Chapter 193: Tung Sing's Sudden Change, Camel is Gone (Asking for Monthly Votes at the Beginning of the Month)
Chiang Tin-Sung looked dejected. Washing his hands of the Triad was his own decision, made after discussing it with his brother, Tin-Yeung.
But after truly relinquishing the position of Dragon Head Chairman, Chiang Tin-Sung felt an emptiness for a while.
Power is poison.
Once tainted, it's truly not easy to break free.
However, Chiang Tin-Sung genuinely dared not continue as Hung Hing's Chairman.
He had luckily survived the previous two attacks, but if he encountered another one, he wasn't sure what would happen.
Thinking of this, Chiang Tin-Sung felt slightly relieved.
Knock knock knock.
A knock sounded, and a Security Company staff member came to announce:
"Mr. Chiang, Brother Kun and Brother Yao wish to see you."
Chiang Tin-Sung said incredulously:
"They've come? Do they both need appointments?"
The Security Company staff member shrugged:
"This is our work protocol. If you don't want to see them, we won't let them in."
"Just like the police earlier."
Previously, the police had come, wanting detailed information about the attacks on Camel and Chiang Tin-Sung. Before Chiang Tin-Sung even appeared, the Security Company staff had firmly blocked them.
Thunder Security is a legitimate, legal, and compliant Security Company. They have the right to block anyone the employer doesn't wish to see.
Chiang Tin-Sung hadn't expected them to even block the current Dragon Head Chairman.
If he remembered correctly, Liang Kun was Lin Feng's boss, wasn't he?
Such professional ethics had reached this level?
Instantly, Chiang Tin-Sung's sense of security greatly increased:
"When will they arrive?"
The Security Company staff member said:
"They are making an appointment. If you permit it, they will arrive in about twenty minutes."
Chiang Tin-Sung smiled:
"Let them come. I feel quite well."
The Security Company staff member nodded and left.
In an instant, Chiang Tin-Sung's mood brightened again.
This feeling of being respected was truly good.
Especially since this was the third Hung Hing Dragon Head.
Chiang Tin-Sung wanted to wash his hands of the Triad, but what he feared most was being forgotten once he left.
People involved in Triads are realistic; not to mention Triads, even in legitimate industries, this situation is not uncommon.
Coupled with the fact that Hong Kong Island people are pragmatic, which is extreme realism, it's rare for a Security Company to serve him wholeheartedly, or for someone like Liang Kun to not forget his predecessor after taking power.
"I truly didn't choose the wrong person. Ah Kun is good."
Chiang Tin-Sung's mood was very pleasant.
Twenty minutes later, with the permission of the Security Company staff, Liang Kun and Chan Yiu entered Chiang Tin-Sung's room.
Liang Kun's expression was sullen:
"This guy is too much. I'm the Hung Hing Dragon Head, and before I came in, they actually wanted to search my body..."
"How did that brat Lin Feng teach his subordinates?"
Chiang Tin-Sung laughed:
"They run a legitimate company. Do you think he's recruiting subordinates?"
"Alright, alright, don't be angry."
Liang Kun said "reluctantly":
"I'll teach him a good lesson later."
This was, of course, an act.
Even if Lin Feng's Thunder Security didn't recognize anyone else, it was impossible for them not to recognize Liang Kun. This was something Lin Feng had specifically instructed.
Lin Feng understood the psychology of those who lose power perfectly. Before crossing over, he had dealt with many such figures; of course, they weren't involved in Triads, they were involved in the government.
Chiang Tin-Sung laughed:
"Don't be angry. Let me tell you, just now, a Senior Inspector from the Hong Kong Island Police Headquarters came to inquire about my condition, wanting to take my statement, but the Security Company staff blocked him, saying my health wasn't suitable."
"That was the government."
"They aren't targeting you; they're just fulfilling their responsibilities."
"Don't overthink it."
"After all, you are now the Dragon Head Chairman; you should be more magnanimous."
Liang Kun readily complied and told Chiang Tin-Sung the news he wanted to know.
"Mr. Chiang, Tin-Yeung has returned safely. Ah Yao personally saw him off at the airport."
Liang Kun recounted the events.
Chiang Tin-Sung was quite speechless:
"Tigers don't meet, otherwise one must be injured."
"This was a prophecy our father received from a master years ago."
"Tin-Yeung and I certainly talk often, but when we occasionally meet, it's always brief, no more than a day, just like now."
