Chapter 26: Uncle Dong Breaks Down—Guanzai Sen, I Shall Surely Kill You!

"Come, have some tea." Bone-Picker Dong smiled as he poured a cup for Wang Yaotang.

"Thank you, Grandfather." Wang Yaotang raised the cup with both hands and downed it in one gulp.

"I heard you’ve been designing your own clothing and that it’s selling quite well?" Bone-Picker Dong took a sip of his own tea before slowly pouring another cup.

"Ah, yes. Just a small side project. I didn't expect it to reach your ears, Grandfather," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"Good is good. The numbers coming in from the Tsim Sha Tsui branch have increased over these past few months. As long as you contribute to the society, I see it all." Bone-Picker Dong chuckled. "You handled that Fuyixing business well. In the end, the society relies on its fists to do the talking; just doing business isn't enough. People are bullied if they are too kind. Young men should be bold and fierce; worrying about the consequences is the job of us old men."

"You handled the Union Society matter well, too. Business isn't just about fighting and killing; cooperation is essential. The nightclubs in Portland Street are guarded by the Sun Yee On. Don't look at the fierce conflicts between the Sun Yee On and the police over the years; their business dealings are just as frequent. The trade there is tightly held by those two, and no one else can squeeze in."

"Last night, when you clashed with Tongxinhe, you knew how to avoid danger and turned back to catch them off guard. You understand how to read the situation—you have both courage and strategy. You know how to make money, and you are generous with your subordinates. Not bad, Yaotang. I have high hopes for you."

"Thank you for the praise, Grandfather." Wang Yaotang pursed his lips into a smile. The old man had clearly looked into him—could it be that he had his eyes on his business assets?

*That can't be right. A dignified leader like him, could he be so tacky?*

"Do you know why I called you over today?" Bone-Picker Dong asked with a smile. "Drink your tea."

Wang Yaotang picked up his cup and drained it again. "I don't know. If there is anything you need me to do, Grandfather, just give the order. As long as it is within my power, I, Wang Yaotang, will not hesitate!"

*Little slippery fish.* Bone-Picker Dong smiled, looking him up and down. "Huang Bingyao called me at noon to complain, saying you have been repeatedly provoking the police."

"Is that so?" Wang Yaotang looked shocked. "It was just a trivial matter."

Bone-Picker Dong burst into laughter. "Inspector Huang said your subordinates, A-Jie and A-Ji, were very fierce last night. They slashed many people, and he’s demanding I hand them over."

"Those are my brothers-in-arms." Wang Yaotang shook his head immediately. "That is absolutely impossible."

"Have you read the newspapers?" Bone-Picker Dong leaned over and pulled several papers from under the coffee table, placing them on the table. "Sixty people hacking at each other in the street, blood everywhere. This morning's Sing Tao Daily."

Wang Yaotang frowned. These media outlets really had sharp noses. This was a bit of a headache.

"I didn't call you here to give you a hard time. If the society doesn't protect you, no one will work for us in the future. You don't need to worry." Bone-Picker Dong reached out and patted Wang Yaotang. "Choose a 'Blue Lantern' to take the fall. In a case like this, they’ll be out in six months or a year. Once they are out, we’ll hold a ceremony and officially initiate them."

"Alright, I understand."

According to the rules of the society, a "Blue Lantern" must undergo a three-year observation period. Only if the boss deems them worthy will they be initiated as a "49er."

49ers are divided into "new" and "old." After three years as a new member and another three as an old one, if they have sufficient merit, they can be promoted to a rank. That is when their ability is assessed—be it Red Pole, White Paper Fan, or Straw Sandal.

Of course, only large societies execute this strictly to prevent internal bloat and issues during the transition between old and new.

Small and medium societies like the Heshengyi stopped being so strict long ago. As long as they can afford to feed them, they can recruit members every year. As for promotions, that was another matter entirely.

There were only four branches. Either you waited for the old bones to retire, or you fought to carve out your own territory, much like Wang Yaotang was doing now.

In the eyes of the police, the subordinates who took the fall were usually painted as key members of the society, so upon their release, they were generally promoted a rank. If they were already 49ers, they would be given a territory to manage.

"As long as you understand. I’m just afraid you young people will insist on clashing with the cops." Bone-Picker Dong smiled. "The cops are our intermediaries for communication with the Hong Kong government."

"I understand." Wang Yaotang raised an eyebrow. *Intermediaries? Are they really that powerful?*

"I’m getting old. You young people don't like to hear us old guys ramble. Let's call it a day." Bone-Picker Dong smiled. "Is there anything you need the society to do? If you’re in trouble, speak up."

