Chapter 31: The Gang Gathering

Early the next morning, just after Chen Erpao had driven Wang Xuemei to the school, a flight arrived at Hong Kong International Airport. As the plane rolled to a stop, four men in sharp suits descended, each of average build but carrying an air of authority and sharpness in their eyes that set them apart from ordinary travelers.

“I’ve heard there are countless beautiful women in Hong Kong. Why don’t we try a few tonight?” one of the men suggested with a lascivious grin, speaking Japanese. His gaze lingered shamelessly on the women disembarking, and when a particularly attractive one passed, his eyes grew even more brazen.

“They say Chinese women are conservative—their sex lives dull and flavorless, limited to a few simple moves. Unlike Japan, where things are colorful and varied. Men the world over could learn from us. But remember, our mission this time is crucial. There’s no room for error,” the man who seemed to be the leader replied, his tone suddenly grave.

“Understood. We’ll complete the mission without fail,” the other three responded, all traces of levity vanishing at the mention of their assignment.

After the four Japanese men stepped out of the airport, several black sedans pulled up to the curb, their doors opening to reveal a welcoming party of Hong Kong gangsters, their skin inked with a kaleidoscope of tattoos.

Meanwhile, in a modest private room of an unremarkable restaurant in the Tuen Mun district, Zeng Fan sat listening to a report from one of his aides.

“Brother Fan, the Japanese have sent their people. As soon as they landed, they were picked up by the United Victory gang, whom they’ve already bought over.”

“United Victory is one of the top ten triads in Hong Kong. I didn’t expect those Japanese to win them over so easily. Still, we can handle that. What worries me is if the Italian Mafia and the Thai General send their own people—then things will get complicated,” Zeng Fan replied with a slight frown.

“Why don’t we strike first? We could tip off the Hong Kong authorities to round up these Japanese,” suggested Xiao Li, another assistant.

Zeng Fan shook his head. “The Japanese have been preparing for this a long time. Many in the Hong Kong government have already been bought off, some indirectly. And don’t forget, this is a Special Administrative Region, not the mainland. People like us don’t have as much leeway here. Because this is such a sensitive region, many of our usual methods aren’t an option. We have to act in the shadows. Besides, these Japanese came as ‘investors’—we can’t just openly go after them.”

“So what do we do? We can’t just wait for them to make the first move. And now we’ve had instructions from above to keep an eye on Lingnan University. They said if anything happens, we need to report it immediately. I don’t see what could possibly happen at an ordinary university,” Xiao Chen, another aide, chimed in.

Zeng Fan nodded. “Something is bound to happen at Lingnan University soon. In fact, it’s going to become a gathering point for forces from across the mainland. As for the reason, we don’t know yet. But don’t forget, my old comrade Erpao is on the inside. We won’t be left in the dark.”

“That’s true,” the aides agreed.

Night fell on the headquarters of United Victory in Yuen Long. Inside a massive restaurant called “Feast of Heaven and Sea,” dozens of banquet tables were set. Each table was packed, every seat taken by men exuding the unmistakable air of professional Hong Kong gangsters—hundreds of them.

The boss of United Victory, known as Baldy, bore a glaring scar across his shiny scalp.

“Mr. Kobayashi, let me make the introductions. This is Boss Chen of the Hesing Hall, Boss Li of the Wanhe Gang, and Sister Lin of the Shui Society.” Baldy gestured to two burly men and a woman, still elegant and alluring despite being over forty, introducing them to the four Japanese men from the airport.

“And this is Mr. Kobayashi from Japan and his three assistants. I hope we can all work together and sink our teeth into this juicy prize that is Hong Kong,” Baldy continued with a booming laugh.

Kobayashi’s narrow eyes nearly vanished when he smiled, yet a shrewd glint remained, revealing a calculating and ruthless mind.

“Now that we’ve joined forces with the Mafia, the Thai General, and the Cambodians, and with you Hong Kong locals backing us, unifying the city’s underworld shouldn’t be a problem. When Hong Kong—this treasure within a nation—becomes ours, there’ll be no end to the money and women we can have, eh?” Kobayashi declared confidently, laughing heartily.

“But what about the big gangs—Hong Xing, East Star, and the rest? They’re not to be underestimated. And we can’t ignore the Chinese government. Even if we’re not after political power, taking control of Hong Kong’s entire underworld is a significant loss for them. With Hong Kong’s position in the world and its role in China’s economy, if they send in troops, it’ll be a disaster,” Baldy said, voicing his concerns calmly.

Kobayashi chuckled and waved him off. “You worry too much, Baldy. We’re not starting a war. Hong Kong’s always been a hotbed of gang activity, with open and hidden battles for control. The government won’t send in the army for that. Once we unify the underworld and take over entertainment, we’ll draw all the youth into the gangs. Hong Kong will become the gateway for all underworld goods into China, and the profits will make your heads spin,” Kobayashi replied, peppering his speech with several Chinese idioms. Clearly, he was well-versed in Chinese.

“Mr. Kobayashi is absolutely right. Come, let’s drink to our future together!” Sister Lin laughed, her flirtatious eyes sparkling at Kobayashi. Her fair, ample bosom seemed about to spill forth with each breath—remarkable for a woman her age.

After they’d downed a round, Kobayashi’s gaze lingered on Sister Lin. “I’ve heard the Shui Society is filled with beauties as alluring as water, every type imaginable. Is that true?”

Baldy roared with laughter before Sister Lin could speak. “Kobayashi, you have no idea. Aside from Sister Thirteen’s women in Hong Xing, no one can match Sister Lin. She’s got everything from blond bombshells to Thai ladyboys. Any man in Hong Kong who doesn’t pay her respect is sure to find trouble with her hundreds of women.”

Sister Lin parted her red lips in a seductive smile, her entire being exuding an irresistible charm. Even the battle-hardened bosses present couldn’t help but steal glances at her exposed, snowy skin, each longing to conquer such a formidable and alluring woman.