Chapter 267: Uncle Deng: Today's calls are a bit too many.
Uncle Deng's two-story villa in Wo Luen Shing.
Uncle Deng was leisurely listening to Cantonese opera and brewing Gongfu tea.
Ever since he stepped down from the Chairman position of Wo Luen Shing, he had spent most of his time in the two-story villa.
Every day, he would just walk his dog, spending most of his time brewing tea in the villa.
As he got older, his sleep time also decreased.
Uncle Deng always felt that he didn't have much time left and was reluctant to sleep. But he also had nothing else to do, so he could only drink tea to pass the time.
He glanced at his belly, unable to see his toes.
"Sigh, it seems to have grown another size."
"These pants are getting harder and harder to buy."
The woes of a big belly!
Ding-a-ling.
The phone rang.
Uncle Deng's face showed a joyful expression; the elderly fear loneliness the most.
At his age, he could have long since washed his hands of the Triad, but Uncle Deng was unwilling, choosing to remain in Wo Luen Shing's Elder Council.
It was for this tiny bit of busyness.
As long as someone talked to him, he wouldn't feel lonely.
He slowly walked to the phone and picked it up.
"Hello, this is Ah Deng."
On the other end of the line was the voice of Master Jin from Wo Luen Shing.
"Uncle Deng, does your Wo Luen Shing want to start a war with my Sun Luen Shing?"
Uncle Deng was bewildered:
"Are you senile?"
"We just ate at the same table yesterday, and today you're telling me this?"
"What's wrong with you?"
Master Jin angrily said:
"Your Wo Luen Shing's Lam Wai Lok sent people to kill our new Dragon Head, Chuen Bo, and you're asking me what's wrong with us!"
Uncle Deng was startled:
"Impossible!"
"How could Ah Le do such a thing?"
Master Jin grew angrier:
"Fat Deng, are you playing dumb?"
"Out of consideration for our old friendship, I'm giving you a heads-up."
"After Chuen Bo and Fai Wong's funerals are over, if your Wo Luen Shing doesn't give us an explanation, then prepare for our two factions to go to war!"
Beep~ Beep~
The call ended.
Uncle Deng hung up the phone, his mood uncertain.
The assassination of Sun Luen Shing's new Dragon Head, Chuen Bo, was something he knew about.
Don't be fooled into thinking Uncle Deng's activities were limited to the vicinity of his villa; his information network was very well-connected.
Every day, people would report the movements of various Triads to him.
Uncle Deng had managed to remain behind the scenes for over a decade, firmly holding Wo Luen Shing in his grasp, proving he was no pushover.
"Ah Le did it?"
"Why would he do that?"
"Is he crazy?"
"No, I can't just believe Master Jin's one-sided story."
"Anyway, there are still seven days, I'll talk to him tomorrow."
According to Triad rules, during a Triad Dragon Head's funeral, all grievances must be put aside, as the deceased is paramount.
Just like during Camel's funeral, even if other Triads had a grudge against Tung Sing, they wouldn't attack during the funeral.
This was a major taboo in the Triad world.
Uncle Deng had just returned to his seat when the phone suddenly rang again.
He slowly stood up again and walked to the phone.
"Hello, I'm Ah Deng."
Chuen Bo's voice came from the phone.
"Uncle Deng, I need to tell you something."
Uncle Deng said curiously:
"When did you become so hesitant? Just say whatever it is directly."
Chuen Bo was very embarrassed, but still gritted his teeth and said,
"The day after tomorrow is the day Big D transfers to Hung Hing."
"I've already decided to take Lei Yue Mun Ah Biao with me to join Hung Hing with Big D."
Uncle Deng was greatly shocked and blurted out:
"Are you out of your mind? Or are you sleepwalking? You're a famous elder of Wo Luen Shing, and you're going to Hung Hing to be a subordinate?"
"Big D leaving is unavoidable; the Triad doesn't allow one faction to dominate."
"But you're a highly respected elder of Wo Luen Shing, who's bothering you?"
Since Chuen Bo had opened his mouth, he made his words clear.
"I don't dare to stay in Wo Luen Shing anymore."
"Chuen Bo of Sun Luen Shing is dead, you know that, right?"
Uncle Deng's heart tensed, but he still said,
"What does Sun Luen Shing's business have to do with my Wo Luen Shing?"
Chuen Bo loudly exclaimed:
"How is it not our Wo Luen Shing's business?"
"That was Ah Le's doing!"
What?
Even Uncle Deng, who had weathered many storms, was greatly startled:
"Are you senile? How can you take responsibility for such a thing?"
