Return to the City: The Strongest King

Three guys were drinking at a small restaurant near their homes, chatting about fun times from the past and catching up on their current situations.

Li Gang had opened a small store with his family, while Wang Xiaoqiang was working for someone else, and both were getting by so-so.

Song Xiaodong had joined the army right after high school graduation. These two guys didn't go to college and had been messing around in society for a while without making a name for themselves, so they settled down and started earning money honestly.

As they were happily drinking, Wang Xiaoqiang's expression suddenly turned ugly. Li Gang glanced towards the door, snorted, and said, "Scum!"

"What happened?" Song Xiaodong turned his head, just in time to see six or seven people walking past the entrance of the restaurant.

Li Gang said angrily, "Xiaoqiang was dating a girl, but a few days ago, that bastard Su Peng stole her away."

Song Xiaodong said, "Su Peng? The guy who used to follow us around all the time?"

Li Gang curled his lip and said, "Yeah, him. He's acting all high and mighty now, recognized an Eldest Brother, and now he's strutting around with six or seven underlings. He struts around our area, untouchable by anyone. Damn, he used to hang out with us like a dog, and now he's acting all big, completely disregarding us."

Wang Xiaoqiang promptly tipped his head back and drained the glass, saying, "Let's not talk about it anymore, Dongzi is back, we came out to have fun, why bring up such unpleasant things?"

"You want to have fun, but it looks like that won't be possible now," muttered Li Gang, annoyed. The same group that had passed by earlier had turned around and entered the small restaurant.

This group walked in, saw Song Xiaodong and his friends, and immediately came over. The guy in the middle, with green-dyed hair and a row of earrings, was hugging a girl who looked quite pretty. He raised the corner of his mouth and said, "Isn't this Xiaoqiang?"

Li Gang glared and said, "Su Peng, don't push your luck."

"Bullying? How would I bully you guys? I used to hang out with you, even though you're nothing now. But me, I always cherish old friendships. Look, Xiaoqiang can't even handle a girlfriend, so I just played around for him, haha. I'm telling you, Xiaoqiang, are you not capable? You've been together for quite a while, and she was still a virgin. I even helped you with that."

The girl bowed her head, clearly humiliated and angry.

Wang Xiaoqiang bit his lip, his fists creaking from how tightly he clenched them, glaring fiercely at Su Peng.

Patting Wang Xiaoqiang on the shoulder, Su Peng said, "Hey, why do you look at me with such eyes? I'm doing a good deed here. Don't worry, when I'm done playing, I'll give her back to you, and by then, you'll be lucky—I've unlocked all the positions for you, you can play however you want. Look how good I am, how much I cherish old friendships."

Li Gang suddenly stood up, furious, and said, "Su Peng, leave some leeway in your actions, so we can meet with a smile in the future. Don't go too far."

"Too far? Am I really going too far?" Su Peng sneered, saying, "Gangzi, I heard your family's store is doing quite well. I'll definitely bring my brothers to patronize your store frequently."

"You dare!" Li Gang slammed the table.

With a disdainful curl of his lip, Su Peng said, "Oh? What's this? Thinking of fighting? With all that fat on you, you could make a decent punching bag."

Song Xiaodong had a drink, then said leisurely, "Gangzi, Xiaoqiang, why are you treating a dog with such courtesy?"

It was only then that Su Peng turned his gaze to Song Xiaodong. Upon recognizing who Song Xiaodong was, his expression changed, and then he burst out laughing, "Who do I think it is! If it isn't Dongzi, I haven't seen you in so many years. I didn't expect you to still be hanging out with these two losers. Why don't you come and join me? I will definitely give you a meal."

Song Xiaodong squinted at Su Peng and said, "A dog is always a dog. It used to be a tail-wagging, pitiful dog, and now, even though it's dressed like a person, it is still a dog, only now it barks a few times more than before."

Su Peng's face darkened, and he slammed the table. He leaned forward, towering over Song Xiaodong, and said fiercely, "Song Xiaodong, it's not six or seven years ago anymore. This place isn't your Song Xiaodong's turf anymore... This is my territory, you'd better keep your tail between your legs, or don't blame me for being rude."

Song Xiaodong chuckled coldly and replied, "Is that so? It seems this dog has indeed learned quite a few tricks."

"Song Xiaodong, you really are shameless. Do you know what awaits you if you offend me now?"

"What fate?" Song Xiaodong was indeed curious.

Su Peng flashed a grin and said, "You see, normally if someone offends me, they would end up with broken limbs. But considering our past acquaintance, I'll give you some face. Just kneel and kowtow to me three times and crawl between my legs, yelping like a dog, and I'll let you go."

"That's a pretty good idea, isn't it?" Song Xiaodong's smile turned radiant.

"Do you think I'm joking?" Su Peng's face darkened, and he snorted.

"I'm not saying you're joking. I just think you're a damn fool."

Song Xiaodong grinned, suddenly reached out and grabbed Su Peng by the hair, and pushed down. Su Peng's head slammed hard onto the table, emitting a dull sound as the tableware jumped up.

As soon as Song Xiaodong let go of his hand, Su Peng had already collapsed to the ground, his nose spurting blood instantly.

The sudden move by Song Xiaodong startled everyone, then left them somewhat stupefied.

"Gangzi, Xiaoqiang, although we don't want to mix in the streets, we can't allow others to shit on our heads. Let me see some of the bravery you guys used to have."

Li Gang and Wang Xiaoqiang were spurred into action by Song Xiaodong's words. Ever since Su Peng gained some influence, he had always been troubling them, and they had long been seething with anger. It was only because they knew they were no match for Su Peng that they had always tolerated it.

Now that Song Xiaodong had acted, even if they were to continue enduring, they could not let it go today. So, driven by rage, to hell with the consequences, they decided to strike first and talk later.

Wang Xiaoqiang was the first to grab a wine bottle, swung his arm, and smashed it over Su Peng's head.

The grievances of a murdered father, the resentment of a stolen wife—these were unbearable for any man, and at that moment, Su Peng was genuinely after Su Peng's life.

Li Gang was no less effective. He grabbed a chair and smashed it over the head of the closest guy. They were outnumbered, so they had to strike first—an unbeaten technique in fighting.