Chapter 8: With This Little Money, Still Afraid of Trouble?

Talking about ideals with these people is useless.

Talking about money is more practical—sure enough, after hearing their monthly allowance would increase by ten percent, everyone's tone when calling him Boss became much more sincere.

He gave no further reaction, only waved his hand to signal they could leave.

He'd only come to get to know them.

"Nothing else to discuss, I'll head out first—the gambling den still needs my oversight."

Seeing the others leave, Gui Tou also stood up, gave a greeting, and walked off without caring whether Ye Tian might be offended.

"Ye Fist Master, don't misunderstand."

Seeing Ye Tian glance toward Gui Tou's departing back, Mei Yongning quickly explained.

"Last time during the clash, Gui Tou's good brother was stabbed to death by Earth Dragon Gang members—it's not that he has any grudge against you, Ye Fist Master."

Ye Tian wasn't offended enough by this to hold a grudge.

He merely looked curiously at Mei Yongning, who had just defended Gui Tou.

"You seem to get along well with Gui Tou?"

It was as if he feared Ye Tian might misinterpret Gui Tou's actions.

Mei Yongning only smiled. "Not that close. Ye Fist Master, if you stay here long enough, you'll learn Gui Tou has no hidden agenda—he's easy to get along with."

So, getting along with everyone else is exhausting, then.

Ye Tian just smiled.

He asked Mei Yongning to detail the affairs of this street—yesterday he'd only gotten a rough idea; the specifics were still unclear.

Mei Yongning had no objection.

The Black Water Gang controls two teahouses, three taverns, and one gambling den on this street in City West.

The fastest way to make money is the gambling den, guarded by Gui Tou.

"That's all? I heard there were a few brothels too."

"City West is mostly Earth Dragon Gang territory—those brothels were seized during the earlier turf war."

So that's why he'd been assigned to this street—because it's near Earth Dragon Gang territory?

He was about to ask Mei Yongning for more details.

But at that moment, a voice came from outside.

"Where is everyone? I was told to come here—why is no one here?"

The next instant, a loud *Bang! * echoed as the door was kicked open. A young man entered, drunk, clearly having just finished drinking, followed by several Fist Masters.

He ignored Ye Tian entirely and sat down wherever he pleased.

"Ah, it's Fist Master Lei Lu! Just a moment—I'll have tea brought right away."

Seeing him, Mei Yongning rushed forward with a beaming smile.

His surname is Lei?

Ye Tian said nothing, watching silently.

The Lei-surnamed Fist Master, upon seeing Mei Yongning offer tea, slapped it out of his hand.

"What the hell are you, to be serving me tea?"

He stood up immediately, strode a few steps to Ye Tian's front.

"You must be Ye Tian. I'm Lei Lu. Watch yourself from now on—this street is mine to command."

After saying that, he paid no attention whatsoever to Ye Tian's reaction, simply waving his hand grandly.

"Let's go!"

The few followers behind him also looked imposing.

Ye Tian's smile didn't fade. After they left, he glanced at Mei Yongning, who was calmly picking up the fallen teacup, as if such incidents were routine.

He brushed off the tea splashed on his clothes.

"That Lei Lu is the Fist Master who wasn't here earlier. Good thing you didn't act rashly just now, Ye Fist Master."

"What's the relationship between Lei Lu and Boss Lei Tang?"

"Ye Fist Master, you're sharp."

Seeing Ye Tian had guessed it immediately, Mei Yongning couldn't help but praise him.

"..."

That's obvious—anyone this arrogant and still alive must have powerful backing; otherwise, he'd be dead already.

"Lei Lu is the biological nephew of Boss Lei Tang. His father is the owner of Lei Ji Money House—Lei Tang's own younger brother. Much of Boss Lei Tang's funding flows through this brother."

Naturally, Boss Lei Tang holds his nephew in high regard.

With such a connection, no wonder he dares be so arrogant.

"Lei Lu previously wanted to take over this street but never got the chance. Ye Fist Master, you'd better be careful—he's ruthless, cruel, and rumored to take pleasure in torturing and killing others."

As long as Boss Lei Tang lives, none of them dare provoke Lei Lu.

"Careful?"

Ye Tian suddenly smiled. Careful of whom? Boss Lei Tang? Or this Lei Lu?

【Detected: Host triggered choice】

【Choice One: Endure in silence. Reward: Primary Loyalty +20】

【Choice Two: Strike back forcefully. Reward: Primary Loyalty +20】

The familiar voice sounded again. Ye Tian's smile deepened—perfect. He was desperately short on manpower; twenty more men would make managing this street far easier.

"So Lei Lu's father owns a money house?"

"That's right."

Although it was strange why Ye Tian would be curious about this matter, Mei Yongning still nodded.

What allowed Lei Tang to rise within the Black Water Gang in his early days was his own blood brother who ran a money house — through constant gifts of money, he had secured his current position as Head Boss.

Of course.

After Lei Tang rose to power, the business of Lei Ji Money House also became much better than before — one could say it was a relationship of mutual assistance.

"Since he runs a money house, he must be very rich, right?"

"Naturally."

Running a money house certainly meant being rich.

Coincidentally, Ye Tian felt that he himself had been quite poor lately.

"Haha, it's nothing, I was just asking casually — let's keep talking about what happened earlier!"

It wasn't until the afternoon that Ye Tian finally left the tavern. By the time he returned to his residence, those twenty brothers had already come looking for him.

"Boss!"

Just like before.

They all looked at Ye Tian with eager eyes.

Raising one hand to cut off what these men wanted to say, Ye Tian said in a calm tone.

"After it gets dark, tie up Lei Lu for me. Put on face cloths — don't let anyone see your faces."

"Understood!"

No one dares to mess with him, huh?

I'm so broke I'm practically a ghost — why would I be afraid of causing trouble?

That evening, Lei Lu was taking a group of his subordinates to drink at a tavern.

As for having offended Ye Tian during the day, none of them had taken it to heart at all.

"If you ask me, this street should be managed by our Boss — what right does anyone else have?"

"Exactly. Who doesn't know our Boss is Big Brother Lei's own nephew? Is there anyone more qualified than our Boss?"

The subordinates put on an indignant show, acting as though they felt it was unfair for Lei Lu.

"Shut up, all of you!"

After finishing a cup of wine with an ugly expression, he directly smashed the teacup in his hand.

The group that had just been bristling with indignation instantly fell silent.

In truth, Lei Lu had not failed to seek out Lei Tang, but the explanation he got was always the same — managing this street was not so easy a job. Lei Tang's intention was to let Lei Lu temper himself here for a while.

Once the timing was about right, he would have Lei Lu manage some streets with better business and greater safety. After all, he was a real nephew — naturally he had to be looked after.

Only, Lei Lu was still young, after all.

He was at the most impulsive and rebellious age. Not daring to vent his anger at Lei Tang, Lei Lu simply took his fury out on other people.

"How my uncle handles things is not something you lot are fit to gossip about. One more word of crap and I'll kill every last one of you."