Chapter 33: Fatty Lai Pukes Blood
Two in the afternoon, You Gu Qi Restaurant.
Lin Feng leisurely entered the private room, guided by a waiter.
Chiang Tin-Sung was delighted to see him:
"Come, come, Ah Feng, have a seat."
Fatty Lai watched, fuming with silent anger.
When Chiang Tin-Sung saw him arrive earlier, he wasn't like this at all.
However, when under someone else's roof, one has to bow their head; he truly couldn't fight anymore. If he continued, he would go bankrupt.
Lin Feng greeted them, then looked at Fatty Lai curiously:
"What's wrong with you?"
"All sweaty?"
"Is it that hot?"
Fatty Lai didn't want to tell him the reason.
Chiang Tin-Sung chuckled:
"When I first arrived, I saw Fatty Lai like this."
"Sweating profusely, couldn't stop it."
Fatty Lai simply didn't want to bother with these two.
Who understood the pain of his little brother?
The doctor said he needed to rest and couldn't move around freely.
Yet, these two insisted on holding the banquet at the You Gu Qi Restaurant in Tsuen Wan, what could Fatty Lai do?
Seemingly simple acts like going up and down stairs, or even just walking on flat ground, were a battle for Fatty Lai.
Fatty Lai came to the banquet with immense perseverance and courage.
It wasn't that Fatty Lai didn't want to answer them; he was gritting his teeth tightly, not daring to speak.
If he lost that breath, who knew what embarrassing situation might arise.
Fatty Lai was sweating profusely from the pain.
Lin Feng immediately saw Fatty Lai's problem and was puzzled:
"Mr. Chiang, Fatty Lai is in pain."
"When I used to go 'chopping' with Brother Kun and got 'chopped' myself, it was exactly like this."
"Sweating cold from the pain."
"Daren't speak, because if you do, that breath escapes, and it hurts even more!"
Fatty Lai's head was even sweatier.
Chiang Tin-Sung wondered:
"Did you lay hands on Fatty Lai?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"I wouldn't be that bored."
"Our Hung Hing has rules: when two halls fight, it must not involve the two hall masters, and no lives should be lost on either side."
"I'm very law-abiding."
As soon as these words came out, Fatty Lai became anxious:
"How dare you say that?"
"In one morning, you broke the arms and legs of four hundred of my men; that's even crueler than hitting me."
In his excitement, Fatty Lai actually forgot the pain of his little brother.
Lin Feng sneered:
"I wasn't the one who started the fight."
"To be honest, everything I did was according to Hung Hing's rules."
"If you were from another Triad, this time next year would be your death anniversary!"
Fatty Lai was furious and wanted to argue, but he truly couldn't find anything to say.
North Point was utterly defeated.
The other side only took a few hours to almost bankrupt him.
He wanted to say some harsh words, but he was genuinely afraid the other party would take them seriously.
For a moment, his mind was in a mess, and he didn't know what to say.
Lin Feng had no intention of letting him go.
"Fatty Lai, to be honest, it's a good thing you're a Hung Hing hall master."
"Otherwise, someone like you, I wouldn't even need to make a move; you'd already be dead."
"Brother Kun disdained to act and gave this task to me."
"I originally wanted to have a good time with you."
"To fight you, I mobilized ten million money."
"But I gave you a chance, and you were useless."
"I hadn't even started, and you already fell."
"That ten million, I only spent four million to settle you."
"What?"
"Are you not convinced?"
"Otherwise, shall we continue?"
Lin Feng's barrage of true and false words made Fatty Lai's face change like a chameleon, alternating between white, green, and purple.
Lin Feng sneered:
"Do you think I wanted to come?"
"Do you think our Mong Kok cares about your peace offering banquet?"
"If Mr. Chiang wasn't the mediator, would you have the face to make me come?"
Fatty Lai was furious:
"Lin Feng, don't push your luck too far."
Lin Feng chuckled coldly:
"I'm pushing you?"
"You were the one shouting for war, right?"
"You were the one who wanted to show us, right?"
"You were also the first to back down, right?"
"You're not in the right about anything, yet you're saying I'm pushing my luck too far?"
