At this moment, Xing Ao walked over, with his arm around Dong Qing, and grinned, "Big Brother is really in a good mood today, treating us to such a wonderful performance for free. Brother, you've really broadened our horizons."

Xiaozihan frowned slightly and said with a touch of annoyance, "You, brat, where were you just now?"

"I, I was just watching from the side, not far away," Xing Ao scratched his head.

Xiaozihan snorted and said, "I mean, I'm here fighting for my life, why didn't I see you stepping forward?"

Xing Ao said with a hint of grievance, "Big Brother, you're not being fair. In the past, during fights, wasn't I always in the front? Now it's your turn, Big Brother."

"Stop arguing, both of you," Yue Feiyang intervened, "This whole thing is because of me. If there's anything wrong, just vent your anger on me."

Xiaozihan patted his shoulder and chuckled, "Brother, don't misunderstand. We were just fooling around. As for today's matter, don't take it too seriously. There's a saying, 'When you see injustice, draw your sword to help.' It could be a big or small matter. Moreover, I find Brother quite likable, and helping each other out is nothing."

Yue Feiyang shook his head and said, "This can't be. I, Yue Feiyang, have never owed anyone anything, let alone a life-saving favor."

Seeing his determination, Xiaozihan sighed, "Well, you're quite troublesome."

Xing Ao thought for a moment and said, "How about this? I've been with Big Brother for three years, and our bond is deep. Today, Big Brother saved me, and since Big Brother also feels a connection with Brother, and I find Brother quite likable, let's do this—why don't the three of us become sworn brothers?"

Both Xiaozihan and Yue Feiyang's eyes lit up at the suggestion. It was a good idea.

So, with heaven and earth as witnesses, Dong Qing as a bystander, and the broken stool as evidence on the left, the three of them became sworn brothers.

Xiaozihan, at twenty-seven, rightfully took the position of the eldest brother. Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang, both at twenty-six, became the second and third brothers, respectively.

After the ceremony, they named themselves the "Factory Trio Brotherhood."

Dong Qing burst into laughter upon hearing this. After a stern look from Xing Ao, she changed her laughter to suppressed giggles.

Leaving the factory, they headed straight to a restaurant to celebrate. The four of them had a hearty meal at a "Jiangnan-style Snack" restaurant. Although the place was small, the food was top-notch. Even Dong Qing, not to mention the three men, ended up with bulging stomachs.

As they leisurely drank tea, a few unwelcome guests suddenly arrived. They were unmistakably troublemakers, given their appearance.

All in their twenties, with hair dyed in flashy colors, they walked with an arrogant swagger. The leader, in particular, had an air of superiority.

After entering, he stepped on a round stool, scanned the surroundings, and when he spotted the beautiful Dong Qing, a lecherous glint flashed in his eyes. However, he hesitated to make a move due to the presence of Xing Ao, Xiaozihan, and others.

But where there's a beauty, there's always a man eager to impress. He slammed the table loudly and shouted, "Boss, come out!"

The only waiter hurriedly went to find the owner as soon as these troublesome people entered. Now, a man in his forties rushed in, panting. The other customers had already hurriedly paid and left, leaving only Xiaozihan's group undisturbed.

The middle-aged man appeared simple and honest, and one could tell he was an honest person at a glance. Seeing these people, he trembled all over, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and ran to the leader, stammering, "Please, give me a few more days. My wife is seriously ill, and I really can't come up with ten thousand yuan in such a short time."

The leader grabbed the middle-aged man's collar, glaring at him, "Stop pretending to be poor here. I heard your little shop is doing well. Can't even come up with ten thousand? Are you trying to fool me?"

The middle-aged man took a step back involuntarily, and his assistant shouted, "Big Brother Sheng, let's teach this guy a lesson. He's just pretending to be pitiful!"

The leader, called Sheng, took a step back, and the assistant shouted, "Big Brother Sheng, let's teach this guy a lesson. He's just pretending to be pitiful!"

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Sheng, however, turned his head and looked towards Xiaozihan's group with provocation in his eyes.

