61: Chapter 61 Revenge from Brother Dao

Meanwhile, in a private booth of a nightclub on Changle Street, Brother Dao and a group of his lackeys were immersed in the clamor of drinking and merrymaking.

The lighting inside the booth was dim, and smoke swirled in the air. Brother Dao sat in the center, holding a scantily-clad hostess in his arms with an unbridled and arrogant expression, letting out bursts of wild laughter from time to time.

Just then, the door to the booth was pushed open gently. Behind the waiter, Wang Hao walked in cautiously, pulling a silver suitcase.

The waiter's eyes held a hint of fear; he didn't dare to meet Brother Dao's sinister gaze throughout the process. He bowed and spoke respectfully to Brother Dao, who sat in the center: "Brother Dao, this man said he had an appointment to meet you tonight, so I brought him in."

Brother Dao glanced at Wang Hao behind the waiter, a playful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

However, his gaze only lingered on Wang Hao for a moment before falling onto the silver suitcase he was pulling, a flash of greed appearing in his eyes.

He waved his hand at the waiter, signaling him to leave. Then, he let go of the woman in his arms, stood up, and walked toward Wang Hao with a sinister smile still on his face.

Wang Hao instinctively backed away a little. Brother Dao reached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone seemingly carrying a bit of dissatisfaction as he teased, "Oh, Young Master Wang, you've finally arrived. I thought you'd forgotten our agreement from last night and was just about to send my boys to fetch you."

Wang Hao smiled sheepishly, the muscles on his face twitching slightly due to tension.

The cold sensation of Brother Dao slapping his face with a knife last night still left him with lingering fears. He looked at Brother Dao cautiously, his eyes revealing deep fear and cowardice. His voice trembled as he said, "Bro—Brother Dao, you're really joking. How could I dare forget an agreement with Brother Dao..."

"Is that so?" Brother Dao said, slowly circling him as if inspecting a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

He leaned over and lightly patted the 20-inch suitcase. The suitcase made two dull "thud" sounds. The corners of his mouth curled up as he asked, feigning ignorance, "What's in this box?"

Wang Hao gulped and hurriedly explained, "Uh, Brother Dao, isn't this what we agreed on last night? The medical expenses for Brother Qiang and those five brothers. Two million in total, not a penny less, it's all here."

As soon as Wang Hao said this, the eyes of Brother Dao's lackeys and the hostesses in the booth all focused on the suitcase.

"Oh? Open it and let's see," Brother Dao said with interest, the smile on his face filled with unmasked greed.

Wang Hao hurriedly squatted down and tremblingly laid the suitcase flat. Two million in cash weighed nearly fifty pounds; Wang Hao had pulled it all the way from his trunk to the nightclub, and his hands were sore from the strain.

His hands shaking, he unzipped the suitcase and flipped it open. Immediately, bundles of brand-new hundred-yuan bills, still wrapped in white bank seals, appeared before everyone's eyes.

Brother Dao's eyes gleamed, and his lackeys and the hostesses were equally stunned.

Brother Dao waved his hand at his lackeys and ordered, "Don't just stand there like idiots. Have some initiative. Everyone, come over and help Young Master Wang count it to see if it's really two million."

The lackeys responded in unison and crowded around with a rustle.

Seeing this, Wang Hao quickly pulled a thin document from the suitcase's compartment, stood up, walked to Brother Dao's side, and handed it over respectfully with both hands. He said cautiously, "Brother Dao, this is the information on that kid Qin Yi. Please take a look."

Brother Dao took the document, gave it a casual glance, and tossed it disdainfully onto the table. Then, he sat back down in the center seat and waved at the hostess, signaling her to give up her spot.

The hostess tactfully stood up and moved aside to drink with her friends nearby.

Then, Brother Dao looked at Wang Hao, patted the empty seat beside him, smiled slyly, and said with hypocritical politeness, "Young Master Wang, come, sit here. What would you like to drink? I'll open it for you!"

Wang Hao hurriedly stepped forward and picked up a beer at random. Looking flattered, he said hastily, "No, there's no need, Brother Dao. I can do it myself."

"Eh, beer is for little girls. Have this; this has a real kick," Brother Dao said as he handed a 375ml bottle of whiskey to Wang Hao.

Wang Hao didn't dare refuse and accepted it with a sheepish smile. Once he opened the bottle, Brother Dao picked up a glass and clinked it against Wang Hao's whiskey bottle, saying casually, "Bottoms up!"

After saying that, Brother Dao downed the little bit of liquor left in his glass. Wang Hao's bottle, however, was newly opened—a full 375ml of 40-proof whiskey. He gulped, his expression looking a bit pained, while the hostesses nearby waited with wicked smiles to see him make a fool of himself.

Seeing that he wasn't drinking, Brother Dao's face darkened, and he said coldly, "What? You look down on me? You don't want to drink with me?"

"Uh, no, no, I wouldn't dare, Brother Dao," Wang Hao explained, swallowing hard.