"Oh!"
Lin Feng gently patted his forehead,
"I was foolish; you never reason, you prefer to use force."
He clenched his fists, making cracking sounds,
Lin Feng grinned menacingly:
"What, you don't reason and want to use force instead?"
Lin Feng looked at Fatty Lai with contempt,
"I'll spare you one hand."
"Do you dare to fight me one-on-one?"
Fatty Lai was stunned.
How could someone be so unforgiving when they had the upper hand?
He had already offered the banquet and conceded, why wouldn't this person let go?
Lin Feng scoffed:
"If I didn't abide by Hung Society rules, I could have already wiped you out."
"You probably think I can't do it, right?"
"The pathetic stuff you put out, you dare to call it a 'wet magazine'?"
"Do you even know what 'uniform temptation' is? Do you even know what 'mature woman charm' is? You know even less about the three goods of loli..."
"I thought you would last a bit longer."
"That way I could contact Sister Mei to start a dozen 'wet magazines' to crush you."
"Too bad, you're really useless."
Fatty Lai instantly sobered up and quickly turned to look at Chiang Tin-Sung:
"Mr. Chiang!"
He conceded!
He had to concede!
Lin Feng across from him was a lunatic. He originally thought Lin Feng just wanted to make him bleed a little, but he didn't expect the other party wanted to dig up his roots and make him die.
He couldn't afford to offend such a person.
Chiang Tin-Sung felt annoyed looking at Fatty Lai.
When offering a peace banquet, one should have a peaceful attitude. Lin Feng was the victor, what's wrong with him saying a few words to you?
And you're still not satisfied?
Did you even consider where that leaves my face?
Chiang Tin-Sung said coldly:
"Fatty Lai, if you're not reconciled, then pretend I didn't come today, and you can continue."
Fatty Lai completely panicked:
"Mr. Chiang, I was emotional just now, please preside."
Chiang Tin-Sung asked:
"Are you really seeking peace?"
Fatty Lai gritted his teeth and nodded:
"Really."
Chiang Tin-Sung changed his expression and smiled at Lin Feng:
"Ah Feng, Mong Kok and North Point are both halls of the company. Now that the misunderstanding has been resolved, let's drink the tea and let it pass."
Lin Feng said seriously:
"Mr. Chiang's face must be given, but I'm just afraid that Fatty Lai will be deceitful and cause trouble again in the future."
Chiang Tin-Sung chuckled:
"If you can control him once, you can control him ten times. If there's a next time, I won't come no matter what, nor will I meddle in your affairs."
Lin Feng lightly slapped the table:
"Since Mr. Chiang has spoken so clearly, if I don't express myself, that would be ungrateful."
"However, seeking peace requires a peaceful attitude."
"He started the war, so he must compensate double for all expenses."
Chiang Tin-Sung looked at Fatty Lai, who gritted his teeth and said:
"I'll give it!"
Lin Feng smiled slightly:
"Then I'll send someone to your residence this afternoon to collect the ten million."
Fatty Lai was both shocked and angry:
"Didn't you say it cost four million?"
Lin Feng snorted coldly:
"I also spread the word throughout the entire underworld; isn't my face worth two million?"
Fatty Lai almost vomited blood, but in the end, he conceded.
His fingernails dug deep into his flesh.
***
Chapter 34: Is Tofu Pudding Better Sweet or Savory?
Fatty Lai walked away with difficulty.
Chiang Tin-Sung and Lin Feng exchanged glances.
"Ah Feng, that guy's way of walking isn't normal."
"Hmm, it's very similar to how I walked after my Bao Pi surgery."
"Fatty Lai, at his age, getting a Bao Pi surgery?"
"Could it be the injury he sustained yesterday at the Hall of Brotherhood?"
The two Hung Hing bigwigs fell silent. Fatty Lai was not a good person, and they wouldn't sympathize with whatever suffering he endured.
However, seeing his appearance, any man would feel a sense of empathy.
With the eyesore gone, Lin Feng proactively poured tea for Mr. Chiang:
"Because of this trash, Mr. Chiang had to make a trip."
