Chapter 283: The Mystery Surrounding George Is Shattered
When Superintendent Chen rushed over, Wong Bing-Yiu of West Kowloon Police Headquarters, pulling a group of plainclothes officers, was confronting the Foreigners from the Political Department.
George's eyes turned green:
"Huang, are you really going to oppose my Political Department?"
Wong Bing-Yiu sneered:
"I am the Chief of the regional Police Station, appointed by the Police Station Constitutional Committee. This case, now in my hands, must follow the proper procedures."
"If you want to take over the case and the witness, there's no problem at all."
"But please follow the procedures."
George shouted:
"I am the head of the Political Department appointed by the Anglo-Saxon Royal family; I have the right to inspect the cases you handle."
Wong Bing-Yiu showed no fear:
"That's right, you're not wrong."
"Please follow the procedures."
"With the Police Commissioner's signature and the Constitutional Committee's approval, you can certainly take this Foreigner's body back."
"Whether it's for an autopsy or any experiment, it's all fine."
"No procedures, and you want to snatch someone from me?"
"Not even if the Police Commissioner himself comes!"
"Everyone!"
Superintendent Chen, Yuen Ho-Wan, and others said in unison:
"Chief, please instruct."
Wong Bing-Yiu grinned ferociously:
"If these Foreigners dare to take one step forward, fire a warning shot!"
Yuen Ho-Wan's face was full of excitement, and with a click.
The safety was off, and a bullet was chambered.
The muzzle was aimed at George.
This action seemed to trigger a chain reaction, as the clicking sounds from the Police Station side were incessant.
George was so startled his hair stood on end: "Huang, are you trying to rebel?"
Wong Bing-Yiu mocked:
"Rebel?"
"Even if I shoot you, at worst I'll write a few reports."
"Damn it, I'm going to be free in a few days, and you dare to make trouble for me?"
"Do you really think I'm a pushover?"
George inwardly cursed his miscalculation.
He had already inquired from the Police Commissioner about the arrangements for Wong Bing-Yiu; the Police Station Constitutional Committee would employ a method of apparent promotion but actual demotion, bringing this Fatty Huang into the Constitutional Committee's management.
However, the real power of the Chief of West Kowloon Police Headquarters would be removed.
This was not the Police Commissioner's decision alone; it was the decision of the Foreigner Constitutional Committee.
And this news had already been conveyed to Wong Bing-Yiu.
In other words, the other party now had no desires and was, to some extent, in an invincible state.
This was as annoying as Anglo-Saxon civil servants.
The Anglo-Saxon system was different from elsewhere; officials elected by voters often did not handle specific affairs.
However, if voters elected you to a high position, you had to do something.
But if you didn't understand the specific matters, what then?
No worries, just talk nonsense; anyway, the specific affairs were handled by the grassroots political undersecretaries.
These were the grassroots civil servants.
Offending the elected ministers was nothing, but offending this group of old foxes meant being prepared to make a fool of yourself at any time.
Unintentionally, he had made such a huge mistake.
George still wanted to struggle, bringing out his last big move:
"I am a special commissioner appointed by the Anglo-Saxon Queen. Do you mean you don't recognize Hong Kong as belonging to the Queen?"
Wong Bing-Yiu suddenly stepped forward, raised his palm, and swung it out fiercely.
George was greatly alarmed and quickly dodged.
It was a good thing he dodged quickly, otherwise, Wong Bing-Yiu's slap would have landed.
George scrambled up, his face pale, and shouted loudly:
"Wong Bing-Yiu, are you really crazy?!"
Wong Bing-Yiu pressed forward, putting pressure on George.
The Police Station officers from West Kowloon Police Headquarters had already aimed their guns at George's entourage, and those Foreigners stood motionless.
They absolutely dared not move!
Chief Huang even dared to hit their Political Department superior; who knew if this madman would open fire?
For the first time, these Foreigners felt that their police ranks offered them no sense of security.
Wong Bing-Yiu pressed tightly against George, his gaze sharp. His body was already robust, giving George unparalleled pressure.
"Listen, you idiot!"
Chief Huang's voice was very low,
"You should be grateful you don't speak Chinese."
"If our brothers understood what you said, shooting you would be no mistake."
"You might have misunderstood one thing: Anglo-Saxon has always had administrative power over Hong Kong, but no sovereignty."
"And that administrative power will soon be gone."
"Are you trying to instigate a conflict between two great nations?"
"Are you still not satisfied with how embarrassed Mrs. Thatcher was in front of the City Hall?"
George's face instantly turned ashen.
Wong Bing-Yiu said coldly:
"You should be glad I cleared the area beforehand."
