Chapter 296

The gangsters surrounded the owner of the wonton stall, led by a burly man with a large gold necklace and toothpick between his lips. His sleeveless s.h.i.+rt revealed a pair of muscular arms and a tiger tattoo on his body. He slapped the owner on the shoulder and smiled menacingly, "Business is booming, eh!"

The owner turned pale as ash as he forced a grin, "Oh, it's Li-ge. How have you been?"

Not too bad! said the gangster, chewing his toothpick.

The boss quickly grabbed a handful of change from his drawer and shoved it into the man's hand. "Its for this month."

Xiaotao arched an eyebrow, Looks like theyre gangsters who collect protection fees. What gives him the right?! Ill remember each and every one of their faces and report them to the public security department later."

Li-ge ordered his subordinate to count the money. When the amount was reported, he spat out his toothpick and snapped, "Its too little! Are you trying to f.u.c.k with us?! This isnt enough for us to have a meal!"

"Li-ge, wont you bend the rules this once? begged the owner. I haven't made much this month. Its been really hard on me!"

"Hard on you? snorted Li-ge. What about us?! If we werent looking after this street, would you be able to do business in peace?"

"A-another day stammered the owner. Ill make up for it another day!"

Li-ge sneered, "I don't have the time! How about this then? My buddies and I will have a meal at your stall."

"Of course. Have as much as you want!" nodded the owner.

"But just so you know, my buddies are a rowdy bunch! threatened Li-ge. They might damage a few tables and overturn your chairs. Make sure you think about it properly!"

Upon hearing this, the owner started begging for mercy. I turned away in disgust, "What a bunch of irritating flies! Ill get rid of them!"

I grabbed my consultant ID from my pocket and was just about to leave my seat when suddenly I felt a pat on my shoulder that forced me back down. A muscular middle-aged man resembling a body-building coach appeared behind me. He warned, "Stay calm and mind your own business."

Xiaotao and I looked up in surprise. "Who are you?" she asked.

"Im the captain of the 17th SWAT police team, said the man. Were currently on a mission. The man named Li-ge is a close friend of a mafia boss whose whereabouts are still unknown. Its very likely that he has contacted this fellow. So don't make any trouble for us!"

I scanned the area and found several suspicious-looking men wandering aboutplainclothes officers.

"Sir, do you know us?" I asked.

"Yes, he replied. Song Yang and Huang Xiaotao, the stars of the police force!"

My cheeks colored with embarra.s.sment at his words. Meanwhile, Li-ge walked over towards the tables after successfully extorting the full protection fee. The SWAT officer kept his head lowered as he cautioned us, "Just eat your wonton and leave as soon as youre done. You two are really good at picking places, arent you?"

While we didnt want any trouble, trouble came looking for us.

As Li-ge walked past us, his eyes gleamed with excitement, lips pursing to blow a wolf whistle. "Little lady, youre a hot one!"

Xiaotao clenched her fists so hard her knuckles turned white but the SWAT officer shook his head almost imperceptibly, reminding us not to be impulsive.

"Oi, are you mute? shouted one of Li-ges cronies. Li-ge is talking to you."

The SWAT officer looked up with a wide grin and politely said, "Were just pa.s.sing by. Well leave as soon as were done eating! We won't cause you any trouble."

"Its no trouble at all! laughed Li-ge. Two men and a woman late at nightthats a bit interesting, dont you think? Look at those s.l.u.tty clothes. Youre a hooker, eh? How much do you charge for one night?"

As he spoke, Li-ge reached out his grubby paws to touch Xiaotao's delicate face. My eyes were bloodshot with anger while Xiaotao tightly gripped the chopsticks in her hand, holding back the rage. Just when the mans hand was about to make contact with her skin, she dodged and coldly remarked, "Hes my boyfriend and thats my father. Dad, why arent you saying anything?!"

"Shes right, echoed the SWAT officer. Shes my daughter. Please leave us be.

"Do I look like Im blind? scoffed Li-ge. You dont look like father and daughter! What, with that face and body?! Yo, little girl, how much do you charge for a night? I'll pay double to sleep with me."

"Get the h.e.l.l out of here! Xiaotao rebuked through gritted teeth. Stop throwing your weight around!"

