Chapter 37: Is Five Bucks Enough?
Stepping into the private room, Zhou Jing Hui acted as if nothing had happened. He laughed heartily, slinging an arm around Chen Xue Wen, addressing him like a long-lost brother.
Chen Xue Wen also responded with a cheerful smile, as though last night’s incident had never taken place.
Trailing closely behind Chen Xue Wen was Lai Hou, who remained visibly tense. After all, he had always been nothing more than a petty thief, someone who wasn’t even on the same level as a low-ranking thug like Li Er Yong.
A true big shot like Zhou Jing Hui was an untouchable figure in his world. Now, he was actually sitting at the same table, having a meal with such a man. It was only natural that he couldn’t relax.
Zhou Jing Hui gestured for Chen Xue Wen to sit, then casually asked, “Brother Er Yong isn’t coming?”
Chen Xue Wen smiled faintly. “He had something to take care of. It wasn’t convenient for him to come.”
Zhou Jing Hui cast a glance at Chen Xue Wen, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. By now, he understood that Chen Xue Wen was a meticulous schemer, ruthless when necessary.
Given tonight’s situation, it was strange that Chen Xue Wen hadn’t brought Li Er Yong along. There had to be another reason. This made Zhou Jing Hui even more cautious—he dared not take this man lightly.
Moments later, Zhou Jing Hui let out a hearty laugh. “No problem! As long as you’re here, Brother Chen, that’s what matters! Little Ma, bring out my best two bottles of wine.”
Chen Xue Wen waved his hand. “No need for the wine. I don’t drink.”
Zhou Jing Hui chuckled. “Oh, come on, Brother Chen, this is top-shelf liquor that I’ve been saving for over twenty years. Each bottle is worth a fortune! I brought it out just for you. If you don’t drink it, that’d be such a waste.”
Without hesitation, Chen Xue Wen flipped his cup upside down. “Sorry, but I really don’t drink.”
Zhou Jing Hui’s smile stiffened slightly. Chen Xue Wen’s refusal was a blatant slap to his face. To be honest, even other big names in Peaceful City wouldn’t dare show him such disrespect.
He narrowed his eyes at Chen Xue Wen, while Chen Xue Wen simply returned the gaze with a faint, knowing smile.
After a brief standoff, Zhou Jing Hui finally forced out a grin. “Brother Chen, you don’t drink? Ah well, that’s just your bad luck, not me being stingy!”
“Fine, we’ll skip the wine. Bring out the food!”
Little Ma, standing to the side, was left utterly dumbfounded. He couldn’t understand why Zhou Jing Hui tolerated such defiance.
Normally, a situation like this would have led Zhou Jing Hui to flip the table—even if it was a big-time boss sitting across from him. And yet, tonight, he swallowed his pride? It was completely unexpected.
Without the usual rounds of drinking, the meal was finished quickly. In less than thirty minutes, the dishes were nearly cleared.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Zhou Jing Hui finally got to the main point. “Brother Chen, I invited you here tonight to talk about what you mentioned yesterday.”
“I thought it over last night. What happened to Brother Er Yong was Old Black’s fault.”
“As his big brother, I should offer some compensation.”
Lai Hou, who had been focused on gnawing at a turtle shell, suddenly widened his eyes in shock.
To be honest, before coming here, he had worried this might be a death trap, wondering if he’d even leave the place in one piece.
Who would’ve thought that not only did they have a full feast, but Zhou Jing Hui was actually offering compensation?
Did what Chen Xue Wen do last night really hold that much weight?
Remaining as calm as ever, Chen Xue Wen smiled. “Brother Hui, you are indeed generous.”
“But I assume this compensation comes with some conditions?”
Zhou Jing Hui let out a long sigh, putting on a troubled expression. “I wouldn’t call them conditions—just a small compromise.”
“To be honest, Brother Chen, handing over full control of all the arcades to you would be difficult. I have my men to consider.”
Chen Xue Wen said nothing. He simply sipped his tea, waiting for Zhou Jing Hui to continue.
Leaning in slightly, Zhou Jing Hui said, “I thought about this all night, and I think I found a reasonable solution.”
“I won’t argue over the management rights of the arcades.”
