Chương 191: Recruiting

Fierce Tiger Gang. Not long after returning to the Headquarters, someone reported from outside that Fan Yiwang was requesting an audience. Although slightly puzzled, Song Que still stood up. He instructed Xiong Ba and Li Xin to take Mengmeng and the other pets for a stroll around the city before heading to the Discussion Hall to meet Old Fan.

"Greetings, Boss Song!"

"Greetings, Gang Leader Song!" Seeing the two people cupping their hands inside the room, Boss Song let out a rare smile. He felt even more appreciative of Fan Yiwang's capabilities.

"Haha, no need for formalities! Everyone, please sit! Brother Qin Wu, please have a seat and make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Boss Song!" Feeling Song Que's satisfied gaze sweeping over him, Old Fan couldn't help but feel excited in his heart. Qin Wu wasn't overly formal either. Since he had agreed to come here, he already had a plan in his heart. After cupping his hands in greeting, he straightforwardly chose a chair and sat down.

"Someone come!" Two gang members immediately ran in from outside the door.

"Serve tea, and invite the two Vice Gang Leaders here."

"Yes, Gang Leader!" Only then did Song Que turn and smile, exchanging pleasantries with Old Qin:"Is Brother Qin a Qinghe native or from elsewhere?"

"To answer Gang Leader Song, my grandfather was from Hebei. After joining the army and marching south, he began to lay down roots in Yangnan. My father was the same. Due to a stroke of serendipity, we eventually settled here. Therefore, I can be considered a native of Qinghe, indeed."

"Haha, so Brother Qin comes from a military family! No wonder looking at your aura, I can see a resolute and unwavering spirit, quite different from ordinary men!"

"The Gang Leader exaggerates!" Right at this moment, Nie Feng and Shen Ziming walked in together.

"Young Master!"...

"Young Master Song!"

"Quickly, sit down! Let me introduce you two: this is Brother Qin Wu. Brother Qin, these are the two Vice Gang Leaders of my Fierce Tiger Gang, Nie Feng and Shen Ziming."

"A pleasure to meet you!"...

"A pleasure to meet you!" The three immediately greeted each other. Waiting for everyone to take their seats, Song Que finally began to speak:"Brother Qin, Fan Yiwang must have already passed on my message to you. Now I want to ask again: is Brother Qin willing to join our Fierce Tiger Gang?"

"Forgive this lowly one for speaking bluntly: if I join, I wonder what position Gang Leader Song intends to arrange for me?" Pondering for a moment, Qin Wu asked directly.

"Excellent! Brother Qin is indeed a straightforward person! Then I won't beat around the bush! If Brother Qin agrees, you will have a seat among the Elders of the Fierce Tiger Gang! Furthermore, I will have you concurrently hold the position of Chief Instructor, responsible for training all the brothers in the gang!" What Boss Song valued in Qin Wu, aside from his formidable martial arts, was his ability to command in battle!

The brief encounter they had previously—where his handful of mere militiamen were able to rely on troop formations to hinder him for a while—had left a deep impression on Song Que! Hearing this, a brilliant light flashed in Qin Wu's eyes! He had long grown tired of the scheming, deceit, and sycophancy of officialdom! Now, with such generous conditions offered here, and the ability to continue utilizing his skills, he was naturally moved!

Furthermore, analyzing Song Que's words and actions, it wasn't hard to guess that his ambitions didn't lie merely in this small corner of Qinghe! He would have a vast space to display his abilities in the future! Thinking of this, Qin Wu hesitated no longer! He stood up and performed a military salute on one knee:"Qin Wu pays his respects to the Gang Leader!"

"Haha, excellent! With Brother Qin joining us, it's as if we fierce tigers have grown wings! It is truly worth celebrating!" Boss Song was overjoyed and stepped forward to help him up. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Congratulations, Young Master!"...

"Congratulations, Young Master Song (Boss Song)!"

"Haha, joy to us all! Old Fan, you did a great job this time! Everyone here is one of our own; from now on, just call me 'Young Master Song' like Old Shen does."

"Yes, Young Master Song!" Fan Yiwang and Qin Wu shouted in unison once again, especially Fan Yiwang! Finally squeezing his way into this inner circle made him incredibly excited!

"Old Fan, go gather the higher-ups so I can announce this decision! Set up a few more banquet tables; today I must host a welcome banquet for Brother Qin!"

"Yes, Young Master Song!" Fan Yiwang happily accepted the order and left. With the remaining three people, Song Que smiled and spoke:"From now on, I will trouble Brother Qin with the training of the gang members. I hope the Fierce Tiger Gang will be a group of strictly disciplined soldiers, not following the scattered nature of the martial world! I'd rather have fewer people than lower our standards; those who cannot follow discipline are absolutely not needed!"

"Obey your command!"

"Old Shen, you coordinate with Qin Wu later. Forge an elite unit for me!"

"Rest assured, Young Master Song, I will definitely cooperate fully!" Shen Ziming patted his chest and guaranteed.

