During the Republic of China era, I achieved unparalleled success by returning to the past.

Song Beiyou coldly observed the crowd, then his hands moved suddenly, making several snapping sounds with incredible speed, disassembling the gun in his hand into pieces and casually tossing them to the floor.

"Since no one has any objections, I'll be in charge here from now on."

Ah Zhong was the first to react, overjoyed. He and Song Beiyou had become acquainted in the boxing ring, while Zhang Feilong hadn't treated him like one of their own. He quickly shouted, "From now on, I'll follow Master You's arrangements completely!"

The managers of the other gambling dens and car dealerships quickly nodded in agreement: "From now on, we'll follow Master You's arrangements."

Song Beiyou smiled faintly: "Since everyone has agreed, then if you don't listen in the future, I'll have to follow the rules."

"Yes, yes, we will all obey Master You's orders."

"Everything is as usual. You may leave now. I'll let you know if anything comes up. On the 22nd of the twelfth lunar month, the old master will be accepting apprentices and will invite friends from the underworld. You are all welcome to come."

Everyone agreed in unison.

Song Beiyou looked at the groans and wailing of his underlings below and laughed, "Brothers, we've become friends through this fight. Those I injured today will each receive ten silver dollars."

The underling, who had been lying on the ground groaning, immediately perked up. Ten silver dollars—that's about all the decent factory workers make in a month. They're just trying to make a living; they don't have any stable income.

"Thank you, Master You! You're so kind!" the henchmen shouted excitedly.

Song Beiyou waved his hand, pointing to the two most seriously injured: "These two brothers, each receive fifty silver dollars." He was certainly careful with his actions; this was his territory from now on. As for the man surnamed Sun, he was already planning to shut down the opium den; would he dare to fire a shot? He'd be offering his own head up.

"What are you all standing around for? Get moving and get to work! If there's no business, how are we going to give you red envelopes for the New Year?"

The underlings burst into laughter and quickly moved the broken tables and chairs away, busily getting to work.

The managers exchanged glances: This young man has a knack for winning people over, and his methods are so ruthless; things might not be so easy for him in the future.

Zhang Feilong's large office still contained cash; he only took the most valuable valuables with him as a precaution.

Song Beiyou sat behind Zhang Feilong's large desk, while Shen Daguan and Ruan Yucui helped count the money. Ah Zhong stood guard at the door, leading one person and then calling for another.

Although the underlings were bruised and battered, they were all overjoyed to receive the gleaming silver dollars, calling out "Master You" repeatedly.

After the twenty-odd underlings had collected their money, the office gradually quieted down.

Shen Daguan rubbed his face, still feeling it was unreal, and asked cautiously, "Ayou, you slapped me, am I dreaming?"

Ruan Yucui reached out and pinched his waist hard. Shen Daguan gasped, finally snapping out of his daze, filled with excitement and agitation. Suddenly, he clapped his hands: "Ah You, no, Master You, you're the boss here now, and the lantern shop is under your control too. Can you return Ah Cui's indenture to her?"

After he finished speaking, he looked nervously at his brother. Ruan Yucui pursed her lips, glanced at Shen Daguan, and then looked at Song Beiyou.

Song Beiyou tapped his fingers on the table, considered for a moment, and then smiled: "Of course, not only Sister Cui's, but all the other people's indentures can be destroyed."

Shen Daguan grinned from ear to ear, overjoyed. Song Beiyou raised his hand to stop him: "Don't be too happy yet, I have conditions."

Ruan Yucui's eyes brightened, and she bowed, saying, "Please give your orders, Master You."

"From now on, the contracts of sale can be destroyed, but the debts will have to be repaid in installments." Song Beiyou paused slightly. "Since you're all unfortunate people, I won't charge interest. For those who don't want to take customers, I'll find a way to arrange work in laundries or textile factories."

Ruan Yucui's eyes reddened, and she said sincerely, "On behalf of all my sisters... I thank Master You."

"Da Guan, help her up."

Ruan Yucui quickly composed herself, took Shen Daguan's hand, and stood up.

Song Beiyou looked at Ah Zhong at the door and laughed, "Ah Zhong, you'll get your share of benefits from following me from now on. The brothers at the door will each receive twenty silver dollars to have a good New Year."

Ah Zhong perked up, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you, Master You." Cheers immediately erupted in the corridor outside.

Song Beiyou spent two hours in the office and found all the gambling contracts, but there was also a safe, an imported one, whose combination he didn't know, so he had to contact the seller to open it.

When he came downstairs to leave, the stall was already bustling with business. The underlings greeted him respectfully when they saw him come down. The gamblers also knew that the Thirteen Villages had changed hands, and the new boss was called Master You.

As soon as they left the gambling den, Bald Ah Dong hurriedly pushed his cart over, beaming, "Brother You, I've washed your cart spotless."

Song Beiyou glanced at the bicycle, which was indeed spotless. He immediately reached out and patted A Dong on the shoulder. "Not bad. A Dong, you've got a knack for it."

Ah Dong beamed with joy, "Brother You, from now on I'll wash and wipe your car for you."

……

Back at my own mansion, the sun was already setting, casting golden dapples on the iron gate.

Hearing the door open, Su Xiaowan came out and asked curiously, "Where have you been? You look so smug."

Song Beiyou then briefly explained the matter.

Su Xiaowan blinked her bright eyes as she heard this: "You're so lucky now. You'll have a powerful backer and your own territory."

Song Beiyou raised his arm, clenched his fist, and laughed, "Let me get a little stronger, and I'll help you deal with your godmother."

Su Xiaowan placed her hands on her waist, gave a perfunctory curtsy, and said with a radiant smile, "Thank you, Master You."

Song Beiyou laughed heartily and raised his hand in a gesture of support: "Rise."

Su Xiaowan rolled her eyes at him: "By the way, your Yingxue came to see you early this morning. She seemed to have something urgent to say, but when I asked her, she wouldn't say."

Song Beiyou frowned. Although Wen Yingxue was poor, she was a strong-willed woman and would not come to him unless there was something serious going on.

"I'll go to her house and take a look." With that, he pushed his cart out the door, intending to invite Uncle Wen to help him with the accounts.

……

The Gallic plane trees, their leaves fallen and branches sparse. The road is narrow, a rickshaw ringing its bell drives by, and the aroma of butter wafts from a bakery.

St. Paul's School is located at the intersection. The main building is constructed of red bricks with white lime outlines, and rows of arched windows with bright, translucent glass windows.

At the entrance, two Indian security guards wearing headscarves paced back and forth. Not far away, under a sycamore tree, a small, thin figure crouched, shivering in the cold wind like a helpless fawn.

A bicycle bell rang beside her. She looked up, the sunlight above her blocked out, but her tearful eyes suddenly shone brightly. She jumped up and rushed towards the man: "Brother You, Yiwen is missing!"