"You have no grand ambitions?"
"Don't give me that!"
Deep down, Chan Kin scoffed at Lok Yu-chen’s blatant lie, but he had already gotten the answer he wanted. He understood Lok Yu-chen’s stance and realized it was impossible to persuade him to defect to the Baoyi Society.
Chan Kin gave a faint smile. "It doesn't matter. Perhaps Mr. Lok has some concerns for now. When there’s time later, we can sit down again. Who knows, Mr. Lok might change his mind then..."
After a brief pause, Chan Kin added, "Let’s leave it at that, then. I have things to take care of, so I'll have tea with Mr. Lok another day."
From his actions, Lok Yu-chen realized one thing: Chan Kin was a man of action, swift and decisive—a quintessential utilitarian. If there was hope, he would persist. But the moment he saw no hope, he would cut his losses cleanly. As expected, one who could serve as the right-hand man to a hegemon was no simple character.
Lok Yu-chen did not ask him to stay. After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, he had his men see Chan Kin out.
The calm didn’t last long. Soon after, Lok and Tai Dee from Wo Hop Sing sent men over as well. Their goal was the same: to convince Lok Yu-chen to join their respective factions. Lok Yu-chen refused them all, naturally. These men left empty-handed, and their faces were naturally sour, but perhaps fearful of the outburst Lok Yu-chen had shown earlier, they dared not react too strongly.
Finally, things quieted down.
However, news that so many bosses were trying to recruit Lok Yu-chen spread through the underworld like a hurricane. Countless people sighed, realizing that Lok Yu-chen of the Dragon Gate had truly become the most sought-after prize. With even the biggest super-gangs sending high-level members to recruit him, Lok Yu-chen’s market value soared instantly.
Lok Yu-chen had anticipated this, but he didn't pay it much mind. Status is just status; strength is what truly matters. Otherwise, everything else is just an illusion.
Seeing the bar packed with business, Lok Yu-chen felt idle, so he wandered into the alleyway behind the back door to breathe some fresh air and smoke a cigarette. To be honest, staying in the bar for long periods made his head spin.
*Snap.*
Lok Yu-chen had only just lit his cigarette and taken a few puffs when his eyes suddenly sharpened. He looked in a specific direction.
*Killing intent!*
It was hidden, yet terrifyingly palpable. The killing intent emanated from the corner of the back alley. The alley was usually deserted, and while a few Dragon Gate men had been there smoking earlier, they had greeted him respectfully and returned to the bar as soon as he stepped out. Now, the alley was effectively occupied only by Lok Yu-chen.
The killing intent vanished in a flash. An ordinary person might not have felt it, but as a Grandmaster-level expert, how could Lok Yu-chen miss it? Furthermore, this intent was clearly aimed at him.
*Aimed at me? Who could have sent them? Beautiful Mum? Lian Ho-lung of Chung Sing Yee? Crow of Dong Sing? Or someone from Big Brother B’s side? It seems I’ve offended quite a few people.*
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Lok Yu-chen continued to smoke, his expression entirely unchanged. Once he finished his cigarette, he stretched lazily and deliberately muttered to himself, "Nature calls..."
He began to walk forward, as if heading toward the dark corner of the alley to relieve himself. His footsteps echoed in the silent alley—neither heavy nor light, yet they beat like a drum against the heart of the person hiding in the shadows.
The assassin was none other than Ah Hang, sent by Lian Ho-lung to eliminate Lok Yu-chen!
Ah Hang had arrived in Sham Shui Po long ago, but seeing the tight security at Jinbi Bar, he knew he couldn’t act recklessly. He had been scouting the area, looking for the best hiding spots and the perfect line of sight, hoping for a chance to catch Lok Yu-chen alone. He hadn't expected that on his second scouting run, he would see Lok Yu-chen come out the back door. When the Dragon Gate men appeared, they were clearly reserved and soon retreated back inside.
The scene was left with only Lok Yu-chen. The surroundings were silent. A perfect opportunity! How could Ah Hang let such a chance slip? He quickly pulled out his gun, attached the silencer, and calmed his heart, waiting for the right moment.
Ah Hang was no ordinary thug; he was experienced. He knew that rushing out at a distance against a man with Lok Yu-chen’s reputation would likely result in failure. Striking when his opponent was off-guard was the only correct way. He hadn't expected Lok Yu-chen to actually walk toward his hiding spot.
