Chapter 16

Zhang Xianyang grinned shamelessly. "Thank you, Fourth Uncle. From now on, any clothes I make for you will be free."

Gao Yunsheng turned around, reached out to tap Zhang Xianyang on the head, and shook his head. "You brat."

Wang Qi, who was sitting on the sofa and feeling the fabric of his clothes, suddenly asked, "Is the Old Zhang Family trying to go legit now?"

Zhang Xianyang clapped his hands dismissively and said casually, "We Old Zhang Family people were never shady to begin with! Look at me—fair with a rosy glow, one of a kind."

Wang Qi's face darkened, and he blurted out, "You child, how can you speak with so little respect?"

Zhang Xianyang answered carelessly, then shot back with a smile, "Didn't Third Uncle Wang just say that young people these days don't care much for rules? I thought Third Uncle Wang liked people like me."

Wang Qi was displeased at Zhang Xianyang's mockery, but he was wary of the Old Zhang Family's influence. Besides, he had been at fault in this matter from the start, so for the moment, he could not say much.

Lin Jiahe, the fifth elder who had always been known as a peacemaker, interjected with a smile. "We received a call from the boss at noon telling us to come over. Why haven't we seen him yet?"

Zhang Muyang, who had been sitting to one side and had barely spoken, chuckled. "Half an hour ago, Yangyang called Dad. After hanging up, Dad and Second Uncle took a few brothers into the city. They said they were going to have a little chat with someone. I'm sure they'll be back soon."

For some reason, Wang Qi's heart skipped a beat at those words, and he grew somewhat restless.

The other big shots exchanged looks and ultimately decided that it would be best to watch coldly from the sidelines for now.

Everyone sat in the living room for a while longer. It was not until four or five in the afternoon that Zhang Linmo, Zhang Tumo, and the others returned from the city. They had not come back empty-handed, though. Several grown men surrounded a sweet-looking but visibly frightened young woman of around twenty-six or twenty-seven, while Zhang Linmo carried a lively, delicate-looking little boy of five or six into the hall amid laughter and chatter.

The others did not react too strongly at the sight of them, but Wang Qi abruptly rose from the sofa and cried out in surprise, "Minghui, Xiao Jun, why are you here?"

Just as Sun Minghui was about to speak, Zhang Linmo, who was holding the child, said with a smile, "I sent people to bring your daughter-in-law and grandson back from the city. Since you were all going to have dinner at home tonight anyway, I was afraid your people wouldn't make it there in time, so I brought them back directly."

The little boy in Zhang Linmo's arms said excitedly, "Grandpa Zhang took us to the zoo too! We saw big tigers, lions, pythons, and polar bears. It was so much fun! Grandpa Zhang even bought me ice cream."

Still smiling, Zhang Linmo set the boy down and rubbed his head. The boy did not forget to turn back and kiss Zhang Linmo before running over to Wang Qi in a few quick steps. He threw his arms around Wang Qi's leg and laughed loudly. "Grandpa has to play with me too from now on."

Wang Qi instinctively held his grandson close, then looked up at Zhang Linmo.

Zhang Linmo clapped his hands with a grin, leaned close, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Your grandson is adorable, but not as adorable as my son. Tell your brat later to stay away from my son. If he dares harass my son again, I'll chop up his wife and son and throw them into the tiger enclosure to feed the tigers."

"Wang Third, the rules in our Old District are that matters of the underworld are settled within the underworld. You can come after me, no problem, but my youngest son isn't in this business. If you dare lay a finger on him, I'll make your whole family pay with their lives."

"I, Zhang Linmo, always keep my word."