Mr. Chiang shook his head slightly:
"No matter how trashy Fatty Lai is, he's still Hung Hing's trash. He is, after all, the Hall Master of North Point, representing Hung Hing's face on the outside."
Lin Feng didn't want to answer that topic.
What ability did Fatty Lai have to firmly hold North Point? Dai Fei, Greyhound, who among them wasn't stronger than him?
Greyhound was a bit ugly, but in the Triad world, he was much stronger than Fatty Lai.
And Dai Fei, needless to say, was originally one of the 'Benevolence, Righteousness, Wisdom, and Trust' (Renyi Zhixin).
This kind of thing should be Mr. Chiang's headache; why should he worry about it?
Mr. Chiang changed the subject:
"Ah Feng, I want to transfer you to the main headquarters. Do you have any thoughts on that?"
Lin Feng said directly:
"Mr. Chiang, thank you for your kind offer."
"However, as you know, I joined Hung Hing because of Brother Kun."
"I was born without a father, and my mother passed away when I was seven. Brother Kun raised me. If Brother Kun hadn't given me food to eat after selling fish balls, I would have been gone long ago."
"In my heart, I still feel it's better to stay by Brother Kun's side."
"Positions don't matter; I don't value that."
Mr. Chiang inexplicably felt a bit jealous.
Liang Kun was truly blessed to have such a good brother like Lin Feng.
In Mr. Chiang's eyes, although Lin Feng hadn't received much education, he was a born talent.
Mong Kok was so prosperous; Liang Kun could take credit for 40% of it, and the other 60% was Lin Feng's.
Mr. Chiang was genuinely envious, but he knew that even if he was, it was useless. Their friendship spanned over a decade and had long since become like family.
"Ah Feng, you've misunderstood. I'm not trying to break up your Mong Kok hall."
Mr. Chiang quickly clarified,
"From the beginning, I told Ah Kun that I was asking for your help."
"Being at the main headquarters would simply make it more convenient for you to help me."
Lin Feng asked curiously:
"What does Mr. Chiang want to do?"
Mr. Chiang said seriously:
"You are a great talent; you understand how to use your brain."
"Young and Dangerous who don't use their brains will be small-time thugs their whole lives."
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head,
"I just want to earn more money, and you can't do that without using your brain."
Mr. Chiang clapped his hands and said:
"Exactly."
"We have few smart people in Hung Hing, but we do have some."
"But a smart person with economic acumen like you, you're the first."
Lin Feng waved his hand:
"In my opinion, Hung Hing has many talents."
"Brother Yao is your main housekeeper, and also Hung Hing's main housekeeper. All the Triad's data is in his mind, and Grandfather's assets increase every year."
"Brother Yao's contributions are indispensable."
"Hon Ban was known as Binny Hu when he was with Hap Tu."
"He is a big shot in international smuggling, with top-notch economic acumen."
"What's rare is that he's skilled in both civil and martial arts, and he even achieved a clean sweep in Tsuen Wan."
"Brother Kei is one of the few elders still in power, willing to mentor new talent, often appearing profoundly wise."
"Sister Mei is one of Hung Hing's rare female Hall Masters, heroic and not inferior to men. Portland Street is thriving..."
Mr. Chiang quickly interrupted his speech:
"Ah Feng, I know you're humble, and I also know the Twelve Hall Masters have their own wisdom."
"But there's one thing you absolutely cannot deny."
Lin Feng listened attentively.
Mr. Chiang said seriously:
"They are good at illegal businesses, but if you ask them to do legitimate business, they can't."
"None of the Twelve Hall Masters have the ability to do legitimate business like you."
Lin Feng said thoughtfully:
"Mr. Chiang, are you thinking of corporatizing our Triad?"
Mr. Chiang clapped his hands in delight:
"I knew you'd understand me."
With one sentence from Mr. Chiang, Lin Feng instantly understood.
He envied Liang Kun even more.
Lin Feng thought for a moment and asked:
"Mr. Chiang, do you like to drink tofu pudding?"
Mr. Chiang didn't know why Lin Feng asked that, but still said:
"Yes, I do."
Lin Feng smiled and asked:
"Then do you prefer sweet tofu pudding or savory tofu pudding?"