Liang Kun said:
"The master's prophecy must have its reasons, otherwise, Mr. Chiang in Siam wouldn't have built such a large business."
Chiang Tin-Sung smiled and shook his head:
"One only feels how fragile the human body is when one is sick."
"But once the body recovers, all those insights are thrown to the back of the mind."
Liang Kun chuckled:
"Isn't that human nature?"
At this point, he finally put down the flower and fruit basket.
Chiang Tin-Sung asked:
"Today is your big day. Why aren't you busy at the Hall of Brotherhood?"
"You should be very busy today. When will you hold the promotion banquet?"
Liang Kun pouted:
"Our Hung Hing is a big Triad; we still have the necessary customs."
"We emphasize orderly succession, but with you in your current state..."
Chiang Tin-Sung's heart immediately filled with joy.
"Ah, you can't say that."
"You should hold the banquet you need to hold; don't let me delay your networking."
Being in a Triad isn't something you do alone; it's like any other profession, it's all about connections.
Good connections can make your efforts twice as effective, for example, when you're fighting a rival Triad, if other Triads stand by and watch, that's a huge help.
Liang Kun asked:
"Should I really hold it?"
Chiang Tin-Sung thought for a moment and said:
"Isn't Big D transferring on the sixth of next month?"
"This is a joyous occasion for Hung Hing, and your succession as Dragon Head is also a great joyous occasion for Hung Hing. I think it would be good if you held your banquet first, and then held another one for Big D on the sixth of next month."
"Two consecutive grand banquets, and the significance is different."
"Don't you think that's beautiful?"
Liang Kun said sincerely:
"Mr. Chiang is still brilliant."
Chiang Tin-Sung was very proud:
"When there are many joyous occasions, they must be celebrated separately so that there are joyful events every day."
"If you encounter troublesome things, no matter how bad they are, you should gather them all together. Anyway, no matter how bad it gets, it can't get much worse. Just get through this hurdle."
Liang Kun nodded continuously. He remembered Lin Feng saying similar things when he was teaching Chicken. At that time, Chicken seemed to have chosen that way too.
Suddenly, Liang Kun had an idea:
"Mr. Chiang, your experience is our valuable asset. How about this: I rehire you as a consultant for our Triad?"
Chiang Tin-Sung immediately refused:
"Ah Kun, if I were still clinging to the power of the Triad, wouldn't I just remain the Dragon Head Chairman?"
"I truly don't want to be involved in the underworld anymore. The Chairman position is a dangerous one, too risky."
"And once I'm connected to the Triad, the police will be watching me, which goes against my original intention of washing my hands of it."
"I appreciate your good intentions, but I really can't."
Liang Kun was unconcerned:
"Mr. Chiang, listen to me..."
"This matter can be flexible."
Chiang Tin-Sung was very surprised:
"This can be flexible?"
Liang Kun nodded solemnly:
"Of course!"
"It's like your Security Company staff. Everyone knows they are your bodyguards, people from our Triad, but they signed an agreement with you. On the surface, no one can link them to the Triad."
"Neither the Police Force nor the ICAC can."
Chiang Tin-Sung was dumbfounded:
"You mean?"
Liang Kun laughed:
"I will sign a formal contract with you in the name of a company, a legitimate one."
"We will pay you your salary as usual."
"This way, everything is done according to the contract. What does any Triad activity have to do with us?"
Chiang Tin-Sung had a vague guess:
"Ah Kun, are you going to corporatize the Triad?"
Liang Kun waved his hand:
"Do I still need to corporatize it?"
"Our Triad is already a big company, but I will sign formal contracts internally."
"At least, let the Police Force or the ICAC know that we are a legitimate company."
"Anyway, we pay taxes according to the rules. Do you think they can cause us trouble?"
Chiang Tin-Sung said speechlessly:
"What about the black money?"
Liang Kun laughed:
"Ah Feng taught me many ways to launder money, for example, the simplest and most complex one—"
"Triad fruit baskets, parking lots, small supermarkets—these can launder a considerable amount of money."
"That's very convenient."
"With such small transactions, even the powerful agencies of the Hong Kong Government can't distinguish who's who."
"Naturally, it can become legitimate money."
"As long as the taxes are paid, it's a legitimate and legal company. How convenient!"
I won't change our Triad's structure. Of course, the Twelve Hall Masters can't be called the Twelve Hall Masters anymore. We can use that term in the underworld, but externally, we'll refer to them as the Twelve Districts.
And the Hall Masters? They'll be called managers of the Twelve Districts.
