Chapter 336

Because of the Hong Kong Island dispute between Hua and Niu, the third and fourth rounds of talks collapsed, and rumors began spreading across Hong Kong Island.

Translation: "Due to the Hong Kong Island issue between Hua and Niu countries, the third and fourth rounds of negotiations broke down, and rumors spread all over Hong Kong Island's market."

Note: Hua and Niu countries, Hong Kong Island issue, the third and fourth rounds of negotiations collapsed, and rumors spread across Hong Kong Island's market. Good.

People are saying all kinds of things, but the most outrageous claim is that if Niu Niu refuses to compromise, Hua will use military force to take back Hong Kong Island.

Translation: "All sorts of things were said, the most outrageous claim being that if Niu Niu refuses to compromise, Hua Country will use force to take back Hong Kong Island."

Note: "Niu Niu" probably refers to the Niu country's leader; we keep the term "Niu Niu". It's a repetition, so we leave it unchanged.

Nobody doubts Hua's combat prowess; soon after its founding, it single-handedly took on seventeen halls, pressing them and creating friction.

Translation: "No one doubted Hua Country's combat power; shortly after its founding, it took on seventeen halls alone, pressing them and rubbing."

pressing them, rubbing

In the 1960s, they turned a counteroffensive into the White Elephant Capital Defense War, scoring their most glorious victory—three men captured an entire White Elephant battalion!

Translation: "In the 1960s, they turned a counterattack into the White Elephant Capital Defense War, their most glorious feat: three people captured a White Elephant battalion!"

Note: "White Elephant Capital Defense War" means White Elephant Capital Defense War. "Three people captured a White Elephant battalion" means three people captured a White Elephant battalion. We'll keep the exclamation.

Afterwards they clashed with the hairy bear, attempting a house-swapping strategy, but the bear swiftly pulled back its outstretched claw.

Translation: "Afterwards they fought the hairy bear, wanting to play a house-swapping tactic; the hairy bear quickly retracted its outstretched claw."

The hairy bear, employing a house-swapping tactic, extended its claw and quickly pulled it back.

They're now beating the monkey's butt, forcing the world's 'third strongest country' to call them dad.

Translation: "Now they are beating the monkey's butt, making the world's 'third strongest power' call them dad."

They beat the monkey's butt, forcing the world's so‑called third‑strong nation to call them dad.

I, the rabbit, brandishing a big knife, sliced from the Southern Heaven Gate to Penglai East Road; if you're not satisfied, we fight—this is the fame we've earned.

Translation: "I, the rabbit, wielding a big knife, chopped from Southern Heaven Gate to Penglai East Road; if you disagree, we fight—this is the fame we earned!"

I, the rabbit, brandish a big knife; if you're not satisfied, we fight—this is the fame we've won in battle.

On September 24, the Hong Kong Island stock market suddenly saw a black swan event, and the Hong Kong dollar sharply depreciated.

Translation: "On September 24, the Hong Kong Island stock market suddenly saw a black swan event, and the Hong Kong dollar plummeted."

The Hong Kong dollar's exchange rate against the Dao Le dropped to an all-time low, with one Dao Le worth 9.7 Hong Kong dollars.

Translation: "The exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to Dao Le fell to its historical low, with one Dao Le exchanging for 9.7 Hong Kong dollars."

Rumor-induced panic caused Hong Kong Island residents to dump Hong Kong dollars, snap up Dao Le, and wildly stockpile goods and supplies.

Translation: "The panic caused by the rumors led Hong Kong Island residents to massively sell Hong Kong dollars, buy Dao Le, and frantically snap up goods and supplies."

Every district of Hong Kong Island was in turmoil, except Sai Kung, which had ample supplies and experienced little disruption.

Translation: "All districts of Hong Kong Island were in utter chaos, only Xi Gong had ample supplies prepared, without major fluctuations."

While prices skyrocketed elsewhere, the prices at Sai Kung's Red Xin Mall stayed as steady as an old dog—utterly unchanged, with no hint of a rise.

Translation: "Compared to other areas' soaring prices, the prices at Xi Gong's Red Xin Mall were as steady as an old dog, unmoving, with no intention to rise."

Many Hong Kong Island residents came to Sai Kung at that time to buy homes and settle down, because amidst the chaos of Hong Kong Island, Sai Kung was truly an ideal place to put down roots.

