Yuan Grandpa glanced back and noticed another group of people had arrived from behind. With one group in front and another behind, they were indeed surrounded.
"Hey, buddy," Yuan Junkai, who had some street smarts, offered casually, "smoke? Want one?"
As he spoke, he dug out a pack of cigarettes and handed them to a few who appeared to be the leaders.
The other party didn’t hesitate and took the cigarettes Yuan Junkai offered. Yuan Junkai immediately pulled out a lighter to light them up.
After exhaling a puff of smoke, the man spoke lazily, "You know you’re businessmen, carrying money with you. Look, this area is pretty chaotic, and you out-of-town businessmen should look after us locals a bit, don’t you think? We’ll not take your car, just leave all your valuables behind."
"Let’s put it this way, if we want to do business locally, we obviously have to give something to show our respect, right? If you pay respect to us, from now on in this area, we’ll be like old acquaintances. Whether you come to pick up or deliver goods, we won’t make it hard for you if it’s not necessary."
"Since when is that the rule? I’ve traveled north and south for so many years and never heard that doing local business requires pleasing the local thugs," said Yuan Grandpa.
In this day and age, the existence of such people is indeed a big joke.
"Old man, if you haven’t heard of it until now, it’s enough that you know now, understand? If you don’t believe me, you can ask any out-of-town boss here whether they’ve all paid a business fee. Unfortunately, that’s our local rule," said the leader, cigarette in hand, glancing at Su Xiaofeng.
Tsk tsk, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a beautiful woman. Look at how good her skin is; it’s like tofu.
"What if we don’t give today?" Yuan Grandpa frowned.
"Old man, you’ve heard the saying, ’When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ You come to our place, you have to follow our rules. If you don’t want to comply, we’ll make sure you do," the man said, tossing his cigarette stub: "The cigarettes are good, taste nice, but you still have to pay what you owe."
"Of course, if you’re reluctant to part with money, it’s also possible to trade her," the man pointed at Su Xiaofeng, "Let her stay, and you leave."
Women, especially beautiful ones, always have a way out.
"What a joke," Yuan Grandpa burst out, steaming with rage: "I’ve lived for so many years and never heard such nonsense anywhere I’ve been. You thugs really think you’re the local tyrants, and nobody controls you?"
"Old Grandpa, you actually got it right. We dare to dominate here because we have strong backers, that’s why we dare to do this."
"Cut the crap with them," said a dark-skinned man from behind, growing impatient: "Have you decided yet? Pay up or hand over the person."
"Handing over the person is definitely not happening," Yuan Junkai tried to ease the situation: "Guys, we didn’t bring much cash with us. If you like my dad’s old mobile, just take it. That thing is still quite valuable, easily worth at least ten to twenty thousand. Either way, you’re making a profit today." Yuan Junkai now realized just how annoying these thugs could be, never putting in the effort, always wanting to take money from others.
A man nearby came over, whispered something to the dark-skinned man, who nodded and said aloud to someone not far away: "Grab their mobile and let them go, but take her with us."
The boss was nearby, and he had taken a liking to this girl and wanted to take her away.
Indeed, considering how charming the girl was, they were tempted, but lacked the courage.
The dark-skinned man waved his hand, signaling a few people behind to take Su Xiaofeng away.
The people behind quickly surrounded Su Xiaofeng, clearly poised to grab her.
"I’m warning you, if you dare touch her, you’re going to have a problem with me," Yuan Grandpa shouted: "I’ve been many places and met many people in my life, but never have I been bullied . I can’t believe that bringing a couple of youngsters here on a trip turned out to be such a farce."