Author's note: After the Zhang Family's third son lost his temper, Dad and Big Brother lost their tempers too~

Getting all prickly really is such an intoxicating trait~

Only after writing it did I realize—

You mess with my son, so I'll mess with yours and all that~~

That feeling is just too amazing, sob sob sob~~

→ →

Thanks to Slow Pig for tossing me a landmine ╭(╯3╰)╮

Chapter 16

Faced with Zhang Linmo's exceptionally firm attitude, the third elder, Wang Qi, who was unwilling to clash head-on with the Old Zhang Family, immediately brought Wang Zhaoyi over early the next morning to offer tea and apologize. Feng Daoxin, Wang Zhaoyi's immediate superior and father-in-law, came with them as well. Wang Qi must have lectured the old man thoroughly, because Wang Zhaoyi, who had been arrogantly overbearing the day before, was now exceptionally obedient. Aside from a fleeting flash of humiliation when he offered tea to Zhang Xianyang and admitted his mistake, he was a model lamb throughout the entire process.

Zhang Xianyang could not be bothered to care about Wang Zhaoyi's feelings. He took the teacup and casually sipped from it. Feng Daoxin, standing beside him, immediately smiled at Zhang Linmo. "The people under me acted without restraint and actually disturbed Boss Zhang's family. I truly feel terrible about it."

Zhang Linmo snorted coldly. "My son may be precious, but he isn't someone just anyone can disturb. Still, constantly being harassed by stray cats and dogs that can't even be brought out in public isn't a good thing either. Keep a close eye on your men from now on. Don't let them do things that violate the rules of the underworld again."

No one knew what Feng Daoxin truly thought, but he kept smiling as he replied, "Please rest assured, Boss Zhang. Something like this will not happen again."

At least, until the Feng Family possessed enough power to stand against the Zhang Family, they would not do anything so foolish as to alert the enemy again.

Zhang Xianyang curled his lips into a faint smile and said to Feng Daoxin, "I recently acquired a garment factory. It happens to be on Uncle Feng's territory. The newly renovated flagship store will hold its opening ceremony at the start of next month, so I hope Uncle Feng can spare the time to attend."

Feng Daoxin laughed heartily. "Of course. Of course."

"However—" Zhang Xianyang changed the subject and looked at Wang Zhaoyi with a smile. "There's one tiny matter. The current manager of my garment factory has some unpleasant history with Brother Wang's brother-in-law. I hope Uncle Feng can mediate between them."

Feng Daoxin looked puzzled and blurted out, "What brother-in-law?"

Feng Daoxin had only ever had one precious daughter, Feng Mianmian, and not even an adopted son. Where would he get a brother-in-law?

Watching Wang Zhaoyi's face suddenly turn deathly pale, Zhang Xianyang smiled leisurely. "I'm not too sure about that. There have only been rumors on the street. They say that man claims to be Brother Wang's brother-in-law and, relying on the fact that his younger sister is deeply favored by Brother Wang, goes around causing trouble and extorting ordinary people. My useless manager was extorted by him before. But I won't dwell on old matters. I only hope things will remain peaceful from now on."

His words practically spelled out that Wang Zhaoyi was keeping a mistress outside and letting her family members throw their weight around under Wang Zhaoyi's protection. Feng Daoxin was so furious he nearly lost his breath. He knew that men in their line of work more or less kept mistresses; he himself had several lovers. But having them himself and knowing that his son-in-law was fooling around behind his daughter's back were two entirely different matters.

Feng Daoxin glared viciously at Wang Zhaoyi and forcibly swallowed his anger without saying a word.

In a good mood, Zhang Xianyang raised his brows, got to his feet, and said, "It's getting late. I'm off to school. See you at the beginning of next month."

National Day on October 1 was a day of celebration for the whole country. To share in the nation's festivity, Zhang Xianyang decided to hold the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony that day as well, hoping for a lucky start.

At exactly eight minutes and eight seconds past eight in the morning, the long, thick strings of red firecrackers hanging at the entrance were lit on time. The deafening crackle filled the air, which quickly became thick with the smell of gunpowder. Every prominent gang leader in the Old District had gathered there. Dressed in a well-tailored black suit, Zhang Xianyang stood at the entrance, constantly exchanging pleasantries with the arriving big shots.

His father and two older brothers stood behind him, helping receive the guests as well.

