After the thugs left, Zhang Tianxing called out directly.
"Everyone was disturbed tonight. Da Yong, send three bottles of beer to each table!"
"Little Boss Zhang is righteous!"
"Thank you, Little Boss Zhang. May your business prosper!"
Everyone praised him. Zhang Tianxing was a man of influence, especially after that display. He seized the opportunity to forge good connections.
Li Fang and Wen Qing sidled up. "Zhang Tianxing, you really have a way. You scared us half to death just now. That knife of yours was so unexpected."
Zhang Tianxing fell silent, not as happy as one might expect. He let out a long breath.
"It seems some people in the catering industry only care about money. They're short-sighted and only focus on petty gains."
Zhang Tianxing was filled with a bitter disappointment. The crayfish industry hadn't even gotten off the ground, and already someone was causing trouble. He knew someone must have instigated this. Someone was clearly unhappy with him. Being passive and waiting for trouble to find him wasn't Zhang Tianxing's style.
There weren't many people who could have orchestrated this. He'd likely find out when the crayfish were delivered tomorrow.
Gao Tianming walked over, looking worried. "Tianxing, don't be afraid. After I get home, I'll tell my dad. They had too many people earlier, and Da Yong and I were blocked by them."
Zhang Tianxing stopped him. Facing overwhelming odds and winning was an anomaly. Their goal was to win every easy victory and not give the opponent any chance.
Wen Qing's eyes darted around, but she said nothing more. Fortunately, things were still under control. As Zhang Tianxing would put it, everything was within his grasp.
After this incident, Zhang Tianxing's reputation soared. In this day and age, a man who dared to draw a knife wasn't as frightening as one who could precisely cut where he intended, like shaving someone's head without nicking the scalp. Zhang Tianxing's knife skill instilled fear even in the local thugs. A master with a knife, if pushed too far, could strike unexpectedly. Even the gods couldn't save them. Haven't you heard? The county's notorious gang leader, Brother Liang, had already shaved his head as a vow, saying his hairstyle must match his name. From now on, he would act as "Baldy." The town was too small, and Zhang Tianxing too formidable. Brother Liang decided to head south and join his cousin to make a name for himself. He swore not to return until he succeeded. Brother Liang quietly left, embarking on his solitary journey.
...
Wang Fatty, who was eagerly awaiting news, heard about the events and angrily slammed his fist on the table. Unfortunately, the table was too hard. Boss Wang cried out in pain, clutching his fist, his eyebrows and nose contorted.
"That Brother Liang was quick to take the money, but useless when it came down to it. He called himself the Overlord of Yangcheng, but turned out to be a coward."
A subordinate muttered, "It wasn't that Brother Liang was useless, but Zhang Tianxing's knife skills were too powerful. We've never encountered anything like it. If you dared to shave Brother Liang's scalp, he probably could have turned us into human-shaped bamboo sticks if he got angry."
The subordinate looked terrified. He got paid for the job. If the opponent was a soft persimmon, it was easy to crush. But now, the opponent was a fierce tiger. One didn't dare to touch a tiger's backside. It wasn't worth risking their lives for a small sum of money.
Boss Wang, enraged, threw his cup. "Where are the cockroaches? Didn't I tell you to prepare the cockroaches?"
"We prepared them, but they ate them directly. And there was even a cockroach model in the kitchen."
Boss Wang was furious, his anger almost consuming him. This Zhang Tianxing, this young brat, had no idea how high the sky was or how deep the earth was. He needed to be shown a lesson, to let Zhang Tianxing know how deep the waters of the catering industry really were.
Someone nearby fanned himself and said slowly, "Younger Brother Wang, don't be so anxious. Temporary success or failure doesn't decide everything. The one who laughs last is the true winner."
Boss Wang burst into laughter. "Thank you, Boss Xie, for your insight. I was blinded by my own situation."
Everyone around them chuckled. "The business world is no different. If all else fails, we can start a price war. Let's see who can't hold on."
"Of course! He just opened. No matter how good business is, how much money can he have? Plus, Zhang Tianxing has bought a lot of new equipment. His place is almost the best restaurant in the county."
Boss Xie was surprised. "This Zhang Tianxing has ambition. It seems he's not satisfied with just a crawfish and barbecue stall." Most people only invested in their businesses when they were declining, just to make money. This Zhang Tianxing, however, was pouring money into his restaurant as soon as he made it. This behavior created a sense of urgency for them.
Boss Wang roared, "Since things have come to this, there's no need for us to play nice with Zhang Tianxing anymore. I won't be buying crayfish from him tomorrow. I've found a new supplier. Their crayfish are also large, and the price is only half of Zhang Tianxing's."
Boss Xie was tempted. "Old Wang, are there any differences?"
"There is a slight difference. The abdomen of the crayfish is a bit black, but it doesn't affect anything. I've already had the chefs taste them, and the flavor is just as good."
Hearing Boss Wang's words, Boss Xie made up his mind. He'd order some to try. The others present also became interested. Halving the cost would mean even greater profits.
A few more seasoned individuals remained non-committal, and Boss Wang didn't force them. In business, the early bird catches the worm. For the past while, Zhang Tianxing had been feasting. Now, the wheel of fortune had turned. It was Wang Laifu's turn to feast. As for Zhang Tianxing, he could wait to close down! He didn't believe Zhang Tianxing could withstand a blockade from all of them!
"Everyone here is a prominent figure in the catering industry. Whether we act on this or not, I hope you'll remain neutral. Even if you want to place a bet, wouldn't it be better to wait until the situation clears up?"
Boss Wang said confidently. "Zhang Tianxing, you'll soon be defeated by me. I'll let you know that all of this is insignificant in the face of financial power! No matter how good your cooking is, it's useless!"
...
Zhang Tianxing took some time to meet with Liang Cheng.
"Second Uncle, our crayfish need to be tiered. Tiering them will allow us to build a brand effect."
This statement stunned Liang Cheng. "What? Crayfish also need branding? Are you joking?" This was already considered feed for ducks, and now it had become a delicacy on the table, which was beyond people's imagination. Now, Zhang Tianxing was proposing a brand effect, which was beyond Liang Cheng's comprehension.
Seeing Liang Cheng's expression, Zhang Tianxing immediately understood. His ideas were clearly ahead of their time. There was no choice but to explain carefully. If he wanted to get rich, he had to take unconventional paths, be the first to try something new. Otherwise, how long would it take for him to become wealthy if he waited? He wouldn't wait for the rich to help him get rich; he'd be the one to lead others to prosperity. As someone who had been reborn, he had a responsibility. Becoming a billionaire was his unyielding pursuit.