"You guys, with your outdated thinking, can’t keep up; it’s understandable."
An irritable old man immediately glared angrily.
The person sitting next to him hurriedly pulled his sleeve and whispered advice:
"Don’t provoke him, that man is the new Hall Master of the Red Tiger Gang, ’Mad Dog Xu.’ Be careful, he might bite you."
Upon hearing this, the old man’s heart skipped a beat. He seemed to recall hearing of this name and had to suppress his rage.
At this moment, a light cough echoed.
Those who were speaking among themselves instantly fell silent and glanced towards the direction of the inner hall.
Soon, footsteps could be heard, and several figures emerged from the inner hall.
Leading the group was the Gang Leader of the Red Tiger Gang, Chen Chen.
He was wearing a fitting black suit today.
Secretary Liu, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, accompanied him.
Following them was a tall and slim young man with somewhat handsome features, looking a bit nervous, none other than Xiao Shuai.
Chen Chen walked to the center of the incense hall, looked around, and laughed aloud:
"Brothers, friends, thank you all for coming today."
"The Red Tiger Gang’s development today is entirely thanks to the strong support of our brothers within the gang and the courtesy from our friends outside."
"I, Chen Chen, have always been clear on rewards and punishments and recognize talent. As long as you genuinely follow me, there’ll be money and beauties galore. However, if anyone harbors disloyalty, don’t blame me for my cruel methods."
Suddenly, his voice turned icy, and his gaze swept across everyone present like a knife:
"I’ve heard that recently, some friends have been getting a bit chummy with the East City Association... "
As soon as the words were said, the atmosphere in the hall instantly dropped to freezing point.
Several big wigs began sweating profusely, instinctively picking up their teacups but daring not to drink.
Seeing everyone’s reaction, Chen Chen suddenly burst into laughter, breaking the suffocating silence:
"Just kidding, no need to be nervous."
"This time, gathering everyone here isn’t a big deal. Mainly, I’ve found an exceptional talent within the gang whose abilities and character I greatly admire." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel·fiɾe·net
"Thus, I’ve decided to recognize this talent as my godson, and today I invite you all to witness this."
With those words, he turned sideways and gestured to Xiao Shuai behind him:
"Jianren, come over and introduce yourself to the seniors and uncles."
Xiao Shuai took a deep breath, pressing down his nervousness, stepped forward, and bowed to everyone:
"Seniors and uncles, I’m Xiao Jianren. Please take care of me in the future."
Standing before these big shots whom he usually could only observe from afar, Xiao Shuai felt his heart pounding crazily.
He never imagined that he, a low-level thug struggling on the streets for over a decade, could one day stand here and become the center of attention.
He was aware that all of this was actually bestowed upon him by the Gang Leader.
The Gang Leader had completely changed his fate.
From today onwards, he must use his ability and value to repay this grace.
"The auspicious hour has arrived, let the ceremony begin!"
Secretary Liu announced loudly.
Xiao Shuai adjusted his clothes and knelt down in front of the Guan Gong statue.
Secretary Liu held a scroll and recited the blessing aloud.
Afterward, Xiao Shuai picked up a cup of incense tea that had been prepared earlier, raised it above his head with both hands, and respectfully offered it to Chen Chen.
"Godfather, please drink the tea!"
Chen Chen took the teacup and drank it in one go, then extended his hand to help Xiao Shuai up, "Good son, well done."
In the incense hall, enthusiastic applause erupted.
The bigwigs quickly stood up, came forward to offer congratulations, presenting gifts they had prepared, and saying various flattering words.
They all understood that this young man named Xiao Jianren, from today, would have limitless potential.
It was possible that in the future, the entire Red Tiger Gang would be his.
Only Xu Hao continued to sit boldly in the chair.
Gazing at Xiao Shuai, who was being surrounded by the crowd, he muttered jealously:
"This guy, what’s his path? Damn, he’s rising in status faster than me!"