Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Ferocity of Little White

"No, thank you for your concern, sir!" Zhu Lan had always enjoyed spending time in the park, for he could glean much wisdom from the elderly there. Many had spent half their lives in this city, witnessing its growth and prosperity. Zhu Lan’s work involved seeking out advertisers, and since the city wasn't a major commercial center, most companies were founded by locals—even those run by outsiders were managed by people from the city.

From the park’s elders, Zhu Lan learned about the city’s decades-long development. For instance, the present plaza was once nothing but farmland; earlier still, the city was merely a small fishing village nestled among mountains. The city's origins dated back to the early days of the Republic. In the late Qing era, it was an unnamed fishing hamlet, its old name lost to memory.

During the war of resistance, as the south fell, many fled urban centers for rural safety. The city’s geography—three sides mountain, one side sea—made it a haven, though in the province, there were many places even better, so it remained underdeveloped. Refugees hid here from the terrors of war, and after peace returned, most left, but some stayed. The little fishing village had become a small town with tens of thousands of residents.

After the founding of the country, a few notable figures emerged from here, and in the 1970s it was made a city.

A hundred years of history, passed down by word of mouth, was beyond the understanding of an outsider like Zhu Lan. Much was never recorded, only preserved in the stories told by the old.

Zhu Lan’s quick success in the city’s advertising industry owed not just to intelligence, but also to his deep understanding of the city.

If one were to chronicle the city's century-long history in detail, it would be as thick as three dictionaries.

"Young man, you look familiar. Do you come here often?"

Zhu Lan stroked Xiaobai’s head and nodded. "Yes, whenever I’m feeling troubled, I like to watch you play chess. All my worries vanish, and the feeling is wonderful."

The old man nodded, stroking his beard. "Indeed! Few young people these days appreciate the leisurely life we old folks enjoy playing chess."

"Please, sir, have a seat!" Zhu Lan suddenly realized his lapse in manners and quickly stood, offering his seat.

The old man shook his head. "No, it’s getting late. I need to head home early today."

Zhu Lan could only nod in resignation. "If that’s so, take care, sir."

The old man nodded, gave Zhu Lan a meaningful look, clasped his hands behind his back, and strolled away leisurely.

Watching the old man’s departing figure, Zhu Lan smiled. "Two years, and nothing has changed."

No one knew what Zhu Lan meant—whether he spoke of the old man or of everything here.

He shook his head and was just about to sit back down when someone abruptly took his seat.

"You..."

He stopped mid-sentence, stunned.

Seated was a burly man, not only robust but even sitting down, he was nearly as tall as Zhu Lan standing—if he stood, he’d be imposing.

"What, something wrong?" The big man glanced at Zhu Lan, waving his hand to stir a breeze and cool his face.

"No, nothing!" Zhu Lan smiled awkwardly, retreated a few steps, and left with Xiaobai. Comparing himself, Zhu Lan knew he wasn't a match for the big man; wisely, he chose to leave.

With Xiaobai, Zhu Lan wandered the park, pausing now and then beside the chessboards to watch the elderly at play, just as he had years ago in his days at the park.

As the sun set, Zhu Lan slowly walked out of the park.

Suddenly, a group blocked his path. Zhu Lan looked up at them, and recognizing familiar faces, frowned. "What do you want?"

The group exchanged sly smiles. "Nothing, really. Heard you’ve got some money, thought we’d ask for a bit to spend!"

Zhu Lan laughed, genuinely amused.

He knew—and didn’t know—these men. They had changed the course of his life.

They were the ones who had enabled Zhu Lan to obtain the Illusion System. If not for him, perhaps their fates would have been even worse. He believed, given Yu Tiansheng’s temperament, once he’d gotten the Illusion System and manifested a gun, it would have been only too normal. But Yu Tiansheng was already dead.

Fate, it seemed, delighted in its tricks. These thugs would never make it to the city center, but Zhu Lan encountered them nonetheless.

"What are you laughing at? Careful or I’ll make you regret it!" Zhu Lan’s laughter irritated them.

Their faces flushed, bodies swaying—clearly they’d been drinking.

"One word, quick. Will you give or not?"

Now at the park entrance, the situation was noticed by many who began to gather, but seeing the thugs, none dared approach.

‘Thug’ was a contemptuous word, but you had to admit—you wouldn't bother with them unless you had real ability and confidence.

Calling the police was useless; at best, the thugs would be detained for a few days. After release, their revenge could be terrifying.

