Transmigrating to the Song Dynasty: Water Margin Business Management

Wu Feng cast a spell, and a swarm of locusts, like a black storm, rushed straight towards Zhao Tianming's restaurant and fruit shop.

Zhao Tianming's restaurant was once packed with guests, filled with laughter and joy. But in an instant, locusts swarmed in like a tide, causing people to scream in terror and scatter in all directions. Tables and chairs were overturned, cups and plates were scattered everywhere, and the delicious food was instantly covered by the locusts.

In the fruit shop, fresh, juicy fruit exuded an enticing aroma, but the arrival of locusts brought this beautiful scene to an abrupt halt. They greedily devoured the fruit, scattering peels and pulp everywhere.

When Zhao Tianming rushed over after receiving the news, he saw a scene of utter devastation. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he roared angrily, "Who did this?!" But he had no idea that it was caused by Wu Feng's "Soaring Locust" spell.

The men looked at each other in bewilderment, none of them knowing where this sudden disaster had come from.

At this moment, Wang Zhiqiang and Gao Ke were secretly observing all of this from a distance, their faces full of smug smiles.

"Hmph, Zhao Tianming has really suffered a major setback this time. Hearing that Wu Feng calls this spell 'Soaring Locust,' it's indeed powerful. His business is finished now," Wang Zhiqiang sneered.

Gao Ke chimed in, "Exactly! Let's see how he turns the tables this time, since he's always been so arrogant."

They thought their plot had succeeded, but they didn't expect that the locusts would not stop causing destruction as they had hoped, but would continue to spread.

The surrounding farmland was also devastated, and the farmers looked at their crops, which had been completely devoured by locusts, with tears welling up in their eyes. The entire region was plunged into panic and chaos.

Upon hearing that the surrounding farmland had also been affected by locusts, Wang Zhiqiang's previously smug expression instantly turned serious. Looking at the devastation left by the locusts, a sense of unease rose in his heart.

He turned to Gao Ke and Wu Feng and said, "Brother Gao, Master Wu Feng, haven't we gone a bit too far?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Ke's face showed a dismissive expression. He raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth turned up, and he said with a hint of disdain, "Manager Wang, you are simply being soft-hearted! How can we make Zhao Tianming suffer a complete defeat if we don't escalate the situation?" His eyes were filled with ruthlessness and determination, and he crossed his arms, looking as if he was determined to succeed.

Wu Feng stood to the side, his face grim and his gaze cold. He narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Manager Wang, Brother Gao is right. If we show pity now, wouldn't all our previous efforts be in vain?"

Seeing Gao Ke's resolute expression, Wang Zhiqiang grew increasingly uneasy and said anxiously, "But this has exceeded our expectations. What if things get out of control?"

Gao Ke sneered and stepped forward: "Manager Wang, what are you afraid of? Once Zhao Tianming is completely defeated, won't this area be under our control?" His face was full of greed and ambition, as if he could already see the glory of success, and his eyes gleamed with excitement.

Wu Feng nodded and echoed, "That's right, Manager Wang. Opportunity knocks but once. If we back down now, we'll never have another chance to bring down Zhao Tianming."

Wang Zhiqiang sighed helplessly and paced back and forth: "What should we do? The people are all complaining. What if the higher-ups investigate..."

Gao Ke interrupted him impatiently: "Manager Wang, you're just too timid! Fortune favors the bold, don't you understand even this simple principle?"

Wang Zhiqiang stopped and glared at Gao Ke: "You make it sound so easy. If something really happens, can you take responsibility?"

Gao Ke straightened his neck and said loudly, "What is there to be afraid of? As long as we stick together, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome."

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Feng said, "Manager Wang, there's no need to worry too much. As long as we have a good plan, we're probably fine."

Upon hearing that the surrounding farmland had also been affected by locusts, Wang Zhiqiang, who had been somewhat hesitant and worried, suddenly recalled the scene of his bet with Zhao Tianming.

