TL: Etude
"Before dinner, I'll be back to take you to earn some money."
Chen Jianghai knew what he was worried about and also knew what he needed most, so he addressed it directly.
Sure enough, hearing that it was about earning money, Zhao Changgui didn't hesitate for a second.
"Yuxi, stay at home and read your books well, I'll cook for you when I get back."
Zhao Changgui's gaze rested on Zhao Yuxi, his tone exceedingly gentle.
Zhao Yuxi glanced at Chen Jianghai, then obediently nodded, "Brother, I understand."
Taking a coat, Zhao Changgui followed Chen Jianghai out.
Chen Jianghai walked ahead while Zhao Changgui silently followed behind, without uttering a word.
"Why don't you ask what it is we're going to do?"
After walking for a while, Chen Jianghai deliberately slowed down to walk alongside Zhao Changgui.
Zhao Changgui muttered, "I'll know when we get there."
Chen Jianghai let out a slight smile; this guy's personality was still the same as in his previous life.
"Here, take this."
Chen Jianghai pulled out a fifty-dollar bill and handed it to Zhao Changgui.
Seeing the money in Chen Jianghai's hand, Zhao Changgui frowned and turned to leave.
Chen Jianghai quickly stopped him.
He knew Zhao Changgui had misunderstood him, and said, "This money isn't for nothing; I really need your help with something."
Hearing Chen Jianghai put it that way, Zhao Changgui finally paused, though he still didn't take the money.
"That's too much."
Zhao Changgui finally squeezed out these words.
Chen Jianghai was somewhat bemused; he had actually found someone who thought the money was too much.
But recalling Zhao Changgui's past behavior, he understood.
That's just how straightforward he was.
"Some thugs want to give me trouble; I still don't know who's behind them, so I wanted to ask for your help," Chen Jianghai revealed straightforwardly.
Hearing it was this matter, Zhao Changgui took the money without hesitation, and declared heartily, "Done! I'll take care of it for you."
If it had been anything else, Zhao Changgui wouldn't have guaranteed success.
But when it came to a fight, he truly had never been afraid of anyone.
Not to mention a bunch of thugs, he felt no pressure at all.
It was precisely for this reason that Chen Jianghai sought out Zhao Changgui first and didn't need to explain much.
Before long, the two arrived near a warehouse.
"Find a spot to squat down. I'll go check things out first; if they start anything, then you come out," Chen Jianghai instructed.
Zhao Changgui didn't say a word, just nodded and walked away.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Jianghai strode toward the front of the warehouse.
Seeing Chen Jianghai approaching, all eyes from the group landed on him.
However, they didn't rush to take action but simply surrounded him.
Chen Jianghai naturally understood their intent; they were afraid he'd run away.
Opening the door, Chen Jianghai stepped in and immediately someone followed right behind him.
The remaining two stood guard at the door, like two sentinels.
Chen Jianghai wasn't panicking at all inside; he was also curious about what these people were really up to.
After all, this was the county town; these people, no matter how bold, had to be cautious.
The person who followed Chen Jianghai inside looked to be in his twenties, with a crew cut and a smile on his face as he watched Chen Jianghai.
"Is there a problem?"
Chen Jianghai asked calmly.
The visitor was somewhat surprised because Chen Jianghai was too composed.
"Heh heh, my name is Scarface. The brothers on the street respect me, they call me Brother Scarface."
This was the self-introduction of the other party.
Chen Jianghai almost wanted to laugh upon hearing this; did this guy watch too many Hong Kong films?
"Brother Scarface, what business do you have with me?" Chen Jianghai followed up with a question.
Brother Scarface took a couple of steps inside the warehouse before saying, "I heard you deal in scrap electronics. I just so happen to have a batch on my hands. I'm wondering if you're interested?"
Now it was Chen Jianghai's turn to be surprised.
Was this guy here... to talk business?
"As long as they meet the requirements, naturally, I'm interested."
Chen Jianghai responded very straightforwardly.
Brother Scarface waved his hand, "That's settled then. I have a dozen TVs and more than twenty radios. How much will you offer?"
Chen Jianghai was about to speak when Brother Scarface raised his hand to stop him.
He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Chen Jianghai, "I've already asked around for the price, you better not try to cheat me."
Chen Jianghai did not speak this time; he just looked at Brother Scarface with a smile.
Seeing that Brother Scarface didn't continue speaking, Chen Jianghai then said, "Brother Scarface, for the specific price, I need to see the goods first."
Brother Scarface glanced at Chen Jianghai, speaking fiercely, "What? You don't trust me?"
This tactic was often used by Brother Scarface and never failed.
Would ordinary businessmen be scared into compliance, ready to be manipulated at his whim?
It was just unfortunate for him that the trick, which always worked, failed with Chen Jianghai.
"Brother Scarface, in business, we value trust. If your goods don't measure up and I agree now, you'd be unhappy if I were to go back on my word, right?" Chen Jianghai replied in an unhurried tone.
Upon hearing Chen Jianghai speak like this, Brother Scarface cracked a smile, "In the end, are you saying you don't trust the reputation of me, Brother Scarface?"
"I'm not part of the underworld; I've never heard of your name, nor do I trust your reputation."
Chen Jianghai met Brother Scarface's gaze and spoke indifferently.
Hearing this, Brother Scarface's brow furrowed, and he seemed on the verge of making trouble.
But seeing that Chen Jianghai remained calm through it all, he couldn't help but feel doubtful.
Was this young man just bold, or did he have some support to rely on?
"Brother Scarface, if you want to do business, you can bring over the goods for me to see. If you're just talking, then I won't see you out," Chen Jianghai continued.
Brother Scarface looked at Chen Jianghai skeptically, growing more suspicious.
He really wanted to see what Chen Jianghai's confidence was based on to talk to him like this!
"So what you're saying is, you want to refuse the toast only to drink a forfeit?" Brother Scarface insinuated.
Chen Jianghai wasn't the least bit intimidated by Brother Scarface's threat.
"I run a business by the rules; no one can break them."
Chen Jianghai spoke with a cold voice.
Brother Scarface let out a cold laugh, his gaze fierce as he looked towards Chen Jianghai, "Oh, are you trying to scare me?"
"Not at all."
Chen Jianghai replied calmly, "I'm merely stating the facts."
"Alright, then I want to see how capable you really are."
After saying this, Brother Scarface gestured to the outside with a wave of his hand.
Quickly, the two men at the door walked in, looking at Chen Jianghai with ill intent.
Brother Scarface found a stool to sit down and said to them, "Go, close the door, and let's have a good talk with this boss."
Hearing Brother Scarface's order, one of them turned to close the door.
But just as the door was about to be shut, there was a loud bang—the door was kicked open.