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Chapter 175: Go Ahead, You Are a Man
The Black Stocking Woman comforted her sister, wiping away the tears from her eyes, and smiled apologetically at Zhang Qiu. "I'm sorry for making you witness this."
"It's okay, it's okay." After hearing the Black Stocking Woman's story, Jiang Xue felt heavy-hearted. She dismissed her previous aversion to the Black Stocking Woman's profession, and even felt a twinge of sympathy for her potential rival, Liu Xinru. These two sisters were simply too pitiful.
"I heard that this area is under Sister Hua's protection?" Zhang Qiu changed the subject. Since entering the room, he had wanted to learn more about Sister Hua. Among the three major gangs in Beilan County, he had already joined the Stone Dagger Gang in the West District and had heard about Lin Tao in the East District from Brother Leopard. The only one he was still clueless about was Sister Hua in the South District.
Seeing Zhang Qiu ask about Sister Hua, the Black Stocking Woman looked at him warily. "Why do you want to know about her?"
"Nothing much, just curious. If it's inconvenient, I won't ask."
After thinking for a moment, the Black Stocking Woman replied, "There's nothing wrong with that. This area is indeed under Sister Hua's protection; she's a good person."
Zhang Qiu showed great interest as the Black Stocking Woman continued, "When I first came here, I didn't know the rules and took over some of Sister Hua's business territory. Later, she sent someone to find me but didn't make things difficult for me. Once Sister Hua understood my reasons for being here, she arranged for me to have this well-located room, with rent paid as usual, and even told me I could reach out to her if I needed anything. The person who came over from the market was sent by me after contacting Sister Hua."
Zhang Qiu nodded, forming a preliminary impression of Sister Hua. He knew that the core matters were likely beyond what the Black Stocking Woman could share; asking would be pointless and might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. Noticing it was getting late, Zhang Qiu said, "We've had our tea; Jiang Xue and I should head home."
Qiu Wan looked at Jiang Xue, who smiled gently. "Sure, let's go home and rest."
The Black Stocking Woman did not try to keep them again. She stood up with a smile and said, "Wait a moment; I'll go get you some tea leaves from inside."
"That's alright; I just mentioned it casually." Zhang Qiu felt embarrassed to take something so precious.
The Black Stocking Woman pressed down on Zhang Qiu's arm. "What you say casually is your business; I'm serious about this! Just wait!" With that, she lifted the curtain and went into the back room. Zhang Qiu and Jiang Xue had no choice but to sit outside and wait. Liu Xinru still had traces of tears on her face as she rested her head on her arms while looking at Zhang Qiu and Jiang Xue. Jiang Xue felt a stir in her heart and smiled lightly. Liu Xinru stared in surprise; this was the first time Jiang Xue had smiled at her.
"Wow, there are indeed beauties here."
A discordant voice interrupted everyone’s thoughts. Zhang Qiu turned to see a man with a buzz cut and a dark-colored Big Gold Chain around his neck standing at the door, leering at Jiang Xue and Liu Xinru. Zhang Qiu frowned and asked, "What do you want?"
The man with the Big Gold Chain chuckled lewdly. "I'm just here for fun; what else would I be doing? So you're interested in both of these girls? Tsk tsk, can your body handle it?"
Jiang Xue and Liu Xinru both had flushed faces, glaring angrily at the man standing at the door.
"Watch your mouth, he's not the kind of person you think he is. Just leave quickly," Zhang Qiu said, not wanting to cause a scene and fearing unnecessary trouble for the Black Stocking Woman.
In the back room, the Black Stocking Woman, who was preparing tea for Zhang Qiu, heard the conversation outside and hurriedly lifted the curtain to come out, greeting him with a smile. "Sir, my shop hasn't been doing business lately; why don't you check elsewhere?"
Big Gold Chain pointed at Zhang Qiu. "Not doing business? Then what's he doing here? Just let those two girls serve him and stop making a fuss."
"Sir, those are my brother and sister; you've misunderstood," the Black Stocking Woman said, suppressing her anger while still maintaining a friendly demeanor. In their line of work, getting hit was common, let alone being insulted; she could endure it.
Jiang Xue looked at the restless Zhang Qiu and tugged at his sleeve softly. "Your injury, don't act impulsively."
Zhang Qiu nodded. Liu Xinru cast a pleading glance at Zhang Qiu. When they faced danger in the market before, it was this young man who stepped up to save them. Now that they were in danger again, having Zhang Qiu around gave Liu Xinru a sense of security.
Zhang Qiu continued to stare at Big Gold Chain and the Black Stocking Woman. Although he felt restless, his mind was clear. He had already been in a fight; if he hurt someone again, it would likely reach Sister Hua's ears. It wouldn't be good for the Stone Dagger Gang to cause trouble on Sister Hua's turf. Moreover, Zhang Qiu didn't want to bring trouble to the Black Stocking Woman; he could leave easily, but this was her only place.
Big Gold Chain stubbornly waved his hand. "I don't care; I'm someone who believes in fate. I have to settle this here today."
The Black Stocking Woman felt helpless and asked, "Sir, you look unfamiliar; have you been to this street before?"
"Of course I have."
"Then do you know this street is under Sister Hua's protection?"
Big Gold Chain suddenly burst into laughter. "Sister Hua? Of course I know it's her territory, but so what?"
