As if sensing Li Zhenting’s return, the group of troublemakers suddenly vanished. When the rats refuse to leave their hole, even their shadows become impossible to track.
However, Li Zhenting maintained excellent relations with the residents of Xi'an Street. Three days after the incident, he went to the wet market. As usual, he politely declined the gifts the neighbors tried to press upon him. When he reached a meat shop in the far corner to buy pork, the owner suddenly grabbed him and pulled him inside.
"Xiao Li, have you been looking for the people who caused trouble at your shop lately?"
The butcher’s surname was Wang. When his daughter was young, she had nearly been kidnapped, but Li Zhenting had happened upon the scene and saved the child. Since then, the entire Wang family had been deeply grateful to him.
"Do you know something?" Li Zhenting asked, somewhat surprised.
"This..." Boss Wang hesitated, appearing fearful.
"If it’s inconvenient for you, we can just pretend we never spoke about this," Li Zhenting said. Knowing well the hardships faced by those living at the bottom of society, he never intended to bring trouble to them. He patted the owner’s shoulder and added, "I’ll definitely find a way to get to the bottom of this myself."
"No, Xiao Li... sigh, Uncle Wang isn't entirely sure, but I happened to pass by your shop that day and saw those people. One of them... I think I recognize him. You know I have a worthless younger brother who’s always mixing with the dregs of society and dabbling in things he shouldn't. That man used to be his supplier. I believe his name is Xu Chang."
Boss Wang shook his head and warned him, "You know that people who mess with that stuff are lunatics. Things haven't been very peaceful these last two years; the number of people supplying that junk has suddenly spiked. I reckon this matter of yours isn't simple. It might be best if you don't investigate further. Ordinary folks like us can't afford to offend people like that."
Li Zhenting was momentarily stunned by this unexpected lead. He could only offer a placating response for now. "Uncle Wang, I know what I'm doing."
Having spent so many years in the wet market, a place where all sorts of people congregated, Boss Wang had developed a keen eye for character. One look at Li Zhenting’s expression told him the young man wasn't willing to just swallow this grievance.
However, his precious daughter was very fond of this young man, and Li Zhenting was a benefactor to his family, so he spoke up again. "Xiao Li, don't take my words lightly. You’re young and strong, but some people are born wicked; they won't actually fight you face-to-face in a fair match."
"In that factory of yours, there aren't many Alphas. Many of those kids are very young, and their families rely on them as pillars. You too—your grandmother needs you. If you get hurt, think of how much it would break the hearts of those who love you."
Boss Wang spoke with heartfelt sincerity, and Li Zhenting was moved. It was true; many of his subordinates were still immature kids. Most came from bitter backgrounds, and he had worked hard to lead them into honest work. He couldn't drag them into a dangerous situation.
Yet, constant forbearance was not his way of doing things. He could investigate on his own.
With that thought, Li Zhenting thanked Boss Wang and left the market carrying his meat. "Thanks, Uncle Wang. Just pretend you didn't see me today and that we never had this talk."
Boss Wang watched his retreating back, a faint sense of unease lingering in his heart. Xi'an Street had finally been peaceful for a few years; he truly hoped no more chaos would erupt.
***
Li Zi wouldn't be back for a few more days, so Li Zhenting decided to resolve this matter before her return.
He knew where Boss Wang’s brother usually loitered, so he cornered the man at a street junction and dragged him into an alley.
"Who the fuck are you—ah, it's Brother Zhenting. Long time no see, haha."
The man, who had been about to explode in rage after being grabbed mid-walk, swallowed his curses the moment he saw the face of his captor. He greeted him awkwardly.
"Where are you off to fool around this time?" Li Zhenting asked, arms crossed, looking at him with a half-smile.
Boss Wang’s brother had once been beaten so badly by him for his delinquency that he had wailed for his parents. He was terrified of the man.
He answered honestly, "Oh, Brother Zhenting, don't you know me? Where else could I go? Just wandering around."
Knowing the man rarely spoke a word of truth, Li Zhenting didn't want to waste time. He cut straight to the point. "You know a man named Xu Chang, don't you? Tell me everything about him."
At the mention of that name, the man’s casual, slouching posture vanished. He frowned and looked at Li Zhenting suspiciously. "How do you know about Xu Chang?"
Li Zhenting replied, "You don't need to worry about how I know. Just tell me what you know."
The brother was clearly reluctant. He began to back away a few steps, looking for an opportunity to bolt.
Li Zhenting reached out a long arm and seized him by the collar, threatening, "Want to run? Do you think I won't be able to find you?"
The man’s face fell, and he said piteously, "Brother Zhenting, I know I can't afford to offend you, but I'm even more afraid of provoking those people. That wouldn't just be a matter of getting beaten a few times."
Hearing this, Li Zhenting knew this slippery character wouldn't be willing to say much more. He compromised, loosening his grip and smoothing the man’s clothes. He smiled gently, as if coaxing a child.
"How about this? Just tell me where I can find him, and I'll act as if today never happened."
"But," his voice dropped, "if you don't tell me anything today, I guarantee it won't be as simple as a few hits. Your priors are still on file at the station, aren't they?"
Boss Wang’s brother had no choice but to lower his head and confess. "No. 29, Xi'nan Street."
Having obtained the information he wanted, Li Zhenting generously let him go.
"No. 29, Xi'nan Street," he repeated the location to himself. "Xi'nan Street... isn't that just the next street over?"