“Instead, I’ll give you two of them outright.”
“These two will be completely yours—all future profits, everything.”
“What do you think of this offer?”
Lai Hou’s jaw nearly hit the floor. He was absolutely stunned.
Two arcades? The investment required for just one wasn’t small, let alone two.
Yet Zhou Jing Hui was willing to hand them over just like that?
This was an incredibly generous offer.
Two arcades—just the rent, interior renovations, and equipment purchases alone would require an investment of over a hundred thousand. The arcade machines themselves weren’t worth much, but the slot machines? Now, those were valuable.
More importantly, in Peaceful City, arcades required a license to operate. And those licenses? They had been divided up long ago. Ordinary people couldn’t get their hands on one no matter how much money they were willing to spend.
So, opening an arcade wasn’t just about having the capital—it was about securing that license. Taking that into account, the two arcades were worth around three hundred thousand.
Back in 2003, a decent apartment in the city didn’t even cost a hundred thousand. What Zhou Jing Hui was offering was practically three apartments in one go. How could that not be shocking?
However, Chen Xue Wen remained calm. He took a slow sip of tea before locking eyes with Zhou Jing Hui, a playful glint flickering in his gaze.
Zhou Jing Hui leaned back slightly, avoiding direct eye contact, and chuckled. “Brother Chen, this is the best compensation I can offer.”
“If you still feel it’s not enough, then I’m sorry, but I really can’t make any further concessions.”
Chen Xue Wen took another sip before setting his cup down firmly. “Brother Hui, these two arcades you mentioned—where are they located?”
Zhou Jing Hui smiled. “Prime locations, no question about it.”
“One of the busiest areas in Peaceful City. Just the annual rent for each storefront is thirty thousand!”
Chen Xue Wen nodded approvingly. An annual rent of thirty thousand was indeed proof of a prime location.
He continued, “How’s the setup?”
Zhou Jing Hui grinned. “Ready for business the moment you take over. Even the trash bins are already in place.”
“If anything is missing, just tell me—I’ll provide it for free!”
Chen Xue Wen fell into silence.
Beside him, Lai Hou grew anxious. This was an incredible deal, practically like winning the lottery. What was there to hesitate about?
He tugged at Chen Xue Wen’s sleeve, prompting a deep breath from the man. After a moment of contemplation, Chen Xue Wen clenched his teeth and nodded. “Alright!”
“We’ll do as Brother Hui suggests.”
“But—I have one condition.”
Zhou Jing Hui was already delighted that Chen Xue Wen had agreed. Hearing this, he quickly replied, “Brother Chen, whatever condition you have, just say it!”
“If it’s within my power, no problem!”
Chen Xue Wen said, “Brother Hui, I know you must have invested quite a bit into these arcades.”
“I can’t just take them for free. If word gets out, people will think I took advantage of you.”
“So, I plan to buy them from you. We’ll sign a proper transfer contract to make it clear that these arcades fully belong to me.”
Zhou Jing Hui was stunned. Chen Xue Wen wanted to pay?
“Oh, Brother Chen, a contract is no issue, but why bring money into it?”
“We’re brothers, there’s no need for that!” Zhou Jing Hui waved dismissively.
Chen Xue Wen, however, remained firm. “That won’t do. Business is business.”
“A property transfer should involve a payment.”
Saying this, he reached into his pocket, fumbling around for a while before finally pulling out two crumpled five-yuan bills.
He looked at Zhou Jing Hui and said, “Brother Hui, sorry, I didn’t bring much cash today.”
“How about five yuan? Will that do?”
Zhou Jing Hui nearly cursed aloud.
You talk so big, acting all righteous about not taking advantage of me—
And then you offer five yuan to buy my arcades? Are you messing with me?!
Zhou Jing Hui gritted his teeth and lowered his voice. “Ah, Brother Chen, there’s really no need.”
“These ten yuan—it’s unnecessary.”
Chen Xue Wen responded earnestly, “The money must be given.”
“But Brother Hui, I was talking about five yuan for both arcades.”
“The other five yuan—I need it to take a taxi home with Lai Hou.”
Zhou Jing Hui: “……”
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation