li Li to greet guests, since Li Li was new and many didn’t recognize her—Pan had to remind them. Spotting Wang Yan climbing the steps, Pan quickly stepped over and whispered: “Boss Wang’s here.”

Li Li beamed and stepped forward: “Boss Wang, welcome. I’m Li Li. Thank you for coming to support Zhi Zhen Yuan.”

She smiled warmly, studying this Boss Wang. He owned vast enterprises yet remained humble. In his thirties and still single, the only rumor was his closeness to Miss Wang. Everyone’s knowledge of Boss Wang came entirely from Tao Tao—but even Tao Tao likely didn’t know the real man. After all, even if Boss Wang befriended Tao Tao, they weren’t on the same level—how could Tao Tao possibly understand him?

She saw his deep eyes, calm and steady, his face wearing a perfectly balanced smile—someone instantly likable, easy to approach. Overall, he felt natural, as if he simply belonged.

But she knew Boss Wang was far from simple. The rumors Pan told her? She believed them—she trusted that rumors don’t arise from nothing…

“Hello,” Wang Yan shook her hand lightly. “You invited me to dinner—how could I not come?”

“Boss Wang, come often. Drinks and food are always on me. Please go up with Manager Pan first—I’ll come toast you after things settle. If I’ve been inattentive, Boss Wang, please forgive me.”

“No problem, no problem.”

“Boss Wang, this way, please.”

Manager Pan stepped forward and led Wang Yan upstairs to the private room. “Boss Wang, please have some tea while you wait. The owner specifically instructed that your food and drinks be served immediately—she insisted you be treated exceptionally well.”

“Fine. Go ahead, don’t mind me. If Tao Tao comes, just bring him up.”

“Understood, Boss Wang. Let me know if you need anything,” Manager Pan nodded politely and took his leave.

Wang Yan sat at the table, legs crossed, pouring himself tea. It was top-grade Qihong—quite good. Li Li was thoroughly attentive.

The private room was spacious and elegantly decorated, with two large oil paintings on the walls. On the way up, Manager Pan had explained this was the best room besides the top-floor one still under renovation—and that Li Li had personally insisted on giving him top-tier service, and so on…

Meanwhile, at the phone booth across from Zhi Zhen Yuan.

“Miss Wang came today too?” Jing Xiu leaned out from the small window. “Here to see Boss Wang? He’s already inside—probably hasn’t been served yet.”

Miss Wang shook her head: “I’m not here for him. I’m here for business—I’ve arranged to meet Bao Zong at Hong Lu.”

“Miss Wang, are you and Boss Wang having a falling out?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Do I even have anything to do with him? Listen, Jing Xiu, don’t be like everyone else—don’t just parrot rumors.”

Jing Xiu nodded eagerly. Fan Zong stepped over: “Miss Wang, I just heard you mention Boss Wang—was that Boss Wang, or Boss Wang?”

“It’s him. Don’t play dumb. Who on Huanghe Road doesn’t know Boss Wang used to sell lamb skewers right here?”

Miss Wang, tired of Fan Zong’s constant pestering, spoke sharply: “Didn’t you and Bao Zong arrange to meet at Hong Lu? Why are you calling me so much? For half a month now, Fan Zong—I’ve told you many times: Bao Zong isn’t someone who breaks his word.”

It’s already five-thirty. Soon, Bao Zong will arrive with the contract. The private room at Hong Lu is booked. Go sit, sip tea, wait for Bao Zong. Once the contract’s signed and the old liquor’s poured, we’ll all get rich.”

“Yes, yes, Miss Wang. Of course I’m eager to sign with Bao Zong—I’ve been waiting for this day. But I’m coming to you because of the dining location. Last night, I dined at Jin Meilin, and Zhi Zhen Yuan’s Manager Pan showed up with a huge ceremony to deliver an invitation—offering me a private room for today.”

Miss Wang, I understand: when they say they’re reserving a private room for me, it’s a sign of respect. But really, they know I’m dining with Bao Zong tonight—and with you, Miss Wang. That private room is meant for Bao Zong and you. If Bao Zong doesn’t come, it’s like slapping me in the face, right?”

“It’s just dinner and signing a contract—where does it matter? Everyone on Huanghe Road cares about face. Zhi Zhen Yuan gave me face—I can’t be unreasonable. Miss Wang, please call Bao Zong and ask him to come here to eat, then go to Hong Lu later. It’s the same thing.”