"Then what are you hesitating for? If you drink it, I'll let bygones be bygones and still treat you like a brother! If you don't, then go back to wherever you came from and don't ever show your face in front of me again!" Brother Dao said coldly, lighting a cigarette and looking at Wang Hao with a mocking expression.

Wang Hao was helpless. He took a deep breath and thought to himself, Dammit, let's just do it!

Immediately after, Wang Hao picked up the entire bottle of whiskey, tilted his head back, and chugged it all in one go.

After finishing the whole bottle, Wang Hao felt as if a fire was burning from his mouth down to his stomach. Dense beads of cold sweat gradually broke out on his forehead.

At that moment, Brother Dao draped his arm over Wang Hao's shoulder and laughed with feigned warmth, "Haha, not bad! Young Master Wang is a real man! Come, everyone, give Young Master Wang a round of applause!"

The lackeys followed Brother Dao's command and clapped loudly. Some even shouted, "Young Master Wang is awesome!"

Then, Brother Dao pushed a fruit platter over, patted Wang Hao, and said with a look of concern, "Young Master Wang, here, have some fruit. Your stomach won't feel so bad then!"

"Th—thank you, Brother Dao," Wang Hao said, picking up a piece of fruit and putting it in his mouth. The chilled fruit entered his stomach, alleviating some of the burning sensation from before.

Then Brother Dao added, "Young Master Wang is quite something, giving away two million just like that. As expected of the young master of Hongtai Construction, you've got guts."

Wang Hao felt uneasy and smiled sheepishly. "Brother Dao, you're joking. How could I have so much money? I had to beg my dad for a long time before he agreed to give it to me."

Brother Dao smiled faintly and continued, "Haha, Young Master Wang is being too modest. Who in Modu doesn't know Hongtai Construction? A mere two million is just a drop in the bucket for your father..."

Wang Hao felt bitter but didn't know how to respond, so he could only smile cautiously along.

Then he heard Brother Dao change the subject, saying pensively, "Young Master Wang, I heard that your family's Hongtai Construction is preparing to go public recently? Any insider info you can share with a brother? Let us earn a little pocket money too?"

Hearing this, Wang Hao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately became nervous. "Uh... Bro—Brother Dao, you know me. I never get involved in company affairs. Even if there were insider info, my dad would never let me know..."

Hearing this, Brother Dao removed his arm from Wang Hao's shoulder. His face turned cold, and he said in a low voice, "It seems Young Master Wang still doesn't treat us as brothers!" As he spoke, another bottle of whiskey was slammed down in front of him.

Wang Hao panicked instantly. If he had to drink another bottle of this whiskey, he would definitely meet his end here today.

So, he hurriedly explained, "Bro—Brother Dao, you've misunderstood. How could I not treat you as a brother? It's just that I'm really not clear on the company's internal affairs. How about this, I'll ask my dad later. If there's really any insider info, I'll definitely tell you as soon as possible, okay?"

Just then, the lackeys finished counting the money. One of the leaders reported to Brother Dao, "Boss, not a penny less, exactly two million!"

Hearing this, Brother Dao nodded with satisfaction. He turned his gaze back to Wang Hao and said with a smile, "Haha, don't be nervous, Young Master Wang, I was just joking with you. Since the brothers' money has been paid in full, I'll thank Young Master Wang on behalf of Ah Qiang and the others."

Wang Hao hurriedly waved his hands and said politely, "Brother Qiang and the others were injured because of me. I should be the one paying the medical expenses. I don't deserve your thanks, Brother Dao."

"Haha, good brother! Now, let's talk business." Saying that, Brother Dao picked up the pages of information and muttered to himself as he read, "Qin Yi, 21, delayed graduation from the Finance Major of the Economics and Management Department at Modu University, currently a senior, from Jingnan..."

Wang Hao watched Brother Dao cautiously. He could sense Brother Dao's contempt and indifference toward Qin Yi. However, when Brother Dao reached the part about Qin Yi's family background, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and he turned to Wang Hao, asking, "This kid named Qin is also a second-generation rich kid?"

Wang Hao nodded and replied, "Uh... he was before, but I'm not too sure now."

"What do you mean? Didn't you compile this info? Aren't you classmates? I see it says here that Jingnan Huajian Steel Co., Ltd. is his family's business," Brother Dao asked curiously.

Wang Hao replied somewhat uncertainly, "Yes, it was his family's business... however, the company went bankrupt six months ago. Also, when I was compiling the kid's info, I specifically checked; the company has been demolished, and the land was reclaimed by Jingnan, rezoned as commercial land, and auctioned off..."

"Bankrupt? Why? Did they offend someone?" Brother Dao continued to press.

"I'm not too sure about the specific reason. However, I heard it was due to poor management and a lot of external debt. Even loan sharks came knocking on their door..." Wang Hao responded timidly to Brother Dao's questions.

Hearing that loan sharks were involved, Brother Dao immediately became interested. "Oh? Local loan sharks from Jingnan?"

