Chapter 94

When he said this, Mu Shulan’s face instantly turned red, and she ran into her room, letting go of her hand. Zhao Zhentang and He Cuihua had long regarded the girl as their own daughter-in-law. They were already living together, and it made them even more certain of this fact. They didn’t mind speaking plainly about it. Moreover, seeing Mu Shulan’s reaction, the girl herself didn’t seem to mind such teasing. Zhao Jin was somewhat at a loss, saying helplessly, "Mother, we are still young. Isn’t it too early to talk about this?"

"It’s not early at all. Old Zhou’s eldest son from the police station is the same age as you, and he’s about to have a grandson," He Cuihua said with a look of longing. Zhao Jin was unprepared for this topic. He fobbed her off with a few words, picked up his spear, and left the house. As he stepped out of the courtyard, he was about to shoulder the spear when he noticed something was off. Upon closer inspection, he saw faint bloodstains on the spear tip. However, because he had been thrusting at the wooden target for a long time in the morning, much of the blood had been worn away.

Zhao Jin’s heart trembled. He quickly wiped the stains clean with the corner of his clothes. This detail made him even more puzzled about his father’s attitude that morning. However, Zhao Jin wasn’t too worried. After all, they were father and son. Even if everything was known, what could be done?

He left the house earlier than usual today. When he arrived at the street, he found Wang Zhaojing, Chen Yi, and a group of friends waiting at the door, with Chen Er’gou standing on the other side.

"Brother Zhao..." "Big Brother..." Everyone greeted him warmly.

Chen Er’gou walked a few steps closer, bowed respectfully, and said politely, "Greetings, Young Master Jin. What do you need me for?"

This attitude was much more humble than the previous day. If it were yesterday, Zhao Jin would have been more courteous, but now he simply nodded and said calmly, "Don’t talk outside. Let’s go into the courtyard!"

Chen Er’gou bowed even lower. Strangely, Zhao Jin’s politeness yesterday had made him nervous, but today’s sternness made him feel more at ease.

Everyone entered the courtyard. They all remembered the discussion from the previous afternoon. Seeing Zhao Jin and the others with bloodshot eyes, they couldn’t help but feel a chill. Ji Xiang, however, looked at Liu Yong with envy, wishing he could have gone too.

"Brother Chen, did you go to the God of Wealth Temple before coming here?" Zhao Jin asked directly after closing the courtyard gate.

Chen Er’gou was taken aback and quickly replied, "Young Master Jin, calling me Brother Chen is too much. I can’t bear it. You can call me Xiao Er or Er’gou, as the brothers do."

After a few polite exchanges, seeing that Zhao Jin’s face remained expressionless, Chen Er’gou hurriedly changed the subject and answered, "Young Master Jin, Xiao Yong called me urgently this morning, so I didn’t go to the God of Wealth Temple. I came here to wait."

Zhao Jin nodded and stared at Chen Er’gou, saying, "Since you haven’t been there, you must not know that Cheng Tongtou is dead."

Chen Er’gou nodded instinctively, then realized what Zhao Jin had said. His body trembled violently, and he couldn’t stop shaking, like a leaf in the wind. His face turned pale, and he opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t. He didn’t think Zhao Jin was making it up. The conversation from the previous afternoon had made him suspect, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.

Not only Chen Er’gou was shocked. The others in the courtyard, except for Chen Yi, Wang Zhaojing, and Liu Yong who had been involved the previous night, were also stunned. Seeing their companions with bloodshot eyes, they had indeed speculated, but speculation was one thing, and hearing it confirmed was another. Everyone was deeply shaken.

After the shock came awe and excitement. The talk from the previous afternoon had been just that—talk. Some had even thought it wouldn’t be implemented. But after one night, Zhao Jin had actually killed Cheng Tongtou. This decisiveness and ruthlessness left everyone in awe. They then realized that with Cheng Tongtou dead, the plan from the previous afternoon would begin. The thought of really making a name for themselves, and with a good start, filled everyone with uncontrollable excitement.

Zhao Jin continued calmly, "Since Cheng Tongtou is dead, someone needs to take over his business. I think you are cautious and reliable, and you would be suitable to take his place. What do you think?"

His words were light, but to the listener, they were like a bolt of lightning. Chen Er’gou took a step back and fell to the ground, still shaking uncontrollably.

Zhao Jin shook his head. Before he could continue, Chen Er’gou, who was sitting on the ground, came to his senses. His pale face quickly turned red. He tried to stand up but fell again because he hadn’t fully recovered. He struggled to get up.

The clumsy scene made everyone in the courtyard laugh. Liu Yong stepped forward to help Chen Er’gou up. Chen Er’gou looked at him gratefully and then knelt before Zhao Jin, bowing and saying, "Since Young Master Jin is giving me this opportunity, I will do my best. Whatever Young Master Jin says, I will do without hesitation."