"Wouldn't Sun Luen Shing fight us Wo Luen Shing to the death?"
Chuen Bo urgently said:
"I'm not senile, why would I take on such a dirty business for myself?"
"Listen carefully, this was Ah Le's doing."
Uncle Deng calmed down and said seriously:
"Chuen Bo, we need evidence for what we do."
"Just because you say Ah Le did it, does that make it true?"
Chuen Bo sneered:
"I have evidence. Big D told me that Mr. Lin proved to him that this matter was Ah Le's doing."
"Do you trust Mr. Lin's credibility?"
Uncle Deng was slightly flustered:
"Mr. Lin? Lin Feng?"
Chuen Bo said impatiently:
"Which other Mr. Lin?"
Uncle Deng mused:
"Big D decided to transfer to Hung Hing after meeting Lin Feng, so Lin Feng telling him this matter is credible."
No matter how much Uncle Deng feared Lin Feng, he trusted Lin Feng's credibility.
Having been in the Triad for so long, he had never seen anyone in the Triad world with such solid reputation and credibility as Lin Feng.
"But even if Ah Le did this, you can't go to Hung Hing with Big D."
"At least you're an elder of Wo Luen Shing. It's one thing if you don't dissuade Big D, but you actually want to take Yu Tau Biu with you to transfer?"
"What kind of elder does that?"
Chuen Bo loudly protested:
"Do you think I want to?"
"I'm doing perfectly fine as an elder of Wo Luen Shing, do you really think I want to go be someone's junior?"
"Isn't it because I'm being forced?"
Uncle Deng angrily said:
"Nonsense, who can force you?"
Chuen Bo sighed:
"Isn't it Ah Le!"
Uncle Deng grew even angrier:
"Ah Le? He's just a junior."
"Besides, after he took out Chuen Bo, not only will Sun Luen Shing not tolerate him, but our Wo Luen Shing won't tolerate him either."
"You're an elder, what are you afraid of?"
"Could Ah Le really do anything to you?"
"Crazy!"
Chuen Bo was so angry he swore,
"You old geezer, you just stay in your two-story villa all day. You're so fat, and the stairs are so steep, are you trying to die?"
"What do you think Ah Le wants to do?"
"He came to me today; he wants to dismiss Chui Gei, he wants to take the Chairman position himself!"
Uncle Deng flatly refused:
"Impossible!"
"Our Wo Luen Shing's tradition is balance, no one faction can dominate."
"Ah Le wanting to take the Chairman position is impossible!"
Chuen Bo suddenly calmed down:
"So, I have to run!"
Uncle Deng was startled:
"What do you mean?"
Chuen Bo said helplessly:
"You're truly senile. Think about it, Ah Le killed Chuen Bo of Sun Luen Shing, so Sun Luen Shing will definitely not tolerate him."
"What must Ah Lok do to survive?"
Uncle Deng pondered slightly:
"Other than relying on our Wo Luen Shing's protection, there's no other way."
Chuen Bo continued to ask:
"Then can we protect him?"
Uncle Deng shook his head directly:
"Impossible!"
Chuen Bo angrily said:
"Isn't it obvious then? He has to take the Chairman position no matter what."
"But for him to take the Chairman position, he first has to get past us."
"Due to Wo Luen Shing's tradition, he definitely cannot be allowed to take the Chairman position."
"If he really does take the Chairman position, the entire Wo Luen Shing will be his tool, completely hijacked by him."
"Not to mention Ah Le becoming the target of Sun Luen Shing's retaliation, which of us elders can escape?"
"You must know, Sun Luen Shing not only lost a Dragon Head, Chuen Bo, but also a powerful hall master, Fai Wong."
"How can Sun Luen Shing let this go?"
Chuen Bo's anger was ignited by Uncle Deng, and his mouth was like a rocket, talking non-stop,
"Ah Le even dared to kill Chuen Bo, do you think he wouldn't dare to kill you or me?"
"Dismissing a recently elected Wo Luen Shing Dragon Head, have you ever heard of such a thing in our Triad's history?"
"I'm telling you, Ah Le came to me and consulted me about this."
"Old friend, I'm afraid of death."
"I directly told him that he had no chance of sitting in the Chairman position."
"Do you know? I clearly felt Ah Le's killing intent."
"Where do you think I am right now?"
Uncle Deng asked, puzzled:
"Where are you?"
Chuen Bo roared:
"I'm with Big D, I'm seeking Big D's protection!"
Chuen Bo spoke out his inner fear, gasping for breath.
