These people, they actually dare to ask for money?
A bunch of vermin living in the sewers of Fengtian City, if it weren't for Miao, he wouldn't even deign to take a glance at them, and now they even dare to stay behind and demand money from him?
Zhou Shen's face was somber, and he didn't speak, just met each person's gaze without any avoidance.
The implication of his stare was, naturally, self-explanatory.
"..."
Seeing this, the people standing in the subway tunnel exchanged glances with each other and remained silent, quietly dispersing in various directions.
Although Zhou Shen didn't speak, his message was clear—the money was obviously not forthcoming.
Since it wasn't coming, they had nothing to say.
Not even daring to speak, Zhou Shen was clearly out of his mind tonight; anyone who touched a bad luck at this time would be courting death.
"Wait."
At this moment—
The Hungry Monkey, who was standing aside, suddenly spoke and stopped everyone, calmly stating, "Let me introduce myself, 'Tomb Guardian' Hungry Monkey, the second-in-command of the Tomb Guardians. What I say should carry some weight."
"I've troubled everyone tonight."
"Due to some special circumstances, we disturbed many people late at night and even accidentally harmed some brothers, causing considerable confusion. Everyone involved tonight, please come with me to Sankui Wasteland."
"Miao will be arriving soon, please be patient for a while longer."
As the words fell,
Yuan Buping was the first to be incredulous, watching Hungry Monkey in shock. He had known Hungry Monkey for quite a while and indeed recognized him as a second-in-command in their hearts.
But Hungry Monkey had never claimed the position himself and had never even mentioned it, always acting as Miao's follower.
Usually cavalier, his sudden seriousness made Yuan Buping feel a sense of unreality, somewhat surreal.
The people around, who were originally ready to disperse, heard his words and exchanged glances once more, hesitated for a moment, and then stopped, ready to follow Hungry Monkey to see how the 'Tomb Guardian' planned to manage the aftermath.
After all, tens of thousands of people were affected tonight.
Several hundred were subjected to punishment alone.
If this isn't handled well, forget about dealing with the Fengtian City Government; they might as well brace for retaliation like a tidal wave.
"Likewise, you don't have the authority to save that over ten million on Miao's behalf."
"I didn't promise these people anything, I just asked them to wait here for Miao to return. I haven't made a choice for Miao, I've simply delayed the timing of the choice a bit, letting Miao choose for himself once he gets back."
"But at least it reduces the time for things to worsen. If we had let them leave just now, the news that the 'Tomb Guardian' refused to honor the bounty would have spread throughout Fengtian City very quickly."
"On the other hand, by dragging it out temporarily, if Miao decides not to fulfill the promise upon returning, then all these people can die right here."
"The negative impact would be much smaller."
"I haven't been with Miao for long, but I know his character; Miao doesn't like anyone bossing him around and he dislikes anyone making decisions for him. Tonight, you've been a bit too wild, you can't make decisions for the 'Tomb Guardian'."
"..."
Zhou Shen, still expressionless, fell silent for a long while before letting out a sigh, "I was presumptuous."
"Tonight was the biggest gamble of my life, and I got a bit carried away, I hope you can understand."
"Understood."
Hungry Monkey nodded and then burst into laughter, "No problem, after this ordeal, I reckon your status in Miao's heart will rise quite a bit, congratulations on your successful all-in."
"Hahaha, I'll take your words as a good omen and hope you'll say some nice things about me to Miao."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shen also laughed heartily in high spirits.
Indeed.
Just as Hungry Monkey said, he had succeeded in his all-in.
Based on the crazy things he did tonight, as long as day broke, it would be the day he faced a firing squad.
But as long as Miao made it back successfully, the skies of Fengtian City would never brighten.
He suddenly remembered the first time he met Miao, back then he would have never imagined this kind-looking man reaching this point, and he was even more surprised that one day he would be so crazy as to gamble the lives of his entire family.
It made him, now in his middle years, feel the heat of youthful blood once again.
This gamble, where failure meant death, was truly thrilling.
Luckily, he won.
...
"It seems like a win, doesn't it?"
In a standalone villa in Fengtian City's downtown, a middle-aged man with a refined appearance sat in the study, casually flipping through a paper book. He lifted his coffee for a sip and glanced at the clock on the wall within the room.