Just after 7 p.m., Zhang Jianhao, Li Qiming, Zhang Weiguo, and six other young men with unfamiliar faces rushed into the store.

"elder brother!"

"Brother Dog, can we...can we also go on an adventure with you?"

One of the stronger men, with a dark complexion, spoke hesitantly.

"Yeah, Brother Dog, we can endure hardship and aren't afraid of getting dirty or tired!"

The others chimed in, their eyes filled with longing.

Zhang Cheng sat by the stove, holding an enamel mug, his gaze sweeping over them one by one, finally settling on Zhang Zhongming's face.

"Following me is not like struggling for a living in the village. Things in the county are complicated and convoluted. Have you really thought this through?"

Zhang Zhongming puffed out his chest.

"Brother, wherever you point, we'll go, no hesitation!"

"become."

Zhang Cheng put down the jar.

"Since we've come this far, let's be clear from the start: once we get to the county, you'll be under orders. Anyone who dares to act on their own will face my wrath."

"Come with me to the county town first thing tomorrow morning."

The six new faces immediately beamed with joy.

Zhang Jianhao frowned.

"Brother, are we just going to let things go like this in Jiaxing? Let's grab our weapons and go over there to catch them off guard!"

Zhang Cheng glanced at him, as if looking at an inexperienced young boy.

"A surprise attack? You think this is a brawl? These days, having a strong fist is a good thing for doing business, but you can't get anywhere with just a strong fist."

"So what does bro mean?"

Zhang Jianhao was somewhat unwilling.

"That pool in Jiaxing is quite deep."

A meaningful smile appeared on Zhang Cheng's lips.

"First, we need to figure out how many fish are inside, which one can be won over, which one can't be tamed, and which one... we have to kill directly."

"Let's scout ahead first. If we've been courteous enough, and they still don't appreciate our hospitality, then we can always unleash our weapons."

He knew perfectly well that it was impossible for someone to dare to set up a toll booth so blatantly at the national highway entrance without someone backing them up.

These days, the line between right and wrong is very blurred.

The group chatted for a while longer, and it was almost eight o'clock when Zhang Cheng finally sent them back to rest early.

After closing the store, Zhang Cheng boiled water, washed himself quickly, and went into the bedroom.

Shi Yangyang's head was sticking out of the blanket, her big eyes staring at him without blinking.

Zhang Cheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart, took off his cotton-padded coat, crawled into the quilt, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her firmly.

Perhaps knowing that he would be going out again tomorrow, Shi Yangyang responded with extra enthusiasm.

Finally, panting, she pressed her forehead against his, her voice soft yet firm:

“I will not only wait for you, but I will also take good care of the house. You can go ahead and do your thing.”

Zhang Cheng felt comforted and gave her a deep kiss on the forehead.

Just as dawn was breaking, there was a knock on the door.

Zhang Cheng tucked the blanket around Shi Yangyang, who had also been woken up.

"Honey, stay home and wait for me to come back."

"Okay! Be careful out there!"

Shi Yangyang nodded emphatically.

"rest assured."

Zhang Cheng put on his cotton-padded coat and trousers, walked out of the bedroom, and opened the door of the consignment store.

"elder brother!"

"Brother Dog!"

Nine spirited people stood at the door.

Zhang Cheng smiled.

"You've already eaten breakfast?"

"I've eaten! Brother Gou, the pancakes my mom made smell delicious, have some!"

Zhang Zhongming grinned and pulled out two still-warm white bread cakes from his pocket.

Zhang Cheng didn't stand on ceremony, took the food and started eating it, while locking the shop door behind him.

"Alright, let's go to the county town."

The group of ten, chatting and laughing, left the village as dawn broke.

More than four hours later, South Street was in sight.

"Brother, look ahead! Our shop is right ahead!"

Zhang Jianhao pointed to a row of shops in the distance that were clanging and rattling, his voice rising eight octaves.

Zhang Cheng looked up and saw that the five shops had been connected, making them look much more impressive.

Before he even got close, Li Yuanyuan, who was sitting on the stone steps outside the shop, dressed in dusty clothes but still with a slender figure, spotted Zhang Cheng first. Her pretty face instantly lit up with joy, and she quickly got up and hurried over to greet him.

"Zhang Cheng!"

"good."

Zhang Cheng looked around at the store, which was beginning to take shape, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Er Gouzi!"

Covered in dust and looking like a mud monkey, Zhang Da Tou popped out of the shop, grinning foolishly.

"Zhang Cheng, look at this storefront! I went all out and hired a master craftsman from the provincial capital to design it!"

Li Yuanyuan walked up to Zhang Cheng, chin raised, looking quite smug.

"I plan to open a store specializing in women's clothing first, and then expand to men's clothing, children's clothing, shoes, hats... we'll take care of everything that's worn on the body!"

Zhang Cheng admired this kind of courage.

After exchanging a few words with Li Yuanyuan and asking her to arrange lunch for Li Qiming and the others, Zhang Cheng hopped on the women's bicycle and headed straight for the police station.

A dozen minutes later, at the entrance of the police station.

Upon seeing Zhang Cheng, the on-duty police officer immediately stood up with a smile.

"Brother Zhang, are you looking for the station chief?"

"Yes, is Brother Zhao here?"

"He's in the office, Brother Zhang, you can go up there yourself!"

"OK!"

Zhang Cheng went up to the second floor with familiarity and, through the office window, saw Zhao Daming looking down and flipping through a newspaper, so he knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

Zhao Daming didn't even look up.

When the door opened, Zhao Daming saw that it was Zhang Cheng, and his face immediately lit up with a smile.

"Brother Zhang, what brings you here!"

"I just need your help with something, bro!"

"Oh? What's up?"

Zhao Daming gestured for Zhang Cheng to sit down and poured him a cup of hot water.

Zhang Cheng sat down without beating around the bush.

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