"If your words got out, you might get shot in the back the next day."
George chuckled dryly:
"No, I am the director of the Political Department sent by Anglo-Saxon."
Wong Bing-Yiu gave him no face at all:
"You're stupid yourself, don't assume others are."
George said angrily:
"Huang, you've insulted me repeatedly, and I've tolerated it."
"I warn you, there won won't be a next time."
Wong Bing-Yiu mocked:
"Is your Military Intelligence Agency identity a secret?"
"Wake up, you fool."
"Who in the entire Police Station doesn't know?"
"You're probably the only one who thinks others don't know, right?"
George's face turned even paler.
Wong Bing-Yiu stared straight at him, then suddenly gave a ferocious grin:
"Hong Kong is a famous spy capital of the East; this situation was deliberately allowed by you."
"You say you were shot in the back; will Anglo-Saxon take massive action just because of you, an agent?"
George was speechless.
Wong Bing-Yiu suddenly pushed him away and said loudly:
"George, if you want the bodies of Grand Duke Andrei and his bodyguards, please get a written order from the Police Commissioner."
"Otherwise, I will absolutely not let you take them."
Chief Huang waved his hand and shouted loudly:
"Fall back!"
Everyone from West Kowloon Police Headquarters retreated in unison.
A Foreigner beside George said indignantly:
"Sir, are we just going to let them be so arrogant?"
George glared at him coldly:
"Why didn't you speak when Huang was here just now?"
The Foreigner was speechless.
At that time, how could he dare to speak? Wong Bing-Yiu was a madman.
Pointing a gun at Foreign Superintendents, he was the first to do so.
Who knew what orders this madman would give?
George took a deep breath:
"Don't forget our mission."
"Huang's performance has shown that we don't have much time left."
"Time waits for no one!"
The Foreigner was deferential.
George instructed:
"Call the Police Commissioner, speak gently, and request that we have the protection rights for Grand Duke Andrei."
His subordinate immediately went to do it.
George was extremely annoyed.
This was his first time leading a team out, and he didn't expect to encounter a tough nut like Wong Bing-Yiu.
Now, he understood why the people on the Constitutional Committee wanted to transfer this Fatty Huang.
Such politically neutral civil servants were the most annoying.
What Anglo-Saxon called political neutrality was not the kind of neutrality Wong Bing-Yiu exhibited.
The Police Commissioner was still capable of getting things done.
The tougher Wong Bing-Yiu acted, the more wary George became.
Anglo-Saxon's influence in Hong Kong was visibly declining, and those old foxes were all shrewd individuals; they knew whose power was greater.
His subordinate quickly returned, but his face was displeased.
George glared at him:
"You weren't rude to the Police Commissioner, were you?"
His subordinate complained:
"I was very polite to the Police Commissioner."
George asked, puzzled:
"Then why do you have that attitude?"
His subordinate hesitated for a moment, and seeing George's terrifying gaze, he still stammered out the reason.
"The Police Commissioner said he couldn't hand over this case to us."
George suddenly clenched his fists.
Wong Bing-Yiu didn't care about him, and now even the Police Commissioner didn't care about him?
When had the Anglo-Saxon Military Intelligence Agency ever been so disregarded?
If this were in Anglo-Saxon, he would have a million ways to make the Police Commissioner regret it!
George took a deep breath to calm himself, his tone icy:
"Why?"
His subordinate smiled bitterly:
"The Police Commissioner said he just received orders from the Security Bureau to transfer Grand Duke Andrei's case to them."
"No one in the Police Station is allowed to retain any information about this case."
George blurted out:
"It wasn't a report from Huang?"
His subordinate shook his head:
"No!"
George frowned deeply; how did a Security Bureau suddenly appear?
Was it because the G4 Special Police team had repeatedly failed, and the Security Bureau wanted to distance itself from responsibility?
George was too familiar with Anglo-Saxon's style; logically, this was the conclusion.
But George had a hunch.
There was definitely something he didn't know.
The Security Bureau was up to something.
At this moment, George finally felt Wong Bing-Yiu's shrewdness; if Fatty Huang had listened to him and submitted the case earlier, the outcome would certainly not have been good.
But even so, George deeply remembered Wong Bing-Yiu:
"Huang, I will be paying close attention to you!"
He made this decision through gritted teeth.
Superintendent Chen got into Yuen Ho-Wan's car:
"Sir Yuen, why did you clash with the Political Department?"
Yuen Ho-Wan praised:
"Fatal Scissor Kick truly lives up to its name."
"I used to hear Superintendent Chen talk about how formidable the Chief was."