Xiaozihan, who initially had no intention of causing trouble, couldn't tolerate such blatant extortion and bullying. Being stuffed with food made him feel uneasy, and now he couldn't stand idly by.

He stood up and walked towards Sheng, with Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang following him. Dong Qing, the only woman in the group, sat in her chair, furious. This thug had crossed the line, and she hoped Xiaozihan's group would give him a good lesson.

Sheng, facing the approaching trio, suddenly felt an intimidating pressure. Panic flashed in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, shouting, "Stop right there, all three of you!"

Ignoring his command, Xiaozihan continued walking until he was right in front of him. The height difference between them was obvious as Xiaozihan looked down at Sheng, his eyes cold and sharp.

Sheng involuntarily took a step back, and his assistant shouted, "Brother Sheng, stop pretending. It's just three guys. Let's teach them a lesson!"

However, Sheng hesitated. This time, he had been intimidated by the imposing aura of Xiaozihan and his companions. Filled with anger, he shouted some curses and then swung his fist.

But Xiaozihan didn't make a move. Instead, Xing Ao stepped forward, quickly grabbing Sheng's wrist and twisting it forcefully. Sheng let out a miserable cry.

Sheng's lackeys, seeing the situation, rushed forward to help. However, thugs like them were no match for Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang. In no time, they were all on the ground, groaning in pain.

Sheng, clutching his injured wrist, staggered back and ran out of the restaurant, presumably to fetch reinforcements.

Not long after, a rough voice echoed from outside, "Damn it, Gao Sheng, who dares to defy the Howling Sky Hall? Watch me teach him a lesson."

Upon hearing this, Xing Ao's eyebrows furrowed, and he was about to move forward, but was stopped by Xiaozihan. Xiaozihan, wearing a smile, shook his head at Xing Ao and said, "No need to intervene, he's one of us."

Perplexed, Xing Ao didn't ask further questions, as the person had already entered.

The newcomer, upon seeing Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang in front of him, remarked, "These two guys, they seem to have some skills. No wonder you couldn't handle them."

He then turned to Gao Sheng and said, "Yes, yes, it's these two, and the one behind them, Guang Ge, you must help me with this."

Guang Ge asked, "Who's the one behind them?"

At the right moment, Xiaozihan walked out from behind Xing Ao and Yue Feiyang, smiling at Guang Ge.

Seeing Xiaozihan, Gao Sheng hastily said, "It's him, Guang Ge. He's the leader among these three. Disable him, and Guang Ge, avenge us."

He was in the process of adding more fuel to the fire when Guang Ge swung a slap at him, a powerful one that sent Gao Sheng spinning, disoriented.

Guang Ge took a few steps forward, respectfully addressing Xiaozihan, "Boss Han." He then grabbed a chair and placed it behind Xiaozihan.

The thugs behind him were dumbfounded. The fact that Guang Ge, the big brother of Howling Sky Hall, showed such respect to someone meant that Xiaozihan was at least on par with their gang's leader. They realized they had kicked a hornet's nest.

As for Gao Sheng, he was shaking all over. He felt a chill running down his spine because if Guang Ge knew Xiaozihan, then the increase in protection fees from a thousand to four thousand would be exposed. He was finished. He had thought that someone like Guang Ge, straightforward and simple, would be easy to deceive. However, now it seemed that Guang Ge not only knew Xiaozihan but also respected him. At this moment, he felt the world spinning around him.

His days of misdeeds were coming to an end. Xiaozihan pointed at the owner of the small restaurant, seemingly relaxed, and said, "Guang Ge, what do you think about a small place like this? How much do you think they can earn in a month?"

Guang Ge pondered for a moment and replied, "Probably around four to five thousand. What's the matter, Boss Han?"

Xiaozihan said with a serious tone, "What if they have to pay three thousand for protection fees, is it reasonable?"

Guang Ge was taken aback and quickly defended, "No way, we only charge them a thousand. Boss Han, you can't just say anything. If Sister He hears about it, she might strip my skin off."

