Chapter 435: Times Have Changed
Lin Feng was left speechless by Wong Bing-Yiu:
"For the position of Chief of the West Kowloon Police Headquarters, do you have a preferred candidate?"
Wong Bing-Yiu suddenly jolted, recovering, and asked excitedly:
"Mr. Lin, can I decide the successor for the West Kowloon Police Headquarters?"
Lin Feng glanced at him:
"Chief Huang, your status is different now."
"The Deputy Commissioner of the Police Station is already an absolute high-ranking official. You need to view this matter with a chess player's mindset."
"You are no longer a pawn to be manipulated; you are the chess player."
"Deputy Commissioner sounds impressive, and the Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations seems even more formidable."
"But if you have no subordinates, it's useless."
Wong Bing-Yiu nodded repeatedly.
Lin Feng said indifferently:
"Currently, Foreigners are in power, and it must be said that the Foreigners' influence is still significant."
"Otherwise, we wouldn't be making these covert arrangements."
"If you want to become a Deputy Commissioner worthy of the name, how can you do so without subordinates?"
"If you want to recruit subordinates, who will work for you if you don't offer them benefits?"
Wong Bing-Yiu said bitterly:
"It's not that I don't understand this principle; the problem is I don't have the ability to promote someone!"
George grinned:
"Huang Sir, you are usually so smart, but confused at this moment."
"Mr. Lin saying this naturally means he wants to help you bestow favors."
"It doesn't matter if you don't have the ability; Mr. Lin does."
Wong Bing-Yiu was overjoyed:
"Really, Mr. Lin?"
Lin Feng looked at him with disdain:
"You fatty usually seem so cunning, why have you become so foolish at this moment?"
Wong Bing-Yiu gave a wry smile:
"It's not that I don't understand what you mean; it's just that I didn't expect such a huge pie to fall into my lap from the sky."
Lin Feng scoffed:
"How could a pie fall from the sky?"
"If you weren't from my Mainland faction, I wouldn't help you."
Wong Bing-Yiu nodded repeatedly.
Lin Feng asked:
"Have you thought it through?"
"Who do you plan to promote in the West Kowloon Police Headquarters?"
Wong Bing-Yiu immediately said:
"Chan Yan-kin."
He explained,
"Chan Yan-kin has been with me for a long time. He is upright, loyal to the Mainland, and very capable."
Lin Feng nodded slightly:
"Alright, the one to take over the West Kowloon Police Headquarters will be Chan Yan-kin."
"You can go back and tell him now."
Wong Bing-Yiu thanked him profusely.
Lin Feng waved his hand:
"Just do your part."
Wong Bing-Yiu made up his mind that from now on, he would only follow Mr. Lin's lead.
Seeing that Lin Feng had nothing more to say, he respectfully bowed and left.
Lin Feng said to George:
"How are things progressing on your end?"
George shrugged:
"No problems at all."
"The Tycoon Group matter is an unspoken agreement between London and the Governors Office."
"The great nobles in London are eager for the Tycoon and Little Tycoon to be ruined. That fifty billion hong kong dollar is no small sum for the current Anglo-Saxon government."
"The Anglo-Saxon government is almost bankrupt, so they'll take anything."
"The Tycoon might be a figure of importance in Hong Kong, but in Anglo-Saxon, who would know him?"
"As for the Governors Office, Little Tycoon previously incited his workers to protest in the streets."
"The Governors Office hates him immensely."
"Before, there was nothing they could do, because he was the son of Hong Kongs richest man, Little Tycoon, after all."
"After the Tycoon Group was acquired by Hung Hing, the Tycoon's family has lost the qualifications to oppose the Governors Office."
"At this time, how could they not kick him when he's down?"
George saw things very clearly.
In a money-driven society, money isn't everything, but without money, you can do nothing.
With money, you can do as you please; without money, you can only let others do as they please to you.
Lin Feng nodded slightly:
"Your suggestion to Cunningham was excellent. Keep it up next time."
George was delighted:
"Indeed, nothing can be hidden from Mr. Lin."
"If you don't pull out the roots, the weeds will grow again with the spring breeze."
"With the Tycoon and Little Tycoon gone, it's safest for us if their families also disappear."
Lin Feng nodded slightly:
"Exactly."
"There's only one way to keep friends in this world: eliminate your enemies."