"Now I've truly seen something. The Foreigner of the Political Department dares to order a gun pointed at someone's head. How impressive!"
Superintendent Chen said speechlessly,
"No, isn't our Chief Huang just an old fox? How did he suddenly show his might?"
Yuen Ho-Wan whispered,
"This is related to tonight's case."
Superintendent Chen's heart stirred, and he asked,
"Is it convenient to talk about?"
Yuen Ho-Wan shrugged,
"What's inconvenient about it? Our brothers have long made it a topic of conversation."
"That Grand Duke, the Foreigner who recently arrived in Hong Kong, was attacked again."
Superintendent Chen was startled,
"The Foreigner Grand Duke? Grand Duke Andrei?"
Yuen Ho-Wan was very surprised,
"You don't know?"
Superintendent Chen shrugged,
"I'm from the Flying Tigers, not the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, nor the Criminal Intelligence Division."
"How would I know these things?"
"But isn't Grand Duke Andrei protected by the G4 Special Police?"
"Huh?!"
Superintendent Chen looked at Yuen Ho-Wan in surprise,
"The G4 Special Police are under the jurisdiction of the Political Department, right?"
Yuen Ho-Wan nodded,
"Yes, they are under the jurisdiction of the Foreigner."
"That's why the conflict happened today."
"We received a report that someone found a person dead somewhere, just now…"
"After my investigation, I found some suspicious points."
Superintendent Chen asked with interest,
"What are the suspicious points?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said dismissively,
"What else could it be? The Foreigner Grand Duke only came out with one bodyguard, and not a single G4 Special Police followed him."
"The killer who took out the bodyguard was very professional."
Superintendent Chen was stunned,
"Very professional?"
Yuen Ho-Wan nodded,
"Yes, exceptionally professional."
"One fatal blow, without leaving a single trace."
"The scene was impossibly clean."
Superintendent Chen exclaimed,
"A professional killer?"
Yuen Ho-Wan thought for a moment, then shook his head,
"Not necessarily."
"Perhaps a killer, perhaps Military Intelligence Agency personnel."
"This is Hong Kong, all sorts of people are here."
"After my examination, I found a suspicious point."
"The killer first knocked out the Foreigner Grand Duke, then took out the bodyguard."
"This doesn't make sense logically."
"The Foreigner Grand Duke's identity is far more important than the bodyguard's. Under normal circumstances, isn't the Foreigner Grand Duke the target?"
"Since the bodyguard was taken out, why not take out the Foreigner Grand Duke as well?"
"Doesn't he fear that the Foreigner Grand Duke will wake up and report to the Police Station?"
Superintendent Chen frowned and thought for a moment, then offered his idea,
"Could it be that the Foreigner Grand Duke didn't see the killer's appearance?"
"He was ambushed and knocked out."
"Instead, the bodyguard saw the killer's appearance."
"So the killer had no choice but to silence him."
Yuen Ho-Wan was slightly stunned, then immediately said,
"If that's the case, then there's a problem: when the killer attacked, the Foreigner Grand Duke and the bodyguard were not together."
"They were separated."
"The killer's movements alerted the bodyguard, who rushed over to check, encountered the killer… and was then silenced."
Superintendent Chen nodded,
"The logic is sound."
Yuen Ho-Wan's brows were tightly furrowed,
"But there's still one situation that can't be explained."
Superintendent Chen looked at him in confusion,
"What situation?"
Yuen Ho-Wan's brows were deeply furrowed,
"Under what circumstances would a bodyguard leave his employer's side?"
Superintendent Chen thought for a moment, then suddenly asked,
"This isn't the first time the Foreigner Grand Duke has been attacked, is it?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said gleefully,
"That's right, this is the second time."
"The first time was in Li Ying's jurisdiction."
"Heh, let him come to Hong Kong to throw his weight around…"
"Wait!"
Yuen Ho-Wan slapped his forehead,
"Li Ying reminded me that the first time the Foreigner Grand Duke was attacked, it seemed he was going to retrieve some briefcase."
"This matter itself is very strange. This Foreigner is visiting Hong Kong for the first time, and his behavior is very abnormal and peculiar."
"He's a Grand Duke, after all, yet he personally went to retrieve something."
"Logically, he only needed to send a servant to retrieve it."
"Even if he didn't send a servant, sending a bodyguard would have sufficed."
"But he didn't; he went himself."
"Even stranger, despite it being his first time in Hong Kong, he accurately entered a secluded unit."
"Then he found the item he was looking for."
"It's simply baffling!"
Superintendent Chen reminded him,
"Then could it be that the Foreigner Grand Duke is retrieving another briefcase this time?"