That time, he was full of confidence, thinking victory was assured, but he suffered a crushing defeat, losing not only face but also a considerable amount of money. Whenever he thought of this, Wang Zhiqiang felt a lump in his throat, and resentment welled up in his heart.

At this moment, the long-suppressed resentment once again overwhelmed his heart. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and said through gritted teeth, "So what? What do those people's lives or deaths have to do with me? As long as I can deal with Zhao Tianming, that's all that matters." His eyes were bloodshot, and his expression was distorted with anger.

Seeing this, Gao Ke revealed a smug smile, stepped forward, patted Wang Zhiqiang on the shoulder, and said, "Manager Wang, that's right! We can't be soft-hearted. Zhao Tianming has been suppressing us all along. This time, we must make sure he never has a chance to turn the tables!"

Wu Feng nodded and laughed loudly, his laughter sharp and piercing: "Haha, it's good that Manager Wang has come to his senses. Zhao Tianming is usually arrogant and domineering, he should have been taught a lesson long ago. With my magic this time, he will surely be doomed!"

Wang Zhiqiang took a deep breath, trying to calm his agitated emotions, but the anger in his heart was still burning fiercely: "This time I will definitely make him pay a heavy price and get back everything I lost!"

A sly glint flashed in Gao Ke's eyes: "Don't worry, Manager Wang. If we join forces, what are we afraid of? Once it's done, all the business in this area will be ours."

Wu Feng crossed his arms, his expression arrogant: "With me here, you can do whatever you want without worry."

Looking at the farmland ravaged by locusts, Wang Zhiqiang felt no pity left, only deep hatred for Zhao Tianming: "Zhao Tianming, your end has come!"

Wang Zhiqiang then asked Gao Ke, "Brother Gao, what do we do next?"

Gao Ke's eyes darted around, a sinister smile spreading across his face. He said to Wang Zhiqiang, "Manager Wang, send someone to summon Bai Sheng, the White-Day Rat, and have him spread rumors throughout the city. Say that the locust plague at Zhao Tianming's restaurant is caused by his many evil deeds and his collusion with the Liangshan bandits. As the saying goes, a thief's bite goes deep into the bone. With Bai Sheng pointing the finger at Zhao Tianming, not only him, but all those around him will suffer."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang was taken aback at first, then his eyes lit up. He patted Gao Ke on the shoulder and said, "Brother Gao, your move is truly brilliant!"

Gao Ke raised his head smugly and said, "Manager Wang, Bai Sheng is a scoundrel who steals chickens and dogs. He makes a living by doing crooked things. As long as you give him some benefits, he will do anything. Let him spread this rumor, and it will spread like wildfire throughout the city. At that time, Zhao Tianming will not be able to explain himself even if he has a hundred mouths."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded repeatedly, his face full of excitement: "Good, good, good! I'll send someone to find Bai Sheng right away."

Before long, Bai Sheng was brought before Wang Zhiqiang. Bai Sheng had a pointed mouth and monkey-like face, and his small eyes darted around, revealing a cunning look.

Wang Zhiqiang looked at Bai Sheng and said bluntly, "Bai Sheng, I have a business deal for you. If you do well, you'll get your share of the profits."

Upon hearing that there was good news, Bai Sheng immediately perked up and asked with a grin, "Manager Wang, please tell me, and I will do my best."

Wang Zhiqiang explained Gao Ke's plan. After listening, Bai Sheng hesitated for a moment and said, "If this is discovered, I'll be in big trouble."

Gao Ke sneered from the side: "Bai Sheng, what are you afraid of? With us backing you up, Zhao Tianming won't dare to do anything to you. After it's done, you can enjoy silver, fine wine, and delicious food as you please."

Bai Sheng gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I'll do it!"

Wang Zhiqiang smiled with satisfaction: "Good, Bai Sheng, remember, you must make this rumor sound so convincing that people will believe it without a doubt."