George's expression was fervent:
"Mr. Lin is brilliant."
Lin Feng asked:
"Do you need my help with your promotion?"
George thought for a moment, then shook his head:
"No, it's not necessary."
"The Cunningham Family's background and connection with the Military Intelligence Agency are already sufficient."
"It's better to handle this kind of thing from London."
"Mr. Lin, I think you should also let me handle Wong Bing-Yiu's matter."
"Hong Kong has not yet returned to the Mainland, so it's inconvenient for you to use your connections."
"It's more suitable for me."
Lin Feng thought about it and agreed:
"Alright, then let you handle it."
George smiled:
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Lin."
Lin Feng just nodded lightly:
"Do your work well, follow me, and I won't treat you unfairly."
George was immensely grateful.
Seeing that Lin Feng had nothing more to say, he respectfully bowed and excused himself.
Li Fu came up and asked:
"Brother Feng, is this fellow George really trustworthy?"
Lin Feng nodded slightly:
"He can be trusted."
"Of course, that's for me."
"The Mainland had better not trust him."
Li Fu frowned, confused:
"Is he not to be trusted?"
Lin Feng chuckled:
"This guy comes from the Military Intelligence Agency, so he naturally knows that no one can control all the secrets in the world."
"Yet, in his eyes, I know everything."
Li Fu said, puzzled:
"Brother Feng, aren't you omniscient already?"
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head:
"Wrong!"
"I merely have some knowledge of matters related to me."
"It just so happens that I know everything about George's affairs."
This convoluted explanation took Li Fu a while to understand.
Li Fu scratched his head:
"That way of putting it isn't wrong, is it?"
"To George, you are indeed omniscient."
Lin Feng laughed:
"So, he is merely my believer."
Li Fu was stunned:
"Believer?"
Lin Feng nodded slightly:
"George is only my believer, not a believer of the Mainland."
"He will listen to what I say, but he isn't brainless."
"He also has his own selfish motives and his own code of conduct."
"I can order him to do things, but it's best not to tell him about the Mainland's affairs."
"If it's not something I've instructed, he could easily report it to the Military Intelligence Agency."
Li Fu murmured:
"Is that so?"
Lin Feng shrugged:
"That's how it is."
Li Fu said seriously:
"I understand."
"But Brother Feng, what if this guy deals drugs...?"
Lin Feng said coldly:
"Death!"
He explained,
"George will absolutely not deal drugs starting today. He is my believer, so he will naturally learn my preferences."
"You don't need to worry."
"In my faction, anyone who touches drugs deserves to die."
"This is an ironclad rule."
Only then did Li Fu relax.
Just then, someone walked over cautiously.
Li Fu asked curiously:
"Ah Jun, do you have something?"
The person was Axe Jun. He hesitated for a moment before saying:
"Brother Feng, Old Lin from Sun Yee On wants to see you."
"He sought my help..."
"What do you think?"
Lin Feng said amusingly:
"You are my subordinate, so how can I not give you face?"
Axe Jun was overjoyed:
"Thank you, Big Brother."
Lin Feng glanced at him indifferently:
"I heard that Sun Yee On is in turmoil, and Old Xiang and Old Lin are at loggerheads."
"Are you planning to side with Old Lin?"
Axe Jun quickly shook his head:
"I live for Hung Hing and die for Hung Hing. What does Sun Yee On's internal strife have to do with me?"
"It's just that... in the Jianghu, one cannot always act as one pleases."
"When I was with Sun Yee On before, I received considerable care from both chairmen."
"I no longer owe Old Xiang anything."
"Old Lin sought my help, and I couldn't refuse."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow:
"Are you repaying a favor? Not speaking on his behalf?"
Axe Jun gave a wry smile:
"Big Brother, you think too highly of me."
"I am merely your younger brother; how could I make decisions for you?"
"I came here this time just to repay his favor."
Lin Feng clapped his hands:
"Free things are always the most expensive."
"Friendship is priceless; if you owe a favor, it's best to repay it early."
"Otherwise, it might just cost you your life."
This startled Axe Jun greatly.
Lin Feng continued:
"You are my younger brother; you've entered my household, so you don't need to be self-deprecating."
"What if you want to vouch for someone?"
"It's just a mere Sun Yee On."
"Ah Jun, your status and mine are not what they used to be."
"You just haven't transitioned your mindset."
