Chapter 103: The Stage is Set
Chapter 103: The Stage is Set
It was noon, and there was still no sign of Jiang Cheng.
After a brief discussion, Lin Quan Liang and the others decided to head straight to Jiang Cheng's stall on the street.
Upon arrival, they found that vendors were gathered in groups everywhere, except for a vacant spot where Jiang Cheng's stall should have been.
"Hmm? Hasn't Jiang Cheng set up his stall yet?" Tan Lei scratched his head.
"Probably. Should we wait a little longer?"
"Then let's wait."
The group chatted intermittently, occasionally glancing into the distance.
But after waiting for a while, Jiang Cheng still didn't show up.
"What's going on? It's almost one o'clock, and Jiang Cheng hasn't set up his stall yet?" Lin Quan Liang checked his watch and asked in confusion.
Tan Lei and the others looked at each other, unsure how to respond.
"Um, are you waiting for Jiang Cheng?"
Suddenly, a timid voice sounded from behind them.
They turned around and saw that the speaker was a vendor selling grilled sausages.
"Yes, we're waiting for Jiang Cheng. He didn't come to the martial arts academy this morning. Do you know where he is?"
"What about yesterday?" Lu Zicheng asked in surprise.
"Yesterday? He was here in the morning and left in the afternoon," Lin Quan Liang replied, realizing something and quickly asking, "Didn't he set up his stall yesterday afternoon?"
"Yes."
Lu Zicheng smiled bitterly, "Jiang Cheng usually sets up his stall around noon. I didn't see him the whole afternoon yesterday, and I thought he went to the martial arts academy to practice. He hasn't shown up yet today, so he might be coming soon."
"I see."
"Probably."
Lin Quan Liang and the others echoed, but their minds were filled with the same thought: Jiang Cheng, could it be that something happened to him yesterday after he left?
They remembered that a few days ago, Jiang Cheng had been threatened by several members of the Wild Wolf Gang. Although they had temporarily retreated, they surely held a grudge against Jiang Cheng.
However, Jiang Cheng's skills were not to be underestimated, as he had fought fiercely with Zeng Shixu, leaving a lasting impression. It was unlikely that he would have been bested so easily.
"Let's wait a little longer. If Jiang Cheng still doesn't show up, we'll head back and see if he appears tomorrow," Lin Quan Liang suggested.
The others agreed.
After a while, they didn't wait for Jiang Cheng, but instead, they waited for over a dozen men wielding watermelon knives, their faces filled with malevolence.
The once bustling street suddenly fell silent.
In the past, when such a scene occurred, it was usually the members of the Wild Wolf Gang. But these men were unfamiliar faces, and their numbers were overwhelming!
"Ladies and gentlemen."
The leader, a burly man, clasped his fists towards the crowd, "I am the hall master of the third hall of the Iron Fist Gang, Cao Kun. You can call me Kun Ge."
As his words fell, a dark cloud passed through the eyes of those in the crowd.
Cao Kun and the dozen men behind him, each with a smirk on their faces, seemed to be relishing the moment.
"I'm here to inform everyone that in three days, this street will be under the control of the Iron Fist Gang. The Wild Wolf Gang is a thing of the past."
Cao Kun scanned the crowd and noticed the presence of Lin Quan Liang and the others.
A dark cloud passed through his eyes, and he averted his gaze, continuing, "Since the past rules no longer apply, we, the Iron Fist Gang, will establish new rules. Of course, we understand everyone's difficulties, and we won't make things too hard for you."
Hearing this, the crowd didn't feel reassured, but instead, their hearts sank.
Because next, it's probably going to be about money.
"Including today, there are three days left. During these three days, everyone can freely set up stalls, but after three days, those who want to continue must come to me to purchase stall permits. I heard that last month, the Wild Wolf Gang charged 2000 plus a 30% increase, which is 2600? Our Iron Fist Gang understands everyone's difficulties, so we'll only charge 2500."
"2500?"
"2500 a month?"
"But usually, it's only 2000?"
"Yes, it's 500 more than usual. Oh my goodness."
Various discussions erupted around them.
"Hmm?"
Cao Kun snorted coldly, "What's the matter? Is someone dissatisfied with the price I've set? If so, we'll follow the Wild Wolf Gang's pricing and uniformly charge 2600 a month from now on."
"No, no, no. We're satisfied. We're satisfied."
"Yes, yes, 2500 is 2500, that's fine."
The crowd quickly agreed.
Even if it's only a savings of 100, that's still 100, and it's daily income.
"These cheapskates, don't give them any face."
Someone behind Cao Kun sneered.
"Since everyone is satisfied, that's great."
A smile appeared on Cao Kun's face.
"Rest assured, our Iron Fist Gang is not something a small gang like the Wild Wolf Gang can compare to. I won't go into details, but at least for the next few years, this place will be under our control. Pay on time, and we won't just stand by idly. But if anyone dares to challenge us, don't blame me for not warning you; that's a path to self-destruction."
As Cao Kun spoke, his expression turned cold again, his emotions shifting seamlessly.
The crowd shook their heads repeatedly.
Even without being told, they were well aware of this.
The Wild Wolf Gang was already ruthless.
Could those who drove out the Wild Wolf Gang be merciful?
As they watched Cao Kun and his group preparing to leave, someone gathered their courage and asked, "Kun, Kun Ge, may I ask how much the management fee is for the Iron Fist Gang?"
"Yes, yes."
Many people chimed in.
The stall fee is high, but they can choose not to set up stalls.
But the management fee must be paid.
"Management fee?"
Cao Kun turned, a smile on his lips, "Although this isn't under my jurisdiction, I can give you a heads-up to prepare. We're not like the Wild Wolf Gang, who sucks you dry. We'll only charge 1500 a month for management fees, 500 less than them."
"1500..."
After the previous lesson, not many people discussed it further.
"Why are you all still standing there? Aren't you going to thank us?" a member of the Iron Fist Gang shouted.
Instantly, the entire place echoed with thanks.
"Hahaha!"
The members of the Iron Fist Gang left triumphantly.
"These people, they're so arrogant!"
Tan Lei and his group watched, their blood pressure rising.
Whether it was the stall fee or the management fee, both were higher than the Wild Wolf Gang. Yet, they claimed they weren't charging more, and even expected gratitude.
"Isn't this always the case? The Iron Fist Gang has just arrived, and this is probably when they're at their most arrogant. It's best for us to avoid any conflicts with them."
"Yes, but we're from the martial arts academy. They wouldn't dare do anything to us."
"Alright, let's head back."
The group headed towards the Falcon Fist Gym, and once again, discussions erupted on the streets.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