Uncle Deng was stunned.
Suddenly, he asked,
"What does Ah Le rely on?"
"Once Big D leaves, his Jordan faction will indeed be the strongest, but if we all attack him together, he will surely lose."
Chuen Bo said in astonishment:
"Didn't I tell you how Ah Le killed Chuen Bo?"
Uncle Deng said impatiently:
"Fool, when did you tell me?"
Chuen Bo slapped his forehead and said,
"I was scared by that little bastard Ah Le."
"Alright, I'll tell you about it."
"Chuen Bo wasn't killed by Ah Le's men..."
Uncle Deng asked, "If Ah Le's men didn't kill him, why are you putting the blame on Ah Le?"
Chuen Bo fumed, "Can you wait until I finish speaking before you interrupt?"
Uncle Deng repeatedly said, "You speak, you speak."
Chuen Bo, breathing heavily, said, "The one who killed Chuen Bo wasn't Ah Le's man, but it's not unrelated to him. It was done by the Foreigner's men."
In an instant, Uncle Deng felt a chill run through him.
"Crazy!"
"Ah Le can command the Foreigner?"
Chuen Bo's voice was very low.
"Mr. Lin told Big D that there's a Foreigner named George in the Police Political Department, and all his subordinates are Foreign Superintendents."
"This guy wants to stir up trouble among the Triads in Hong Kong and needs someone to be his frontman."
"So he chose Ah Le."
"Ah Le wanted to see George's power, so he chose Chuen Bo."
Uncle Deng was furious, "Ah Le, that bastard, is wearing red shoes?"
Chuen Bo sneered, "Not only is he wearing red shoes, but he's also washing the horse stables."
"I'm scared."
"Just within Sun Luen Shing, Ah Le's influence is the greatest."
"Now he also has the Foreigner police backing him. If I don't run, am I waiting for him to take my head to the Foreigner to claim credit?"
"Uncle Deng, we've been partners for a long time, that's why I'm telling you this."
"Anyway, I've said what I needed to say. You figure it out yourself."
"From now on, I'm not Chuen Bo of Wo Luen Shing. I'm Chuen Bo of Hung Hing."
"You... take care of yourself!"
Uncle Deng stared blankly at the phone, a mix of emotions swirling within him.
He wouldn't fully believe Master Jin's call, but if he didn't believe Chuen Bo's call, he would truly be a fool.
Uncle Deng was both shocked and angry. Who among those who mix in the underworld isn't an unruly character?
Someone truly like Chui Gei would never be respected.
That's right, even though Chui Gei becoming Chairman was Uncle Deng's doing, it didn't stop Uncle Deng from looking down on that old man, Chui Gei.
Uncle Deng's state of mind had long been tempered to be as unmoving as a mountain; ordinary matters couldn't even make him frown.
But what Lam Wai Lok did was too significant.
So significant that even Uncle Deng, who used to chat and laugh with Lui Lok, couldn't accept it.
He quickly realized how terrible Lam Wai Lok's actions were.
If what Crow did was universally condemned and he had to die,
what Lam Wai Lok did was no less severe.
The Triad's upper echelons emphasized harmony despite differences; arguments were normal, and fighting and killing at the lower levels weren't a big deal.
But you can't actually behead another Triad's Chairman!
How would your peers in the underworld view that?
Actually, Uncle Deng didn't care about Lam Wai Lok wearing red shoes.
He was an old man who had lived through the Lui Lok era; what Lui Lok did back then was a hundred times worse than Lam Wai Lok's actions.
To be honest, even the madmen of Chung Yee Shun now weren't as bad as Lui Lok's actions.
He was clearly a Chinese Chief Inspector, yet he set rules to help drug dealers, poisoning his own compatriots. Is that something a human can do?
But that was the underlying reality of the time.
Uncle Deng had long seen through it: don't talk about loyalty and righteousness in the underworld.
Making money comes first!
Even if Lam Wai Lok truly defected to George, that Foreigner, Uncle Deng wouldn't care.
But there was one thing: he couldn't behead the Chairman of another Triad.
This violated a major taboo of the underworld.
Lui Lok was able to dominate an era because of absolute military suppression.
Can Lam Wai Lok? Can George, who is behind him?
Hong Kong is about to return soon.
Does George dare to put his actions out for everyone to comment on?
He wouldn't dare!
So Lam Wai Lok's actions were wrong.
"Ah Le, this scoundrel... No, I must make him come back and explain it clearly to me."
Just as Uncle Deng thought this, the phone rang again.
"Strange, why so many calls today?"