Is that professional enough?
Chiang Tin-Sung thought, 'Are we playing the same Triad game?'
How is it different from what he imagined?
Suddenly, a thought struck him:
"Ah Feng gave you this idea, didn't he?"
Liang Kun smiled:
"Nothing escapes Mr. Chiang's eyes."
"I think it's a good idea, and I plan to implement it at the next big meeting."
Lowering his voice, he said,
"There's less than ten years until Hong Kong returns."
"We don't have much time left."
"Our Mainland isn't the Hong Kong Government's Foreigner; they are truly serious about Triads."
"If they catch us with something, going to prison would be the least of our worries."
Chiang Tin-Sung nodded repeatedly:
"Exactly, I also considered this point when I decided to withdraw from the underworld."
Liang Kun thought, 'You're using me as a shield.'
But it didn't matter; he liked being the Triad's Dragon Head anyway.
With ten years still remaining, he had enough time to make adjustments.
Liang Kun laughed:
"When there's a policy from above, there's a countermeasure from below."
"We have enough time to prepare."
"Maybe Hung Hing can even continue under our leadership."
Chiang Tin-Sung genuinely didn't have high hopes for Liang Kun. It wasn't that the other party lacked ability; on the contrary, Liang Kun was quite capable.
However, the Mainland had always severely cracked down on such matters and would never show mercy.
But that was a matter for the future.
Those who live in the underworld live day by day; who can say for sure they'll still be around tomorrow?
Just like him, Chiang Tin-Sung, as a big boss of Hung Hing, was he not powerful?
Didn't he still almost die?
Chiang Tin-Sung wanted to persuade him further, but then he remembered that he was no longer Hung Hing's Dragon Head. If he tried to persuade him again, it would inevitably affect his relationship with Liang Kun.
This was a very strange thing.
Before Liang Kun came to visit him, Chiang Tin-Sung had still thought about putting on airs if he ever met Liang Kun. But once Liang Kun brought Chan Yiu to visit him proactively, Chiang Tin-Sung no longer harbored any resentment.
If you show me respect, I will certainly give you face.
This is called reciprocity.
Chiang Tin-Sung changed the subject:
"How's the case investigation going?"
Liang Kun recounted the details of the case, then asked:
"Tung Sing seems to be waiting for Camel to wake up. Mr. Chiang, what should we do?"
Chiang Tin-Sung pondered for a moment and then asked:
"Who do you plan to entrust this matter to?"
Liang Kun slowly said:
"Brothers fight tigers together, fathers and sons go to battle. Besides Ah Feng, I wouldn't trust anyone else with this."
Chan Yiu looked at Liang Kun with a hint of resentment, but the latter directly said:
"Ah Yao, it's not that I don't trust you. The key is that you saw how effective Ah Feng's previous negotiations with Tung Sing were."
"Entrusting this matter to him will definitely bring us substantial rewards."
Chiang Tin-Sung was even happier:
"Exactly, it's best to leave this matter to Ah Feng."
"Ah Feng acts quickly, accurately, and ruthlessly. The incident with Sai B and the negotiations with Tung Sing feel like they just happened..."
"I trust him to handle it."
Liang Kun patted Chan Yiu's shoulder:
"You've seen Ah Feng in action."
Chan Yiu was speechless.
He had been present during those negotiations.
Lin Feng's performance had left the deepest impression on him; when the other party showed a weakness, he pounced like a hungry wolf, tearing into them without blinking, proposing conditions that even he wouldn't dare to imagine.
If such a person wasn't capable, who was?
Don't even joke!
Ding-a-ling!
Liang Kun's phone broke the silence.
"Oh, it's Ah Feng. This guy really appears when you talk about him."
Liang Kun smiled as he answered the phone:
"Ah Feng, yes, I'm chatting with Mr. Chiang."
"We were just talking about you, planning to put you in charge of this matter..."
"...You can't handle it?"
"What do you mean?"
"What?!"
"...Notify all the Hall Masters to return to the Hall of Brotherhood for a meeting!"
The smile vanished from Liang Kun's face.
Chiang Tin-Sung asked in confusion:
"What happened?"
Liang Kun sighed:
"Trouble, Camel is gone."
Chiang Tin-Sung's mind couldn't process it for a moment:
"Camel is gone?"
He suddenly became clear-headed and exclaimed,
"Camel is dead?!"
Liang Kun nodded:
"Situ called him and said there's something fishy about Camel's death."
