Chapter 004: Collection of Protection Fees

Ah— the landlady was taken aback for a moment, then her face flushed: "It's my family's, Xiao Jiang, do you want to rent a house?"

This is how it should be. From now on, we are all one family. If you need any help, feel free to tell me. Good brothers are loyal to each other, hahaha. Jiang Shen, who was just exuding a fierce aura, suddenly broke into a smile, and the speed of his change in demeanor was astonishing

No, no. Those two ruffians are clearly not as spirited as Little Red Hair; they scrambled to their feet in a flurry.

I swear, Dong Ge was so shocked that his eyes widened. These thugs only know how to smash people with bottles and hit them with benches; who would go so far as to break someone else's finger.

However, I do not dare to rent casually; I must only rent to women and parents with children

Xiao Hongmao was taken aback for a moment, then gritted her teeth and kicked the chubby boy next to her, saying, "Hurry up, pay the money, take out the money."

That was done by the gangsters on television; they are merely thugs

Let us go, let us go, we will return to meet the proprietress

Xiao Hongmao felt utterly embarrassed, her face flushed with anger

My name is Jiang Shen, I am in Class 7 of the third year at Yizhong High School. I am currently renting a house. This is my phone number; you can call me when you make the payment, 139XXXXXXXXXX

It is too strange; it does not resemble a high school student at all

We shall depart. The four of them walked away, leaning on each other for support.

"Eat whatever is available; I am not picky about food." Jiang Shen felt a bit moved; Sister Xu was taking care of him. With one hundred yuan, he could eat for a month, and even instant noodles would be more than enough.

Jiang Shen helped tidy up; their house is just a few dozen meters around the corner of this alley

Another chubby person, who was not originally fainted, upon seeing the situation, felt a darkness before his eyes, pretended to faint, and remained completely still

"What do you want to do? What are you doing? Do you know Brother Dahua? Don't act recklessly." Upon seeing Jiang Shen's imposing demeanor, Dong Ge was clearly frightened.

Alright, I will take it this month. Starting next month, it must be submitted before the 10th of each month. Jiang Shen is currently short on money and is not being polite, taking it without hesitation.

This was something they used themselves in the past. After her husband passed away, they lost their source of income and had no choice but to rent out the attic. However, since the stairs are located within the home, it is truly difficult to rent it out to ordinary people

As the oversized down jacket was removed, Jiang Shen saw that she was wearing a fitted black turtleneck wool sweater underneath, paired with light-colored jeans. Both the upper and lower garments were snugly fitted, accentuating her curvaceous figure.

"Yes, I won't take it anymore." Xiao Hongmao lowered her head weakly, a glimmer of fierce light flashing in her eyes

The proprietress's surname is Xu, and her name is Xu Li. In her youth, she was a renowned beauty in the eastern part of the city. Later, she married a soldier. After the soldier retired, their lives were supposed to improve, but last year her husband unfortunately died in a car accident. The in-laws took all the compensation, leaving nothing for her and her daughter. Since then, she has been struggling to run this breakfast stall to support the household expenses. Fortunately, they have an apartment, a five-story one with a roof.

"Sure, here is one thousand, and the five hundred is for those two stools." Jiang Shen handed over one thousand, but the proprietress shook her head with a wry smile

"Oh, landlady, who is renting this house?" Jiang Shen did not respond to her, but instead pointed to the side, where a notice was posted on the wall of the alley.

"You come over too." Jiang Shen grabbed, and Dong Ge was also pulled over by him.

Jiang Shen asked Xiao Hong Mao with a smile

Madam Boss, I have negotiated with them, and they will no longer come to collect protection fees in the future, nor will Da Hua's people come to collect, right

It seems that Red-Haired Brother is still unconvinced? A glimmer of murderous intent flashed in Jiang Shen's eyes

There is a kind of courage in leaving a real phone number, which even sparked a hint of admiration in Xiao Hongmao's eyes

"Are you coming to our house for a meal? If you do, there will be an additional one hundred each month. However, let me be clear: the food is average, and you are not allowed to be picky. Whatever I cook, you will eat." Xu Li is very straightforward in her dealings, showing none of the coyness typically associated with women, which is probably one of the reasons why Wang Shao appreciates her.

What? The eyes of the two thugs nearly popped out.