"You alone have a thousand ways to make Sun Yee On wish for death but unable to find it."
Axe Jun's heart surged with emotion, and he was dumbfounded:
"Big Brother, can I really do that?"
Lin Feng laughed heartily:
"Why not?"
"Forget it, you guys will slowly understand these things."
"Alright, where is Old Lin? Take me to see him."
Axe Jun said in surprise:
"Boss, I can just call Lao Lin over; there's no need for you to personally go and meet him, right?"
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head:
"I say you don't understand your current status, and yet you do."
"I say you understand your current status, and yet you don't."
"You're my younger brother, so I have to show you proper respect."
Axe Jun felt a warm current flow through him, his heart feeling warm:
"Thank you, Boss."
He pointed into the distance, saying,
"He's in that restaurant over there."
Lin Feng smiled and said:
"Let's go!"
Axe Jun braced himself and led the way.
His Boss was now Hong Kongs richest man, and he was still giving him so much face. It would be an honor to tell others about it.
Sun Yee On operated under a dual-spokesperson system, divided into the underworld and the legitimate world.
Lao Lin was the Chairman, overseeing the underworld forces.
Heung Yim was the Dragon Head, overseeing the legitimate forces, and also held the Triad's moral authority.
Together, these two represented the highest power within Sun Yee On.
They had cooperated for decades, and it was unexpected that internal strife would erupt in their old age.
Lao Lin waited alone outside the door. Seeing the three figures, he quickly bowed and stepped forward:
"Mr. Lin, I'm so happy you could come."
This was less like a Triad Chairman and more like a Blue Lantern, not even listed in the underworld's register.
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head:
"Lao Lin, you are also an elder in the jianghu; there's no need for such formality."
Lao Lin's old face broke into a wide smile.
He looked at Lin Feng with particular respect, then turned to Axe Jun with eyes full of gratitude.
Once the host and guests were seated, Lin Feng stated directly:
"Lao Lin, we've met before at the jianghu assembly."
"Ah Jun has also spoken to me many times about your character."
"Let's skip the pleasantries; just tell me what's on your mind directly."
Lao Lin immediately said:
"Mr. Lin, I beg you to uphold justice for me."
Axe Jun was stunned. So direct?
Lin Feng actually appreciated this straightforwardness; he disliked pretense and preferred things to be direct.
"Lao Lin, you and Old Xiang have been partners for many years. Just tell me what's going on."
Lao Lin smiled bitterly:
"I really need to ask you to uphold justice for me in this matter."
"Sun Yee On is different from ordinary Triads; it operates under a dual-spokesperson system."
"Although Old Xiang is also a well-known figure in the jianghu, he doesn't walk the path of the underworld, but rather the legitimate world."
"All the dirty work is done by us for him."
"This guy's hands are spotless, yet his heart is blacker than the most ruthless person in the jianghu."
"For so many years, we've endured it."
"But this year's events, I cannot endure."
"One is Ah Jun's transfer."
At this point, Lao Lin quickly clarified,
"Ah Jun being able to follow you is his good fortune."
"Let's stick to the facts."
"Ah Jun is, after all, one of the Five Tigers of Sun Yee On, a prominent figure in Sun Yee On."
"Old Xiang offended you, and he has a hundred ways to seek your forgiveness."
"But he chose to let Ah Jun transfer without even holding a meeting of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
"This is destroying the prestige of Sun Yee On."
Lin Feng smiled, noncommittally:
"Lao Lin, I am the beneficiary in this matter."
"Ah Jun is a good man; I'm very happy that he can join my ranks."
Axe Jun's face turned green, and his gaze towards Lao Lin was subtly displeased—
Good heavens, I kindly introduced you to my Boss, and you're trying to undermine me?
No good deed goes unpunished.
Lao Lin's attention was entirely on Lin Feng, and he didn't notice Axe Jun's gaze at all. If he had, he would surely have regretted what he said.
"Yes, yes, yes."
"But the other matter is not just a family affair of our Sun Yee On."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, intrigued:
"What is it?"
"Tell me about it."
Lao Lin quickly said:
"The water station matter."
"Mr. Lin, you and Mr. Li's Hung Hing Group set an example for us."
"You made us understand that those who walk the jianghu can indeed reach high positions."
"You are now Hong Kongs richest man, the livelihood provider for hundreds of thousands of people."
