Chapter 70: The Grim-Faced Butcher

In the past, small-time figures like Niu Desheng and Liu Wa were beneath Liu Hui’s notice; he wouldn’t even spare them a glance, let alone listen to them. But today was different.

Just now, Liu Hui had been deeply shaken by Zhou Zhi, especially by his terrifying expression and the ruthless, unflinching way he fought. That image was firmly etched in Liu Hui’s mind.

Liu Hui himself was a notorious tough who made his living by violence, known for his viciousness. He most admired those who fought without regard for their own lives. Moreover, Liu Hui possessed a certain code of honor among thieves; as soon as he spoke, Zhou Zhi instantly released Yan Hou without hesitation. That courage was exactly what Liu Hui respected.

He knew well that someone like Zhou Zhi was best befriended, never made into an enemy unless absolutely necessary.

With that thought in mind, Liu Hui naturally wanted to form a bond with Zhou Zhi. But since Zhou Zhi had just taken Yan Hou hostage, Liu Hui found it awkward to broach the subject. Now, with Niu Desheng and Liu Wa talking, it was the perfect opportunity to ease into it and make Zhou Zhi’s acquaintance.

After a brief consideration, Liu Hui said, “If that’s how it is, I’ll go along with the two of you. But I wonder if Zhou Zhi thinks highly enough of Liu Hui from Nanzhuang?”

Niu Desheng and Liu Wa were instantly delighted and hurried to reassure him, “Don’t worry, big brother, Young Master Zhou Zhi may have a dark streak, but he’s straightforward!”

With that, the two of them scampered back to tell Zhou Zhi.

Zhou Zhi paused, suppressing the pain in his thigh, then smiled slightly and called out, “Brother Liu Hui is a local hero—I’ve long wanted to make his acquaintance.” Zhou Zhi spoke loudly, on purpose, so that Liu Hui nearby could hear.

Niu Desheng and Liu Wa said, “Great! Brother Liu Hui, come over here, we’ll fetch some wine and meat for everyone.”

Liu Hui heard Zhou Zhi and was instantly pleased, waving his hand to stop his five underlings. Except for Yan Hou, who was suffering and eager to see a doctor, the other four readily agreed. Having just witnessed Zhou Zhi’s devilish ferocity, they all felt that befriending him could only bring benefits, never harm.

But Yan Hou’s injury was truly severe, so Liu Hui ordered two men to escort him to find a healer.

Niu Desheng and Liu Wa had already brought wine and meat, left at the western corner of the vegetable greenhouse. It took them only a moment to retrieve it, grinning as they invited Liu Hui and his men to enter the greenhouse with Zhou Zhi.

Not long ago, Niu Desheng and Liu Wa had suffered a beating at Zhou Zhi’s hands; Niu Desheng had two ribs broken by his axe, and Liu Wa had four fingers chopped off. Since that day, they’d been terrified of Zhou Zhi, worshipping this little demon with absolute submission.

They’d resolved that should Zhou Zhi call upon them, they would obey without hesitation. They had wanted to visit Zhou Zhi’s home but feared their notorious reputations would bring him trouble. Learning Zhou Zhi would be staying overnight in the greenhouse, they brought wine and meat late at night as a token of respect.

Unexpectedly, they witnessed Zhou Zhi and Liu Hui’s brawl, and Zhou Zhi’s ferocity chilled them to the bone. Though their ribs and fingers had healed thanks to the doctor, seeing Zhou Zhi’s fearsome demeanor made the pain return.

Once bitten by a snake, one fears the rope for ten years.

Niu Desheng and Liu Wa busied themselves laying out the wine and meat. By then, Zhou Zhi and Liu Hui were chatting and laughing, with Liu Hui warmly assisting Zhou Zhi in bandaging his thigh wound.

Zhou Zhi’s body was strong, and the cut on his thigh wasn’t deep, though it bled plenty. Liu Hui was experienced in treating such injuries. It was winter, so infection was unlikely. With a simple bandage, Zhou Zhi would recover within ten days or so.

Liu Hui’s earlier honesty had already won Zhou Zhi’s favor. Zhou Zhi thought that although Liu Hui was a tough, he was trustworthy like Brother Zhang Yong—a bold, straightforward man. Befriending such people could only benefit him.

Zhou Zhi, Liu Hui, Niu Desheng, Liu Wa, and the three men Liu Hui brought sat together, eating, drinking, and laughing. At first, the three were afraid to approach Zhou Zhi, but his cheerful invitation put them at ease, and they nervously sat close to Liu Hui.

Niu Desheng and Liu Wa had brought two jars of cheap wine, two roast chickens, and a large bag of pork offal. There were no bowls or chopsticks; everyone drank directly from the jars and ate the meat with their hands, lending the gathering a free-spirited, heroic air.

After a few sips of the harsh wine, Zhou Zhi smacked his lips, muttering to himself, “Awful, truly awful—nothing like the Peach Blossom wine at Lu Xingchuan’s house.”

But it was no surprise; men like Niu Desheng and Liu Wa had no money for good wine. As for the roast chicken, who knew which unfortunate household it had come from.

“Ah, I almost forgot!” Zhou Zhi grinned and hurriedly stood up. After fighting with Liu Hui and his men for so long, he had neglected to add firewood to the heated bed in the greenhouse. The cold weather meant that if the temperature dropped overnight, all the vegetables would freeze.

He quickly limped outside, ignoring the throbbing pain in his thigh, gritting his teeth and moving as fast as he could.

Luckily, there were still embers in the stove. Zhou Zhi added firewood to each opening, waited for the flames to rise, then returned inside.

Once seated, Liu Hui looked at him and laughed. “Brother Zhou Zhi, your tussle with Yan Hou just now made my heart race—ruthless! You’re three times the fighter I am!”

“Yes, Young Master Zhou Zhi is a real man—a cold-faced butcher!” said one of Liu Hui’s underlings.

A cold-faced butcher? Am I really that fierce? Zhou Zhi mused, but the nickname did have a certain ring to it.

Liu Hui clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “What a title! Brother Zhou Zhi, with your skills, why not follow me—no, I should follow you! In these ten villages, we’d be free to do as we please, and getting a bit of silver would be no trouble. Even the richest families would show us respect.

Brother Zhou Zhi, why struggle to grow vegetables in the freezing cold? How much money can you really make? Take my advice—let’s work together from now on!”

“Yes, yes, Young Master Zhou Zhi, if you join forces with our big brother, no one would dare cross us! Getting silver would be easy!” piped up another of Liu Hui’s men.

Sitting with Zhou Zhi, he found Zhou Zhi to be bold and friendly, not nearly as icy as before. Emboldened, he joined in flattering him.