"By the way, boss, where do you live and what is your name? We will look for you there next month," Dong Ge also asked with a smile.

He is a tough man. Jiang Shen observed that despite having two fingers broken, he could still endure it; indeed, he is a tough man. However, Jiang Shen knew that he was currently contemplating countless ways to kill him.

Jiang Shen chatted all the way back to her home

The boss's wife had a strange expression, her face seemed to reflect more helplessness. It was evident that she did not believe Jiang Shen, yet she could not criticize his good intentions

"Alright, you all can leave now." Jiang Shen understood the landlady's intentions; he actually had other plans. He waved his hand, signaling the four thugs that they could go.

"I am only seventeen today, and I won't turn eighteen for several more days." Jiang Shen said with a smile, then twisted hard.

"Boss, here you go, this is the protection money for this month," Xiao Hongmao forced a smile as he handed it over

"Today I admit defeat, what do you want to do?" Little Red Hair is not an idiot either; if this continues, he will only end up worse off. He covered his fingers, drenched in sweat, and each word was almost gritted out.

As soon as the intent to kill emerged from him, his entire body suddenly turned cold, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze. Upon seeing Jiang Shen's gaze, Xiao Hongmao felt that this person had at least killed dozens of people.

"Madam Boss, please wait a moment, I will settle the bill shortly." Jiang Shen bent down and picked up the little red-haired one.

Xu Li said, in front of Jiang Shen, "Hmph," first removing the apron from outside, and then suddenly taking off her down jacket

"Then, boss, we will take our leave first." The four individuals displayed respectful expressions, yet each harbored curses against Jiang Shen in their hearts

Jiang Shen dragged the two individuals to the corner of the alley like dead dogs

However, your staying may lead to greater trouble

"Hiss," Dong Ge took a cold breath, almost on the verge of tears: "Boss, I admit defeat."

A seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy, like a book, does not possess such calmness and fierce gaze at all

Jiang Shen smiled warmly and gently pulled the lever

According to Sister Xu, Brother Dahua had previously operated a gambling den and engaged in smuggling in his early years. Later, he became successful, transitioning from the underworld to legitimate business, and specialized in opening leisure centers, KTVs, and restaurants

Oh. Jiang Shen seemed to sense his killing intent, turned around and smiled, saying: "Did you just want to touch the boss's wife with that hand?"

However, the two of them are now in sync, nodding simultaneously: "Alright, alright, from now on, you will take care of us, boss"

"Bah" Little Red Hair shouted again "Ahーー"

Four people pooled together and finally gathered 3,000 yuan

"Stop it—stop it!" Dong Ge's face turned ashen, and he hurriedly said, "You're the boss today, you're the boss today." You are ruthless; after today, if I don't take you down, I won't call myself Dong Ge. Although Dong Ge is a thug, he is a thug with ambition and principles. Today, he was badly beaten by Jiang Shen, and he was filled with resentment, vowing to reclaim his honor tomorrow.

"Are you from the eastern part of the city? From now on, I will take care of you. Pay me three thousand yuan every month," Jiang Shen said leisurely.

Who is the boss here now? Jiang Shen stroked the third finger of the little red-haired one

No wonder she only rents to females and parents with children

Xu Li's home is on the fifth floor and has a roof. The area is not large, with only over 90 square meters below and approximately over 50 square meters in the loft. The most crucial point is that the staircase to the upper floor is located within Xu Li's home on the fifth floor

"Kid, you can still apologize now. Offending Brother Dahua, you will know what it means to wish you were dead." Dong Ge, swaying and trying to stand up, threatened Jiang Shen while covering his chest and spitting blood

At that time, Wang Shao wanted to pursue Sister Xu, but she was married to a soldier, so he did not take any action. Later, when her husband passed away, Wang Shao asked Brother Da Hua to convey his intention to support Sister Xu, offering 30,000 yuan per month, covering all her living expenses.

At that moment, the sound of a mobile phone rang from Jiang Shen's body

Jiang Shen stepped on the face of the little red-haired boy, pressing his face firmly against the cold ground. This sensation brought him great pleasure, and his thoughts and ideas flowed freely.

Stepping outside, Jiang Shen glanced at the two lying on the ground and said, "Are you still pretending to be dead? If you don't get up soon, I will break your legs."

Bang!

