touchnovel Chapter 35 Double Act
Chapter 35 Double Act
"Ha ha."
Zheng Hao's laughter arrived before he did.
He stopped five steps in front of Zhou Tong, looked him up and down, and said with a smile:
"Junior Brother Zhou, you are truly a hidden master. Today, your skill has left me completely stunned."
His eyes curved slightly as he spoke, and his usual composure was tinged with a warmth he had never shown before.
Liu Qing's eyes sparkled, and a faint smile graced her beautiful face as she said with a gentle smile:
"Yes, I've never seen Third Senior Brother praise someone like that before."
As soon as the two spoke, the senior brothers behind them who were practicing bone forging also chimed in to agree.
"Junior Brother Zhou's talent is truly rare!"
"From now on, our Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School will produce another extraordinary figure."
"..."
The crowd spoke warmly, their smiles were sincere, and the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.
Zhou Tong quickly waved his hand and replied with a smile, "Senior brothers and sisters, you flatter me. My meager skills are nothing more than some clever insights, and I don't deserve such praise."
"Junior brother is being too modest."
Zheng Hao smiled and shook his head, then chatted for a bit more about Zhou Tong's previous behavior. Suddenly, he changed the subject, his face showing just the right amount of reproach:
"My two junior brothers, didn't I tell you before that if you encounter any difficulties in business, just come to me? Why haven't I seen you two come to visit? Why are you being so polite with your senior brother?"
Zheng Hao had indeed said these words before.
However, the same words can have completely different meanings in different contexts.
I told you not to take this seriously before, but this time you can take it seriously.
Zhou Tong's mind raced, but his smile grew even more sincere as he quickly cupped his hands and said:
"What are you saying, senior brother? It's just that our little business is just starting out and is full of trivial matters. It's going quite smoothly for now, and it's not the time to trouble you, senior brother, who is such a great benefactor."
If I ever encounter an insurmountable obstacle in the future, I, your junior brother, will shamelessly come to you, senior brother, and ask for your help.
"Hey, look at you."
Zheng Hao waved his hand, feigning displeasure, "What shamelessness? That's too formal."
He glanced around at his fellow disciples, his voice clear and resonant, carrying an undeniable air of nonchalance:
"Since all my fellow disciples are here today, I'll say this here: Junior Brother Zhou, if you ever encounter any trouble in your family business in the future, feel free to come to me."
I'm familiar with the Industry and Commerce Bureau, the tax office, and the freight forwarding company—I know all these departments well. I'll do my best to help in any way I can.
Zhou Tong and Ji Chang exchanged a glance, and then simultaneously showed expressions of flattery and gratitude, repeatedly clasping their hands in thanks.
Liu Qing smiled slightly and took over the conversation at the right time: "Junior brothers, unlike Senior Brother Zheng, I don't have family connections with the Bureau of Industry and Commerce."
However, my Liu family still has some connections and influence in the business world and the underworld.
"If my two junior brothers ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you so much, Senior Sister Liu!"
The two expressed their sincere gratitude once again.
Seeing this, Zheng Hao's smile widened, and he patted Zhou Tong on the shoulder affectionately, saying:
"Then how about this, I'll host a dinner at Zuixianlou this afternoon to celebrate your birthday."
Let's have some fun, brothers and sisters. Consider it a farewell gift for your entry into the police force.
Zhou Tong hurriedly said, "Since Senior Brother has spoken, Junior Brother will naturally obey. But how can I let Senior Brother spend money? This time I'll treat, and next time I'll follow Senior Brother's arrangements."
Zheng Hao laughed and didn't bother with such a trivial matter, simply nodding readily: "Okay, it's settled then."
Then, the group chatted for a while.
Laughter filled the air, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Zheng Hao seemed to suddenly remember something:
"Look at me, I was so busy talking that I almost forgot I hadn't practiced my stance training today. Junior Brother Zhou, Junior Brother Ji, you two keep chatting, I need to go stretch my muscles."
After saying that, he nodded to the two of them, and then turned and walked with Liu Qing and several senior brothers in bone forging towards the other side of the courtyard.
Zhou Tong and Ji Chang maintained their warm smiles as they watched them walk away.
