PCJ – Chapter 627 Warning

After speaking, Tao Chunhe revved up his motorcycle and sputtered off toward Tianba Bridge.

Tao Chunhe’s harsh words brought mixed feelings to the people of Yingpan Village.

Gu Baishui was nearby but had not shown himself—he wanted to see how this village official, sent down from above, would handle the situation. He felt that Zhang Jiaohua’s actions were rash, a sign of inexperience. Gu assumed Zhang Jiaohua was just trying to show off and score some quick political achievements.

“He’s still too green,” Gu Baishui shook his head. Thinking money alone could solve this—it was just too naive. Of course Gu knew about Tao Chunhe underpaying for wild goods. He was also well aware of how much profit Tao squeezed out of Yingpan Village each year, but what could be done? The people from Tianba Bridge had a monopoly on the town’s entire market. If you didn’t sell to them, there was nowhere else to go. Outsiders couldn’t break in.

Before Yingpan Village had its water issues, they could still raise poultry and livestock, but even then, they had to sell to the Tianba Bridge gang—otherwise, they’d just eat the meat themselves. The town’s meat, wild goods, and medicinal herbs markets were completely monopolized. Any outsider trying to collect goods from the village would have their vehicles smashed, goods stolen, or get beaten. The thugs from Tianba Bridge had already ruined the town’s reputation—no outsiders dared come anymore.

Cui San and his gang wouldn’t behave so badly in other villages, because most of those villages weren’t solely reliant on wild goods. If wild goods weren’t profitable, they’d just focus on farming and still get by.

But Yingpan and Wanyaoshu Village were different. With no water, there was no way to farm. Their survival depended entirely on selling wild goods. If that avenue was cut off, the villagers could literally starve.

It’s true what they say: a monk from out of town chants better. Gu Baishui also hoped Zhang Jiaohua could solve the village’s problems—but he didn’t expect Zhang to handle things this way.

Zhang Jiaohua watched Tao Chunhe’s figure disappear into the distance, a faint smile on his lips.

“Fellow villagers, regarding the sale of wild goods and medicinal herbs—don’t worry, I will take care of it. And not just that—the village’s water shortage will also gradually be addressed. I already have some preliminary ideas, and I hope I can count on your cooperation going forward,” said Zhang Jiaohua.

“Are we still selling the wild goods today or not?” someone shouted. It was a young man around thirty. Zhang noticed there were quite a few young people in the crowd, which struck him as odd. Why were they staying home instead of going out to work?

“Chuangui, who do those thirty-something guys belong to?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“The one who just spoke is named Gu Quansuo, and those two are Gu Wenliang and Gu Chenghe…” Gu Chuangui replied.

“Why haven’t they gone out to work?” Zhang asked, puzzled.

“They’re at home… guarding their wives,” Gu Chuangui chuckled.

“Guarding their wives? Why?” Zhang asked, even more confused.

“Chuangui! It’s late—why aren’t you out herding the cows?” Gu Yongyi suddenly interrupted their conversation. Chuangui had wanted to say more, but after getting a sharp glare from Gu Yongyi, he quickly ran off.

“Comrade Zhang, don’t listen to that kid’s nonsense,” Gu Yongyi said. “There’s nothing going on. But Comrade Zhang, about the wild goods and herbs—you really shouldn’t have gotten involved. It’s a thankless task. The thugs in town are ruthless. Now that you’ve crossed Tao Chunhe, be careful when you go into town. He holds grudges. He’ll definitely remember you.”

He glanced off into the distance, then added disdainfully, “Gu Baishui is the village Party secretary. This should’ve been his responsibility, and yet he hid.”

“Elder, don’t worry—I’m not afraid of thugs,” Zhang said with a smile. “I may be just a village cadre, but I’m still sent down by the government. No matter how bold those punks are, they won’t dare lay a hand on me. If things get out of control, they’ll be the ones in trouble.”

Zhang then stored all the villagers’ wild goods in the house and rode his motorcycle to Tianba Bridge. He wasn’t too worried about finding buyers—first, he needed to pay the villagers. They wouldn’t be at ease until the money was in hand. At this point, these goods were their only lifeline. If this path was blocked, it would be a dead end.

Tao Chunhe, having come up empty, returned to town in a fury and rushed to find Cui San.

“Brother-in-law, you’ve got to help me get even this time. I was bullied in Yingpan Village while collecting wild goods!” Tao Chunhe immediately began complaining as soon as he saw him.

“What happened? Who would dare compete with you in Yingpan Village?” Cui San asked, puzzled.

“Not exactly that… A young village official showed up and ruined my business. He demanded I raise the purchase price. I refused, and he wouldn’t let me buy at all. He doubled the price—I can’t accept that!” Tao said.

“I told you not to push prices too low, or you’ll embarrass everyone. Even if he’s just a village official, he’s still from the government. If I touch him, the police will come after me,” Cui San glared. He knew just how greedy Tao Chunhe could be.

“So I should just let him walk all over me? If this wild goods business is finished, it’s a loss for you too, brother-in-law,” Tao said.

“I can’t touch him in Yingpan Village. But if he dares to come to Tianba Bridge—I’ll make sure he regrets it. He’ll have to sell those goods, right? If he brings them here, I’ll deal with him,” Cui San replied.

Just then, Tao spotted someone and exclaimed, “Hey! Look, he actually dared come to town! That’s him—the nosy village official from Yingpan!”

Cui San followed Tao’s finger and saw Zhang Jiaohua approaching. Zhang, seeing Tao Chunhe, drove straight toward their store.

Cui San smirked, “Interesting. He’s got guts.”

Tao Chunhe laughed, “He must be tired of living, walking right into our hands.”

Zhang parked his motorcycle on the road in front of the store and calmly put the kickstand down.

“You must be Cui San, the one Tao Chunhe mentioned?” Zhang asked.

“I am,” Cui San nodded.

“Well, Cui San, I don’t care what kind of dirty things you’ve done in the past. What happens in Tianba Bridge is none of my business. But keep your claws out of Yingpan Village—or I’ll cut them off. Don’t mess with me. If you do, you won’t even get the chance to regret it,” Zhang said, glaring at him.

Cui San’s legs trembled. He nearly collapsed on the spot.

Zhang didn’t waste any more time. He turned and left, not bothering to deal further with a lowlife.

“Brother-in-law! Did you see how arrogant he is? You’ve got to do something!” Tao Chunhe said, pushing Cui San. That push knocked Cui San—already unsteady—to the ground.

Tao quickly helped him up. “Brother-in-law, are you okay?”

Smack!

Cui San slapped Tao Chunhe hard across the face.

“Tao Chunhe, if you want to die, go die on your own! Don’t drag me down with you! If you dare mess with that guy from Yingpan Village again, I’ll cripple you myself!”

Tao Chunhe was stunned. He had no idea what had just happened—why he’d suddenly been slapped.