"A hacker? And a skilled one at that?"
Black Three's words left his subordinates puzzled.
"This guy is running an online black market operation," Black Three said, his guess becoming more certain. "When you have skills like his, it's a different game. He can make money easily from home, not like us, grinding away running gambling dens, bars, and collecting protection fees."
"Alfred, tomorrow night, get into his yard and take a closer look. Confirm if he's really running an online black market operation. If he is, we'll nab him. This guy could be a goldmine."
If they could control this guy and make him work for them, it would be a great asset.
"If he resists? Beat him up. Break his legs if necessary. He doesn't need legs to operate a computer. There are plenty of ways to make him comply."
Alfred immediately agreed. Another subordinate hesitated, "Boss, this guy seems close with Shawn. Shawn has connections with the Blood Brotherhood. We…"
The the Blood Brotherhood were a major gang from across the Bridge hole area, with hundreds of members, not someone Black Three could afford to mess with.
Black Three's eyelid twitched. "This guy dared to run a black market operation on our turf without paying respects. We have every right to act. the Blood Brotherhood are from out of town. We don't interfere with Shawn's business, but if he wants to cause trouble, we're not afraid of him."
"Yeah, let's do it! I heard online black market operations are very profitable, making a million a year is nothing!"
Hearing the figure of a million dollars, the subordinates got excited. One of them shouted, "Boss, why don't we act now and grab him directly?"
Black Three's eyelid twitched again, and he cursed, "Idiot! Wait until Alfred confirms it tomorrow. If we make a mistake, not only do we miss out on the black market, but we also unnecessarily provoke Shawn. Are you crazy?"
The night passed quietly. The next day, John studied until evening. After eating at Aunt wang's food stall, he made a stop at Butcher Shawn's place.
"Shawn, I'm going to the Regal Bar tonight."
Butcher Shawn slammed his cleaver into the chopping block, "Black Three?"
"Yes," John nodded. "His men are watching me. He'll be at the Regal Bar this afternoon. I'm going to have a chat with him."
"What leverage do you have?"
"I have my ways," John smiled. "I'm just letting you know, in case something goes wrong. If I'm not out in an hour, I'll need you to come to my rescue."
Shawn stared at John for a long time, but John didn't offer any more information. Finally, Shawn just waved his hand, "Go ahead."
With Shawn's backing, John felt more at ease. Regardless, the issue with Black Three had to be resolved once and for all. His plans for growth couldn't be disrupted.
John returned home, checked his phone, robots, drone remote, and the drone itself, ensuring everything was in order. He then tucked a dagger into his waist sheath and headed out to the Regal Bar.
The Regal Bar was one of Black Three's establishments. Every evening, whether there was trouble or not, he and his cronies would hang out there, making their presence known to prevent any disturbances.
Standing at the bar's entrance, John took a deep breath, ignoring the dim, flickering neon signs, and walked in. The heat and noise inside hit him like a wave.
The bar was filled with flashing lights, deafening music, and the sounds of people shouting. On the central stage, two scantily clad women were dancing provocatively.
John scanned the room and quickly spotted Black Three in a corner booth, drinking and shouting with his companions. Several women were draped over them, laughing and flirting.
John didn't order a drink. Instead, he pushed through the crowd and went straight to the control panel, switching off the neon lights and music and turning on the main lights.
Instantly, the bar was bathed in bright light, and the noise ceased. People looked around in confusion.
"Hey!"
Black Three cursed and stood up. "Who turned off the music?"
"I did."
John's voice was calm but carried throughout the bar.
Several of the bar's bouncers swore and moved to apprehend John. But he calmly drew his dagger from his waist. Facing the bouncers, who looked ferocious as they charged at him, he shouted, "I'm here to talk to Black Three. Who the hell do you think you are? Get lost!"
Years of surviving in the rough market district, never seeking trouble but never backing down either, gave John a formidable presence.
"Huh?"
John's aura made the bouncers hesitate. Even as he walked past them, they didn't dare make a move.
Who is this guy? Why is he so bold? What's going on?
Black Three's expression shifted as he studied John. A man John vaguely recognized as someone called Tiger stood up and yelled, "You think you can just call out Black Three's name? Who do you think you are?"
John calmly walked over, sheathed his dagger but kept his hand on the hilt, and quickly scanned the group. His heart skipped a beat. "Why is Joe here too? Damn, this complicates things."
Beside Black Three sat a pale man with dark circles under his eyes, looking worn out from indulgence. One hand rested on the thigh of a nearby woman.
Joe was the sheriff of this part of the market district, an official figure.
In these times, despite the chaos and rampant gangs, the official authorities were still not to be trifled with. The Itans and the Earth Government might choose not to intervene often, but they had the power to do so if necessary.
Challenging the official authorities would invite the Earth Guard, who could easily crush a major gang without breaking a sweat. They wouldn't even need the Itans to step in.
John had considered every detail before coming here, but he hadn't expected Joe to be present.
"I've heard rumors that Black Three's crew is Joe's enforcers. Looks like it's true. But what do I do now?"
Faced with this unexpected complication, John's mind raced.
No matter what, things had progressed too far to back down. If he left now or showed weakness, he probably wouldn't make it out of the bar alive.
Making up his mind, John spoke with a slight smile, "You guys have been watching me, haven't you? What, don't you recognize me?"
"John, you're John!"
The thin man from the previous day suddenly shouted, "Boss, he's the one running the black market operation!"
Black Three paused, then a smile spread across his face. "So, it's John. A pleasure to meet you."