“Didn’t realize you, Fan Zong, were so vain—a single private room has you all worked up.”

“Oh come on, Miss Wang, you’re right—it did just put me on a pedestal. Look around—aren’t all these people vain? Who comes to Huanghe Road if they’re not vain? Yesterday they threw such a grand ceremony to invite me—today if I slink away, I’ll never survive here.”

I’m not talking about you, Miss Wang—you’re here to work. You’re from No. 27—you don’t need to bow to anyone. But I, Fan, have to please everyone—otherwise, thousands of workers at my Huxi Knitting Factory lose their livelihoods.”

Miss Wang, help me out. Call Bao Zong. It’s all just dinner—wherever you eat is the same. Besides, Bao Zong operates here—he’ll need to deal with Zhi Zhen Yuan in the future.”

“Fine, fine, stop talking. I’ll ask Bao Zong for you—but I can’t promise anything.”

Miss Wang, of course, couldn’t withstand Fan Zong’s flattery—within moments, she agreed to the task.

Watching Miss Wang go to Jing Xiu to call Bao Zong, Fan Zong clutched his briefcase and returned to Zhi Zhen Yuan. As expected, he was smoothly misled by Li Li.

But Li Li was right: the goods were in Fan Zong’s hands, and he hadn’t signed a contract with Bao Zong. If his goods were good, competition would drive prices up—clearly advantageous for him. The only problem? He had too much inventory.

Convinced by Li Li’s manipulation, Fan Zong decided to play both sides and sell high. He asked: “I heard Boss Wang is here too?”

“Boss Wang? Which Boss Wang?” Li Li looked confused.

“Miss Owner, you’re joking. There are many Wangs, many Boss Wangs—but there’s only one Boss Wang.” Fan Zong raised one finger, pointing it right at Li Li’s face.

“You mean Boss Wang? I’ve heard everyone calls him Boss Wang—it started when he joked with Jing Xiu across the street, and the nickname stuck.”

“I still prefer Boss Wang. In Yedongjing, there’s another explanation: their owner first called him that, and now everyone accepts it.”

“I didn’t know that. I knew Boss Wang and Bao Zong are longtime friends, but I didn’t know you were friends with Boss Wang too?”

“Oh come on, how could I be called his friend? Boss Wang is down-to-earth. When I first went to Yedongjing to meet Bao Zong about business, Boss Wang happened to be dining there. The owner of Yedongjing introduced us. That day, Bao Zong and I each drank a bottle of Maotai—embarrassingly, it was Boss Wang’s own liquor stored at Yedongjing.”

Li Li raised an eyebrow: “Really? What do you think of him?”

“Need I say? He’s a top boss. Li Li, you don’t know—he’s incredibly humble. If he doesn’t say it, no one would guess he owns so much. And he never looks down on anyone—he talks to people like old friends. He hates formality, hates empty flattery.”

One thing Boss Wang said stuck with me: I said… and he replied, ‘I became big in business first, then learned to speak plainly.’ That’s absolutely right. Li Li, which private room is Boss Wang in? I need to go toast him.”

“I’m going to find Boss Wang myself—come with me, Fan Zong.”

With that, Li Li led Fan Zong upstairs to Wang Yan’s private room.

Inside, Wang Yan was alone, tackling a full table of dishes, occasionally sipping wine.

“Boss Wang, you’re in high spirits, right? What’s that word again? Yi… something?”

“Yiran zide,” Li Li smiled, finishing for him.

“Ah yes—Yiran zide. Everyone else is networking, building connections—but you’re just here to eat.”

Li Li replied: “Manager Pan said Boss Wang came with Tao Zong. Where is he?”

“Didn’t Fan Zong just say? Networking, building connections,” Wang Yan turned to ask, “Why are you here, Fan Zong? I heard Miss Wang said you arranged to meet Bao Zong tonight at Hong Lu to sign the contract?”

“Oh come on, it’s just dinner—wherever you eat is the same, same thing.”

Wang Yan chuckled: “Fan, your intentions aren’t pure.”

Fan Zong grinned foolishly: “Boss Wang’s talking about Li Li? Oh come on, I’m about to retire—I’ve got grandkids. Speaking of which, Boss Wang and Li Li are truly a beautiful couple—Boss Wang, you must come often, spend more time with Li Li—maybe you’ll win her heart, ha ha…”

For a woman in this world, one hard part is this: people like Fan Zong always make crude jokes about men and women, or tell lewd stories.