Mr. Chiang was dumbfounded:
"Tofu pudding can be savory?"
Lin Feng sighed:
"I like savory tofu pudding."
Mr. Chiang suddenly became anxious:
"How can tofu pudding be savory?"
"You have to add sugar, and fruit bits, and drink it hot. It's so comforting."
Lin Feng said expressionlessly:
"Tofu pudding should naturally be savory. Pour in some brine, and it's so satisfying to drink."
Mr. Chiang glared:
"Tofu pudding should be sweet."
Lin Feng ignored him:
"Sweet tofu pudding is heresy!"
Neither of them would back down. After a long while, Mr. Chiang frowned:
"Huh, what were we talking about just now?"
Lin Feng said lazily:
"Mr. Chiang, you want to implement corporate restructuring in Hung Hing."
Mr. Chiang suddenly realized:
"You deliberately used the tofu pudding example to illustrate that corporate reform won't go smoothly?"
Lin Feng said seriously:
"Corporate reform is a major undertaking."
"Times are developing, and the Triad's situation is also developing, so changing the Triad's model is a normal thing."
"However, it won't work in this generation."
Mr. Chiang frowned:
"Why won't it work?"
Lin Feng sighed:
"Our Hall Masters have very low levels of education."
"Many only have primary school education; those who went to junior high are considered highly educated."
"Although that guy Fatty Lai is annoying, it must be said that compared to us, he is the intellectual."
"Of course, his words and actions show no trace of an intellectual."
Mr. Chiang was stunned. He had never thought that Lin Feng would use this method to refuse.
"Even a small tofu pudding can have a sweet and savory dispute."
"How much more so for a major event like corporate reorganization."
"For Hall Masters of Brother Kun's generation, their thinking is completely set. It's basically impossible to raise their academic level."
"To make them change the Triad's organizational structure is even more impossible."
"Mr. Chiang's idea is very good, but to achieve it, unless our Triad has many university graduates."
"This has nothing to do with whether I exert effort or not."
"Otherwise, after corporate reorganization, all the Hall Masters and all the big bosses will basically just stare blankly."
"They won't be able to adapt to the company's new system, or rather, people without sufficient knowledge won't be able to support this system."
"Mr. Chiang, please forgive me, I am powerless."
***
Chapter 35: Hot-shot Detective
Go to the Hung Hing main branch to help Chiang Tin-Sung reorganize Hung Hing?
Lin Feng had no interest in that.
Chiang Tin-Sung wasn't Liang Kun, so Lin Feng had no such obligation.
Moreover, it was a thankless task. If he really reformed Hung Hing according to Chiang Tin-Sung's ideas, then most of the current Twelve Hall Masters would be out of a job.
These guys lacked the corresponding work ability; besides being Triad members, how could they possibly work in an office?
Chiang Tin-Sung had talent, and his vision was even more advanced.
Twenty years later, the Triads in Hong Kong would evolve. They would no longer use traditional hall-based associations like the Hall of Brotherhood, but would instead operate from high-rise buildings and offices.
This was the evolution of criminal methods.
But what did that have to do with him? That was something the O Bureau needed to consider.
Thinking of this, Lin Feng saw a tall man in front of him.
When the man smiled, he had a pair of dimples, which was very charming.
"Mr. Lin, I'm Yuen Ho-Wan from the O Bureau. Can we talk?"
Lin Feng shrugged:
"Sure."
Yuen Ho-Wan smiled:
"How about a walk by the sea?"
He even thoughtfully opened the car door for Lin Feng.
Lin Feng was indifferent.
Ten minutes later, the two arrived at an deserted beach.
Along the way, Yuen Ho-Wan curiously observed him.
Lin Feng reminded him:
"If you have something to say, say it. If not, take me home. I still need to go home to collect debts and read books."
Yuen Ho-Wan couldn't help but say:
"Mr. Lin, I'm an Inspector from the O Bureau. Are you really so at ease walking with me?"
"Aren't you afraid of others seeing us and causing misunderstandings?"
