Hearing Mo Changsheng's words, the corner of Li Hao's mouth curled up slightly.
From Zhang Liang's attempts to win him over, to those underlings taking turns refilling his glass and flattering him, it was clear that Zhang Liang was an old hand. During the meal, he'd been prying nonstop, dropping hints left and right to dig into Li Hao's background, desperate to find out his relationship with Liang Moke.
But with Li Hao's shrewdness, he'd naturally never casually revealed his origins. He'd laughed off the questions, skillfully steering the conversation away each time.
Yet the more Li Hao evaded, the more vigilant Zhang Liang grew.
Clearly, Zhang Liang wasn't afraid of Li Hao being a good-for-nothing who just slacked off for a paycheck. What he feared was Li Hao having real skills or solid connections that might threaten his position!
"Of course they won't be willing," Li Hao smiled faintly. "But I only want to do my job in peace. I have no desire to compete with them for anything."
Li Hao's thoughts were simple.
He was just a security vice-captain now—a tiny, insignificant position. Drifting along, living comfortably, was all he could ask for; he had no other ambitions.
"Do you really think they'll let you work in peace?" Mo Changsheng chuckled, saying no more. He strolled around the community with Li Hao, then returned to the office, his expression unchanged, giving away nothing unusual.
The security office was in the community's guard booth. Calling it an "office" was generous—it was more of a break room and changing area, with a few desks and benches. A scattered few security guards sat listlessly inside. The weather was sweltering, and there was no air conditioning, only a couple of fans. Those unlucky enough to be out of the breeze were sweating buckets.
Only Zhang Liang, as captain, had his own office—complete with air conditioning.
On hot days, security guards close to Zhang Liang would crowd into his office. Those on shakier terms were left outside, dripping with sweat.
"Everyone's here." Looking at the guards sitting outside, Li Hao pulled a pack of Liqun cigarettes from his pocket and passed one to each. They perked up, lit up, and took deep drags.
For them, cigarettes were a cure-all. No matter what ailed them, a smoke made it better.
"Changsheng, how's your wife doing lately?" Zhang Baoqiang, a burly security guard, puffed on his cigarette and turned to Mo Changsheng. "Got enough money? If not, the brothers can chip in more. I can scrounge up a bit."
Mo Changsheng quickly shook his head, his face flushing. "Don't trouble everyone. My wife's condition has improved a lot lately. She'll probably be out of the hospital soon."
"What trouble? Your wife hemorrhaged during childbirth—that's a big deal!" Zhang Baoqiang pulled a few red banknotes from his pocket and thrust them at Mo Changsheng. "Take this. Think of it as an uncle buying milk powder for your boy!"
He pressed the money into Mo Changsheng's hand without hesitation.
With Zhang Baoqiang leading, the other guards also donated what they could. Overwhelmed, Mo Changsheng hurried to say, "Thank you all—thank you so much! I'll treat everyone to dinner tonight. Please, do come!"
"You shouldn't be the one treating," Zhang Baoqiang chuckled, suddenly turning to Li Hao. "What do you think, Li Hao?"
Li Hao paused, then smiled. "I'll treat tonight. Everyone come."
"Haha! Great!"
The group burst into laughter, but Mo Changsheng looked at Li Hao thoughtfully, something more in his eyes.
Meanwhile, in Zhang Liang's office, several of his cronies were pretending to savor tea. One sipped from his cup—whether he tasted anything or not—and quickly fawned, "Brother Liang, you're amazing! This tea's fantastic!"
"Fantastic my ass! Do you even know tea?" Zhang Liang glared at him irritably. "Cut the crap. How's that new guy been these past two days?"
The "new guy" was obviously Li Hao.
Chen Hao and Ding Han had never liked Li Hao.
They'd curried favor with Zhang Liang all day, sure the vice-captain spot was theirs. But Li Hao, an outsider, had snatched it away. They were seething.
Now that Zhang Liang asked about Li Hao, their expressions soured.
"Brother Liang, I've got something to say, but it might not sound nice. Not sure if I should," Chen Hao swallowed hard.
"Spit it out. Stop hemming and hawing," Zhang Liang slouched in his chair, feet propped on the desk, a cigarette in hand, blowing smoke rings.
"Brother Liang, I'll say it then—don't get mad," Chen Hao gritted his teeth, already formulating a plan.
If Zhang Liang wasn't ready to turn on Li Hao yet, he'd give him a little push!
"Quit bullshitting. Out with it!" Zhang Liang grew impatient.
