Chapter Thirty-Five: Three Madou Stores Open in Succession—Madam Ye’s Goods Fill All of Kowloon
Xiang Lishan patted his butt and led the group to the studio, instructing the three models to prepare. Then he quietly pulled Sister Hua aside and asked, “Who exactly are they? Why do they carry machetes when they go out?”
“They’re big shots from a gang,” she replied.
“Huh?” Xiang Lishan covered his mouth and whispered in surprise, “Gangs do ads too?”
“Enough questions, get to work,” Sister Hua said, looking helpless. This guy still couldn’t help but gossip.
“But that Yao-ge is so manly!” Xiang Lishan clasped his hands to his chest, stuck out his hips, and tightened his legs.
Sister Hua was speechless.
The shoot quickly got underway. The lady appeared topless, wearing only crotchless stockings. At first, she didn’t mind the stares, but the moment Xiang Lishan stood in front of her with the camera, his expression stiffened.
“What’s wrong? Look in the mirror. After Sister Hua did your makeup, who would recognize you? There’s nothing to be nervous about. Modeling and taking pictures is better than going out to sell yourself. You’ll become a model and sales guide in the shop—an honest job!” Wang Yaotang came over to comfort him.
“Straighten your legs, slightly spread them, arch your back—yes. Hold your thigh with your right hand, turn around and look back—good. Make your expression more sultry.”
“Photographer Xiang, how’s this?” Wang Yaotang asked, turning his head.
“Very good, very tempting. I’ll adjust the lighting and angles,” Xiang Lishan said, examining the scene thoughtfully with a smile. “Just call me Lishan.”
Wang Yaotang’s expression stiffened. His fists clenched!
“Yao-ge, calm down. Most good photographers in this line are like this. Just endure it,” Sister Hua whispered hurriedly.
“Phew…” Wang Yaotang exhaled deeply. He had made up his mind—purchasing reputation through photography? Enough of that!
“Come on,” he said.
“Sit down, support your hands on the ground behind you, chest out. This is crotchless pants; don’t spread your legs so wide. The essence of this kind of photo is to reveal just enough. Customers know it’s crotchless and can’t help but tilt their heads to look.”
“Wow, Yao-ge, you really know your stuff,” Xiang Lishan’s voice softened with admiration.
“This set is leopard print; you’ve got to embody wildness. Hold the riding crop.”
“This nurse outfit requires a caring, calm vibe. Don’t make it too sultry.”
“This Republican-era style is sheer and practically naked, but it should have the innocent, refined feel of a gentlewoman.”
“This set…”
Previously, there was no clear category for lingerie with erotic appeal, and even the photographer had no experience. There was no choice but for Wang Yaotang himself to style the models.
This was his trump card!
---
“Wow, Yao-ge, you really know your stuff,” Xiang Lishan’s voice was soft and delicate.
“Wow, Yao-ge, you’re sharp as a tack.”
“Wow, Yao-ge…”
“Wow…”
“Damn it!” Wang Yaotang lost patience and kicked out.
“Ah—”
Xiang Lishan lay on the floor, twitching.
Suddenly, Wang Yaotang had a thought: men might have their own erotic niche too…
He pulled out a small notebook and quickly jotted down, “Xiang Lishan, that effeminate bastard disgusts me. I’m not angry.”
...
Name: Wang Yaotang
Height: 175 cm
Reputation: 475/795 (Emerging)
Faction: Heshengyi
Position: Fourth Division Member
Skills: Driving (LV1), Sanda (LV1), Muay Thai (LV1), Art (LV1), Photography (LV1)
Assets: Lingerie Stall (×16), Adult Toy Shop (×4), Stables (×2)
Amid the crackling fireworks, three shops opened simultaneously. All acquaintances from the various gangs who could be invited were brought over: Huang Mao, Xi Luo, Mang Hua, Big Head Sheng, Xing Hong…
Grandfather’s identity prevented him from attending, but he still called to congratulate Wang Yaotang on the expansion of his business.
Wang Yaotang seemed fully prepared and had specially invited Guan Zaisen to the opening ceremony. “Boss, what do you think? Three shops opening at once—I’m going to fill Yau Tsim Mong with stores. Boss, are you happy?”
“Wish your whole family wealth and honor,” Guan Zaisen said with a smile, grinding his teeth quietly. “You’re a traitor. Don’t get cocky. How many bullets do you have left? You even sold your house.”
“Just a little money. Big Water Monkey invested two million in me. Boss, you’re the man. Don’t mess up and lose your inheritance. If you do, Shark Kun will bring wealth to your whole family,” Wang Yaotang laughed happily.
“Heh, scoundrel, let’s see how long you can stay smug!” Guan Zaisen gritted his teeth.
---
“Don’t worry, you’re my sworn big brother. I’ll make sure to send you off properly.”
Though they had completely torn their masks off, neither showed it on their faces. They maintained smiles throughout, and Guan Zaisen even praised Wang Yaotang when he saw him.
But once home, Guan Zaisen darkened his face and called Shark Kun. “That bastard had a big day today. Shark Kun, when are our shops opening? He said someone invested two million in him.”
“Heh, you’re crazy. Do you think he’s worth two million? With so much of his own stuff not selling, he gets someone else to invest in that short mule?” Shark Kun sneered.
“Then how does he have money to open shops?” Guan Zaisen asked, puzzled.
“No wonder you suck, Guan Zaisen. You were supposed to watch him, but what the hell were you doing? Heshengyi gave tens of thousands of sets to the gangs under them, and Xinhe took tens of thousands more. He skimmed the payment,” Shark Kun explained.
Guan Zaisen’s face darkened further, but he dared not retort. “How do you know?”
“Don’t ask. Keep a close eye on him. Screw you.” Shark Kun hung up, full of disdain. He had people at the garment factory.
Once that bastard was dealt with, nothing useless would remain.
---
The next evening, Shark Kun organized a unique “Night Ladies” erotic fashion show at the Donglian Society nightclub on Hankou Road.
Tsuen Wan’s Big Head, Hetu’s Xi Hui, Shui Fang’s Bai Hua She, Lian Ying Society’s Di Long Ge, the 14K Dezi Gang’s street corner Wen, Big Mouth Ying, Dong’an’s Pao Zhang Qiang, Dongfu’s Lao Hu Zi… and Tong Qun Ying and Lian Gong Le…
Donglian Society’s network was indeed vast; the bosses of twelve gangs had all been invited by Shark Kun.
Within a single day, Shark Kun planned to fill all of Kowloon with merchandise!
---
“Yao-ge, those losers from Donglian Society started setting up stalls selling lingerie on the streets early this morning,” Awei burst through the door just after ten, panic written all over his face.
“How many?” Wang Yaotang asked in a low voice.
“Don’t know. Damn it, Donglian Society people are right next to our stalls everywhere. They’re on every street nearby, including Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok. I’ve sent my guys out to check the other areas,” Awei said, sweating profusely. He hadn’t expected such an aggressive move from Donglian Society.
“Damn it! Yao-ge, we can’t wait any longer. Tonight, we set their places on fire!” Ajie’s face twitched with tension.
“Yao-ge,” Aji also looked at Wang Yaotang.