he forty bucks he earned earlier? Gone with the wind the moment Xu Bin stepped into Master Li Jiuren's garage shop.
Standing before him was Che Dong, thick as an axle and with the scent of sweat clinging to his undershirt. In typical Northeastern fashion, he had a shaved head and bulging eyes that looked like they could kill—unless he happened to flash that toothy grin. But that grin wasn't for warmth. When Che Dong smiled, you knew he wanted something: free labor, or to steal a job from under you without even telling you.
Among their circle of repairmen, Che Dong was infamous. No one liked him. He never paid commission for jobs passed to him, and if you didn't give him work, he'd linger around your shop drinking your booze and raising hell.
That little trick Xu Bin had just pulled to make forty bucks? Learned it from Che Dong. Karma, it seemed, had come full circle.
Xu Bin clenched his fist. He'd feared this brute for over a year. In the beginning, Che Dong bullied him constantly, making him rewind motor coils by the dozen and paying him in popsicles. Not even a proper meal. Over six months on his own, Xu Bin figured Che Dong had leeched a few hundred yuan off him.
Li Jiuren had clearly summoned Xu Bin here to take advantage—and maybe even let Che Dong intimidate him into surrendering his newfound business. People's hearts are fickle. When profit is involved, even family can turn.
Che Dong slung an arm around Xu Bin's shoulder. They were similar in height, but Che Dong was bulkier. "Yo, little Shuangquan. Heard you've been doing well lately. Us older brothers could use a little help from your success."
Xu Bin had prepared for this. "Of course. If any of our brothers have valuable old appliances, I'll take them. And if any of you want refurbished stock, I'll only add fifty yuan per unit. No one loses."
He said it loudly—loud enough for everyone to hear. But flattery wouldn't stop a thug like Che Dong.
Che Dong's arm tightened like a vise. "Shuangquan, you've got a small place in a remote corner. It's no good. Master and I were talking—we've got relatives in the countryside too, looking for appliances. Why don't we do this together? We'll take care of you."
In just a few words, they tried to take over Xu Bin's hard-earned supply channel and make it seem like a favor.
Once, that grip would've paralyzed Xu Bin. But not today. With his two Strength bonuses, Che Dong's grip felt weak.
Xu Bin calmly raised his arm and broke the hold. "Thanks, but I'm doing fine. You're not thinking of hijacking my trade, are you? I made these connections. If you're not interested, I'll find someone else."
His newfound courage came from the system—both the physical changes and the money in his pocket. He finally understood: without a bit of wolf in your heart, you won't survive this world.
If he stayed meek, they'd push him aside. They'd take everything and leave him with scraps. Worse—they might discover the truth of his system.
He wasn't going to be like some tragic underdog who only fights back when cornered. No. He was going to strike first.
As expected, Che Dong's face darkened. He tried to pull Xu Bin again—but this time, Xu Bin caught his wrist and twisted it slightly.
"You…" Che Dong growled.
Xu Bin smiled. "Brother, you think I did all this alone? I had help. You think I could pull this off without some powerful friends?"
Che Dong stumbled. If Xu Bin hadn't let go, he might've ended up in a submission hold.
Li Jiuren quickly stepped in to ease the tension. "Alright, alright! We're all family here. Che Dong, if Shuangquan's got a supply, there's money to be made. Shuangquan—come inside. See if there's anything from last night's delivery that you want."
Conflict defused.
No one wants to start a fight without good reason. Hospital bills are expensive, after all.
Xu Bin played along, checked the stock, and gestured for delivery. He then stepped out to a nearby garden and faked a business call—gesturing, barking orders, acting the part.
Back at the door, Che Dong scowled. "That kid's getting cocky. Needs a lesson."
Li Jiuren lit a cigarette. "Don't rush it. We don't know who he's connected to. Could be someone powerful."
Che Dong spat. "I'll send someone to deal with him quietly. Let's see if he holds onto his little empire from a hospital bed."
Li Jiuren said nothing—but didn't object.
Meanwhile, three young apprentices delivered the goods: three fridges, two washers, and three TVs. Xu Bin didn't want to use them initially—he could've hired someone else—but he pitied the kids. Better they earned a few bucks than no one at all.
Xu Bin knew they'd send spies. They were already trying to reverse-engineer his supply chain. The quality of the refurbished fridges they took yesterday had stunned the resale community. Some even boxed them up and sold them in actual appliance stores. Nobody could tell they were secondhand.
Li Jiuren didn't sleep a wink last night. If there was a door to money, he wanted the key—even if it meant kicking Xu Bin out of the city.
Xu Bin locked his shop and biked to the real estate agency. He still hadn't smiled.
He needed a new place—somewhere with privacy, clear sightlines, and enough space to move goods discreetly.
Or better yet: enough strength and money to operate openly. Let them ask how he did it. He'd simply say:
"It's refurbished. How I do it? Sorry, trade secret."