Yuen Ho-Wan laughed,
"Where is there a briefcase for him to retrieve?"
Superintendent Chen shrugged,
"If he can evade his bodyguard escort and find an unfamiliar unit he's never entered before, what's to stop him from retrieving another briefcase?"
"Also, don't forget, this is Hong Kong."
"There are always plenty of strange characters here."
Yuen Ho-Wan suddenly clapped his hands,
"Superintendent Chen, you're right."
"I guess this is why the Foreigners of the Political Department wanted to snatch the bodyguard's body. That Foreigner George's background is the Military Intelligence Agency!"
Yuen Ho-Wan immediately pulled out his walkie-talkie,
"Chief, I have something to report to you."
Wong Bing-Yiu kept sneering after receiving Yuen Ho-Wan's report.
Yuen Ho-Wan was puzzled,
"Chief, is there a problem with my analysis?"
Wong Bing-Yiu said meaningfully, "No, your analysis is very pertinent."
Yuen Ho-Wan thought, there's nothing wrong with my analysis, but what's with your expression?
Wong Bing-Yiu didn't hide it from him,
"Just received a notification from the Security Bureau. You'll have to work hard, compile the investigation into text, then make a trip to the Hong Kong Island Police Headquarters, find Li Ying, and package up their case files related to this matter, and hand them over to Headquarters."
"This matter will then have nothing to do with us."
Yuen Ho-Wan was dumbfounded,
"If I had known this earlier, we wouldn't have had to contend with the Foreigner."
"Chief, you need to be careful."
Wong Bing-Yiu glared at him in annoyance,
"If I hadn't stood firm just now, do you believe the Security Bureau's big stick would be coming down on me right now?"
"It's rare for you, you brat, to have a conscience."
"Go quickly."
Yuen Ho-Wan said with a wry smile,
"Chief, it's this late already. Are you sure Li Ying is still in his office?"
Wong Bing-Yiu sighed,
"Where else could he be?"
"The big boss upstairs has spoken; do you think he can rest so quickly?"
"Doesn't he have to obediently return to the Police Station from home?"
"Go, don't let the Foreigner catch us with anything."
Yuen Ho-Wan looked at him sympathetically,
"Chief, I think you're the one who should be worried."
Wong Bing-Yiu gave him a light kick,
"In terms of solving cases, I might not be as good as you now. But in terms of being an official, you're not as good as me."
"Less chatter, do as you're told."
Yuen Ho-Wan said loudly,
"Yes, sir!"
Wong Bing-Yiu shook his head slightly, and chuckled, scolding,
"This brat, he has three points of my youthful charm."
"However, it's not me who should be having a headache now, it's George, that Foreigner."
As Wong Bing-Yiu expected, George had a headache.
After George arrived in Hong Kong, he basically stayed in the Political Department and rarely showed his face.
The Police Station's evaluation of him was mysterious and powerful.
After all, this guy came under the name of the Anglo-Saxon Military Intelligence Agency.
But Wong Bing-Yiu's firm stand at the crime scene directly shattered his mysterious aura.
At least, the Police Station of West Kowloon Police Headquarters would think that George wasn't as powerful as they imagined.
Being a Police Station is a very professional job.
If you're capable, you're capable. If not, even with connections, people won't respect you.
In a disciplined force, once you lose the support of the people, trying to create any momentum is just ridiculous.
Before George could come up with a way to salvage his influence at the West Kowloon Police Station, the Security Bureau called and berated him mercilessly.
George's mood almost spiraled out of control.
Since when did the Security Bureau get to criticize his work?
But there was nothing he could do. His official position was merely the head of the Police Political Department, answerable not only to Police Commissioner but also to the Security Bureau.
On this chilly evening, George truly learned what procedural justice meant.
What angered him even more was that he couldn't show his displeasure.
It was true that George was from the Military Intelligence Agency, but he had to rely on his current job to cover his identity.
If he abandoned his identity as a Police Station, given his skin color, it would be impossible for him to achieve anything significant in Hong Kong.
This was not a white man's world, but a yellow man's world.
After hanging up the phone, George clenched his fists fiercely,
"Damn Security Bureau, how dare they insult me as if I were a subordinate."
"You even want to interfere with the G4 Special Police?"
"…No, there's something fishy here!"
+++
Chapter 284: Big D Changes Allegiance
Sam Shing Temple on Fanling Jockey Club Road was brightly lit, its main gate wide open.
A long red carpet stretched from the Jockey Club Road entrance all the way to the main hall of Sam Shing Temple.
Jockey Club Road was temporarily cleared.
Thousands of men in suits stood in neat rows on both sides, their expressions grim.
