CHAPTER 198: CHAPTER 96: BATTLE OF WITS (SEEKING SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MONTHLY TICKETS)_2

Even though the other party didn’t make any move, Luo Fei could tell at first glance that the person was likely the target of this mission, Lao Shu, a key member of the trafficking gang.

This was because he saw a dark aura almost forming a human shape above the man’s head.

People with such an aura usually have committed very serious crimes.

Upon seeing them, the man waved with a smile, "Chuanzi, you’re here, come in quickly and sit down."

At first, Wang Pingchuan was somewhat nervous, but being no stranger to the streets, he quickly calmed down.

He marched in first, sitting boldly beside the man, and complained, "Uncle, what are you up to today? Changing locations all the time, you’re wearing me out! Are you still worried I’d sell you out?"

"Haha, can’t help it, it’s all for safety’s sake. Chuanzi, you have to understand, right, this must be Brother Wang Bin, why are you standing there, come in and sit down."

Lao Shu’s voice didn’t sound old at all, it sounded like he was only in his forties at most.

He waved at Luo Fei by the door with a friendly demeanor, yet his voice carried a sinister undertone.

Luo Fei immediately realized that this man was definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Thinking this, he nodded at him with a slightly displeased expression, then walked over and sat down next to Wang Pingchuan.

He performed the role of someone extremely furious at being played, yet forced to swallow his pride out of necessity, to perfection.

Perhaps due to being a writer, Luo Fei had a knack for understanding the psychology of characters.

His current identity was that of a thug who frequently caused trouble on the streets.

People like this generally don’t have good tempers, especially when messed around, they might lash out directly...

Sure enough, his acting was very successful.

Seeing his demeanor, Lao Shu was not only not angry, but he also seemed more relaxed in his speech and manner.

"Brother Wang Bin, calm down. I know messing with you isn’t right, but if we want to stay in this business long-term, we have to be cautious."

He apologized to Luo Fei kindly.

At this time, Wang Pingchuan patted Luo Fei’s shoulder in a brotherly way, speaking in an elder brother’s tone, "Wang Bin, you’re just getting to know Uncle, you don’t understand him yet. He’s always like this, you’ll get used to it."

Then he turned to Lao Shu, "Uncle, my brother is young and hot-tempered, please bear with him."

His actions to defend Luo Fei appeared to Lao Shu as a sign of their strong relationship.

It seemed Wang Pingchuan was indeed truthful, and this person should be trustworthy.

Thinking this, he laughed, "Haha, young people are bound to have tempers, I understand."

Luo Fei naturally understood the importance of knowing when to stop, otherwise, his act would be overdone.

He promptly reined in his defiant attitude, "Uncle, it’s my fault."

"Haha, it’s fine. By the way, you haven’t eaten yet, right? I’ve ordered two signature dishes for you, please eat."

"Thanks a lot, Uncle. You don’t say, after all this running around, I’m starving."

Wang Pingchuan laughed as he spoke, picking up his chopsticks without hesitating, and reminded Luo Fei, "Wang Bin, you should eat too."

Luo Fei didn’t move but handed a pair of chopsticks to Lao Shu first, somewhat flattering, "Uncle, you should eat as well."

Saying so, he reached for the bottle to pour drinks for them.

He managed the fine line just right, in Lao Shu’s eyes, his attentiveness seemed merely human nature to get into the gang, without any other motives.

But actually, Luo Fei’s main purpose was to make the other reveal his disguised face while eating.

Because he had the memory gene of a gorilla, as long as he could see the other’s face, he was confident he could remember all the details.

Returning later, he could ask skilled artists to sketch the face, which would facilitate tracking the man.

However, to his disappointment, Lao Shu refused outright, "No need, I’ve already eaten, you two enjoy. I’ll pour you drinks to make up for earlier."

He said while taking the bottle from Luo Fei with a gesture that left no room for refusal, pouring them each a drink.

When Luo Fei got close to him just now, he caught the aroma of knife-cut noodles, so combined with the man’s words, he deduced that he had indeed eaten.

But since his aim wasn’t genuinely to have the man eat, he hesitated on how to persuade further.

At this time, Wang Pingchuan noticed his gesture, worried he might behave overly eager and alert the man, promptly pulled him, "Buddy, don’t bother him, you just don’t know Uncle yet."

"This guy is cautious to the extreme, even after all these years, we’ve never shared a meal together, this time is no exception."

His words were teasing, warning Luo Fei against trying the impossible.

Upon hearing this, Luo Fei had to dismiss the idea and sat back.

While Lao Shu busily poured wine for them, he subtly began inquiring about Luo Fei’s identity and history with Wang Pingchuan.

Fortunately, the backstory had been rehearsed countless times, so they easily deceived him.

After mostly confirming Luo Fei’s identity, Lao Shu casually asked, "By the way, Brother Wang Bin, what kind of work did you do before?"

"I used to work as security at a nightclub, but when the crackdown started, the boss shut it down, and I couldn’t find satisfying work after. I mentioned it to Brother Wang, and he said he might have some ideas, so here I am asking for your help, Uncle."

Luo Fei said, quickly pouring another drink for Lao Shu, acting fully reliant on him.

"So that’s how it is." Lao Shu nodded, not touching the drink, "Since you and Chuanzi are close, of course I won’t just stand by."

"Joining our business isn’t hard, but do you know what we do? It’s different from security work, it’s against all conscience, are you sure you can handle it?"

"Oh, who cares, as long as it makes money, what does it matter? Besides, what’s a conscience worth anyway!"

"Haha, Uncle likes hearing that! You’re a good kid, smart and quick-witted, you’d fit right in."

Lao Shu, pretending to think, then said, "Why don’t you stick with Wang Pingchuan for a while, get the hang of things, then try working on your own or in partnership."

"And don’t worry, in this line, as long as you’re willing to work hard, there’s no shortage of money."

"Thank you, Uncle. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely learn well from Brother Wang."

Luo Fei immediately thumped his chest, showing his determination.

To this, Lao Shu was very pleased and encouraged him.

"Speaking of money, Uncle, haven’t you made quite a lot lately? If you have any buyers, could you introduce some business to me?"

Unlike typical trafficking gangs, they usually secured buyers first before selecting suitable children.

Hearing Wang Pingchuan, Lao Shu couldn’t help retort, "You refused business before, I gave it to someone else, now you want it, aren’t you messing around?"

Originally, Wang Pingchuan intended to go solo, so he refused decisively when contacted.

But now that wasn’t an option, so he quickly offered another explanation.

"It was because my wife is due soon, I planned to spend more time with her, but then I thought having more jobs would help with expenses."

"So, Uncle, could you please make a call for me, ask the boss, I really need it for my baby’s milk powder money."

Speaking this, Wang Pingchuan pleaded earnestly.