Translation: "Many Hong Kong Island residents came then to Xi Gong to buy homes and settle down, for in the chaotic Hong Kong Island, Xi Gong could certainly be called an ideal place to settle."

As a result, something odd occurred: Hong Kong Island's urban real estate sharply declined because so many people were buying homes, yet Sai Kung's property values rose slightly.

Translation: "Thus, a bizarre thing happened: Hong Kong Island urban real estate greatly depreciated, while because too many people were buying homes, Xi Gong's real estate saw a slight increase."

Sai Kung Red Xin Mall.

Translation: "Xi Gong Red Xin Mall."

Liu Bo, accompanied by several elders, kept order; whenever he saw someone buying a lot of stuff, he would loudly berate them.

Translation: "Liu Bo brought many old men to maintain order; seeing someone buying a lot of goods, he loudly shouted at them."

"Zhu Rong, you little turtle egg, your family of five is buying all this rice and flour—what are you up to? Are you planning to haul it to the city to profit from the price difference?"

Translation: "\"Zhu Rong, you little turtle egg, your family just has five members—what are you buying all this rice and flour for? Are you planning to haul it to the urban area to profit from the price difference? \""

Note: "Zhu Rong" is a personal name; we romanize it as Zhu Rong.

Damn little turtle egg, hauling goods to make a profit on the price difference.

Zhu Rong gave an embarrassed smile, scratched his head, and answered, "Liu Bo, you've wronged me! I'm just trying to stock up a little more."

Translation: "Zhu Rong gave an embarrassed smile, scratched his head, and replied: \"Liu Bo, you've wronged me! I just wanted to prepare a bit more. \""

"You know the city's situation as well; I'm buying extra because I'm afraid Sai Kung's prices will go up too, so I'm stocking up."

Translation: "\"You old-timer also know the urban situation; I'm doing this for fear that Xi Gong will also rise in price, so I bought extra to store. \""

Liu Bo glared at him and snapped, "You good-for-nothing, it'd be best if that's true; otherwise you'll bring big trouble on yourself."

Translation: "Liu Bo glared at him and angrily snapped: \"You good-for-nothing, best be like that, otherwise you'll bring big trouble. \""

"Quickly return the excess; if you cause instability in Sai Kung, I'll expel you from Sai Kung."

Translation: "\"Hurry up and return the excess; if because of you Xi Gong becomes unstable, I'll kick you out of Xi Gong. \""

Hearing Liu Bo say that, Zhu Rong instantly grew nervous; Xin Ge saying this might just be a threat.

Translation: "Upon hearing Liu Bo say that, Zhu Rong instantly grew nervous; Xin Ge saying this might just be a threat."

Xin Ge

But once Liu Bo speaks, their family certainly won't be able to remain in Sai Kung.

Translation: "But once Liu Bo spoke, their family would definitely not be able to stay in Xi Gong."

After all, Liu Bo is so furious he won't even give Xin Ge any face.

Translation: "After all, Liu Bo was furious, not even giving Xin Ge any face!"

Long Uncle interjected, "Liu Bo, alright, A Rong also lacks confidence, so stop scaring him."

Translation: "Long Shu at the side advised: \"Liu Bo, alright, A Rong also has no confidence in his heart, so stop scaring him. \""

Liu Bo, A Rong, has no confidence—just stop scaring him.

Liu Bo's face flushed with anger as he pointed at Zhu Rong and asked Long Feng, "Are you trying to scare him?"

Translation: "Liu Bo's face full of anger, pointing at Zhu Rong, he said to Long Feng: \"Is this scaring him? \""

said to Long Feng

"A Xin has already done this much; if they don't help, that's fine, but they're still stirring up trouble—do they have any conscience left?"

Translation: "\"A Xin has already done this much; not helping would be fine, but they're still adding chaos—do they have any conscience left? \""

A Xin

"Who dares to cause trouble for A Xin right now? I won't put up with them—damn it, get out of Sai Kung!"

Translation: "\"Who dares to give A Xin trouble at this time? I won't indulge them—damn, all of you get out of Xi Gong! \""

Damn, get out of Xi Gong!

"They enjoy Sai Kung's benefits yet still stir up trouble here—there's no room for them, nobody is exempt, I'm telling you!"