Only after those men reached the row of sandbags on the west side of the courtyard did Ji Chang let out a barely audible sigh of relief and lower his voice to say:
"Goodness, this scene... is more tiring than fighting someone."
Zhou Tong smiled but didn't reply.
Just as the two were about to walk to the corner, the other disciples in the courtyard seemed to have finally received a signal and suddenly surrounded them.
Those fellow disciples who had previously been distant, hesitant, or gossiping in private now wore warm smiles and offered their congratulations with clasped hands.
"Junior Brother Zhou, congratulations!"
"If you get promoted in the police force, don't forget your comrades!"
"..."
Zhou Tong responded with a smile, speaking politely and with a gentle attitude, showing no arrogance or indifference despite the previous coldness.
He knew that these were just human nature.
The world is a cold and indifferent place; praising the powerful and belittling the weak is the most common survival rule in this chaotic world.
Instead of arguing about it, it's better to accept it calmly.
After another fifteen minutes or so, the crowd gradually dispersed.
Zhou Tong finally got some peace and quiet. He greeted Ji Chang, then turned and walked to his usual practice corner to begin his afternoon routine.
"Junior Brother Zhou!"
Suddenly, a rough, hoarse voice, like sandpaper scraping against sheet metal, exploded from behind.
Zhou Tong paused.
He slowly turned around, and when he saw the person who had come into view, his eyes flickered slightly.
The person who arrived was Zhang Hao, who ranked fifth in the previous competition and should have been the last one.
Zhou Tong's mind raced, and several thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.
The spots were decided by the senior disciple himself. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, no matter how unwilling Zhang Hao was, he shouldn't have made a public fuss.
But in this world, not everyone is "reasonable".
The same rice can feed a hundred different kinds of people.
Most martial arts school disciples are worldly-wise and know how to weigh the pros and cons. But there are always a few hot-tempered individuals who, for the sake of pride, can do things that seem unwise to others.
Moreover, the vacancy of a squad leader in the police station is related to one's future prospects and personal gain.
Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents. If Zhang Hao really can't swallow this insult, it's not impossible that he'll come looking for trouble.
These thoughts flashed through Zhou Tong's mind, but his expression remained calm.
He nodded slightly and said calmly, "Senior Brother Zhang, is there something you need?"
Zhang Hao took a few steps and stood in front of Zhou Tong, the two of them no more than three feet apart.
His chest heaved, his heavy breathing clearly audible, his copper bell-like eyes fixed on Zhou Tong, his voice rough yet carrying an unmistakable sinister undertone:
"Junior Brother Zhou, congratulations! You secured a spot with your Stone Skin cultivation, snatching it from us Iron Skin cultivators—you're truly something!"
He spoke so loudly that half the courtyard could hear him.
The disciples who were sparring in the distance stopped and turned to look.
Even Zheng Hao, Liu Qing, and the others who had just walked to the sandbag turned their heads and looked in this direction upon hearing the sound.
Ji Chang narrowed his eyes and was about to step forward.
Zhou Tong raised his hand and waved it slightly at him, indicating that he should calm down.
He looked at Zhang Hao, about to speak.
But what happened next was completely unexpected.
"Junior brother, don't misunderstand, I'm not here to cause trouble, just do me a favor."
Zhang Hao maintained his furious expression, his lips slightly moving as he spoke rapidly: "Check behind me. Under the locust tree, what are those people's expressions like?"
Zhou Tong: "???"
Looking at Zhang Hao's angry face, he almost doubted his own hearing until he saw Zhang Hao wink at him slightly, confirming that he hadn't misheard.
He was a little confused, but he wouldn't refuse such a small request, so he turned to look.
"He didn't turn his head."
But Zhang Hao said quickly in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Use your peripheral vision to look."
Zhou Tong: "???"
He could tell that Zhang Hao wasn't there to cause trouble, so he glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.
There, five or six disciples were gathered together, looking in their direction.
They put their arms around each other's shoulders, winked at each other, and stretched their necks out.
One of the tall, thin men was even standing on tiptoe, and the excited look on his face, as if he were waiting to see a good show, was clearly visible even from this distance.
Zhou Tong withdrew his gaze, his lips moved slightly, and his voice was so low that only the two of them could hear: "There are five or six people over there, watching with great interest, the kind of people who enjoy watching a good show."
