CHAPTER 1009: CHAPTER 1009: A DIFFERENT GAO MANTANG

"Grandpa, when did you get here?" Gao Zhitao was also startled to see it was Gao Mantang. He couldn’t help but think to himself, "It’s over. This time, Tie Zhuzi is definitely going to get some punishment."

Tie Zhuzi lay there and heard that Gao Mantang had arrived. He immediately shouted, "Zhitao’s grandpa, you’re finally here. I’ve been thinking about you all this time. It’s so late, and you’re still awake? You’re getting on in years; you must take care of your health and go to bed early..."

Gao Zhitao stood there, completely dumbfounded. What is going on? Why did Tie Zhuzi suddenly change his attitude? He should be scolding my grandpa instead.

Gao Mantang also had a bewildered expression. He originally came here to teach Tie Zhuzi a lesson.

This kid’s voice penetration is way too strong. Even separated by several miles, you could still hear that rascal’s voice from his office.

But when he got here, the kid’s tone changed immediately. It was quite amusing, considering this kid’s big and burly build, yet he spoke so cleverly.

Although Gao Mantang knew that Tie Zhuzi was just flattering him, everyone likes to hear nice words; it was indeed pleasant to his ears.

Gao Mantang glanced at Gao Zhitao and said, "You hear that? Even others know how to care about me. You’re my own grandson and only know how to help others."

Gao Zhitao was speechless and looked at Tie Zhuzi, saying, "Stop it, kid. I’m getting sick hearing you."

Tie Zhuzi kept talking, saying all sorts of nice things.

Back when he first followed Xiang Yu, Tie Zhuzi was the honest type, wouldn’t talk much. But now, compared to before, it was like night and day.

Especially saying these flattering words that make people nauseous, Tie Zhuzi said them so fluently and naturally. If he weren’t thick-skinned, he wouldn’t reach that level.

Gao Mantang listened for a while and nodded, "You seem sincere in recognizing your mistakes. I’ll let you go now."

After saying that, Gao Mantang motioned to the guard behind him to release Tie Zhuzi.

"No way," Gao Zhitao stood by and said, incredulously.

He knew his grandpa’s temper well. If anyone dared to curse him, a good beating was the least they’d get.

But why did he suddenly become so gentle with Tie Zhuzi?

"Kid, you’ve got some skill," Gao Mantang said, patting Tie Zhuzi on the shoulder.

Tie Zhuzi was now free, so he straightened his chest and stretched lazily.

"Let’s go, my treat today. I’ve already prepared some food and wine; let’s have a drink," Gao Mantang said, patting Tie Zhuzi’s shoulder before turning to head outside.

Not only was Gao Zhitao surprised, but even Tie Zhuzi stood there dumbfounded.

"Is my grandpa alright?" Gao Zhitao quickly caught up with the guard to ask.

The guard gave an awkward smile, shook his head, and followed along.

Tie Zhuzi cautiously grabbed Gao Zhitao’s arm and said, "This won’t be the last meal, right? Your grandpa is really a nutcase."

Gao Zhitao quickly gave Tie Zhuzi a whack to signal him to stop talking nonsense.

Both of them followed Gao Mantang into his lounge. Gao Mantang’s lounge was quite spacious, and it even had a reception room.

The large table in the reception room was already full of dishes, which showed that Gao Mantang had indeed prepared something.

Gao Mantang went inside to change clothes. He was planning to invite Tie Zhuzi to eat, but when he came out, he was speechless.

Tie Zhuzi was already there, eating heartily, his mouth full, and even holding a crab in his hand.

"This fish is good, you should try it," Tie Zhuzi said, then put the remaining fish head in Gao Zhitao’s bowl.

Gao Zhitao was speechless. He had been eating mannerly, but before Tie Zhuzi, he realized manners were useless. Any good food would be quickly devoured by this kid.

Eventually, Gao Zhitao couldn’t care much anymore and also started eating heartily.

Gao Mantang stood there in shock and finally shook his head with a laugh, thinking to himself, "Youth is great."

Although at his age, he had the appetite, his stomach wasn’t good anymore, he could only pick up his chopsticks to eat some vegetables.

In just a few minutes, hardly any food was left on the table, all the meat dishes had been cleaned out, leaving only the vegetables.

"The food here is really good," Tie Zhuzi said contentedly, wiping his hands.

Gao Zhitao was almost full too. On regular days, he hardly ate these things, but with someone competing, he ended up eating more.

Gao Mantang, seeing that Tie Zhuzi was full, put down his chopsticks and looked at Tie Zhuzi, "How do you find life here?"

Tie Zhuzi quickly nodded, "It’s great, really good. Not only is the food great, but the environment here is also excellent, with green hills and clear waters."

At this point, Gao Zhitao turned his head to look at Tie Zhuzi disdainfully. This kid, despite being burly, sure has a way with words.

"Do you like it here?" Gao Mantang asked with a kind and friendly smile.

Tie Zhuzi quickly nodded, "Really like it, I don’t want to leave."

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhitao understood. It seems like his grandpa regards Tie Zhuzi as a talent and wants to keep him around.

Thinking of this, Gao Zhitao couldn’t help but glance at Tie Zhuzi. Although this kid was eloquent, he was quite simple. With his grandpa’s techniques, he might really pull it off.

"I have an idea to share with you. If you follow me in the army, I guarantee you’ll eat well every day, and you can come and go in the military district as you please, doing whatever you want," Gao Mantang said.

Tie Zhuzi sat there, looking foolishly at Gao Mantang, "Really?"

Gao Mantang pounded his chest, "Of course. You can ask around in this Military District, who doesn’t know Gao Mantang?"

Gao Zhitao was speechless. Gao Mantang wasn’t wrong; he could indeed eat well every day. But eating good things every day could get tiring. His claimed freedom was only at the beginning; once Tie Zhuzi adapted, he’d certainly be restricted by the army.

This was Gao Mantang’s trick: first, bring you in, then gradually smooth out your wild nature.

In Gao Mantang’s eyes, Tie Zhuzi was a wild stallion needing polish to become accomplished.

And he saw himself as a talent scout.

Tie Zhuzi nodded earnestly, "I think it’s doable."

Upon hearing this, Gao Mantang was immediately pleased, saying, "Alright, starting tomorrow, you’ll follow me."

Gao Zhitao was speechless, never expecting Tie Zhuzi to be won over so quickly. If that’s the case, there won’t be much fun in the future.

If Tie Zhuzi enters the army, he will surely lose his nature and gradually become quiet, eventually turning into a blockhead.

While Gao Mantang was happy, Tie Zhuzi scratched his head and asked, "If I join, do I get a salary?"

Gao Mantang had already thought about this point, then looked at Tie Zhuzi, "Of course, and it’s not low either."

"How much?" Tie Zhuzi asked curiously.

"How about five thousand a month?" Gao Mantang tempted, thinking five thousand a month was already a high salary...