Tianjin, starting with unorthodox methods to achieve immortality

"...Last month, the dock fees were collected in full, and increased by 20%. But the gambling dens' turnover was 15 dollars less than the previous month. I heard that a new cheat came to Happy Forest and swindled a lot of money. Our men didn't keep an eye on him for a while."

Mr. Xu's voice was steady and his reasoning was clear. "The 'peace money' for the red-light district is still the same, but two shady characters have been colluding with pimps from outside the area and haven't paid their share of the commission. We've already had Scarface's men talk to them about it, and they should be able to make up for it this month."

Lei Laohu didn't speak, but his fingers, which were tapping the table, paused for a moment.

Mr. Xu continued, "The biggest problem lies in freight transportation."

"The shipment of foreign cloth we escorted for the Fuchang ship disappeared near Qinglongtan. The ship and the cargo vanished together, resulting in a loss of nearly five hundred silver dollars."

"Also, the tribute to Master Li at the county yamen needs to be increased this quarter. He's given us a hint that the new magistrate has a keen sense of smell, so we need to make sure he's taken good care of."

Upon hearing the offer of five hundred silver dollars and additional tribute, Scarface's brows furrowed deeply, and he couldn't help but spit out, "Damn it, there's definitely a mole on the Fuchang ship! We mustn't run into them!"

Lei Laohu raised his eyelids and glanced at Scarface. His gaze was indifferent, but it immediately silenced Scarface, who lowered his head.

Scarface is too low-level and out of touch with many things, unlike him.

The place called Qinglongtan has been in turmoil lately; it's said that even the people from the Zhenyi Bureau have been killed.

"We'll talk about Qinglongtan later. Have the brothers bypass that area for now. As for Master Li, add what needs to be added; we can't let the yamen cause us trouble."

Lei Laohu spoke, his voice strong and naturally domineering, "Mr. Xu, according to this calculation, how much less is this month's net income compared to last month?"

Mr. Xu quickly flipped the abacus a few times, then pondered, "After deducting all expenses, pensions, and additional bribes, and considering the slow business at several venues... it's probably a loss of six to eight hundred silver dollars. If there are further problems with the freight next month, or if there are any issues with the gambling dens or the docks, I'm afraid..."

He didn't say what came next, but the meaning was clear: the gang's cash flow was starting to tighten.

The Black Tiger Gang appears powerful, employing dozens of thugs, informants, and paying bribes to various levels, resulting in considerable daily expenses.

If income becomes unstable, internal discord can easily arise.

Lei Laohu was silent for a moment, his gaze falling on a certain page of the account book, where several scattered extra incomes were recorded, including the funeral parlor on Baishi Street, which owed sanitation fees and interest, totaling five silver dollars.

"How's things going on Funeral Street lately?" Lei Laohu suddenly asked, his tone unreadable.

Scarface perked up and quickly replied, "Don't worry, boss, that street is safe. They're all honest folks who deal with the dead; they can't cause any trouble. It's just..."

He hesitated for a moment, "It's that kid Du'e Zhai, Chen Dachuan's son, a tough nut to crack. It's been dragging on for three months. Today I went to collect the money, and he's still the same deadbeat, unable to pay or hand over the goods."

"Things?" Lei Laohu looked at him.

"It's Chen Dachuan's secret technique of making paper by hand," Scarface explained. "You mentioned it to me last time. That kid was holding out and wouldn't give it to me. I think he's asking for trouble! I gave him three days. If he still doesn't behave, I'll bring some men to demolish his shop and take that kid away..."

"Secret technique..." Lei Laohu chewed on these two words, a strange look flashing in the depths of his eyes, interrupting Scarface, "That thing is an old gadget that a big boss specifically requested. It's said to be quite interesting, not just ordinary paper-making skills."

"I'm sending you to do it to see if you're reliable, not to make a scene by tearing down shops and beating people, causing a huge uproar."

Scarface was taken aback, somewhat puzzled: "Boss, that kid's stubborn, we need to use some harsher methods..."

"Use your brain!" Lei Laohu's voice was slightly deep. "Although Funeral Street is inconspicuous, it's still a street. If it's done too badly, what will the other shops think? Won't the government gossip?"

Mr. Xu chimed in at the opportune moment, speaking in a diplomatic tone: "The gang leader means that we have to make that kid hand it over willingly, or have no choice but to. Forcibly taking it is a bad idea, and it's easy to give others cause for criticism."

"I heard that Chen Mo is in very poor health and doesn't seem like he'll live long. Perhaps we could try that... for example, find a doctor to talk to him? Or, make sure that in Linhe County, besides us, he can't borrow a single grain of rice or get a single packet of medicine on credit?"

His words were subtle, but they revealed a more insidious method: to exploit Chen Mo's illness and helpless situation to slowly wear him down and force him to submit.

The goal was achieved without making things too ugly.

Lei Laohu nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Mr. Xu's suggestion, but clearly preferring this subtle and insidious approach.

"Scarface, did you understand Mr. Xu's words?"

"Go again in three days. If he can raise the money, make him pay it and give him a good talking-to."

"If we can't gather the necessary items... then we'll convey Mr. Xu's intentions to him. Let him choose for himself: whether to hand over the items readily and find a way to survive, or to drag his ailing body along, unable to move an inch in Linhe County."

He paused, then added, "Remember, get the stuff, but be careful with your hands."

"Yes, Chief!" Scarface felt somewhat aggrieved, but dared not disobey, and quickly agreed.

He understood that the gang leader and Mr. Xu were going to use a softer approach to cut him down, which was more sophisticated and troublesome than his idea of ​​taking direct action.

But the fact that the big boss specifically requested something... gave him an extra layer of vague concern and apprehension about that tattered paper booklet.

Lei Laohu waved his hand, indicating that they could leave.

The two bowed and left the main hall.

The hall fell silent again, leaving only Lei Laohu alone, the candlelight casting half of his face in flickering light.

He leaned back in his armchair, closed his eyes to rest, his fingers still unconsciously tapping the table.

He didn't know the specifics of the secret technique, only that a big boss was interested in it and asked him to keep an eye out for it.

For Lei Laohu, this was an opportunity to curry favor with higher-ups.

As for Chen Mo's life or death, he didn't care too much. As long as things were handled well and the Black Tiger Gang's stability wasn't affected, that was fine.

The wisdom of ordinary people lies in their ability to weigh the pros and cons, calculate gains and losses, and skillfully utilize rules and human weaknesses, rather than blindly acting recklessly.

Lei Laohu has managed to get to where he is today by mastering this art.

About an incense stick later, deep within the courtyard.

A piercing scream suddenly shattered the tranquility of the night from the direction of the side courtyard where Scarface and several leaders lived!

Then came more terrified screams, overturned tables and chairs, and the clatter of broken porcelain and billiard balls.

"A ghost! There's a ghost—!"

"Help! Scarface! Scarface, help me!"

"Stop it! Ah—!"

The commotion quickly escalated, accompanied by the scraping sounds of weapons being drawn and terrified cries.