He was determined to defeat Zhang Liunian and avenge his third brother.
No matter what means he used.
Zhu Laosi's fists became more vicious, each strike aimed at taking Zhang Liunian's life.
Zhang Liunian naturally sensed his intent, but he wasn't foolish enough to let Zhu Laosi have his way.
The two exchanged several more blows. Just as Zhang Liunian was about to send Zhu Laosi flying with a punch, Zhu Laosi produced a razor blade from somewhere and lunged directly at Zhang Liunian's neck.
Zhang Liunian's sharp eyes spotted the blade, and his heart jolted. He didn't dare to be careless, grabbing Zhu Laosi's hand and twisting it, successfully redirecting the blade to Zhu Laosi's chest.
The blade cut deeply, and blood gushed out.
Zhu Laosi recoiled in pain, his heart filled with terror. He had almost died at Zhang Liunian's hands. It was a close call, a truly close call.
A moment later, Zhu Laosi regained some semblance of his senses. He knew that he couldn't avenge his third brother alone.
If that was the case, he would have to bring his brothers along.
"Attack!" Although Zhu Laosi wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, his resolve to kill the enemy was immense. Realizing he couldn't take down Zhang Liunian by himself, he knew he needed help and didn't try to tough it out. He directly ordered his subordinates, and although it seemed like a loss of face, it was nothing compared to failing to kill Zhang Liunian.
"Charge!"
The subordinates of the Hulong Gang had been watching the fight for a while. From their initial anticipation of their boss's victory to their repeated dashed hopes, they were numb. Now, finally hearing their boss's command, they were all extremely excited.
Shouting "Charge!" they rushed towards Zhang Liunian.
Zhang Liunian saw the swarm of people charging at him and drew his iron rod, swinging it. At first, he took them down one by one, then two by two, and after a while, it became several at a time.
It wasn't that Zhang Liunian's combat power had weakened, but because he had been fighting for too long and was getting tired.
Fighting a hundred people was not something anyone could endure. If Zhang Liunian hadn't fought with Zhu Laosi for so long, he might not have shown signs of fatigue so quickly.
"He's almost done for. Keep it up, everyone."
Zhu Laosi was ecstatic when he saw the situation. With a wave of his hand, he took a tranquilizer gun from one of his subordinates and aimed it at Zhang Liunian.
Zhang Liunian was currently surrounded, with no time to pay attention to Zhu Laosi. Therefore, he didn't even realize Zhu Laosi had fired the tranquilizer gun until it hit him.
Only when he couldn't withstand the drug's effects and his vision went black as he collapsed on the ground did he hear Zhu Laosi's triumphant voice.
"You killed my third brother and expect to live well? Impossible. I've already let you live a few extra days, so you can't complain." Zhu Laosi walked up to Zhang Liunian and stepped on his face.
Zhang Liunian tried to open his eyes, but the drug had taken effect, and he couldn't.
Fortunately, at that moment, someone burst in and shouted, "Everyone freeze! We are the police."
Hearing this, Zhang Liunian peacefully passed out.
When he woke up again, he saw Xiao Zhou and Uncle Yi by his bedside.
Seeing his eyes open, Xiao Zhou immediately came over with concern, "Boss, are you alright?"
Zhang Liunian blinked, then looked around. He realized he was in a hospital ward in a health clinic, and his mind began to function again. He immediately remembered what had happened before he fainted and hurriedly asked, "Where are Zhu Laosi and the others?"
"They've all been taken in for questioning. You can rest assured they won't be out for a while," Xiao Zhou replied with a smile.
Zhang Liunian breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, "That's good."
Without Zhu Laosi, he and the department store could have a peaceful end to the year.
"Boss, are you feeling unwell anywhere? Should I call a doctor?" Xiao Zhou knew that the tranquilizer Zhang Liunian had taken would have no lasting effects once he woke up, but he still asked.
Zhang Liunian waved his hand, "No need. Since Zhu Laosi is in custody, I can start planning for Chinese New Year. Go and handle my discharge procedures."
With only two days left until Chinese New Year, he hadn't dealt with the matters in Nancheng and still needed to make time to go back.
"Okay," Xiao Zhou got up and left.
As soon as he left, Uncle Yi stepped forward to report his findings.
"Boss, we've discovered that the Hulong Gang is a drug trafficking ring. Their headquarters has a large stockpile of heroin, and they've also set up many selling points. Here is some evidence we've gathered." Uncle Yi handed a stack of papers to Zhang Liunian.
Hearing this, Zhang Liunian immediately sat up and began to review the documents. They contained not only transaction data but also transaction photos, providing ample evidence.
"Well done. With this evidence, Zhu Laosi can only dream of getting out." Zhang Liunian was overjoyed and planned to take this evidence to the police station immediately.
To be safe, he prepared a backup copy to send as well.
The police officers received the evidence and stated they would investigate thoroughly. However, after Zhang Liunian and his group left, they turned around and destroyed the evidence.
This police officer was the "Number 2" mentioned by Zhu Laosi and his men, and he naturally helped his own people.
Zhang Liunian was unaware of these developments. He returned to the department store feeling relaxed.
The department store was once again crowded and bustling.
Not only were the pickles selling out daily, but other items were also selling briskly. The goods Zhang Liunian had brought in last time had been completely sold out, and this was already his third shipment.
"Yes, the sooner the better. Please ship them out quickly." Supervisor Gu finished his last ordering call and turned to see his boss returning.
Supervisor Gu immediately handed the financial report to Zhang Liunian and briefed him on the day's business and revenue.
"Another million plus today. All the goods are sold out. I've asked them to deliver more," Supervisor Gu proactively reported the numbers, seeing Zhang Liunian's silence.
Zhang Liunian nodded. Since the pickles entered the department store, in less than half a month, he had earned over ten million yuan. Combined with his personal savings, he now had a total of fifty million yuan.
It would be a shame not to do anything with such a large sum of money. It seemed that after the New Year, he would have to find opportunities to pursue other ventures to accumulate wealth.
Right, the factory in Pengcheng could also be built. He could set up a pickled vegetable wholesale business there, which would be another stream of income.
And then there was Hong Kong. Hong Kong was experiencing a rise in the entertainment industry at this time, and many Heavenly Kings and Queens were about to emerge. Perhaps he could get involved in that.
These ideas flashed through his mind, but he didn't make any firm decisions. Everything would have to wait until after the New Year.
"Chinese New Year is approaching, and I apologize for the extra work, everyone. We will have holidays on Chinese New Year's Day. Those who volunteer to work on the second day of the Lunar New Year will receive triple pay for the day. Coming to work is voluntary, and regular operations will resume on the Lantern Festival..."
Zhang Liunian began to outline the work arrangements for Chinese New Year. Supervisor Gu listened attentively, and when he heard that those who worked on the second day of the Lunar New Year until the Lantern Festival would receive triple pay for the day, his eyes lit up.
He had been wondering whether to take a break, but hearing this salary package, why would he rest? One day's pay was equivalent to three days' pay from before. Rest what? Make money, he had to make money.