"Hmph!" Sister Hong's eye muscles twitched violently a few times. "In this small corner of ZG City, someone actually dares to challenge me, Sister Hong? Fine! Very well! Gao Jianfei? I'll remember that name! Zeng Shiji, you useless coward, don't worry about this matter. Let me handle it myself! I'll kill him!"
Chapter 171 Yaohui, Dare to pull off a heist?
Chapter 171 Yaohui, Dare to pull off a heist?
Gao Jianfei returned home from the police station. His house was bustling with activity. The visit of Wu Keyou and others had transformed the usually quiet and rarely visited Gao family home into a joyous occasion. The artists did nothing but clean the Gao family home. Some swept, some mopped, and some wiped down the old furniture. This act was, in fact, an expression of respect. Respect for Gao Jianfei.
Gao Jin and his aunt stared at each other, completely baffled, as they watched this group of well-dressed and distinguished artists happily engaging in these activities.
From the moment Wu Keyou entered, he confidently asserted that Gao Jianfei would be perfectly fine, which greatly relieved Gao Jin, his aunt, and Chen Xian. In short, the words of Wu Keyou and the others were highly credible.
Chen Xian and her aunt took the food out of the refrigerator and started preparing lunch. Just as the meal was ready, Gao Jianfei strolled home leisurely.
Wu Keyou and others immediately surrounded them, asking with concern. Gao Jin, his aunt, and Chen Xian also eagerly inquired about his well-being.
Gao Jianfei smiled as he selectively recounted the events. Wu Keyou and the others were unfazed, but Gao Jin and his aunt listened with astonishment. Gao Jin asked suspiciously, "Son, you...when did you become a painter?"
Gao Jianfei already had a plan to answer his father's question. "Dad, painting is really all about talent. You used to work away from home a lot, so you didn't know about some of my hobbies. Actually, I love painting; I've loved it since I was little. But back then, I was afraid you'd say I was wasting my time and affecting my studies, so I painted secretly. Although I didn't have a professional teacher, painting is all about a moment of inspiration. Generally speaking, masterpieces are often the result of a stroke of genius. It's like... just like Li Bai writing poetry."
That's pure nonsense.
However, given Gao Jianfei's current status, no matter how much nonsense he spouted, the group of artists led by Wu Keyou still listened intently, some even taking out their phone books and pens to write down everything Gao Jianfei had just said. Others silently murmured to themselves, "A stroke of genius, a stroke of genius, hmm, teacher, those four words are quite insightful!"
Gao Jin and his aunt were skeptical of Gao Jianfei's words. They couldn't think of anything else to ask, so they refrained from inquiring about sex.
At lunchtime, three tables were pushed together in the cramped living room, and dozens of people sat around eating and drinking, creating a lively atmosphere.
The artists stayed at the Gao family's house until after 2 p.m. before finally saying goodbye and leaving.
After seeing the guests off, Auntie kept muttering, "Thank God, thank God, my Jianfei has really made something of himself! He's really made something of himself! Our ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke! Even those high-ranking officials are trying to curry favor with my Jianfei... He's so successful! So successful!"
Gao Jin was overjoyed... "My son has achieved what he has today through his own talent. As his father, I feel my life has been worthwhile! It really has been worthwhile! My son is much more capable than I was back then!"
The father and son are a story of two individuals: one was once the world's number one gambling god; the other is now China's top painter.
In Ko Chun's mind, being a painter was far more glamorous and safer than being a gambling god!
Proud! Gao Jin is proud of his son!
Suddenly, his aunt grabbed Gao Jianfei's hand very seriously and said solemnly, "Jianfei, do you know why you are so successful now?"
"Huh?" Gao Jianfei was taken aback by his aunt's strange expression and actions. "What's wrong, Aunt?"
Aunt said, “Child, to be honest, the day after you left your hometown for G Province, I went to Qingyan Cave to pray to the Bodhisattva for you! I said… ‘Bodhisattva, please bless my Jianfei so that he may have a smooth and safe journey, great fortune, make a name for himself, bring honor to our family, and achieve great success.’ I also made a vow in front of the Bodhisattva that if Jianfei does succeed, I will personally take him to fulfill my vow!”
"Bodhisattva? Making a wish?" Gao Jianfei was completely dumbfounded! "Qingyan Cave?"