"If you say a word, the Governor wouldn't dare not listen."
"Your prestige is at its peak."
"Hung Hing started transforming a long time ago, and we also want to transform, but we don't know where to turn."
"Hung Hing has set a good example for me."
"Through Hung Hing, we realized that seemingly insignificant small businesses, when legitimately operated, are so profitable!"
"Convenience stores and water stations are all highly profitable businesses."
"That water station, you created it."
"This was originally a business to benefit our jianghu brethren, but unexpectedly, that guy Old Xiang was insatiably greedy and swallowed it all up in one go."
"I tried to reason with him, and he actually said that we, these Triad lowlifess, only need to know how to guard turf."
"Mr. Lin, you must uphold justice for me."
Lin Feng took out his cigar box. Li Fu was sharp, immediately took it, carefully trimmed it, lit it, and then handed the cigar to Lin Feng.
He exhaled a large smoke ring.
Lin Feng said casually:
"Lao Lin, do you know why you've never been able to defeat Old Xiang all these years?"
Lao Lin shook his head:
"I'm not a member of the Xiang family."
Lin Feng shook his head:
"Wrong!"
Lao Lin wondered:
"Then what is it?"
Lin Feng smiled:
"Your perspective isn't broad enough."
Lao Lin was puzzled and confused.
Lin Feng smiled:
"My status is different from yours now."
"Not to mention you, my status far exceeds most people."
"Ordinary people can't just meet me whenever they want."
Lao Lin nodded repeatedly. This was true; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked his former disciple, Axe Jun, for help.
Lin Feng said faintly:
"Let alone a jianghu Dragon Head, even a Police Station Chief or a Foreigner from the Political Department, if they want to see me, they have to use the words 'pay respects' and 'request,' and then wait to see if I agree."
"I earn tens of thousands of hong kong dollars a minute. I finally took the time to listen to you, and this is all you have?"
Lao Lin's face suddenly changed color.
Lin Feng's pride and arrogance filled the entire room:
"Do I need to manage such trivial nonsense?"
"I said your perspective isn't broad enough, and you don't need to deny it."
He pointed casually at Axe Jun,
"If your perspective were broad enough, you wouldn't need to beg me; you could just ask my disciple."
"A small jianghu Triad, any disciple under me can easily handle it."
"Given Ah Jun's relationship with you, wouldn't asking him be more effective than asking me?"
Lao Lin's face alternated between red and pale.
Only then did he realize where he had gone wrong.
Lin Feng stood up and said, "I don't care about your Sun Yee On's trivial nonsense."
"But I see that you're about to have a gang war."
"I'll give you a piece of advice."
"In your internal strife, whoever is patriotic will win."
"Do you understand?"
Lao Lin's face was filled with shame.
Seeing Lin Feng stand up and walk out, Lao Lin hardened his heart and gritted his teeth.
Thud!
He immediately knelt before Lin Feng,
"Mr. Lin, I, Lao Lin, am willing to follow your lead. I beg you to uphold justice for me."
Lin Feng turned around and looked at Lao Lin:
"You do have resolve."
"But what were you doing before?"
Lao Lin smiled bitterly:
"I... I was blinded by jealousy..."
Lin Feng smiled and pointed at him:
"Now that sounds like it!"
He turned and instructed,
"Ah Jun."
Axe Jun immediately stepped forward:
"Boss."
Lin Feng said casually:
"From now on, Sun Yee On will be under your management."
"Old Xiang is too hypocritical; I don't like him."
"Lao Lin is good; let him take the position."
Axe Jun was both surprised and delighted:
"Boss, can I... can I do it?"
Lin Feng sighed:
"Do you think what I just said was false?"
"What is your status?"
"Being able to speak to them calmly is already giving them face."
"It's just a mere Sun Yee On!"
"If you're unhappy, what if Sun Yee On just disappeared?"
Lao Lin was terrified and quickly pleaded with Axe Jun:
"Ah Jun, please help me."
Axe Jun originally had some issues with Lao Lin, but he was, after all, a person who valued loyalty. When Lao Lin said that, he hesitated.
Eventually, he nodded.
Lao Lin let out a long sigh of relief.
Lin Feng gave Axe Jun a deep look:
"You've taken this matter on, so don't regret it."
Axe Jun quickly said:
"Boss, I know what to do."
