Sometimes, what you fear the most comes true. When Xiaohua's parents learned about their daughter's ordeal, they were naturally furious. But they were just ordinary people, working in a factory, unable to provoke those from the gangs.
Furthermore, Xiaohua didn't dare to go home, fearing she'd bring trouble to her family. With her parents' heartfelt gratitude, they arranged for their daughter to work at the grocery store. Her salary, during the trial period, was symbolic, only given a small amount, and the grocery store provided three meals. At night, she couldn't sleep in the store, so she stayed at Xiaofen's place.
Thus, the grocery store gained a new employee, and Zheng Baicheng felt much more relaxed.
However, this incident deepened his understanding of Hong Kong. He realized that if one wanted to live comfortably in Hong Kong, they needed money. But wealth didn't come easily. As for the idea that time travel and reincarnation would lead to instant success, it was impossible.
If someone were the child of an established family, they could amass wealth, become independent, and rise to power. Everyone would praise them as a young talent. But for those without background or connections, achieving wealth was difficult. They could achieve modest wealth, but if they aimed for great riches, the entire city of Hong Kong would keep their eyes on them. All sorts of con artists, big and small, would target them. They would be bombarded with temptation, with lavish parties and women, leading them astray.
Not to mention, even now, with the grocery store's improved business, people like Xixia would approach him, attempting to lure him with women... tech women, to tempt him. It was basic manipulation, and he could still avoid it.
He feared the storylines depicted in novels: a chance encounter with a beautiful woman, a woman who wouldn't marry anyone but him, women throwing themselves at him, multiple women vying for him. If he could resist, they would move to the next stage – a noble daughter, actively pursuing him, then playing hard to get. This could make him lose his rationality, leading to marriage, then an unfortunate demise, with his wealth passing on to someone else.
Many novels described such scenarios. Zheng Baicheng could summarize it with a single phrase: There is no love without a reason, and no hatred without a cause. Only by understanding the temptations of wealth, women, and power could one secure their place in life.
Even if one had wealth, they might not be able to keep it. What then? He accidentally came across a newspaper, the Ming Pao.
Ming Pao was one of the three renowned newspapers in Hong Kong, co-founded by Jin Yong and his friend. It became successful thanks to Jin Yong's novels, which led to the Ming Pao's later success.
He wasn't interested in starting a newspaper. He wanted to write novels. Jin Yong wasn't the only one who achieved fame through novels in Hong Kong. There was also Ni Kuang and others. Writers in Hong Kong were highly respected. Moreover, he had time to read newspapers these days, learning traditional Chinese characters from them.
As he pondered, lost in thought, Xiaohua started whispering to Xiaofen.
"Ah Fen, what is Cheng Ge doing? He looks so serious, and his brows are furrowed so deeply."
With no customers around, they had time for idle chatter. Besides, they were good friends and had much to talk about.
Xiaofen was wiping the tables. She just glanced at him and said, "Cheng Ge is often like this. Don't mind him. That's just how he is."
"Cheng Ge is from the mainland, right? Can he understand the newspaper?"
"I don't know. He's looking at the placement of things, learning. After his trial period is over, he'll get his salary soon."
Xiaohua said, "I know. I guess Cheng Ge will leave the shop to you later."
"Of course. Cheng Ge told me he's opening a branch. This place will be mine. I'm the... store manager. I'm the store manager here, haha..."
Seeing the two girls happily chatting, Zheng Baicheng felt comfortable. He went to the side, took some practice books and a pen, ready to write his novel. He had already decided on the story.
In this era, most novels were traditional. Moreover, Jin Yong had started writing "Tian Long Ba Bu." Some said that Jin Yong's portrayal of the martial arts world was just like Hong Kong's gangs. These gangs were the modern-day martial arts world. Each gang scheming against each other, fighting openly and secretly – wasn't that the martial arts world?
What should he write? He decided to write a television drama from the future. In his opinion, it was a masterpiece that incorporated the essence of traditional martial arts novels. It was humorous and engaging.
He could easily write it. Now that he had time and fewer things to worry about, with two beautiful girls helping him, he could focus on writing.
The notebook he took was very thin. He planned to give it to the newspaper office later. He also placed a sheet of carbon paper underneath, keeping the original as a memento.
Xiaohua noticed Zheng Baicheng writing and curiously asked Xiaofen, "Ah Fen, what is Cheng Ge doing?"
"Cheng Ge, Cheng Ge, do you like Cheng Ge? You've asked me about him several times today. Should I tell him? Tell him you like him and want to be his wife."
Xiaofen's bold words made Xiaohua blush. She lowered her head, her face turning red, and said, "No, I'm just curious..."
When Zheng Baicheng was first rescued from the grocery store, he was honestly malnourished. After this period of regular living, good food, and less pressure, his health had improved. His skin became whiter, he gained weight, and he looked stronger. He was also growing taller. He was no longer the 'rustic' person he once was.
Moreover, after many days of adjusting, he had completely transformed. He no longer had that 'rustic' feel. If anyone saw him now, they wouldn't believe he came from the mainland.
Xiaohua arrived later and saw a completely new Zheng Baicheng. Xiaofen's memory of Zheng Baicheng still held some traces of his 'rustic' appearance.
Seeing Xiaohua embarrassed, Xiaofen continued, "Cheng Ge is safe and reliable. He wouldn't let you get bullied if he were your boyfriend. He's from the mainland, and you're from Hong Kong. He'll treat you well."
This statement carried a sense of... superiority, though Xiaohua didn't notice it. She was still naive.
"You're going to die! I'll show you."
Xiaohua still had some baby fat on her face. Her angry expression made her look cute and fierce. Naturally, Xiaofen wouldn't give up without a fight. She resisted, and if Zheng Baicheng had looked up, he would have found the scene quite alluring.
However, he was immersed in his novel and missed the opportunity. While the two store clerks were playing around, a voice interrupted the harmony.
"You loser, we had a great catch today, landed some big fish. We're having fish tonight."