Two gangs in the underworld were preparing for negotiations. If they reached an agreement, all would be well, but if they failed, a fight could break out, potentially harming innocent bystanders. Chen Jin, though unafraid, didn't want to invite trouble and subtly kicked Zhang Weixiong under the table again.
Understanding the hint, Zhang Weixiong stood up and cupped his hands in respect. "Brother Hui, Brother Zhong, since you have matters to discuss, we'll take our leave first," he said.
However, Zhang Guohui was not about to let Zhang Weixiong and his party leave. Even if He Zhong didn't care about them, the presence of outsiders would make him more cautious. Moreover, Zhang Weixiong was the son of Zhang Jiacong. He Zhong's attitude was evident from his gesture to wait a while instead of rudely telling them to leave. He Zhong, reluctantly, had no choice but to tolerate their presence. He grabbed Zhang Weixiong's arm and forced him to sit down again. "What's the hurry? Don't you want your matter to be handled?"
Initially, He Zhong was annoyed by their presence and happy to see them go, but Zhang Guohui's insistence changed his mind. He wasn't afraid of Zhang Weixiong and his group causing trouble.
One side wanted them to stay, almost threateningly, using Chen Jin's matter as leverage; the other was indifferent. Seeing Zhang Weixiong about to speak, Chen Jin pulled his hand, signaling him not to say more.
Zhang Guohui was pressuring He Zhong uncomfortably. If they did not act wisely, Zhang Guohui might use them to vent his anger and temporarily avoid He Zhong's aggression. Regardless, they couldn't give him an excuse to unleash his fury.
After their recent experience at sea, Zhang Weihao and Zhang Weixiong respected Chen Jin and were willing to listen to his advice. They deliberately sat together, slightly distancing themselves from Zhang Guohui and He Zhong.
He Zhong, noticing their move, glared at Zhang Guohui and pointed at his nose, sneering, "Hui Zi, I suppose you have nothing nonsense to say now!"
Zhang Guohui, still smiling and not daring to show anger, knew the situation well, especially He Zhong's temper. He hesitated, "Brother Zhong, it's not that I want to compete with you in business. The boss insisted on hiring me. I had no choice."
As He Zhong was about to slam the table in anger, Zhang Guohui gestured for calm. "Brother Zhong, we are all trying to make a living. There are eight bars and dance halls on Wan Nei Street alone. I only took over three. Besides, you still have Wan Wai Street..."
Wan Nei and Wan Wai Streets were the most prosperous in Rongshu Bay, frequented by wealthy people and foreigners from Hong Kong Island. Wan Nei Street focused on entertainment, while Wan Wai Street was more commercial. For those in the underworld, Wan Nei Street was crucial. Zhang Guohui's taking over three bars could lead to him eventually taking the whole street.
He Zhong understood the danger of underlings usurping power or territory. Unable to hold back, he slammed the table and pointed rudely at Zhang Guohui. "Hui Zi, is this how you explain yourself?"
Just as the situation was about to escalate, a commotion erupted outside. One of He Zhong's men appeared at the door, informing, "Boss, their people are here."
Zhang Ji was located on the outskirts of Rongshu Village, bordering Rongshu Bay, between He Zhong and Zhang Guohui's territories. This was why He Zhong approached so quickly and without much concern. As long as Zhang Guohui was blocked in the room, He Zhong could handle anything outside.
"Block them," ordered He Zhong. Turning to Zhang Guohui with a sneer, he added, "Hui Zi, seems like you're playing for time. But do you think you can leave this room with that attitude?"
Zhang Guohui, seeing his men arriving, felt emboldened. He thought of a way to escape while saying, "Brother Zhong, we're all trying to earn a living. If you eat meat, I drink soup. That's fair, right?"
The noise outside grew louder, and people were calling for Zhang Guohui. As he was about to respond, He Zhong threw his teacup at him. Zhang Guohui, prepared, blocked it with his hand.
As He Zhong threw the cup, his men rushed in, surrounding Zhang Guohui and his three associates. The room erupted into chaos, with furniture flying everywhere. Soon, the fight turned physical.
Zhang Guohui and his men, unprepared for a fight, were unarmed. In contrast, He Zhong and his men were fully equipped with sticks and even knives. Outnumbered and outarmed, two of Zhang Guohui's men were quickly overpowered and beaten.
As He Zhong attacked, Chen Jin pulled Zhang Weixiong and his brother into a corner. The room, about thirty square meters, was chosen for its prestige, which ironically provided a refuge during the fight. With over a dozen men brawling, the three safely hid away.
Zhang Guohui, in desperation, grabbed Zhang Weixiong and used him as a human shield, calling out to Chen Jin, "Damn it, help me, or we're all doomed."
Chen Jin could have stopped Zhang Guohui but chose not to intervene. Interfering could have led to repercussions from He Zhong, complicating Chen Jin's life and jeopardizing his false identity.
With no other option, Chen Jin grabbed a chair from the corner and blocked a steel rod aimed at Zhang Guohui. The chair's leg broke under the impact, a testament to the strike's force. Chen Jin felt fortunate for his quick reaction.
Chen Jin, blocking the way, forced He Zhong into indiscriminate attacks. Despite the chaos, Chen Jin managed to hold off He Zhong and his men, even repelling those who tried to push through.
He Zhong, realizing the situation, stopped and listened to the escalating fight outside. He pointed his stick at Chen Jin, threatening, "Kid, don't meddle, or you'll regret it."
Chen Jin, though known in Rongshu Village, was unknown to He Zhong, who was unaware of Chen Jin's identity as the stowaway.
Zhang Guohui, exhilarated, saw an opportunity in Chen Jin's fighting skills. He quickly promised, "Ah Jin, help me this time, and I'll sort your matter."
With no retreat, Chen Jin chose to side with Zhang Guohui. "Brother Zhong, we don't want to interfere in your affairs. We're just caught in a bad situation. Can't you settle this another day?"
He Zhong, facing Chen Jin's surprising strength and endurance, realized his mission was failing. Glaring at Chen Jin, he threatened, "You're seeking death. Move aside."
Chen Jin stood his ground. "Brother Zhong, we're not involved. It's just today's circumstances. Can't you talk another time?"