Chapter 333 The Tang Dynasty Chamber of Abundance (2/2)

After getting off the bus, Hans said to Big Quinn, ”Dude, put on your sunglasses and show the bayonet—at least reveal the handle.”

Big Quinn did as he was told, looking like a vicious man walking behind them.

Li Du was puzzled. ”Why?”

Hans explained, ”The public order’s not too good here—we need Big Quinn to suppress these jerks.”

Li Du questioned, ”We Chinese have a gentle temperament. Is the public order at the meeting place no good?”

”In any case, I saw the news: the rate of violent crimes in LA has increased by 21 percent since last year, with the rate of crimes in urban areas and Chinatown having increased by 67 percent over the same period.”

As they walked, Li Du understood why Hans had wanted to bring Big Quinn along.

The public order in Chinatown was indeed not good. Before night had fallen, many youths with resentful looks were already weaving in and out of the streets.

Studying them, he saw that they were not just Chinese people, but Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean, and Japanese people as well. Although they were all Asians, it was not difficult for Li Du to tell the Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesians, and Myanmese people apart based on their looks.

A few youths who were smoking started to walk toward Li Du, who was dressed in high-end clothing. But when they saw the King Kong lookalike, Big Quinn, they stopped.

It was Big Quinn’s first time in Chinatown and he felt he was carrying a huge responsibility. So he had revealed more of the bayonet—the entire handle was exposed.

Li Du sighed, ”What kind of buyer did you find this time? Why do we have to deal at night?”

”The other party requested the time,” Hans said, ”so I brought Big Quinn. The deal may not go through. He’s one of those explorers, who are all desperate types.”

As he spoke, he searched on the map and finally found a shop called ”The Tang Dynasty Chamber of Abundance.”

On seeing the shop’s name, Li Du burst out laughing.

”What is it?” Hans asked.

Li Du pointed at the signboard. ”Do you know what’s written here?”

”Of course I don’t. How would I know how to read Chinese characters?” Hans said, exasperated.

Li Du glared at him, ”I’m only asking—before explaining it to you.”

Hans pushed his hand away. ”Then hurry up and explain.”

”It says ‘The Tang Dynasty Chamber of Abundance.’ This is probably a pawnshop. ‘Chamber of Abundance’ is another term for pawnshop, which originated from the Tang Dynasty. Then it was called ‘Chamber of Materials.’”

Hans was confused. ”Right, and what’s so funny?”

With a tinge of resignation, Li Du said, ”Just that this name is a little ridiculous.”

”That’s right, the name’s ridiculous,” a hoarse voice was heard, speaking Mandarin. ”F*cker, nobody’s blaming you—acting cultured and all.”

With the voice, a well-built middle-aged man walked out.

The middle-aged man looked to be about 40 years old, with a short, neatly-trimmed beard, rough-looking skin, and razor-sharp eyes. He walked with authority, giving the impression of a tough guy.

He glanced at the trio, with no change in expression—even when he saw Big Quinn. However, as his gaze swept downward, he frowned upon seeing the bayonet. ”Butcher? Interesting.”

Li Du did not wish to cause any misunderstandings. This middle-aged man gave off a fearsome air—if matters were to blow up, Big Quinn might not be able to hold him back.

Hence, he hurriedly said, ”How are you? We’re here for business, to sell an umbrella.