Lin Feng then said to Lao Lin:
"I still stand by what I said: whoever is patriotic will win!"
+++
Chapter 436: It Turns Out We Really Are Different From Them
"Others might not know Old Xiang's character, but you know him very well."
"You absolutely must help me."
Old Lin spoke shamelessly, his expression extremely complex.
Once upon a time, every time he saw Axe Jun, the latter would proactively greet him.
This was a rule of the underworld.
Now, however, it was completely reversed.
Axe Jun was still Axe Jun, but he no longer needed to greet Old Lin; his status had risen—as a protégé of Hong Kongs richest man, his status was naturally very high.
Axe Jun was still that Axe Jun, but his identity was different.
Even Old Lin, one of Sun Yee On's two co-leaders, couldn't help but try to curry favor with Axe Jun.
Axe Jun looked at Old Lin with a hint of disgust, but he concealed it extremely well.
This old fellow's conscience was truly rotten.
He had kindly introduced Old Lin to his Big Boss, but he never expected this guy to still harbor ulterior motives.
Those who mix in the underworld, with a few exceptions, are not broad-minded!
Axe Jun was a person who valued loyalty, and he was even more narrow-minded.
Some people actually misunderstood; valuing loyalty and being broad-minded are not at all equivalent.
Those who let bygones be bygones don't value loyalty at all—if you don't even care about hatred, how can you care about others' help to you?
Axe Jun demurred:
"Uncle Lin, Big Boss entrusted this matter to me, and I will definitely handle it well."
"I need first-hand information for this matter. I'll have my subordinates investigate it later, and once I have the results, I'll come to you."
Old Lin became anxious:
"Ah Jun, do you not trust me?"
Axe Jun smiled:
"Uncle Lin, I am now representing Big Boss in doing things."
"Big Boss's face is not something I can afford to lose."
Old Lin was dumbfounded.
Axe Jun ignored him, offered an apology, and went back on his own.
Only Old Lin was left behind him, completely perplexed.
That evening, Axe Jun specifically invited Lin Feng's trusted aides to dinner.
During the meal, he told them about the incident:
"I considered the past ties with Sun Yee On and kindly helped him, but he, on the other hand, was so unperceptive."
"It truly chills my heart."
Wang Jianjun chuckled:
"Old people are cunning, and old ghosts are sly. You are a person who values loyalty, and he saw right through you, so naturally, he tried to manipulate you."
Axe Jun's face darkened.
Li Fu said:
"Ah Jun transferred over. Originally, this was Old Lin's opportunity, but unfortunately, he still conducts business using the old Triad ways."
People who transfer between Triads, unless they completely fall out with their original Triad, will always retain some brotherly affection.
For example, Benny of Hung Hing was originally a general of Hap Tu.
However, Hap Tu was a typical old-school Triad, where the older generation clung to power and refused to delegate. Benny, in a fit of pique, transferred to Hung Hing.
Yet, even after transferring, Benny's relationship with the Wo Luen Shing was still quite good.
After Big D transferred to Hung Hing, his relationship with Benny became particularly close.
Why?
Not only because Dinosaur was Big D's sworn brother, but also because they both came from Wo Luen Shing.
And Big D, he also transferred from another Triad.
However, Big D's relationship with the various Uncles of Wo Luen Shing was also good.
This was a matter of past ties.
Originally, Axe Jun was the same; after all, he came from Sun Yee On and was a prominent figure among the Sun Yee On Five Tigers.
Axe Jun's transfer was because Heung Yim chickened out; he didn't owe Sun Yee On anything.
On the contrary, Sun Yee On owed him.
Axe Jun had a very good relationship with Sun Yee On.
Today's incident, however, was messed up by Old Lin, and Axe Jun's past ties with Sun Yee On were completely different.
Chow Chiu-Sin said softly:
"Brother Fu is right; we are no longer just Triad members."
"Old Lin is still doing things his way, which shows his thinking hasn't changed."
"Which is to say, he's outdated."
"It's a good thing to cast them aside."
Chow Chiu-Sin looked at Axe Jun,
"Ah Jun, it seems you haven't changed your mindset either, have you?"
"What's wrong?"
"Are you still feeling regretful about losing a Triad brother?"
Axe Jun shook his head:
"How could that be? It just feels uncomfortable."
Chow Chiu-Sin chuckled lightly:
"There's no need for that."