"Mr. Chiang, I'm going to the Hall of Brotherhood first. I'll let you know when I have news."
Chiang Tin-Sung shook his head:
"No, you are now Hung Hing's Dragon Head. You should make your own decisions when something happens."
Liang Kun looked at Chiang Tin-Sung strangely, not understanding why Chiang Tin-Sung seemed like a different person.
But this was not the time to ponder that question. He stood up and hastily instructed Chan Yiu:
"Notify all the Hall Masters, meeting at the Hall of Brotherhood."
Chan Yiu hurriedly began to notify all the Hall Masters one by one.
The two left in a hurry.
Completely unaware of Chiang Tin-Sung's pale face.
Camel was actually dead?!
This news shocked Chiang Tin-Sung immensely.
Camel was an older generation underworld figure, his seniority on par with Chiang Tin-Sung's father, Chiang Chen.
He was the purest type of old-school underworld figure, very patriarchal but reasonable.
Despite the frequent unpleasantness between Hung Hing and Tung Sing, the top echelons of both Triads could maintain effective communication precisely because Camel was willing to reason.
If it was his fault, he'd admit it. If it wasn't his fault, he'd be unyielding when he had the moral high ground.
All the characteristics a proper underworld figure should possess could be found in Camel.
Ruthless and tough externally, but internally, he was responsible like a patriarch.
Tung Sing's businesses were repulsive, but Camel's reputation was top-notch.
"Camel is actually dead?"
Chiang Tin-Sung couldn't process this fact for a moment. He wasn't grieving for Camel; after all, he was the Dragon Head of a rival Triad, and Camel wasn't his father.
Chiang Tin-Sung was terrified!
Camel had worked diligently his entire life, raising three ungrateful wolves who betrayed their master. He probably never imagined, no matter what he thought during his lifetime, that he would be killed by his own people, right?
"The Chairman position is a cursed one. I actually wanted to take that position?"
"It's truly laughable!"
Camel's fate instantly frightened Chiang Tin-Sung. He could easily guess why Ugly Kwan and others wanted to kill Camel.
It was nothing more than the Chairman position.
Lui Yiu-Yeung's previous collusion with Fatty Lai to wipe out Sai B's entire family had already made it clear—Camel's control was waning; he could no longer rein in the ambitions of the new generation.
That's what led to Sai B's family being murdered.
Chiang Tin-Sung suddenly thought of himself:
"If I'm going to retire, I must retire completely."
"Liang Kun respects me greatly. The first thing he did after taking office was to consult with me."
"Can Liang Kun not control Hung Hing?"
"What a joke. Even without my support, his control over Hung Hing is a foregone conclusion."
As long as he didn't object, not a single Hall Master in Hung Hing would oppose Liang Kun—those who opposed Liang Kun were already dead.
What?
Chan Yiu?
That guy was a loyal minister to whoever sat on the Dragon Head's throne.
In a way, he was very pure.
Chiang Tin-Sung calmed himself and suddenly smiled:
"I was truly blinded by greed. What Tin-Yeung can do, I cannot."
"Since that's the case, it's better to part ways amicably."
"Liang Kun said it well: 'Orderly succession.' When future generations speak of me, at least I'll have a good reputation."
But then he remembered that Hong Kong would return in less than ten years, and he didn't even know where Hung Hing would be then. Chiang Tin-Sung suddenly felt disheartened and bored.
"I wasted half my life in the underworld, and the result will very likely be all for naught. What was the point?"
Liang Kun wouldn't have thought, Lin Feng wouldn't have thought, and even Chiang Tin-Yeung wouldn't have thought that Camel's death would have such a severe impact on Chiang Tin-Sung, completely dispelling his ambition to emulate Chiang Tin-Yeung.
From that day forward, Chiang Tin-Sung peacefully recuperated from his injuries. Even when Liang Kun later reorganized Hung Hing and invited Chiang Tin-Sung to serve as an honorary advisor, he refused.
The underworld lost Chiang Tin-Sung, and the secular world gained a bully who liked to throw money around. It's hard to say if that was a good or bad thing.
When Liang Kun arrived at the Hall of Brotherhood, the Hall Masters were arriving one after another. He wasn't Chiang Tin-Sung; he didn't have a tradition of being late.
Sister Thirteen was impatient: "Brother Kun, why exactly have you called us here?"
Liang Kun waited for everyone to arrive, then asked Lin Feng:
"Ah Feng, what exactly happened?"