Lin Feng chuckled:
"You're an Inspector from the O Bureau, and I'm also a person of status and position. Why should I be afraid?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said bluntly:
"You know that's not what I meant. I mean, aren't you afraid of Triad members seeing you get into my car?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"The people who deal with the police the most are Triad members. Which famous Hung Hing boss hasn't been in an O Bureau car?"
"What's the big deal?"
"Besides, who in your O Bureau doesn't have a few familiar Triad members?"
"Has anyone ever questioned you about it?"
Yuen Ho-Wan shook his head:
"That hasn't happened, but my colleagues would all assume those Triad members are our informants."
Lin Feng laughed heartily:
"You want me to be your informant?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said honestly:
"I can't afford you. You're a well-known entrepreneur in society and one of the invisible tycoons. The Police Station wouldn't approve such a high informant fee."
Lin Feng was amused:
"Alright, our time is precious. Please hurry up and say what you want to say."
Yuen Ho-Wan said seriously:
"I want to ask about the Police Force's undercover agents."
"Lau Kin-ming and his group."
Lin Feng's gaze was very strange:
"Superintendent Wong assigned this to you?"
"That's right. If it were given to the Internal Affairs Department, things would get out of hand, and he wouldn't look good."
"Besides, the Internal Affairs Department has always colluded with the Political Department. If they investigated, who knows what it would turn into."
Yuen Ho-Wan forced a smile:
"Mr. Lin is very familiar with our Police Force."
Lin Feng mocked:
"After all, I've been one of the top three donors to the West Kowloon Police Headquarters for the past three years. I should be familiar with this level of detail."
Yuen Ho-Wan immediately fell silent.
Damn it, Lin Feng was clearly a Hung Hing boss, yet he was also one of the Police Force's biggest benefactors.
It was as awkward as could be.
Lin Feng looked at Yuen Ho-Wan with amusement:
"However, I didn't expect Superintendent Wong to assign this task to you to investigate."
Yuen Ho-Wan was startled:
"Mr. Lin doesn't believe in my ability?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"You're a Hot-shot Detective, so your ability is beyond doubt."
"It's just that you're excellent at solving cases, but you lack patience."
Yuen Ho-Wan's expression changed, and his voice became colder:
"What do you mean, Mr. Lin?"
Lin Feng said lightly:
"The literal meaning."
"Every time you respond to a call, bullets fly like the wind, and there are rarely any survivors under your gun."
Yuen Ho-Wan said grimly:
"They deserve to die."
"Anyone who dares to draw a gun on the police deserves to die."
"You should know the kind of people we in the O Bureau face."
Lin Feng took a step forward, coming close to Yuen Ho-Wan. Even though there was no one around, his voice remained low:
"Indeed, if anyone dares to draw a gun on me, they certainly deserve to die."
"You are a police officer."
"Have you ever considered, what if there were police officers among the people you were facing?"
Yuen Ho-Wan was stunned, and then his face changed drastically:
"What did you say?"
Lin Feng told him honestly:
"What if there were police officers on the other side?"
"Don't you understand?"
"Undercover agents!"
"Isn't that what you police like to do most?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said seriously:
"I would never harm my colleagues."
Lin Feng chuckled:
"As a Senior Inspector, you, an Inspector, are very aware of how secretive the Police Force's undercover system is."
"How can you guarantee that the person you killed was definitely a criminal and not your undercover colleague?"
Yuen Ho-Wan shouted:
"Impossible!"
Lin Feng sighed:
"Impossible?"
"Last month, you opened fire in a teahouse, didn't you? Quite a gunfight, and your colleague Ah Long was killed as a result."
A trace of pain flashed across Yuen Ho-Wan's face.
Lin Feng said lightly:
"I'm glad to see you shed tears for your brothers."
"When you go back, ask your lover."
"Ask what Superintendent Chan Yan-Kin secretly did that day."
Yuen Ho-Wan subconsciously retorted:
"I don't have a lover."
Lin Feng looked at him with a half-smile:
"Alright, then I'll tell Inspector Cheng that when I see her next time."
Yuen Ho-Wan frowned:
"Your intelligence is really well-informed."
"But Mr. Lin, what are you trying to say?"
