Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Unwise Arrive

Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Unwise Arrive

In the rented apartment, Song Nianqiang and the big fellow had made all their preparations. The fat man had drawn a large number of talismans, while Song Nianqiang had mastered another Maoshan Daoist technique. Though not especially powerful yet, it was enough to deal with ordinary spirits.

It was Saturday and school was out; most students had returned home. Still, a handful of those passionate about their studies, or living too far away, had stayed. The fat man confided in Song Nianqiang that he was in love.

When Song Nianqiang heard this, he laughed for an entire day. He couldn't help himself whenever he recalled the fat man's expression as he declared his newfound romance. What a joke! Song Nianqiang wagered the girl in question must be of similar build to the fat man himself.

The girl attended a vocational high school, and the girls there were known for their unruliness. At first, Song Nianqiang advised the fat man to be careful, lest something unexpected occur and end badly. The fat man patted his chest and swore he'd be cautious, but seeing his lovestruck look, Song Nianqiang knew he was a lost cause.

No wonder, these past days, Song Nianqiang kept spotting the fat man furtively texting away. Now it all made sense. If the girl was genuine, Song Nianqiang sincerely wished the fat man well. He suggested the fat man invite her out, and since it was the weekend, they could all meet.

They decided to meet at the entrance of the largest hotel in the county—Yiyuan Grand Hotel. Having already exchanged photos, the fat man recognized the girl at once.

She wore a snow-white dress and light yellow heels, her hair tied in a ponytail, a pure smile on her face. At first glance, her looks were impressive, no less than Jiang Ningzhi’s. No wonder the fat man, normally indifferent to girls, had changed his tune—he’d encountered a true beauty. Her name was Qi Lingke.

Ever since they’d entered this line of work, the fat man had maintained an air of nonchalance, but only he knew the hardships in his heart. Their profession was fraught with danger; death could come at any time. Finding a gentle refuge to relax in every now and then was not a bad idea.

After meeting, the girl greeted both Song Nianqiang and the fat man, and introduced a younger friend who had come along. The four of them entered the hotel. It wasn’t yet dinnertime, and none of them were very hungry, so they just ordered some fruit and cold drinks, not spending much.

Afterwards, the fat man suggested a stroll through town. Having spent so much time together, Song Nianqiang understood exactly what the fat man was up to. He quickly found an excuse to send the girl’s friend off, and, not wanting to play third wheel, left with her.

Once the two were out of sight, Song Nianqiang claimed he had something to do at home and took his leave. After all, it was their first meeting and he had nothing to say to her. Better to part ways than linger in awkward silence.

Back at his apartment, Song Nianqiang burst out laughing—genuine happiness for his friend. The fat man, rarely in love, had found someone attractive. Song Nianqiang truly hoped it would work out and that the fat man wouldn’t be played for a fool.

With nothing to do, Song Nianqiang wandered to the school. It was already night. Entering his classroom, he found several students still studying intently. These top students were shocked to see Song Nianqiang at school on a Saturday.

Bored, Song Nianqiang lounged in the classroom for a while, when a group of youths began wandering from class to class, finally arriving at his. Their hair was dyed in garish colors. Song Nianqiang frowned, recognizing them as third years. In truth, they barely attended class at all, spending less time at school than he did—typical delinquents.

Clap, clap, clap!

The leader rapped the podium with the chalkboard eraser, swept his gaze over the class, and announced, “Five yuan apiece for protection money! Fork it over, I don’t want any trouble!” He gestured to the three others to go collect. The students remaining in the classroom were all top of the class. They preferred to pay rather than get entangled with these thugs.

So the students obediently handed over their money; those without borrowed five yuan from others. At least these gangsters had some principles—they only asked for five. If you gave them a large bill, they’d even make change. Watching the lackeys rummage for change, Song Nianqiang snorted in derision.

“What are you laughing at, kid?” The leader saw Song Nianqiang sitting idly, making no move to pay. He picked up a broken mop and strode over. “You guys are dedicated, huh? How come I don’t know you if you’re in the business?” Song Nianqiang lowered his head, clicking his tongue mockingly.

“Screw you! You’re pretty cocky! Where are you from?” The leader didn’t act rashly but probed first; after all, messing with the wrong person could be disastrous. “I’m not in your business,” Song Nianqiang replied. “Did I ever say I was? Is something wrong with your head?” He widened his eyes theatrically at the red-haired thug, his pupils swirling.

“Damn you!” Enraged by Song Nianqiang’s retort, the leader—whose boss was well-known in this part of town—was used to extorting students and harassing younger girls. He hadn’t expected anyone to talk back. He swung his stick at Song Nianqiang’s head.

Crack!

A crisp sound rang out. Lowering his arm, Song Nianqiang blew disdainfully at the spot struck. “Next time, bring an iron one. What’s the use of a wooden stick?” He stood, picked up the stool he’d been sitting on, weighed it in his hand, nodded, and swung it forcefully at the leader.

The leader, still reeling from shock—the stick may have been flimsy, but it should have hurt—was snapped back to reality by his underling’s shout. But it was already too late.

Thud! Crash!

Song Nianqiang hadn’t even used much force, but the stool held up—good quality indeed. Unfortunately for the leader, he was knocked out cold, sprawling on the floor like a pile of mud.

“Hey! Still alive?” Song Nianqiang nudged the unconscious redhead with his foot.

“Mao Ning! Shut the door!” Song Nianqiang called to a quick-witted boy at the doorway. Hearing him, Mao Ning hurried over, closed the door, and locked it from the inside.

Grinning, Song Nianqiang strode toward the three green-haired punks.

“Big brother, we didn’t know any better! Please, let us go!” One of them bowed repeatedly as they all backed away, abandoning their bag of money on a desk. Compared to their lives, a little cash was nothing.

“Oh, come on! Don’t say that! But could you stop backing away?” Song Nianqiang mimicked their posture, bowing as he advanced. The three punks dared not stop—standing still would surely mean a beating. But would moving spare them?

With a sudden lunge, Song Nianqiang grabbed one by the collar. “Didn’t I tell you not to back away? Didn’t you hear me?” He yanked the boy’s ear hard.

“Aaah!” The delinquent howled in pain.

“Quit shouting!” Song Nianqiang barked, dissatisfied.

There was nothing for it—the boy gritted his teeth, tears streaming, until Song Nianqiang finally let go.

“Are you even a man? What are you crying for?” With a kick, he sent the punk sprawling, clutching his stomach and writhing on the floor.

It was said Song Nianqiang could fight, but today his classmates saw it firsthand—this was no ordinary brawler. These punks were in decent shape, yet with a single kick, Song Nianqiang had one squirming on the floor like a maggot, sending chills down everyone’s spine.