"The Li family is merely a foreign merchant, yet they can mobilize so much influence in our province. Hmph."
Zhu Changgui narrowed his eyes dangerously. "We just had dealings with that Gu fellow, and then this Li character spreads news about wanting to import steel. Coincidentally, Baiqiang Steel Plant wants to sell steel. What a well-played move, calculating for me to jump right into it."
"This..." Er Lai was stunned by Zhu Changgui's words, then cursed, "Brother Gui, what do we do now?"
"What do we do? That Gu fellow is definitely in the city right now. Order my men to find him. Anyone who dares to provoke me will have no return!"
Gu Xingdong, whom the two were speaking of, was currently in a private room at a restaurant, chatting with several of his comrades.
"Old Gu, you still have the most pull. One call and this kid came over. I asked him to help me several times before, but he refused no matter what," Xu Zhisheng said, pouring wine for himself and everyone else. "Nobody fights me for this meal today. We rarely get together, so I must play the host."
Wang Kuo raised his wine glass to everyone and took a sip. "Old Xu, yours is a state-owned enterprise. What could I do if I went there? It's better to just stay put in my hometown and farm."
After his injury-related discharge, he truly found it difficult to adjust. Although the old leader had taken good care of him, a new recruit, when he was in the army, he naturally couldn't cause trouble for him after retirement.
"This time, I'm truly grateful for your help, Brother Xu and Old Jiang. Thank you," Gu Xingdong picked up his wine glass and toasted Xu Zhisheng and Jiang Licun across the table before taking a sip.
Jiang Licun: "That's why they say the army is strong. Even though we served in different places, we are still comrades. Come, let's all have a drink together."
The clinking of glasses and the occasional laughter soon filled the private room.
"By the way, Old Gu, that money from Zhu Changgui?" As the wine flowed, Xu Zhisheng finally remembered an important matter he hadn't asked about.
Gu Xingdong smiled. "Without your strong support, Brother Xu, I couldn't have pulled off this scheme. Consider it a token of my gratitude."
Xu Zhisheng's mouth slightly parted. A thank-you gift of 180,000 yuan? This was too precious.
"This won't do, I..."
Gu Xingdong patted his shoulder. "Brother, just accept it with peace of mind. I'm only taking back what I'm rightfully owed. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare ask for your help next time."
Xu Zhisheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "No wonder that kid Wang Kuo insisted on you coming. You are indeed not simple."
Jiang Licun: "Old Gu, you need to be more careful with Zhu Changgui. If you push him too hard, I fear he might resort to desperate measures."
Gu Xingdong raised an eyebrow. "Hearing you say that, does he have some capabilities?"
"Years ago, he was just a good-for-nothing hoodlum, but he had a heavy hand. He severely injured someone in a fight and spent two years inside. I heard he met someone named Peng Ge or Peng Ge in there, and later he was involved in human trafficking. Because we couldn't find evidence, it was just hearsay, but he knows many brothers in the underworld."
"You all know that the public security has been poor these past two years, and even more brazen attacks on police have occurred. Later, somehow he transformed, got rich, and openly opened a factory. I heard a wealthy relative from the capital helped him. In any case, it's wise to be careful."
"Alright, thank you for the reminder, Old Jiang," Gu Xingdong nodded. "If he doesn't make a move, then so be it. But if he really can't help himself, I'll send him to stay with you guys for a while."
Jiang Licun was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Xu Zhisheng: "Come, come, let's have another drink. It's rare to have this opportunity. You guys have no idea how tough it is for married men. My wife constantly nags me about everything. Just because my blood pressure is a bit high, she has to be as nervous as possible. I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."
Although Xu Zhisheng complained verbally, there was no hint of impatience on his face. It was evident that he was quite pleased with his wife's management.
Jiang Licun: "Brother, what you said is so true. I didn't feel it before, but after getting married and taking a wife, I realized how many flaws I have. I snore when I sleep, my voice is too loud, and not washing my hair for three days is unhygienic. I remember back in the army, when we had missions, we'd be rolling in mud for ten or half a month, and no one disliked each other."
Xu Zhisheng laughed heartily. "How can that be the same? Back then, you were with stinky guys, but now you have a delicate wife."
Thinking of Chen Lishu, Gu Xingdong's eyes and brows were unconsciously tinged with warmth, and he chuckled. "I agree with Brother Xu. Who asked them to give birth to children for us and take care of the elders? Naturally, they are the ones in charge."
"Hahaha, it looks like Old Gu is also henpecked."
Wang Kuo looked at everyone laughing heartily and subconsciously pursed his lips, but there was little laughter in his downcast eyes.
After the meal, everyone had drunk quite heartily.
The driver from Xu Zhisheng's factory saw the three of them come out and slowly drove the car over. Xu Zhisheng pulled open the car door. "Need a ride?"
Gu Xingdong: "It's not far. We'll walk back and it'll help sober us up. You go ahead, brother."
Jiang Licun agreed. "Yes, we're not far from home. It's getting late, you should head back."
Wang Kuo twitched the corner of his mouth. "I'll visit you again next time I'm free."
"Okay, then I'll be going." Xu Zhisheng patted his shoulder, turned, and got into the car. Soon, the car gradually disappeared from their sight.
"Let's go." Gu Xingdong slung an arm around Wang Kuo's shoulders, and the three walked off in another direction.
The night was deep, and the silvery moonlight cast long, thin shadows of the three. It was already nine or ten o'clock. The houses on both sides of the street had long since turned off their lights and gone to sleep. Occasionally, a few dog barks echoed from distant courtyards, making the surroundings exceptionally quiet.
"The guesthouse is just past the alley entrance up ahead. Old Jiang, you should hurry back too. It's dark, be careful riding your bike."
"Alright, let me know if anything comes up." Hearing Gu Xingdong's words, Jiang Licun nodded, mounted his bicycle, and rode off ahead.
"Your home isn't far from here, right? When this is over, you should go back and see them on your way."
Wang Kuo's home was in the county town below. His child had just turned a month old, about the same age as his own two little ones. Seeing his seemingly preoccupied state today, he probably missed his wife and children.
As soon as he finished speaking, the two turned the corner of the alley. Suddenly, a cold glint flashed from the opposite side, followed by a dark figure rushing towards them.
Gu Xingdong reacted with incredible speed. While pushing Wang Kuo away, he quickly dodged to the side. The silver blade grazed his sleeve as it fell.