"There's nothing to regret."
Chow Chiu-Sin chuckled,
"It's not us who should be regretful, but them."
"All of you are directors of the Hung Hing Group and are qualified to attend the Governors Office dinner."
"You are important figures!"
"Why bother with those minor figures?"
Axe Jun was dumbfounded:
"Us? Attend the Governors Office dinner?"
Chow Chiu-Sin chuckled in response:
"Do you think not?"
Axe Jun spoke honestly:
"Big Boss and them can, but I… I'm just a Triad member."
Chow Chiu-Sin laughed.
"You need to change your way of thinking; you need to adapt to your identity as soon as possible."
Axe Jun couldn't help but look at everyone.
Lok Tin-hung was dismissive:
"I only know one identity—my Big Boss's younger brother."
"No matter how things change, this identity won't go away."
Lok Tin-hung's words had no effect on Axe Jun.
Who doesn't know this guy is just a martial arts fanatic?
Forget about what a martial arts fanatic says.
Wang Jianjun chuckled:
"Ah Jun, Chao Xian was once a candidate for councillor in Taiwan."
"He's really different from us."
"In Taiwan, Chao Xian is a prominent figure."
"He sees things completely differently from us."
Axe Jun wondered:
"I'm not doubting Chao Xian; the Bamboo Union Gang is a big Triad in Taiwan."
"He's been a Triad leader and run for councillor; his level of influence is higher than mine."
"I'm just a low-level lowlifes."
"And I'm not afraid of you laughing, but in all those years at Sun Yee On, I really didn't save much money."
"It all went to living a life of debauchery."
"It was only after following Big Boss that I started making some money."
"I also don't feel superior to other Triad members."
Chow Chiu-Sin shrugged:
"A person's status isn't entirely dependent on their abilities."
"There are plenty of people who can fight."
"Can't Lin Ho-lung of Chung Yee Shun fight?"
"He can fight!"
"But twenty years ago, I don't remember there being a Lin Ho-lung in the underworld."
"Those who want to make a name for themselves depend on fate."
"If Lin Ho-lung hadn't single-handedly resisted the Number Gang's siege of a hundred men, how would he have become famous?"
"Furthermore, when it comes to fighting, our Big Boss is more capable than others."
"What was the result?"
"Didn't he still have to slowly endure to make a name for himself?"
"To make a name for yourself, you need fate—that's one thing."
Everyone nodded in unison.
Except for the Wang brothers and Lok Tin-hung, even Li Fu had risen by following Lin Feng.
Chow Chiu-Sin said unhurriedly:
"Becoming famous and rising in status isn't enough; it also depends on the size of the Triad you belong to."
"Ordinary hall masters of the Top Ten Gangs are far more famous than the leading Red Poles of other societies."
"Why?"
"Because of the large platform!"
"When our neighbors go out to brag, they always love to compare."
"Family, career, and the company they work for."
"If a big company is mentioned, it naturally draws envy."
"When people hear you're from a big company, they attribute the company's honor to you."
"The bigger the company you're in, the greater your added value."
"Regardless of whether you are capable or not, if you can be chosen by the company, others will naturally assume you are capable."
"This is an iron rule!"
At this point, Chow Chiu-Sin gave them time to digest, then said,
"Our Hung Hing is now a unique and massive platform."
"Did you all go to the premiere of 'Young and Dangerous' today?"
"Did you see those densely packed flower baskets on the stage?"
"Honestly, if we were still the Hung Hing that mingled in the underworld, any single flower arrangement arriving would make us jump for joy."
"And now?"
"A slight smile, with not a ripple in our hearts."
Axe Jun quickly said:
"Chao Xian, you're still amazing."
"When I saw the flower baskets those people sent, I was incredibly excited."
Chow Chiu-Sin looked at him and suddenly said,
"Neither Boss Ding nor Brother Kun would specifically remember who sent the gifts."
Axe Jun was startled, and he said incredulously,
"Those who came to support us are all Hong Kong's top companies!"
Chow Chiu-Sin said disdainfully:
"So what?"
"Even if they are big companies, do you really think Boss Ding and Big Boss will remember them?"
"It's those who didn't come who will be remembered by these two Big Bosses!"
Axe Jun exclaimed:
"How could that be?"
Chow Chiu-Sin sighed:
"You still haven't figured it out... Hung Hing is no longer the Hung Hing it once was."