"Brother Liang, you've given that guy plenty of face," Chen Hao said. "But to be honest? He probably doesn't care about your face at all! Polite on the surface, but deep down… he doesn't see you as someone to respect!"
This hit Zhang Liang right where it hurt.
Zhang Liang came from humble roots, and that left him with a chip on his shoulder. The more insecure someone is, the more they crave respect. Chen Hao's words made Zhang Liang frown, deep in thought.
Seeing this, Chen Hao knew he'd struck a nerve. He shot Ding Han a look.
Ding Han took the cue, stepping forward. "Exactly! Brother Liang, everyone knows Mo Changsheng had issues with you before, but Li Hao still hangs around him and the others all day. That's a slap in your face!"
"I'd bet he's gunning for your captain spot!" Chen Hao muttered.
"Enough!" This hit Zhang Liang's deepest fear. His face darkened instantly.
He'd wanted to teach Li Hao a lesson for a while, but since Li Hao was sent by Liang Moke, he couldn't openly cross him.
So, he'd have to play dirty.
Watching Zhang Liang's growing anger, Ding Han and Chen Hao fell silent.
This kind of provocation was enough. Push too hard, and they might end up in hot water before Li Hao did.
Zhang Liang lit a cigarette, staring out the window, a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes, as if hatching a plan.
At that moment, outside Jintang Phase II's gate, a black Land Rover Range Rover had been parked for ages with no one opening the gate. Its driver hit the horn twice in frustration.
It was noon, sweltering, and the security guards were all sitting inside, none noticing.
"Fuck! Where are the security guards? All dead?" A tattooed man with no shirt on—two dragons inked across his back—got out of the car. His shiny bald head made his already fierce face look even more menacing. He glared at the guard booth and shouted, "Son of a bitch! Open the gate, or I'll break your legs!"
It was Mo Changsheng's turn on duty. Still happy from everyone's help earlier, and with no one around, he'd been chatting to his wife on the phone, completely oblivious to what was happening outside. The honking and yelling finally snapped him to attention. When he saw who it was, his face paled, and he quickly pressed the button to open the gate.
"Bastard! I yelled for ages, and you open it now? I'll beat the shit out of you!" The tattooed man drove in, stopped short, grabbed a steering wheel lock from the car, and smashed it into the guard booth's glass!
Mo Changsheng jumped, hurrying out. "Brother, I'm sorry—really sorry! I didn't see your car. Please don't be angry. Spare me, please!"
He begged frantically, his face as white as a sheet.
Negligence angering a resident? If word got out, it'd be his fault for sure. The worst part? He might lose his job!
But no matter how much Mo Changsheng begged, the tattooed man didn't care. He picked up the steering wheel lock that had shattered the glass and swung it at Mo Changsheng's head!
Crack! Mo Changsheng's head burst open, blood spilling. He screamed, clutching his head as he collapsed, dazed.
"Son of a bitch! You don't open the gate for me? I'll teach you a lesson, so you know who I am!" Even with Mo Changsheng badly hurt, the tattooed man wasn't done. He raised the lock again and bashed it into Mo Changsheng's body!
Inside the security office, Zhang Baoqiang was resting against a wall when he heard the scream. Looking up, his face paled. "Everyone out! Changsheng's being beaten!"
He jumped off the bench.
Li Hao was shocked too. Glancing over, he saw Mo Changsheng being pummeled by the tattooed man nearby. His brows furrowed, and he followed Zhang Baoqiang and a few other guards rushing out.
"What the hell are you doing? Stop!" Zhang Baoqiang charged first, trying to intervene.
At his words, the tattooed man grinned coldly. "Can't you see? Do you know who I am? Mind your own business!"
"I don't care who you are," Li Hao stared at him coldly, his voice hardening. "You think beating someone gives you the right?"
In the entire security team, Mo Changsheng was the one closest to Li Hao. There was no way Li Hao would stand by while he was attacked.
But Li Hao's words only enraged the tattooed man.
"Ballsy! Today I'll beat all you lowlifes to death! Let's see who stops me!" He flexed his thick arm, the heavy gold chain around his neck glinting—quite the imposing sight.
Li Hao stood his ground, staring back.
He could tell the tattooed man was well-off. But people need to忍耐—until patience runs out. Then, there's no need to hold back.
That was Li Hao's principle.
A cold glint flashed in Li Hao's eyes. He lunged forward at lightning speed. Before the tattooed man could react, Li Hao snatched the steering wheel lock from his hand and held it high.