"Mhm, very good! Also, how is the matter of people leaving the gang and recruiting heroes from all sides progressing?" Hearing Song Que ask about this, Nie Feng immediately answered for him:"Young Master, since yesterday afternoon, only four leaders and fewer than ten ordinary gang members have requested to leave! The rest are all determined to advance and retreat together with you! On the other hand, of the invitations sent to the experts on the streets, three have already agreed to join on the spot!

Two Third-Grade and one Fourth-Grade martial artist! They should be arriving shortly for an audience." Today was truly an auspicious day! It seemed the fire had swept away his bad luck! Boss Song nodded happily:"Excellent! Later, I will go meet them with you guys. We will also hold a banquet this noon to announce this matter and bolster our Fierce Tiger Gang's prestige!"

"The Young Master is wise!" Hearing their flattery, Boss Song felt incredibly comfortable! Remembering something, he turned to Qin Wu and asked:"Old Qin, since you were in the military, do you know of a man named Hu Xiaodao in the Qinghe County Militia?"

"Young Master Song, are you talking about 'Knife'?"

"That's right! His nickname is Knife." Hearing this, Qin Wu nodded:"He served under my command for a while before; he's a good seed! Later, I heard he committed a crime and was locked up for a few days. During that time, he even broke out of prison, killed someone, and fled! He's still carrying a wanted poster on his back! What a pity!"

It was unknown whether Qin Wu didn't know the inside story or simply didn't want to discuss his former superior, but he resolutely avoided mentioning the Dong family's involvement in this matter! Song Que didn't press further.

"How was this person's character before? Why would he commit such a heinous crime?" Although curious as to why Boss Song was asking about this, Qin Wu thought for a moment and still answered truthfully:"Knife had a very good reputation in the military camp before! His bold and generous personality made him very popular among the brothers below. This lowly one also heard many rumors about him suffering an injustice, but without a concrete investigation, it wasn't convenient to say anything.

I wonder why Young Master Song is inquiring about this person? Are you acquainted with him?"

"Mhm, we have some connections like that. Therefore, I was particularly puzzled hearing he became a wanted criminal! Thank you for clearing my doubts, Brother Qin." Song Que didn't hide it, admitting it frankly. Having learned what he wanted to know, Boss Song continued to comfortably chat about everything under the sun with them! It wasn't until a servant announced that several esteemed guests had arrived for a visit that he satisfyingly stood up, leading Nie Feng and Shen Ziming out to welcome them!...

Fierce Tiger Gang Martial Arts Arena. That noon, over a dozen large tables were set up here! Gang Leader Song, sitting at the head of the main table, enthusiastically welcomed the newly joined experts!

"Brothers, let me introduce everyone! This is Qin Wu, the former Commander of the County Militia. From now on, he will be an Elder of our Gang and concurrently hold the position of Chief Instructor!"

"Greetings, brothers!"...

"Greetings, Elder Qin!"

"The person on his right is named Cao Lang, a genuine Fourth-Grade martial artist! From today onward, he will officially serve as an Elder of our Gang! To be honest, having an expert like Brother Cao join us today makes me feel extremely surprised and honored!"

"Greetings, brothers!"...

"Greetings, Elder Cao!" Waiting for Qin Wu and Cao Lang to finish their greetings, Song Que turned to introduce the other three:"These three are Bai Tian, Dong Jun, and Chu Xiao. They are all very renowned chivalrous heroes in our Yangnan Circuit! From today onward, they will also be members of the Fierce Tiger Gang! Everyone, please give them a warm welcome!" Upon reaching the last sentence, Boss Song couldn't help but raise his voice a few pitches! Today was truly filled with unexpected joys!

At the last minute, even Chu Xiao, a young talent at the peak of the Third Grade, had come to join, making them all incredibly happy! It turned out Chu Xiao had previously heard of Shen Ziming's chivalrous reputation and had already investigated the Fierce Tiger Gang several times. Furthermore, witnessing Boss Song's demeanor yesterday had instantly won him over! Therefore, hearing the news today, he came on his own initiative to apply! It was truly worth celebrating!

"This lowly one... Bai Tian, Dong Jun, Chu Xiao... greets all brothers!"...

"Haha, alright! Now that everyone knows each other's faces, on such a joyous day, we must eat and drink to our hearts' content! In a situation where the hearts of our gang members are still somewhat unsettled and many are worried and leaving, to still have these five experts ready to contribute their strength—this Song thanks you all here for your trust in me! I've said this before, but today this lowly one will repeat it! Without weathering the storm, how can one see the rainbow?! Hardships will pass!

As long as the brothers work together with one heart and mind, I promise I will lead everyone through all thorns and challenges! May our Fierce Tiger Gang grow unceasingly and prosper endlessly! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" The hundred people below, their momentum blazing, shouted in unison!

"Haha, good! Everyone, please enjoy the meal!"

"Gang Leader first! Everyone, please!" The atmosphere officially entered its climax! A group of higher-ups and leaders began holding their cups, seeking each other out to toast and build relationships! Song Que was also frequently toasted! He refused no one, straightforwardly raising his cup and draining it! By the end, he had drunk several cups with every single person, yet his complexion remained unchanged, leaving the underlings below in deep admiration!