Hearing this from Big Gold Chain made the Black Stocking Woman hesitate. Knowing it was Sister Hua's territory and still daring to cause trouble suggested he might have some background. But upon further thought, she doubted it; who would be bold enough to come to this street? Most people went to those luxurious clubs instead.
"Sir, what do you do?" the Black Stocking Woman began to probe Big Gold Chain.
"Oh me? I'm with Tao Ge—Lin Tao from Tao Ge. You know it?" Big Gold Chain said proudly as he looked at the Black Stocking Woman, as if his identity would instantly change her attitude towards him and make her serve him obediently.
The Black Stocking Woman continued to smile politely, "I know, Boss Lin Tao. However, Sister Hua has an agreement with Tao Ge. Your people can come here to spend money, but they are not allowed to cause trouble."
"That's right, I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here to spend money; I urgently need someone to vent my frustrations," Big Gold Chain leered, his eyes greedily scanning the partially exposed chest of the Black Stocking Woman before shifting to Jiang Xue and Liu Xinru, who were hiding behind Zhang Qiu. Tsk tsk, these two girls are quite a match—one cold as ice, the other hot and spicy. If they were together, it would be quite delightful.
"Keep looking and I'll gouge your eyes out."
Big Gold Chain was brazenly staring at Jiang Xue and Liu Xinru, completely ignoring Zhang Qiu standing nearby. At that moment, hearing Zhang Qiu speak to him like that made Big Gold Chain burst into laughter as he cursed, "What are you? Trying to be a hero? Look at your head; you just got beaten up, right? If you're hurt, take care of yourself instead of coming to a place like this. I won't stoop to your level—just get lost."
Big Gold Chain spat on the ground and continued to let his gaze wander over Jiang Xue and Liu Xinru.
Seeing the anger burning in Zhang Qiu's eyes, the Black Stocking Woman hurriedly advised, "Brother, don't be impulsive." He had witnessed this brother's prowess before; he could take on five by himself. If something happened now, what would they do? The Black Stocking Woman turned back to Big Gold Chain and said, "Big Brother, please don't make things difficult for us. My sister is here; can you come back later?"
"Slap!" Big Gold Chain delivered a loud slap to the Black Stocking Woman, sending her crashing against the wall. She covered her face in shock as blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
"Sister!" Liu Xinru screamed as she rushed over.
Big Gold Chain glared menacingly at the Black Stocking Woman and shouted angrily, "You think you can just refuse me? I’m here out of respect for you. If you don’t want to cooperate, let your sister come instead." His lewd gaze once again roamed over Liu Xinru's exposed waist.
"What are you looking at? Get lost!" Big Gold Chain yelled at Zhang Qiu.
"Xue'er, I can't hold back any longer." Zhang Qiu made up his mind as he looked at Jiang Xue. She calmed down for a moment and nodded seriously, "Go ahead; you're a man."
Liu Xinru helped the Black Stocking Woman up and asked with a hint of tears in her voice, "Sister, are you okay?"
The Black Stocking Woman forced a faint smile and shook her head gently, "I'm fine." As she met Big Gold Chain's lewd gaze again, she quickly pulled Liu Xinru behind her.
"Since you're looking for death yourself, don't blame me," Zhang Qiu said as he slowly approached Big Gold Chain, his hands coming together with cracking knuckles.
Big Gold Chain looked at Zhang Qiu with bandages wrapped around his head and thought he was just an incompetent busybody; otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten beaten up like this. Besides, Zhang Qiu didn't seem particularly strong apart from being tall. Big Gold Chain was quite confident in his own size and didn't take Zhang Qiu seriously. As Zhang Qiu approached, he laughed and said, "You're the one looking for death. Since that's the case, I'll send you straight to the hospital."
"Sure," Zhang Qiu smirked as he suddenly accelerated and closed the distance in an instant, throwing a punch aimed at Big Gold Chain's face. Caught off guard, Big Gold Chain took a hit and staggered back two steps. Shaking his head with a grin, he said, "Good one! Come again." With that, he charged forward with fists swinging like lead weights.
However, every punch thrown by Big Gold Chain was easily deflected by Zhang Qiu as it got close. After a few rounds, Big Gold Chain's expression changed; he clearly underestimated this young man. Suddenly, Big Gold Chain jumped back and said, "Wait, wait."
Zhang Qiu stopped and looked at him, asking, "What’s wrong?"
"Kid, I have to tell you, I’m with Tao Ge. Lin Tao is someone that no one in Beilan County dares to offend."
Zhang Qiu scoffed, "No one dares to offend him? Let me ask you, can He Jun offend him? Can Chen Guobin offend him? Tell me, can they offend him?"
Big Gold Chain was momentarily speechless; those two names were too familiar—one was the county magistrate frequently mentioned in the news, Chen Dachi. The other was He Jun, who was rumored to be connected to Wang Guodong. "That doesn’t count; I mean in the underworld. No one dares to offend him there."
Zhang Qiu asked again, "What about Meng Tuanjie? Does he dare?"
Big Gold Chain frowned and asked, "Who exactly are you?"
Zhang Qiu replied calmly, "Beilan County First High School, Senior Year, Eighteen Classes, Zhang Qiu."
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