Chapter 64: The First Military Arms Deal! (Part 2)

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  The moment the door opened, a sinister glint flashed across Wang Chong's face. Before his opponent could react, with one hand on the knife, a sharp gleam of light flashed by, and his body lunged forward, the knife pressed against his opponent's neck.

  Who are you and what brings you to Zhao's apartment so late?

  Wang Chong looked at the man in front of him, who had a sturdy build and a square face that was quite handsome. Judging from his physique, he must be a martial artist. Wang Chong naturally didn't dare to be slow and coldly asked.

  Hehe, is this how Zhao's family treats friends who come to their door?

  Ma Yongzhen smiled calmly and asked back with a tranquil tone, seemingly unbothered by the knife at his throat.

  What are you talking about? It's so late and you're still talking nonsense. Do you think I'm a three-year-old or do you think you're an idiot? What did you come here for?

  Wang Chong did not believe Ma Yongzhen's words, after all, the two had never met before. Perhaps they had heard of each other's names, or perhaps they had even admired each other from afar, but it was still very possible that they would not recognize each other when they met in person.

  A burly man who had been trained in martial arts suddenly ran to Zhao's apartment, claiming that he was being pursued by someone and didn't want to be killed. He said that even if it was Wang Chong, no one would believe him, let alone a fool. As he spoke, the knife moved closer to his neck again.

  Hehe, a slip-up is just a slip-up, must it be distinguished as early or late?

  Ma Yongzhen smiled slyly and asked: Are you Wang Chong, the cold-faced killer, Zhao Tianming's subordinate, the first-rate hand of Hu Ren Gang?

  How did you know me?

  Wang Chong was somewhat perplexed. The man in front of him, he didn't recognize, yet the man recognized him. This matter was indeed a bit strange, and he couldn't help but ask in puzzlement.

  I want to know all heroes and will go all out to know them. You are a hero, your name is as familiar as thunder in Shanghai, so I naturally know you.

  Three people in the house heard the conversation between two people clearly, Zhao Tianming and Wu Tianyun looked at each other, stood up at the same time and walked to the door. Zhao Wei was also curious, felt a little familiar with the voice, and followed them afterwards.

  May I ask your honorable surname and given name, what brings you to the Zhao residence at this late hour?

  Before Zhao Tianming could speak, Wu Tianyun took a step forward, clasped his fists together and asked with courtesy. The several people present couldn't help but secretly admire him - the old master was indeed an old master, speaking with such elegance and refinement that it seemed to carry a hint of literary flair.

  Ma Yongzhen was slightly stunned, Du Haisheng did not tell him the situation of the Zhao family in detail, Ma Yongzhen had only heard of Wang Chong and Zhao Tianming's reputation, as for Wu Tianyun, this military strategist hiding behind the scenes, he had never heard of it. Since the other party was so polite, he naturally couldn't fall behind, and immediately clasped his fists, saying: "I am a martial artist from Shandong, not worthy of leaving my name behind, I came this time to do business with Master Zhao."

  Wu Tianyun, Zhao Tianming, Zhao Wei'er, and Wang Chong looked at each other in surprise after hearing the stranger's words. If it was a business deal, then why be so secretive? Who comes to find someone for business at three or four in the morning?

  This kid's way of doing things is indeed strange, Zhao Tianming silently defined in his heart.

  What business?

  An extremely ordinary answer, without any exaggeration, yet it shocked the four people to their core. Military supplies, this term was not unfamiliar in the Republic of China, but few people had contact with it.

  Was it for those two machine guns that they came, or did the Lin and Wang families find out that it was the Zhao family's so-called intention to buy them off at a high price?

  Zhao Tianming's eyes flickered, and his mind kept flashing with possibilities, but one thing he was certain of: no matter how much money the other party offered, those two machine guns would never be sold.

  I remember now, I met you at Bailin Garden with Haisheng brother that day, what's your name again?

  Zhao Wei'er saw Ma Yongzhen and felt that the man in front of her was even more familiar. She furrowed her brow, trying to recall, and after a long time, she suddenly lit up and smiled, saying that only his name had been very kindly forgotten by him.

  That's right! Zhao Wei'er slapped her forehead and said: You are Ma Yongzhen!

  Ma Yongzhen? The cold-faced killer's hand shook twice when he heard this name, apparently having heard of it before. He seemed to be seeking confirmation and asked: Are you Ma Yongzhen from Shandong, who single-handedly fought off the dockworkers, was later taken in by Wang Yaqiao, and became the master of Anxiang Hall?

  Ma Yongzhen always maintained a smile, and when speaking, he was humble and courteous, with a calm and composed demeanor, also frankly admitting.

  We Hu Ren Gang and Fu Tou Gang have never had any dealings with each other, what brings you here today? Dealing in military supplies is indeed something I'd like to hear your thoughts on!

  Wu Tianyun felt that there must be a hidden story behind this, and before Zhao Tianming could continue questioning, he asked first.

  Zhao Wei'er still looked so naive and carefree, walking up to Wang Chong with a big smile and saying: "Put the knife away, he won't do anything to our family."