"Li Hao! Stop!" Zhang Liang's voice rang out, urgent.
He'd seen everything. He knew this bald, tattooed man—a low-level gang boss in H City, known as "Bald Guy"—who had some clout in the area.
Zhang Liang had hoped to see Li Hao and the others get a beating, but he hadn't expected Li Hao to strike so hard. If things escalated, he, as captain, would be held responsible! He rushed over.
What shocked everyone more was still to come.
"Security guards are people too!"
With a roar, the steering wheel lock crashed into Bald Guy's body.
"You're the lowlife!"
Another blow!
"Stop with all your 'fucks'!"
Again!
Each roar from Li Hao was followed by a swing of the lock. Bald Guy, who must have had countless bones broken, curled up on the ground, whimpering, unable to get out a full sentence. No one knew if he'd even survive more hits.
By now, Zhang Liang finally snapped out of it.
"Stop, Li Hao!" This time, he didn't just shout—he rushed over, with Chen Hao and Ding Han right behind.
But the corners of their mouths curled into dark smiles.
They knew: after today, Li Hao was finished.
Putting aside Bald Guy's status, assaulting a resident alone could get Li Hao fined, detained, or even jailed. As for that vice-captain title? He wouldn't hold it for a day.
They grabbed Li Hao, prying the lock from his hand. Zhang Liang looked at Bald Guy on the ground and yelled, "Hurry, get him to the hospital!"
"Fuck your hospital! You wait! I'll kill you, or I'm a bastard!" Bald Guy, who'd been curled up, suddenly stood, clutching his stomach, blood covering his head and face. He glared at Li Hao and the others, spitting venom.
Fearing Li Hao might attack again, he didn't linger. He scrambled into his Land Rover, shifted into reverse, floored the gas, and tore out.
"All of you, come with me!" Zhang Liang glared at Li Hao and the others, told Chen Hao and Ding Han to watch the gate, then stormed off.
Zhang Baoqiang helped Mo Changsheng inside for a quick bandage, then Zhang Liang dragged them both to Liang Moke's office.
Zhang Liang gave a quick account of what happened, passing the buck to Liang Moke.
Liang Moke frowned.
A security guard hitting a resident? For an ordinary resident, some compensation, a scolding, and an apology would suffice—no big deal.
But Bald Guy was a notorious thug in H City, unreasonable and violent—no one to mess with.
Yet Li Hao was sent by Manager Su. He couldn't pin everything on Li Hao. If Manager Su found out, he'd be in trouble.
Liang Moke was stuck.
"Manager Liang, this is a big mess!" Zhang Liang pressed, seeing his silence.
"I'll take responsibility," Li Hao spoke up. "I won't let it hurt the company's image."
"Xiao Si!" Liang Moke looked at him, hesitated, then stood, forcing a smile. "This isn't your personal matter—it's the company's. I won't let you take the fall alone. Leave it to me."
After thinking it over, Liang Moke decided to back Li Hao.
After all, Li Hao was Manager Su's man. If he could get on her good side through Li Hao—even a passing mention— it would benefit him for life.
"Manager Liang, let me handle it," Li Hao said awkwardly.
He knew he'd acted impulsively. It was his fault. No need to drag the company into it.
Besides, he wasn't afraid of Bald Guy.
"Enough. No arguing. That's final." Liang Moke, having been in H City for years, had connections in the underworld. He could handle this. Now that he'd decided to build rapport with Li Hao, he took full charge.
Watching this, Zhang Liang was shocked.
Clearly, Li Hao's relationship with Liang Moke was no trivial matter. This was deep water, yet Liang Moke was willing to wade in for Li Hao. If he couldn't see that, he didn't deserve to be captain.
He forced a smile, mumbled a few words of rebuke to Li Hao, and said no more.
When they left Liang Moke's office, the security office was packed with guards from other zones—all come to check on Mo Changsheng. Clearly, Mo Changsheng, a kind man, was well-liked.
"Li Hao, no matter what others say, you're the man in my book!" Zhang Baoqiang gave a thumbs-up, clapping Li Hao's shoulder. "You got back at Bald Guy for Changsheng!"
His tone was much warmer than before. The fight had won Zhang Baoqiang's full approval.
"Exactly! That Bald Guy's always been a prick. When he goes through Gate B, he acts like he owns the place. I've wanted to hit him for ages!" A young guard, who clearly knew Bald Guy and had probably been cursed by him often, chimed in.
"Ronghua!" An older guard cut him off, gesturing, then said, "Since Changsheng's okay, we'll head back to Zone B. Don't want to slack off."
