Chapter Twenty-Five: Scarface Qian

The “Six-Eyed Demon” was certainly not an easy motorcycle to handle, but for Yang Meng, that wasn’t much of an issue.

“Qian Pockmark, let me put it to you this way—I’ve been riding a Honda CR250 since I was fourteen. And you think I can’t handle a ‘Six-Eyed Demon’ now?” Yang Meng sat astride the motorcycle, revved the engine a few times, and exclaimed, “Listen to that engine! Absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to take it for a ride in the mountains.”

If he’d said that yesterday, he might have lacked confidence. But now, as the newly appointed Emperor of Mount Tai, his strength, speed, and reflexes were no longer what they had been. If someone like him couldn’t handle the “Six-Eyed Demon,” he’d be unworthy of his title.

“So why aren’t you into road racing?” Qian Pockmark asked curiously. “Why do you call it a blessing and a curse?”

Yang Meng pointed at the “Six-Eyed Demon.” “Don’t you think this bike is a bit too flashy? If I take this out on the road, people’s heads will turn five hundred percent!”

Qian Pockmark let out a long sigh. “Yang, is that all? Let me tell you something. If a man makes it to twenty and isn’t a little wild, he’s got nothing going for him. If he’s still wild at thirty, he’s got nothing going for him either. You’re only in your twenties—this is your time. So what if you show off a little? Look at this guy next to me—Dazhai Zheng—almost fifty and still acting wild. What’s he got to show for it?”

Caught in the crossfire, Dazhai Zheng shot Qian Pockmark a furious glare. Yang Meng was wide-eyed at the wisdom in Qian’s words. “Damn, Qian, I didn’t know you had it in you!”

Qian Pockmark shrugged. “Those aren’t my words. That’s from Qian Zhongshu in ‘Fortress Besieged.’”

Yang Meng was even more surprised. “You read books?”

Qian Pockmark seemed to have expected this reaction. He jerked his head toward Dazhai Zheng. “You think I’m like this blockhead? Think that if he gets rid of me, he’ll strike it rich? Let me tell you, Yang, if I really wanted to, I could have buried this fool in business a hundred ways over. Only a dimwit would come up with the idea of inviting trouble into his own house! Dazhai Zheng, stop glaring at me. Let me give you a lesson: You think I can’t take over the entire Zhao Village used bike market? It’s not that I can’t—it’s that I don’t want to! Because if I did, I’d have to put in three times the effort for no extra reward! You think that if you get rid of me, I won’t make money? Who do you think handles your rebuilt water-damaged cars? All that’s money in my pocket! Why else did I leave Zhao Village so willingly? You think a meal is all it takes to handle something this big? Your vision is so small it’s embarrassing!”

After these words, Yang Meng truly saw Qian Pockmark in a new light. “Honestly, Qian, I have to admit, you taught me something today. I used to think people like you didn’t know a thing, but now I see what it means that ‘among three people, there is always one who can be my teacher.’”

Qian Pockmark took out his cigarettes, handed one to Yang Meng and lit it for him, then lit one for himself. “People always put ‘ignorant and unskilled’ together, but we should separate them. People without skills don’t necessarily live badly—look at Qin Hui or He Shen, weren’t they both useless scoundrels? Oh, this blockhead here counts too. Did they live poorly? But they weren’t ignorant—look at this guy, always scheming how to get rid of me. If he didn’t have a brain, would he even be here now? Yang, I might be a rough man, but that doesn’t mean I’m stupid. Ignorant? That’s just waiting to die!”

Yang Meng was genuinely moved. For years working in the city, he’d always felt unlucky. Why was it that other men could drive convertibles, caress beautiful women’s thighs, while he sat on a bus watching it all go by?

Now he understood—luck had little to do with it. The real issue was himself. Others were always striving forward, while he lagged a hundred meters behind before even starting. When he was young, teachers taught that hard work leads to wealth, but after all these years in society, he realized that hard work might keep you from starving, but real wealth was still a long way off.

To become truly wealthy, you had to get ahead of others. Without higher education, how far could his vision reach? Trailing behind, hoping for riches—was that realistic?

Even someone like Qian Pockmark, a used bike dealer, read books—so what excuse did he have to slack off? No, starting tomorrow, he’d go to the library and “recharge.”

“Brother Qian, just for those words, I should call you ‘brother’ properly. Alright, as long as you promise me one more thing, if anyone from Zhai Bancheng comes to Zhao Village, I’ll handle it!” Yang Meng said.

