Hong Kong Island.
Sham Shui Po.
Inside a bar on Shum Yung Street.
Amidst the roaring music, the air was thick with the heavy stench of alcohol, and beneath the flashing lights, a group of young patrons swayed their bodies continuously.
This place had originally been Hung Hing territory, but it had already changed hands.
At this moment, in a booth against the wall of the bar, a table of men and women were playing finger-guessing games.
"Look, you lost, drink!"
A handsome fellow with dyed blonde hair picked up a glass of wine from the table and handed it to the young woman sitting opposite him.
Secretly, he took the opportunity to slip something hidden between his fingers into the cup.
Unaware, the girl took the wine glass directly and drained it in one gulp.Soon, a hint of drunkenness appeared on her face. She stood up and began to sway to the music, peeling off her outer garment as she danced.
Just as the crowd began to whistle, excitedly anticipating a good show, a man walked toward the girl from the crowd. He took off his own jacket, draped it over her shoulders, and steadied her, ready to lead her away.
The man was sturdy, with a cold, stern expression. It was Tian Yangyi.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
Seeing this, the blond-haired handsome man stepped forward and blocked Tian Yangyi’s path.
"Kindly move aside," Tian Yangyi said coldly."Who do you think you are, trying to act tough?"
The blond punk shoved Tian Yangyi as he spoke.
"I’m in charge of this bar. Do you think I don't know what you were slipping into those glasses?" Tian Yangyi glared at the blond man.
"You say so, so it must be true?" the blond man blustered.
"I’m advising you not to stir up trouble here," Tian Yangyi said, maintaining his restraint.
"And if I do? You think I can't afford to play with you?" The blond man shouted, and instantly, dozens of thugs stood up behind him.
"Wow, look at all of you," Tian Yangyi sneered.
Soon, his own men gathered around behind him. The two sides confronted each other, their shouting drowning out the music in the entire bar. Before long, the music stopped and the lights came up.
"A Yi, didn't I tell you to keep a low profile when handling things? They're just a bunch of nobodies. Why waste your breath arguing with them?"
As the words faded, a young man in a black suit, handsome and brimming with vigor, stepped out from the inner room of the bar.
"Brother Chen!"
"Brother Chen!""Brother Chen!"
The crowd shouted in unison.
It was none other than the new master of this place, Lok Yu-chen.
"Brother Chen, they brought so many people here. It's obvious they're looking for trouble," Tian Yangyi said.
Hearing this, Lok Yu-chen said nothing more. He stared straight at the blond man, making him feel a chill down his spine.
At that moment, another voice rang out.
"Quite a lively scene."
"Brother Fat..."
The men on the opposite side shouted in unison.
Lok Yu-chen turned his head to see Loh Ting Fat, the strategist of Chung Sing Yee.
"It's you? What do you want?" Lok Yu-chen asked coldly as Loh Ting Fat approached.
"Handsome Chen, you've been making quite a name for yourself lately. You even managed to take down Beautiful Mum's territory from Hung Hing," Loh Ting Fat said.
"Thanks for the compliment. You came all the way from Tsim Sha Tsui surely not just to flatter me, did you?" Lok Yu-chen replied.
"Our Boss Lung thinks highly of you and wants you to come see him. Make it quick, come with me right now," Loh Ting Fat stated, revealing the purpose of his visit. Judging by his tone, he didn't think much of the twenty-something-year-old standing before him.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have had his men pull that stunt earlier, which was meant to give Lok Yu-chen a humbling reality check.
It was no wonder Loh Ting Fat looked down on him. After all, Lok Yu-chen had originally been nothing more than a punky street thug in Yau Ma Tei.
Yet recently, he had risen at an astonishing speed.
He had recruited a band of fierce fighters, seizing several territories from Dong Sing and Hung Hing as his strongholds. For a time, his momentum was unmatched, making him the most mysterious and sought-after figure in the Hong Kong underworld.
Lian Ho-lung, the rapidly expanding boss of Chung Sing Yee, had taken notice and wanted to recruit Lok Yu-chen.
As he finished speaking, Loh Ting Fat looked at Lok Yu-chen with a sneer of contempt.
Yet the next second...
"Listen well, I'll only say this once: get lost!"
Lok Yu-chen said calmly.