"We are now a leading company in Hong Kong."
"You should think about why these top companies, both local and multinational, all came to support Boss Ding."
"It's just a movie premiere."
"Normally, would they even bother to show up?"
Axe Jun said, stunned:
"Are we really different now?"
Chow Chiu-Sin chuckled:
"That's for sure!"
"We are naturally different from them."
Axe Jun fell into deep thought.
Li Fu smiled:
"Chao Xian sees things clearly."
"These past two days, following Brother Feng, I've really met a lot of people."
"Oh, and Brother Feng even received an invitation to a banquet from someone."
Axe Jun asked, puzzled:
"Someone?"
Li Fu shrugged:
"People from the Governor's Office, of course!"
"Like the Governor, the Chief Secretary, the Financial Secretary, and so on."
"And Brigadier General Cunningham from the Hong Kong Garrison also sent a banquet invitation."
Hiss!
Axe Jun gasped:
"Brother Feng is so busy."
How could people of this caliber usually invite Triad bosses?
Axe Jun felt honored.
Li Fu sneered:
"You all know the situation with our boss."
"Most of these invitations were rejected by Brother Feng!"
Ah?!
Rejected!
Axe Jun was dumbfounded:
"How dare the boss reject them?"
Li Fu said very calmly:
"For Brother Feng, this is a small matter."
"Do you believe that even if Brother Feng rejects them, those who sent the invitations won't be angry?"
Axe Jun was already numb.
If an ordinary Triad boss had the chance to receive an invitation of this level, wouldn't he boast about it to the entire Underworld?
If Li Fu hadn't mentioned it, Axe Jun and the others would never have known that Lin Feng had done such a thing.
Even his close confidants didn't know, so ordinary Underworld members would be even less aware.
Axe Jun's expression was extremely complex.
Chow Chiu-Sin suddenly asked:
"Brother Fu, didn't you receive an invitation?"
Li Fu shrugged:
"I didn't, but Mr. Chiang and Big D did."
He glanced at Wang Jianjun,
"Jian Jun also received one."
Axe Jun's eyes widened:
"What?"
Li Fu smiled:
"Ah Jun, I think you'll be receiving one soon too."
Axe Jun immediately shook his head:
"Impossible."
Li Fu rolled his eyes:
"Why impossible?"
"You are the branch master of Sham Shui Po, and one of our Hung Hing's directors."
"How little do you think of your own status?"
Chow Chiu-Sin looked at the dumbfounded Axe Jun and smiled:
"You are not just the branch master of Sham Shui Po anymore; the most crucial thing is that you are a member of Hung Hing's board of directors."
"Hung Hing Society is just a formality; your true identity is a company."
These words left Axe Jun confused.
Isn't a Triad a company?
To avoid police pursuit, Triads in Hong Kong would publicly claim to be companies.
Working for a Triad was often publicly declared as working for Grandfather.
That's why Axe Jun couldn't distinguish.
Chow Chiu-Sin said bluntly:
"In the past, working for the company meant working for the Triad."
"Triads are not the same as real companies."
"Now, working for the company means truly working for the company."
"And it's a top company in Hong Kong."
"You are a big shot!"
Axe Jun felt it was unreal:
"I've become a big shot in the Underworld just like that?"
Chow Chiu-Sin said speechlessly:
"Who told you it was a big shot in the Underworld?"
Axe Jun wondered:
"Not in the Underworld?"
Chow Chiu-Sin sighed:
"No wonder Brother Feng told you to hang out with Tin Hung; you two are really alike!"
Lok Tin-hung was displeased:
"What's wrong with us two?"
Chow Chiu-Sin said seriously:
"You two are both daring and fierce, with similar temperaments."
Lok Tin-hung asked, puzzled:
"Isn't that good?"
Chow Chiu-Sin finished the latter half of the sentence:
"Too bad you just don't like to use your brains!"
Lok Tin-hung was unconcerned:
"Can't you guys do the thinking?"
"Just leave the fighting to us."
"It's just different divisions of labor."
Axe Jun, however, was startled; it seemed that was indeed the case.
Chow Chiu-Sin pointed at everyone and asked Axe Jun:
"Ah Jun, you didn't just invite us a few, did you?"
Axe Jun nodded:
"I also invited Ah Jie, but Brother Jie is with Boss Ding and can't leave."