***
Chapter 194: Tung Sing's Drastic Change (Early Month, Requesting Monthly Votes)
"I just received an urgent call from Szeto Ho-Nam. He said that Camel just died."
"Camel was attacked yesterday with Mr. Chiang. At the time, it was chaotic, and our two Triads could only look after our own people. We had no idea about the condition of the other Leader."
"We didn't know Camel's condition, and they likewise didn't know what Mr. Chiang's condition was."
"However, since we were attacked simultaneously, we still maintained communication."
"For example, Szeto Ho-Nam, his hall is in the same area as mine. We often move around together, and our relationship is quite good."
Those unaware of the inside story all thought, 'As expected of Lin Feng, Hung Hing's most famous Straw Sandal.'
Those who knew the inside story had strange expressions. 'Could Szeto Ho-Nam's relationship with you be bad? If he angered you, wouldn't he immediately be driven out of Causeway Bay by you?'
"Szeto Ho-Nam told me that late last night, Camel woke up, but he wasn't out of danger and was still receiving treatment."
"But just now, he called and found that Camel had died."
Sister Thirteen asked, puzzled, "If Camel died, then he died. Didn't Chicken find out that Camel was killed by Crow and his gang, who betrayed their master?"
Chicken sat in the Chairman's chair for Mong Kok, secretly panicking. This wasn't something he found out; rather, Lin Feng gave it to him. It was an easy credit.
But then he thought about it again and immediately felt righteous.
That's right, this credit was given by Brother Feng. His own faction's boss was just that awesome.
The Young and Dangerous sat down calmly, not blushing in the slightest.
The boss said, when you're out in the Triad, making money comes first. Everything else is superficial. What's a little face worth?
Is it as good as being the Chairman of Mong Kok?
"It's different."
Lin Feng corrected Sister Thirteen's statement.
"This matter is different."
"There's something suspicious about Camel's death."
"Szeto Ho-Nam said that Camel's death seemed like he was suffocated."
Silence!
The Hall of Brotherhood was completely silent.
Liang Kun broke the silence:
"You mean to say that Camel was suffocated to death in his own Triad Hospital?"
Lin Feng shrugged:
"Szeto Ho-Nam told me that."
Benny held up his cigar, utterly speechless:
"Ah Feng, your relationship with Szeto Ho-Nam is very good."
Lin Feng corrected him:
"Brother Kei, it's Szeto Ho-Nam's relationship with me that's good."
Benny didn't react. 'Isn't that the same thing?'
Liang Kun found it quite absurd:
"The Tung Sing Triad Hospital, with such strict security, and so many eyes watching—the Dragon Head of Tung Sing was suffocated to death in the hospital?"
"Is today April Fool's Day?"
Lin Feng sighed:
"We're in the Triad. When it comes to identifying how someone died, even the police probably aren't as professional as us."
None of them were good people, so they were experts at identifying such things.
"Szeto Ho-Nam wouldn't be mistaken."
"He said Camel looked like he was suffocated with a pillow."
Liang Ma asked, puzzled, "We haven't received any news."
Lin Feng spread his hands:
"I just received the news too. Anyway, from what Szeto Ho-Nam said, he was even embarrassed to talk about it."
Everyone was even more speechless.
Indeed, Camel was the Dragon Head of Tung Sing, and at least one of the Top Ten Gangs.
And he died so inexplicably?
If Camel had been killed in revenge, whether by ambush or direct confrontation, there would have been no problem.
However, he was actually suffocated with a pillow in his own hospital bed... Szeto Ho-Nam, as Qing Long Hu, the Leader of the Five Tigers, even felt embarrassed for Camel—
What a pathetic way to die!
Especially since the perpetrator was 100% one of his own, which made it even more unjust.
Someone, he didn't know who, let out a snicker, and then, like an infectious disease, it caused everyone to burst into laughter.
Good-natured Benny wiped away tears as he laughed:
"Camel was a hero his whole life, how could he die like this?"
Everyone immediately sighed with regret.
They were all lowlifess in the Triad. Crow shouldn't laugh at the pig's blackness; Camel was killed today, and who knows whose turn it might be tomorrow.
Although Hung Hing was one of the Top Ten Gangs, Tung Sing, where Camel belonged, was also one of the Top Ten. He was still the Chairman of Tung Sing.
In fact, death was not far from Hung Hing's Chairmen.
Fine B, Fatty Lai, how long ago was that?
Within a short period, Hung Hing's former Dragon Head, Chiang Tin-Sung, was assassinated twice. The last time directly led to him being bedridden for a year, which allowed Liang Kun to rise to power.