Lok Yu-chen knew the strength of Chung Sing Yee all too well, and he knew his own syndicate was still weak and needed time to grow.
Even so, having transmigrated here against all odds, he had no intention of bowing down to anyone.
That's right, Lok Yu-chen didn't belong to this world originally—he was a time traveler.Two months ago, upon discovering he had transmigrated into a world comprised of Hong Kong action films, he made up his mind to become the most powerful player of them all.
Relying on his memories from his past life and the support of a system, he gradually recruited Tian Yangsheng and his siblings, the Tony trio, and others. He founded Dragon Gate and seized enough territory to finally establish a firm foothold.
"What did you say?"
Loh Ting Fat could hardly believe his ears. No one had ever dared to speak to someone from Chung Sing Yee like that.
"My big brother told you to get lost. Can’t you understand simple words?" said Tony, who had appeared alongside Lok Yu-chen.
"Lok Yu-chen, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Our Brother Lung is honoring you by asking you to switch sides. Who do you think you are?" Loh Ting Fat, humiliated, shouted in a rage.
"Tony, A Yi, since he doesn’t speak human, stop wasting your breath."
No sooner had the words left Lok Yu-chen’s mouth than the action began.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A flurry of fighting erupted. The Chung Sing Yee underlings were tossed out of the bar in a matter of seconds. Loh Ting Fat sat on the ground, clutching his leg and howling in pain.
A long while later, inside the bar.
"Brother Chen, besides Dong Sing and Hung Hing, we’ve now offended Chung Sing Yee as well," said Tian Yangyi.
"That’s life in the underworld; we have no choice in the matter. I’ll handle the situation with Chung Sing Yee. You lot just focus on your own tasks," replied Lok Yu-chen.
Just then, two women walked in, looking flustered.
"Brother Chen, are you alright? I heard there was trouble at the bar and rushed over."
The speaker was So Ah-sai, nicknamed "Tiny."
"I’m fine. Don’t worry."
Lok Yu-chen’s tone softened instantly. Yuen Mui, who was standing nearby, witnessed this and a trace of displeasure flickered across her face.
"The garment factory business cannot be neglected, and keep an eye on the security firm..." Lok Yu-chen continued, giving orders to the group.
"Yes, Brother Chen."
News spread quickly.
In Tsim Sha Tsui, at the Ni Family headquarters:
"Ah Sam, have you heard the news from the bar in Sham Shui Po?"
Ngai Kun summoned his capable aide, Han Sam, late at night, as the matter involved his greatest rival, Chung Sing Yee.
"Everyone is talking about it. Lian Ho-lung tried to recruit Handsome Chen of Dragon Gate, only to be humiliated in return," Han Sam said.
"What’s this Handsome Chen’s background?" Ngai Kun asked.
"His real name is Lok Yu-chen. He used to operate in Yau Ma Tei and has become very prominent lately. He has many talented men under his command and has already snatched quite a bit of territory from Dong Sing and Hung Hing," Han Sam reported, recounting everything he had heard.
"Truly, the younger generation is formidable. Chung Sing Yee won't let this go. Go to Sham Shui Po at once, negotiate with the people at Dragon Gate, and see if they need any help."
"Understood, Brother Kun. I’ll make the arrangements immediately," Han Sam replied, instantly grasping Ngai Kun’s intent.
On the other side, at the Chung Sing Yee headquarters:
News of the bar incident left Lian Ho-lung and his brother, Lian Ho-tung, in shock.
Lian Ho-tung was already hot-tempered. Hearing that their syndicate’s strategist had been crippled by some "Handsome Chen," he couldn't take it. He prepared to lead a team to Sham Shui Po for revenge.
So-so, knowing Lian Ho-tung’s personality well, saw his demeanor and hurriedly said, "Adong, don’t be impulsive. Sham Shui Po is under martial law right now. If we act like this, it’s no different than throwing our lives away."
Lian Ho-tung muttered, "Then what should we do? Should we just let it slide? Where does that leave the face and prestige of Chung Sing Yee?"
Lian Ho-lung’s expression turned icy cold. He turned to So-so and ordered, "Go call Ah Hang here."
So-so felt a jolt in her heart; she knew her husband was truly enraged. Calling for Ah Hang meant there was absolutely no room for negotiation. She nodded quickly and reached for the phone to call him.
