Chapter 83
If...
- Hey, wake up, man, it's daybreak!
- Damn, what on earth is he dreaming about that makes fifty colors appear all over his face?
He rubs his eyes to see who wakes him up. The blinding sunlight shines directly on his face; he squints his hazy eyes, raises a hand to his forehead to block the glare, and vaguely sees a group of people, tall and short, standing and sitting.
They are fat and thin, all different in stature, height, and appearance. Some are more handsome than romantic leads. Some are cold and angular, every strong line cutting into their sharp-edged faces. Opposing them are several men who are solemn like a general inspecting troops.
Their bodies are similar—all healthy and strong, with bulging muscles and abdomens that are no less than any bodybuilder. In particular, each of them has legs as thick as pavilion pillars, strong and firm like pillars holding up the sky.
They are shaped like tigers and leopards. Their clothes range from old-fashioned to modern styles; some even dress like hippies. He grimaces at their unique appearance and clothing style:
- Tsk, I don't know the dads are on the track and field team or the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. That gave me a start!
He curls his mouth and blinks his eyes, as if he is about to die on the spot if he finds out:
- Why dress like a group of chameleons today?
Everyone smiles in a different way, as if to say that dressing like this is diversity. Meanwhile, the rest of the people frown and wave their hands in front of their noses
- Go brush your teeth! Your mouth is so rotten it is splattering the cage!
- Admittedly, damn, the smell is choking!
He laughs until his whole body vibrates, stands up, stretches his shoulders, twists his ribs a few times, and walks slowly to the bathroom with sleepy eyes.
After a while, he goes to the next room. Every patient ward here has a room for family members to visit. The room is airy and spacious, suitable for gathering and living, and equipped with the most modern facilities. The largest wall of the room is a huge glass panel, which allows family members to observe the patient's room while talking.
The whole track team is there now, all gathered around the big table. He turns his chair around to get closer to the table, sits down, rests his chin on the chair back, and turns his silent gaze to his brother who lies motionless.
The track team is still joking, gulping down beer. A bunch of "food grinders" are wolfing down food, teasing the most depressed guy in the group:
- Older brother is not dead yet, but you bring a funeral? This guy is so precious that he turns into a gay!
- He is madly in love with his brother!
- Damn, I have goosebumps all over my body!
- Stay strong, crybaby!
In the face of all the teasing, he remains silent, not caring about the excessive noise coming from the crowd, who are super naughty all the time, still "muddy" whether in joy or sadness.
All feelings are shaky with pain... the white-haired person... drowns in a sea of suffering... crying and sad... the black-haired man still lies motionless and silent, tormenting his mind, torturing his spirit, eroding the psychology of his relatives who are waiting for his return through the weak rhythm of his breathing.
- I am afraid that brother will not be able to take care of himself in the future!
The track team is talking and laughing, chugging beer. The funny voices gradually subside and then disappear. Some frown, some smack their lips, sigh, and lament that they have a good time, but are cut across by a sentimental person.
No one is in the mood to play with the panic of chaotic, overlapping gratitude, righteousness, sorrow, and hate... but... not knowing who the enemy is prevents him from venting all the pain and accumulated anger.
The annoyance is pushed to the extreme because... he cannot... gain trust from the people he cares about yet.
A stuffy atmosphere envelops the room. The guy touches the long scar on his strong arm.
Another guy looks down at legs deformed by the crisscrossing scars... marked with... old injuries... to face the past already becomes the turning point changing life's future…
It was pouring rain that day…
Hoang Kim was returning home when he suddenly stopped and squinted his eyes to see a shipper running in the distance, followed by a group of screaming gangsters chasing him.
He panicked and drove his car directly to block the road. The thugs scurried, jumped around and dodged, swearing loudly, waving sticks, threatening to smash the car, and shouted:
"Get out of the car…"
"Dog, you dare to get in the way."
Shipper was about to run away when he saw a familiar figure. His agile steps suddenly stopped and he couldn't move even half a step; he was immediately surrounded.
The juniors found that Hoang Kim was blocking the road. They frowned in worry, discussed for a while, and decided to call the boss.
A few minutes later, the boss drove to the place. The juniors made way to the side, and three people got out of the car.
The first to step out was a tall and strong guy, wearing white pants and a leather jacket, bare-chested, with a cold and sharp face, striding towards the scene.
Behind him followed two twins, dusty in appearance and slender. They had floating curly hair, skinny faces, dressed like hippies, smoking and blowing smoke from the edges of their mouths.
Hoang Kim, the shipper, and the gangster boss came face to face. The shipper felt guilty about dragging Hoang Kim into disaster and worried that his acquaintance would suffer calamity because of him.