When you're in the Triad, you have to be prepared for death.
Otherwise, what are you doing in the Triad?
Lin Feng said:
"We didn't receive the news because Tung Sing temporarily imposed a blackout on Camel's death."
"The reason I say temporary is because Camel's death cannot be kept a secret."
"Two problems are now before us, and these are not minor issues."
Everyone immediately stopped laughing.
Sister Thirteen looked at Lin Feng:
"Ah Feng, are you exaggerating?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"No, I'm not exaggerating."
He glanced at Chicken.
"Yesterday, after Chicken investigated the attack on Camel and Mr. Chiang, I, Brother Kun, and Mr. Chiang—Chiang Tin-Yeung—together called Ah Bun from Tung Sing."
"The former Dragon Head was implicated by Camel and almost lost his life. We need to hold someone accountable; we need to seek justice."
Everyone nodded in unison:
"That's right."
Sister Thirteen pressed:
"What did Uncle Ben say?"
Lin Feng said playfully:
"Ah Bun kept making excuses. He said that Tung Sing's situation was the same as Hung Hing's; although the uncles had a consensus, they still needed Camel to wake up before they could make a decision."
"We thought about the friendly exchange between the two Triads, so we agreed."
"Our analysis at the time was that no Triad could tolerate such a betrayal of one's master. Regardless of which Triad he belonged to, we, as fellow Triad members, had an obligation to make him disappear."
"This would shake the foundation of our Triad."
Everyone nodded in unison.
If Crow, Lui Yiu-Yeung, and Smiling Tiger were allowed to live, or even rise to high positions, it would set an unprecedented and dangerous precedent for the Triad: that it's legitimate for a subordinate to kill his boss.
If that happened, the Young and Dangerous in the Triad would follow suit, Triad bosses would all be in fear, and then it would inevitably descend into chaos.
This precedent absolutely cannot be set.
Sister Thirteen mused:
"Does Tung Sing not want to eliminate Crow and his gang?"
"Does Uncle Ben have confidence in his control?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"I don't think Ah Bun has that kind of control."
"Currently, we don't know Tung Sing's punishment for Crow and his gang. Thinking it over, there are only two possibilities."
"One is to cut off the heads of Crow and the others, plus some monetary compensation, to apologize to us and conclude this matter."
Everyone nodded.
Although Chiang Tin-Sung was seriously injured, truthfully, Tung Sing was hurt even more severely, losing a Dragon Head Chairman.
However, on the other hand, with Chiang Tin-Sung stepping down, didn't Hung Hing also lose a Chairman?
Trying to appease them with money was impossible.
Everyone eagerly asked:
"What's the second one?"
Lin Feng had a strange expression on his face:
"The second one, now that's much more interesting."
Benny asked, puzzled, "How could Camel die so pathetically? What else could they do?"
Lin Feng smiled:
"Camel's death hasn't spread yet, which indicates that Tung Sing's internal members are also debating how to announce the cause of Camel's death."
Benny froze.
"Being suffocated with a pillow in a Triad Hospital—that kind of story is hard to tell and doesn't sound good."
"If it gets out, it will damage Camel's reputation and also bring shame to Tung Sing."
"To put it bluntly, when you're in the Triad, besides money, it's all about face."
"Tung Sing is one of the Top Ten Gangs, and they also value their face."
Benny was unconvinced:
"Can they really change the cause of Camel's death?"
Lin Feng retorted:
"Why not?"
Benny froze, deep in thought:
"Ah Feng is right, the deceased is paramount."
"After all, Camel had diligently served as Dragon Head for so many years. To conceal for the respected is also a tradition for us Hong Kong people. It's possible they might indeed cover up the true cause of Camel's death."
Everyone nodded.
Honestly, even saying Camel was killed by an assassin's blade would be better than that actual way he died.
Suffocated with a pillow by his own people, in his own hospital, on a VIP bed... It's too outrageous.
Lin Feng added:
"There are two more scenarios here."
Benny rubbed his forehead and said:
"Ah Feng, isn't that too many possibilities?"
"Is there a most likely scenario?"
Lin Feng shrugged:
"We're discussing this in the Hall of Brotherhood, and Tung Sing is a major Triad on par with us, so it's better to be rigorous."
"If we list out as many possibilities as we can, then we'll be able to handle it when the time comes."
Benny heard the logic and immediately said:
"It was my oversight, Ah Feng, please continue."
