The hotpot restaurant fell silent for a moment. After a while, Uncle Zhong came back to his senses, shook his head with a smile, and said, "Alright, let's not talk about that. Zhong Qiang still has about two years before he officially graduates."
"That's certainly still early," Huang Wen echoed with a smile. "I remember Xiao Qiang once told me that he also wanted to practice martial arts. How about this, Uncle Zhong, I'll take Xiao Qiang under my wing at my martial arts school? I guarantee that if I have food to eat, he'll have food to eat. What do you say?"
"Get lost! Your family's savings are barely enough for you to get married and have children!" Uncle Zhong waved his hand. "Besides, going to your place is not as good as staying here with me!"
"How can that be the same?" Huang Wen seemed to have thought of something. "Uncle Zhong, your place, no matter how you look at it, is in the catering industry. My place, however, belongs to the cultural and sports industry. I remember Xiao Qiang studies something like propaganda management, right? Isn't my place perfect for him?"
"When it's time for his internship, he can come to my place, and I can even provide him with a certificate..."
"Can't propaganda management be used to promote my own hotpot restaurant?" Uncle Zhong glared at Huang Wen in annoyance. "Tell me, is there something you need our Zhong Qiang for? If there is, I'll call him and have him come over to help you!"
"Hehe, there are indeed some promotional matters that I need to ask Xiao Qiang about." Huang Wen scratched his head awkwardly. The old ginger is still spicier, he thought. He didn't expect his little scheme to be seen through by Uncle Zhong so quickly.
"I knew it! Alright, I'll call Zhong Qiang later and let him know. But don't expect him to do a great job!" Uncle Zhong nodded, preemptively setting expectations. "Zhong Qiang doesn't have much experience yet, so just consider it practice at your place!"
"Don't worry, Uncle Zhong, I understand," Huang Wen quickly said with a smile. "Thank you, Uncle Zhong. When Xiao Qiang comes back, I'll treat him to a meal, and Uncle Zhong..."
"What kind of meal? What kind of meal is more delicious and satisfying than my hotpot restaurant?" Uncle Zhong glared at Huang Wen again, then his expression softened a little. "Xiao Wen, how do you plan to deal with the Gorelian gang?"
"Naturally, anyone involved in my father's death cannot be let off!" A hint of murderous intent flashed in Huang Wen's eyes. This was influenced by the original Huang Wen, and it was also what the original Huang Wen had intended to do.
In the original Huang Wen's plan, once he identified the murderer, even if it meant mutual destruction, he would avenge his father. But now, this vengeance would have to be completed by the new Huang Wen!
Uncle Zhong was startled by the murderous intent in Huang Wen's eyes, his heart pounded violently, and it took him a long time to recover. He then shook his head and said helplessly, "You martial artists are indeed more decisive than us ordinary people when faced with problems!"
"I once heard Huang Hong say that in ancient times, martial arts were all about killing techniques, relying on deadly moves to protect homes and earn a living, practicing for decades..."
"It seems he didn't lie to me after all. Usually, when I see you practicing Wing Chun, I don't see any imposing aura, but I didn't expect it to be so frightening when it truly erupts."
"I'm sorry, Uncle Zhong." Huang Wen scratched his head awkwardly. "But don't worry, Uncle Zhong, I will definitely not let anyone track me down. How about this, don't notify Xiao Qiang yet. After I've dealt with the Gorelian gang, you can contact him then, how does that sound?"
"This..." Uncle Zhong's eyes showed some hesitation. He knew that doing this was not good, but if something really happened to Huang Wen and implicated his son, wouldn't that be like pushing himself into a fiery pit?
"Xiao Wen, you must remember, you are the only heir of your Huang family, and your family's martial arts must not be lost!" Uncle Zhong patted Huang Wen's shoulder. "So, you must not be impulsive. You must have complete confidence before you act!"
Uncle Zhong did not try to persuade Huang Wen to give up his hatred and not confront a gang, because Uncle Zhong already knew that Huang Wen would avenge his father against the Gorelian gang no matter what.
From Huang Wen's eyes, Uncle Zhong could sense it.
Therefore, Uncle Zhong's heart was filled with both worry and relief.
The worry was naturally that Huang Wen might be discovered or die on the path to revenge, and the relief was that there was hope for Huang Hong's revenge, and Huang Hong had such a spirited son.
"Don't worry, Uncle Zhong, I know!" Huang Wen nodded confidently, then said with a smile, "Alright, Uncle Zhong, let's eat together. The pot has been boiling for a long time. This meal is on me!"
"This meal is on you? You didn't even pay enough for the last one!" Uncle Zhong also laughed to lighten the mood. "I'm telling you, I've kept a tab! When you come back after avenging your father, I'll settle accounts with you properly!"
"Okay! When I successfully return, Uncle Zhong, you can personally calculate how much money it is, and I'll deposit it all into Xiao Qiang's salary!" Huang Wen patted his chest. "How about it? Am I a generous boss? He even gets a salary during his internship!"
"Hmph! In the old days, apprentices even got free food and lodging! How can you not pay a salary?" Uncle Zhong glared at Huang Wen, then said with a smile, "Come on, eat to your heart's content. Uncle Zhong isn't opening for business today, I'm just serving you!"
The meal lasted a full hour. Only then did Uncle Zhong open the hotpot restaurant door and see Huang Wen off. He didn't give any further instructions; Huang Wen already knew what he wanted to say, and he knew that Huang Wen knew. He just patted Huang Wen's shoulder and watched him leave the hotpot restaurant.
Turning around, Uncle Zhong returned to the hotpot restaurant and dialed a number.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
"Hello? Dad? What's up? I'll be back this weekend." A young voice came through, causing a trace of relief and happiness to involuntarily appear on Uncle Zhong's lips.
"Today is Thursday. Try to come back tomorrow night," Uncle Zhong said, looking at the date on the calendar. "Dad misses you, and also your Brother Wen..."
"What's wrong with Brother Wen?" Zhong Qiang was startled and quickly asked, "Has Brother Wen still not left the martial arts school? He can't stay in the martial arts school forever, Dad. Shouldn't you find a psychologist for Brother Wen to help him through this..."
"Your Brother Wen found the killer of your Uncle Hong," Uncle Zhong sighed. "Dad didn't stop him, and there was no reason to stop him, so I'm asking you to come back early to see if you can see your Brother Wen, lest..."
"Dad, Brother Wen is so amazing, he'll definitely be fine!" Zhong Qiang quickly reassured him. "You know, back in high school, those football and basketball teams were all defeated by Brother Wen! Brother Wen will definitely be fine!"
"How about this, Dad, I'll ask for leave and head back now. If I'm fast, I should be able to get back to Chinatown by tomorrow morning!"
"Good, then come back early," Uncle Zhong nodded. "Your Brother Wen probably won't act that quickly..."