  Wang Chong hesitated for a moment, glanced at Zhao Tianming, and Zhao Tianming gave him a signal with his eyes. He instantly withdrew the knife from Ma Yongzhen's neck and put it back into its scabbard.

  Come on in, take a seat in the living room!

  Zhao Tianming saw that Ma Yongzhen didn't make any other moves, and with a faint smile, he said a sentence. The crowd walked into the house, and he instructed Zhang Mama to brew some tea to entertain the guests. However, the atmosphere in the room remained somewhat eerie throughout.

  After all, coming to the Zhao family apartment to discuss the sale of military equipment is not bullying them, who doesn't know that it's hard to deal with military equipment now, there's a price but no market. Those two machine guns, if taken to auction, would fetch at least 2,000 yuan or more, and that's without competition. If there was competition, it's entirely possible they'd be sold for an astronomical price.

  In Zhao Tianming's view, those two machine guns were equivalent to his second life. Whoever wanted to take away his guns was no different from wanting his life. If someone wanted his life, what could he do? Of course, he would fight him to the death.

  No matter whether it was Ma Yongzhen or someone else standing in front of him, even if Wang Yazhuo came over himself, Zhao Tianming would never give him this face.

  Zhao Tianming was unaware of the situation, and Ma Yongzhen's expression also carried a few points of hostility, so the atmosphere in the room naturally became somewhat awkward.

  You just mentioned discussing arms deals, I don't know how to discuss it?

  A straightforward man doesn't speak in riddles; I have several long guns and two shotguns in my hands. Does Master Zhao have any interest?

  Ma Yongzhen got straight to the point, and by the time he arrived, Du Haisheng had already made it clear that there was no need to beat around the bush with them, because he knew that the Zhao family had a Wu Tianyun, who was an extremely clever master. Although he hadn't told Ma Yongzhen, he was very clear that many things would be difficult to escape the eyes and mind of Old Guan's household.

  Upon hearing Ma Yongzhen's response, Zhao Tianming excitedly jumped up and then sat back down calmly, saying: "I'm not even building an army, what would I do with so many guns?"

  Ma Yongzhen listened and said, "You're clearly trying to lure me in with a low price. Let's not beat around the bush. We're both straightforward people, so let's not waste time on useless talk. Everyone knows what's going on in their hearts. I won't haggle over the price either. Whatever you say, that's the price. Of course, if you name an outrageous sum, I'll accept it too. But I think Master Zhao would never agree to that price. If Master Zhao says he doesn't want to sell or doesn't have the money, fine. I'll turn around and leave immediately, without another word. Consider it a favor from me, a humble apology!"

  Everyone was shocked and felt a little puzzled, this is too easy to talk about, it seems that the man in front of him doesn't look stupid, how could he do such a foolish thing.

  The current arms market is a place where everyone understands the twists and turns, wanting to get their hands on some arms is simply a pipe dream. Although those seven or eight long guns aren't great, they're still much better than knives, clubs, and batons. This point is undeniable. If you can find a good deal, not taking it would be stupid.

  But what puzzles everyone is why Ma Yongzhen wants to do this, it's a losing business, isn't he afraid of being pinched by the door and getting hurt.

  It was Wu Tianyun who spoke first and asked: I have some questions that I would like to ask you, may I?

  Although you say it's easy, I will still answer with all my might.

  Wu Tianyun nodded and said, "Firstly, as the leader of Axe Gang's An Xiang Tang, it is reasonable to say that this gun should be sold to Wang Ya Qiao first. Secondly, what I don't understand is why you made such a concession. To be honest, in this world, getting involved with military supplies is a lucrative business. Thirdly, where did this weapon come from? Old man's question may seem abrupt, but if you don't answer, it will also be cleared up."

  Ma Yongzhen smiled calmly and stood up, saying: Firstly, as the leader of Axe Gang Anxiang Hall, if I were to give military supplies to Wang Yazhuo, considering our brotherly relationship, would I ask for money? In this world without money, everything is off the table. Other gangs' young masters wouldn't even look at it, and giving it to them would only create more bloodshed. Secondly, my compromise is a sign of respect for Master Zhao and Brother Wang's noble character, which also gives you some benefits, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation. Thirdly, as for where the weapons come from, this young master cannot answer, please forgive me.

  Wu Tianyun and Zhao Tianming both nodded, especially when they heard the four words "yi bo yun tian", they couldn't hide their pride, it seems that a man's name is indeed reflected in his reputation.

  Zhao Tianming stood up and said: Since you're so decisive, I'd be embarrassed to continue hiding. Bring the weapons here, I want them all.

  Others have already said so, if he continues to hesitate, it will make the leader of Hu Ren Bang look too pretentious. Moreover, this extremely cheap deal is unlikely to be found outside the village.

  Ma Yongzhen saw the other party agree, and couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. It seemed that Du Haisheng's decision was not wrong. The more he said this, the less Zhao Tianming would be stingy with money. The first military arms deal had finally succeeded.