Brother Kei had this personality; he meant no harm, which is why everyone might have some minor complaints about his actions, but they would never dislike him.
"One possibility is that Ah Bun is telling the truth: the Tung Sing Uncles have reached a consensus to publicly announce that Camel died from a knife attack, and then push out Crow and his two accomplices."
"At the same time, this would settle our grievances with them."
"This scenario is the most advantageous for us."
Everyone nodded in unison. After all, their goal was singular: to avenge Chiang Tin-Sung and, incidentally, demand some compensation.
It's worth noting that Chiang Tin-Sung's two successive assassination attempts had indeed dealt a blow to Hung Hing's morale.
While the Hall Masters didn't find it particularly alarming, for the lower-level Four-Nine Red Poles, it was quite disheartening—which Triad Chairman gets assassinated every other day?
Do we have no deterrent power at all?
The lower ranks of a Triad can only survive by the Triad's reputation. Once the Triad's reputation is damaged, their work suffers. This is a very realistic problem.
"The other possibility is very unfavorable."
"Camel was assassinated by a knife-wielder, and the Triad Hospital tried its best but couldn't save him."
"Crow, Lui Yiu-Yeung, and Smiling Tiger are wearing sackcloth and filial mourning for Camel, and Tung Sing vows to find the culprits who assassinated Camel and Chiang Tin-Sung..."
The Hall of Brotherhood fell silent.
Everyone looked at each other, stunned.
Sister Thirteen cried out:
"Ah Feng, are you mistaken? The Tung Sing Uncles clearly know that Crow and his group assassinated Camel, but they're stubbornly refusing to admit they killed him? And they're letting those three wear sackcloth and filial mourning for Camel?"
Lin Feng shrugged:
"Is that a possibility?"
Sister Thirteen shook her head:
"Unless the Tung Sing Uncles have all lost their minds, why would they do such a thing?"
The Hall Masters looked at each other, all finding it quite unbelievable.
Benny mumbled:
"Ah Feng, your conjecture is too preposterous, too contrary to common sense. I don't think it's possible."
Sister Thirteen quickly nodded in agreement:
"Who in their right mind would make such a choice?"
"If they really did that, wouldn't Camel be so angry he'd jump out of his coffin and start hacking people?"
Everyone was in a commotion because of Lin Feng's conjecture.
Liang Kun clapped his hands and said:
"Everyone, the Hall of Brotherhood meeting is for everyone to pool their wisdom. Disagreements are normal; reaching a consensus is what truly matters."
"Benny, what do you think?"
Sister Thirteen shook her head:
"Who would agree to something so contrary to common sense?"
Sister Thirteen pouted.
Hon Ban suddenly asked:
"If you were a Tung Sing Uncle, and you knew the entire course of events, with this fact laid out before you, what would be the first thing you'd do?"
Sister Thirteen looked at Hon Ban in confusion, not understanding why he would suddenly say such a thing.
Liang Kun continued to call on people:
"Brother Xin, what's your view?"
Brother Xin pondered:
"If I were a Tung Sing Uncle, given that Camel was assassinated by his own people, the only thing I would do is one thing—"
"Cover it up!"
Liang Kun encouraged him:
"For example?"
Brother Xin spoke more and more fluently:
"The cause of Camel's death absolutely cannot be revealed."
"This would damage Tung Sing's prestige."
"The rebellious and unfilial actions of Crow and others also cannot be revealed. This would similarly damage Tung Sing's prestige."
"Benny is right, what we need to consider is how to maintain the Triad's reputation."
"Tung Sing's reputation cannot suffer the slightest damage; this would hinder our ability to make money."
"When you're out in the world, making money comes first."
"Camel was indeed a capable man, but he's dead, and he can no longer bring revenue to the Triad."
"The living still need to eat; they still need to rely on the Triad to make money."
"Therefore, Tung Sing's reputation cannot be tarnished."
Sister Thirteen's mouth hung open as she mumbled:
"Are you all crazy?!"
"How dare you think like that?"
Liang Kun glared fiercely at Hon Ban:
"Benny, you should spend more time walking around Portland Street. Sister has many areas of confusion."
Hon Ban immediately said:
"Brother Kun, I understand. I will explain it to her."
Sister Thirteen's mind was a tangled mess for a moment.
What she couldn't believe was that even the good-natured Benny said:
"If that's the case, then one other thing is also very important."
Sister Thirteen asked blankly:
"What thing?"
Benny said:
"The Dragon Head Chairman."