Uncle Deng usually worried that his phone didn't ring enough, fearing that the world would forget him.
But now, he really didn't want to answer any more calls.
However, there was no choice. The phone rang, and it was another old acquaintance, Master Shen of Wo Hing Shing.
"Old Deng, Lam Wai Lok of your Triad has gone too far."
Uncle Deng was greatly alarmed, "You already know?"
Master Shen sighed, "You are Wo Luen Shing, I am Wo Hing Shing; there's still some connection between us."
"I'll tell you plainly, all the Top Ten Gangs in the underworld know what Lam Wai Lok did."
A wave of panic surged in Uncle Deng's heart, "Who spread this?"
Master Shen asked curiously, "You still want to find trouble with them?"
Uncle Deng sighed, "After all, this is a family matter of my Wo Luen Shing..."
Master Shen immediately interrupted him, "Nonsense!"
"This is not just your business anymore; it's everyone's business."
"When Crow murdered his master and caused chaos, the sentiment among his peers in the underworld was the same: such a person who betrays his master and ancestors cannot be allowed to rise."
"Otherwise, the underworld will be in great chaos."
"It's the same now."
"Lam Wai Lok, backed by the Foreigner, beheaded Chuen Bo of Sun Luen Shing. If he doesn't pay the price,"
"then tomorrow, will it be the turn of my Wo Hing Shing's Chairman?"
"The day after tomorrow, will it become Hung Hing's Chairman?"
"Who among the Top Ten Gangs can tolerate him?"
Uncle Deng took a deep breath, "So what do you all mean?"
Master Shen was very calm, "My Wo Hing Shing's meaning is that your Wo Luen Shing gives us an explanation; Lam Wai Lok cannot be kept."
"I don't know what others mean."
Uncle Deng smiled bitterly, "I estimate the meaning of other peers is similar."
However, he asked,
"What if my Wo Luen Shing cannot meet your demands?"
Master Shen said indifferently, "We'll try diplomacy first, then force. We've made things clear. Your Wo Luen Shing should prepare for war with our Wo Hing Shing."
Uncle Deng stared blankly at the phone in his hand, at a loss for words.
Having been in the underworld for so many years, he had never been threatened like this!
But now, he felt it.
Master Shen wasn't joking; he was serious.
Wo Hing Shing was different from Wo Luen Shing; the position of Dragon Head could be held indefinitely.
Coincidentally, Master Shen was the current Chairman. He was the true decision-maker!
Uncle Deng sighed. Just as he hung up the phone, ding-a-ling, it rang again.
For some reason, Uncle Deng felt a wave of fear.
Uncle Deng, who had dominated the underworld, actually didn't dare to answer the phone.
Finally, he picked up the phone. It was another old acquaintance, Uncle Zhong of the Number Gang.
"Old Deng, your Lam Wai Lok of Sun Luen Shing is quite capable, treating Sun Luen Shing like this."
"They just elected their Dragon Head, and Ah Le, well, he directly shot Chuen Bo in front of his bar."
"Tell me, what does your Wo Luen Shing want to do?"
"Do you want to assassinate all the Dragon Heads of the Top Ten Gangs?"
What he feared most had come true!
Uncle Deng didn't dare to listen to Uncle Zhong's lecture and quickly said, "I just learned about what Lam Wai Lok did. Our Wo Luen Shing will give an explanation to our peers in the underworld."
Uncle Zhong paused, then understood, "It seems someone has sent you a message."
"Good!"
"You, Old Deng, still have a reputation in the underworld. I believe you."
"My Number Gang's demand isn't high: either get rid of Lam Wai Lok, or throw him into the open sea, and we'll take care of him."
"I'll wait for your news!"
Beep beep beep!
Uncle Deng felt a surge of nameless anger. Because of Lam Wai Lok, these underworld bigwigs treated him like this; it was an insult!
After hanging up the phone, Uncle Deng was determined that Lam Wai Lok had to come back and explain clearly, no matter what.
But before he could make a call, one call after another came in.
Not a single one of the Top Ten Gangs was left out. Hung Hing, Cheung Lok, Hung Yee, and even Situ of Tung Sing, and Lin Ho-lung of Chung Yee Shun all called to inquire.
Uncle Deng had a massive headache. He knew that if this matter wasn't handled well, Wo Luen Shing might collapse.
He finally managed to appease these people, and just as he was about to catch his breath, the phone rang again.
Uncle Deng's anger flared. It was one thing for the Top Ten Gangs to call him; they had equal standing. But now that all ten had called, who else had the right to call him?
