MM Racing Chapter 1169 Scarface King
Chapter 1169 Scarface King
Gu Nan sneered inwardly—as long as this kid behaved himself, found a secluded corner to hide in, and didn't show his face or provoke him, he wouldn't bother with him; but if he dared to cause trouble outside, or even dared to plot against him like before, it wouldn't be as simple as just sending him to the countryside. If things really came down to it, making him completely "disappear" from Beijing would be a matter of snapping his fingers.
Gu Nan put down his pen and looked out the window. The factory chimneys were billowing white smoke, stretching long in the autumn sky. Things in this courtyard were getting more and more lively every day, with family gossip and chaotic scenes, which added a bit of spice to the otherwise dull days.
He picked up his teacup and took a sip. The tea was slightly bitter, yet exceptionally refreshing. He didn't care what they did, as long as it didn't interfere with his affairs; he'd let them be. In this world, there are always people who risk everything for a little immediate peace, and ultimately, whatever their fate, it's all their own doing.
Banggeng trudged along, his trousers torn and ripped by the thorns of the bushes, his exposed calves covered in blood. The soles of his old cloth shoes were worn through, sharp pebbles digging painfully into his soles; each step felt like walking on knives. He gazed at the distant, faintly visible mountain hollow, wisps of smoke rising from the gaps in the trees. His stomach rumbled even louder as he considered finding a house to beg for a hot meal, even if it was just scraps.
Unexpectedly, the moment his foot stepped onto a flat bluestone slab, a sudden "whoosh" came from the surrounding bushes, startling a flock of birds. Seven or eight men sprang out from behind the trees, some carrying thick wooden sticks, others with gleaming short knives at their waists. Their dark faces were menacing, and they immediately surrounded him, forming an impenetrable circle.
The leader was a burly man with a face full of scars, shirtless, his bronze skin covered with bulging muscles. A centipede-like scar ran from his brow bone to his chin on his left cheek, looking as ferocious as a living creature. He was none other than "Scarface," a notorious figure in the area. He squinted at Banggeng, his eyes like hooks, trying to see right through him. His voice was as rough as sandpaper grinding wood: "Little brat, what do you think you are? Your eyes are practically sticking out of the mountains. You dare trespass on my territory? You're tired of living?"
Bang Geng was initially terrified by the sight, his legs nearly cramping. But seeing the fearless, bandit-like air about these men, a strange warmth stirred within him—wasn't this the "team" he had secretly fantasized about in the courtyard? Loyal, daring, and untouchable. He quickly straightened his back, trying to appear less timid, and forced a fawning smile: "Brother, I'm a sent-down youth who went to the countryside. I couldn't stand the hardship in the fields, so I ran away before dawn, thinking... thinking of finding a way to make a living, to earn a living."
Scarface grunted "Oh," his lips twitching slightly, not paying much attention. These days, plenty of educated youth ran away; some begged on the streets, others hopped on trains to get into the city—it was nothing unusual. He waved his hand, his tone impatient, like shooing away flies: "Alright, this isn't your place. Get out of here, don't block the way. Take another step forward, and don't blame me for using my stick."
But Banggeng wasn't about to leave. He knew perfectly well that if he went back now, he'd be dragged back to the countryside by the commune people, and might even be labeled a "deserter," locked up for reflection—a fate worse than digging in the fields. It was better to stay with these people; at least he could fill his stomach, and maybe even learn some skills to take revenge later. He took two steps forward, almost touching Scarface, his voice urgent and obsequious: "Brother, look how strong I am! I can run, I can carry heavy loads, I can lift water by hand. Could you take me with you? I want to work for you. I'll serve you tea and water, make your bed, I don't need wages, just a meal!"
Scarface was annoyed by his persistence, his brows furrowing like an unkneaded dough: "Do you know what we do? We're bandits! A life of bloodshed, drinking on the edge of a knife. Today we might have wine to drink, tomorrow we might be lying dead in a ravine. What are you doing getting involved, you brat? Get lost, don't get in my way!" He actually felt a little sorry for the kid—he looked only fifteen or sixteen, with a childish look in his eyes and thin arms and legs. If he really got involved, his life would be ruined, unlike when he was forced to join the bandits.
Banggeng, however, grasped at this like a lifeline and refused to let go. His eyes darted around, and he suddenly squeezed out two tears, which rolled down his cheeks as he cried out, "Boss, you have no idea how I've suffered! I didn't go to the countryside willingly! I'm an orphan, and I'm used to being bullied in the courtyard. That woman named Qin Huairu looks kind and gentle, but she's actually full of bad intentions. She forced the rural assignment on me because she didn't want her own son to suffer! I can't even get a full meal in the courtyard, and I have to put up with her attitude!"
He paused, recalling how Gu Nan had caught him stealing a chicken, causing him to be gossiped about by everyone in the compound. His resentment grew like wildfire, and he added fuel to the fire, smearing Gu Nan's reputation: "And that Gu Nan, relying on being the deputy factory director, he acted like a tyrant in the compound. He targeted me at every turn, and all I did was steal a chicken to fill my stomach, and he even reported me to the authorities, causing me to be cursed by everyone in the compound! They just can't stand to see me doing well; they're determined to drive me to my death! If I hadn't run away, they would have tormented me to death sooner or later!"
Scarface was the type who wouldn't listen to force but would respond to gentleness. He hated those who bullied others, and when he heard Banggeng's tearful words, the scars on his face throbbed. A surge of anger rose within him, and he slammed his hand on a nearby tree trunk, sending leaves scattering to the ground with a loud "crack!" He yelled, "Damn it! There are inhuman bastards like this? You think you can just swallow this? I hate those who use underhanded tricks behind people's backs the most!" He stared at Banggeng, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. "Fine! From today onwards, you'll follow me! With me, Scarface, around, let's see who dares to bully you!"
He felt that this kid was a bit like himself when he was young, both of them had been bullied and harbored a fierce streak. He thought it best to take the kid in as a close follower, teach him a few martial arts moves, and maybe he could become a useful hand in the future. Thinking this, he moved to the side, revealing the path behind him hidden by bushes: "Come on, let's go back to the hideout first, I'll get you some food. Look how hungry you are, your eyes are practically green."
Upon hearing this, Bang Geng instantly wiped away his tears, his face breaking into a wide smile. His earlier timidity and grievance vanished completely. He hurriedly followed behind Scarface, bowing and scraping as he said, "Thank you, Boss." His mind was racing with calculations—once he had established himself on this mountain and mastered the skills of robbery, he would return to the courtyard to settle scores with Qin Huairu and Gu Nan. He would make them taste the bitterness of being bullied and make them pay back double for the humiliation they had suffered!