Not far from them, more than twenty police vans were parked.
Superintendent Cheung Kwok-Chim of the New Territories Organized Crime Unit felt a toothache looking at the scene before him.
"These guys are really arrogant."
It was Leung Chi-hung who said this, feeling indignant about staying in the car for precaution.
"They have the capital to be arrogant."
Cheung Kwok-Chim reminded Leung Chi-hung,
"Hung Hing is not comparable to other Triads."
Leung Chi-hung grumbled:
"No matter how impressive they are, they're still lowlifess. They still have to bow their heads when they see us."
Cheung Kwok-Chim's expression changed:
"Do you want me to give you a gun and round all these guys up?"
Leung Chi-hung was stunned:
"Just me?"
Cheung Kwok-Chim said calmly:
"You're so mighty, I believe you can do it."
Leung Chi-hung chuckled awkwardly:
"In that case, I'll pass."
Impulsive as he was, Leung Chi-hung wasn't stupid.
There must have been at least three thousand Hung Hing disciples in front of Sam Shing Temple.
Go and round them up by himself?
Wasn't that just asking for death?
"Did I offend Chief Cheung somewhere?"
"Is he trying to make things difficult for me?"
Cheung Kwok-Chim said sternly:
"You are now a Senior Inspector. Don't always act rashly; you need to learn to use your brain."
"The prisons under the Correctional Services Department can only hold a total of thirty thousand criminals."
"Note, this is at full capacity."
"You can't even fit the members of Hung Hing alone."
"Think before you speak."
"The black and white forest agreement is a necessary guarantee for maintaining social stability."
"Hung Hing makes sure to maintain good relations with the locals in Fanling before they do anything. As police officers, can we be any worse than a Triad?"
Leung Chi-hung said sheepishly:
"I just resent us having to maintain discipline for them."
Cheung Kwok-Chim glared at him:
"Foolish!"
"Do we need to maintain order at the venue?"
"Hung Hing themselves are more concerned about today's order than we are."
"The main gate of Sam Shing Temple is wide open—how long has it been since we've seen that?"
"Today, Big D is changing allegiance. This isn't just a big deal for Hung Hing; it's a big deal for the entire underworld."
"Especially in the current turbulent underworld."
"You need to understand..."
"Compared to us, Hung Hing can even less afford for anything to go wrong."
Leung Chi-hung was unconvinced:
"Then what are we here for?"
Cheung Kwok-Chim sighed:
"If you don't want to stay here, I'll immediately report to the Big Sir and have you transferred to another major district."
Leung Chi-hung quickly said:
"Chief, I really don't understand."
Cheung Kwok-Chim said sternly:
"We are police officers!"
"Our presence here is to tell the Triads that they can operate within the rules because we allow them to do so."
"We are always above them."
"If you don't even understand this, you really shouldn't be a police officer."
Leung Chi-hung was startled, then instantly understood.
That's right, no matter how impressive the show put on by Triads, including Hung Hing, it still had to be allowed by the Police Station.
If the Police Station didn't allow it, they could arrest you at any time with a valid reason!
Leung Chi-hung rubbed his head and said:
"Chief, I understand!"
Cheung Kwok-Chim grumbled:
"What do you understand? You don't understand anything."
"Think carefully about what I've said, and remember not to get into conflicts with Hung Hing."
"If you get beaten up by Hung Hing today, even the Big Sir won't be able to get justice for you!"
Leung Chi-hung's mind was a mess.
Cheung Kwok-Chim secretly shook his head and said to him:
"Hung Hing's display today is quite grand. Other police districts have sent people to help."
"I'm going to say hello to my colleagues. You just stay here."
Leung Chi-hung blurted out:
"Chief, if something really happens, do I rush in or not?"
Cheung Kwok-Chim snapped:
"If you think you're the reincarnation of Guan Yu, then go in."
"This time next year, I'll bring colleagues to visit your grave."
Leung Chi-hung quickly shut up.
Cheung Kwok-Chim grumbled as he got out of the car and walked to a command vehicle.
Yuen Ho-Wan teased:
"Mr. Cheung, who made you angry?"
Cheung Kwok-Chim sighed and explained Leung Chi-hung's situation.
Yuen Ho-Wan's mouth dropped open, and he couldn't help but give a thumbs-up:
"Your brother is very brave, daring to challenge Hung Hing, impressive!"
Cheung Kwok-Chim glared at Yuen Ho-Wan in annoyance:
"You're not a good person either!"
Yuen Ho-Wan shrugged:
"Let's be clear beforehand, if something really happens, I'm absolutely not fighting Hung Hing."