Ah Hang, full name Xiang Heng, had been nothing more than a common thug before joining Lian Ho-lung. Since following him, he had risen rapidly to become one of the top figures in Chung Sing Yee. He was unfailingly loyal to Lian Ho-lung and served as his most reliable enforcer.It could be said that in the Chung Sing Yee, Ah Hang’s fighting ability is second only to Lian Ho-lung’s. However, Ah Hang is usually a man of few words and has no interest in gang meetings. He only cares about fighting, so under normal circumstances, he would never appear at a Chung Sing Yee meeting.
Now that Lian Ho-lung had summoned him, the implication was clear.
After hanging up the phone, So-so said to Lian Ho-lung, "Ah Hang will be here soon."
Lian Ho-lung nodded, took a deep breath to steady himself, and said, "There’s no use panicking now. Let’s wait for Ah Fat to return and see exactly what condition he’s in."
Lian Ho-tung and So-so exchanged a look and nodded.
Before long, Loh Ting Fat, still unconscious, was rushed back to the Chung Sing Yee headquarters by his bodyguards.
"Damn it all to hell! Handsome Chen is ruthless!"
Seeing Loh Ting Fat’s wretched state, Lian Ho-tung’s fury flared up instantly. At the same time, a subconscious sense of dread flickered in his heart—the feeling of the fox mourning the death of the hare. The sight of this crippled man was more agonizing than death itself. If he were to become a cripple one day, he thought, he might as well be dead. But if that day truly came, he wasn't sure if he could bring himself to commit suicide.
Lian Ho-lung clenched his fists, his eyes burning with lingering murderous intent. He crouched down to examine the injuries carefully, then let out a long sigh. "His right knee is shattered; he’ll need a cane for the rest of his life. His right arm is severely broken—even if it heals, he’ll only be able to lift light things; he won’t be able to carry anything heavy. The person who did this is an expert."
"Ah Fat is that badly hurt?" So-so asked, startled.
Lian Ho-lung nodded, his murderous gaze intensifying.
Just then, Loh Ting Fat began to moan and stir. As he regained consciousness, he was immediately struck by excruciating, inhuman pain, and he couldn't help but howl.
"Ah Fat, Ah Fat, don't move..." Lian Ho-lung quickly steadied him.
"My leg... my hand... ah! It hurts! Brother Lung, Brother Lung, what happened to me?" Loh Ting Fat grabbed Lian Ho-lung’s hand, asking repeatedly.
Lian Ho-lung gritted his teeth, lowered his eyes slightly, and said softly, "It's nothing, just a standard fracture. Don't worry, you’ll be fine after resting for a while."
"Really?" Loh Ting Fat asked, pleasantly surprised. "Brother Lung, you have to help me get revenge. Take down Handsome Chen!"
Lian Ho-lung nodded. "Hmm. You focus on resting. I promise I’ll bring you Handsome Chen’s head to use as a ball to kick around! You can vent your anger then."
Loh Ting Fat nodded repeatedly.
Just then, Ah Hang arrived. He wasn't very tall, around five-foot-eight or so, but his build was sturdy and his expression cold. Seeing Loh Ting Fat’s condition, Ah Hang immediately understood that something had gone wrong; otherwise, Lian Ho-lung would never have summoned him.
"Brother Lung, what happened? What’s wrong with Brother Fat?" Ah Hang asked.
Lian Ho-lung waved his hand to signal his men, then ordered, "Take Ah Fat to the hospital..."
"Brother Lung, you must help me take down Handsome Chen!" Loh Ting Fat didn't forget to urge him as he was being carried away.
Lian Ho-lung forced a smile and nodded. Once Ah Fat was gone, Lian Ho-lung instructed So-so to call their men and tell the doctors not to reveal the true extent of the injuries to Loh Ting Fat just yet. So-so immediately took action.
"Brother Lung, is Brother Fat..." Ah Hang asked again, feeling puzzled.
Lian Ho-lung recounted the situation and then ordered, "Ah Hang, I have a mission for you: take down Handsome Chen! I don’t want him alive by tomorrow."
"No problem. Leave it to me." Ah Hang nodded, his expression remaining cold and unwavering, as if killing a man were as simple as killing a chicken. And in truth, it was; that was his business, after all.