“Fan Zong’s right. Boss Wang, you must come often—building friendships is always good.”

Li Li showed no reaction. Her words were ambiguous—she neither confirmed nor denied Fan Zong’s “winning her heart” remark, leaving just enough ambiguity for imagination.

After all, this was an old acquaintance. Long ago, Li Li wielded the miaodao—she’d kill without blinking. Now? She was alluring, seductive.

Wang Yan smiled and nodded: “The chef’s skills are excellent, the owner’s a stunning beauty—her beauty alone is a feast, let alone a restaurant with such great food.”

“Come on, Boss Wang, let me toast you. I only came here because I heard you were here—I asked Li Li to bring me to you. Today’s not the right time, but next time I’ll treat you to drinks.”

“Next time, let’s do it here at Zhi Zhen Yuan. I’d like to talk properly with Boss Wang—but today’s opening day, I’m swamped. Boss Wang, I’ll drink this one—feel free to sip yours.”

As they spoke, three glasses were poured—larger, one-ounce servings. Li Li drank hers in one gulp. Fan Zong did the same—both downed their drinks without hesitation.

“You two drank yours—how can I just sip?” Wang Yan said, then downed his glass too.

Li Li kept her expression composed, didn’t touch the food. Once the alcohol settled, she smiled: “Wine should be sipped slowly.”

Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: “You know that?”

“What can I do? We’re all just trying to survive. Boss Wang, enjoy your meal. If you need anything, call me. Fan Zong?”

Fan Zong didn’t bother with formality—he’d already picked up chopsticks and started eating: “I’m just settling the liquor, Boss Wang, no need to be formal.”

“Li Li’s food—why would I be formal?”

Fan Zong grinned: “Then I won’t disturb you, Boss Wang. Goodbye.”

He clasped his hands together, bowed twice to Wang Yan, then walked out with Li Li, who kept smiling…

No one’s a fool, and Wang Yan wasn’t either. He’d drunk with Fan Zong several times at Yedongjing. Fan Zong was still strong, had a solid tolerance—two ounces of liquor never changed his complexion. So why, in this setting, would he reach for Wang Yan’s food? It seemed clumsy, rude—but it was a display of closeness to Wang Yan, meant to elevate his status in Li Li’s eyes.

Li Li clearly understood. She saw right through it. She did treat Fan Zong slightly more politely—but only that. No real advantage was involved; in fact, Li Li was helping Fan Zong drive up his prices.

Wang Yan smiled and went back to his feast.

Outside, Li Li was clashing with Bao Zong—but that had nothing to do with him. Still, if you really thought about it, Bao Zong’s arrival at Zhi Zhen Yuan had a bigger impact than his own. After all, Bao Zong was famous, good at self-promotion, and had just been hospitalized—his heat was higher. Fewer people knew him, less buzz—but his actual power was clearly greater…

Tao Tao couldn’t sit still. As Fan Zong said, he wasn’t here to eat. After eating a few bites and praising the chef as better than the monk, he went out to network. Unlike the original plot, he was now handing out business cards in Zhi Zhen Yuan’s private rooms, introducing himself everywhere.

He knew no one respected him—but he still handed them out. Come on—he had Boss Wang behind him. In visible power, Boss Wang owned countless businesses with tens of thousands of employees. In invisible power, Boss Wang’s people could find the son of the man who hit Bao Zong within a day. Look further back—he’d stood calmly before gun barrels, even smashed a car in return. Tao Zong’s spine was very stiff…

“Oh come on, Miss Wang, Boss Wang’s upstairs eating—why don’t you just go see him? Why call me?” Tao Tao sighed.

Miss Wang sighed even more: “I’m doing Bao Zong’s business—should I call you or Boss Wang?”

“Of course you call me—I’m his sworn brother. Uh… but I’m not capable enough, so if I can’t handle it, I’ll still need to call Boss Wang.”

“You’re always talking about your bare-ass brother,” Miss Wang gave him a withering look. “You know Fan Zong, right? Bao Zong invited him to Red Heron for dinner and to sign the contract—but Fan Zong holed up in Zhenzhen Garden and won’t come out. Go get him and drag him over to Red Heron to sign the contract.”

“Oh my, Bao Zong really is something—Zhenzhen Garden’s great, why not just come over directly?”

“Are you going or not?”

“Of course I’m going. Bao Zong won’t show up for a reason, right? But Miss Wang, aren’t you going up? Boss Wang’s sitting all alone with a whole table of food—he’s bored to death.”