Did they really think his Wo Luen Shing's Fatty Deng was a sick cat?
He couldn't tolerate it!
"Hello, this is Uncle Deng!"
Uncle Deng's tone was very aggressive.
"Tsk, no wonder Lam Wai Lok dared to kill Chuen Bo. Fatty Deng, you're quite arrogant!"
In an instant, Uncle Deng felt like the sky had fallen.
The caller was actually Fatty Huang of West Kowloon Police Headquarters!
+++
Chapter 268: Invincible Fire Wheel
The sky has fallen!
After Uncle Deng hung up the phone, he felt desolate.
He truly didn't care about the other Triad associates who called him to make threats.
Did they think he was scared?
But when Wong Bing-Yiu of West Kowloon Police Headquarters also called, Uncle Deng's heart turned cold!
The black and white forest agreement clearly states that the two sides should not interfere with each other.
The Police, just like Wo Luen Shing's election rules, emphasize balance and social stability.
Normally, it was no big deal for Triad bosses to be invited to the Police Station for tea.
They knew it was just a formality.
At most, they would be detained for twenty-four hours, and released within forty-eight hours at the latest.
However, Wong Bing-Yiu's call this time was completely different.
Chief Huang had clearly expressed the Police's dissatisfaction; if Lam Wai Lok's matter wasn't resolved quickly, they would all take a holiday on a certain day.
Why take a holiday?
Of course, to facilitate a major Triad conflict!
Uncle Deng was extremely agitated. He picked up the receiver, dialed Lam Wai Lok, and shouted:
"You come to me immediately!"
Bang!
Uncle Deng didn't wait for Lam Wai Lok's reply and hung up the phone directly.
He walked back to the table, panting, and after calming himself, he brewed tea.
Lam Wai Lok would be arriving shortly, and Uncle Deng needed to think of the right words to admonish Lam Wai Lok.
However, when he reached out, the teacup, which he usually held steadily, rattled loudly.
Uncle Deng fell silent and put the teacup down heavily.
He looked at his fat hand, still unwilling to give up, and picked up the teacup again, intending to perform a Lord Guan's Patrol... but the teacup lid and cup collided violently, making a very noisy sound.
Uncle Deng sighed and reluctantly put down the teacup.
His heart was in turmoil!
How could it not be?
Chuen Bo's farewell words, the announcements from the Top Ten Gangs, Wong Bing-Yiu's admonition... all these combined, even Uncle Deng, whose spirit was as hard as iron, couldn't bear it.
Wo Luen Shing had reached a critical juncture.
If not handled well, it would collapse!
It would truly collapse!
In an instant, Uncle Deng seemed to have aged ten years. It was as if his face was covered in wrinkles.
He sat there quietly for a long time, then self-mockingly said:
"Birth, old age, sickness, and death are common occurrences for humans."
"The older one gets in the Triad, the more timid one becomes."
"This power is like poison; I can no longer see through it."
"I am already so old, with one foot in the grave."
"After I die, will I still be able to manage Wo Luen Shing?"
Thinking of this, Uncle Deng's heart suddenly became clear. He picked up the teacup again and performed a Lord Guan's Patrol, which was indeed quiet, without the slightest bit of noise.
Uncle Deng nodded with satisfaction.
Just as he was about to reach out to taste the tea, he heard hurried footsteps:
"Uncle Deng, I'm here!"
Uncle Deng reprimanded:
"You're a grown man, yet you're still so unsteady in your actions. Come and sit down for tea."
Lam Wai Lok slowed his steps as instructed and came to Fat Deng's side, who extended a hand:
"Sit."
Lam Wai Lok obediently sat down.
Uncle Deng then said:
"Drink tea."
Lam Wai Lok, like a puppet, held up the tea with both hands and drank it all.
After Lam Wai Lok put down the teacup, Uncle Deng poured tea and asked:
"Ah Le, you are the most promising Hall Master of our generation in Wo Luen Shing."
"What do you want to do? You've even scared Uncle Chuan Bao so much that he doesn't dare to come out from Big D's place."
Lam Wai Lok's eyes narrowed slightly, then instantly opened, and he smiled:
"Uncle Chuan Bao is too cautious, isn't he? How could I harm him?"
"I told him that the Triad is currently in chaos, and Wo Luen Shing needs a strong Chairman."
"Chui Gei is a good-for-nothing; no one in Wo Luen Shing listens to him."
"He has to step down."
Uncle Deng smiled:
"You want to take his place?"
Lam Wai Lok nodded:
"Yes!"
"I want to rise to power."
