Chapter 37 - Day CIII: Zhang Yong

I got up early, still tired, and a bit sore. Something that actually used to happen every day, but because of my focus, I didn't pay attention to it before. It was a signal, that my anger started to wither down. Even though I didn't go down completely. In revenge you need patience.

So I picked up my things and started to head back to the city. I was paying close attention to my surroundings because Nacho was for sure looking for me. That's why I didn't head to the rats, left of the gate, and instead headed right. Staying just a full day of travel away.

On my way back I didn't saw anybody, and that's how I arrived. I went straight to the city center. I wanted to sell my score, so the first thing was paying the tax, but before I could do that, a few people approached me.

- Zhang Yong would like to talk with you - said one of them.

They were from Wuxia and I saw them a couple of times, but their names escape me. Something clearly happened, but I still had no idea what. The group was a demonstration of power, so I would know that there is no escape from them. Zhang Yong was clearly good at intimidating others.

- Ok. I'll pay him a visit after I eat something. I'm very hungry. Is that ok?

I was getting nervous. I could feel my stomach pushing its way through the throat.

- Yes. But do not delay it too much.

I just gave him a nod and went to pay my tax, buy food, and visit firekeepers with a few pieces of meat to share. I desperately needed to find out what is going on, so I sat beside Nobuo, and he said everything I wanted without any questions.

- Wuxia is looking for you.

- I know. I got an appointment with mister Zhang Yong. Do you have any idea what's going on?

- Not exactly, but I heard that people who want to get you found something in the woods. A new type of creature. They are insisting you already knew about them and didn't share your knowledge.

- Fuck.

- So you did?

- Yes. I discovered those rats before anybody else.

He gave me a long look.

- So what are you gonna do now? Zhang Yong is probably upset.

- I'm gonna talk with him. Did you find the craftsman?

- Yes. He wanted 15 crystals for the job. I promised him 30. Then 1 more for tax, and around 10 for materials.

- Good. I have enough in the bag, but Zhang Yong comes first. By the way... Did you check how many points you need to fix your leg?

- Yes. It healed very badly, so the price is high. I need 8 thousand. Why are you asking?

- For now, let's say I was just curious. Let's talk some more after my meeting with Zhang Yong.

- Fine.

And without eating, I got up and approached some Wuxia people. They led me to the same men, who conveyed the message, and they brought me inside one of Wuxia's buildings. It was not that big. Only two storeys. But it was very clean and nice. Wooden doors, and floors. Some simple furniture, clearly done by our own craftsmen. Many people were hanging around and talking, but when I came they became silent. I was led upstairs to a room where Zhang Yong was sitting behind a table. Empty table.

He was a big man, with a serious face.

- So you are Peter... I heard a few things about you.

- That's certainly possible - was my answer.

I gave the room a good look.

- Sit. I have a lot of questions - he pointed to the chair.

I followed the instructions.

- So ask then.

He gave me a look. He probably was counting that I would be afraid of him. He was way bigger than me and probably stronger.

- I know you are familiar with Ignacio, and his little group. Our tax collectors.

- I am.

His English was perfect. I did not expect this from a bodybuilder. Another situation proving you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

- I know there is a bit of a quarrel between you. I also know that he was actively searching for you in the forest those past few days. And during this search, he encountered another type of creature besides two known to us uptil now.

- Rats.

He gave me another look, alongside few seconds of silence.

- So he was right. You knew. Why didn't you share this information then?

- Nobody asked.

He smiled slightly. I could see that he forced himself not to laugh. I could work with that guy - I thought to myself.

- So they were right. You discovered them and hid that information.

There was a long pause after those words. He got up and went to the open window, to look outside. He wanted to scare me. The silence was supposed to let my thoughts run wild.

- Did you fight them? You did, didn't you?

- Yes.

- Good. I heard from people that you are a smart one. You managed to avoid Ignacio pretty well. There was even a rumor that you wanted to use the Wuxia group for your benefit.

- It was not a rumor.

He gave me a strange look. I was unable to read it, so a bit of panic slipped inside my mind.

- Look... They were doing whatever they wanted, and you and The Mariachis were kinda like our government. The problem was you were too busy hunting, and he was a very dire problem of mine. I had to do something. It was just for survival, no ill intent.

He turned back around to face the view outside.

- The fact remains. Anyway... Now you are gonna tell me all you know about them.

After a pause, I let out a short, dry chuckle.

- How about something different?

He turned around. I could see the shadow of anger on his face. The conversation wasn't going the way he wanted.

- I want to make a deal with you. I want you to keep Nacho's people away from me, and I also want the whole Wuxia to keep its distance. Basically, stay out of my business, that's what I want to say.

He yet again turned to face me. There was a smile on his face. He was thinking, that I'm either stupid, or ridiculous.

- You are in no position for such demands, Peter. Do I really have to explain it to you?

- I know my position, and you didn't hear what I have to offer yet.

He gestured with his hand, encouraging me to talk more. His expression was rather mocking. Even though, the mere fact that he was listening to me, was enough proof, that he was really interested.

- I'm offering you a way to earn hundreds, maybe even thousands of crystals each day. Relatively safe. That depends on the execution.

His face changed.

- I could squeeze that information out of you.

- There were a few people that tried to squeeze something out of me here. You can ask them how it went. You will never break me. On top of that, there is no need for you to try. I just want to be left alone by your people. You are the boss here. All you need is to say a word. I believe it's a very fair price.

He turned again, clearly contemplating my words. I kept silent for several minutes, but every single one of them kept me going more and more impatient.

- Look... I have no idea about your position, but I know that The Mariachis are facing some internal conflicts. They will probably split very soon. Juan can't keep all of them at his side, because of differences in the perspective of looking at life. People who will want to break Wuxia will show up too. It's just a matter of time when somebody is gonna try and challenge you. I'm offering a solution for that too. If you bring them a way of earning incredible amounts of crystals, the moment somebody even thinks about challenging you will be postponed. Giving you time to prepare yourself better.

He turned to face me, clearly listening. I had no idea about the state of Wuxia, but the fact he was so interested told me enough. The situation could not be as bad as in The Mariachis case, but there were definitely some troublemakers.

- There is no bigger law here, than strength. You used to be one of the strongest, but because of crystals, it's changing. You need a stronger position. You need time, and you need crystals. I'm offering you both. I believe that you know exactly how to youse those resources.

- Fine. But if I think, even for a moment, that your plan is not going to work. Then you will have all of Wuxia on your back.

- Good. But I'm tired and hungry. Can we talk about it tomorrow?

- Fine. I will get you a room here, and some food. The first thing in the morning we talk, and you better have a very good plan.

There was a clear threat in his words, but I was confident in my plan, so in response, I just smiled.

- Show me where to go then.

He called somebody to lead me to one of the Wuxia's buildings. I got a small room with a single table, chair, and nice bed. There was also a small window, with two guards next to it. The door too had two armed guys glued to it.

I was fed, and then I went to sleep.

Day ended with 3 854 points on my account, 251 goblin crystals in my backpack, and 2642 hidden next to the third gate.