Though China had improved much in recent years, people still avoided offending thugs and distrusted the police.

The infamous security guard incident years ago had been a wake-up call: don’t provoke thugs if you can avoid it.

A few years back, in a Guangdong internet café, a security guard caught some men stealing from customers and took them to the police station—a righteous act.

But what happened? The thugs, after release, found the guard’s home and assaulted his daughter, who was only fourteen. Though they were eventually caught, when the media exposed the story, the nation condemned rampant theft and police inaction, and wondered what they themselves would do in such a situation.

For the next two years, even if people could stop a thief, they didn’t; theft entered a more brazen era.

In recent years, as the state faced growing public distrust, it began to crack down on theft more heavily.

And those who might disturb public order—thugs—were also sternly warned.

On the surface, society seemed harmonious, but everyone knew: thugs and thieves, best not to offend them if you can avoid it.

"Woof! Woof! Woof!"

Xiaobai sensed something and barked fiercely at the group.

He tried to lunge at them, but Zhu Lan pulled him back just in time.

"Damn, scared me!" Xiaobai’s barking startled the group; seeing it was a big dog, they paled. Yet, perhaps under the influence of alcohol, their eyes gleamed as they stared at Xiaobai.

"Good dog, good dog... Xiao Liu, been a while since we had dog meat, eh?"

"Hahaha!" At this, they all burst out laughing, no longer the least bit afraid.

Zhu Lan shook his head—truly, those who seek trouble will find it.

What was Xiaobai? A wolfdog breed, and mutated at that. Zhu Lan had tested it before; Xiaobai’s combat ability was no less than that of a police dog, just less trained.

Still, Xiaobai had undergone some training, having spent time raised by Yu Dongming.

In the company, aside from Zhu Lan, Xiaobai only liked Yu Dongming; anyone else who tried to touch him risked being bitten.

With Zhu Lan or Yu Dongming present, Xiaobai was as gentle as a child. But without either, his temperament was fierce; he once lived among a litter of wolf cubs.

But Xiaobai was so aggressive he nearly killed one of the cubs; if discovered any later, a few would have died in his jaws.

"Kid, hand over your dog, or else..." The group grinned menacingly.

Zhu Lan smiled back, "You really want it?"

"Of course!"

"If you want it, take it!" Zhu Lan handed me the leash.

They hesitated, but under the influence of alcohol, didn’t think much. "Xiao Si, go get it—tonight’s menu just got better!"

Xiao Si laughed, taking the leash.

Zhu Lan made no move; the leash fell directly into Xiao Si's hands.

Xiao Si felt odd, and suddenly a black shadow lunged at him.

Before he could react, he was knocked to the ground. A huge mouth with sharp teeth grew nearer, about to clamp down on his neck.

"Xiaobai, just play—don’t kill anyone!" At that moment, Zhu Lan spoke.

Xiaobai paused, shifted his mouth to Xiao Si’s hand, and bit down.

"Ah!" The intense pain made Xiao Si scream.

"Stupid dog, get off!" Xiao Si mustered all his strength to push Xiaobai away, but what was Xiaobai? A full-grown wolfdog, far stronger than an adult. Xiao Si was just a thug, not particularly robust, and drunk—pushing Xiaobai was impossible.

Xiaobai pulled his mouth back, tearing off a chunk of flesh; blood soaked Xiao Si’s clothes.

"Damn it!" The group was stunned by the scene. Regaining their wits, they ignored Zhu Lan and rushed at Xiaobai.

When it came to ruthlessness and courage, thugs were impressive; though they knew the dog was dangerous, they didn’t shrink back.

They lunged at Xiaobai, but he merely raised his head, leapt aside, and dodged them.

Xiaobai shifted his stance, then charged.

Screams echoed.

The onlookers could hardly bear it, shielding their eyes; some dared not watch.

Zhu Lan watched calmly as, under Xiaobai’s assault, the thugs were injured one by one, and he even smiled.

"Stop, stop!" At this moment, two police officers rushed over. Seeing the scene at the entrance, they were shocked, calling for backup.

"Alright, Xiaobai, come here!" Seeing the police arrive, Zhu Lan knew it was time to stop; ignoring the police was a serious offense.

ps: Last night, I quarreled with my family. I wanted to write, but my sister’s son wanted to use the computer. I’d let him play during the day; isn’t it fair I use it at night? Yet my sister said writing was useless, completely dismissing it. I’m very upset!