In the eyes of the great families, money is the least valuable thing, while influence is the most precious treasure.
Having a powerful figure as a backer, offering comprehensive support, even allowing you to speak publicly on their behalf in certain situations.
This is practically an Imperial Sword.
If used well, he could even create a more powerful family than the Zheng Clan.
However, all of this comes with a condition; he must play the role of the spokesperson well and manage Lin Beichen's assets properly.
Can he really do it?
Zheng Xinxi was caught in a dilemma.
Meanwhile, in another part, in Jiulong City, Luo Zhigui slowly opened his eyes.
Last night's experience was like a dream, yet his empty stomach reminded him that no matter if what happened last night was real or not, he was now so hungry that his ribs were practically touching his spine.
Eating is the most important thing.
Thinking of this, Luo Zhigui forced himself to stand up, hurriedly washed his face, and headed towards the door.
The blinding sunlight poured in, and he squinted his eyes, unaccustomed.
The scene before him seemed more real.
Luo Zhigui pushed open the door, gazing at the narrow gaps in the slum, and took a deep breath.
The air was still so turbid, the streets still so oppressive.
If it weren't for last night's miraculous experience, he would've surely found such days dull and hopeless, with nothing to look forward to.
But last night's experience, like a fantasy, the energy in his body felt so real, these two contrasting feelings left him both real and dreamy.
"Whether it's real or not, I have to give it a shot."
Luo Zhigui murmured to himself, a flash of determination in his eyes.
He had had enough of the hard life, he had to fight.
The boss hadn't repaid his debts, nor delivered on the promised benefits, yet Luo Zhigui had risked his life for him, conquered territory, and achieved numerous victories.
During this process, he shed blood and tears, and collected a body full of scars.
Previously, he had no choice, but now he had to fight.
Among the three challenges, there must be one that allows him to reclaim what he deserves.
In Jiulong Village, there were more than a dozen gangs, each intertwined with one another, entangled in complicated interests.
Yet amidst the chaos of these alleys, there were some territories that the major forces were simply too lazy to bother with, which didn't yield much protection fee.
Among those streets, a few had high stakes, which were the strategic points for petty gangsters.
Luo Zhigui was originally one of those gangsters on these streets, but unlike the average gangster, he made quite a name for himself there, originally having the chance to become a leader.
Three years ago, a friend of his was released from prison, they had a drink together, reminisced about past incidents in prison, and out of loyalty, Luo Zhigui heatedly decided to form a gang with him to make it in the underworld.
However, fighting over emotions was ultimately useless; when it came down to dividing territory and discussing interests, even sworn brothers would keep clear accounts.
He thought the other side would give him some benefits out of sentiment.
However, once they had taken over those streets, they kicked him to the curb.
When he brought up brotherly ties, the other merely patted his shoulder and said that was all ancient history and couldn't be applied to the present.
Could brotherhood really go out of date?
"You were the one to be disloyal first, so don't blame me for being unfaithful."
Luo Zhigui questioned himself, knowing he had never wronged the other over the years.
A few times, when other gangs tried to recruit him, he'd driven them away directly.
Thinking of it now, it had a tinge of irony.
"Steamed buns, freshly out of the steamer. Boss, would you like a basket?"
Passing by a corner store, the aroma of steamed buns caught Luo Zhigui's attention.
He stood before the bun shop, gazing dumbfoundedly.
The life he once had compared to now—what was it?
Missing out on exquisite dishes was one thing, but now he couldn't even afford a few buns. How ridiculous.
"Boss, would you like some?"
The owner of the bun shop looked at him, a simple smile on his face.
Life in Jiulong Village wasn't easy, but eating wasn't a problem.
Even for petty gangsters, they wouldn't struggle over a few buns.
Luo Zhigui silently took out his wallet, handing his last bill to the owner.
This money was originally for his phone bill.
"How many can this get me?"
The prices in Jiulong Village were cheaper than outside, mainly because the rent wasn't as high, and less fresh ingredients were chosen.
People here didn't care much about the quality of ingredients but were rather more sensitive to the price.
The owner directly placed ten baskets of buns at Luo Zhigui's side.
"Boss, here, buns are plentiful. Eat as much as you like, drinks are on the house."
He could tell Luo Zhigui must have fallen on hard times; the scars all over his body clearly marked him as someone you didn't mess with, so he didn't charge him more as long as Luo Zhigui ate his fill and didn't cause trouble.
Luo Zhigui said nothing more, quietly eating.
There were over sixty buns.
On a normal day, he'd probably be full halfway through, but for some reason, today he ordered more than one hundred buns, yet still felt an emptiness in his stomach.
Just when he intended to order a few dozen more buns, he noticed the shopkeeper standing gap-mouthed, some color drained from his face.
"What, you feel pained watching me eat a few buns of yours?"
Luo Zhigui said with a bit of annoyance.
The shopkeeper quickly shook his head, pointing instead behind him.
Luo Zhigui frowned, turning to see a dozen gangsters laughing maliciously as they approached, weapons like sticks and machetes in hand—a clear sign they weren't friendly.
"They're here for protection money, aren't they?"
Luo Zhigui wiped his mouth, opened a beer, and snatched a rolling pin off the owner's table.
The owner hadn't even reacted before seeing Luo Zhigui rush out the door.
Over a hundred buns, even a competitive eater wouldn't be able to finish them all.
Luo Zhigui hadn't reached fullness, but he'd regained some strength.
As he bounded out, even he was startled.
He felt agile as a swallow, like a cheetah, with explosive speed that felt almost like lightning.
To outsiders, his charge seemed to transform into a shadow, the speed almost rivaling that of a sports car's sprint.
In a flash, Luo Zhigui was among the crowd, wielding his rolling pin like a commanding blade, each swing either breaking bones or sending someone flying.
A bizarre scene suddenly developed among the group.
A moment ago they were high and mighty demanding protection money, and now suddenly they were under assault, like tofu crumbling to the ground.
In just a few seconds, all of them were laid out with no power to resist.
Standing in the crowd's center, Luo Zhigui looked at his rolling pin, feeling a sense of unfulfillment.
For some reason, he felt unsatisfied.
These individuals hit so softly. He hadn't even used a third of his strength yet floored them all.
He knew he was a good fighter, but not this formidable.
Was the Immortal's legacy real?
Suddenly, Luo Zhigui's body shivered as though struck by lightning.
Licking his lips, he looked at them peculiarly.
"Go back and tell your boss, I'm back."
After saying this, Luo Zhigui tossed the rolling pin aside and returned to the front of the bun shop, casually saying:
"Bring me twenty more baskets of buns."
Hearing this, the owner dared not say anything more, quickly bringing the buns over.
Luo Zhigui ate silently, unaware that his changes were being observed by someone else.
Meanwhile, Lin Beichen seemed to sense something, looking out of the car window, a slight smile on his lips.
The few seeds he had planted seemed to have already sprouted.
In just one night, a seed had sprouted, which he hadn't anticipated.
"You may leave now."
Lin Beichen said calmly.
Hearing this, Zheng Xinxi nodded cautiously.
He hadn't made up his mind yet, but knew he didn't have much time.