"In the past, every month we had to pay money to the gangsters, and also money to the police. They often came to extort us..."
The shopowner couldn't help but curse upon hearing this, "Those greedy sons of bitches, I curse them all to Hell!"
An older employee briefly explained that when those gangsters or police bought stuff here, they'd pick a few dollars' worth of items, but would only pay with some coins.
If you're lucky, you might get fifty cents, but if not, sometimes only a dozen cents.
If you think it's too little and argue with them, you'll find trouble, and you'll lose far more than what they plan to take.
Especially those lower-level gangsters, who frequently come and take cigarettes without paying, leaving the shopowner miserable.
As for why they continue operating despite the hardship?
Because, despite the difficulties, they indeed can make money.
