Chapter 59: Inside Information
Chapter 59: Inside Information
When Jiang Cheng went to buy fresh sweet potatoes, he was more cautious and bought twenty catties less than usual.
If business remained unchanged tomorrow, it would be for the best. But if sales dropped, then at least he'd have more cash on hand.
On his way back with the handcart, Jiang Cheng saw people living on both sides of the street gathering in groups of two or three. Some were worried, some were angry, and some were crying with red eyes.
"The Wild Wolf Gang is forcing us into a dead end! The monthly management fee of one thousand yuan was already a killer, and now they've doubled it to two thousand for next month. Who can afford that?" A sobbing voice rose, filled with anger and grief.
"Two thousand? I wouldn't have that much money even if I sold myself!"
"Damn the Wild Wolf Gang!"
"Keep your voice down! Do you want to die? What if someone from the Wild Wolf Gang hears you talking like that?"
"Alright, let's not talk about this. Instead, let's think of ways to save up for next month's management fee. There are only five days left until the end of the month, and if we can't come up with the money by then, we'll definitely be kicked out."
"Sigh, what can we do?"
Jiang Cheng sighed when he heard this, and indeed, as he had guessed, the management fee had increased, and it had doubled! It was even harsher than the stall fee.
It was likely that the Wild Wolf Gang anticipated some vendors would suspend their business, waiting for this difficult period to pass. However, while they could avoid the stall fee, the management fee was inescapable.
From past experiences, this was the time when the slum area suffered the most.
Those who couldn't afford the fee or refused to pay would have all their valuables taken from their homes. If that still wasn't enough, they would be kicked out. And if they dared to resist? The gang was not afraid to kill.
Jiang Cheng silently pushed his tricycle, attracting the attention of the people around him.
Various emotions appeared in their eyes as they stared at him, but Jiang Cheng met their gazes without fear. Only then did they avert their eyes.
"What a world we live in."
Jiang Cheng cursed silently in his heart. Even these honest people were being forced into a dead end.
The old man, as always, stood at his doorstep, gazing in the direction Jiang Cheng had come from.
"Grandma, I'm back."
Jiang Cheng said with a smile.
"It's good that you're back. Did you encounter any danger on your way?"
"No, even if I met those people, I have the membership card from the Martial Arts Academy, so I'd be fine."
"That's good."
The old man nodded in relief, but his face soon filled with worry again. "Xiao Cheng, while you were away this afternoon, someone from the Wild Wolf Gang came by to inform us that next month's management fee will be doubled."
"I heard about it on my way back."
Jiang Cheng nodded and reassured him, "Grandma, we've already paid the fee to the Martial Arts Academy, so we don't need to pay the Wild Wolf Gang again. Don't worry."
"Really? We don't have to pay them anymore?" The old man asked repeatedly for confirmation.
"Yes, don't worry, Grandma. That day, I'll be waiting for them at home."
"Xiao Cheng is back."
Chen Sao came out from the house, her brows furrowed with worry.
"Chen Sao."
Jiang Cheng quickly greeted her, "I already know about the matter this afternoon. I borrowed some money from you a few days ago, so let me return a portion of it first."
Over the past few days, he had managed to save over a thousand yuan.
Chen Sao had lent him three thousand yuan, which would have been fine in normal circumstances, but the timing made the pressure even greater.
"It's fine."
But Chen Sao shook her head.
"Keep your money for now. Business will definitely be tough in the coming days. As for next month's management fee, Chen Sao will manage to come up with it. I'm just not sure how long we'll have to pay this two thousand yuan monthly management fee. If it's for two or three months..."
She sighed, unsure of what else to say.
Jiang Cheng couldn't provide an answer either.
Based on past experiences, this period of unrest could last a month, or perhaps two or three months. If it's the former, then it's not too bad, but if it's the latter...
"Chen Sao, tomorrow morning I'll go to the Martial Arts Academy to inquire about some inside information. They should know something."
"Okay."
Chen Sao's eyes lit up with a hint of surprise at these words.
Yes, how could she have forgotten this? Those Martial Arts Academies would definitely have some information.
After returning home, Jiang Cheng took out a thousand yuan and sent it over.
Initially, Chen Sao didn't want to accept it, but Jiang Cheng insisted, saying that he was already a senior member of the Academy and wouldn't be affected, so she took it.
When Jiang Cheng returned home again, compared to yesterday, the elder's smile had also diminished significantly. It was only when he heard that today's earnings were still over four hundred yuan that a smile appeared on his face once more.
After dinner, Jiang Cheng continued practicing his Foundation Training and Twin Sticks Skills.
He really wanted to instantly raise these two skills to the highest level, but even with the proficiency panel bonus, he still had to grind away, spending time and energy.
The next morning, Jiang Cheng went to the Martial Arts Academy.
He eagerly awaited Zhao Xiangyu's appearance, hoping for guidance on his Foundation Training, but he was somewhat distracted.
The other senior members seemed to have some understanding of the Wild Wolf Gang's situation, but their explanations were vague, and they quickly changed the topic after a few sentences.
It made sense; they were all senior members, likely having renewed their memberships for several years. As long as the Falcon Fist Academy remained, whether it was the Wild Wolf Gang or some other gang outside, it didn't affect them.
Jiang Cheng hesitated but didn't dare to ask directly.
Finally, at nine o'clock, Zhao Xiangyu appeared with a beaming smile.
"Senior Zhao!"
"Senior Zhao!"
Everyone greeted him.
"Senior Zhao!"
Jiang Cheng also called out, his voice a bit loud, causing the entire second floor to quiet down after he finished.
Zhao Xiangyu was taken aback, then laughed, "Let me guide Jiang Shidi first, you all wait a moment."
"No problem, no problem."
Everyone waved their hands, indicating it was no trouble.
However, the gazes directed at Jiang Cheng were a bit peculiar.
This guy usually seemed quite composed, but what was up with him today?
"Jiang Shidi."
Zhao Xiangyu walked over and smiled, "I heard from Senior Bai that you've entered the Uninitiated level in Foundation Training, right? Before, you could barely manage five minutes, but now you can last seven or eight minutes. Good job, you have potential."
As he spoke, he gave a thumbs-up.
In his opinion, Jiang Cheng must have been in such a hurry to find him to share this news and receive his praise.
He understood; they all went through this.
"Senior Zhao is too kind," Jiang Cheng smiled bitterly, then got to the point. "Senior Zhao, I have a question."
"Oh? What is it? Go ahead," Zhao Xiangyu's smile remained.
"Just yesterday, the Wild Wolf Gang increased the stall fees by 30% and doubled the management fees. Everyone is complaining, and I want to ask Senior Zhao, what's going on? Is the Wild Wolf Gang planning to run away?" Jiang Cheng asked in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiangyu's smile faded, and he nodded.
(End of Chapter)
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