"Ah? No." Wang Yaotang shook his head directly. Were the favors of the society ever easy to accept?

Bone-Picker Dong’s brow furrowed slightly. "Do you need Grandfather to help you talk to Gold-Tooth Cheng?"

"Thank you, Grandfather, but I actually met with Gold-Tooth Cheng just before coming here. We’ll be partners from now on." Wang Yaotang smiled, revealing his teeth.

"You gave the two brothels back?" Bone-Picker Dong’s face darkened. "You fought for those venues, but you relied on the society’s reputation. The society has a share in those venues; you can't just dispose of them as you please!"

"My brothers were all injured, seven of them seriously, just to win those spots. Why would I give them back?"

Bone-Picker Dong’s expression softened slightly, but he frowned even deeper. *Something is wrong. When did that old fox Gold-Tooth Cheng become so easy to talk to?*

"Tell me how the conversation went."

Wang Yaotang could only recount the events...

*An awl in a bag! A true talent!*

Bone-Picker Dong remained calm on the surface, but he was cursing inwardly. *Damn it all! That useless waste Guan Zaisen only knows how to gamble. He had such a rare talent right under his nose and didn't even notice. Now it’s too late!*

This kid had already survived the most difficult period. If the society dared to pressure him now, he could simply turn to a larger organization that would pay a high price to recruit him.

Capable people, in any industry at any time, never lack a place to go.

*Guan Zaisen, you are damned! You’ve ruined a major opportunity for our society!*

It was already hard for grassroots societies to produce talent. Whenever someone promising appeared—like Ji Bao or Huang Jun—their target was always the big organizations.

How many societies had declined or been erased because of a lack of talent?

If he wanted to enjoy his retirement and have someone burn incense for him after he died, the Heshengyi banner could never fall.

*Guan Zaisen, you deserve to die!*

*I just hope you haven't made any mistakes. Otherwise, don't blame me for using you as a sacrificial flag—trading your heart for his loyalty!*

"Yaotang." Bone-Picker Dong pulled his chair closer. "You should have contacted the society first. That old fox Gold-Tooth Cheng has no shame, bullying the young and taking such a big advantage, yet he still had the gall to demand debt from the brothels. Pfft."

"Yaotang, that is legitimate money!"

"Is the cost of laundering money that high?" Wang Yaotang genuinely didn't understand this time.

"This has nothing to do with laundering. Legitimate income—exchanging it for black money at a one-to-five ratio is just a favor." Bone-Picker Dong looked regretful. "With places like brothels, if the venue is raided, the income stops. But doesn't the society need money to feed the brothers?"

"Legitimate business is different. Even if all the flags are pulled, the income remains, and the society has a chance to turn things around. When the retired old bones have peace of mind, the people below are willing to fight to the death. Venues can be seized again, and subordinates can be recruited. Hong Kong has never lacked young men willing to fight. But if the legitimate business is gone, the society is not far from being erased!"

"Who is most afraid of the society disappearing? It’s the top brass!"

"The society doesn't lack street thugs or fighters; it lacks business talent who knows how to operate!"

The more he spoke, the angrier Bone-Picker Dong became. The final few sentences were practically ground out between his teeth.

*Where can't a business talent find a decent job? Why would they want to roll in the mud with your society!*

For a moment, Wang Yaotang was dazed. Was he really that important?

"Yaotang." Bone-Picker Dong stared at him with longing. "Your clothing company has just started. If a large sum of capital is injected, the business can grow faster. The society can invest one million, and we only want a 30% stake. Don't worry, the society will back you to the end. Even if the Sun Yee On or the Wo Shing Wo dare to snatch your business, the society will fight them to the death!"

Wang Yaotang just smiled and said nothing.

*Money?*

Heh, he really wasn't worried about that. He could borrow a bit from others, open two more shops, and then get a bank loan. How much could the interest be?

Investment was never just a matter of money; it was a matter of resources.

"Twenty percent!" Bone-Picker Dong increased his offer.

"If this goes bust, I can't bear the responsibility. Please don't make things difficult for me, Grandfather." Wang Yaotang shook his head. Business is business. The Heshengyi couldn't provide commercial leverage, so there was no point in talking. "Bone-Picker Dong, wouldn't it be more stable for the society to take the goods directly? Like with Tongxinhe—win or lose, I take the risk, and the society takes the profit."

Bone-Picker Dong: *But I want us to share the risk!*

*Guan Zaisen, I must kill you!*