Cheung Kwok-Chim grumbled:
"You don't need to tell me that."
Yuen Ho-Wan turned to Li Ying and asked:
"Mr. Li, what do you say?"
Li Ying was direct:
"Fighting Hung Hing, whoever wants to go, goes. I'll cover the rear."
Cheung Kwok-Chim was furious:
"You're not a good person either."
Li Ying explained:
"You're also aware of the Grand Hyatt Hotel case."
"We truly witnessed Hung Hing's combat power."
"That group of Doctor's men were lunatics. Mr. Chan Ka-Kui's team from the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters was originally our ace."
"What was the result? More than half of them retired from the Police Force after that battle."
"Our Flying Tigers from the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters were almost half-strength."
"There's no need to elaborate on how fierce Doctor was."
Cheung Kwok-Chim immediately said:
"I heard that both of you participated in that battle, and I also heard that Doctor wasn't actually captured by us, but by Mr. Lin, the Hall Master of Hung Hing Causeway Bay..."
"Is that true?"
Yuen Ho-Wan looked at Li Ying, who said impatiently:
"Why are you looking at me? You participated too."
Yuen Ho-Wan shrugged:
"I did participate, it's true, but by the time I arrived, it was basically the end. Besides helping to attack the underground parking lot, I didn't help much."
"Besides, I had a case at the time, and after it was over, I went back. I don't know what happened later."
Li Ying said directly:
"It's true."
"We later checked the surveillance footage; there's a complete record."
"Doctor's group was truly vicious. Fortunately, Mr. Lin was there."
"Anyway, I'd rather face Doctor now than Mr. Lin."
Cheung Kwok-Chim was silent for a long time, then turned to Yuen Ho-Wan and asked,
"What about you?"
Yuen Ho-Wan quickly said:
"Don't count on me!"
"If you really get into a conflict with Hung Hing, Mr. Li and I will make the same choice."
Cheung Kwok-Chim kept shaking his head:
"You're also disloyal."
Yuen Ho-Wan laughed in exasperation:
"I'm disloyal?"
"That's because you don't know how difficult Mr. Lin is to deal with."
"He always does things flawlessly; he won't give you any other opportunities at all."
"You still want to find trouble with him?"
"Forget about it."
"You all know that Mr. Lin is currently the Hall Master of Hung Hing Causeway Bay, but don't forget, he started in Mong Kok!"
"You've only heard of Mr. Lin's reputation, but we've dealt with him directly."
Remembering his past dominated by Lin Feng, Yuen Ho-Wan's cheeks tingled faintly.
Honestly, Lin Feng's Bajiquan really hurt like hell.
Yuen Ho-Wan's injuries took over half a month to heal.
Cheung Kwok-Chim asked:
"I heard that Thunder Security and the Flying Tigers of West Kowloon really held a competition?"
Yuen Ho-Wan looked at him in annoyance,
"You really know how to bring up sensitive topics."
"Be careful, Mr. Chan and the others might hear you and make things difficult for you."
Cheung Kwok-Chim was quite shocked:
"Really!"
Yuen Ho-Wan nodded:
"Yes, really."
"Two competitions were held in total, and the Flying Tigers were utterly defeated."
"And the kind where they couldn't get revenge."
Cheung Kwok-Chim was puzzled:
"Why couldn't they get revenge?"
Yuen Ho-Wan rolled his eyes:
"Thunder Security thought they were too weak and wouldn't play with them anymore."
Cheung Kwok-Chim was speechless.
Li Ying quickly changed the subject:
"Quite a lot of people came today."
Cheung Kwok-Chim nodded:
"Quite a lot."
"Basically all of the Top Ten Gangs sent people."
"It's just that the people who came weren't high-ranking."
"The highest was Old Xu from Sun Yee On."
Li Ying chuckled:
"Three of the Top Ten Gangs have had problems. Although Big D is powerful, he really doesn't have a say in Wo Luen Shing."
"So, it's normal that those Chairmen didn't come."
This was the normal underworld. Although Triads maintained communication, Chairmen like Hung Hing's Chiang Tin-Sung and Tung Sing's Camel, who communicated frequently, were always a minority.
Usually, everyone swept the snow from their own doorstep and paid no mind to others' troubles.
Having a Straw Sandal attend was enough.
The name Straw Sandal might not sound impressive, but they were also among the 'Three Ranks' in the Triad structure, a legitimate Big Boss, who could be a Hall Master or run for Dragon Head.
Cheung Kwok-Chim suddenly smiled:
"Then we can rest today?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said bluntly:
"I'm treating today's public duty as a day off."
The three exchanged glances, nodded in unison, reaching an unspoken understanding.
