Fisherman’s Joy Restaurant.
Brother Erkun had returned to the restaurant where he had once lost face.
Last time, it was Deng Zheyan who had invited him here as the host.
Now, the tables had turned—he was the one treating, bringing a group of thugs from Bright Pearl City for a meal here.
Of course, after the last incident, he didn’t dare act arrogantly in the restaurant.
At least not until the guys from the Righteous Alliance dealt with Liu Yutong’s crew. Then he could afford to be cocky again.
After all, if you didn’t settle a grudge, you weren’t a real gangster.
Last time, after being humiliated by Liu Yutong’s people, his reputation among his underlings had plummeted, and many had abandoned him.
It made sense. For small-time thugs like them, loyalty was fleeting.
They only followed him for the sake of pride and face. The moment trouble hit, they scattered faster than anyone.
Originally, Erkun had been a big shot on the street near Wushui County’s Third High School, with lackeys trailing behind him. But after crossing Liu Yutong’s crew and the mess at Caesar KTV, his status had become shaky.
Word spread fast in the underworld.
No one had expected that in a place like Wushui County, someone would dare stand up to Niu Ben’s men—and win.
Many began to realize that a new force was rising in Wushui County, and it was ruthless, dominant.
When Erkun’s underdogs heard the news, most backed off, afraid they’d be held accountable later.
Before long, Brother Erkun was left alone.
His situation wasn’t too different from Liu Hao’s.
But unlike Liu Hao, Erkun didn’t have the guts to start fresh in a new place, nor did he want to work some dead-end job.
Since he’d already crossed Liu Yutong’s crew, he might as well throw his lot in with Niu Ben. Even if he wasn’t the boss anymore, at least he could still survive in Wushui County under someone else’s shadow.
Of course, someone of his rank couldn’t meet Niu Ben directly—he only got as far as Crazy Dog Brother.
Crazy Dog Brother couldn’t care less about small fry like Erkun. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry called themselves "brother" these days. But remembering his boss’s orders, he reluctantly took Erkun in.
Naturally, it wasn’t for free. There was a condition—he had to get the job done flawlessly.
When Erkun first heard he’d have to deal with Liu Yutong’s gang, he was a hundred percent unwilling.
He was genuinely scared.
But when Crazy Dog Brother said he wouldn’t have to lift a finger himself—just pass the info to the Righteous Alliance in Bright Pearl City—he took the job.
After all, with Crazy Dog Brother backing him and the Righteous Alliance’s muscle, the odds were in his favor.
And he wouldn’t even have to get his hands dirty.
The reason he brought them to Fisherman’s Joy was because Crazy Dog Brother had said the restaurant was their turf—they could eat for free.
Plus, he’d lost face here before and had been itching to reclaim his pride.
Private room.
Scarface sprawled in the seat of honor, his lackeys settling around him.
Then he barked, "Waiter! Bring us the most expensive dishes you’ve got!"
Brother Erkun stood to the side, clutching the menu, his eyes instinctively scanning the liquor prices.
Seeing they were reasonable, he exhaled in relief—no repeat of the sky-high scam from last time.
He sidled up to Scarface, grinning obsequiously. "Scarface Brother, what would you like to drink? I’ll have the waiter bring it."
Scarface waved him off. "Drink? Let’s save that for after we handle business."
He was here on a mission and knew booze could mess things up. At the very least, they had to deal with the "young miss" and that guy from Yuncheng before they could drink freely.
Soon, waiters filed in with steaming dishes.
The aroma of fish potstickers filled the room, and Scarface’s eyes lit up. He grabbed one, took a bite, and nodded approvingly.
"Not bad. This place knows how to cook."
Just as the group dug in, the door swung open.
A waiter walked in carrying two bottles of Moutai.
Brother Erkun shot to his feet, face darkening. "Who told you to bring liquor? Didn’t you hear my brother doesn’t drink? Get out!"
The waiter hurried to explain, "This is complimentary—"
"Don’t care if it’s free, scram—"
Before Erkun could finish, Scarface cut in, raising a hand. "Hold up. Complimentary?"
The waiter nodded eagerly. "Our boss heard esteemed gentlemen like yourselves were dining here and specially asked us to bring two bottles of our finest reserve for you."
Scarface’s expression softened. "If it’s your boss’s goodwill, leave it."
Brother Erkun: "..."
"Of course." The waiter set the bottles down gently and retreated.
"Scarface Brother, I thought you said no drinking?"
Scarface’s gaze was locked on the Moutai. "A little won’t hurt."
He picked up a bottle, scrutinizing the label as if verifying its authenticity.
"Your boss knows how to treat guests. Erkun, you know him? Damn generous."
Originally, Scarface had been annoyed at being brought to some mediocre restaurant, thinking Erkun had no respect.
But those two bottles changed his mind.
If he wasn’t mistaken, this was aged Moutai—each bottle worth thousands, maybe even tens of thousands. Back in Bright Pearl City, he’d only gotten a taste once when he’d mooched off boss Pan Xing’s stash.
Even in the mighty Righteous Alliance, most underlings couldn’t afford this stuff. Only the top bosses drank it.
"Yeah, the boss is my... my brother. He’s always admired you guys, so he arranged this to show his respect."
Erkun figured this had to be Crazy Dog Brother’s doing—proof that the restaurant was now under their control. No way the old owner would send over free booze.
That’d be too ridiculous.
"Your buddy’s alright. Today, I’ll make the call—you’re one of us now." Scarface clapped Erkun on the shoulder.
Inside, Erkun wanted to refuse. But on the outside, he plastered on a look of delight. "Thank you, Scarface Brother! Thank you!"
What the hell was this?
Suddenly he was in two gangs? Was he supposed to be a double agent now?
Scarface didn’t notice Erkun’s discomfort, still grinning.
He had no idea Erkun wasn’t some small-time thug eager to join the Righteous Alliance—he was Crazy Dog Brother’s man. Or more accurately, Niu Ben’s.
Scarface just assumed Erkun had gone all out to impress them and earn his place.
"Erkun, come here." Scarface beckoned.
Erkun hurried over, bending slightly in a posture of deference. "Scarface Brother, what is it?"
Scarface leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Your brother still has some of that liquor, right? Can you pack two more bottles for me?"
Upon hearing this, Erkun's heart skipped a beat—that liquor wasn’t cheap!
But he didn’t dare refuse outright, so he forced a smile and said, "Scarface, let me go ask?"
Scarface nodded. "Sure, go ahead."
Before long, Erkun strode confidently back into the private room.
Approaching Scarface, he lowered his voice and said, "Scarface, it’s all taken care of for you."
Scarface’s eyes instantly lit up. "Good, good! Erkun, you’re a real stand-up guy!"
Erkun couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. He hadn’t expected Crazy Dog Brother to be so generous.
All he’d done was mention it briefly to the server, and before he knew it, the liquor was already packed and ready.
This only reinforced his belief that sticking with Crazy Dog Brother was the right move—the man had style!
Liquor worth tens of thousands, handed out just like that—four whole bottles!
Once he got this job done, with a boss this generous, would he ever have to worry about living the high life again?
The future looked brighter than ever!