Uncle Deng said bluntly:
"You are not suitable."
Lam Wai Lok was stunned. He had thought of all sorts of scenarios, such as Uncle Deng making various excuses and subtly advising him to drop the idea, but he never expected Uncle Deng to be so direct, leaving him no hope at all.
Lam Wai Lok was particularly indignant:
"Why am I not suitable?"
"Even Koon Tsai Sum, that pimp, looks down on Chui Gei, that good-for-nothing. Why can't I replace him?"
"You just said that I am the most formidable Hall Master of this generation in Wo Luen Shing."
Uncle Deng's expression was calm:
"Because of ancestral rules."
Lam Wai Lok grew even angrier:
"Times are developing, can't ancestral rules change?"
Uncle Deng said faintly:
"No!"
Lam Wai Lok was furious.
Uncle Deng explained:
"When I was young, I had the same thoughts as you. I always felt that these Triad uncles, all so old, with no real ability, occupied important positions."
"They dictated this and that, and even dictated what could be done in one's own territory."
"What right did these old fellows have?"
"Later, I learned that they had the right because of the Triad's rules."
"We are a century-old Triad, having gone through countless changes."
"Many Triads have disappeared, but our Wo Luen Shing is still here."
"Is it because of you?"
Lam Wai Lok shook his head:
"A hundred years ago, I hadn't even been born yet..."
Uncle Deng clapped his hands:
"Exactly, what is it because of?"
"Rules."
"Wo Luen Shing values balance; no single family can dominate."
"You are the strongest Hall Master of this generation."
"After Big D left, you are the strongest, there is no dispute about that."
Lam Wai Lok said sullenly:
"What's the use of being the strongest? I still can't be the Dragon Head Chairman?"
"I just want to be the Spokesperson."
Uncle Deng sneered:
"What's the use of being a Spokesperson?"
"To be honest with you, if you become the Spokesperson, you still have to listen to the uncles."
"I've been a Spokesperson, I know what that feels like."
"Of course, I was stronger than Chui Gei."
"But even if I was stronger, I still had to listen to the uncles."
"Chuen Bo was even stronger than you back then, even stronger than Big D."
"At that time, Lei Yue Mun was truly our Wo Luen Shing's number one territory."
"However, even until Chuen Bo retired and became an uncle, he never sat in the position of Spokesperson."
"Your gaze should not be on the Spokesperson; you should learn from me and strive to become the strongest uncle."
"Rather than being a Spokesperson like a mascot, it's better to be the true helmsman of Wo Luen Shing."
"This is my expectation for you."
Lam Wai Lok was startled and moved.
However, after thinking about it, he still shook his head,
"I still want to be the Spokesperson."
Uncle Deng sighed and said slowly:
"Why?"
"Is it because of Chuen Bo from Sun Luen Shing?"
Lam Wai Lok was so shocked that he subconsciously stood up:
"Uncle Deng, how do you know?"
He was surprised and angry,
"Are you investigating me?"
Uncle Deng smiled bitterly:
"Investigate you?"
"If I had known what you were going to do beforehand, I would have stopped you."
"However, your deed is already done, what can be done!"
Lam Wai Lok's eyes darted around:
"Uncle Deng, who else knows about this?"
Wo Luen Shing was full of old foxes, and Uncle Deng was the oldest of the old foxes. When Lam Wai Lok wagged his tail, Uncle Deng knew what kind of trouble he was about to cause.
"What? You want to silence me?"
Lam Wai Lok chuckled dryly:
"You are a Wo Luen Shing uncle, how could I do such a thing?"
Uncle Deng sighed:
"If only I knew about this, there would be no problem with you silencing me."
"Unfortunately, this matter is not as simple as just me knowing about it."
"Ah Le, you should run away quickly."
"There's still time to escape now, otherwise, the Triad is vast, but it won't be able to accommodate you."
Lam Wai Lok suddenly stood up, both surprised and angry:
"Uncle Deng, how could you betray me?"
Uncle Deng said self-mockingly:
"Betray you? To be honest with you, among the Top Ten Gangs, I was the last to know."
Boom!
Lam Wai Lok was struck by lightning and stammered:
"The Top Ten Gangs all know?"
Uncle Deng nodded:
"Yes, the Top Ten Gangs all know."
Lam Wai Lok turned pale with fright:
"How is that possible?"
Uncle Deng slowly said:
"Impossible?"