Today's protagonists weren't them; it was Hung Hing and Big D.
Big D stood on the red carpet at the entrance to Jockey Club Road, his face unable to hide his triumph.
He, Big D, had finally reached this day!
From Jockey Club Road all the way to both sides of the main entrance of Sam Shing Temple, Hung Hing members lined the path.
Some were guards, others wanted to witness the formidable newcomer.
At this moment, there were more than two thousand people here.
After today, once he entered the door, he would be Big D of Hung Hing!
Suddenly, someone shouted loudly:
"The auspicious time has arrived, brothers, enter the hall."
Big D's expression changed, and he straightened his attire—Big Ds Wife had taken today's event very seriously and had dressed Big D up early.
The purpose of this gesture was respect, respecting both his fellow members and himself.
Big D strode forward, and the Hung Hing members on both sides suddenly shouted, taking half a step forward in unison, each extending their right arm to cross.
Thus, a narrow passage was blocked off.
Big D's face remained impassive as he walked forward calmly, and whenever he approached a Hung Hing brother, the latter would voluntarily withdraw his arms.
Once Big D passed, they would cross their right arms again.
So, arms rose and fell, solemn and mysterious.
In fact, this was the Triad's metaphorical 'crossing the mountain of knives,' with another hidden meaning: to test a person's courage.
To see if this person was truly committed to joining, if he harbored any unspeakable secrets, if he truly trusted his brothers, and so on.
Big D ascended step by step, treading on the red carpet, with Hung Hing brothers guarding him on both sides. After about fifteen minutes, he finally arrived in front of Sam Shing Temple.
There were several charcoal basins in front of the door.
Sixth Uncle led the way, shouting loudly:
"Please, brother, descend into the sea of fire."
Big D stepped over the brazier with one stride, completing the'sea of fire' ritual.
Sixth Uncle gestured for Big D to enter the main hall.
Sam Shing Temple enshrined the three great emperors: Emperor Bei, Emperor Wenchang, and Emperor Guansheng.
Sam Shing Temple had a thriving incense trade and a large number of devout followers.
Normally, it was impossible to clear out the temple for Triad use.
Big D came forward, bowed three times to the Three Saints, and recited loudly:
"I, Big D of Tsuen Wan, join Hung Hing today. Once a Hung Hing member, always a Hung Hing member. I live for Hung Hing, and I die for Hung Hing."
"I will unite my brothers, exert myself for my brothers, and dedicate everything to the growth of Hung Hing."
"Should I violate this oath, may I be struck by five bolts of lightning."
Sixth Uncle grew even more satisfied:
"Greet the Incense Master and all the Hall Masters!"
Hung Hing Dragon Head Liang Kun, Second Marshal Chiang Tin-Yeung, Lin Feng, Chan Yiu, and others greeted Big D in turn.
Big D tightly gripped Liang Kun's hand, solemnly saying:
"As long as you are the Dragon Head, I will never have second thoughts."
The words might not sound pleasant, but this was the highest oath in the Jianghu.
Liang Kun laughed heartily:
"With your addition to Hung Hing, how can Hung Hing not prosper?"
"Starting today, you are Hung Hing's 438, the Second Marshal!"
Big D was overjoyed; Liang Kun truly was a man of his word.
Red carpets were laid on Jockey Club Road in Fanling, three thousand Hung Hing disciples attended, all the Hung Hing Hall Masters in Hong Kong were present, and even Chiang Tin-Yeung, who was far away in Siam, came.
In addition, the Straw Sandals of the Top Ten Gangs were there to bear witness.
For people of the Jianghu, this was an unparalleled honor.
Big D solemnly promised Liang Kun:
"Incense Master, rest assured, I, Big D, will take pride in the interests of Hung Hing."
The two clasped hands in greeting and embraced solemnly.
Sixth Uncle shouted loudly:
"Please, Axe Jun and Yu Tau Biu, come forward to pay respects."
Although today was Big D's day to transfer to Hung Hing, due to Lam Wai Lok's audacious move, Big D was not the only one transferring.
In addition to Big D, there was also Axe Jun, who originally belonged to Sun Yee On, and Yu Tau Biu of Wo Luen Shing.
When Sixth Uncle called this out, the other Triads, who didn't understand, were stunned.
They all looked at the Wo Luen Shing representative, Gweilo Yan, and the Sun Yee On representative, Old Xu.
Gweilo Yan was so embarrassed he didn't know what to do.
After Uncle Deng and Lam Wai Lok were gone, Big D was already the strongest in Wo Luen Shing; how could the uncles control him?
Moreover, this matter had already been discussed when Uncle Deng was still alive.