*Did he discover me?* The thought crossed Ah Hang’s mind instantly, but he dismissed it. His movements were stealthy, and he had been invisible. There was no way Lok Yu-chen could have found him. The only explanation was that Lok Yu-chen really did need to use the bathroom!
If that was the case, it played perfectly into his hands. At close range, even with three heads and six arms, Lok Yu-chen wouldn't be able to dodge his cold shots!
*Thud, thud, thud...*
The footsteps continued toward him. Ah Hang leaned against the wall, counting to estimate the distance. *Almost there!* A few more steps, and he would put a bullet through him with his precise aim.
Just then, the footsteps stopped.
*Hmm?* Ah Hang felt a flicker of doubt. Then, in the next instant, the footsteps resumed. Ah Hang calmed his heart and tightened his grip on the gun. But at that moment, a heavy sense of crisis washed over him. An expert who had survived many brushes with death, Ah Hang felt a shock and inwardly cursed.
"I’m actually quite curious—who sent you?"
A cold voice rang out right in front of him. A tall shadow loomed over him. Ah Hang’s eyes narrowed, and he swung his gun up, ready to pull the trigger. But Lok Yu-chen was already there, ghost-like. How could he give him a chance to fire?
With a flick of his wrist, Lok Yu-chen’s right hand clamped onto Ah Hang’s wrist and jerked it upward, forcing the gun away from the lethal trajectory. Ah Hang reacted quickly, striking out with his left hand at Lok Yu-chen’s wrist while twisting his right hand to break free.
Lok Yu-chen inwardly praised the assassin’s skill. At a time like this, trying to pull away with just one hand would be a mistake, but counter-attacking while protecting the gun was a double insurance. Still, Lok Yu-chen wouldn't let him slip away. He raised his left hand, meeting Ah Hang’s strike with lightning speed.
*Slap!*
A dull sound echoed. Ah Hang’s body shuddered, an expression of disbelief crossing his face. His left hand throbbed with pain from the impact, forcing him to retract it involuntarily. Before he could react, Lok Yu-chen twisted his right hand, applying pressure that forced Ah Hang to let go of his gun.
*Clatter!*
The gun hit the ground. Lok Yu-chen kicked it aside. Ah Hang retreated, his eyes fixed on his opponent with grave caution. They stood facing each other in the dim corner. Ah Hang was on edge, while Lok Yu-chen remained calm and composed.
"An expert with such high-level skills is rare in the underworld. If I’m not mistaken, you must be Ah Hang of Chung Sing Yee, right?"
In the dim light, Lok Yu-chen could roughly see his enemy—young, in his twenties, medium build, with a cold, sharp demeanor.
"Hmph! Brother Long gave the order: you’re a dead man!" Ah Hang said coldly, shaking his aching hands.
Lok Yu-chen suddenly broke into a devious smile. "I was just bluffing. I wasn't sure who you were at all, but now, you’ve given me the answer."
The most likely person to send an assassin was indeed Chung Sing Yee, and the only man they could send for such a task was the cold, silent, yet lethal Ah Hang.
"Hmph, so what if you know? Today next year will be your death anniversary! At least you won’t be a confused ghost before you die!" Ah Hang was furious inside, cursing Lok Yu-chen’s underhandedness for baiting him into admitting his identity. But it didn't matter; his mission was to kill him regardless.
Before the words were even out, Ah Hang stomped his foot and lunged like an arrow released from a bow, throwing a punch that whistled through the air. Lok Yu-chen’s eyes brightened. Ah Hang’s skills were indeed impressive. He didn't underestimate him, but he wasn't worried either. He stood his ground and calmly raised a hand to block the heavy blow.
Failing the first strike, Ah Hang didn't hesitate; he launched a side kick capable of cracking stone. Lok Yu-chen raised his right hand, blocking the kick, and with a sharp shove, used Ah Hang’s own momentum to send him reeling back a few paces.
The gravity in Ah Hang’s eyes deepened. The underworld rumors weren't exaggerated. Lok Yu-chen’s skills were truly fearsome—perhaps not inferior to his own boss, Lian Ho-lung, or even stronger. After all, Lok Yu-chen was young and in his prime.
Fortunately, they were in the back alley where no one would see them, and the blaring music from the bar masked their struggle. As long as the Dragon Gate men didn't come out, he wouldn't face a mob. It was the only silver lining. He could still make a clean escape.