"Are you trying to be tough with me? I enjoy it when others are tough; let's see how tough you really are." Jiang Shen picked up the little red-haired one and smiled as he looked at him: "Tell me, who is the boss here right now?"

Sister Xu certainly did not agree, so Brother Dahua called Xiaohongmao, who came to put pressure on Sister Xu every few days

"Alright, but I will charge you five hundred yuan," the proprietress finally nodded.

He believes that Xiao Hongmao will not report him for robbery, as they are in the same line of work; whatever they lose, they will naturally use whatever means necessary to reclaim it

Sister Xu used to work at a restaurant owned by Brother Da Hua, where she caught the eye of a man named Wang Shao, who was astonished by her beauty and could not forget her.

You, you should leave quickly, thank you. I'm afraid if I leave today, they will come again tomorrow, wouldn't that be putting me in a difficult position? The landlady feels helpless.

Xiao Jiang, you have caused a great disaster. Do you know Brother Dahua? He is very famous in Dongning City. The boss lady watched them leave and hurriedly advised Jiang Shen.

Attic for rent, 800 per month, limited to women or parents with students

Due to the commotion caused by Xiao Hongmao and the others, today's business cannot continue, and breakfast time is also nearly over

Ah— Xiao Hongmao let out a cry that was almost earth-shattering

"Be good, Shuang'er, Brother Jiang can tutor you for free." Jiang Shen lured little Shuang'er.

Alright, you can go upstairs and take a look for yourself. If you need anything, just let me know. Shuang'er, you can go read or play by yourself. I am going to take a shower; I've been making pancakes all morning and I'm filthy.

"I f*** you." Xiao Hongmao remained defiant; after years of navigating the streets, he did not believe that a high school student could be that tough

Upon hearing this, Xiao Hongmao exchanged a glance with a nearby thug, who promptly took out his phone and made a call

"Wait a moment, have you forgotten something?" Jiang Shen said with a smile, looking at the little red-haired one

This sentence caught the boss's wife's attention; she is busy with business all day long, exhausted from her work, and has no time to take care of her daughter. Xiao Jiang is now a high school student and can at least provide some guidance to her daughter in her studies

"Heh, still not convinced?" Jiang Shen laughed in anger

The pain was excruciating, as Xiao Hong Mao's little finger was broken on the spot by Jiang Shen, causing him to sweat profusely like a waterfall in the middle of winter

The proprietress hesitated for a moment; she should also understand Jiang Shen's intention, which was to stay and protect them

"I curse you, bastard, if you have the guts, report your name, our Da Hua will take you down—" Xiao Hongmao is someone who mixes in the underworld, never backing down in defeat, and his words are incredibly tough.

At this moment, Xu Li, wearing an apron, appeared to be a youthful girl of about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, leaving Jiang Shen momentarily stunned.

Well, I don't want to live at school; I want to rent a house. Can I rent from the landlady?

"Bah!" Ah— Dong Ge cried out in agony

It is said that Young Master Wang holds a significant position and is meticulous in his dealings, which is why Brother Dahua did not force the issue but instead took his time to persuade Sister Xu, believing that there will eventually come a day when Sister Xu will yield.

The proprietress is in a difficult position.

"So you want to compete in ruthlessness, do you?" Jiang Shen laughed again, raising his head to look around the alley they were in, which had no traffic lights and no surveillance cameras

What the hell, are you collecting protection fees from us? We have always been the ones collecting protection fees from high school students, how dare you collect from us?

What kind of skill is it to bully orphans and widows? Now do you know who the boss in the east of the city is?

"Mother, mother, let Brother Jiang rent it," Shuang'er said from the side, her big eyes wide open as she tugged at the landlady's dress

"If you can kill me, go ahead. If you can't, I will kill your entire family." Xiao Hongmao's eyes glinted with ferocity, exuding an aura of murderous intent. It was evident that Jiang Shen's act of pinning him to the ground had thoroughly enraged him.

"What are you doing? What do you want to do?" Little Red Hair was punched in the face by Jiang Shen, but his whole body was in pain and he couldn't muster any strength. He wanted to struggle, but felt weak and powerless.

He patted the shoulders of the two individuals, and they immediately felt a surge of strength; the pain in their hands strangely diminished significantly, leaving them inwardly astonished.