Chapter One: When Punk Meets the Barber's Chair

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Chopstick Hero broke through the formation amid hundreds of opponents.
Despite several waves of martial arts masters intercepting him, he managed to kill Qin Zhengtian outright.
Then, surrounded by the four squad leaders of Special Operations Group C, he flew through the skyscrapers, forcibly breaking through the siege.
This astonishing event occurred five days ago.
The online discussion about it remains lively, with the heat showing little sign of cooling.
Beside the seaside near Yangcheng University of Technology stood a quaint coastal cottage.
A divine tune was playing.
“Baby,
Your mom always says I’m old-fashioned,
So I went to Master Wang at the village entrance for a perm,
Then she won’t come to break us apart again.
My lady,
Shamate, Shamate,
Wash, cut, blow, wash, cut, blow, blow, blow,
Shamate, Shamate,
Wash, cut, blow, wash, cut, blow, blow, blow,
Shamate, Shamate,
Wash, cut, blow, wash, cut, blow, blow, blow,
Shamate, Shamate,
Wash, cut, blow, wash, cut, blow, blow, blow.”
Shen Ye found himself somewhat amused, surprisingly listening to this viral internet hit, “When Shamate Meets Wash-Cut-Blow.” Meanwhile, one of the two waitresses, Lin Xiaolei, was attending class at school, leaving only Wen Xiuting on duty. Wen Xiuting found the song so funny she could hardly keep from laughing.
At this point, it was two o’clock in the afternoon, and there were few customers.
However, two girls were attracting considerable attention.
They looked remarkably alike, both with classic oval faces, fair and tender skin, high cheekbones, delicate red lips, and enchanting eyes.
Yet, their attire was quite different.
One wore a white wool coat with lace collar and tie; the bright blue tie stood out against the white fabric. She wore white socks and white sneakers, exuding a refined, ladylike aura.

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The other wore a deep navy British-style slim-fit blazer paired with a skirt, white socks, and black leather ankle boots, radiating a spirited and chic charm.
Wherever these two sat casually, they drew countless gazes from around.
They were the top beauties of Yangcheng University of Technology.
The elder sister, Zeng Rou, had a gentle disposition.
The younger sister, Zeng Ou, was lively and even a bit feisty.
Both came from fairly comfortable families and were well-off. The flavors at Shen Ye’s place were excellent, so they frequented the seaside cottage for snacks. Gradually, they became familiar with Shen Ye.
Zeng Ou, straightforward as ever, said, “Boss Shen, I remember when we first came here, the seaside cottage played ‘Could Write a Book,’ then nostalgic songs like ‘Blades and Dreams,’ then the online silly song ‘Hang Yourself Southeast Branch,’ and now it’s ‘When Shamate Meets Wash-Cut-Blow.’”
“Boss Shen, you’re over 1.8 meters tall, quite handsome, kind of a male idol type, and now you’re turning into a goofball?”
Zeng Rou quickly covered Zeng Ou’s lips, “Boss Shen, sorry.”
“No need to apologize,” Shen Ye smiled. “That song is quite funny and cheerful. I enjoy listening to it, so I played it.”
“That’s true. It is pretty joyful, and the lyrics are hilarious. But it does hurt your male idol image,” Zeng Ou said, wriggling free from her sister’s hand.
“Haha, I don’t really have a male idol image,” Shen Ye laughed.
“Actually, you do. You’re handsome, your restaurant’s style is classy, and you became a boss at such a young age—that’s impressive,” Zeng Ou giggled. “Maybe if you try to chase me, I might just say yes.”
“You’re too bold, girl,” Zeng Rou exclaimed, holding her forehead.
...
At that moment, the door of the seaside cottage was pushed open.
Several men in suits walked in.
The leader wore gold-rimmed glasses and was slender. Shen Ye seemed to recognize him.
After a moment’s thought, it clicked: this was Yang Yuanqing, the owner of the International Hotel in N County, whom Shen Ye had met recently at a family banquet.
He was reputedly a billionaire.
Back then, he had come specially to toast Shen Ye, soon revealing that after tasting Shen Ye’s rustic delicacies, he wanted to partner up and open a restaurant together. Shen Ye had refused. Now, Shen Ye wondered what his intentions were with this visit.
Yang Yuanqing strode directly to Shen Ye, extending his right hand as if to shake: “Boss Shen, we meet again.”
Others greeted politely, and Shen Ye reciprocated, shaking his hand: “Boss Yang, may I ask what brings you to my humble restaurant?”
Yang Yuanqing smiled, “Last time we talked, you weren’t interested. But your skills are too good to go unexpanded. So I wanted to discuss cooperation again.”
He took a stack of documents from his secretary. “Last time was rushed. This time, I had my team prepare a detailed proposal. Take a look. I guarantee that if we cooperate, your net monthly profit won’t be less than two million.”
Normally, with a small personal restaurant, the secretary would handle business talks.

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But Yang Yuanqing felt the food was truly exquisite. If the partnership succeeded, his own fortune could multiply several times over.
Shen Ye casually flipped through the documents, then smiled. “Boss Yang, this plan is quite well done. But I’m truly not one for business partnerships. So, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I’m unambitious—making some money here and there is enough. I’ve never sought great wealth. You are an ambitious man; don’t waste your effort on a carefree wanderer like me.”
Seeing Shen Ye glance over a few pages then outright refuse, Yang Yuanqing’s expression darkened somewhat.
He leaned close, lowering his voice to whisper in Shen Ye’s ear: “Boss Shen, I’ve done my homework. Your food tastes so good because of a special secret ingredient. In other words, even if you refuse to cooperate, I can get that ingredient by other means. This world isn’t entirely aboveboard.”
“If you insist on not cooperating, guess what methods I might use?”
“Corporate espionage?”
“Breaking and entering?”
“Or sending thugs to kidnap you and interrogate you slowly?”
“What do you think?”
Yang Yuanqing’s expression turned sinister.
Of course, he whispered so only Shen Ye could hear.
After speaking, Yang Yuanqing leaned back and laughed heartily: “I believe you’re a smart man, Boss Shen.”
Shen Ye smiled back. Yang Yuanqing was quite amusing, issuing threats. The Eye of Justice lit up directly above Yang Yuanqing’s head, revealing: “Yang Yuanqing, businessman with underworld ties, known for using various illegal means to force others out of their businesses, causing several families to collapse. Crime rating: 10.”
Heh!
Last time Shen Ye met this guy, he hadn’t activated the Eye of Justice.
Now it was clear this man was worthy of death.
Good! This was like handing himself a death warrant.
That’s the saying: if you don’t court death, death won’t come.
But Shen Ye had grown wiser; he was no longer a rookie. Now was not the time to act against Yang Yuanqing after just a conflict. Waiting a month would be much safer. The Special Operations Group wouldn’t suspect him either.
Yang Yuanqing, you have only one month left to live.
“I’m not a clever man, so I refuse to cooperate,” Shen Ye smiled, utterly unbothered by Yang Yuanqing’s threats.

(The song “When Shamate Meets Wash-Cut-Blow” is actually quite catchy.
Also, Volume Three: Special Operations Group begins here. Please support with votes!)