Bai Sheng patted his chest and assured him, "Manager Wang, don't worry. I've been in this city for so many years, how could I not handle this little thing?"

So Bai Sheng began spreading rumors throughout the city. He told everyone he met, "Did you know? That fellow Zhao Tianming colluded with the Liangshan bandits and committed countless evils, which is why we suffered a locust plague. This is Heaven's punishment!"

At first, people were somewhat skeptical, but as the rumors spread wider and became more detailed and convincing, they gradually came to believe them.

"I never expected Zhao Tianming to be this kind of person."

"Yes, no wonder we suffered this calamity; it was all our own doing."

"The people around him are probably no good either; they might have all been involved."

Immediately, the city was abuzz with discussion, and accusations against Zhao Tianming were rampant.

Zhao Tianming, however, was completely unaware of the impending crisis.

Wang Zhiqiang and Gao Ke hid in the shadows, watching things unfold according to their plan, secretly pleased with themselves.

Gao Ke smiled and said to Wang Zhiqiang, "Manager Wang, if things continue like this, it won't be long before Zhao Tianming is completely disgraced."

Wang Zhiqiang said with a gloomy face, "Hmph, this is just the beginning. I will make sure he never has a chance to recover!"

At this time, rumors spread like wildfire throughout the city, Zhao Tianming's reputation had been completely tarnished, and an even bigger storm was about to break.

Seeing the people in the city complaining and criticizing Zhao Tianming, Wang Zhiqiang looked extremely smug, and the upward curve of his lips seemed impossible to suppress.

At this moment, Gao Ke moved closer to Wang Zhiqiang, a sinister glint in his eyes, and said to Wang Zhiqiang, "Manager Wang, if we don't take this opportunity to kick a man when he's down, when will we?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhiqiang's eyes flashed with excitement, and he eagerly asked, "Brother, do you have any other brilliant ideas?"

Gao Ke chuckled and lowered his voice, saying, "Manager Wang, spend more money and find some hooligans, the more the better. Have them pretend to be commoners and sit around Zhao Tianming's restaurant. Also, bribe some farmers to demand an explanation from Zhao Tianming. If any of Zhao Tianming's men dare to shove us, we'll extort them. In that case, Zhao Tianming will be lucky to escape with his life."

Listening to Gao Ke's plan, Wang Zhiqiang couldn't help but secretly applaud, his smile growing even more arrogant: "Brother Gao, this plan is brilliant! But will those ruffians and peasants obey?"

Gao Ke replied confidently, "Manager Wang, don't worry. Those scoundrels will do anything as long as they're paid enough. As for the farmers, give them some small favors and a little intimidation, and they won't dare disobey. As long as we arrange things properly, we guarantee that Zhao Tianming will have no way to complain."

Wang Zhiqiang nodded, his eyes flashing with ruthlessness: "Alright, we'll do it your way. Brother Gao, I'm leaving this matter to you. Make sure it's done flawlessly."

Gao Ke cupped his hands and said, "Don't worry, Manager Wang, I'll take care of it right away."

Soon, Gao Ke gathered a group of ruffians, distributed silver to them, and instructed them to follow the plan. These ruffians, who were usually idle, readily agreed when they saw an opportunity to make money.

At the same time, Gao Ke also found some impoverished farmers and used threats and inducements to get them involved.

Once everything was ready, the group marched in to Zhao Tianming's restaurant. The hooligans sat or stood, making a ruckus, while the farmers, looking furious, shouted for Zhao Tianming to give them an explanation.

When the waiters in the restaurant saw this, they tried to drive them away, but the hooligans seized the opportunity to shout, "They're hitting people! Zhao Tianming's men are hitting people!"

The scene descended into chaos. Wang Zhiqiang, hiding in the distance, watched with a sense of triumph: "Zhao Tianming, let's see how you turn things around this time!"