Translation: "\"They enjoy Xi Gong's benefits yet still cause chaos; here they have no place to stay, no one is exempt—I say this! \""

"Smack!"

Translation: "\"Pa! \"" (sound effect). We'll keep as "Pa!" maybe "Pa!" as a slap sound.

With a sharp crack, Zhu Rong's face burned with pain; he covered his face and stared at Da Sha, too afraid to speak.

Translation: "With a crisp sound, Zhu Rong's face burned with pain; he covered his face and looked at Da Sha, not daring to speak."

Da Sha might not be well-known elsewhere, but in Sai Kung he definitely has intimidating presence; his go-to line is, "I am Xin Ge's head horse."

Translation: "Da Sha might have no fame elsewhere, but in Xi Gong he absolutely has deterrence; his usual catchphrase is, \"I am Xin Ge's head horse. \""

The head horse, Xin Ge.

Yeah, this is Li Xin acknowledging it!

Translation: "Yeah, this is Li Xin's acknowledgment!"

Da Sha pointed at Zhu Rong and snapped, "You good-for-nothing, didn't you hear Liu Bo?"

Translation: "Da Sha pointed at Zhu Rong and snapped: \"You good-for-nothing, didn't you hear Liu Bo's words? \""

"Quickly return the excess; if you dare do this again, I'll throw you into the sea, you clueless thing."

Translation: "\"Hurry up and return the excess; if you dare do this again, I'll sink you to the sea, you clueless thing. \""

After berating Zhu Rong, Da Sha went to Liu Bo with a smile and said, "Liu Bo, don't get angry; after all, your body is your own—it's not worth getting upset over these good-for-nothings."

Translation: "After scolding Zhu Rong, Da Sha went to Liu Bo's side, putting on a smile and said: \"Liu Bo, don't be angry; after all, the body is one's own—these good-for-nothings making you angry isn't worth it. \""

Liu Bo patted Da Sha's arm; he had wanted to pat his shoulder, but the guy is too tall to reach.

Translation: "Liu Bo patted Da Sha's arm; he originally wanted to pat his shoulder, but this guy is too tall to reach!"

He asked with a smile, "You kid, why aren't you minding your shop in Causeway Bay? What are you doing back here now?"

Translation: "He asked with a smile: \"You little brat, not watching the shop in Copper Gong Bay, what are you doing back here now? \""

Da Sha chuckled and replied, "Liu Bo, with the current situation there aren't even two deals a day—aren't you just homesick?"

Translation: "Da Sha gave a silly laugh and replied: \"Liu Bo, with this situation, there aren't even two deals a day—aren't you missing home? \""

"It's the perfect opportunity to come back and stay a few days, or just stay peacefully in Sai Kung."

Translation: "\"Just take this chance to come back and stay a few days; it's still more reassuring to stay in Xi Gong. \""

Liu Bo was very pleased with Da Sha's answer: "Yeah, that's right—golden nests and silver nests aren't as good as our own thatched hut."

Translation: "Liu Bo was very satisfied with Da Sha's answer: \"Mm, that's right—golden nests and silver nests are nothing compared to our own thatched hut. \""

"Even if the outside is as beautiful as brocade, it's still not as comfortable as staying at home."

Translation: "\"No matter how splendid the outside is, it's not as comfortable as staying at home. \""

After Da Sha finished speaking with Liu Bo, he greeted several elders: Long Uncle, Ge Uncle, Chai Uncle, Ding Elder, Qiu Uncle, Hu Uncle, Gen Uncle, Su Uncle.

Translation: "After Da Sha finished speaking with Liu Bo, he greeted the several old men: \"Long Shu, Ge Shu, Chai Shu, Ding Ye, Qiu Shu, Hu Shu, Gen Shu, Su Shu. \""

「！」

Translation: "\"! \"" (maybe an exclamation). We'll output "!" as is.

Da Sha greeted each of those elders in turn, leaving no one out.

Translation: "This row of old men, Da Sha greeted each one, missing none."

Long Uncle, who knows Da Sha best, introduced him to the elders: "This kid is A Xin's head horse and one of A Xin's earliest followers; he looks silly but is actually a decent person."