"Be careful. I hear Handsome Chen and his men are quite skilled. Take a gun, and bring a silencer. Sham Shui Po is under martial law right now; gunfire will cause a stir..." Lian Ho-lung cautioned.
A brilliant spark of battle-lust flashed in Ah Hang’s eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his cold face. "I've been hearing the name Handsome Chen so much these past few days my ears have calloused. It'll be good to meet him and see if he's actually got three heads and six arms. I hope he doesn't disappoint me! If I take him out with one shot, it’ll be truly boring."
"Don't be arrogant! Even if you can't complete the mission, I want to see you come back safe," Lian Ho-lung said, frowning. He feared nothing more than his men being overconfident and leading to irreversible consequences.
Ah Hang gave an OK sign and said, "Brother Lung, relax. I’ll keep an eye on things. That’s it then, Brother Lung. I’m off..."
"Hmm. Be careful..." Lian Ho-lung reminded him once more.
Ah Hang moved with swift, decisive action and soon vanished from the Chung Sing Yee headquarters.
Lian Ho-lung let out a breath and turned to So-so. "How is our business doing?"
So-so shrugged. "The same as always. But the Ni Family has been moving more frequently lately, and the volume of our goods distributed in Tsim Sha Tsui has dropped again. We have no choice but to expand our market into other districts..."
"The Ni Family..." Lian Ho-lung sneered. "That old fox Ngai Kun has been wanting to wipe me out for a long time. Hmph, is it that easy? Once I find an opportunity, it'll be his funeral! Trying to confine me to Tsim Sha Tsui? What a pipe dream."
Lian Ho-tung grinned savagely. "Big Brother, why don't we just assassinate the Ni Family’s top brass? That fifth leader, Han Sam, is very popular right now and loyal to the Ni Family. I think we should pick him as our target and send the Ni Family a warning."
Lian Ho-lung shook his head. "Han Sam never leaves the house without dozens of bodyguards. How could it be that easy to assassinate him? That method won't work." He paused and asked So-so, "When is that shipment arriving?"
So-so thought for a moment. "In the next few days."
Lian Ho-lung nodded. "Keep a close eye on it. There must be no mishaps. This is a big order—worth two hundred million. If something goes wrong, our losses will be catastrophic..."
So-so nodded. "Don't worry, I'll watch it."
A sharp light flashed in Lian Ho-lung’s eyes. He said slowly, "Since we can't fully move our goods in Tsim Sha Tsui for now, we'll find another way. Isn't Sham Shui Po a good place? Plenty of junkies and not a single major dealer!"
Lian Ho-tung’s eyes lit up. "Big Brother, you mean..."
Lian Ho-lung nodded. "That's right. I've been eyeing Sham Shui Po for a long time, but with a Dong Sing stronghold there, it was hard to operate. Now that Handsome Chen has wiped out that stronghold, we don't need to worry about them anymore. The reason I wanted Handsome Chen to defect to us was simply because I wanted his territory. Of course, I did admire his talent, but that's impossible now, so we'll just wipe him out! Once Handsome Chen is dead, the Dragon Gate will surely fall apart and exist only in name. That will be our opportunity."
Lian Ho-tung laughed. "Big Brother, your foresight is as deep as ever!"
"Alright, enough staying here. Go to the hospital and check on Ah Fat..." Lian Ho-lung waved his hand.
The group nodded and followed Lian Ho-lung to the hospital.
In Sham Shui Po, the Jinbi Bar welcomed another guest. This guest didn't come to drink—or rather, while he was indeed drinking, that was clearly not his true intent. If he really wanted to drink, he wouldn't have traveled all the way to a dive bar in a backwater like Sham Shui Po.
Luo Yuchen gazed at the short, stout man before him, a strange look flickering in his eyes. Han Sam hadn't turned dark yet and remained deeply loyal to the Ni Family. Since that was the case, he decided he would have to help him along.
Indeed, sitting before Luo Yuchen was none other than Han Sam, who had been sent by Ngai Kun to negotiate with him.
Han Sam didn't notice the strange look that had flashed across Luo Yuchen’s eyes. He swirled his glass, his face full of warmth as he said, "Ah Chen, I’m quite a bit older than you. It’s alright if I call you that, right?"
Luo Yuchen nodded noncommittally. It was just a form of address; it wouldn't kill him. Besides, Han Sam was indeed his senior.