Xiaozihan pointed at Gao Sheng and said, "Ask him."

Seeing the situation, Gao Sheng tried to escape, but Xing Ao was already on guard and intercepted him.

Panicking, Gao Sheng attempted to charge at Xing Ao, hoping for a slim chance to escape. However, facing Xing Ao, who was clearly superior in strength, he was quickly captured.

Because of the sudden turn of events, Guang Ge took some time to react.

Xiaozihan patted Guang Ge's shoulder and said, "It seems Howling Sky Hall needs some cleaning up."

Guang Ge finally snapped out of his daze, understanding everything.

He stepped forward, grabbed Gao Sheng's hair, and pulled him in front, demanding, "Tell me, how many times have you done something like this?"

Terrified by Guang Ge's menacing look, Gao Sheng was unable to speak.

Guang Ge handed Gao Sheng over to his subordinates and drew a knife from his pocket, saying, "According to Howling Sky Hall's rules, those who cause trouble privately will have their hands cut off." With that, he raised the knife, ready to strike.

"Wait," Xiaozihan interrupted, "Guang Ge, you have to consider the place and circumstances. This is a restaurant. If you cut his hands off here, it'll affect their business."

Guang Ge looked around and noticed the clean and tidy surroundings. He rubbed his head and said, "Boss Han, I didn't think about that. Heh heh. Ah Qiang, Zhang Hu, take him back to Howling Sky Hall for now."

Two burly men emerged and escorted the already frightened Gao Sheng out of the restaurant.

After resolving the matter, the happiest person was undoubtedly the owner of the small shop. He wore a hearty smile and insisted that everyone taste his signature dish. Xiao Zihan repeatedly waved his hands, but unable to refuse the hospitality, the owner of the small shop happily went to the kitchen to prepare.

During this break, Xiao Zihan introduced the few people to each other, and in no time, they became acquainted. Xing Ao and Ah Guang were especially close, like brothers.

As they engaged in conversation, several plates of delicious Jiangnan dishes with rich colors and flavors were placed on the table. Since Xiao Zihan and the others were already full, they didn't eat much at this moment. However, Ah Guang, like a hungry tiger, devoured the food while praising the skill of the small shop owner. He clamored to discuss with Xiao He about reducing the protection fee, making the small shop owner who was serving on the side burst into laughter.

Xiao Zihan and the others exchanged glances, all wearing smiles. They had managed the situation well today.

"Ring, ring, ring," Xiao Zihan's phone suddenly rang. He answered the call, and a sweet and tender voice came through, "Big brother, is that you?" The voice was crisp and pleasant, with a hint of innocence, unmistakably belonging to someone other than Ren Xueyi.

Xiao Zihan chuckled, "It's me, Xueyi, why did it take you so long to think of calling your big brother? Weren't you very attached to me back then?"

Ren Xueyi coquettishly said, "I wanted to, but I've been sick for a long time. Otherwise, I would have called big brother a long time ago."

Hearing that Ren Xueyi had been ill, Xiao Zihan felt a slight pain in his heart. He asked with concern, "What happened, Xueyi? Weren't you fine back then? Why did you suddenly get sick? Are you okay now?"

Ren Xueyi replied, "It's nothing serious now, but I really want to see big brother."

Checking the time, past 8:05 PM, not too late, Xiao Zihan said, "Wait for big brother at home obediently. I'll be there in a while."

Ren Xueyi happily said, "Okay, I'll be good and wait for big brother. Big brother, you have to come quickly, hehe." After that, she hung up the phone.

However, Xiao Zihan was now troubled. He hadn't asked how to enter her house after arriving. Ah, this little girl was so impulsive; she really behaved like a child who hadn't grown up.

Shaking his head, Xiao Zihan thought he could only figure out a way after reaching Ren Xueyi's house. If only he hadn't saved those five yuan and had caller ID installed.

Xiao Zihan informed the others and hurriedly left. Before leaving, he signaled to Xing Ao, indicating that he would handle matters.