Hoang Kim had no regrets or fears. He was strangely calm when he suddenly met his acquaintance. Even though danger came from all sides, he did not hesitate to face the gangster boss.
The boss frowned, squinted his eyes, and looked confused. Hoang Kim and the shipper looked at each other, convinced that the other was afraid of being disgraced and criticized. If they harmed a world superstar, a national treasure, they would have to evade the arrest warrant until death. If caught, the worst punishment would be the death penalty, the lightest would be imprisonment until death.
"Big brother, what should we do now?"
A limb-developed guy spoke loudly:
"What's wrong? If you dare to disrupt big brother's business, even world superstars must be beaten..."
Before he could utter the word "die," the big brother angrily slapped his chin until it swelled. He fell to the ground, his face purple, his teeth broken, his mouth full of blood. He dared not cough. Everyone shouted contemptuously and scolded him:
"Damn you mother, shut your dog mouth, you stupid."
"Dead you mother, you dog brain."
"You live just making the land cramped…"
The boss smacked his lips, exhaled, and glanced at the shipper, as if he was the type who had good luck today. He turned his anger into joy and said happily to Hoang Kim:
"The earth is indeed round. I have been waiting for this day for a long time..."
Hoang Kim smiled slightly. When the gangster wanted to raise his hand but took it back, he was afraid that someone would make up a story that a world star had a secret relationship with a gangster. Concerned about this issue, from then until now he had not yet gone to meet Hoang Kim. Big brother smiled lightly and deliberately said loudly:
"According to the rules, anyone who dares to evade debts should have his fingers chopped off. But respect, Hoang Kim saved the lives of my mother and elder sister in the apartment fire last year." - He smirks at the shipper - "Today I let you go."
People watched from afar, whispering and talking. Hoang Kim was surprised by the unbelievable coincidence, patted his forehead blankly, thinking of the fire. Many people were in trouble that night, and he couldn't be sure who was the big brother's relative.
Some of the juniors came forward to thank Hoang Kim for saving their relatives in the fire. Others bowed their heads solemnly and thanked Hoang Kim for helping their families in other incidents.
Hoang Kim was confused, vaguely wondering when this favor was "created." He didn't even know who they were, nor did he remember who he had helped specifically.
A girl and six guys of different heights, dressed in different styles—some with neat and shiny hair, others with messy hair—all came out one after another. The oldest said:
"Our father went to visit relatives until late at night. Unfortunately, he had an accident on Thuy Phung street. There was no one around that night. If you hadn't taken him to the hospital in time, the doctor said that my father would have to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life..."
They thanked Hoang Kim. A tall, scar-faced fellow said:
"My mother was chased and beaten by a bunch of Cobra gang bastards and was seriously injured. You risked your life to rescue her, put her in the car, sent her to the hospital, and thanks to timely treatment, my mother escaped death..."
He thanked and let the others speak. It was the big brother's turn to describe in detail what his relatives looked like that night when Hoang Kim broke the wall to save people.
Hoang Kim tried to recall, but all he could remember was saving some juniors' families and relatives.
"It was very chaotic that night, with thick smoke and flames, and I didn't recognize anyone. Many people participated in the rescue that day, so I wasn't sure if I had saved your juniors' families. Maybe it is this guy…"
Hoang Kim patted the shipper on the shoulder:
"Truong Xuan held the ladder while I smashed the wall. He was enthusiastic and looked for ways to save people regardless of the danger. Perhaps you guys should thank him…"
All eyes were focused on Truong Xuan. The shipper no longer saw them despise or get angry at the delayed debtor.
If someone else had confirmed the news, a bunch of tigers, leopards, foxes, and minks would not have believed that the slender scholar, who couldn't even tie a chicken tightly, had the strength and courage to save people in the sea of fire.
A bunch of gangsters who had just chased him now secretly admired the person who could become their benefactor.
The tense atmosphere gradually subsided. The big brother sighed:
"Wow, you never remember who you saved, and you don't even know how many people you saved. You are indeed a national hero!"
He half-smiled:
"Maybe he saved my juniors' relatives."
He was 100% sure:
"But you are definitely the benefactor of my family. You don't remember who you saved, but the victim knew clearly who saved her. My mother and elder sister heard the voice of Hoang Kim and saw you saving them."
The juniors bowed their heads, hiding their silent smiles. Hoang Kim laughed at the other party's implicit praise of his benefactor.
The guy was secretly proud that he and his relatives were grateful to Hoang Kim for saving lives. The big brother shouted loudly to the eager crowd:
"Those who have idle groins, listen carefully. Hoang Kim and Truong Xuan are the benefactors who saved our family's lives!"