"Jianfei, the Bodhisattva really has appeared! The Bodhisattva enshrined in Qingyan Cave is very efficacious. Look at you, aren't you doing well?" Auntie said solemnly. "Jianfei, wait a couple of days, and Auntie will take you two to fulfill your vow! This is something you promised the Bodhisattva, and you must do it! Last time I donated 200 yuan for incense oil, so when we fulfill our vow, let's donate another 1000! We'll thank the Bodhisattva a lot! We'll donate money to make a golden statue for the Bodhisattva!"
"No! Aunt, this... isn't this just superstition?" Gao Jianfei exclaimed anxiously.
Gao Jianfei knew about Qingyan Cave Temple. The monks there were really hard to judge. Once, Gao Jianfei saw several monks at a computer mall buying computers; the specs there were worth 7,000 or 8,000 yuan. These monks were rolling in money; they were all swindlers masquerading as bodhisattvas!
How could my aunt believe in this!
"Hey, hey, hey! Jianfei, you're not allowed to be disrespectful to the Bodhisattva! You have to go to fulfill your vow!" Auntie rarely showed her stubbornness.
Gao Jianfei was about to argue when Chen Xian quickly grabbed his hand and said, "Jianfei! Don't argue with your aunt, just go! It's just fulfilling a vow, right?" She pulled Gao Jianfei aside and whispered, "Jianfei, you don't believe in this stuff, and neither do I, but the old lady does! It's just fulfilling her faith, what's the big deal? Go! We'll all go when we have time!"
Gao Jianfei nodded helplessly.
After dinner, Gao Jianfei originally wanted to take Chen Xian's hand and stroll around the streets so she could experience the night view of ZG City. However, after thinking about it, Gao Jianfei was afraid that Zeng Jian's people would cause trouble after he left home, so he had to stay at home. Gao Jianfei had investigated Zeng Jian's background a long time ago and knew that his mother was the big boss of the ZG City underworld and was definitely not someone to be trifled with.
Often, the head of a city's underworld is more troublesome than the city's police chief. After all, people in the underworld are ruthless and will stop at nothing to get things done.
In the evening, the family watched TV in the living room. Everything was peaceful, and the night passed quietly.
At 11:30, everyone in the family had showered and was resting. Gao Jianfei also snuggled into bed with Chen Xian. They had only been lying down for less than ten minutes…
"Smack!"
"Slap! Slap! Slap!"
The sound of shattering glass rang out repeatedly!
All the windows in Gao Jianfei's house were smashed to pieces! Glass shards flew in, along with pebbles used by people outside to break the windows, scattering all over the floor!
"Ah!" Chen Xian screamed. Gao Jianfei quickly shielded Chen Xian with his body and strained his ears to listen outside the courtyard... A series of hurried footsteps rushed from the courtyard towards the street. Clearly, someone had smashed Gao Jianfei's window and fled immediately afterward.
Immediately afterwards, lights came on in the neighboring houses in the courtyard, and curses erupted one after another.
Auntie also got up and put on her clothes. Gao Jianfei called out anxiously from the doorway, "Jianfei, get up and see what's going on!"
Gao Jianfei knew perfectly well... it must have been Zeng Jian's men who did it!
"Xiaoxian, just stay in bed and don't be afraid!" Gao Jianfei quickly put on his clothes, jumped out of bed, turned on the light, and saw shards of glass all over the floor.
The living room was equally horrific; the two large glass windows were smashed to pieces, and shards of glass splattered in, nearly injuring Gao Jin, who was sleeping in the living room!
Gao Jin also struggled to get out of bed. "Jianfei, whose kid is playing this prank?"
Gao Jianfei patted his aunt's shoulder. "Aunt, it's alright. I'll go out and take a look. You go back inside and continue sleeping. It's fine."
After saying that, Gao Jianfei opened the door, turned on the porch light, and went outside to see that the neighbors nearby had also opened their doors and were looking around anxiously.
Gao Jianfei stood in the yard for a full 20 minutes, but there was no movement. He frowned, then went back inside and locked the door. He picked up a stool, sat in the living room, and waited, smoking a cigarette.