Chen Er’gou was extremely excited. Years ago, when he bullied the children at the cargo yard, he was beaten so badly by the young Zhao Jin that he wished he were dead. Eventually, he found a job with Cheng Tongtou and became a minor leader. Looking back, Chen Er’gou always felt that this was Zhao Jin’s good fortune and opportunity for him. When he was scared by Zhao Jin’s words, he realized that this was an even greater opportunity.

Most adults, including Cheng Tongtou, thought Zhao Jin was a precocious teenager, but Chen Er’gou believed that everything Zhao Jin did and said was right. Following his lead would bring benefits, but not following it would bring disaster. With this understanding, Chen Er’gou knew how to respond.

Zhao Jin smiled and nodded. Seeing that Zhao Jin didn’t speak, Chen Er’gou misunderstood and quickly said, "Xiao Yong is more suitable to manage Cheng Tongtou’s business. I am willing to help him with all my might."

"Xiao Yong is young and not as steady as you, Brother Chen. Let him be your deputy," Zhao Jin said with a smile.

Zhao Jin nodded at Liu Yong, who stepped forward to help Chen Er’gou up. Throughout the conversation, Zhao Jin didn’t show any humility or pretense, placing himself firmly in the position of the master. Everyone in the courtyard found this natural, and Chen Er’gou felt it was right. After standing up, Chen Er’gou’s breathing was still unsteady, and his body continued to tremble. Zhao Jin smiled and teased, "We are just talking here. Everything is empty talk. Brother Chen, go to the God of Wealth Temple and gather everyone who matters. Announce that you will be in charge from now on."

Hearing this, Chen Er’gou was taken aback. His face turned from red to white, and he asked in a trembling voice, "Young Master Jin, if I go alone, who will listen to me?"

"Who said you have to go alone? We will go with you," Zhao Jin said with a smile.

Zhao Jin picked up his spear and called out, "Brothers, let’s help Brother Chen."

The partners in the courtyard, listening to the conversation between Zhao Jin and Chen Er’gou, were all excited. When Zhao Jin called out, they all raised their weapons and shouted, their spirits high. Chen Er’gou’s body trembled, but his expression became incredibly excited. Seeing the eight brave and handsome young men, he felt more confident.

Before leaving, Zhao Jin checked Chen Yi’s and Liu Yong’s weapons, making sure there were no bloodstains before letting everyone leave.

Chen Er’gou and Liu Yong walked in front, while Zhao Jin and the others followed behind. Dong Bingfeng put on his leather armor again, carrying a spear and a dagger at his waist, being extremely cautious. Sun Dalei had a double-bladed axe, which was very well-made. Shi Manqiang had told Zhao Jin that Sun Dalei had spent five taels of silver to have it custom-made by a blacksmith.

Wang Zhaojing and Chen Yi, of course, carried their weapons, while Shi Manqiang and Ji Xiang had sticks and short knives at their waists. Although they played together happily, they couldn’t earn money independently and couldn’t help each other much. This was why Zhao Jin had decided to take over Cheng Tongtou’s power. Otherwise, they would eventually scatter to make a living, and their years of hard work and friendship would be meaningless.

Walking in broad daylight with a group of strong young men carrying weapons was too conspicuous, so Zhao Jin deliberately led them through back alleys.

Even so, the people they met on the small roads were frightened and hurriedly avoided them, fearing any trouble.

Although they were heading to a dangerous area, Zhao Jin and his group weren’t too nervous. They had been through a rescue mission and a bloody fight with six monks from Yunshan Temple, which had given them the ability to handle such situations and confidence in their strength. This time, they didn’t take the task of supporting Chen Er’gou too seriously.

They had to be more careful in the northern part of the city. When they reached the southern area, they relaxed even more. Although this was still within Xuzhou City, it was a lawless world.

After walking for a while, Wang Zhaojing walked up to Zhao Jin and asked with a smile, "Brother Zhao, have you been secretly reading books?"

Zhao Jin was taken aback and didn’t understand why he was asked this. He turned to look at Wang Zhaojing, who had a look of realization on his face and then teased, "Brother Zhao, you truly have great ambitions. But if you want to hide your abilities, you should be less eloquent. Otherwise, it’s too easy for others to see through you."

Eloquent? Zhao Jin thought for a while and realized he had used the idiom "closed-door cart-making" earlier. He was truly at a loss, and seeing his expression, Wang Zhaojing smiled and didn’t continue.

When they reached the Black Tiger God of Wealth Temple, the open space in front of the temple was already in chaos, with nearly a hundred people gathered. Many were ruffians, and there were also a dozen fierce-looking men and five women. They were gathered in groups, with various expressions. Some were whispering, and others were shouting, but they all shared one common trait: they looked like troublemakers, not ordinary citizens.