"Watch how you speak to Li-ge! shouted one of the gangsters. Dont you know who Li-ge is? Why dont you ask around? This entire area is under Li-ges protection. It's your honor to serve Li-ge!"

"Are you all dogs? Do you think p.i.s.sing on the street makes it your territory?! retaliated Xiaotao. Cant I eat a bowl of wonton in peace? How the h.e.l.l does that bother you?!"

Li-ge glared at Xiaotao and rolled up his sleeves, anger boiling up inside. He pulled at Xiaotao's collar, ready to get violent. "You little b.i.t.c.h! Dont think youre all that!"

Their arrogance and tyrannical ways pushed me past the point of endurance, fury brewing within me like tea in a pot. "f.u.c.k off a.s.shole!" I shouted. Grabbing the chili sauce on the table, I poured the entire bottle on the gangsters face. The mans pig-like screams filled the night. Emboldened by my actions, Xiaotao roared, aiming the bowl of wonton soup at Li-ges head.

As the saying goes, a show of strength gains you the upper hand! These gangsters never imagined such a display of aggression and their boss injury threw them into a panic.

Li-ges face was covered with wonton soup while his right-hand man was decorated with scallions and coriander. He stumbled a few steps backwards, his cronies quickly supporting him to stand straight again while they fussed over his face. Li-ge pointed at us, face contorting with a venomous outburst, "Kill them all!"

Two gangsters rushed towards us, overturning the table with a heavy kick. The stall owner came running with tears in his eyes as he cried out, "Im begging you, please dont destroy my stall!"

Before the table was overturned, we were already standing up, ready to meet their blows. With a nimble twist at the waist, Xiaotao skillfully raised her leg in a forceful kick that sent one of the gangsters flying a few meters back. Xiaotao swiftly transitioned into her next move, slamming her fist into another gangsters face, so hard that I could hear the sound of his bones cracking.

The gangsters in the back were taken aback, mind sluggish from the shock. However, I was still worried her two fists wouldnt be a match for four men. Well aware of my fighting prowess, or lack thereof, I picked up the wooden stool and bashed their heads in. The gangsters who fearlessly charged towards me fell to the ground like a sackful of potatoes.

"How dare you beard the lion in his den! Kill them!" growled Li-ge.

At once, these gangsters drew out their switchblades and b.u.t.terfly knives. At the sight of those sharp weapons, I had my reservations. Any discerning eye could tell I was no match for their knives. Do something!" I yelled at the SWAT officer.

"Ugh, thanks for ruining everything!" chided the man before he turned around and shouted, "Boys, lets get down to business!"

A bunch of ripped men dashed out from the surrounding area, gathering around us. The situation immediately took a 180 turn.

Pale with fear, the gangsters stammered, "L-li-ge, they have backup..."

"Motherf.u.c.kers! cursed Li-ge. I haven't been afraid of anyone since I started roaming the streets at the age of fifteen!"

Once the ident.i.ty of the SWAT team was revealed, the mission would be considered a failure. Using my wits, I quickly yelled, "Fellow disciple brothers, don't use the sects kung fu techniques!"

The SWAT officers were all adept at fighting. Even if they avoided using the techniques of the armed police, they were still a force to be reckoned with, unilaterally crus.h.i.+ng their opponents. Xiaotao and I stood on the side, spectating the commotion. Very quickly, the gang of outlaws was beaten to the ground, and they cried with snot all over their faces. I had to admit being an onlooker was indeed exciting.

The gangsters were taught a lesson, a bunch of burly adult men beaten into submission by the SWAT officers. They fell to the ground like dominoes and moaned in agony. Meanwhile, Li-ge had received so many blows to the head his face was red and swollen like a pigs head. Voice trembling, he muttered, "Forgive me for my ignorance. May I ask for your ident.i.ties?"

"What do you think? I scoffed. Ill ask you a question. Is there a Master Li nearby who practices Wing Chun?"

"I-I don't know," he faltered.

"s.h.i.+xiong, the enemy we are looking for isnt here, I said, turning to the SWAT team captain. We might as well go now!" Before leaving the scene, I deliberately added, "Next time, watch who youre talking to! Don't even think of going up against the martial arts sects, got it?"

Li-ge nodded desperately.