Chapter 296: If Words Don’t Work, Fight! (1/2)

The gangsters surrounded the owner of the wonton stall, led by a burly man with a large gold necklace and toothpick between his lips. His sleeveless shirt revealed a pair of muscular arms and a tiger tattoo on his body. He slapped the owner on the shoulder and smiled menacingly, ”Business is booming, eh!”

The owner turned pale as ash as he forced a grin, ”Oh, it's Li-ge. How have you been?”

“Not too bad!” said the gangster, chewing his toothpick.

The boss quickly grabbed a handful of change from his drawer and shoved it into the man's hand. ”It’s for this month.”

Xiaotao arched an eyebrow, “Looks like they’re gangsters who collect protection fees. What gives him the right?! I’ll remember each and every one of their faces and report them to the public security department later.”

Li-ge ordered his subordinate to count the money. When the amount was reported, he spat out his toothpick and snapped, ”It’s too little! Are you trying to fuck with us?! This isn’t enough for us to have a meal!”

”Li-ge, won’t you bend the rules this once?” begged the owner. “I haven't made much this month. It’s been really hard on me!”

”Hard on you?” snorted Li-ge. “What about us?! If we weren’t looking after this street, would you be able to do business in peace?”

”A-another day…” stammered the owner. “I’ll make up for it another day!”

Li-ge sneered, ”I don't have the time! How about this then? My buddies and I will have a meal at your stall.”

”Of course. Have as much as you want!” nodded the owner.

”But just so you know, my buddies are a rowdy bunch!” threatened Li-ge. “They might damage a few tables and overturn your chairs. Make sure you think about it properly!”

Upon hearing this, the owner started begging for mercy. I turned away in disgust, ”What a bunch of irritating flies! I’ll get rid of them!”

I grabbed my consultant ID from my pocket and was just about to leave my seat when suddenly I felt a pat on my shoulder that forced me back down. A muscular middle-aged man resembling a body-building coach appeared behind me. He warned, ”Stay calm and mind your own business.”

Xiaotao and I looked up in surprise. ”Who are you?” she asked.

”I’m the captain of the 17th SWAT police team,” said the man. “We’re currently on a mission. The man named Li-ge is a close friend of a mafia boss whose whereabouts are still unknown. It’s very likely that he has contacted this fellow. So don't make any trouble for us!”

I scanned the area and found several suspicious-looking men wandering about–plainclothes officers.

”Sir, do you know us?” I asked.

”Yes,” he replied. “Song Yang and Huang Xiaotao, the stars of the police force!”

While we didn’t want any trouble, trouble came looking for us.

As Li-ge walked past us, his eyes gleamed with excitement, lips pursing to blow a wolf whistle. ”Little lady, you’re a hot one!”

Xiaotao clenched her fists so hard her knuckles turned white but the SWAT officer shook his head almost imperceptibly, reminding us not to be impulsive.

”Oi, are you mute?” shouted one of Li-ge’s cronies. “Li-ge is talking to you.”

The SWAT officer looked up with a wide grin and politely said, ”We’re just passing by. We’ll leave as soon as we’re done eating! We won't cause you any trouble.”

”It’s no trouble at all!” laughed Li-ge. “Two men and a woman late at night–that’s a bit interesting, don’t you think? Look at those slutty clothes. You’re a hooker, eh? How much do you charge for one night?”