Lin Feng sighed:
"I just want to say that your temper really isn't suited to investigating this case."
"Kang Daohang from the Intelligence Division and Cheung Kwok-Chim from the O Bureau are much more suitable than you."
"Of course, Superintendent Wong personally appointed you, so he must have his reasons."
Yuen Ho-Wan vaguely felt something was wrong, and his expression changed:
"You mean I did something wrong?"
Lin Feng shook his head:
"It's not that you did something wrong, it's that your system is wrong."
"You're an O Bureau captain, a Senior Inspector, yet when you're in a shootout, you don't even know your own undercover agent is on the other side."
"How ridiculous!"
"The Police Force's undercover system is truly rigid and strict."
Yuen Ho-Wan suddenly took a step forward and reached out to Lin Feng. The latter pushed him back, and Yuen Ho-Wan's body flew into the air, falling backward.
Lin Feng's Baji Quan was truly masterful; a casual strike was something Yuen Ho-Wan couldn't withstand.
"See? What did I just say?"
"You're too impatient."
"Investigating undercover agents is a meticulous job. If you don't change your temper, you'll never be able to do this work."
Yuen Ho-Wan struggled to his feet, his eyes red, and he shouted:
"Tell me what happened then!"
Lin Feng said lightly:
"Baji Quan is all about close-quarters combat. I pushed you away to save your face. Do you want a beating?"
Yuen Ho-Wan rushed forward without another word.
***
Chapter 36: The Provoked Yuen Ho-Wan
West Kowloon Police Headquarters, Major Crimes Unit office.
Yuen Ho-Wan rushed back, his face bruised and swollen.
His colleagues were startled and gathered around him.
"Officer Yuen, what happened?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said with a stern face,
"Go do your work!"
His colleagues immediately scattered like birds.
Cheng Silin was stunned when she saw Yuen Ho-Wan's appearance and quickly stepped forward:
"What happened?"
Yuen Ho-Wan pulled Cheng Silin aside, stared into her eyes, and whispered,
"After the shootout last month, what did Officer Chen do in his office?"
"I'm talking about something only you saw."
Cheng Silin frowned:
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Yuen Ho-Wan was about to get angry, but seemed to remember something, took a deep breath, and suppressed his emotions.
"I'm just asking you to confirm it."
"I just need an answer."
"That time, Ah Long and a few brothers sacrificed themselves. After we returned from their funeral, Officer Chen's mood was off."
"Did he secretly burn a file in his office?"
Cheng Silin exclaimed,
"How did you know?"
Yuen Ho-Wan covered his mouth in pain; Lin Feng was right, he really had accidentally killed a colleague.
Immediately, an unknown rage surged, his eyes turned red, and he strode into Chan Yan-kin's office.
"Sir, I demand an explanation."
Chan Yan-kin frowned:
"Didn't I tell you to go talk to Mr. Lin? What happened to you?"
He said, winking at him.
As Yuen Ho-Wan turned around, he saw everyone in the main hall gathered around. He could no longer suppress his anger and roared,
"What are you looking at?"
"Haven't you seen the bosses arguing?"
"Get back to work!"
No one dared to watch.
He slammed the door shut and closed the blinds.
Chan Yan-kin looked extremely serious,
"Yuen Ho-Wan, what are you doing?"
"Didn't I tell you to go see Mr. Lin? You ended up like this?"
"Is Mr. Lin alright?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said grumpily,
"Mr. Lin is fine, this was done by him."
"I never expected this guy to be a Bajiquan grandmaster, his kung fu is so high."
Chan Yan-kin was startled:
"Are you alright?"
Yuen Ho-Wan shook his head:
"I'm fine, just superficial injuries."
"Mr. Lin said that if Bajiquan really wants to hit someone, it uses the arms and wrists to entangle and hold the person close for a brutal beating."
"He just pushed me away; he didn't intend to beat me."
Chan Yan-kin was furious:
"He didn't even intend to beat you, and you're almost beaten into a pig's head."
"No one can bully our police officers, not even a financial backer."
"I... I must report this situation to the big sir."
Yuen Ho-Wan said faintly,
"Sir, thank you for your concern."