He counted on his fingers,
"Master Jin of Sun Luen Shing, Master Shen of Wo Hing Shing, Uncle Zhong of Number Gang, Liang Kun of Hung Hing, Situ of Tung Sing, Heung Chin of Sun Yee On, Lin Ho-lung of Chung Yee Shun, and so on, they all called me, demanding an explanation from Wo Luen Shing."
Lam Wai Lok's heart sank:
"Impossible, what happened last night, how did they know?"
"This is impossible!"
"Moreover, it wasn't..."
Uncle Deng interrupted him,
"If you don't want others to know, don't do it."
"In this world, where is there a wall that doesn't leak?"
"What you think is done secretly, is only what you believe."
"Do you think that because Chuen Bo wasn't dealt with by your subordinates, others wouldn't know the truth?"
"Then you are mistaken."
"Just like Crow, Smiling Tiger, and Lui Yiu-Yeung, the three of them murdered their master; didn't they also think they did it without anyone knowing?"
"But how could that be?"
"They were still discovered."
Lam Wai Lok's face was ashen:
"I don't believe it!"
"That was done by the Foreigner, not by me."
"Who is so well-informed?"
Uncle Deng sighed:
"Let me tell you what I know."
"Before you came tonight, I received a call saying that a Foreigner named George from the Police Political Department wanted to stir up trouble in Hong Kong, and he urgently needed a scapegoat."
"So he chose you."
"To verify his strength, you had them kill Chuen Bo."
"And then Chuen Bo died."
It was fine that Uncle Deng didn't mention it, but once he did, Lam Wai Lok suddenly exploded:
"Was that what I wanted?"
"Four guns pointed at my head, my eyes blindfolded, and I was directly brought before the Foreigner."
"If I didn't choose, they would have shot me dead right then and there."
"Then they would have taken the body to the seaside and burned it clean."
"I don't want to die!"
"I want to live!"
"I did have a grudge with Chuen Bo, but I never thought George, that Foreigner, could actually kill him."
"He was, after all, the Dragon Head of Sun Luen Shing; was he really that easy to kill?"
"Who would have thought that Chuen Bo actually died?"
"Uncle Deng, is this my fault?"
"It was all done by the Foreigner; they should be looking for the Foreigner, not me!"
"Am I a soft persimmon?"
Uncle Deng sighed:
"You're not wrong, you are that soft persimmon."
Lam Wai Lok's voice abruptly stopped; he was choked speechless by Uncle Deng's words.
"There are few good people in the Triad world."
"Those who constantly talk about loyalty and righteousness are the ones who least believe in these two things."
"You've been in this world for most of your life, why don't you understand this principle?"
"How many people in this world aren't bullies?"
"Just like when we collect protection money, isn't it from those who dare not fight back?"
"When has any Triad dared to collect protection money from the rich?"
"Wo Hing Shing also does this, so we can't blame others."
Uncle Deng calmly steeped his tea.
"I know you were forced, so I didn't tell anyone about your whereabouts."
"If I hadn't told you about tonight, you would still be in the dark."
"So, you should leave."
"Leave quickly, the sooner the better."
Lam Wai Lok's heart was anxious, and he pleaded:
"Uncle Deng, you have to save me."
Uncle Deng shook his head:
"I can't save you."
"Actually, your collusion with the Foreigner is no big deal."
"Unfortunately, it was exposed, and it aroused public anger."
"Wo Hing Shing is one of the Top Ten Gangs, but it is not the Top Ten Gangs itself."
"Other Triads may not dare to provoke the Foreigner, but they will definitely vent their anger on Wo Hing Shing."
"If I resist, Wo Hing Shing will fall."
Lam Wai Lok immediately said:
"It won't fall."
"If you don't object to me being a scapegoat for the Foreigner, then there's hope."
"George urgently needs a large Triad as a base, and with the help of the Police Station Foreigner, no one will dare to touch our Wo Hing Shing."
"If they dare to make a move, George will have a reason to act."
"Who cares about the Top Ten Gangs, as long as they dare to come, I dare to destroy them!"
Lam Wai Lok's voice rattled like a machine gun, and he looked at Uncle Deng with hope.
"Uncle Deng, do you think this is feasible?"
Uncle Deng considered it seriously for a moment, then nodded:
"Feasible."
Lam Wai Lok was overjoyed:
"Uncle Deng, as long as you remove that useless Chui Gei and let me be the Chairman, I will be qualified to join forces with George, and then I will definitely develop Wo Hing Shing to a higher level."
"I promise you, I will conquer Tsim Sha Tsui!"
"I will also make that traitor Big D pay the price!"
Uncle Deng shook his head:
"Unfortunately, it's too late!"
