Chapter 223 - 192: Overthrow the Local Tyrant and Divide the Land

Chapter 223: Chapter 192: Overthrow the Local Tyrant and Divide the Land

"Did you guys catch the local Hai City news?"

"Saw it, saw it. You all saw it too, right?"

"Right? That Old Sun really knows how to keep a secret! He’s been back for two or three hours, seen so many of us, and didn’t let a single word slip."

"We can’t let him off that easily! He’s eating the meat, so he should at least treat us to some of the broth, right?"

"I already asked. The meat dishes are thirty to forty yuan a pound—too expensive, so forget that. But the vegetarian dishes at that braised shop are only five a pound. We have to make Old Sun buy eight or ten pounds for us to try!"

"Agreed!"

"I’m in!"

"Let’s go! Time to shake down the landlord and divide the spoils!"

Old Xia didn’t understand what they were talking about, but seeing everyone get up and file into the long apartment building, he hurried to follow. He tagged along with the group right up to Old Sun’s front door.

"Old Sun! Hey, Old Sun! You in there?"

"Who is it?"

"It’s me, Su!"

"What is it? You need me for something?" Old Sun’s voice grew louder as he approached. With a CLICK, the rusty iron door swung open. The moment he saw the massive crowd gathered at his entrance, a sense of dread washed over him. But someone already had a hand on the door; it was too late to shut it now.

"We saw you on the news today, you old sly dog! Ten thousand yuan prize money! You hid that one pretty well!"

Hearing that, Old Xia suddenly recalled the piece of gossip everyone had been discussing that afternoon. A place called Xu’s Braised Shop had its grand opening today, and the first-place prize—ten thousand yuan—had been claimed. Everyone had heard the news but didn’t know who the lucky winner was, so they’d just gossiped about it for a bit before the group broke up.

’Who would’ve thought? It was that old fox, Old Sun! I can’t let him off the hook so easily! Time to shake down the landlord and divide the spoils! If he doesn’t buy us eight or ten pounds of braised meats to try tomorrow, we’ll show him what’s... what’s...’

’Oh, whatever. I wouldn’t turn my nose up at five or six pounds, either.’

Old Sun was instantly engulfed by the sea of people. He held his bankbook high, the bold characters spelling out "Ten Thousand Yuan" on its page exceptionally conspicuous.

「In Zhang Dezhen’s rented room.」

"Hey, honey, how’s our kid doing? Is he behaving? And how’s Mom? Is her health any better?"

"That’s good, that’s good. I have some great news to tell you. Guess what it is!"

"Come on, just guess! Take a guess!"

"Heh heh, can’t guess, can you? Alright, I’ll tell you. It’s good news, but prepare yourself. Don’t be too shocked!"

"The braised shop opened today! We sold five hundred pounds of food in a single day, for a total revenue of over ten thousand. I calculated it out, and I’ll get a hundred and fifty yuan from that! Add that to my wages from my other two jobs, and I might just make around ten thousand in September! Heh heh!"

"It’s not hard work at all. You’re the one with the tough job—doing housework, raising our kid, and taking care of Mom. That’s way harder than what I do! Once I’ve saved up some money in a few months, I’ll bring you all over. Our whole family can live a good life here in Hai City."

"Your brother? Oh, he said he found some work and moved out. I asked him a few times, but he wouldn’t say where. He’s old enough now, we can’t control him that much. Just let him do his thing."

"Okay, okay, I know. I’ll stick with the boss and work hard. I have to! It’s rare to find a boss this generous."

"Mhm, okay. You should get some rest, honey. I’m going to wash up and get to bed myself. I have to cook another five hundred pounds of braised food tomorrow morning, so I need to sleep early and save my energy."

"Bye-bye, bye-bye!"

After ending the call with his wife, Zhang Dezhen walked back into his room from the balcony, feeling incredibly happy. He looked up and saw his door standing wide open, with a clear view of the hallway beyond. Zhang Dezhen stepped outside and peered up and down the stairwell but saw no one. Puzzled, he walked back inside and securely closed and locked the door.

’I remember closing the door when I came in, though. Did I not latch it properly? Was it blown open by the wind?’