Qian Pockmark’s face lit up. “Yang, just say the word.”

Yang Meng snorted. “Help me track down those little punks stealing motorcycles! No, you don’t even need to catch them—just tell me where they are.”

Qian Pockmark paused. “Yang, why bother with those kids? They’re all minors, little scoundrels no one cares about. Even if you catch them, they’ll be out in no time, and they’re ruthless! It’s not worth it to make enemies out of them.”

Yang Meng shook his head. “I appreciate your concern, but I have to deal with those brats.”

“Why?” Qian Pockmark asked, puzzled.

Yang Meng held up three fingers. “They’ve stolen three of my motorcycles already. How can I let that go? I don’t care whose men they are or who protects them—I need an answer, or I won’t let it rest!”

Qian Pockmark glanced at Dazhai Zheng. “Alright, Yang, leave it to me. But there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Oh?” Yang Meng was surprised. “What else?”

Qian Pockmark said, “Yang, I hope you won’t go racing in the mountains today. Your gift also includes a ‘Denis’ riding suit and a ‘Marushin’ helmet. I didn’t know your size, so I couldn’t bring them, but I’ll have them delivered to you tomorrow morning. I know you’re skilled and bold, but with a heavy bike, safety comes first.”

Yang Meng laughed. “No need for the ‘Yang’ formality—just call me Meng, or brother, or even Mengmeng if you like. Qian, I accept your gift. I absolutely love it. And don’t worry about Zhai Dacheng—I’ve already spoken to Secretary Duan Bowen of the Long Group. If Zhai Dacheng tries to mess with me again, I’ll go straight to their young master. I doubt they’ll ignore it.”

Qian Pockmark and Dazhai Zheng fell silent at Yang Meng’s words. Damn, you’re the real boss here! Long Teng is the eldest son of the Long Group! The way you talk about ‘causing him trouble’ is as casual as taking a walk.

Sensing the awkward mood, Qian Pockmark slapped his forehead as if remembering something. “Right, Meng, just so you know, this bike is a real beast. I installed crash guards for you, but it still weighs over five hundred pounds—if it tips over, it’s not easy to lift. I know I can’t get it up.”

Yang Meng chuckled. “It’s true the bike weighs over five hundred pounds, but even you could pick it up if you did it right.”

“Huh?” Qian Pockmark shook his head. “Come on, Meng, don’t tease me. I’m not that strong.”

Yang Meng simply let the motorcycle tip over, then pointed at the seat. “Qian, put your lower back against the seat, grab the handlebars, squat down and use your back to push up the bike. Try it.”

Qian Pockmark followed his instructions. As Yang Meng said, though it was tough, he managed to lift the five-hundred-pound motorcycle. Excited, he said, “Hey, Meng, I really did it! Is this how you lift bikes too?”

Yang Meng just laughed, knowing exactly why Qian Pockmark had brought this up—to witness his strength firsthand. But Yang Meng didn’t mind the little test. He let the bike fall again, then lifted it with one hand, leaving Qian Pockmark and Dazhai Zheng gasping in shock.

Are you sure you’re human? Maybe a silverback gorilla?

Now Qian Pockmark felt reassured. “Meng, I won’t keep you any longer. Tomorrow morning, I’ll deliver the riding gear myself. In fact, I know people at the vehicle office—I’ll handle the registration too!”

Yang Meng smiled. “Thanks, Brother Qian.”

“It’s no trouble at all—I should be thanking you! Making money at Zhao Village isn’t hard. Don’t underestimate us used bike dealers—on a good day, we can clear six figures at a market! Even on a bad day, a few thousand isn’t hard. The bike I gave you today will pay for itself in a month. And if you count the related businesses, it’s even faster,” Qian Pockmark replied with a grin.

Yang Meng said, “Congratulations on your fortune, then!”

Qian Pockmark grinned. “Not as fast as you, Meng! One trip out and you come back with a million and a half!”

Yang Meng shook his head. “Brother Qian, you really keep up with the news.”

Qian Pockmark waved dismissively. “This is the information age, isn’t it? If you don’t keep learning, you get left behind. Look at Dazhai Zheng here—standing around like a wooden post, isn’t that shameful? Alright, Dazhai Zheng, don’t just stand there! Start using your brain if you want to get anywhere. With your attitude, you’ll never amount to anything. Bah!”