Chapter 48: The Worth of Being a Boss

Tian Yi forced himself to stay calm and, under Yellow Hair’s guidance, sat down at a table in the corner. Chen Erpao and Wang Xing followed and took their seats as well. Suddenly, Chen Erpao reached to his waist, pulled out a pistol, and placed it on the table with an apologetic look. “Sorry, I had a gun stuck at my side—it’s really uncomfortable.”

Then, Chen Erpao pulled out another gun from the other side, chuckling. “Don’t mind me. If there’s one thing I have plenty of, it’s guns. Apart from these two, there’s another tucked below.”

At that moment, Wang Xing also revealed his pistol and set it on the table. “Damn, carrying these guns is really awkward. Next time, I’ll tell the folks back home to swap out all the firearms for our batch. Lugging around dozens of pistols is no good. Better to just carry some big weapons in hand. They can get anything inland, unlike Hong Kong where, though the law is chaotic, firearm control is stricter. If a few pistols show up here and there, that’s already impressive.”

Tian Yi glanced at the pistols laid out before him, then at Chen Erpao and Wang Xing, and couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat. He might be cocky and wild—after all, he was the son of the gang boss—but he feared death more than anything. He was so young, and hadn’t even enjoyed beautiful women enough yet.

“Brother Erpao, about last time, I’m truly sorry—it was all a misunderstanding.” Tian Yi forced a smile, offering an apologetic grin.

“A misunderstanding? Well, let’s sit down and clear it up tonight—see if we can sort it out.” Chen Erpao toyed with the two pistols on the table, letting their barrels, intentionally or not, point straight at Tian Yi. Tonight, Chen Erpao had hoped to send them off peacefully, as long as they didn’t stir up trouble again. But Tian Yi’s performance was unexpectedly poor. If he didn’t seize the opportunity to squeeze something out, it would be a waste.

Staring at the dark muzzle suddenly aimed at him, Tian Yi shuddered, almost toppling from his chair. Chen Erpao shook his head at the sight—so this was nothing but an utterly spineless pushover.

“Brother Erpao, however you want to talk, let’s talk.” Tian Yi’s face paled, but he managed to squeeze out another smile.

“Mmm.” Chen Erpao nodded and finally turned the pistols away. “All the streets near Lingnan University are under my brother Yellow Hair’s watch. I don’t want to see anyone causing trouble here from now on. You know what to do, right?”

“Yes, yes.” Tian Yi nodded rapidly, agreeing without hesitation.

“And you, being a boss yourself, should know that I brought hundreds of guys to negotiate with you tonight. We’ve been eating and drinking here—my brothers are tired. You…” Chen Erpao spoke slowly, his eyes suddenly locking onto Tian Yi.

Tian Yi muttered inwardly, “If spending a bit means I can walk out of here alive and whole, it’s worth it—as long as they don’t ask for too much.”

“Brother Erpao, that’s only right. Just name your price. Consider it an apology to you and Brother Xing for my lack of respect.” Though Tian Yi said this, his heart ached at the thought.

Chen Erpao and Wang Xing exchanged a glance, whispered a few words, then Chen Erpao held up three fingers.

“Three hundred thousand.” Tian Yi’s eyes widened in shock. Though the amount was considerable, it was within his means. He quickly replied, “Alright, three hundred thousand it is.”

Chen Erpao looked at his three fingers, wondering when they had become so valuable. He and Wang Xing had originally planned to ask for thirty thousand—more than enough, with a small portion for drinks and the rest split between them, equaling several months’ wages. But Tian Yi mistook thirty thousand for three hundred thousand and agreed without a second thought. The two were overjoyed.

“I’ve always heard that Hongxing’s Tian Yi is decisive—now I’ve seen it for myself. But Ah Xing and I are a bit strapped for cash right now, so it has to be cash. You have half an hour to send someone for the money.” Chen Erpao spoke again. Despite his excitement, he didn’t lose his head—he wouldn’t foolishly let Tian Yi go and wait for him to bring the money some other day.

Reluctantly, Tian Yi handed over several bank cards to one of his men, gave instructions, and the man immediately left the nightclub.

Chen Erpao was delighted and decided to properly entertain tonight’s generous sponsor, ordering Yellow Hair to bring out several bottles of expensive red wine.

“Tian Yi, since you’re here at my place, it’s only right I play the host.” Chen Erpao filled Tian Yi’s glass and passed it over.

Looking at Chen Erpao’s radiant smile, Tian Yi felt even more uneasy—one moment solemn and stern, the next jovial and enthusiastic, impossible to figure out. He even took the trouble to pour me a drink; surely he isn’t planning something else after getting the money?

About twenty minutes later, Tian Yi’s subordinate returned, carrying a large, black bag.

“Brother Erpao, please count it—here’s three hundred thousand.” As he spoke, Tian Yi’s face twitched, reluctantly handing the bag to Chen Erpao.

Chen Erpao opened the bag and saw bundles of hundred-dollar bills, ten thousand per bundle, dozens in total. With a quick glance, he was certain it was all there.

“No need to count. Surely I can trust the son of Hongxing boss Camel, can’t I?” Chen Erpao laughed heartily.

“Brother Erpao, may we leave now?” Tian Yi asked anxiously.

Chen Erpao waved his hand. “Of course! If you want to go, go—why ask me? I won’t keep you overnight. But if you’d like to stay, I can have Yellow Hair introduce a few top-notch girls. I’ll give you a twenty percent discount.”

Tian Yi was nearly speechless at that, afraid Chen Erpao might change his mind, so he hurried off with his men.

Once Tian Yi and his crew had left, Chen Erpao took fifty thousand from the bag and tossed it to Yellow Hair, telling him to distribute it among the brothers. Then he took out another hundred thousand.

“We’re out here hustling, after all—can’t always walk to go chop people. Use this money to buy a business van.”

“Absolutely, Brother Erpao. I’ll go buy it tomorrow,” Yellow Hair replied enthusiastically.

After that, Chen Erpao sent everyone home. It was already around eleven thirty; if the students stayed out much later and caused trouble, he’d have to answer for it.

Splitting the remaining one hundred fifty thousand with Wang Xing, Chen Erpao took out five thousand for Li Hai, leaving the kid so delighted he was speechless for ages.