"Oh, you!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao suddenly roared, like a thunderclap from a clear sky.
His anger intensified, veins throbbed on his forehead, and he slammed his large, fan-like hand on his thigh, making his trouser leg shake three times.
On the other side, Ji Jian saw Zhang Hao was emotional, his brows furrowed, and he was about to step over.
Zheng Hao and Liu Qing exchanged a glance from a distance, seemingly intending to step forward and mediate.
They would naturally not miss such an opportunity to offer help in times of need and to curry favor.
Zhou Tong raised his hand and gestured to them that it was "no need".
Their attention returned to Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao glared fiercely at Zhou Tong, but his lips moved rapidly:
"Those bastards... they were definitely up to no good! They said someone stole my spot, and a real man shouldn't stand for that! I actually believed their lies!"
At this point, he made a gurgling sound in his throat, as if he had swallowed something hard, and his voice revealed a sense of frustration:
"In the past, I always stirred up trouble and made a scene, offending so many people... and I still treated them like brothers!"
Zhou Tong's mind raced, and he instantly understood the whole story.
This senior brother Zhang Hao is probably straightforward, easily influenced, and loyal. He has been used as a tool by these "brothers" quite a few times in the past.
Now that his spot has been taken away, those people are crowding around again, stirring up trouble and hoping he will clash with Zhou Tong in public.
If you ask what these people are after, they're after nothing; they just want to have fun. There's no shortage of people like that in the world.
Once he understood this, Zhou Tong's remaining wariness completely dissipated, replaced by a sense of absurdity that was both laughable and pathetic.
He glanced over there again, his lips barely moving: "Senior Brother Zhang, they're laughing out loud."
"ah--!!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao suddenly roared, his face turning red, his muscles bulging, and he looked like a tiger whose tail had been stepped on, his teeth clenching so hard they made a "crunching" sound.
Zhou Tong: "???"
His lips twitched, and he said speechlessly, "Senior Brother Zhang, it's just acting. There's no need to use real energy. That's a bit over the top."
But Zhang Hao's eyes were bloodshot, and he squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth:
"I'm not acting... I'm genuinely fucking angry!"
His chest heaved violently as he stared at Zhou Tong, his voice brimming with a mixture of resentment and anger, almost overflowing:
"Junior brother, thank you so much today... for letting me see these bastards for who they really are! I owe you a favor."
"Damn, you're bullying honest people, huh? Just wait and see how I deal with them later."
Having said that, he pointed at Zhou Tong, his voice suddenly rising as he roared:
"Zhou Tong! This matter is not over yet!"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly turned around and strode towards the courtyard gate.
His footsteps were heavy and hurried, kicking up dust. His back looked like a mad bull, about to smash through the door frame at any moment.
Seeing this, the group of people by the wall put their arms around each other's shoulders and followed them out the door with smiles on their faces.
Zhou Tong stood there, watching Zhang Hao disappear into the dust raised outside the courtyard gate, and for a moment he was speechless with emotion.
Because he thought of his past self, who had also made many fair-weather friends and done some foolish things...
Ji Chang strode over, glanced at the courtyard gate, and said coldly, "What? Is someone dissatisfied and wants to cause you trouble?"
Zhou Tong's lips twitched: "If I tell you the truth, I'm afraid my senior brother won't believe me."
"Hmm?" Ji Chang raised an eyebrow.
Zhou Tong recounted what had just happened in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Ji Chang's expression became extremely interesting.
He opened his mouth, but after a long pause, he managed to stammer out, "This Junior Brother Zhang, really, sigh..."
His tone was seven parts emotion and three parts speechlessness.
……
As dusk fell, the setting sun, like an overturned rouge vat, dyed the clouds west of Cangzhou City a drunken crimson.
At the entrance of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, Zhou Tong stood on the steps, bowing to Zheng Hao, Liu Qing, and the group of Bone Forging senior brothers in farewell, his face bearing just the right amount of apology:
"Please forgive me, fellow disciples. I just received a position in the police station and haven't had a chance to tell my parents the good news yet, so it's really inconvenient for me to drink too much. Please forgive my neglect today. Next time, I will definitely host a banquet and drink with you all until we're all drunk."
Zheng Hao smiled and waved his hand: "Junior brother's filial piety is commendable, how could we blame him? Business is important, hurry home and report the good news."