In the middle of the night, around 3 a.m., Gao Jianfei was still somewhat groggy when suddenly... "Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Fist-sized pebbles shot directly into Gao Jianfei's house! They flew through the shattered glass window!
Gao Jianfei leaped up, opened the door, and rushed out!
In the courtyard, several dark figures stood about 7 or 8 meters away from Gao Jianfei's house, frantically throwing stones!
As soon as they saw Gao Jianfei leave, they turned and ran! Gao Jianfei snorted coldly, pushed off with both feet, and rushed out quickly!
Those dark figures didn't care about anything and just ran away frantically. When Gao Jianfei chased them to the intersection ahead, he found several motorcycles waiting for them. The people who threw stones were about to get on the motorcycles!
"Trying to run?" Gao Jianfei reached for his waist with his right hand, then flicked his wrist, sending a steel spike flying out!
"Pfft!" The iron spike pierced the right leg of a guy who hadn't even had time to get on the motorcycle!
"Ouch!" The guy felt a sharp pain and stumbled to the ground! In the blink of an eye, the others had already gotten on their motorcycles and sped away, completely ignoring their injured companion.
Gao Jianfei walked over with a livid face. The man lay on the ground trembling, looking at Gao Jianfei with terrified eyes. It seemed that he was also very timid.
Gao Jianfei walked over and took a look under the streetlight... It turned out that this guy was one of the thugs in charge of the demolition this morning! He had been beaten by Gao Jianfei back then, but he was still so bold. He was beaten during the day and came back to cause trouble at night.
Gao Jianfei sneered, grabbed the guy by the hair, and dragged him toward his home.
"Ah! Ouch! Big brother! It's not my fault! Ouch! It hurts! Big brother, my foot, the wound hurts! Ouch!" Half of the guy's body was scraping against the ground, his clothes and skin were all torn apart, and he was covered in blood.
"Shut up!" Gao Jianfei turned around and gave him a cold glare, which frightened him into silence. He was sweating profusely and dared not utter another word.
Gao Jianfei dragged the guy to a locust tree not far from his house, then released him and said coldly, "Who sent you to cause trouble?"
"It was Brother Gang who sent us! It was Brother Gang! It has nothing to do with me, brother!" the guy cried. "Brother Gang gave each of us 200 yuan and told us to throw things at your house every three hours, smash the windows, and then if someone chased after us, we would run away. Then, three hours later, we would come back and smash things again. Our job was... to throw stones at your house. It was Brother Gang who ordered us to do it, it has nothing to do with me!"
"Who is Brother Gang?" Gao Jianfei pressed.
"He's one of Sister Hong's most capable henchmen!" The guy didn't dare to hide anything. "Brother Gang said that smashing windows and houses is just... a warm-up for you before the game. The real excitement is later. He said he'll make you unable to take care of yourself and ruin your family."
"Sister Hong?" Gao Jianfei nodded, already understanding. Sister Hong was Zeng Jian's mother, the head of the underground forces in ZG City! "You're one of Sister Hong's people?"
"No! Brother! I'm not one of Sister Hong's people, don't misunderstand! We're not qualified to be in Sister Hong's circle. We're just ordinary thugs, not respectable. Didn't I just tell you? Brother Gang gave each of us 200 yuan to do this. If we have to categorize, we're just a bunch of peripheral members working for Brother Gang, scraping by. Being able to truly enter Sister Hong's circle would be so much better! We'd even get a share of the profits every year..." This guy was quite the smooth talker. Of course, Gao Jianfei's iron spike wasn't a heavy blow; it only temporarily slowed this guy's escape. If he had used his full strength, how could this guy be speaking so fluently right now?
"Shut up!" Gao Jianfei cursed. "Don't talk nonsense. I'll ask you a question now, and you answer it!"
"Okay, okay, yes, yes, brother, please ask. I'll answer as long as I know the answer, I promise!" the guy muttered. Then, he muttered under his breath, "Damn, those 200 yuan were really hard to earn. Now I've even lost it all!"
"How many businesses does Sister Hong have under her control, and how many people rely on her for their livelihood?" Gao Jianfei inquired.
"Big brother, Sister Hong is awesome!" the guy said fluently. "All four districts and two counties of ZG City are Sister Hong's territory! I heard that once, Sister Hong had a fierce battle with people from NB City. She was incredibly powerful, deploying over a thousand people and more than a hundred guns. Her sheer presence alone intimidated the other side..."
