Zhang Tianxing was at the cannery, inventorying the warehouse. The output from the past few days had filled him with confidence.
Once this batch of goods was sold, and the tinplate machines were bought, he could finally step back. He would then be able to sell canned goods directly to foreign markets.
The trash in the domestic market was not even on the same level as him.
This food safety inspection had come at the perfect time. Zhang Tianxing had been wondering how to promote his canned products.
He never expected there to be such enthusiastic individuals. Old Master Luo had once said that in the current canning industry, various preservatives and industrial flavorings were added.
This was to make the canned goods more delicious and to allow them to be stored for longer periods in open environments.
All of this came at a cost, containing substances like benzene, which had long-term effects on health.
However, Old Master Luo had said, "Who eats canned goods as staple food nowadays? It's only eaten occasionally; it won't kill anyone. Other canneries all operate this way; it has become an industry norm."
Hearing this, Zhang Tianxing found it almost unbelievable. Were people's moral bottom lines so easily crossed in the pursuit of lower costs?
He particularly remembered one thing Old Master Luo had said: "In the past, a cannery didn't add industrial flavorings and preservatives. Later, their canned goods spoiled, and the taste was a bit off. That fruit canning factory went bankrupt because of it. From then on, it was just a question of how much was added, not whether there were zero additives."
However, Zhang Tianxing's approach had convinced Old Master Luo. Zhang Tianxing had achieved zero additives, and the fruit tasted surprisingly good.
If the taste was truly this good, why would there be a need for industrial flavorings? Natural flavors were the most delicious.
Just then, Gao Tianming ran over, panting.
He gasped, "Tianxing, something terrible has happened! Someone is causing trouble at the barbecue shop. One person is occupying one table, not ordering any food, and just drinking their own alcohol."
He then collapsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted from cycling so fast. His legs felt like they didn't belong to him anymore.
Zhang Tianxing's expression darkened. Someone was causing trouble again. It seemed these scumbags had learned nothing.
He decided he needed to teach them a lesson this time. If the King of Hell doesn't get angry, do you think the underworld is just for show?
The truck carrying the grain was also there. Zhang Tianxing jumped onto it and said to the driver, Xiao Li,
"Drive, directly to Zhang Ji Lobster and Barbecue."
Old Master Luo and the other masters followed. "Boss Zhang, what's happened? We'll go help."
Seeing the masters' eagerness, Zhang Tianxing shook his head. "Masters, you stay here and continue production. I'll be back soon. Be careful they don't lash out and cause trouble at the cannery."
Only then did Old Master Luo and the others give up their idea of going with Zhang Tianxing.
...
At Zhang Ji Lobster and Barbecue shop, the scene was bizarre. One person per table, no one was making noise, they were all quietly drinking their own alcohol.
When Zhang Tianxing walked in, the ruffians were startled. The main player had arrived.
The ruffians knew about Zhang Tianxing's combat prowess. To be honest, they would be useless if they went up against him. Zhang Tianxing wasn't alone.
If a fight broke out, they definitely wouldn't be a match for Zhang Tianxing.
However, they had a plan. They were afraid Zhang Tianxing wouldn't make a move; if he did, they would make him lose everything.
This was an open conspiracy: they would arrange for people to occupy tables, order the cheapest dish, and then drag things out. Let's see who could outlast whom.
This was a society governed by law now. No one cared about fighting anymore. If you hit me, I'll have the authorities handle it.
Zhang Tianxing didn't say a word and sat down at a table. The burly man glanced at Zhang Tianxing. Alcohol emboldened the cowardly.
He slurred, "Who are you? This table is mine tonight..."
Before he could finish, Zhang Tianxing grabbed the wine bottle and stared coldly at the burly man.
Under Zhang Tianxing's gaze, the burly man's words grew softer and softer. The "cake" his boss had promised was a distant dream, but Zhang Tianxing was sitting right beside him.
He could clearly see the bulging veins on Zhang Tianxing's hand, all of which displayed explosive power. At this moment, all he wanted to ask Zhang Tianxing was: 'Out of the more than twenty people here, why did you choose to sit at my table alone? Do you think I'm easy to bully?'
But his lips moved, and seeing Zhang Tianxing's indifferent gaze, he couldn't speak for a long time.
"My surname is Zhang, my name is Zhang Tianxing. Remember my name. The Zhang from bow and long, the Tian Xing that means 'as the heavens move, so too should a gentleman constantly strive for self-improvement'," Zhang Tianxing said coldly.
The burly man said with feigned bravery, "Don't try to scare me. I'm not easily intimidated. I know you're very capable, but there are so many people here. You have to consider the consequences if you hit me."
A person from the crowd chimed in, "President of the Lobster Association, is it? Does having a name make you special? Can't we poor people come to your shop to eat?"
"Exactly. We're just a group of poor folks with no money, so we can only order a piece of mantou. President Zhang, we're here to support you."
"Yes, those with money support with money, those without support with their presence."
"Right, you can't look down on us poor folks just because you have money."
Hearing this, Zhu Dayong was furious. These morally bankrupt scoundrels! He was determined to make them pay. Zhu Dayong grabbed a stool and was about to charge out.
The crowd burst into laughter. "Come on, hit my head. If you don't, you're my grandson."
"You still want to fight? Let him try."
Zhang Tianxing stopped Zhu Dayong. These scumbags were trying to suppress him with words, how ridiculous.
When you talk about morality with a hooligan, they'll talk about force.
When your force far surpasses theirs, they'll talk about morality again.
What kind of people were these? A bunch of people who only knew how to mouth off. Fine, this guy shouting the loudest, this clear-headed and eloquent fellow. He seems to have potential. I'll cultivate you first.
Zhang Tianxing walked up to the loudest burly man and asked in a cold voice,
"I'll ask you one question: are you leaving, or will you get lost and never come back next time!"
"Hmph!" The burly man, emboldened, put on a dismissive attitude. Zhang Tianxing couldn't do anything to him. He had so many brothers here.
But you've come to the wrong place. Zhang Tianxing placed his left hand on the burly man's right hand. The burly man felt his wrist was locked like it was in iron chains, utterly unable to move.
Zhang Tianxing then picked up a chopstick with his right hand and stabbed it towards the burly man's hand.
"Ah!!"
A earth-shattering scream rang out. The chopstick trembled on the table, nearly piercing the hand completely.
"Damn! My hand slipped. Let's try again!!"
The burly man was so scared he wet his pants. "Master Zhang, I was wrong. I'll leave immediately. I'll get lost as far as possible next time."