Liu Qing nodded slightly: "Please give our regards to your uncle and aunt."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the group bowed and said their goodbyes.
Zheng Hao and Liu Qing got into the black car parked on the side of the street, and the other senior brothers also dispersed.
Soon, only Zhou Tong and Ji Chang remained at the entrance of the restaurant.
The two exchanged a glance, and their warm smiles vanished simultaneously.
Ji Chang reached out and loosened his collar, letting out a long sigh: "Finally, it's over. My face has been stiff from smiling all afternoon."
Zhou Tong didn't reply, but just looked up at the sky.
As dusk settled low, scattered lights began to illuminate the distant streets and alleys.
The evening breeze carried the smells of cooking smoke and fried food, mixed with the scent of soap wafting from some unknown bathhouse.
"Let's go," he said softly.
The two stopped talking and each hailed a rickshaw.
The driver picked up the handlebars and started walking.
The wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement, making a soft rumbling sound that blended into the rising hustle and bustle of the city.
Zhou Tong leaned back in his car seat, his eyelids slightly lowered.
The street scene outside the car window slowly receded—a stall selling braised pork set up a large pot, thick white steam billowing; dockworkers, shirtless after work, walked by, beads of sweat glistening on their bronze backs.
A female student in an indigo-dyed cheongsam, carrying a schoolbag, walked with light steps; further away, the Western-style clock in the watch shop rang out with a deep, resonant sound.
The bustling atmosphere of this chaotic world now possesses a strange tranquility.
But Zhou Tong knew in his heart that this peace was as thin as a cicada's wing.
Everything in the martial arts school today seems glamorous, but in reality, undercurrents are surging.
Zheng Hao and Liu Qing were recruited because he had gained the favor of the eldest and third senior brothers. Since the two of them aspired to become direct disciples, they naturally had to follow the lead of the eldest and third senior brothers.
However, this approach is based on the premise that he poses no threat.
Once he demonstrates the potential to compete for the position of personal disciple, things will likely be a different story.
Zhou Tong's eyes narrowed slightly.
Play along and accumulate strength.
These eight words lingered in his mind.
As I pondered, the rickshaw turned into a familiar street, and the light from the lanterns under the eaves of the Zhou Mansion was already spreading out in a warm yellow glow not far away.
……
"really?!"
In the main hall, Yao Wanru suddenly stood up, dropping the embroidery frame in her hand to the ground.
Her face first showed disbelief, then broke into a look of intense joy. She quickly walked to Zhou Tong and grabbed her son's hand:
"Tong'er...you...you really got into the police station? And you're a squad leader?"
Zhou Tong nodded with a smile: "Mother, it's absolutely true. I managed to get a spot in the martial arts competition today."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Yao Wanru said "good" three times in a row. She looked Zhou Tong up and down, her eyes full of pride and satisfaction.
"My son has made something of himself... he has made something of himself..."
Zhou Chengzong sat in a rosewood armchair, holding a teacup in his hand. Although he also had a smile on his face, his expression was much more composed than that of his wife.
He took a slow sip of tea before asking, "Which district's squadron is it? And which captain are they with?"
Zhou Tongdao: "North District, Captain Qin Lie. My son is thinking that since our home is in North District, it will be easier to take care of the family when he works there."
Zhou Chengzong nodded slightly: "That's a thoughtful consideration. I've dealt with Qin Lie before; he's a tough guy who doesn't like to flatter. It's a good place for you to go with him."
At this moment, Yao Wanru seemed to suddenly remember something, and the joy on her face faded, replaced by worry.
She held Zhou Tong's hand and hesitated, saying:
"Tong'er, the police station is a good job, I know... but they're for catching bandits! I've heard those desperados are all very fierce, and they all have murder on their hands. Although you've practiced martial arts, you're still too young..."
"Mother, don't worry."
Zhou Tong took his mother's hand in return and comforted her gently:
"My third senior brother from the martial arts school is the deputy director of the police station. Even Captain Qin from the North City has to defer to him. Today, Captain Qin personally said that he would take care of his son."
Besides, my son is just a squad leader; his daily duties mostly involve leading patrols and mediating disputes. If they really encounter ruthless bandits, his superiors will handle it.