"I'm not sure. You can't find information like that online..." Wang Hao shook his head, then flattered, "Brother Dao, you have wide connections in both the underworld and the legitimate world. You must have ways to find out."

Brother Dao thought for a moment, a flash of craftiness in his eyes. He thought to himself: I actually have some connections with the local loan sharks in Jingnan. I'll find someone to ask about it later.

Then, he looked at Wang Hao again and continued, "Where is this kid named Qin now?"

Wang Hao continued to shake his head. "I don't know. But, Brother Dao, if you want to find him, I have a way."

"Speak." Brother Dao's interest was piqued, and he signaled for him to continue.

"It's like this. Qin Yi's ex-girlfriend is now my woman. I can have her lure that kid Qin Yi out! When the time comes, you can bring more people, Brother Dao, and vent some anger for the injured brothers!"

As he said this, Wang Hao's eyes were full of hatred. Brother Dao, however, let out a sneer and questioned, "You said she's an ex-girlfriend. How can you be sure you can lure this kid named Qin out?"

Wang Hao smiled slyly and then recounted everything that happened at the school gate yesterday, as well as the fact that Qin Yi and Su Mo had been dating for three years.

...

After listening, a cold smile curled on Brother Dao's lips, and a flash of craftiness appeared in his eyes. He said with interest, "I didn't expect that kid to be such a romantic. Hey, is that girl named Su Mo really that beautiful?"

Wang Hao's expression stiffened, and he cursed inwardly. Although he viewed Su Mo as a plaything, he had no interest in voluntarily letting someone cuckold him.

However, facing Brother Dao, he didn't dare show even a hint of it. He quickly forced a smile and said, "She is quite beautiful. She's even the department beauty of Modu University's Music Department. If you like her, Brother Dao, I can introduce her to you. I guarantee she'll be obedient."

A playful look flashed in Brother Dao's eyes. "Oh? Didn't you say she's your woman? You're willing to give her away to someone else?"

Wang Hao chuckled and waved his hand with feigned generosity. "What are women? Brothers are like hands and feet, while women are like clothes. What's most important is that you like her, Brother Dao. I, Wang Hao, don't have much, but I have plenty of women. As long as you say the word, Brother Dao, whether she's a department beauty or not, she'll be yours."

"Hahaha, Young Master Wang really is a good brother! Fine! That's all for today. Go back and wait for my news!" Brother Dao laughed heartily, thinking to himself that this Wang Hao was truly despicable, willing to offer his own woman to someone else.

Then, he called out to his lackeys, "Brothers, tonight's expenses are on Young Master Wang! Everyone, hurry up and thank Young Master Wang!"

A gleam of schadenfreude flashed in the lackeys' eyes as they shouted in unison, "Thank you, Young Master Wang!"

Wang Hao was speechless. He thought to himself, When did I ever say I was paying? Besides, isn't this Nightlife Bar your own place, Brother Dao? What kind of bill am I even paying...

But Wang Hao could only think these things in his head. He didn't dare say them out loud. Left with no choice, he could only leave the booth dejectedly.

He followed the waiter and reluctantly went to the bar to settle the bill. As the POS machine beeped, another eighty thousand yuan was spent.

Afterward, a ruthless light flashed in his eyes as he cursed inwardly, "Dammit, Qin Yi! It's all your fault. I'll make you pay back this debt with interest sooner or later!"

...

After Wang Hao left, Brother Dao slowly paced over to the suitcase full of cash, his eyes carrying a hint of subtle calculation and pride.

He leaned down, picked up several stacks of money, and sniffed them, looking like he was enjoying it immensely. Then, with a wave of his arm, the stacks of bills traced an arc through the air and landed steadily in the arms of several lackeys.

With the corners of his mouth turned up, he said grandly, "Divide it among yourselves, brothers. Follow me, and there'll be meat to eat."

"Woo... Thank you, Boss..." The lackeys cheered in unison, their eyes filled with excitement.

Immediately after, he picked out two more stacks from the box and tossed them. The money landed accurately in front of the hostesses. He said casually, "Take it and spend it."

"Thank you, Brother Dao..." The hostesses also thanked him one after another, their eyes full of joy.

Then, Brother Dao pointed to the leader among the lackeys and ordered, "You, take the suitcase to my office. I have things to do, so you guys keep playing."

Brother Dao's office was located on the third floor of the Nightlife Bar. He walked slowly to the window and stared at the flashing neon lights outside, secretly calculating his next move.

Teaching a green kid a lesson wasn't hard. Even if the opponent knew martial arts, it didn't matter; it was just a matter of sending more people. However, he still needed to clear up the background of that kid named Qin.

The information Wang Hao brought was all superficial. A steel company that big went bankrupt just like that? He felt like there was something unusual about it. Besides, would a second-generation rich kid whose company had gone bankrupt dare to spend money at the International Finance Center? No matter how he thought about it, it seemed fishy.

A moment later, he turned back to his desk, scrolled through his phone's contacts, and finally stopped at the name "Chen Hu." After a brief pause, he dialed the number.

...