Chapter Nineteen: Bragging Without Fear of Tripping Over One’s Own Tongue

Du Yu raised an eyebrow, sensing that these troublemakers might have some backing after all.

The gang leader sneered as soon as he saw the three standing at the doorway. “Who’s the boss around here? Come out and say something!”

“I’m the manager here. What do you want?” Du Yu’s tone was icy, his sharp gaze piercing the gang leader as if trying to see through him.

The gang leader shifted uncomfortably under Du Yu’s stare, then, embarrassed and angry, retorted, “What do I want? I’m here to collect protection money! This area’s under the wing of Wang Erye. If this guy doesn’t pay up, I’ll teach him a little lesson and smash up some of your stuff. Fair enough, right?”

Du Yu looked at Wang Xiaowei, whose clothes were slashed in several places. After confirming the injuries were minor, he coldly addressed the gang leader.

“This shop is new. You damaged our property. You’ll have to pay for it.”

Du Yu’s voice was so cold it seemed almost tangible, causing the gang leader to feel a chill.

But Zhao Sanye had told Wang Erye that Wang Xiaowei was just a naive kid from the countryside—what kind of background could he possibly have?

“Pay? Ha! What a joke. I’ve been a thug for so long, who have I ever paid? Now, you—are you gonna pay your protection fee or not?”

Du Yu was about to reply when Old Shi interrupted him.

“Heh heh, Xiaoyu, let me handle this one. Just watch.”

Old Shi spoke calmly and deliberately.

“Alright, Old Shi.”

Though angry inside, Du Yu heeded Old Shi’s advice.

Old Shi picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Where the hell did you pop up from again, Old Man? You stick two scallions up your nose and think you’re an elephant? Hilarious! Just so you know, the district captain in charge here, Captain Shen, is sworn brothers with our Wang Erye! Even if you call the cops, it won’t do you any good!”

The gang leader was smug.

“Arrogant fool! Even if Wang Xiaozhu showed up, he wouldn’t dare talk to me like that!”

Old Shi snorted coldly.

“B-Brother, that old man looks familiar. Maybe he really knows some big shots!”

One of the underlings stammered to the gang leader.

“He’s just a battered old dude. Who could he possibly know? Just knowing Wang Erye’s name doesn’t make someone important. And even if he knows people, can they be bigger than Wang Erye? Is there anyone in this area who scares Wang Erye? Today, you’ll see how they beg on their knees!”

This was a task assigned by Zhao Sanye to Wang Erye, and as Wang Erye’s trusted subordinate, he was determined to show off.

Hence, his arrogance.

“Big talk—hope you don’t bite your own tongue,” Du Yu sneered.

At that moment, several cars pulled up in front of the shop. The gang members rushed forward to greet them.

It was Captain Shen’s car!

“This is Captain Shen! These guys are causing trouble for us!”

The gang leader spun a fabricated tale, twisting the protection fee collection into a story where Wang Xiaowei was the instigator.

Captain Shen looked around, only finding Old Shi somewhat familiar but didn’t think much of it.

Wang Xiaowei stiffened his neck, flames burning in his eyes.

“So, you expect my brother to take on six of you alone? Are you stupid or is my brother? Twisting the facts, humph!”

“What do you plan to do about this?” Captain Shen ignored Du Yu’s words, instead looking down on the three and presuming the situation.

“Captain Shen, huh? Big shot, aren’t you? Judging without evidence—truly a model servant of the people!”

Du Yu’s sarcasm was unrestrained.

About to lose his temper at this mocking kid, Captain Shen’s attention was diverted by the sound of a police car approaching.

Noticing the familiar license plate, the captain’s eyes flickered with unease.

“Heh heh heh, quite the show here. Old Shi called me over to see the fun. Let’s see what’s going on.”

A sprightly elderly man arrived, flanked by two middle-aged men.

“Director Li… what brings you here?”

Captain Shen looked flustered.

“Xiao Shen, why aren’t you in uniform during work hours? What do you think you’re doing?”

The elder’s gaze was stern and piercing.

The onlookers gasped—someone important had arrived!

That old man beside the youngster had just summoned a figure Captain Shen feared. Truly unfathomable! Captain Shen was usually quite imposing.

“I heard my old friend’s nephew opened a seafood shop here. Now someone’s trying to collect protection money?”

The elder spoke each word deliberately, his calm tone commanding respect and silence.

“Who the hell are you, old man...”

One thug charged forward to shove Director Li.

“You blind idiot, get out of the way!”

One of the gang leader’s underlings was about to intervene but was swiftly slapped back by the gang leader.

Cold sweat dripped down the gang leader’s forehead. Others might not realize it, but he knew full well—the man before them was Director Li, the district chief and Captain Shen’s direct superior. He understood this was a rock-hard obstacle. Even Wang Erye would have to show respect.

He couldn’t fathom how a countryside kid could have any connection to Director Li.

“Heh heh heh, you guys are Wang Xiaozhu’s men?”

The elder said bluntly.

“Y-yes... but Director Li, this isn’t really my fault. My reckless underling provoked them. They went looking for trouble themselves. It’s got nothing to do with me…”

The gang leader’s face drained of color.

“Arrest them all! Before you leave, make sure they pay for the damages! And you, Shen Gang, write me a report. The organization will discuss this matter!”

Director Li waved dismissively, no time for nonsense—when it came to enforcement, he was all business.

The crowd at the door stirred once more. The elder was truly formidable!

“I recognize him! That’s Director Li, the district chief! This boss can really call in some heavy hitters!”

“No one’s going to dare mess with this shop anymore…”

Shen Gang, thoroughly cowed, slunk away.

The shop returned to calm.

The crowd dispersed gradually.

“Heh heh heh, Old Li, you’re the same as ever—unchanged! Come, let me introduce you. This young man is the Du Yu I told you about. Xiaoyu, this is your Grandpa Li!”

Du Yu understood Old Shi was hinting for Director Li to offer assistance.

“Hello, Director Li, I’m Du Yu. Thank you for your help today. Please accept this small token of my gratitude.”

Du Yu immediately took a large yellow croaker from the warehouse’s cooler and handed it to Director Li.

Startled, Director Li tried to refuse, but Old Shi smiled warmly, urging him to accept it.

“Du Yu is a remarkable young man—smart and capable.”

Director Li nodded in understanding.

After brief pleasantries, Director Li and his officers left the shop.

Du Yu and Wang Xiaowei’s group cleaned up the mess inside.

“Xiaoyu, you did great today—reasonable, calm, and smart. You didn’t rush in recklessly! Here’s Director Li’s phone number. If you have any trouble, you can reach out to Old Li.”

Old Shi praised warmly.

“Of course, you can also go to Xiaoyue!”

Old Shi’s words carried a hint of meaning.

Du Yu was a bit puzzled.

The group wasn’t fazed by the small incident.

The efficient Ma Yue had already arranged for the van to be driven back to the shop, saving Du Yu the trip home.

After bidding Ma Yue farewell, Du Yu drove the van with Wang Xiaowei to drop off Old Shi at his home. Afterwards, the two returned to the village to rest.

Compared to today’s ordeal, the upcoming launch of the Lucky Value Mall and the shop’s grand opening were the real highlights.

Tomorrow’s opening would mark a brand-new beginning for Du Yu.