“Mind your own business. Hurry up!” Miss Wang snapped impatiently.

Tao Tao agreed, turned, and walked straight to the private room upstairs. He’d already been to the room where Wei Hongqing was staying—that was when Fan Zong, furious Bao Zong hadn’t shown up, was being politely escorted out by Li Li but refused to leave. So he knew exactly where Fan Zong was.

Unsurprisingly, Tao Tao had no intimidation factor at all. Even if Wang Yan came himself, he’d have no authority either—nobody knew who he was.

Of course, he did possess his own innate aura: when he slightly suppressed his smile and swept the room with a dead-eyed stare, he could still frighten people—because that was real killing intent, forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, capable of awakening primal terror.

Fan Zong pretended ignorance, Wei Hongqing refused to let him leave, and a scene was about to erupt. Li Li, who wanted to broker the deal, pulled Tao Tao out—but out of respect for Wang Yan’s presence, she spoke very politely.

“General Tao, you’ve been a long-term supplier on Huanghe Road. Before Zhenzhen Garden opened, I specifically instructed: all seafood must be ordered from you first. Also, you’re a friend of Bao Zong’s and a friend of Boss Wang’s—I deeply respect you. But you understand the rules: Fan Zong is a guest of Zhenzhen Garden. If he doesn’t want to leave, you can’t drag him out, can you?”

“Yes, yes,” Tao Tao blushed, because Li Li was genuinely courteous.

“I don’t know what business Bao Zong and Fan Zong are doing, but I don’t want a fight breaking out in Zhenzhen Garden—it’s bad for you, for me, for Bao Zong, for Fan Zong. You agree, General Tao?”

“I’m sorry, Madam, I didn’t mean to cause trouble.” Tao Tao still cared about face. He added, “But Madam, let me tell you—every person in this room combined isn’t worth one of Bao Zong’s fingers. You understand, right?”

At this, Li Li grew displeased. She’d spent days sending invitations to Heping Hotel, and now the man didn’t show up, yet they wanted to drag him away—and still bragged about how great Bao Zong was. Even if Bao Zong looked somewhat like Mr. A, it made no difference.

She said: “Even if Bao Zong grew six fingers, it’s none of my business. I only run my own business on my own turf.”

With that, she turned and walked back into the private room.

To her, Wang Yan was someone to cultivate. But from what she knew, she couldn’t make money off him—he always operated upstream, perfected his supply chain, and relied entirely on himself; others had no room to interfere. The only thing he might need to ask others for was buying large quantities of trucks for logistics—but she couldn’t handle that.

But with Fan Zong and Wei Hongqing, she saw a chance to make money. Naturally, she prioritized keeping them happy, hoping for a successful start. As for Wang Yan, just treat him well—he was a practical man.

Watching her return, Tao Tao exhaled deeply. Just as he was about to step away, several rough-looking men emerged from behind. The leader, naturally, was the petty thug known as “Yangpu Xiao Liuzi,” who’d had a prior dispute with Tao Tao.

He wore a flashy shirt, a watch, and carried a briefcase. He spoke with full confidence and extended his watch-covered hand to point: “Fish seller! Don’t leave!”

“Who’s a fish seller? I sell seafood!” Though nervous inside, Tao Tao still corrected him.

“Fine, fine, I don’t care what you sell. Come on, take me to Bao Zong. I want to see if you really can represent him, like you claim.”

“You say go, I go? Who the hell are you?”

Tao Tao was terrified, but he acted fearless. He told himself: I’ve been through real scenes…

“Remember this, fish seller—I’m Yangpu Xiao Liuzi, and people still give me some respect. Let’s go!”

As he spoke, Xiao Liuzi wrapped an arm around Tao Tao; another man grabbed his arm, restricting his movement.

Tao Tao struggled hard—but to no avail.

He didn’t curse. His eyes darted. “Xiao Liuzi, right? You’ve got guts—come with me. I’ll take you to Bao Zong. Dare you?”

“Oh my, fish seller’s got a backer? Trying to provoke me? Fine, let’s go—I want to see who this big shot is.” Xiao Liuzi slapped Tao Tao’s face, then released him. “Lead the way!”

“Alright. Don’t regret it.”

Tao Tao pointed at the group, silently counting in his mind: one, two, three, four, five…

“Get the hell moving!”

Xiao Liuzi swung his briefcase as if to strike. Tao Tao instinctively flinched, then straightened his chest, sneered dismissively, and turned to stride toward the farthest room on the same floor.