As for Yu Tau Biu, Gweilo Yan and the others couldn't control him even more. Yu Tau Biu's boss was Chuen Bo, and even Chuen Bo had transferred to Hung Hing, so what more could you say?
Old Xu of Sun Yee On almost exploded!
This was Axe Jun, an outstanding figure among the Five Tigers of Sun Yee On. He was just going to transfer after a phone call from Liang Kun?
Old Xu almost had his nose twisted out of shape from anger!
It's truly like a son selling his father's land without a care.
Was it easy to find someone as capable as Axe Jun to hold up the fort in the Jianghu? Did Old Xiang just sell him off like that?
Old Xu's face was dark the entire time.
The envoys from the various Triads saw Old Xu's expression and knew there must be something fishy going on.
However, those who could serve as Triad envoys were all shrewd individuals; no one would say anything inappropriate in front of Old Xu.
Old Xu was not like Heung Yim; he was a true Triad member. If things went wrong, he could start a fight, so why bother to get into trouble?
Axe Jun and Yu Tau Biu immediately stepped forward. Their treatment was far inferior to Big D's.
It wasn't that their strength was much worse than Big D's; it was purely that Big D's transfer had been arranged long ago, and they were just tagging along.
Axe Jun and Yu Tau Biu also paid respects to the Three Saints, bowed three times, and greeted Liang Kun and all the Hall Masters.
Sixth Uncle shouted loudly:
"Blood oath!"
The blood oath was not drunk with human blood; a lively rooster was brought out.
Liang Kun slit the rooster's neck, and three drops of crimson chicken blood fell into a bowl.
Once the fresh blood had spread, Liang Kun was the first to take a big gulp, then handed it to Chiang Tin-Yeung, followed by Big D, and then Lin Feng, Chan Yiu, and others.
Times were different now; in the past, a blood oath involved drinking human heart blood—meaning each person would drip a drop from their fingertip, and once the blood mixed, they would share it.
Now, chicken blood was used as a substitute, and only three drops were sufficient.
Led by Liang Kun, everyone then offered incense to the Three Saints according to their status in the Triad, and then Liang Kun thanked the Triad representatives, and only then was everything concluded.
Something that almost made the eyes of the Jianghu peers pop out happened: Chuen Bo actually stood alongside Sixth Uncle of the Hung Hing Ritual Hall, offering incense to Sam Shing Temple together.
Everyone looked at Gweilo Yan of Wo Luen Shing with strange expressions.
The latter's face was as red as a monkey's backside, but he still tried to explain:
"Chuen Bo is no longer an uncle of our Wo Luen Shing; he… he has transferred to Hung Hing."
Everyone almost dropped their glasses!
The whole thing took less than an hour, from start to finish.
Liang Kun loudly addressed everyone:
"Thank you, fellow comrades, for attending the ceremony. Please come to Arrogance Restaurant for drinks!"
Naturally, there were disciples acting as ushers to lead everyone away.
Lin Feng said to Chan Yiu:
"Brother Yao, remember to have the brothers send some tea to the people in the police vans."
"They've worked hard today."
Chan Yiu smiled and nodded:
"I'll arrange it naturally once we get to Yau Gwat Hei."
Big D snorted coldly:
"Ah Feng, why do you care about those police officers?"
"We're doing Triad business, and they show up in police vans, it's quite a buzzkill."
Lin Feng said with a chuckle:
"They did come in police vans, but have you seen them get out?"
Big D shook his head.
Lin Feng said earnestly:
"They're showing us respect."
"Moreover, with these police officers around, we can do our business with peace of mind."
Big D thought about it and agreed, then patted his chest and said:
"Ah Yao, I'll deliver the tea to them later."
Chan Yiu smiled and said:
"Today, you few are the main characters. I'll take care of the legwork."
"This is also my job in the Triad."
Big D immediately fell silent.
Chuen Bo watched from the side, shaking his head inwardly. If Big D had been so obedient in Wo Luen Shing, why would so many things have happened?
Alas, one cannot defy fate.
Liang Kun put his arm around Big D and said:
"Big D, today is your big day. Let the younger brothers handle those things."
"Are you satisfied with today's spectacle?"
Big D couldn't suppress the smile at the corner of his mouth:
"Of course I'm satisfied."
"From now on, I can do whatever I want in my own territory."
"No one will nag me anymore."
Liang Kun chuckled:
"We Hung Hing don't have so many rules. As long as you don't harm Grandfather's interests, no one will interfere with whatever you want to do."
"Mr. Chiang is also here, so I have some ideas I'd like to discuss with everyone."
"Let's have a meeting first."