"Say, have you heard? Dragon Gate is about to release some kind of flashy new clothing line. Have you guys heard anything about it?"
"I just heard. I wonder what it's actually going to be like?"
"Dragon Gate is on a roll right now; it’s bound to be something extraordinary. If it’s really a Dragon Gate product, I’ll definitely buy it. Even if it’s just for the sake of the Dragon Gate name, it’s worth a try."
"Pah! What could it possibly be? I bet it’s just a gimmick."
"Exactly. It’s hard to say if Dragon Gate will even survive the siege from Chung Sing Yee, Dong Sing, and Hung Hing, and they’re out here making flashy clothes? It’s just absurd."
"It’s not a question of surviving; they’re going to collapse completely. Chung Sing Yee, Dong Sing, and Hung Hing are all attacking—what small organization would dare claim they can take on three at once? Especially a small group like Dragon Gate?"
"But don’t you think Dragon Gate has been pulling off miracles lately? Maybe this time, they’ll surprise us again."
"Alright, brother, have you had too much to drink? Look at the size of Dragon Gate. Forget three super-gangs; Chung Sing Yee alone could take them down."
"You’re wrong again..."
"How am I wrong?"
"How about a wager?..."
"Bet on what?"
"I bet that Dragon Gate will withstand the wrath of Chung Sing Yee..."
"You’re on. What’s the bet?"
"Hey, I thought we were talking about Dragon Gate’s flashy clothes? Why are we back to discussing their situation?"
"..."
From some point on, the rumor that Dragon Gate would be releasing a flashy clothing line began to spread wildly through the streets and alleys of Sham Shui Po. Along with it, speculation about the future of Dragon Gate became a hot topic. Some even went as far as placing bets on whether Dragon Gate could withstand the ongoing siege by Chung Sing Yee.
However, what was strange was that after suffering consecutive losses of high-ranking commanders, Chung Sing Yee had remained suspiciously quiet. It left people puzzled. Could Chung Sing Yee really swallow such a humiliating defeat? Countless people watched on, but Chung Sing Yee remained as calm as if nothing had happened.
***
In the western district of Tsim Sha Tsui, inside a luxury apartment, a rather beautiful woman stared at the man before her with terror in her eyes. The man was very young and handsome, with thick eyebrows and large eyes—a face one wouldn't easily forget.
But right now, the woman had no interest in his good looks. She was terrified. She was a married woman, and because of who she was—Tricia was her name—and who her husband was: the notorious A-Wu of Chung Sing Yee.
A-Wu was a household name in the underworld, a high-ranking official within Chung Sing Yee and a right-hand man to Lian Ho-lung. Yet here in her apartment, sitting beside her, was not A-Wu, but a burly, gym-toned pretty boy. The pretty boy looked frantic, pleading for mercy repeatedly.
"Take him away."
The imposing man waved his hand, and two subordinates dragged the pretty boy away.
"Let me go! Please, let me go! I’ll never do it again, I swear!" The pretty boy, convinced he was a dead man, was on the verge of a breakdown, begging desperately.
The man with the thick eyebrows said calmly, "You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. You actually dared to lay a hand on the wife of a Chung Sing Yee boss. Impressive! Don't worry, I won't kill you—yet. I still need you for a little something. Get him out of here!"
The two subordinates ignored the man's pleas and knocked him unconscious before dragging him out.
"Who are you? Do you know who I am?" Tricia clenched her fists, struggling to remain calm, her voice laced with a threat.
The man replied coolly, "I know. You’re Tricia, wife of A-Wu from Chung Sing Yee. You’re exactly who I’m looking for."
"Since you know, you still dare to break into my home? Aren't you afraid that when A-Wu gets back, he'll beat you to death?" Tricia gritted her teeth.
The man chuckled. "I’d actually love for him to come back. It would be a perfect opportunity for him to see what kind of man Miss Tricia really prefers. I’m sure once he sees that pretty boy, A-Wu will feel quite ashamed of himself."
"You!" The comment shattered Tricia’s composure instantly.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Tian Yangyi of Dragon Gate. I’m here because I need a favor from you, Miss Tricia. If you cooperate, A-Wu will never know about you and that pretty boy. But if you refuse, those photos—and the pretty boy himself—might just happen to find their way into A-Wu’s hands..."
The man who had appeared in the apartment was indeed Tian Yangyi. Everything was being done under the secret orders of Luo Yuchen. Even now, Tian Yangyi found it curious how Luo Yuchen had discovered all of this. Tricia, A-Wu’s wife, was actually cheating? And she was brazen enough to bring the man home? Had A-Wu really not suspected a thing? That was quite a heavy hat to be wearing.