At Zhang Xianyang's invitation, the big shots who came to show their support had all brought their female relatives. Whether they were middle-aged women in their fifties or sixties or lovely young women in their twenties, the moment they entered the exceptionally luxurious and elegant flagship store, their eyes were immediately drawn to the dazzling array of exquisite clothes hanging inside.

Over the past few months, Zhang Xianyang had used his memories from rebirth to "borrow" the most fashionable designs that major clothing brands would release over the next decade or more. There was menswear and womenswear, clothing accessories, handbags, shoes, hats, scarves, and other small adornments. Everything had been carefully displayed in custom-made counters.

More than a dozen rigorously trained salesgirls, dressed in white shirts and black suits, moved through the crowd with appropriate smiles, introducing the newly released designs to the guests. Zhang Xianyang had even spent a great deal of money to hire designers from abroad who were skilled at coordinating outfits. They stood in the store to offer bewildered customers advice on matching clothes and to personally design their image.

Above them hung a massive crystal chandelier inlaid with artificial diamond chips. Under the bright lights, the clear crystal diamonds refracted brilliant rainbow-colored glimmers. The dreamlike light poured over the store, lending it an atmosphere of breathtaking beauty. The women held up the clothes they fancied before the tall full-length mirrors, clearly imagining how they would look wearing such beautiful outfits.

As for the big shots who cared about maintaining their status, they gathered in twos and threes to chat. Yet they still took every chance to glance at their female relatives. When they saw how dramatically the women's appearances changed after receiving the clothing designers' advice and entering the fitting rooms, the big shots all had the same flash of astonishment in their eyes.

At that point, some bold and observant salesgirls noticed the big shots standing around with nothing to do. After repeatedly psyching themselves up, they cautiously stepped forward and asked, "Our store also has casual wear and suits designed for mature, composed, successful men between thirty and sixty. Would you gentlemen be interested in hearing an introduction?"

The big shots exchanged glances, all somewhat embarrassed. But looking at the salesgirl before them, with her bright watery eyes, hopeful expression, and sweet smile, then remembering the main purpose of their visit, they eventually agreed awkwardly.

Studies showed that women were usually better at selling things to men, especially when a pretty young girl spoke in an extremely admiring tone, saying things like, "You look so handsome in this," "It really brings out your temperament," or "This was practically tailored for you." Faced with such sweet talk that spared no effort in flattery, most—no, all—of the gang leaders generously opened their wallets. They bought anywhere from one to several sets to take home. Even the bodyguards waiting outside could not resist ordering black suits and black sunglasses. Together with all the purchases made by the women...

During a spare moment, Zhang Xianyang went to glance at the register and smiled so broadly that he could not close his mouth.

When no one was paying attention, Zhang Muyang slipped over to Zhang Xianyang's side, patted him on the shoulder, and reminded him, "Don't go crazy from making money. Dad asked me to ask whether you've arranged somewhere for lunch."

Zhang Linmo had asked because he had no choice. He had originally assumed that even if these big shots came to show support, they would only stay briefly before leaving. Who would have thought they would patiently wait for their female relatives to try on clothes for nearly two hours, only to get drawn in themselves? It was already lunchtime. If Zhang Xianyang had not reserved a restaurant, the Old Zhang Family's reputation for being miserly would spread throughout the Old District by tomorrow.

Zhang Xianyang turned around and said, "I did reserve a restaurant, but it was meant for our own gang's celebration—"

"Never mind that. Tell them to add more tables immediately. At noon, invite everyone over for a meal." Zhang Muyang looked back at the people currently in the store and estimated, "We'll need at least another thirty to fifty tables... If necessary, book out the whole restaurant and have them serve only us. We'll cover whatever they lose."

Zhang Xianyang nodded and immediately found Zhang Han, telling him to contact the restaurant and clear it out. He also instructed, "Quietly ask about the food preferences of the leaders from each gang, whether they have any dietary restrictions, and go arrange the banquet tables at the restaurant now."