Yao Wanru's expression softened slightly, but her worries remained:
"It's good that someone is looking after us... But Tong'er, listen to your mother's advice—never be reckless when you encounter danger. I know your temperament best; apprehending a criminal is not the same as a martial arts duel."
She paused, then said:
"Do you remember when you were eight years old, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you insisted on killing a chicken yourself to offer as a sacrifice to your ancestors? But as soon as you raised the knife, the chicken flapped its wings and struggled, and you were so scared that you dropped the knife and ran away, being chased by the chicken all over the yard..."
Zhou Tong: "???"
Yao Wanru kept rambling on: "My son, you don't even dare to kill a chicken, but now you want to catch those ruthless killers. I'm really worried about you."
Listen to your mother, stay far away from trouble, even if it means losing this squad leader position, just protect yourself first...
Zhou Tong listened quietly, without the slightest impatience, nodding in agreement.
Zhou Chengzong watched quietly from the side, a smile in his eyes, and only spoke after the mother and daughter had finished speaking:
"Wanru, it's a joyous occasion that Tong'er has obtained an official position. According to custom, we should gather all the servants in the mansion, give them some rewards, and give them a speech. From now on, our family will also have someone with official status."
Yao Wanru nodded and said with a smile, "Yes, I'll go and make the arrangements right away..."
"Let Tong'er do it himself."
Zhou Chengzong waved his hand, looked at his son, and gazed into the distance:
"He is now one of the pillars of the Zhou family, and these matters should be handled by him personally."
Yao Wanru paused for a moment, then looked at Zhou Tong.
Zhou Tong nodded with a smile: "Mother, Father is right. I'll handle it."
……
Half an incense stick later, in the front courtyard of the Zhou residence.
A dozen or so servants—guards, maids, cooks, and gatekeepers—stood neatly in two rows.
The light from the lanterns under the eaves shone down, clearly illuminating faces that were filled with curiosity, trepidation, or anticipation.
Zhou Tong stood on the steps, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd.
"I have gathered you all here today because I have something to tell you."
Zhou Tong spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly carrying throughout the courtyard:
"Thanks to the kindness of my teachers and the humility of my fellow students, I have been appointed as a squad leader in the North City Police Department and will be taking office soon."
After he finished speaking, the courtyard fell silent.
Immediately, low gasps and whispers arose.
The servants exchanged glances, their faces beaming with joy.
The head guard, Master Zhao, was the first to clasp his hands in greeting, his voice booming, "Congratulations, young master! Congratulations, young master!"
The others followed suit, offering their congratulations incessantly.
Zhou Tong raised his hand and pressed down lightly, waiting for the sound to subside slightly before continuing:
"This position is not only my future, but also the Zhou family's support. In the future, if any of you encounter trouble while traveling, you can mention my name. My identity as a member of the police force can provide some protection."
He paused, his tone turning somber:
"But—and for this very reason, I urge you all to be careful with your words and actions, and not to bully others or bring shame to the Zhou family. Our Zhou family neither seeks trouble nor fears it. We only seek to be 'stable' and 'righteous' in our actions."
The servants composed themselves and replied in unison, "We will remember your teachings, young master!"
Zhou Tong nodded and gestured to Afu beside him.
Afu immediately presented a red lacquered wooden tray with a neat stack of red paper packets on it.
"Today is a joyous occasion, let us celebrate together. Please take this reward money and buy some wine and food, so that you may share in the happiness."
Zhou Tong personally handed out the red paper packets to each person.
Each time a message is sent, the person's name is called out, and a few words of private concern are said, such as "Master Zhao works hard protecting the courtyard" or "Mother Li's cooking skills have improved."
The servants who received the reward all looked grateful, and when they bowed to express their thanks, they bent their backs even lower than usual.
Zhou Chengzong stood inside the main hall, looking at the scene in the courtyard, a gratified smile on his face.
Yao Wanru stood beside him, her eyes shining.
After distributing the rewards, Zhou Tong gave a few more brief instructions and then dismissed everyone.
The courtyard returned to silence, with only the lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Zhou Tong turned and walked back to the main hall.
Zhou Chengzong looked at him and suddenly said, "Tong'er, have a couple of drinks with your father tonight."
"Okay," Zhou Tong agreed with a smile.