"Are you threatening me?" Tricia said coldly.
Tian Yangyi shrugged. "You could call it that." He paused, then continued, "You’re A-Wu’s wife; you know his character better than anyone. If he finds out about your 'little indiscretion,' what do you think he’ll do? If I printed thousands of these photos and distributed them among the men of Chung Sing Yee, how do you think they’d look at you? How would they look at A-Wu? Even if A-Wu didn't want to hurt you, wouldn't he be forced to act just to save face? Once it reaches that point, your fate... well..."
"You! What exactly do you want?" Hearing this, Tricia couldn't help but shudder. Her expression shifted to one of pure terror. Any lingering shred of hope she had was extinguished by these words. She couldn't afford to be optimistic. She knew exactly who A-Wu was. He loved her, yes, but if this scandal went public, the pressure of public opinion would force his hand. If he didn't, where would his dignity go? It was a matter of honor; he would be a laughingstock. Given his status, he couldn't stand for that. He would go insane, and she—she would certainly die. She didn't want to die! She had money, things left to do, places to see; she loved her exciting life. Without a doubt, Tricia was completely broken.
"What do I want? I already told you. I need your help. Of course, you can refuse, or pretend to go along with it and feed me false information. I don't mind. But whether you can handle the consequences—that’s up to you," Tian Yangyi said with a smile.
"What do you want me to do? If you want me to assassinate Lian Ho-lung, just kill me now! That’s impossible!" Tricia screamed, nearly breaking down from the anxiety and dread.
Tian Yangyi sneered, "Assassinate Lian Ho-lung? You think way too highly of yourself. Don’t worry, you don’t need to do anything that difficult. You just need to follow my instructions. Like this... and this... do you understand?"
"What are you trying to do? If people find out about this, aren't you just forcing me to die?" Tricia wasn't stupid; she realized what he was planning.
"You can choose not to do it and die right now!" Tian Yangyi’s expression turned sharp. "But if you do as I say, you won't die. Do you really think A-Wu would throw you under the bus?"
"Fine! I agree! But I expect you to keep your word. Once this is over, you give everything back and arrange for me to get out of the city!" After a long hesitation, Tricia gritted her teeth and agreed. She had no other choice. Fighting back might provide an escape, but giving up now meant certain death.
"I have never broken a promise," Tian Yangyi said with a slight smile. "Miss Tricia, a pleasure doing business with you." He gave a mock salute and sauntered out the door. Watching his back disappear, Tricia collapsed, drained of all strength, her expression one of utter desolation.
***
Sham Shui Po. Sham Po Street. This street used to be a stronghold for Dong Sing, but it had since become Dragon Gate territory. Babyface was the biggest bar on Sham Po Street, and currently, it was under the watch of Dragon Gate’s commander, Tony.
Tony had just finished patrolling another street and returned to the bar when a subordinate rushed over, pointing toward the bar counter. "Brother Tony, this man said he’s here to see you. We asked who he was, but he insisted on waiting for you to return to talk to you directly."
Tony glanced toward the counter and immediately spotted the conspicuous middle-aged man sitting there. He was as thin as a bamboo pole—very tall, which only accentuated his lanky frame. His face was long, his complexion sallow, and he had heavy dark circles under his eyes, clearly the result of irregular sleep and overwork. Yet, Tony sensed a hidden sharpness; this was a man with real skill.
"Alright, I see. You go back to work. I’ll go test the waters," Tony nodded, dismissing his subordinate, and walked over to the man.
"You’re looking for me?" Tony signaled the bartender for a drink before turning to the man.
The man had been watching Tony, and he recognized his target immediately. He scanned his surroundings, checked the busy bartender to ensure no one could overhear, and offered a faint smile. "Let me introduce myself. I am A-Wu of Chung Sing Yee."
"A man from Chung Sing Yee? A-Wu, it’s you! You’ve got a lot of nerve coming to Dragon Gate!" Tony’s eyes turned cold, his voice dropping to a freezing temperature. The killing intent was palpable; it looked as if he might strike at any second.
A-Wu quickly waved his hands. "When two armies clash, one does not execute the envoy. Besides, I am here representing Chung Sing Yee and Boss Lian to discuss some business with you. Besides, guests are always welcome. I’m a customer in your bar; you can't go attacking customers, right?"
"Heh, fine. For the sake of the guest, I’ll let you have your say. Make it quick! But the moment you step out that door, I can’t guarantee what will happen."