Xiao Liuzi and his men weren’t afraid at all—either the petty thug was bold, or he knew Wei Hongqing’s background could cover for him. Either way, they followed Tao Tao closely.

In barely two minutes, Tao Tao stood before a private room with massive double doors. He turned back. “Xiao Liuzi, I’m giving you one last chance. Apologize to me now, and you still have time. Otherwise, I guarantee you’ll cry and have nowhere to hide.”

“Fuck you. I want to see who’s so fucking powerful.”

As he spoke, he kicked Tao Tao hard in the ass. Tao Tao stumbled forward, the door swung open, and he faced Wang Yan’s gaze directly.

Tao Tao kept stumbling, rushed inside, and hid behind Wang Yan. “Boss Wang, save me! They’re here to hassle Bao Zong—but Miss Wang is with Bao Zong. Look at these guys—they’re clearly no good. I was afraid they’d hurt Miss Wang, so I brought them here. No… problem, right?”

Wang Yan raised an eyebrow. If he didn’t know the plot, he might’ve believed it—this guy could spin lies like a pro…

Tao Tao’s voice was loud; Xiao Liuzi and the others heard clearly. But seeing Wang Yan alone in such a large room, eating a full table of food and drinking wine, they were uncertain—yet he must be someone important. Still, they couldn’t help doubting: how could a lowly fish seller know any big shot? If he were truly important, why wasn’t the beautiful owner of Zhenzhen Garden here to keep him company?

Regardless of their thoughts, they didn’t want trouble. Xiao Liuzi slightly bowed. “Sir, sorry to disturb you. But this fish seller’s lying. We don’t want trouble—we just want to invite Bao Zong over to finalize the deal with Fan Zong, have a drink, and become friends. This fish seller exaggerated to provoke conflict. Your friend here isn’t very reliable.”

Wang Yan glanced at the rough-looking Xiao Liuzi, then asked Tao Tao: “Did he hit you?”

“At the door of Wei Zong’s room, they lifted me up, and he slapped my face. Just now at the door, I said… he replied… then kicked me in. I didn’t want to cause trouble for you, Boss Wang. Bao Zong just got out of the hospital, still weak. Miss Wang’s a delicate girl—they can’t handle this. I’m scared for her!”

Tao Tao sounded like a child who’d found his parent—utterly pitiful.

Wang Yan was a good friend, and very reasonable.

He told Xiao Liuzi: “Alright. Bend over right there. Let General Tao kick you in the ass. Today, we pretend nothing happened.”

“Friend, you can’t do it like that.”

“I’ll say it again: bend over. Let General Tao kick you in the ass. Today, nothing happened. Understood?”

Before Xiao Liuzi could speak, one of his henchmen blurted out: “Fuck you, you motherf—”

In an instant, chaos erupted. As the thug cursed, Wang Yan stood up, strode forward, swung his arm with full force, and delivered a massive slap that sent the man flying—half his teeth shattered.

Then, he kicked Xiao Liuzi in the stomach, controlling his power just enough to send him flying. The remaining three stared at each other, said nothing, and turned to flee.

“Beat him.”

Wang Yan said this to Tao Tao, then sat back down and resumed eating.

“Huh? Oh…” Tao Tao responded blankly.

He crept over, glanced at Xiao Liuzi lying on the floor, clutching his stomach and groaning, then at the other thug, bleeding from the mouth and unconscious, then at Boss Wang, calmly eating and drinking again.

“Why are you staring at me? Beat him. Don’t worry—he won’t die easily. Don’t hit his head, don’t kick his groin, don’t touch his lower back. You’ll be fine.”

Tao Tao looked at Xiao Liuzi, who glared at him with clenched teeth, swallowed hard, and said: “Why are you glaring at me? I warned you. I gave you a chance. You brought this on yourself. I remember—you slapped my face four times, kicked me once. Boss Wang already kicked you once. Now I’ll slap you four times. We’re even.”

As he spoke, he stepped forward, raised his hand, and mimicked Xiao Liuzi’s earlier force—slap, slap, slap, slap—four light taps…

“Alright, Boss Wang?”

Wang Yan shook his head. “If you think it’s fine, then it’s fine.”

Tao Tao gave an awkward smile and explained to himself: “I won unfairly—I just couldn’t bring myself to hit him.”

Meanwhile, outside, a rapid, urgent clatter of footsteps approached.