Chapter 10 Joining the Iron Hands Gang: An Introduction to the Thug Profession
Chapter 10 Joining the Iron Hands Gang: An Introduction to the Thug Profession
There was only one thing that Zhou Bapi was truly concerned about in his responsibilities.
That's about collecting money from beggars!
Although this job was supposed to be collecting money for the gang, there was a lot of money to be made from it.
The gang's rule was two coins, but he secretly added one coin. In addition, he collected money from beggars every day, over-reporting and under-reporting, deducting a little, and concealing a little. Over time, it accumulated into a considerable sum.
He had been in that position for several years, and the money he had saved was enough for him to live off for several more years.
If he hands it over now, even if he recovers later, he won't be able to get it back.
The unspoken rule in the group is that once a position is given to someone else, it will not be returned to you.
Zhou Bapi lay on the couch, his mind racing.
We can't just hand it over like that!
But in his current state, with one hand and one leg broken, unable to move, and unable to control those beggars, how can he collect the money?
The gang won't wait for him. Master Qian is a man who values efficiency and follows the rules. He won't let one person delay the gang's affairs.
We need to think of a way. We need to find someone trustworthy to do this for him.
He was nominally sent by the gang, but in reality, he was there to do the work for him and skim profits for him. Once he recovered from his injuries, he would take back his position.
Name after name flashed through Zhou Bapi's mind.
Wu Laosi?
No, that kid looks honest, but he's shrewder than anyone else.
If I really give him the position, he definitely won't give it up once I recover from my injury.
Kuaishou Sun?
No, that won't work either. This kid may seem obedient on the surface, but he's not really that obedient to me in private.
After thinking it over and over, a person suddenly popped into his mind.
Qin Chuan!
That little beggar, he just gave him two taels of silver yesterday. He's sensible and knows how to behave appropriately.
More importantly, this kid is just a beggar with no background or ability, making him easy to manipulate.
Letting him collect the money from the wedding gifts would allow him to keep his position and also win over a compliant follower—a win-win situation.
As for the future, once his leg heals and he gets his position back, if that kid is obedient, he can stay by my side as a dog.
If they don't listen, just kick them away.
A beggar with no background and no skills can't turn the world upside down.
Zhou Bapi turned to look at Master Qian and said, "Master Qian, there's no need to arrange anyone else. I have a suitable candidate."
Mr. Qian raised an eyebrow: "Who?"
"Qin Chuan. A beggar, but clever, sensible, and clean-handed. He mentioned to me before that he wanted to join the gang. I've investigated him and I trust him."
Zhou Bapi paused, carefully choosing his words, "There's been a lot going on in the gang lately, and the brothers all have their own things to do. You don't need to bother others with this little matter. I'll arrange it myself and make sure nothing goes wrong."
Master Qian didn't speak, but stared at Zhou Bapi for several breaths.
Zhou Bapi felt uneasy under his gaze, but dared not show any unusual expression on his face. He simply lowered his head slightly, looking as if he were "thinking of the gang's interests."
"OK."
After saying this, Mr. Qian turned and walked out.
He was naturally aware of Zhou Bapi's ulterior motives, but he didn't point it out.
To him, left and right were just trivial matters.
......
The next day,
Qin Chuan was preparing to leave the gathering place.
A man, however, came to the door.
Who is Qin Chuan?
Upon hearing this, the beggars nearby all turned their gazes to Qin Chuan.
Seeing this, the man realized who he was looking for.
He looked at Qin Chuan and said, "Come with me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the man left.
Seeing this, Qin Chuan pondered for a moment and then followed.
He had seen this man before; he had come here a few times with Zhou Bapi.
His name seems to be Wu Laosi. I wonder why he came to find me.
The two walked one after the other for about a quarter of an hour until they arrived at an inconspicuous clinic in the south of the city.
Wu Laosi pushed open the wooden door and stepped aside to let Qin Chuan in, while he himself stayed outside and did not follow in.
As soon as Qin Chuan entered, he saw Zhou Bapi lying on the hospital bed.
"You're here?" Zhou Bapi turned his head to look at Qin Chuan, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Upon seeing this, Qin Chuan showed no mockery or disdain. Instead, he bowed respectfully and said, "Master Zhou, you wanted to see me?"
Seeing this, Zhou Bapi nodded to himself.
This kid isn't snobbish or hostile. Even in his current state, he can still maintain respect. That's rare.
He took a breath, his smile fading, and said, "Kid, your joining the gang is out of the question. Our Iron Hand Gang has very strict requirements for recruitment, and you don't meet them."
"Huh?" Upon hearing this, Qin Chuan's face showed disappointment.
"However," Zhou Bapi changed the subject, "that's for ordinary people. I have a very good relationship with Master Qian in the gang. Since I promised to let you join the gang, I will naturally let you join."
Hearing this, Qin Chuan's eyes reddened slightly, and his voice trembled with emotion: "Master Zhou, what have I done to deserve this? You're injured like this and you're still thinking of me. My life is yours!"
Seeing Qin Chuan like this, Zhou Bapi felt much more at ease.
He leaned back against the pillow, took a breath, and waved to Qin Chuan with his still-functioning hand: "Alright, alright, stop with the nonsense. I'm getting down to business. From today onwards, you'll be in charge of collecting the money from the beggars in the south of the city. Bring the collected money here to me every day; no overnight stays, and no hoarding."
Qin Chuan nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, Master Zhou, don't worry, I understand."
"And another thing," Zhou Bapi's voice lowered, carrying a hint of warning, "you're working for me. If you need anything, tell me first. Got it?"
"Don't worry, Master Zhou," Qin Chuan raised his head, looked into Zhou Bapi's eyes, and said, word by word, "You're the one who brought me into the gang. If Master Zhou tells me to go east, I'll never go west. As for the gang, I only listen to Master Zhou."
Zhou Bapi stared at him for several breaths, and the scrutiny in his eyes slowly turned into satisfaction.
He nodded, pulled a wooden plaque from under his pillow, and handed it to Qin Chuan: "Take this. This is the Iron Hand Gang's badge. With it, you're a member of the gang."
Qin Chuan took the wooden plaque with both hands, looked down and saw that it was about the size of a palm, black, with a crooked character "Iron" carved on it.
At the same time, Qin Chuan also heard a system notification.
[Profession requirements met, entry into the thug profession]
Qin Chuan didn't rush to open the panel to check. Instead, he stuffed the wooden plaque into his pocket, looked up, and showed a grateful expression: "Thank you for your promotion, Master Zhou. I will definitely do my job well and not let you down."
Zhou Bapi closed his eyes with satisfaction and waved his hand: "Go. Start today. Bring the money you collect here tonight. Don't disappoint me."
Qin Chuan responded and went out the door.
Wu Laosi was leaning against the wall not far away. When he saw Qin Chuan come out, he beckoned him over and asked, "You've joined the Iron Hand Gang?"
Qin Chuan nodded.
Old Wu continued, "How much was the membership fee?"
Upon hearing this, a puzzled expression appeared on Qin Chuan's face.
Seeing this, Wu Laosi smiled and said, "According to the gang's rules, everyone who joins receives a resettlement allowance. Didn't Brother Zhou give you one?"
Qin Chuan shook his head.
Wu Laosi clicked his tongue twice and patted Qin Chuan on the shoulder: "Kid, you'd better be more careful in the future. If you need anything, you can come to me."
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