Chapter 28

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Lin Wanrong went straight to a restaurant and sat down. After a while, Old Dong returned with Dong Qiaoqiao, but Dong Qingshan did not accompany them. Old Dong grumbled, "I don't know where that boy Qingshan has run off to; let's not bother about him."

During the meal, Dong Rende exaggeratedly recounted how Lin Wanrong had swindled the restaurant from the previous owner. Dong Qiaoqiao covered her mouth, giggling incessantly. Ever since the embarrassing incident the previous night, Lin Wanrong's immunity toward Dong Qiaoqiao had significantly decreased. Seeing her covering her mouth with a delicate laugh, he couldn't help but find her enchanting and charming. He sighed deeply, thinking she was lethally bewitching.

Of the five thousand taels of silver, only two thousand remained, which was to be used for renovations and hiring additional staff and equipment. It was quite tight. But the father and daughter of the Dong family, who had full trust in Lin Wanrong's abilities, were not worried at all. Listening to Dong Rende list out his plans, Lin Wanrong slapped his forehead and said, "Big brother, do you think I'm a bank?"

Dong Qiaoqiao giggled charmingly, her red lips reminding Lin Wanrong of the intoxicating touch from last night, causing a certain reaction in his lower body.

After the meal, the father and daughter of the Dong family went their separate ways according to their predetermined tasks. Having enjoyed a few too many drinks with Dong Rende at noon, Lin Wanrong stumbled down the street, feeling somewhat dizzy. Remembering that he had to "start work" in the afternoon, he staggered forward.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure disappearing into a small alley. Wasn't that Qingshan? Sneaking around, what was he up to? Lin Wanrong stealthily followed.

Inside a dilapidated courtyard, more than a dozen young people had gathered. The oldest were in their twenties, while the youngest were only thirteen or fourteen. They sat or stood, their faces revealing a mix of worry and excitement.

Dong Qingshan, wearing a short coat and bare-armed, distributed iron rods and wooden sticks to everyone, saying, "Brothers, wait for my command. When I shout 'attack,' we all charge and beat the hell out of those bastards."

The young men chattered nervously, fearful yet expectant. Dong Qingshan silenced their discussions, saying, "Don't be afraid. Think about it; once we win this fight, Li Ergou's territory will be ours. With Li Ergou's territory, we can consolidate our strength, recruit more followers, and expand our influence to dominate the southern part of the city. In the future, we will continue to grow, not only controlling the south but also the north and the center of the city. Jinling City will be under our control. We will collect protection fees along Xuanwu Lake, Confucius Temple, and even the flower boats on the Qinhuai River. We can have our way with the women on the flower boats, and grope the courtesans of Lichun Brothel as we please. We'll rob their silver, their women, and leave them with nothing."

The young men laughed heartily, their eyes filled with greedy desire, resembling unevolved beasts.

Eavesdropping outside the door, Lin Wanrong was also dumbfounded. Dong Qingshan was incredibly crude. But, he thought, I like it! These twenty or so children, dressed in rags, were obviously from poor families, and some of them were even beggars. They seemed fearless and if they were truly brought together, they would undoubtedly form a force to be reckoned with.

Their numbers were still too small, but they had purpose, energy, determination, and ruthlessness. They were the typical four-pronged new breed, and their potential should not be underestimated. The underworld was already taking shape, and as long as they seized opportunities, their growth was imminent.

Dong Qingshan was feeling proud of his speech when someone suddenly patted him on the back.

"Get lost, I'm busy," Dong Qingshan said without looking back.

"Qingshan—" a familiar voice sounded from behind.

Dong Qingshan turned around and, to his delight, exclaimed, "Big brother, what brings you here?"

Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded, "I was wandering around the neighborhood and saw you. Are these your followers?"

Dong Qingshan bashfully nodded, turned to his subordinates, and said, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and greet the boss."

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"Boss—" the twenty-some youngsters shouted in unison.

Lin Wanrong broke out in cold sweat, wondering when he had become the leader of these young hoodlums.

Unperturbed, Dong Qingshan was thrilled to see Lin Wanrong and grabbed his arm, "Boss, you're just in time to witness our battle against Li Ergou."

"Li Ergou?" Lin Wanrong was unfamiliar with the name. A chubby young man with a round, white face and a beaming smile standing next to Dong Qingshan immediately explained, "He's the notorious Li Ergou who rules over the southern district of the city. He has twenty or thirty followers and is known for his wickedness. We've arranged a fight with him outside the city today. Whoever wins will take control of the southern territory."

Oh, so the battle was happening so soon? Lin Wanrong's forehead broke out in sweat. He had just incited Dong Qingshan to engage in organized crime the previous day, and now a gang had already been formed.

The chubby young man continued, "Boss, I've heard Qingshan praise you for your wisdom, valor, and extraordinary courage. We believe that under your leadership, we will soon achieve dominance and rule the underworld for generations."

Lin Wanrong didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the fact that he had inadvertently become the boss of these young hoodlums. However, it was his own doing that had led Dong Qingshan to this point, so he had no one to blame but himself.

After some conversation, Lin Wanrong learned that the chubby young man's name was Li Beidou, and he was the best fighter aside from Dong Qingshan. Lin Wanrong had heard his name mentioned a few times before.

Although Lin Wanrong, as a smart man, would never have engaged in a fight with another gang so soon after forming his own, Dong Qingshan was different. Young, passionate, and fueled by the latest theoretical guidance, he was a fiery force ready to ignite wherever he went.

Lin Wanrong sighed, acknowledging that the hasty battle was unavoidable. It was the gang's first fight, and they couldn't afford to lose. He carefully observed Dong Qingshan's followers; despite their ragged, malnourished appearances, their eyes were sharp, clearly indicating they were experienced fighters who wouldn't be easily defeated. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat reassured. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ N0vᴇlFire(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

The agreed-upon time between Dong Qingshan and Li Er Gou was approaching. Although Lin Wanrong had instigated Dong Qingshan, when he thought of Dong Qiaoqiao's worries, he also had some concerns that Dong Qingshan might be too reckless. So he followed him out of the city.

To the south of the city was a large open area with lush crops and dense forests. It was a great place for gangs to fight and for people to be killed and silenced.

Dong Qingshan had already observed the nearby terrain and led his older and younger brothers to move into a patch of plant forest, moving with cat-like grace.

This forest was very large in area, with about twenty people hidden inside and not feeling crowded at all.

These plants were like trees but not quite, with a height of about half a person. The leaves had already begun to wither, and a faint familiar fragrance could be detected on the leaf veins, which invigorated Lin Wanrong's spirit.

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