Chapter 76: The High Branch Offered by Huang Laohu

Zhang Wu looked flattered and quickly said, "I didn't expect Tiger Brother to know me?"

"Who doesn't know the Zhang family of the provincial capital? You’re much more powerful than people like us who can't be brought into the light. In the provincial capital, the Zhang family might not be able to cover the sky with one hand, but they can still make people tremble when they speak!"

"That’s just people blowing things out of proportion. We aren't that powerful. Compared to Tiger Brother, what is our family? Just doing business."

The two of them were quite good at flattering each other. I was quite repulsed by this kind of polite talk, but there was no choice—that’s how our country is; these are the rules.

"Brother Yang, I haven't thanked you for the Wang Li matter yet. I looked for that guy for two or three days, but I didn't expect him to end up dead by your hands!"

Hearing this, I was so startled that the water in my hand almost spilled onto the table. I quickly explained, "Tiger Brother, you’re joking. How would I dare to kill anyone? I really didn't do that!"

"Is that so? But according to my reliable intelligence, the last people Wang Li and Wang Lin met were you and Xu Hongzhi, right? That’s correct, isn't it?"

I frowned. It was clear that many people knew about the movements of Third Brother and me that day. The reason everyone had been lying low was likely because there was no evidence, and they weren't sure if it was us. Huang Laohu was likely doing this purely to test me.

"Tiger Brother is right. We were the last ones to see them, but their deaths really have nothing to do with us!"

Then I told Huang Laohu roughly what happened that day. After all, there was nothing worth hiding; they probably already knew.

Hearing my explanation, Huang Laohu frowned and continued, "It seems the forces behind that incident are quite powerful. Brother Yang, I suggest you just let it go. Don't pursue that matter anymore."

Huang Laohu was advising me to stop. This left me very confused. If Zhang Longtao had advised me to stop, I could understand, but Huang Laohu was Zhang Longtao’s rival, and the incident was clearly related to Zhang Longtao. This made me wonder what he meant.

Seeing my confusion, Huang Laohu continued, "Brother Yang, I’m doing this for your own good. Some things aren't as simple as you think. I know you really want revenge and to investigate, but for things beyond your ability, I suggest you consider carefully. Otherwise, it will only bring you harm, and might even implicate those around you!"

"Does Tiger Brother know something about this?" I looked at Huang Laohu, puzzled.

"I don't know the details, but since the other party could take away Wang Lin, Wang Li, and their whole family without anyone noticing, you should know what kind of strength they have. And the other party is still uncertain—they might even be stronger. So, you need to consider it carefully!"

"Thank you for your kindness, Tiger Brother. I will consider this matter seriously."

Seeing the determination in my eyes, Huang Laohu sighed helplessly. "Suit yourself. But I’ve warned you what I needed to warn you about. Take care of yourself."

"Thank you, Tiger Brother. I haven't properly thanked you for our school issue yet."

"It’s fine, that’s a small matter. I invited you here today mainly because of what happened yesterday!" After saying that, Huang Laohu snorted coldly and shouted, "Bring him in!"

Not long after, two people brought in the bald man. It was the same one who had clashed with us yesterday. I remembered Huang Laohu calling him A-Qiang. What puzzled me was why Huang Laohu brought him here. Yesterday’s matter was already over, and after all, this bald man was his subordinate. He didn't need to punish his own man severely because of a small fry like me.

After the bald man was brought in, he begged Huang Laohu, "Tiger Brother, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I’ve already dealt with the people from yesterday. Please forgive me!"

"This isn't a question of whether I forgive you, but whether Brother Yang can forgive you, understand?"

Hearing this, the bald man immediately understood. He crawled frantically toward me and begged, "Young Master Yang, I’m sorry, it was all my fault yesterday. Just treat me like an idiot. Please, I beg you to let me go!"

I looked at the bald man, puzzled. "Didn't our grudge get wiped clean? It was already over yesterday!"

"I beg you, Young Master Yang, spare me. From now on, I’ll be your servant and do whatever you say!"

I looked at Huang Laohu, confused. "Tiger Brother, what is this?"

"This kid is ignorant. He actually wanted to retaliate against you last night, and I found out. Now he’s at your disposal. His life and death are in your hands. Whether he lives or dies is up to you!"

I looked blankly at the bald man begging on the ground. What was Huang Laohu playing at? Although I wasn't a saint, I wasn't so kind as to save everyone. But if someone died because of me, I would still feel very uncomfortable.

I said to Huang Laohu, "Nothing big happened yesterday anyway. This guy was probably just angry for a moment. I believe he’s realized his mistake now. I think we should just let him go!"

"I’ve realized it! I’ve definitely realized it! From now on, I, A-Qiang, will be Young Master Yang’s servant and at your beck and call!" The bald man knelt on the ground, thanking me gratefully.

"No, no, you should just stay with Tiger Brother. Tiger Brother will definitely have trouble getting things done without you now!"

"It’s fine, Brother Yang. Just let this guy follow you. It doesn't matter if I’m missing a few men under me. It just so happens you don't have many people under you right now. Having him will be a help!"

Hearing Huang Laohu’s words, I frowned. Huang Laohu was planning to pull me into his camp. After all, the bald man was his subordinate. Once I used him, it would be equivalent to announcing that I was on Huang Laohu’s side. What puzzled me was what Huang Laohu would gain from this. But on second thought, Huang Laohu wouldn't lose out. After all, Third Brother and I were now equivalent in strength to Zhang Longtao’s Four Great Warriors. If I joined Huang Laohu, his strength would be even greater. And by placing the bald man by my side, he could also monitor me. This guy’s plan was quite clever, but I had to accept this gift. I really didn't have many people under me, and with the addition of the bald man, it would be much more convenient for me to do things later. After all, if I wanted to truly confront Zhang Longtao, it would be difficult to do it alone; I had to borrow the power of others. Anyway, I wouldn't lose much, and this could be considered a win-win!