Chapter 331 Conflict
In the center of the venue, a large pot was emitting steam, creating a cloud of smoke all around, making it almost impossible to see the faces of the people opposite.

Along with the hot air, there is also a very wonderful fragrance, which is full of the aroma of fruit wood and green grass, and instantly reminds people of wild fruits in the mountains. This fresh and natural fragrance is like a refreshing breeze, passing through the body, as if just smelling it can dispel the heat all over the body and refresh people's spirits.

Such a wonderful fragrance attracted everyone around. Everyone stopped here, swallowing their saliva constantly, staring at the big pot with steam rising from it with light in their eyes.

But no one came forward, and no one asked for food.

Because they have their own rules here. They cannot eat outside food or things of unknown origin. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, they will have to bear all the responsibility themselves.

And this responsibility often means losing their job. If the construction period is delayed, the ship's foreman may even ask them to compensate for the losses.

How can such poor people afford the compensation?
Everyone strictly abides by the rules and dares not make any mistakes.

Fortunately, although the food here is not very delicious, at least the quantity is large and filling.

And being able to eat enough is good enough for them.

Therefore, even though the aroma wafting in the air was the most delicious they had ever smelled, even though their stomachs were growling at the aroma, and even though the saliva in their mouths was about to drip, no one came forward.

Xu Qing was not clear about the rules of the boatmen, so when he saw that everyone had expectations in their eyes but were unwilling to step forward, he felt a little confused.

He scooped up a bowl of soup and handed it to the boatman closest to him.

But the man was so scared that he took several steps back, waved his hands and said, "This won't do!"

Xu Qing asked in confusion: "What's wrong? Why not? It's just an ordinary bowl of soup."

"Hey, little brother, you don't know."

The man sighed and said, "We have rules in our business. We can't eat outside food. If something goes wrong, the consequences will be very serious."

Xu Qing said: "Don't worry, there will be no problem drinking this bowl of soup."

The man shook his head and said, "It's not that we don't trust you. It's just that the rules are here. Whether there is a problem or not, as long as you drink it, they will come to trouble us."

"Yes! And you'd better leave quickly, little brother. If those in charge find out, you will not end up well."

Everyone tried to persuade him to leave, but the people around him refused to move. Even though they knew they couldn't drink it, they couldn't help but be attracted by the wonderful taste. It was as if their feet had taken root, as if their bodies were resisting leaving.

Hearing this, Xu Qing couldn't help but feel a headache.

He had never encountered a situation where he prepared food but the other party couldn't eat it.

The three heroes at the side complained, "This rule is too inhumane! How can there be a rule in the world that doesn't allow people to eat?"

Although this rule is indeed strict and inhumane, the boatmen understand the reason behind it.

One of them said, "Little brother, this may seem inhumane, but there is a reason for it. It happened before. A few people were greedy and secretly went to a restaurant somewhere else to eat at night. As a result, they had stomach problems and were about to collapse. They didn't dare to say anything for fear of being punished, so they forced themselves to come to work. As a result, two people became weak and died on the spot due to a mistake when carrying goods. The leader was furious."

"If one or two farmhands died, it wouldn't be a big deal elsewhere. But our leader is loyal. He doesn't just regard us as laborers, but also as his brothers. That's why he takes good care of us. He made these strict and ruthless rules not only to protect the interests of the shipyard, but also for our own good."

"Yes."

People around him nodded.

Even if some people are dissatisfied with this, they have nothing to say.

After hearing what they said, Xu Qing realized that he had acted on his own this time.

Since the other party has such rules, there is nothing we can do.

In the past, Xu Qing would go to the leaders of the union, explain his purpose, try to convince them, and then distribute the medicinal food that can relieve heat and dampness through them.

But this time, I'm afraid it won't work.

Because the boatmen's union clearly stood on Shen Cong's side.

There's no way I'd listen to him.

Xu Qing shook his head and sighed, "Sanjie, let's pack up and go back." "Wouldn't the prepared medicinal food be wasted?"

The three heroes sighed with regret.

Before Xu Qing could answer, he heard an angry voice behind him shouting, "Go back? It's not that easy! Surround them all! No one is allowed to leave!"

As soon as he finished speaking, dozens of burly men surrounded Xu Qing and others.

The boatmen who were watching from all sides were pushed aside by them.

Following the guards came the leader of the boatmen's union, Huang Yang.

"President Huang is here. This group of people is in trouble now."

"Alas, it would be better if little brother left earlier..."

People around were whispering.

Huang Yang was tall and strong, and he walked with great vigor. He looked like a boss. Just looking at his aura and majesty, ordinary people would feel inferior to him.

The people who were surrounded by the burly man were even more frightened.

Their small bodies can't withstand a few punches.

"Who is in charge? Stand up!"

Huang Yang walked in front of the crowd and shouted.

After hearing this shout, many people trembled.

"Mr. Xu, what should we do?"

A person next to Xu Qing came over and asked anxiously.

They were all assigned by Chef Tang to help Xu Qing. They thought they were just helping to cook a dish, but they never expected to encounter such a big scene.

It's too late to run now even if you want to.

Xu Qing whispered, "Don't worry, protect the three heroes."

After that, Xu Qing walked past everyone, came to Huang Yang, clasped his fists and said, "I am the one in charge."

"you?"

Huang Yang sneered, grabbed Xu Qing by the collar, and almost lifted him up, "Boy, you are so brave! How dare you come to my territory to cause trouble!"

Xu Qing said sincerely, "President Huang, I'm sorry. We didn't mean to cause trouble. We just wanted to make a medicinal meal for everyone. It was indeed my fault this time. I shouldn't have broken your rules without knowing the situation. Please, President Huang, have mercy on us. We will pack up and leave now."

"Want to leave? If I let everyone who comes to cause trouble leave easily, where will I, Huang Yang, put my face?"

After hearing Huang Yang say this, he knew he had made up his mind to deal with them.

Xu Qing's face also turned cold, and he said, "So what does President Huang want to do?"

Huang Yang snorted coldly. According to his idea, he would naturally beat them with sticks to make an example of them.

He was about to give such an order, but a leader who had come to watch the fun came over quickly and whispered, "Boss, wait a minute. This kid looks familiar to me."

"Look familiar? What? Is he your relative?" Huang Yang glanced at him and said in a cold voice.

The man waved his hands and said, "No, no. What I mean is that this kid looks a bit... a bit like that person."

"Speak clearly, don't be vague."

"Oh, it's the one Shen Cong invited! At the beginning, Shen Cong welcomed that person into the city with great fanfare, and I ran over to take a look. But I can't say for sure, I just feel that he looks a bit like..."

(End of this chapter)