Chapter 8 - Giving Face, But Not Receiving It!

Chapter 8 Giving Face, But Not Receiving It!

At Lao’s invitation, everyone took their seats. The restaurant staff took the opportunity to bring out the food and drinks that had already been prepared. However, no one had the appetite to eat, as all eyes were focused on the main table.

Lao leaned back in his chair, one hand resting on his raised knee, the other holding a wine glass. His gaze swept over everyone in the room, taking in their expressions.

Before him sat nearly all the heads of the underground world of Hong Kong Island. From the small-time crooks to those involved in everything from murder and arson to gambling and drugs, they practically controlled it all. For the people of Hong Kong Island, these individuals were the ones who ruled their destinies.

Small business owners, those operating in the gray areas, had to pay them protection fees and offer tributes. The larger-scale businesses had to do the same. And the big gangs like the Yian Association even had connections with the influential elites of Hong Kong Island.

This was a ruthless and oppressive, clearly exploitative dark society. After regaining his memories, Lao had no affection for these people. In his past life, after watching many triad movies, he had admired them for their charm and brotherhood. However, in reality, these men were nothing but dogs in front of the powerful—flattering those above them and stepping on those below.

Even the Chaozhou Gang, famous for supporting their own people, was a prime example of layered exploitation.

“I won’t waste time with nonsense, I know you don’t want to hear it,” Lao began. “Let’s talk business.”

“Gaming dens and brothels, you all know the drill. Open as many as you want, just pay the fee.”

“The same goes for powder dens—if you can run them, go ahead.”

“Now, as for the suppliers of the powder…”

Lao paused here, and both Ah Hao of Yiqun and Li Tai of the Digital Gang tensed up.

Until now, the four largest sources of drug trafficking on Hong Kong Island were the Digital Gang, Yiqun, and the Ma Brothers. The Ma Brothers weren’t present tonight, which made both Li Tai and Ah Hao immediately realize something.

“General An Cha from the Golden Triangle is in poor health and is preparing to have his child take over,” Lao continued. “The Ma Brothers have already moved over there. Whoever can take them out or seize the first source of supply will control 50% of the powder supply on Hong Kong Island.”

Lao held up five fingers, and both Li Tai and Ah Hao’s breaths became quicker. Currently, the four factions each controlled roughly equal shares, splitting the Hong Kong market. Even with that, they were making a fortune. If one could monopolize 50% of the supply, how much money would that be?

Ah Hao spat out his cigar and downed the drink in front of him.

“Lo Ge, don’t worry. I’ll head over there tomorrow!” he said. “I’ll take the supply, and I’ll take the Ma Brothers’ lives too!”

Ah Hao glared at Li Tai as he spoke, with an unmistakable threat in his eyes. But Li Tai, seasoned and calculating, remained calm and didn’t respond immediately. Seeing this, Ah Hao laughed arrogantly, becoming even more smug. Lao didn’t stop him, letting Ah Hao have his moment.

Lao’s intention was to let these people turn on each other. The Golden Triangle was just a trigger; whether they went or not didn’t matter.

“Now, let’s talk about territories.”

Lao recalled the detailed information he had gathered about the territories controlled by the major gangs. Under his leadership, the territories of the major gangs on Hong Kong Island were actually quite clear.

However, as time passed, some people grew ambitious, and others rose to power. Naturally, they all sought to expand. They wouldn’t dare do it openly, so they started creating trouble along their borders as an excuse to overstep.

Hong Kong Island could be roughly divided into four areas: the New Territories bordering Kowloon near the mainland, Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island in the west and south, and the isolated areas outside.

Lantau Island, also known as the Outlying Islands, was sparsely populated and largely useless. Hong Kong Island was the original area of development, the most prosperous, and home to the wealthy and high-ranking officials.

The Yian Association and Digital Gang had divided up this area, and no one dared to challenge them, even if they were envious. But Lao, being someone who loved stirring things up, didn’t intend to let things stay quiet. Even without a reason, he liked to cause trouble, especially when there were already tensions.

He first spoke about the territories in the other areas, essentially keeping the status quo and stabilizing the smaller gangs. Then, he looked towards Xiang Yan of the Yian Association and Li Tai of the Digital Gang.

“The Hong Kong region needs stability, and the territories will remain as they are. Don’t make any moves.” Lao continued. “Anyone who causes trouble in Hong Kong, I’ll deal with them. Take it or leave it.”

Everyone at the table nodded, indicating they understood. Li Tai had been about to speak up, but when he heard Lao’s next words, he stopped short.

“But…” Lao added. “The higher-ups have expressed that Kowloon has been a bit chaotic in recent years, and they don’t like it.”

“Li Tai, the Digital Gang will withdraw from Kowloon, and the territory will be handed over to Uncle Yan’s Yian Association.”

“As compensation, I’ll give you Kwun Tong, which is right next to your East District.”

When Lao spoke these words, the atmosphere in the main hall immediately grew tense!

Xiang Yan couldn’t help but smile, sitting up straighter, while Li Tai’s face darkened. He slammed his glass down on the table with a thud!

Kowloon had always been his territory, and now the Yian Association was interfering. He had been fighting with them over this territory for years, with no resolution. Now Lao was deciding it all with a single word?

“You’re asking the Digital Gang to leave Kowloon? That’s impossible!” Li Tai shouted, standing up angrily. He no longer addressed Lao as Lo Ge, instead calling him by his name.

At that moment, both Ah Hao of Yiqun and Xiang Yan of Yian Association immediately stood up.

“How dare you speak to Lo Ge like that!” Ah Hao shouted. “Li Tai, are you trying to cause trouble?”

The leaders of the two big gangs spoke up, but those from the Heshen Gang remained calm, not wanting to get involved.

Li Tai ignored Ah Hao and Xiang Yan, focusing solely on Lao. Lao, however, remained completely at ease. He ⁰took a sip of his wine, then looked up, and an intense murderous aura surged from his eyes!

In an instant, everyone at the main table felt as though they had heard a tiger’s roar. Lao, filled with dominance, hurled his wine glass directly at Li Tai!

Caught off guard, Li Tai couldn’t dodge in time and was struck squarely in the head, causing blood to pour out. Two of his subordinates rushed forward to protect him, but they were quickly met with a wine bottle thrown by someone from Ah Hao’s side!

“You’re giving face but not taking it,” Lao sneered. “Did I invite you all here to discuss things?”

“I’m here to inform you all of what’s going to happen! Do as I say!”

“If the Digital Gang doesn’t want to cooperate, fine! Tomorrow, I’ll invite the higher-ups to go on a sea tour, then call in the military—uniforms and plainclothes—to Kowloon!”

“If you dare resist, I’ll request the British forces to come in!”

As Lao took the handkerchief that the pig oil kid handed him and wiped his face, he continued to speak with fiery arrogance, crushing Li Tai’s resolve until he was left speechless…