John was well aware that despite the chaotic state of the world and the numerous gangs, everything remained under the control of the Itans and Earth Government.
No matter how many gangs existed, the most they could manage were small skirmishes with light firearms. Large-scale gun battles involving hundreds or thousands of people were almost unheard of. If such an event occurred, the Earth Security Forces would quickly suppress it, making the perpetrators disappear.
In this interstellar era, gang fights still predominantly involved melee weapons like machetes and steel pipes.
In this context, John understood that to protect himself, he needed to train a dedicated group of enforcers. They would practice hand-to-hand combat, melee weapons, and select a few elite members for firearms training, combining cold and hot weapons for maximum effectiveness. Thus, having a martial arts school and a collective dormitory for centralized living and training was necessary.
John knew that using melee weapons and a few light firearms, no matter how intense, wouldn't attract the wrath of the Itans or the Earth Security Forces. If he dared to acquire heavy weaponry, he'd be dead by the next day.
Avoiding red lines was the first rule for surviving and growing in this chaotic world.
As for the "armed drone" John had used before, it was somewhat sensitive and in a gray area. However, John wasn't worried it would bring trouble.
Experts in the Earth Security Forces could easily tell it was a fake, not worth their time to deal with.
This fact would eventually be revealed, but that was a future concern. For now, John needed the deterrence it provided.
Back in his courtyard, John contemplated what businesses to establish in the empty shops.
Currently, his gaming service business didn't generate enough money to require laundering. Once he moved to the Renaissance Base and expanded, the increased revenue would necessitate money laundering.
Otherwise, people would become suspicious, wondering how he made so much money so mysteriously. Legitimate businesses making lots of money wouldn't attract the same scrutiny.
John pondered this for a long time but couldn't decide. By noon, feeling hungry, he headed back to Aunt Wang's food stall.
"Aunt Wang! A large bowl of noodles, with meat and an egg!"
"John! Have a seat, it'll be ready soon!"
Aunt Wang's cooking was average, but John had gotten used to it.
Glancing towards Aunt Wang's area, John saw Uncle Wang but not Simon. He only saw the pot with braised chicken heads and butts, which piqued his curiosity. "Where's Simon?"
"He went to buy a big pot. Oh, here he comes."
John turned and saw Simon struggling with a large pot. Seeing John, Simon quickly greeted him, "Good day, Boss John."
"Hello, hello. Simon, what's with the big pot?"
John was curious.
Simon smiled sheepishly. "I've recently partnered with other food stalls to supply them. The old pot was too small, couldn't keep up. This new one will speed things up. Plus, buying in bulk saves money, so I can lower prices."
"Lower prices?"
"Yes, I plan to drop from five cents to four cents each."
"How much will you give to the food stall owners?"
"Still one cent each. I'll keep three."
"Sales were good at five cents. Why lower the price?"
Simon scratched his head and smiled bashfully. "This business has no technical barriers. Anyone can do it. By lowering the price, I create a price barrier, making it hard for others to compete."
John smacked his forehead, suddenly enlightened.
Simon now had a scale advantage, buying cheaper in bulk and still making a profit at lower prices. Others, with smaller orders and higher costs, would lose money if they tried to match his prices.
This was killing competition in its cradle.
John glanced at Simon's makeshift shack still next to Aunt Wang's stall.
"With the money you're making, why not find a better place to live? Still in a shack?"
"Sleep is sleep, wherever it is. Business comes first."
John looked at him with renewed respect. "Simon, with your smarts, how did you end up in such a state?"
"Heh, heh."
Simon chuckled awkwardly. "Made some enemies. Lucky to be alive."
"Stop selling chicken heads and butts."
John's sudden remark made Simon's face change.
"No matter how big you make it, it's still small money. I think you're smart. Join me. I have some shops needing management. I'll give you a share of the profits."
Perfect timing. Those shops were in need of a purpose, and Simon seemed a good fit to manage them.
Simon's expression was complex.
Thinking he had offended John, he never expected such an opportunity.
Who didn't know about the thousand-square-meter factory Boss John had built in no time? Investing hundreds of thousands without batting an eye.
Boss John had resources and strong backing. Especially now, his business thrived on the stability John provided. Without it, any small-time thug could ruin him.
Following Boss John was the way to a promising future.
"Well, well…"
Simon, excited and nervous, wrung his hands, his face flushed. "I just worry I might mess things up for you…"
"No worries. Just manage it. I have about 500 square meters. Plan what businesses to set up."
"Okay, okay, I'll get on it."
Simon dashed off, forgetting about the large pot.
Other diners, including Aunt Wang and Uncle Wang, were envious.
John quickly finished his noodles, paid, and casually told Aunt Wang, "Aunt Wang, you and Uncle Wang should come work for me. I'll pay you $6,000 a month, plus year-end bonuses."
Aunt Wang's stall barely made $6,000 a month, and they had to handle everything themselves. No bonuses. A stable $6,000 a month was a dream come true.
Aunt Wang excitedly wiped her hands on her apron. "Uncle Wang and I only know cooking. What could we do there?"
"Cooking, of course."
"Oh, that's fine, that's fine. We know cooking."
"Tell Simon to save you a shop space."
With that settled, John headed to Butcher Shawn's meat shop.
Butcher Shawn grumbled, "Now you're Boss John, and you still remember me?"
John laughed. "I could never forget you. How about moving your meat shop to my place? And maybe… becoming an instructor?"