Chow Chiu-Sin asked Li Fu:
"Brother Fu, you're usually with Brother Feng at this time. Why are you back so early today?"
Li Fu did not hide anything; everyone present was Lin Feng's direct subordinate, so there was no need to hide.
"Brother Feng and Boss Ding went to attend a banquet."
He looked at everyone, and a slight smile appeared on his face,
"It's a banquet at the Governor's Office. Brother Feng said it was their first invitation, so it wouldn't be good to refuse. So he went with Boss Ding, Mr. Chiang, Big D, and the others."
Ah?!
Everyone's eyes widened.
Axe Jun gasped:
"Brother Feng and Boss Ding were actually invited to a gathering?"
Chow Chiu-Sin said, amused:
"Otherwise?"
"Did you think I was lying to you just now?"
"Whether it's Boss Ding or Brother Feng, if they meet the Foreigner Governor, it's hard to say who will salute whom."
Axe Jun's eyes were wide open, and it took him a while to recover.
His whole demeanor had changed.
"So, if I want to solve this matter, it's not as difficult as I imagined?"
Chow Chiu-Sin rolled his eyes:
"There was never any difficulty."
"You are simply not from their world."
"Take today's matter, for example. Those who know will say you are nostalgic."
"Those who don't will think you are willingly degrading yourself, content to mix with these lowlifess!"
Axe Jun's eyes widened:
"What, I'm willingly degrading myself?"
Chow Chiu-Sin rolled his eyes:
"Otherwise?"
"You say you are clearly a member of Hung Hing's board of directors, a notable big shot in Hong Kong. Do you need to personally show up?"
"Couldn't you just find any subordinate to resolve this matter?"
"Would that Old Lin dare to offend you?"
"You're thinking too much."
"With your status, Old Lin would be thankful just to be able to attach himself to you."
"If you punch him, he'll even shout, 'Well hit!'"
Axe Jun was utterly shocked.
It took him a long time to recover.
When he did, he felt like he had to question life itself.
The world suddenly seemed to have become unfamiliar to him.
"Is that so?"
Wang Jianjun said seriously:
"Chao Xian is actually quite right."
"If you can't adapt to your current status, then I won't talk about it with you."
"Let's just talk about our Hung Hing identity."
"You are Brother Feng's direct subordinate, a Hung Hing branch master. What you should always consider is Hung Hing's interests."
"Whose food you eat, whose rules you follow. We eat Brother Feng's food, Boss Ding's food, Hung Hing's food, so we follow Brother Feng's rules, listen to Boss Ding, and work for Hung Hing."
"This is a matter of course."
"As for other Triads, who cares about them!"
"Any objections?"
Axe Jun shook his head:
"No objections!"
Wang Jianjun shrugged:
"There you have it!"
"Brother Feng entrusted this matter to you, so just do it well."
"Don't bother with other Triads."
Axe Jun nodded heavily:
"Understood!"
He asked,
"What should I do?"
Chow Chiu-Sin said, amused:
"What's so hard about it?"
"Old Lin complaining to Brother Feng, ostensibly about the water station, is just a smokescreen."
"He actually wants to contend for power with Heung Yim."
"That old man clearly knows you are loyal, yet he deliberately makes things difficult for you."
"What is this called?"
"A gentleman can be deceived by propriety!"
"He's bullying you!"
Everyone nodded.
Axe Jun's quick integration was indeed due to his loyalty.
What everyone valued was loyalty.
Axe Jun said with difficulty:
"That's easy to say, but he was once my boss after all."
"His face still needs to be given."
Chow Chiu-Sin was not surprised at all:
"Exactly, Brother Feng thought the same, so he met Old Lin out of respect for you."
"He also considered your face by letting you handle this matter."
Axe Jun suddenly realized:
"I've given Old Lin immense face."
Chow Chiu-Sin rolled his eyes:
"What did you think?"
Axe Jun was somewhat anxious:
"It doesn't matter if I lose face, but I can't let Brother Feng lose face."
"What exactly should I do?"
Chow Chiu-Sin almost burst out laughing:
"What's so hard about this?"
"You just need to spread the word in the Underworld that private fighting over the water station matter is not allowed!"
Axe Jun hesitated:
"Will that work?"
Chow Chiu-Sin couldn't be bothered with him.