Chapter 1

“It’s okay, we can still get some money after selling off the old equipment from the internet cafe. If we’re frugal, we can barely make it.”

Uncle Wang squeezed out an awkward smile.

He had no choice; the hardships of life forced him to bow his head.

There was no way Su Mo would believe him. He shook his head and said, “Uncle Wang, you don’t have to lie to me. That won’t work. How about this? I’ll invest in the internet cafe, and we’ll renovate it and get those ZR devices.”

“That won’t do.”

Uncle Wang was slightly taken aback and quickly replied.

“It’s fine. After the renovation, just leave me a machine for myself. I’ll come over and play when I have time. Didn’t you say I’m too much of a shut-in? And don’t feel bad about it. I’ll put up the money, you put in the work, and we’ll split the profits fifty-fifty.”

Su Mo settled the matter in a few words.

“Alright, then I’ll go draft a contract and a budget. Don’t think I’m being a pain; even close brothers have to keep things clear.”

Uncle Wang was actually very touched. How could he not know that Su Mo was taking care of him like an elder? This grandson of his brother, although usually taciturn, was actually quite intelligent.

“Okay, then I’ll go back to collecting rent.”

Su Mo waved to Uncle Wang and continued walking forward. He had collected most of the rent, with only two places left.

Of course, these two were special, so he had left them for last.

A moment later, Su Mo dragged his snakeskin sack to the entrance of a martial arts gym.

The sign of the martial arts gym was made of wood, so old that it was about to crumble, and the door was covered with various small advertisements.

He pushed open the door, panting, and suddenly his eyes widened.

Rows and rows of men with crew cuts, wearing white practice uniforms, and muscular physiques with eighteen-pack abs were lined up. At the same time, one person did a flying kick, striking a wooden stake.

“Ha!”

Each wooden stake was broken in half.

Meanwhile, the apprentices watching in the corner were wide-eyed, their faces filled with admiration.

Of course, there was a bit of showmanship in breaking those wooden stakes.

The leading martial arts instructor even performed Jeet Kune Do on the spot.

The students watched with excitement, clapping and cheering.

At this moment, Su Mo dragged his sack in.

Swish~~~

Everyone's eyes fell on him.

The newly joined apprentices were gloating, feeling like there was a good show to watch. In this day and age, someone actually dared to drag a sack into a martial arts gym.

At this time, all the large men turned to look at Su Mo and bowed in unison, greeting him!

“Senior Brother!”

The students present were dumbfounded, unable to speak for a long time. Their masters were actually this young man’s junior brothers.

It seemed absurd.

Su Mo waved his hand, feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Hello, junior brothers. Where’s Master?”

At this time, many burly men gathered around, enthusiastically speaking.

“Master has gone traveling around the world, visiting friends. But he did tell us to give you the rent when you come. We’ll go get it for you.”

“No need, how could I possibly accept rent from Master?”

“But, this is what Master instructed.”

The junior brothers were also in a difficult position.

“It’s okay, wrap the rent up in red envelopes and distribute them to all the newcomers, as a small token of my appreciation as a senior.”

Su Mo said, looking at the curious apprentices present.

“Alright, since you’ve said so, we won’t say much more. Junior brother, you’re dragging such a big sack, it must weigh at least a few hundred pounds. It must be heavy, let us help you carry it.”

“No, no, I can do it. By the way, when is Master coming back?”

Su Mo shook his head.

“Hard to say, maybe half a month, maybe half a year. I heard that an old friend asked him to help with some intensive training. Junior brother, is there something you need Master for?”

“It’s nothing, I just came to see him.”

“Junior brother, it’s not my place to say, but you’re too much of a shut-in.”

“Am I?”

“Of course, you only show up once every six months.”

“That’s right, come back more often and sweat with us like a real man.”

The junior brothers all rolled up their sleeves, showing off their muscles.

“Uh, okay. Since Master’s not here, I have something to do, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“Take care!”

......

Su Mo dragged his snakeskin sack outside.

Soon, Su Mo arrived at his last stop. He took a deep breath and looked up. A large sign was prominently displayed: Zhao’s Restaurant!

The entire restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with diners, and the rich aroma of meat could be smelled from the doorway.

Although Zhao’s Restaurant wasn’t fancy, the food was delicious and affordable, and it was considered a local institution.

Su Mo dragged his snakeskin sack inside. As soon as he entered, a man with graying temples greeted him with great joy.

“Su Mo, you’re finally here!”

“Yeah, Uncle Zhao, I’m here.”

Su Mo nodded.

“Come, come, sit down quickly. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”

Uncle Zhao warmly pulled Su Mo to a table near the entrance.

“Today’s your birthday. I was wondering why you hadn’t come, and I was just about to go find you. Now that you’re here, that saves me the trouble. Let me show you some good stuff.”

Before Su Mo could speak, Uncle Zhao excitedly ran to the kitchen.

Then, Uncle Zhao walked over carrying a flowerpot covered with a transparent plastic bag. He placed the flowerpot in front of Su Mo and carefully removed the plastic bag.

All that could be seen were lush green leaves of romaine lettuce. A small pot of romaine lettuce was planted in the flowerpot.

Su Mo looked surprised.

“This!”

“Surprised, right? I specially got this for you from the countryside. And there’s more, just wait.”

After Uncle Zhao finished speaking, he ran back to the kitchen and walked over carrying a small fish tank. A small sea bass was swimming in the tank.

“Hehe, see what this is?”

“Freshwater fish.”

Su Mo responded with a slight change in expression.

“That’s right, this thing is hard to get, all-natural and unpolluted. Besides this, there’s another main event.”

“There’s more?”

“Of course, just wait a moment.”

Uncle Zhao said and ran back excitedly.

Before long, he came over carrying a large rooster and said happily to Su Mo, “A three-year-old rooster. I’ll slaughter it later and make you a good dish to nourish you.”

“Uncle Zhao, you’re too kind.”

“Don’t be a stranger. Now that your grandfather is gone, of course, I have to take good care of you.”

“Okay, thank you, Uncle Zhao.”

Su Mo didn’t insist anymore.

“That’s right, you wait!”

Uncle Zhao happily took the ingredients to the kitchen.

Su Mo rested his chin on his hand, looking at the familiar restaurant, lost in thought.

An hour later, Uncle Zhao brought out steaming stir-fried romaine lettuce, scallion-fried chicken, and steamed sea bass, placing them on Su Mo’s table.

The fragrant aroma made the surrounding customers swallow involuntarily.

“Eat it while it’s hot.”

Uncle Zhao instructed with a smile.

Su Mo nodded and said, “Uncle Zhao, please bring me another set of chopsticks and a small bottle of wine.”

Hearing Su Mo’s words, Uncle Zhao was slightly taken aback, and then his eyes turned a little red as he nodded.

“Okay.”

He turned to get the chopsticks, and couldn’t help but sigh.

ps: I'll save some drafts first!