Chapter 16: Good Brother

"You stinking thief, you stinking thief!" Su Xueyan snatched her bag back and started whacking Xu Hongzhi over the head with it.

However, seeing the state we were in, she froze, looking at me with a strange expression: "Yang Yun, do you actually like men?"

Xu Hongzhi and I quickly separated. I retorted to Su Xueyan, feeling annoyed: "What nonsense are you spouting? I’m a normal man!"

Su Xueyan looked at Xu Hongzhi and me with deep suspicion and let out an "oh," though it was clear she didn't really believe it.

"This is my third brother. Don't get the wrong idea. We haven't seen each other for many years; I never expected to meet like this!" I said, introducing him to Su Xueyan.

But this way of meeting was truly ironic. It was clear that Third Brother hadn't been doing well these past few years, otherwise, how could he have been reduced to snatching bags?

Xu Hongzhi hurriedly spoke up: "I'm so sorry about today. I didn't realize you were the Young Lady. It’s like the Dragon King’s temple being flooded by his own family. You’ve done well, Fourth Brother, finding such a beautiful girlfriend!"

Su Xueyan blushed and didn't deny it. Seeing this silly girl not denying it, there was no need for me to deny it either, so I just let others keep the misunderstanding.

"Third Brother, how have you been all these years? Where are the other brothers?" I asked anxiously.

Back at the orphanage, the seven of us were incredibly close—brothers from childhood. But life at the orphanage wasn't as good as it looked on TV. The director and the staff abused us every day, didn't give us food, and frequently beat and scolded us, forcing us to work. When I was nine, we brothers discussed it and snuck out one night when they weren't paying attention. But we were discovered by the security guards. We ran for our lives, but later we got separated, and I never heard from them again.

"I don't know. After we snuck out, everyone got scattered. Later, I even snuck back to the orphanage to inquire about everyone, but I found out that except for the eldest, there was no news of the others. The eldest didn't make it out because he was covering for us, but he isn't the same eldest he used to be!" Xu Hongzhi sighed, sitting on the ground and looking helplessly at the sky.

"When you snuck back to the orphanage, didn't the eldest leave with you?" I asked Xu Hongzhi, feeling puzzled.

"No, the eldest wouldn't come with me. But it was clear that after we ran off, he probably suffered even more abuse. I reckon he still holds a grudge against us in his heart!" Xu Hongzhi said helplessly.

"This?" Hearing this, I didn't know what to say. Big Brother actually held a grudge against us? How could that be? But thinking about it, it was possible, because back then, except for him, we all ran away and left him behind. I sighed helplessly as well.

"Third Brother, let me take you to eat. I'll help you find a job. Don't steal anymore; it's not good!" I said, pulling Xu Hongzhi up from the ground.

"Good, I haven't had a full meal in many days. This time I’m going to eat my fill!" Xu Hongzhi was incredibly excited when he heard about food.

The three of us found a small restaurant and ordered a few dishes. Basically, Third Brother ate everything himself. It was clear he had been living a miserable life these years. I was relatively lucky, at least having Sister Shuang take me in, though I had failed her expectations. The other brothers probably weren't as lucky; perhaps they were just like Third Brother, where getting a full meal was a luxury.

Third Brother finished all the food on the table, took a sip of water, and rubbed his stomach: "It’s been so long since I’ve eaten this well!"

Later, I told Third Brother about the KTV job. He didn't refuse, saying that as long as the pay was decent and there was food, it would be fine. Third Brother had looked for many jobs before, but he was either scammed or rejected.

Afterward, I called Sister Ling to tell her about this, and she agreed without a second thought. I was truly grateful to Sister Ling. Payday was tomorrow, and after I got paid, I would definitely treat her to a meal to thank her properly.

However, man proposes, God disposes. The next day, when I went to Wang Li to collect my pay, things didn't go very smoothly. Wang Li didn't even look at me: "You didn't come for a few days last month, so your pay was deducted. There’s no money for you this month!"

Hearing this, I froze, then asked: "I only missed two or three days. It’s all gone? Not a single cent left?"

"I said it’s gone, so it’s gone. Can’t you understand that?" Wang Li was clearly impatient.

My face darkened. This guy clearly didn't want to pay me. This wasn't the first time; it had happened occasionally before. This guy had pegged me as someone easy to bully.

I wanted to lose my temper right then, but seeing Sanmao and the others beside Wang Li, I held it in and left in a rage.

Once outside, I lit a cigarette and thought about it. This couldn't just end here. I had originally wanted to wait a few days to see how to deal with Wang Li, but this guy had given me a reason. Plus, with Third Brother and Baldy Wang Hua by my side, we were 3-on-3 and didn't necessarily have to fear him. Besides, Third Brother had been a fierce fighter since childhood, and Baldy’s build looked pretty good too. We could give it a shot. After thinking it over, I found Third Brother and Wang Hua at noon to discuss it.

When Third Brother heard that Wang Li wouldn't pay me and usually bullied me, he cursed in anger: "Screw him, let's just take him down. Bullying my brother? I think he’s tired of living. Let’s go get him right now!"

He stood up, ready to go find Wang Li, but I quickly pulled him back: "Third Brother, don't be hasty. We definitely have to take him down, but not now. After all, it’s broad daylight and everyone is around. This kind of thing should be done on a dark, windy night. We’ll wait for him to come out tonight!"

Afterward, I explained the situation to Xu Hongzhi and Wang Hua. I knew Wang Li’s usual route like the back of my hand. I chose a relatively secluded spot that had no streetlights and no surveillance—a good place to make a move.

In the afternoon, Wang Li actually told me to go buy him cigarettes and food again. Where would I get the money? I flatly refused: "I have no money. Not a single cent on me."

"Didn't I give you money? Go buy it, quick!" Wang Li said viciously.

"Not enough!"

"Damn it, I think your bones are itching again, aren't they? The lesson from a few days ago wasn't enough, right?" Wang Li said, grabbing my collar in a rage.

I stared right at him, then gently pulled his hand away and said out of the blue: "Really, no money! How about you lend me some?"

"Fine, the usual rules. Sanmao, give him three thousand!" Wang Li smiled and said to Sanmao beside him. Only a fool wouldn't make money; Wang Li was definitely happy to lend out such high-interest loans.

I took the money without a word and went to buy the things. To Wang Li and his crew, I looked particularly cowardly and easy to bully. I cursed inwardly: "You guys enjoy yourselves for now, wait until tonight and I’ll show you!"