Chapter 18: One Person Is Enough

After killing the gang leader, Yang Fan returned to the pharmacy to discuss the transfer of ownership with Mr. Zhang. The position of Black Tiger Society’s boss was then handed over to Huang Ma, as Yang Fan had instructed him to serve his interests from that point on. Huang Ma treated Yang Fan with utmost respect, not daring to show the slightest dissatisfaction. In his eyes, Yang Fan was a reclusive master, and he certainly did not wish to end up like Gao Hong, who had met a tragic end. Thus, he agreed to every condition Yang Fan set forth.

The pharmacy owner was named Zhang Weihong. Hearing that Yang Fan had resolved the issue, Zhang Weihong was quite astonished and grew even more curious about the identity of this man. In the end, the pharmacy was transferred to Yang Fan. However, Yang Fan had no time to manage the store himself, so he asked Zhang Weihong to stay on as the shopkeeper, and they would split the profits equally. Moreover, Yang Fan specifically instructed him to purchase valuable medicinal herbs in large quantities, only buying, never selling. After all, with more than a hundred million left in his account, money wasn’t a concern.

With the pharmacy matters settled, Yang Fan prepared to return home and cultivate. In the days that followed, Zhang Weihong handed over the collected herbs to Yang Fan, who then began refining Life Source Pills. Once prepared, he put them up for sale online.

With the security company now operational, they began to receive a number of business commissions, though clients were still few and far between. One day, Yang Fan received a phone call from the company’s client manager, who reported that some of their security personnel had been assaulted.

Upon arriving at the company, Yang Fan summoned the client manager to his office. “Tell me exactly what happened. How did our people get beaten up?” Yang Fan’s expression was cold. He had only just taken over the security company, and already there was an incident where employees had been attacked—something that would cast a negative shadow over the company. If he couldn’t even guarantee his employees’ safety, who would be willing to work for him in the future? Fully aware of this, Yang Fan was determined to resolve the matter.

“The company took a nightclub security job two days ago, providing five guards for the venue,” the client manager recounted the events. From this, Yang Fan pieced together what had occurred.

The previous night, while the guards were on duty at the nightclub, troublemakers started a fight. When the guards tried to intervene, they were surrounded and beaten, suffering varying degrees of injury—some were already hospitalized. Others were preparing to hand in their resignations, no longer wishing to work in this field.

“Do you know who these troublemakers are?” Yang Fan asked, his tone grave. For someone to act so brazenly, they were either well-prepared or confident in their strength.

“According to the nightclub owner, they’re all underworld figures—gangsters,” the client manager replied nervously. “The owner has already said our people don’t need to come back; it would be pointless.”

Hearing this, Yang Fan frowned deeply. “Give the injured staff some medical compensation. As for those wanting to quit, hold off on approving their resignations until I’ve resolved the issue,” he instructed after a moment’s thought. After making arrangements, Yang Fan left the company and took a cab to Midnight Bar, heading straight to the owner.

It was just past nine in the evening, but the bar was nearly empty, business clearly suffering from the previous night’s brawl.

“Good evening, sir. How many in your party?” a waitress greeted him with a smile.

“I’m here to see your boss about some business,” Yang Fan stated his purpose directly.

“Please wait a moment; I’ll inform him,” the waitress replied, asking Yang Fan to wait before going upstairs. About three minutes later, she returned and led Yang Fan upstairs.

At the office door, the waitress departed, and Yang Fan knocked before entering. Inside sat a slightly overweight middle-aged man, his face clouded with worry.

“And who are you? What do you want with me?” Qian Furong looked up at Yang Fan, puzzled. He had no memory of this visitor and had no idea what business he sought.

Yang Fan pulled out a chair and sat down. “You’re Mr. Qian, I presume? I’ve come to discuss nightclub security,” he explained.

Hearing the subject, Qian Furong’s expression darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. “Hmph, your fees are outrageous—a protection racket. If I agreed, I might as well shut down the bar,” he snapped. “I’ll be frank: even if I have to close the place, I won’t give in.”

He had already mistaken Yang Fan for one of those collecting protection money. Last night’s chaos had been caused by such people. He had thought hiring a few guards from the security company would solve the problem, but it proved useless.

“Mr. Qian, I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m not here to collect protection fees,” Yang Fan said with some exasperation. “I’m the owner of the security company. I’m here to discuss a partnership.”

Qian Furong was taken aback. “Your company’s men were useless—afraid to act when trouble started. Why should I bother hiring you?” he grumbled. “If you want a partnership, forget it. I have no money to waste.”

“What if I can resolve the issue?” Yang Fan replied calmly.

Qian Furong narrowed his eyes, sizing Yang Fan up with a cold laugh. “Young man, do you really think you can handle this? Do you know who these people are? They’re some of the most notorious gangsters in Yuancheng—ruthless types.”

“Gangsters or not, I can deal with them,” Yang Fan replied with a mirthless chuckle. “In my eyes, such scum are nothing but ants—clowns jumping about.”

Hearing such bold words, Qian Furong couldn’t help but look at Yang Fan anew. For someone to make such claims, he must have some real ability.

“Young man, if you can truly resolve this, then I’ll agree to work with your company,” Qian Furong said straightforwardly. “The bar will open as usual tomorrow night—send your people then.”

“There’s no need for a team. I alone am enough,” Yang Fan replied coolly.

“You’re sure?” Qian Furong eyed him with a strange expression, feeling bewildered. Sending just one man—wouldn’t that mean getting torn apart? The night before, five guards had been beaten to a pulp, unable to fight back. For Yang Fan to take on the job alone seemed the height of arrogance.

“I’m sure,” Yang Fan replied confidently.

Qian Furong gave him a long, searching look before finally nodding. He was curious to see just how Yang Fan planned to handle things. After all, those causing trouble were gangsters, and there would be no shortage of them.

With the matter settled, Yang Fan took his leave. Returning to the company, he instructed his assistant to prepare the contract. The following night, Yang Fan brought the contract to Midnight Bar.