"..." Gao Jianfei slapped the incessantly chattering guy across the face. "If you utter another word of nonsense, I'll break your legs!"
The guy trembled slightly. "Yes, yes, brother, I heard that the people who truly follow Sister Hong are just in the inner circle, numbering around three to five thousand. As for us small-time thugs on the periphery, we rely on Sister Hong for a living. I can't really say how many people like us there are. As for Sister Hong's businesses, I can't really say, but she has one underground casino, several large nightclubs, and countless other companies, markets, bars, and so on!"
Upon hearing these words, Gao Jianfei gasped in shock.
Sister Hong is truly amazing.
In other words, in ZG City, anyone who doesn't do proper work and has a bit of a hooligan vibe can be considered Sister Hong's people, only they are divided into core members and peripheral members.
If Gao Jianfei really wanted to go against Sister Hong, it would be almost impossible for him to do so on his own!
“I need to take some time to think about how to deal with this super local tyrant in ZG City.” Gao Jianfei frowned, then bent down and pulled the iron spike out of the man’s leg. The spike wasn’t deeply embedded, and the man cried out in pain twice, drawing a little blood. He then gasped for breath, looking at Gao Jianfei in terror, “Big brother, don’t kill me! Don’t kill me! I just wanted to earn 200 yuan to support my family, don’t kill me! I’ll turn over a new leaf, find a job, and support myself…”
"Get lost!" Gao Jianfei lightly kicked the guy, then turned and went back into the house.
Back home, Aunt, Gao Jin, and Chen Xian, all dressed, stood in the living room in horror, staring blankly at the broken glass and pebbles scattered on the floor.
Gao Jianfei said apologetically, "Alright, rest now. Everything will be fine tomorrow. The municipal party committee rewarded me with an apartment in Nanhu Community, a welfare apartment for leading cadres. It's fully furnished, and we'll move in tomorrow. Just get through tonight. You guys rest, I'll stay here and keep watch."
After finally managing to coax and comfort his aunt and father into resting, Gao Jianfei whispered to Chen Xian, telling her to go back to her room and rest as well.
Afterwards, Gao Jianfei moved the stool to the outside yard, sat down, smoked, and pondered a plan... Now, Gao Jianfei was going up against Sister Hong!
Sister Hong is more than ten times more difficult to deal with than Zeng Shiji!
Gao Jianfei understood very well that with the support of the municipal party committee, Zeng Shiji, the police chief, was basically a figurehead and posed no danger to him. But Sister Hong was different; she was a local tyrant with huge influence, deep roots, and was very clingy.
To deal with Sister Hong, you either have to kill her outright, or you have to crush her entire power base!
Now that things have no good ending, Gao Jianfei is making two preparations... On the one hand, he is looking for an opportunity to assassinate Sister Hong; on the other hand, he is gradually eroding the power she controls!
To deal with Sister Hong's forces, Gao Jianfei can't rely on himself. Even if he's a formidable fighter, he can't go in alone. Nor can he be assassinated with arrows and force like he did with mercenaries. Sister Hong has so many thugs and hooligans under her command; there's no way to kill them all.
Actually, a good idea is... to start with Sister Hong's casino!
Raising money! Raising money on a massive scale! Driving the Hongjie Group's economy to collapse!
This is the only way!
To take down Sister Hong's casino, Gao Jianfei hoped that Zheng Bang and Dong Xing could both get involved. After all, Gao Jianfei was affiliated with these two underground forces.
"Hmm? How about using underground forces to fight underground forces?" Gao Jianfei's mind suddenly clicked!
With that in mind, Gao Jianfei first called Chen Yaohui.
The phone rang for a while before Chen Yaohui answered... "Jianfei? What's wrong? It's so late, what do you want?"
"Yes. Yaohui, sorry to bother you, but I have something to discuss with you." Gao Jianfei said, carefully choosing his words. "It's about making money. I believe you'll be interested."
"Make money?" Chen Yaohui's voice rose a few decibels, no longer as lazy and limp as when he first answered the phone.
"Hmm. I have a question for you. Are you interested in taking over the casino in my hometown?" Gao Jianfei probed. "Do you dare to pull off a heist with me?"