With the matter unresolved, he didn't want trouble.
The Zone B guards trickled out. Others checked in and left. Soon, the office was quiet again.
"Li Hao, what are you gonna do about this?" Zhang Baoqiang asked worriedly once they were alone.
He knew Bald Guy was no pushover. Now that he认可 Li Hao, he feared retaliation.
"Nothing to worry about." Li Hao smiled, calm and nonchalant.
The afternoon passed quickly. As they were about to get off work, a crowd gathered at tor Mo Changsheng, nearly slipped in fear, shouting.
Li Hao stayed calm, leading Zhang Baoqiang and the others out, plastic batons in hand.
Compared to machetes, plastic batons were weak—they'd only sting, not kill.
But for Li Hao, they were enough to handle these thugs.
"Fourth Brother?"
As they stepped out, someone called from the side.
"Baozi?" Li Hao turned to see Baozi leading a group over from No.1 Middle School.
"Fourth Brother, busy? I'll stay out of it," Baozi, no fool, sized up Bald Guy's crew, Bald Guy's injuries, and Li Hao's uniform—he had a rough idea what was happening. He started to back off.
"You can go, but leave your men," Li Hao smiled.
Baozi's men weren't tough, but they could at least make a show of force, boost morale.
"Fourth Brother, c'mon! My boys can't fight—they'd just get in the way!" Baozi grimaced, his face falling.
Bald Guy spotted Baozi too.
They were both small-time in H City, but Bald Guy, with his own businesses, was way above Baozi, who scraped by on petty scams.
"Baozi, this isn't your fight. Don't be stupid—scram!" Bald Guy, his face and body wrapped in bandages, looked even more menacing.
To Bald Guy, Baozi—stuck in petty crime—was beneath him.
"I…" Baozi hesitated.
On one side was the fearsomely skilled Li Hao; on the other, a gang boss above him. He didn't know whether to stay or go.
Seeing his indecision, Li Hao smiled faintly. "Once this is over, I'll point you to a profitable opportunity."
"Really?" Baozi's eyes lit up. "Fourth Brother—are you giving me that factory area?"
"No," Li Hao shook his head. Seeing Baozi's disappointment, he added, "Something ten, a hundred times bigger."
Ten, a hundred times bigger?
Baozi froze.
A territory like that was beyond his wildest dreams!
Li Hao was really offering it?
"Bastard! Baozi, you leaving or not? Want me to wipe you out? Get lost!" Bald Guy, seeing Baozi chatting with Li Hao, lost his temper, waving his steel pipe.
Baozi, though a low-level thug, was still a boss. Being insulted in front of his men lit a fire. Gritting his teeth, thinking of his future, he looked at Li Hao fiercely. "Fourth Brother, I trust you! Boys—let's help Fourth Brother take down this bald bastard!"
"Take down the bald bastard!"
"Beat these scums!"
His men yelled, fired up. They'd seen Li Hao's skills—finally, they were on his side, not against him.
Bald Guy's face darkened, his body trembling—his wounds throbbed with the movement.
He never thought this lowly Baozi would team up with a security guard against him! Did Baozi really think this guard stood a better chance than him?
Furious, Bald Guy swung his pipe. "Boys, charge! Let's see who kills who!"
At his shout, the thugs rushed forward, weapons swinging. Li Hao, his security team, and Baozi's men didn't back down—they charged, and a brawl erupted.
Aim at the ringleader first to capture the gang.
Li Hao knew this well.
From the moment he rushed out, he sprinted with all his might, his body springing forward like a coiled wire, straight for Bald Guy!
Bald Guy, who'd tasted Li Hao's strength at noon, knew he was tough. He kept his eyes on Li Hao, panicking when he saw him coming straight for him, and turned to run.
But though Bald Guy ran fast, Li Hao was faster—top-tier fast!
In seconds, Li Hao caught up, decked him with a fist, then grabbed him, pinning him down.
"Bald Guy, you came roaring in—why run the second we meet?" Li Hao, despite sprinting dozens of meters, was calm, breathing steady. Bald Guy, though, was gasping, soaked in sweat under the scorching sun.
"I…" Bald Guy's look at Li Hao had changed completely.
If earlier it was loathing and hatred, now it was pure terror.
This Li Hao was *scary*.
"Tell me—how do you want to end this?" Li Hao spoke coldly, gripping tighter. Bald Guy broke into a sweat, his face paling in pain.
In that moment, he finally realized: this Li Hao was no ordinary security guard.