Making the Choice for You

Under the reluctant gazes of the audience, Lin Zheyu picked up his gavel and brought it down with a crack. "If you wish to know what happens next, listen to the next installment." "Huh?" "That's it?" "Another section! One more section!" The audience clamored as was routine. Lin Zheyu cupped his hands in greeting, preparing to step down from the stage. *Clack!* Right then, a crisp sound rang out. Lu Qihui stood up and slapped a silver ingot onto the table. "Sir, please tell another segment. There will be a reward." With that, he tossed the silver into the collection basin, producing a loud *clank*. *Oho, a big spender.* Seeing this, Lin Zheyu chuckled and stepped back onto the storytelling stage. "Since everyone is so enthusiastic, I'll tell one more section!" In all his time storytelling, a true top patron had finally appeared! *Crack!* The gavel struck down. "Last time, we said..." Lu Qihui and Lu Zhenfang exchanged a glance, both smiling. Lu Qihui said with a grin, "This storyteller loves money after all. It shouldn't be hard to persuade him to hit the road with us; it will just cost a bit more silver." ... Lin Zheyu told another section. Only when the sky began to dim did the audience reluctantly disperse, still craving more. Passing by the market, Lin Zheyu bought four jin of pork and some vegetables. As his strength increased, his appetite grew larger, and his demand for meat and medicinal tonics became ever greater. On the street that was Lin Zheyu's necessary route home, a burly figure leaned against the wall, jiggling his leg in boredom. Seeing Lin Zheyu approach, the man glanced over sideways, his eyes filled with scrutiny. "Jia Yanyong!" Lin Zheyu's eyes narrowed slightly. This fellow had waited here deliberately; he was obviously coming for him. What was his purpose? Lin Zheyu was puzzled. He had reached a cooperation with Jia Yanming, so the other side shouldn't still be pulling underhanded tricks. Besides, lately he often saw Jia Yanyong come to Bidan Teahouse to listen to his stories, looking quite entertained. Lin Zheyu's thoughts turned rapidly, and he came to a stop three meters away from Jia Yanyong. "Brother Yong, are you waiting here specifically for me?" Lin Zheyu spoke up. "That's right." Jia Yanyong gave a sinister chuckle. "Our gang leader thinks the stories you tell are pretty interesting and wants to invite you to the Feihong Gang tomorrow morning to tell stories." "Tell a few extra sections then. Listening to such a little bit each day just doesn't hit the spot." "That can be arranged," Lin Zheyu said. "May I ask how much silver your esteemed gang leader plans to offer? My appearance fee doesn't come cheap." As one of the three major gangs of Songyi City, the Feihong Gang possessed numerous members. If possible, he still didn't want to offend them. "Being able to tell stories for our gang leader is your honor, and you still want money?" "These streets are all under the protection of our Feihong Gang. You should be glad we aren't collecting protection fees from you." Jia Yanyong curled his lip. He cracked his knuckles with loud pops, a clear threat in his tone. With his fierce visage, burly physique, and menacing expression, he gave off an intense aura of intimidation—someone clearly not to be trifled with. "Then I am very sorry, but I have business tomorrow morning." "If your gang leader wishes to listen to stories, he can come to Bidan Teahouse tomorrow afternoon." Lin Zheyu refused. Not paying a copper yet wanting to listen—did they think they could freeload off him? Lin Zheyu despised freeloaders the most. "You don't actually think taking Liang Song as your master lets you look down on our Feihong Gang, do you?" Jia Yanyong asked, a sneer on his face. His elder brother had previously asked him about Liang Song, wanting to know if Liang Song was someone to mess with. Only then did Jia Yanyong learn that Lin Zheyu had apprenticed himself under Liang Song. A dozen or so years ago, when Liang Song was in his prime, the Feihong Gang would have given him a wide berth. But now Liang Song was decrepit and old, crippled in one leg to boot. How much of his strength could possibly remain? "I have no such intention. I simply have matters to attend to tomorrow morning," Lin Zheyu said flatly. Seeing Lin Zheyu's indifferent reaction, Jia Yanyong sneered. "A while back, my brother asked me to teach you a lesson, but then you started cooperating with him, so the chance slipped away." "Now the gang leader wants to invite you to tell stories, yet you don't know what's good for you." "Since you refuse to be sensible, I'll let you taste some suffering. As long as you have a mouth, you can still tell stories. Having a few broken limbs won't get in the way." Jia Yanyong stepped toward Lin Zheyu, one pace at a time. His burly frame paired with his vicious appearance exerted an immense pressure. "You want to make a move here?" "People come and go along this street. As long as I shout a few times, men from the yamen will be here in no time," Lin Zheyu said calmly, without fear. "The authorities?" "Haha, so what if they arrest me? It's just a matter of tossing some silver. I can settle things even if someone ends up dead, let alone breaking a few of your bones," Jia Yanyong said with utter disdain. ... He walked toward Lin Zheyu step by step. Rolling his neck, he cracked his fists until they popped loudly. On his face was a cold sneer, mixed with contempt and mockery. He had seen plenty of people like Lin Zheyu. They acted tough at first, but most became obedient after a good beating. "I'll give you one more chance." "Will you be sensible and go to the Feihong Gang tomorrow morning on your own, or do I give you a thrashing and have someone carry you over?" Jia Yanyong said. "What if I choose neither?" "Neither?" "Then I'll make the choice for you!" Jia Yanyong said coldly. He had practiced martial arts for over a decade. Although he wasn't particularly skilled, after more than ten years of honing himself, his strength had just barely broken through into the Bone Tempering Realm. After joining the Feihong Gang, he had been through gang fights of all sizes. Relying on his sturdy physique and a ruthless, death-defying fighting style, he had carved out quite a reputation for himself.