Chapter 479: Chapter 479
"Then what else can we do? We can’t squeeze in there."
His cousin Zhao Kaifeng was also troubled, "With so many people gathered here, if we go wholesale some water and instant noodles, can we make some money?"
People online dug up the fact that Jiang Yuan’s friends are all second-generation rich kids, so obviously he doesn’t lack money himself. He was prepared, and even before he got famous, he had bodyguards around him.
We don’t have good equipment either, can’t even get clear shots let alone live stream him singing, we need to think of another way to earn money."
"Selling water probably won’t work, didn’t you see everyone drove here? Who doesn’t have bottles of water in their cars?" Zhao Kai Xuan looked around, hoping to find another way to make money from the crowd, or else the two brothers would be left with nothing.
The crowd near the bar suddenly got loud, as if they heard something inside. Drones buzzed back and forth, making him feel that the two brothers just couldn’t fit into this frenzy.
"Bro, they’ve started singing." Zhao Kaifeng scrolled through the live stream, unable to hold back his admiration, "He looks so fair and gentle, and that voice is unmatched once he opens his mouth. No wonder he’s famous. If we had half of Jiang Yuan’s singing skills, we’d be famous already..."
Just halfway through his words, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure in the crowd and nudged his cousin with his elbow, "Do you see that guy? Big Saber!
He used to be a big name on the bar street, very loyal. Later on, he fought for a woman and got locked up for five years, he was just released."
"Where did you hear that gossip?"
"Didn’t you ask me to check on the situation on the internet bar street, to have something to say once we start streaming? I found it online!
Big Saber’s real name is Guan Zhigang, back when he was mingling here, the owner of the Blue Diamond Bar, Chen Likai, was like a little brother to him..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Kai Xuan’s eyes suddenly lit up, "He just came out, right? Judging by his clothes, he doesn’t seem to be doing well. We could try to work with him!"
The two brothers thought it over, what could be more important than making money? Whether it works or not, have a chat first, if the deal doesn’t go through, they’re still friends!
Meanwhile, Guan Zhigang was also feeling troubled in the crowd. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵※𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾※𝙣𝙚𝙩
He never even finished elementary school, watched a few gangster films and got heavily influenced, started hanging out on the streets as a teenager, hoping to live the good life, indulging in pleasure recklessly.
He caught some good fortune due to the times, and thanks to his imposing figure and bold personality, managed to carve out a name for himself. Relying on his ruthless attitude and genuine actions, he enjoyed a few good years.
Eventually, the story of a hero fell into a cliché.
He fell for a girl forced into prostitution and even went to a dangerous meeting for her, ultimately sentenced to five years for vicious assault.
Released after five years of sewing machine labor, everything had changed.
His former bosses either changed careers or retired; his former underlings transformed into successful businessmen; that girl ended up with another boss and is now a mother of two.
He was left with no money, no family, and no one cared enough to let him back into the scene.
Guan Zhigang couldn’t even afford a decent smartphone, much less keep up with the times or understand those apps.
He couldn’t comprehend how overnight so many people gathered to watch the commotion, as if they sprung out of nowhere!
Last night, he thought about swallowing his pride to ask an old underling for a job just to make a living.
Before he could ask, Chen Likai stuffed two thousand bucks into his hand, saying he had an urgent matter and they’d talk later, only to see him out.
Guan Zhigang had been reaching out to various people for the past few days and only Chen Likai was generous, still remembering their old friendship. He thought he finally had hope and a place to settle.
He planned to have a proper discussion tonight, but didn’t even see Chen Likai’s face before being politely escorted out by the doorman.
Only then did he realize, that the two thousand bucks was just "Mr. Chen" placating him!
Staring at the neon-lit bar, memories of his past sacrifices for his brothers flashed through his mind. Now, reaching this low, no one remembered those days.
The familiar yet distant title brought a flicker of joy to Guan Zhigang, immersed in his memories. He turned to find two unfamiliar young faces.
"Aren’t you the Big Saber who went to battle for a girl? We heard about your legendary stories online."
Zhao Kai Xuan tried to get friendly, "We run a media channel, and nowadays, netizens love hearing old underworld stories.
So we want to collaborate with you on an autobiographical series to detail your experiences in the underworld!"
Upon hearing his voice full of age and experience, a bright idea struck.
With this experience and voice, if they recorded it into an audio story like "Years in the Underworld" or "Days as a Boss," maybe they could really make some money.
The two kids had heard words like web celebrities and media channels thrown around lately. Though they didn’t entirely understand, they knew it hinted at easy money, so their eyes sparkled, and the trio quickly reached an agreement!
With nothing better to do, Zhao Kai Xuan decided to call it a day and took Guan Zhigang to a small dingy restaurant. After a couple of beers, Guan Zhigang’s stories started pouring out.
"Do you think bars make money only by selling cheap booze at high prices? Let me tell you, insiders know the real deal—Chen Likai’s bar with such huge expenses makes money from drugs, gambling, and prostitution."
Guan Zhigang dropped a bombshell, leaving the inexperienced brothers dumbfounded, "But that’s all illegal..."
"No kidding! Haven’t you heard? All the jobs that make big money are written in the Criminal Code!"
Zhao Kaifeng, thinking it over, whispered, "I heard you can make money by reporting it."
"Hmph, you think anyone can just dabble in those three things?" Guan Zhigang gave him a look, "Who’s daring enough without backing?
Why do you think I went to that dangerous meeting back then?
It was because every nightlife venue did the same; even those forced into it had to pay over half their earnings. I couldn’t stand the rules, so I challenged them!
In bars and nightclubs, the money you give to pretty girls gets a cut taken by them; let alone their underground casinos and channels they use to sell pills. They’re highly profitable!"
He downed another half bottle of beer, belching contentedly, and made a gesture that signified money, "With enough dough, you could even get your hands on this, imagine how profitable it is, and how much support they must have!"
The brothers exchanged looks, realizing the online rumors were true—money lets you do anything. If you can’t, then you’re simply not rich enough!
"Big Saber, are you saying that the cost of that dangerous meeting back then wasn’t just jail time, but you also tarnished your rep and got shunned by the underworld because you broke their rules?"
Zhao Kai Xuan cautiously asked, "Nowadays no one wants to help you, so can you... use your inside knowledge to find a way to make some cash?"
Clearly puzzled, he responded, "Without backing or money to move goods, how would I earn?"
The three sat staring at each other, Zhao Kai Xuan fumbled, "If it doesn’t work, can you sneak into the Blue Diamond Bar and livestream Jiang Yuan’s singing? He’s super popular now!"
"Streaming doesn’t make much money, does it? I see on TV often those who record illegal activities to blackmail end up terribly. With the internet so advanced now, can’t we try?"
"Pah! Didn’t you see those blackmailers have miserable endings?"
The two young men bickered quietly, but Guan Zhigang took it in—blackmailing is too risky.
However, if he could grab hold of Chen Likai’s dark dealings, plenty would pay to see him fall. Set a good price to sell the evidence, letting these two naïve kids be middlemen while he stayed behind the scenes collecting money, wouldn’t that be sweet?