"Tung Sing will definitely elect a Dragon Head Chairman as soon as possible."
"If the Tung Sing Uncles truly know the whole story, then they absolutely will not let the position of Dragon Head Chairman fall into the hands of the Five Tigers."
"Szeto Ho-Nam, the Leader of the Five Tigers, won't do either."
"Crow, Yiu Yeung, and Smiling Tiger are all such people; Szeto Ho-Nam is purely implicated by them."
"If it were me, I wouldn't be able to trust Szeto Ho-Nam so completely."
Lin Feng smiled:
"Sister, you see, this is another possibility, and it's the most likely one."
"You must understand, for Tung Sing, this isn't just a simple matter of a Dragon Head Chairman dying."
"If things go wrong, Tung Sing could collapse because of this."
Sister Thirteen was stunned.
Benny said:
"Sister, Camel is dead. We are the spectators, but for the Tung Sing people, it's not like that. It's a major event that could bring down the sky."
"When considering matters, you should be like Ah Feng: listen more, think more, and speak less."
Sister Thirteen was completely numb.
Good heavens, everyone was lecturing her!
Of course, it wasn't exactly a lecture; after all, they were all Hall Masters, and no one had the right to lecture others. Benny, in particular, was offering guidance in the manner of an elder.
Sister Thirteen had to be grateful.
Chicken, who had been sitting silently the entire time, couldn't help but sneer. As a woman, Sister Thirteen was one of only two female Hall Masters in Hung Hing, and she indeed had reason to be proud.
But to question Brother Feng was simply overestimating herself.
Was Brother Feng someone she could question?
She was thinking too much.
Suddenly, the phone rang.
Lin Feng stood up and said:
"It's Situ's call. Everyone quiet down."
He answered the phone, put it on speaker, and placed it in the middle of the long table.
"Situ, you're calling me now; is there new news from Tung Sing?"
Situ was silent for a while before saying:
"After an election, the Uncles have nominated Uncle Ben as Tung Sing's new Dragon Head."
Sister Thirteen involuntarily covered her mouth, truly shocked.
They had actually guessed correctly!
Lin Feng said faintly:
"Then we must congratulate Uncle Ben. However, for congratulatory matters, we naturally have a dedicated person who will go to offer felicitations... You know that Hung Hing doesn't want this."
"What I want is an explanation."
"Crow, Lui Yiu-Yeung, and Smiling Tiger dared to send knife-wielders to assassinate our Mr. Chiang; they must give us an explanation."
"What does Uncle Ben say about this?"
Sister Thirteen's eyes were wide open, and her ears were perked up, eager to hear exactly what Tung Sing would do.
Hon Ban had already come to her side, but Sister Thirteen hadn't even noticed.
Situ was silent again, then said with difficulty:
"Brother Feng, you know that if we were to truthfully reveal the cause of the former Dragon Head's death, it would damage our Tung Sing's reputation..."
Just as Sister Thirteen was about to shriek, Hon Ban's large hand covered her mouth, and he whispered close to her ear:
"Quiet!"
"This is the Hall of Brotherhood!"
Sister Thirteen fiercely slapped Hon Ban, then stopped struggling.
Lin Feng subtly glanced at Hon Ban, gave a slight nod, but his words were full of mockery:
"What?"
"Are you actually going to let Crow and his two accomplices wear sackcloth and filial mourning for Camel?"
Situ didn't speak for a long time.
Lin Feng deliberately shouted:
"You really dare to do such a thing? Situ, don't you feel ashamed? How can you face Camel?"
"Aren't you afraid that Camel will kick open his coffin on the seventh day and come to settle scores with you unfilial disciples?!"
Situ yelled loudly:
"The Dragon Head wasn't killed by me!"
"Why are you looking for me?"
Lin Feng said coldly:
"I don't care who killed Camel!"
"Listen carefully, Mr. Chiang was our former Dragon Head, and we demand an explanation."
"This is not just my request; it is the unanimous demand of our new Dragon Head, Brother Kun, the Twelve Hall Masters, and thirty thousand members."
"I know you're not in charge, and I won't make things difficult for you. You tell Uncle Ben to come up with a compensation plan as soon as possible."
"Otherwise, don't blame us for not showing Triad courtesy."
"If you want to give Camel a dignified send-off, you'll have to ask if our Hung Hing agrees."
"You know, it's not just your Tung Sing people who know the truth about Camel's death!"
Bang!
Lin Feng hung up the phone.