Lam Wai Lok secretly thought something was wrong:
"What's too late?"
Uncle Deng said bluntly:
"Time!"
Lam Wai Lok frowned and thought for a long time, but still shook his head:
"It's not too late!"
Uncle Deng explained,
"If it were twenty years ago, and you had George as a strong ally, I would have supported you without a second thought."
"Unfortunately, things are not like they used to be."
"You forgot one thing—Hong Kong will be returned in less than ten years."
Lam Wai Lok's face changed drastically.
"The closer you are to the Foreigner now, and the more Triads you destroy, the faster you will die in the future."
"Although I am already half-buried, I still want to live a few more years."
"I don't want to go to prison and suffer after the return."
At this point, Uncle Deng lost interest.
"You are the next generation that Sun Luen Shing is most optimistic about. Now the entire Triad world can't tolerate you, so you should run away as soon as possible."
Lam Wai Lok sat there blankly, speechless for a moment.
He just couldn't understand.
How did it come to this in just one day?
The moment he received news of Chuen Bo's death, Lam Wai Lok was shocked, but more than that, he was secretly pleased.
With George, that Foreigner, backing him, he felt he was about to make a big splash.
Let alone being the Dragon Head of Wo Hing Shing, Lam Wai Lok even felt he could unify the Triad world; he had that confidence!
He never expected that in such a short time, just one day, his beautiful dream would be shattered!
Now, not only could he not achieve his dream of unifying the Triad world, but he was even being forced to run away!!
Lam Wai Lok was, apart from Big D, the strongest hall master in Wo Hing Shing. Was this promising future just gone like that?
Un—willing—ness!
Absolutely unwilling!
Lam Wai Lok clenched his fists tightly and glared at Uncle Deng:
"Uncle Deng, you can save me, you can definitely save me."
Uncle Deng had already come to terms with it, and his muddy eyes looked at Lam Wai Lok with extreme calmness, without a hint of fear.
"Ah Le."
"Run quickly."
"Whether you run to Taiwan, Okamoto, Siam, or any other place, it's fine."
"If you are unwilling, you can run to the Foreigner for help."
"However, I must tell you that the Foreigner is only using you purely; he values your identity as Wo Hing Shing, and when your identity disappears, the Foreigner will not care about you."
"No matter where you run, just don't run to the Foreigner."
"Otherwise, you will die!"
"You don't need to count on Wo Hing Shing either; I will not allow Wo Hing Shing to forcibly save you when it knows it will fail."
"Wo Hing Shing is a century-old Triad; it seeks survival, not contention."
"This is also one of the reasons why we emphasize balance during elections."
Lam Wai Lok suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Uncle Deng's lapels, who calmly let him do as he pleased:
"No matter how you treat me, I will not change my mind."
"I am not Chuen Bo; Chuen Bo would be afraid when faced with your threats, but I won't be."
"I have lived for so long, and this body is gradually failing me; I don't have many years left to live anyway."
"Maybe I'll be gone tomorrow."
Uncle Deng was very calm.
"This old body of mine, if it's gone, it's gone."
"However, if you kill me, I can guarantee that as soon as I die, you will follow me."
"The fate of Crow and others is a lesson."
These words were like cold water, chilling Lam Wai Lok to the core.
Lam Wai Lok quickly released Uncle Deng and said with a forced smile: "Uncle Deng, I was too excited."
Uncle Deng calmly pushed his hand away, stood up, and saw him out:
"Ah Le, you should leave quickly."
"If you don't leave now, you really won't be able to."
Lam Wai Lok followed Uncle Deng to the door, still wanting to struggle:
"Uncle Deng, as long as you abolish Chui Gei and promote me, it will definitely work."
"With the Foreigner's support, Wo Hing Shing will not fall."
"There is still a long time until the return, we have enough time to clean up our act."
"Uncle Deng, you must save me."
Uncle Deng shook his head:
"You are confused, leave quickly."
Lam Wai Lok still wanted to entangle him, but Uncle Deng was already impatient. He waved his hand, suddenly stumbled, missed a step, and rolled down the second-floor stairs like a whirlwind.
Lam Wai Lok was greatly surprised, and realizing what happened, he quickly chased after him, only to see Uncle Deng's rotund figure rolling down like a ball, with even the sound of cracking and banging during the fall.
When Lam Wai Lok reached the stairwell, he saw Uncle Deng's limbs fully extended, his eyes wide open. Immediately after, a puddle of yellow liquid appeared from his crotch.
Lam Wai Lok immediately covered his face in pain. What the hell was this!