Chan Yan-kin was dismissive:
"You are my most trusted subordinate, so it's only right for me to care about you."
Yuen Ho-Wan sighed,
"Most trusted? If I were your most trusted subordinate, I wouldn't have been unaware of the undercover agent in the teahouse during the last operation."
"I even killed that brother."
"At that time, you uncharacteristically argued with me. I thought you were upset because you couldn't capture a living target and claim credit from your superiors... I never expected you were grieving for the fallen brother."
Chan Yan-kin's hair stood on end, and he grabbed Yuen Ho-Wan:
"Who told you?!"
Yuen Ho-Wan's heart sank. He rubbed his face hard, regardless of how much it hurt:
"I really did kill my own brother..."
"But sir, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Chan Yan-kin immediately became angry:
"Didn't tell you?"
"I told you early on!"
"I said we must keep a living target, we must keep a living target, and not act rashly."
"But you, you just started shooting."
"You're fine, but a colleague isn't."
"By the time I got there, it was too late!"
Yuen Ho-Wan also retorted angrily,
"Bullets have no eyes. If I had known my own brother was there, how could I have shot?"
"Even if it meant letting the criminals escape, I would have let them."
The two looked at each other and simultaneously deflated.
They couldn't bring their colleague back; what was the point of talking about it now!
Yuen Ho-Wan took a deep breath and was the first to say to Chan Yan-kin,
"Sir, I'm sorry."
Chan Yan-kin waved his hand.
Recalling the events of last month, both felt deeply distressed.
Yuen Ho-Wan said seriously,
"Sir, you know our unit investigates major cases. Can you please tell me in advance if there are any more undercover brothers like that?"
"I know the Police Force's confidentiality rules, and I won't tell anyone else."
Chan Yan-kin shook his head:
"There are none!"
Yuen Ho-Wan said grumpily,
"I just met Mr. Lin."
He grabbed the white rose from the table.
"Still dare to say there aren't any?"
Chan Yan-kin was terrified:
"Mr. Lin knows even this?"
Yuen Ho-Wan was sullen.
Chan Yan-kin said helplessly,
"It's not that I don't want to tell you. You know that undercover work is not easy, and there's always a risk to life."
"I was thinking of telling you when the time was right."
Yuen Ho-Wan sighed,
"Sir, how do you know I won't encounter an emergency when I'm working on a case outside?"
"What if I ran into a colleague then..."
Chan Yan-kin was speechless:
"Do you already know who the undercover agent who sent the white rose is?"
Yuen Ho-Wan pointed to his face:
"I traded a beating for this."
Chan Yan-kin pulled him to one side and whispered,
"Who did Mr. Lin tell you it was?"
Yuen Ho-Wan also whispered,
"Uncle Hai's right-hand man, Kong Long."
Chan Yan-kin was dumbfounded.
After a while, he said fiercely,
"Keep this to yourself. You should know how dangerous a colleague's situation is."
Yuen Ho-Wan nodded vigorously:
"I know!"
Uncle Hai is one of Hong Kong's arms cartels; it's as dangerous as it gets.
Chan Yan-kin frowned:
"You've met Mr. Lin, did you get the list of undercover members in the police academy from him?"
Yuen Ho-Wan shook his head regretfully.
"No."
"Mr. Lin said that Hon Sam was very shrewd when selecting people, and these members don't know each other."
"This guy toasted seven people in front of Eight-Faced Buddha and said a few words."
Chan Yan-kin said,
"Mr. Lin wouldn't speak casually; what he said must be very important and helpful for us to solve the case."
Yuen Ho-Wan repeated Lin Feng's words,
"Hon Sam said to everyone,"
"A master once told me that 'a general's success is built upon ten thousand bones.'"
"But I don't believe that. I think a person's fate is still in their own hands."
"The path is given to you; how you walk it is up to you."
"I wish all the police officers a smooth journey."
Chan Yan-kin's face darkened.
"'A general's success is built upon ten thousand bones.' Does this guy think of himself as a general?"
"Does he really think he can live a long life?"
Yuen Ho-Wan said,
"I believe these words left a deep impression on the few undercover agents, perhaps we can try something."