134: Chapter 11 Gathering Information_1 134: Chapter 11 Gathering Information_1 Despite having his own preoccupations, Yan Fei couldn’t help but be amused when witnessing the humorous interactions between Fifth Brother and his wife.

Having visited many times, Yan Fei had noticed something peculiar.

Normally, Fifth Brother played the boss in the shop, making decisions decisively, and occasionally shouting commands at his wife.

He emanated an aura of authority.

His wife, on the other hand, tended to be quiet, allowing him to have his say, rarely contradicting him directly.

However, the scene changed dramatically when he had drunk some alcohol.

Fifth Sister-in-law would transform into a fiery tiger, barking harsh scoldings at Fifth Brother, who would respond with nothing more than naive laughter, showing zero resistance, regardless of whether she was scolding him or physically attacking him.

Chatting with the couple for a while, Yan Fei crafted an excuse to change the topic: “People living in the countryside like us all envy you townsfolk, but now, it seems like the county town isn’t as peaceful as we thought.

I just arrived this morning and heard at noon that a person was beaten to death in the street.

Because of this, my mom won’t let me leave the house.”

“You’re talking about the incident at the Dongguan gate!

The one who died was Zhang Laowu, a known thief.

Rumor has it that he picked a fight with the wrong crowd and was kicked to death.

His death was well deserved, and now there is one less person competing for the title of ‘Fifth Brother’ with me!

Disgraceful that someone like him, a thief, was also referred to as ‘Fifth Brother’, ruining my reputation!” Fifth Brother exclaimed gleefully.

Yan Fei couldn’t help but think to himself: It’s confirmed, someone has been kicked to death.

Although he had anticipated it, hearing the confirmation still made his heart lurch.

“That Fifth Brother was using the title before you were.

Look at you, you get so drunk you forget who you are!” rebuked Fifth Sister-in-law, resolutely.

“From now on, behave yourself.

Look what happened to Zhang Laowu, he got too cocky as soon as he got out of jail.

If he hadn’t been killed today, he would have likely soon landed in hot water.

Just mind your own restaurant business and stop concerning yourself with whether he died or not.

Look at your stupid face!”

“Come on, Fifth Sister-in-law, why are you picking on Fifth Brother?

I was just enjoying his storytelling!

Please keep it going for me, Fifth Brother!” Yan Fei came to Fifth Brother’s defense, hoping to defuse the tension.

“What is there to listen to?

It’s just some petty events.” Fifth Sister-in-law retorted, then blurted out the details herself.

“The Zhang Family has five brothers.

The eldest and the second ended up in jail during a crackdown on crime.

The fourth was stabbed in a fight.

The third and fifth survived by laying low for a few years, avoiding any significant criminal activity.

However, recently, Zhang Laowu was sentenced to jail again.

After his release, for some reason, he started stirring up trouble and was clueless about the consequences.”

“He wasn’t careless; he just didn’t care to live anymore.

Knowing their profiles are in police hands, he didn’t think to be more cautious after his release, his transgressions grew even bolder.

If he only stole, that would be forgivable, but he injured others, and his recklessness is exactly what led to his sudden death on the streets,” Fifth Brother continued, trying to impart some wisdom to Yan Fei.

“Xiao Fei, you must make sure to study hard.

Don’t be like me, who only knows how to run a restaurant; don’t follow those delinquents either.

They race towards death and end up as pitiful corpses.

There might even be secret celebrations of their deaths.”

“Wow, Fifth Brother, I hadn’t noticed how wise you could be!” Fifth Sister-in-law said, clearly displeased as she interrupted.

“If Zhang Laowu died, what will Zhang Laosan do?

Is he planning on avenging his brother?” Yan Fei asked, not having time to laugh at their squabbling.

“Zhang Laosan does everything from scamming to kidnapping.

But he mostly keeps a low profile.

Those guessing nut games, poker games, chess games, fortune-telling stalls, and even the arcade near the cinema – they all seem to be connected to him.

He probably has more business ventures we don’t know about.

He must’ve amassed quite a fortune these past few years.

Did he not say that he’s willing to pay five thousand yuan to find his brother’s killer?

Right, Fifth Brother?” Fifth Sister-in-law replied after a pause.

Due to his limited worldly experience, the urgency in Yan Fei’s tone while asking the question was noticeable.

He quickly tried to hide the concern in his voice with a laugh, but not before catching the fleeting glitter in Fifth Brother’s previously half-drunken eyes, as he fixed him with a brief, sharp gaze.

When asked by Fifth Sister-in-law, Fifth Brother lazily sneered in response: “Why would Zhang Laosan offer a reward?

Is he afraid his dead brother would be lonely and planning to join him soon?

What you mentioned is all menial stuff.

He’s into some serious business too, just that the average person wouldn’t know about it.”

“What serious business?” Being a typical woman, Fifth Sister-in-law’s curiosity was instantly piqued.

“Out of the way, this isn’t any of your business.

Stop prying.” Seeing her curiosity, Fifth Brother chided her irritably, provoking her to roll her eyes at him.

“Humph, as if you’re the only one who has a right to know?” Fifth Sister-in-law retorted.

“It was his own fault this time around.

I heard he first stole from an official, injured him, then ran away.

Then he showed up with a knife to retaliate.

The victim had a child with him, so maybe he got desperate and kicked him to death.

And Zhang Laosan still dares to hire someone for revenge?

Why aren’t the police doing something about him?”

As she finished her statement, her eyes sparkled as she added: “They say the killer was a young man.

I wonder what he looks like?

Single-handedly killing a man while carrying a child – sounds more badass than anything in the movies.

Maybe he’s even a hunk!”

“What does it matter to you if he’s good-looking or not!

Zhang Laosan mentioned the reward in private, the police can’t just arrest him for that, can they?” Fifth Brother was clearly peeved by her starry-eyed expression.

“You should only worry about the cash register and avoid nosing into these matters.”

“Why should I have to stay at the shop all day while you’re out drinking?

It’s just a piece of news, to what point can I not even talk about it?

Go on, tell me more about Zhang Laosan and other things he’s involved in that trouble his conscience.

I want to hear!” Unswayed by his sternness, Fifth Sister-in-law continued to ask questions, threatening him in turn.

Her expressions changed faster than an actor on stage, turning suddenly into a sorrowful one: “If you won’t say, I’ll just go out and find out myself.

But oh…if I were to go out and this baby in my belly were to get hurt, then it’s on you!”

“Exactly, just tell us, Fifth Brother.

I also want to know!” Yan Fei jumped in, adding more pressure on Fifth Brother.

“What’s Zhang Laosan like?

How come he can do all these evil things and not be caught?”

“Alright, seems like there’s no reasoning with you two…” Fifth Brother conceded helplessly.

“Xiao Fei, didn’t you used to inquire about the Cattle Market?

The Zhang’s house is just on the other side of the Meat Processing Factory’s wall.

Rumor has it that Zhang Laosan has a good relationship with one of the procurement managers there, and they seem to be quite close.

What good could come out of them?

Probably some shady deals with the cattle, but as long as they hide it well without getting caught.

Maybe you’ll run into him in the Cattle Market one day.”

“That makes sense.” Fifth Sister-in-law seemed to finally understand.

“He couldn’t have afforded to pay the five thousand yuan reward solely from running street cons, could he?

So Yan Fei, if you happen to meet him, you better stay away.

He’s trouble.

The kind of business he’s into, there is no question that sooner or later he’ll end up in jail.

His downfall is imminent!”