Chapter 62: A Favor
Chapter 62: A Favor
Apart from the reduced foot traffic, Jiang Cheng made another discovery in Jiang Cheng.
The surrounding vendors would occasionally glance in his direction.
When they noticed him looking back, they would quickly avert their gaze.
"..."
Jiang Cheng was speechless.
These people probably wanted to borrow money from him again, didn't they?
If their business had been good these past few days, he wouldn't have minded. But it was evident to anyone with eyes that everyone was short on cash, and the situation was becoming increasingly challenging.
Not to mention, he still owed Chen Sao two thousand, and next month's renewal fee of five thousand, totaling seven thousand yuan, was a significant burden.
He shook his head and started roasting sweet potatoes.
After twenty to thirty minutes, Lu Zicheng from the neighboring stall arrived late, pushing his cart slowly.
As soon as he set up his stall, he eagerly said, "Jiang Cheng, did you hear? Next month's management fee has doubled."
"Yeah, I just found out when I got home. Sigh, life is getting harder and harder," Jiang Cheng sighed.
"Yeah!"
Lu Zicheng instinctively wanted to curse, but his rational mind reminded him that this wasn't a place for careless talk. He could only sigh and say, "I knew things weren't that simple. I was thinking that even though the stall fee had increased, I'd have to pay it for next month. But now the management fee has doubled, it's like they don't want us to live."
As he spoke, he glanced at Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng was truly afraid.
Everyone around him thought he was wealthy.
In reality, he was still in debt.
After some thought, he waved at Lu Zicheng.
"What's up?" Lu Zicheng asked, a mix of tension and anticipation in his voice as he approached.
Could it be that Jiang Cheng, seeing his difficult situation, was finally willing to lend him some money?
He swore to himself that if he had the money, he would definitely help.
"Listen, I have some information I heard from someone else," Jiang Cheng began.
He shared the news that the Wild Wolf Gang would be leaving within half a month.
"Really?" Lu Zicheng's eyes widened in surprise, but he dared not speak too loudly.
"It's highly likely," Jiang Cheng confirmed.
"So, for the stall fee in two days, don't pay it just yet," Jiang Cheng advised. "Because if you do, you might only be able to set up your stall for a few days before having to pay another fee. This is different from the management fee; it's something you can completely avoid."
"You're right," Lu Zicheng nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice.
Lu Zicheng wasn't sure if this information was true, but he figured it was better to believe it than not.
It was only a matter of not setting up his stall for half a month, or even less, just over ten days.
If he paid now and the Iron Fist Gang arrived later, he would have to pay again. That would be like losing both the battle and the soldiers.
It was better to wait and see for a while. If it turned out to be true, it would be like earning over two thousand.
"Jiang Cheng, are you planning to take a break for a while too?" Lu Zicheng asked, not wanting to deceive him to avoid an awkward encounter later.
"I have this," Jiang Cheng said, taking out his membership card and making a silent gesture before handing it over.
Lu Zicheng's eyes widened in disbelief, and he stood there speechless, his mouth hanging open.
"You understand now, right?" Jiang Cheng silently took back the membership card and put it in his pocket.
"I... I understand. So, you're... no wonder..." Lu Zicheng finally managed a bitter smile.
Although he hadn't seen many of these cards, he recognized the words 'Flying Eagle Fist Academy, Premium Member' written on it.
Premium members at the Martial Arts Academy were on a monthly subscription, costing five thousand yuan a month.
He didn't even make that much in a month.
"I said I'd consider lending you money, not that I wasn't willing to. It's just that I don't have any money on me right now. With so few people on the street today, I'm still worried about how I'll renew my membership next month."
Jiang Cheng shrugged his shoulders.
"Sorry, Jiang Cheng, I didn't know. If I did, I wouldn't have mentioned the matter of borrowing money."
Lu Zicheng hurriedly apologized.
Then he thought of something and asked in a low voice, "So, did you hear that news from the Martial Arts Academy?"
"Of course."
Lu Zicheng took a deep breath.
News from the Martial Arts Academy couldn't be false. It seems the Wild Wolf Gang is really going to disband within half a month. I think they're planning to leave in half a month, so they're not concerned about appearances and are trying to make a quick profit before they go."
Lu Zicheng was relieved.
"Jiang Cheng, thank you. I'm truly grateful. This information alone is worth over two thousand. Rest assured, I won't forget this favor."
Jiang Cheng waved his hand, interrupting him.
For him, it was a simple matter.
There was also a hint of reluctance to borrow money.
Just then, a customer walked over, and Lu Zicheng turned to leave.
Despite this, his heart remained unsettled.
Time passed, and evening arrived.
Jiang Cheng took stock of the day's profits, which were only slightly over three hundred, compared to yesterday's four hundred, a decrease of over a hundred.
"It won't drop below two hundred, will it?"
Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows.
He had thought it would finally stabilize, but with the sudden acquisition of a premium membership, it became unstable again overnight.
Of course, the decision to get the premium membership wasn't wrong; it successfully avoided many troubles.
"I hope it doesn't drop any further."
He thought to himself as he looked towards the distant grocery store, knowing that the fresh sweet potatoes he bought today would be of lesser quantity.
On his way back, the unease was palpable.
only affected the Martial Arts Academy but also the entire slum area.
There were more people hiding in the corners, some of whom Jiang Cheng recognized. When they saw him, they quickly left, while a few remained, hesitating.
Jiang Cheng could guess that these unfamiliar faces were likely pressured to rob others to cope with the doubled management fees.
While he sympathized and understood their situation, he wouldn't show mercy if they took action.
...
The night sky was quiet, with only a few stars visible. The entire slum area was engulfed in darkness.
In a courtyard.
Jiang Xiong and his men sat around a table filled with fine wine and delicious dishes, including fish and meat. Even Jiang Cheng would have salivated at the sight.
However, the men at the table seemed to have low spirits, their brows furrowed as if burdened by some worry.
After a while, one of them finally spoke up, "Brother Xiong, the Wild Wolf Gang suddenly doubling the management fees isn't a good sign. I think they're preparing to disband."
"Yeah, the other gangs did the same before leaving. Not long after, a new gang took their place."
"There have been constant rumors of fights between the Iron Fist Gang and the Wild Wolf Gang. I thought the Wild Wolf Gang would hold out longer, but it seems their end has come sooner than expected."
"Brother Xiong, what should we do now? When the Iron Fist Gang arrives, our lives won't be as easy as they are now."
As they spoke, Jiang Xiong remained silent, drinking his sorrows away.
He was well aware of what they were talking about.
(End of Chapter)
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