Translation: "Long Shu, who knows Da Sha best, introduced these old men: \"This kid is A Xin's head horse, also the earliest follower of A Xin; he looks silly but is a good person. \""

Those elders nodded at Da Sha, and Chai Uncle teased, "Da Sha, the big boss's close aides are doing well now, but your head horse is lagging behind."

Translation: "These old men nodded at Da Sha; Chai Shu teased: \"Da Sha, the few close aides beside Big Brother are doing quite well now, your head horse is a bit behind. \""

Da Sha quickly explained, "Chai Uncle, the big boss gave me a chance; initially he wanted me to be the Sai Kung spokesperson and did ask me, but I knew my own limits, so I didn't take it."

Translation: "Da Sha quickly explained: \"Chai Shu, Big Brother gave me a chance; at first selecting Xi Gong's leader, Big Brother asked me, but I knew my own limits, so I didn't take it. \""

"Now I'm doing fine—I manage the parking lot and have opened a used car dealership in the city; the big boss hasn't treated me poorly."

Translation: "\"Now I'm doing fine too—I manage the car lot and opened a secondhand car dealership in the urban area; Big Brother hasn't treated me poorly. \""

"In Hong Kong Island, everyone's accounted for—how many little donkeys could ever get as far as I have?"

Translation: "\"In Hong Kong Island, count them one by one—how many little donkeys could get as far as I have? \""

"In the next Sai Kung council election, I have a chance to run."

Translation: "\"I have a chance to run for the next term of Xi Gong councilor. \""

Da Sha then looked at Liu Bo and asked, "You mean it's Liu Bo, right?"

Translation: "Da Sha then looked at Liu Bo and asked: \"You mean it's Liu Bo, right? \""

Liu Bo nodded and smiled, "Yeah, that's right—you kid, put some heart into it, and next term we'll push you up."

Translation: "Liu Bo nodded and smiled: \"Mm, that's right—you kid put in some effort, next term we'll push you up. \""

"Liu Bo, isn't it my turn next term? How did it become Da Sha instead?"

Translation: "\"Liu Bo, isn't it my turn next term? How did it become Da Sha? \""

Huashe brought a few people over to Liu Bo's group, laughing as he asked.

Translation: "Hua She brought a few people, came to Liu Bo's side, laughing as he asked."

Liu Bo glared at Huashe and said, "This is your own choice—can you still blame me?"

Translation: "Liu Bo glared at Hua She: \"This is your own choice—can you still blame me? \""

"You're the Prosperity Leader; you can forget about being a Sai Kung councilor—Sai Kung can't afford to lose this person."

Translation: "\"You are the Prosperity leader; don't even think about being a Xi Gong councilor—Xi Gong can't afford to lose this person. \""

The Prosperity Leader, a Xi Gong councilor.

Huashe was speechless, then joked, "Liu Bo, this isn't fair! When the big boss got elected, wasn't he also the Prosperity Second Route Marshal?"

Translation: "Hua She was speechless, joking: \"Liu Bo, this isn't fair! When Big Brother was elected, wasn't he also the Prosperity Second Route Marshal? \""

Liu Bo waved at Huashe, gesturing for him to lower his head; as soon as Huashe lowered his head, he got a slap on the back of the head.

Translation: "Liu Bo waved at Hua She, gesturing for him to lower his head; Hua She just lowered his head when the back of his head got slapped."

Sixth Uncle laughed and scolded, "A Xin gave the Xi Gong fishermen backing, built a shopping mall in Xi Gong, repaired roads in Xi Gong, and later even built a Film City in Xi Gong—how many people have benefited?"

What did you do?

You loser, you also want to compare with A Xin?

You don't even piss to look at yourself, you little bastard, do you think you're worthy?

Da Sha took the opportunity, also gave Hua She a crisp hit, pointing at Hua She and mocking: "You're finished, I'm telling you, Hua She, you're finished!"

Once I see Big Brother I'll tattle on you, you brat have disloyal intent, wanting to be a traitor, and still want to compare with Big Brother.

Hua She rolled his eyes, "Da Sha, just say whatever, you see if Big Brother will believe it or not?"

Someone like me, saying I'm a traitor, who would believe?

Liu Bo interrupted the two who hadn't left, pointing at the shoppers in the mall.

You two hurry up and lend a hand, drive out those who have come from the city; this is a welfare for the residents of Xi Gong—what are they, even coming to Xi Gong to take advantage?