However, when he saw the scene inside the courtyard, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The expected scene of Xu Kuo being beaten to the point of near death did not occur. Instead, Xu Kuo stood there perfectly fine, calm and composed, with not even a speck of clothing disheveled.
On the ground, Wang Ming and his son, their faces bruised and swollen, knelt alongside a group of dejected security guards. Beside them lay an unconscious burly man. Several police officers were handcuffing and arresting people.
Yang Zijie was stunned. He looked at Xu Kuo, then at Sheng Xu and his teammates, his face full of doubt.
Huh? What's going on here?
Could it be that Captain Sheng and his team arrived in time and subdued Wang Ming and his gang?
He breathed a sigh of relief, quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Sheng Xu, and smiled with satisfaction.
"Phew... thank goodness! It's good that young friend Xu Kuo is alright! Captain Sheng, thank you so much this time! Luckily you arrived in time, otherwise young friend Xu Kuo would have been in danger!"
The old man felt a surge of relief.
Upon hearing this, Sheng Xu and several police officers all showed strange expressions.
Sheng Xu coughed twice and waved his hand awkwardly, "Uh... Mr. Yang, you've misunderstood, it wasn't us..."
"Not you?" Yang Zijie was even more confused. "Then it was..."
"Uncle Yang!" Zhang Zhihe wiped his face, pointed to Xu Kuo who was still calm and composed, and his voice was still a little unsteady.
"Look... it was Brother Xu Kuo... he single-handedly... took care of Wang Ming and all the men he brought... they were all... all of them! Wang Ming and his men were so terrified that they knelt down and begged for mercy!"
"What?!" Yang Zijie's eyes widened as he looked at Xu Kuo in disbelief, his mouth agape in shock.
Xu...Xu Kuo alone?!
They beat Wang Ming, a dozen security guards, and that fierce-looking guy with black hair... to the ground?!
How...how is this possible?!
This young man not only possesses unfathomable medical skills, but his martial arts prowess is simply divine!
The look in his eyes as he looked at Xu Kuo instantly changed from admiration to near-reverence and shock!
At this time, the police officers had already handcuffed Wang Ming, Wang Chengxiang, and the other security guards and were escorting them out of the courtyard.
As Wang Ming passed by Xu Kuo, he glared at him fiercely, his eyes filled with such venom that it seemed he wanted to devour Xu Kuo alive.
Sheng Xu walked up to Xu Kuo, his face filled with sincere respect and gratitude, and solemnly shook Xu Kuo's hand.
"Comrade Xu Kuo! Thank you so much this time! You not only saved Comrade Zhang Zhihe and his family, but you also solved a huge problem for our public security system!"
Xu Kuo smiled modestly and withdrew his hand: "Captain Sheng, you flatter me. I just happened to be there. I couldn't just stand by and watch Brother Zhang be bullied."
Sheng Xu nodded vigorously: "No matter what, you've done a great job! Once I get back and organize the materials, I'll report to my superiors and definitely apply for commendation and awards for you!"
Xu Kuo didn't refuse and replied with a smile, "Then thank you very much, Captain Sheng."
Sheng Xu greeted Zhang Zhihe and Yang Zijie again, then led his team, escorting Wang Ming and the others away from the Zhang family courtyard.
The courtyard finally returned to calm, leaving only Xu Kuo, Zhang Zhihe, Yang Zijie, and Zhang's wife, who was still in shock.
Suddenly, "plop!"
Zhang Zhihe suddenly knelt down before Xu Kuo. This weathered man had red eyes and a choked voice.
“Brother Xu Kuo! I can’t thank you enough! If it weren’t for you, I… I would be finished today! You saved my life and my family! From now on, if you ever need me, Zhang Zhihe will go through fire and water without batting an eye!”
"Brother Zhang! What are you doing! Get up!" Xu Kuo was startled and quickly reached out to help Zhang Zhihe up. "We're brothers! Don't be so formal! Get up!"
Zhang Zhihe was helped up by Xu Kuo, still deeply moved. Looking at Xu Kuo, his eyes were filled with gratitude and determination: "Brother Xu Kuo, I know I don't have any great abilities, but you gave me my life! If you need me to do anything in the future, just ask!"
Xu Kuo looked into Zhang Zhihe's sincere and resolute eyes and his heart stirred.
He recalled the improved sweet corn seeds he had received as a system reward, the greenhouse project, and the lack of entertainment options in this era.
Zhang Zhihe had worked in the county's literary and art troupe before, so he was quite worldly and had some organizational skills.
It just so happens that Zhang Zhihe is now unemployed and deeply grateful to him, making it the perfect time to hire him.
Starting an entertainment performance group can not only make money, but also unite people, expand influence, and bring some joy to this impoverished era.
Thinking of this, Xu Kuo patted Zhang Zhihe on the shoulder and smiled gently: "Brother Zhang, I appreciate your kindness. It just so happens that I do have an idea and would like to ask for your help."
Zhang Zhihe immediately straightened his back, his eyes shining: "Brother, just say the word! As long as it's within my power, I won't hesitate!"
Xu Kuo hesitated for a moment, organizing his thoughts.
“Brother Zhang, look at everyone in the village these days, life is tough and there’s not much fun to be had.”
"I'm thinking of starting a... well, like those traveling performers who used to perform on the streets, or like a circus or acrobatic troupe in the city, to put on some novel and interesting performances, so that everyone can have some fun and we can also make some money to improve our lives."
“You used to be in the arts and literature club, you've seen the world, you know what you're doing. I'd like to ask you to take the lead and help me set this up. You can be the… um, the troupe leader, or rather the manager, in charge of operations and management. What do you think?”
After hearing Xu Kuo's suggestion, Zhang Zhihe froze on the spot, his eyes wide open and his mouth slightly agape. It took him a long time to find his voice and stammer out his reply.
"Brother...brother...what did you say? You want me...to be the troupe leader? This...this is unacceptable! I...I'm just a rough man, I can't read many words, how...how could I possibly be in charge!"
"Brother Xu Kuo, are you... are you giving me too much credit? Or are you joking? Asking me to manage an opera troupe? Wouldn't that bankrupt me? I almost lost my own home, how could I possibly manage others?"
Zhang Zhihe shook his head and refused.
"No, no! Brother, this responsibility is too great! I can't handle it! You should find someone else! I can run errands and move things, but being the troupe leader... I really can't do it!"
Xu Kuo patted his arm, his eyes full of encouragement.
“Brother Zhang, don’t underestimate yourself! Who says you can’t do it? You worked at the county’s literary and art troupe, even if it was just doing odd jobs, you must have learned more than others through exposure and experience, right?”
"Besides, in our surrounding area, who doesn't know you, Zhang Zhihe? Who doesn't know you're an honest man? If you go out and shout that you're forming a group, there will definitely be plenty of people who want to join in the fun, learn some skills, or make a living! What do you call that? That's called having a strong grassroots foundation!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
