Chapter 49: Two Great Misfortunes

Old Factory Street is located on the western side of Tianhai City. It was once called Chaoyang Street, home to eighteen factories including Tianhai Machinery Factory, Tianhai Agricultural Machinery Factory, and Tianhai Cotton and Hemp Company.

In the 1980s and 1990s, having a job on this street and a worker’s identity was akin to holding an iron rice bowl. When it came to finding a spouse, such a status commanded respect.

Every day during rush hours, the street was bustling, a vibrant and picturesque scene in Tianhai City.

However, as the new century approached, waves of layoffs shattered many iron rice bowls. The once lively Chaoyang Street grew desolate, and when officials compiled place names, someone mockingly labeled it Old Factory Street. Unexpectedly, the name stuck.

What was once a medal of honor for Tianhai gradually rusted with time, turning into a city scar.

A van pulled up in front of a billiard hall. Zhou Huajian glanced around. “Old Factory Street is notorious in Tianhai for being dirty, chaotic, and poorly managed. As enterprises went bankrupt one after another, some workers went abroad for jobs.”

“The wealthy all moved out, while the poor crowded here. Public security has been a persistent headache.”

“They’re just a bunch of immature kids. If I talk to them reasonably, it’ll definitely work!” Xiao Ziguang opened the car door. Seeing Zhou Huajian was about to follow, he shook his head.

“Stay here to back me up. I’ve got a piece on me. If these kids don’t listen, you know my shooting skills.”

Zhou Huajian had no choice but to nod. “If things go south, shoot; I’ll drive the car in.”

Xiao Ziguang nodded knowingly and then entered the billiard hall.

The sense of era is something words fail to capture. It’s like being used to watching Blu-ray movies, then suddenly blinking and seeing the footage degrade to the quality of a digital camera.

The billiard hall was crude, a makeshift shack built with asbestos tiles. A dim yellow light hung from blackened beams. The uneven earthen floor held a few billiard tables with peeling paint.

The surrounding walls were rudimentary, made of bamboo segments, covered with newspapers for decoration. Young star fans had pasted celebrity posters on them.

There were posters from the Young and Dangerous series, and some of Little Horse…

Just as Xiao Ziguang was surveying the hall, the opening notes of “Chaos Star” played. From somewhere, a crowd of young men surged from all directions, surrounding Xiao Ziguang in the middle.

Two young men led the group. One had flowing long hair and wore a black leather jacket; the other had a buzz cut and a downturned mouth. Both had bright eyes but still bore the innocent look of youth.

Xiao Ziguang recalled carefully and finally unearthed their faces from memory.

They were the last of Tianhai’s gangsters, also the two most loyal fools. The following year, they would meet their boss, who after committing murder, they willingly took the blame for and were each sentenced to twenty years.

If Xiao Ziguang were to judge them, he’d say they were devoted but unfortunate—born in the wrong place, following the wrong person. Such a pity.

“You’re the boss of Ziguang Trading, Xiao Ziguang?” Shanji scrutinized him. “A ten-thousand-yuan bonus, really?”

Xiao Ziguang reached into his pocket and pulled out a bright red stack of cash, causing a stir among the crowd.

Haonan frowned slightly and tilted his head, scanning the surroundings. The previously noisy scene quieted instantly. Haonan resembled a proud lion, exerting his authority freely in his territory.

Such immature displays failed to impress Xiao Ziguang. It was like a child trying to appear mature by sticking chest hair on his chest and loudly proclaiming his adulthood—a laughable sight.

True prestige requires no forced display; those around would naturally understand. Everything Haonan did felt contrived.

Xiao Ziguang slapped the money down on the billiard table. “Where’s the man?”

Shanji whistled sharply, then a few people dragged Qian Hao out from behind.

Qian Hao looked utterly beaten—his face bruised in shades of blue, purple, and black, with bloodied scratches from nails. His clothes were torn, marked by several unmistakable footprints.

Seeing Xiao Ziguang, Qian Hao asked directly, “Are you a cop?”

Hearing this, the crowd stared at Xiao Ziguang in surprise. If he was just another gangster, the money would be accepted. But if he were a cop, the money was meaningless, and all would feel tricked.

Both Shanji and Haonan stepped forward, eyes filled with anger. If Xiao Ziguang’s answer didn’t satisfy them, he would surely be taught a lesson today.

“I’m your father!” Xiao Ziguang smirked cynically. “Which cop would take over Old Gui’s turf and become the new boss?”

“Come up with better accusations than calling me a cop. Why not say I’m the God of Wealth?” he said, then slapped Qian Hao twice hard.

He raised an eyebrow at Haonan. “Money for the man. I’ve seen the man! Count the money! If the amount checks out, the money’s real, and I’ll be taking him away!”

Haonan stared at Xiao Ziguang and suddenly asked, “What’s that under your armpit?”

“Big Black Ape, haven’t you seen it in movies?” Xiao Ziguang opened his jacket, revealing the gun’s handle.

The police pistol was standard issue; the Big Black Ape was clearly over the top. If Haonan had doubted Xiao Ziguang before, he believed now that he wasn’t a cop.

Shanji finished counting the money, confirmed it was sufficient and genuine.

Haonan raised both hands and clapped three times forcefully. The crowd dispersed immediately, clearing a path.

Xiao Ziguang grabbed Qian Hao, ready to leave. Qian Hao’s face was pale as he muttered repeatedly, “Impossible, absolutely impossible. How come you’re not a cop?”

Just as Xiao Ziguang was pulling Qian Hao out, a harsh engine roar shattered the moment. A red Suzuki RG500 crashed through the bamboo wall of the billiard hall.

A man in black leather and helmet on the motorcycle drew a gun and fired at Xiao Ziguang.

Quick to react, Xiao Ziguang pulled Qian Hao down and drew his own gun, returning fire at the rider.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunshots echoed rapidly. The young men who had been watching scattered like frightened rabbits, ducking for cover. Someone tripped over an electric wire, plunging the already dim billiard hall into complete darkness.