Knowing that these words could not dispel the doubts and rumors of this stinking world, he still adhered to the principle of gang law: everything must be transparent. The boss sneered at Truong Xuan:
"This debt-evading kid is also very brave and righteous. He actually missed the opportunity to escape and chose to share the hardships with his savior."
He squinted his eyes, touched his chin, opened his mouth, and smiled suspiciously:
"Hey, don't tell me you are afraid of losing your soul, but you are still smart. You predict that the big brother of gangsters respects friendship and righteousness as life, and will admire you and let you two go."
Truong Xuan did not show his emotions like Hoang Kim did. He tried to hold back his laughter at the boss, who used every opportunity to teach the juniors.
"Tsk, if I stay, I'll risk becoming a dead soul. But if I run away alone, I'll be worse than a dog—cowardly, ungrateful, hiding and skulking around, hunted down by you all… and… I'll have to run from myself for the rest of my life. It's as simple as that."
Some smacked their lips, some clicked their tongues, and some uttered foul language:
"What dog simple? A bunch of people were just chasing you, and you're so scared you're cowering your buttocks, but now you say it's simple? Are you kidding me?"
"Simple, did I hear you right, guys?"
"Those who were chased by us were so scared that they peed their pants, abandoned their wives and children, and fled. Many even forced their relatives to die in their place. And you are 'simply' afraid to live in shame, dog."
The big brother sighed:
"Fuck, this world is most afraid of reckless guys…"
Hoang Kim wiped his nose several times to hide his smile, because a bunch of people who lived on the edge of a knife and died under a gun deliberately used contemptuous tones to swear and curse, so as not to be criticized as cheesy and sentimental like women.
He looked at both sides and saw that there were no more "compliments" and no excuse to curse loudly. The scene could easily fall into an awkward situation, so he said to Truong Xuan:
"You consider saving a benefactor a heroic act, and you value friendship and righteousness, so you will not live in vain by sacrificing your own life. But that is only when you have no relatives, something that can be accepted temporarily. If there is only one dearest person left, this behavior should be condemned as wrong, senseless, and irresponsible to your family. Whatever you do, never let your loved ones suffer the consequences and bring disaster to your family. Whatever decision you make, you should worry about your mother, not me or anyone else. If today…"
Hoang Kim cleared his throat:
"Another gang comes to attack you, you will definitely die miserably. Who will take care of your mother? Will she be able to get over the loss of her only child?"
Truong Xuan smiled at the advice… which was completely at odds with Hoang Kim's own way of acting. The national hero immediately shook his head:
"No, don't learn the 'virtue' of caring about others before thinking about yourself. Living like that is tiring, so don't follow my example. As for me, I can't sleep if I don't save people from danger and help those in hardship... and... you or others are not me. You guys are not Hoang Kim. I am a person who is born with reckless blood and a busybody nature, and saving people is my instinct."
Hoang Kim burst out laughing:
"Let alone I have armor to protect me from all harm, and that armor is that those two younger brothers—the tiger and the leopard are crazy about their older brother…"
Hoang Kim advised with a humorous voice. The listener realized that what he wanted to say most was that everyone must be afraid... the two younger brothers... would eat anyone who dared to touch their older brother.
The gang of gangsters did not laugh, nor did they feel upset by these words that could be easily misunderstood, because only a madman would be so foolish as to provoke the "two younger brothers, tiger and leopard," to anger.
The big brother and the juniors pondered over this advice, which had many different meanings. Each sentence contained a hidden meaning for the gang. Everyone opened their eyes as wide as possible, more shocked than when they recognized the person who had saved Truong Xuan.
Each of them found the absurd 'hidden meaning' hard to believe. Except for the most meddlesome man in world history, there had been no fool who ate at his own family's table and carried the burden of thousands, idle enough to do such crazy things with the odds of successful realization being almost zero.
Truong Xuan was extremely surprised and stared at his benefactor with stiff eyes, as if Hoang Kim was not a human being... but... some strange species that could not be explained by the world.
This situation reminded him of the first time he had encountered Hoang Kim. On the way to deliver goods that day, his smartphone prompted a text message. He hurriedly stopped the car, opened smartphone, and saw the text message:
Where are you now? Your mother has had a stroke and is in the hospital.
The terrifying news urged him to gun his motorcycle. He was flustered, trembling all over, and his eyesight blurred by tears, causing him to lose control of the steering wheel and be hit by a car driving on the opposite side, pushing him onto the road.
Blood flowed from his head. He vaguely saw Hoang Kim, Sam, and Anh Tuan, who, regardless of the traffic on the road, almost had an accident themselves, driving fast, helped him into the car, and sent him to the emergency room.
Although he survived, his hands were severely injured and the cost of surgery was huge. Hoang Kim paid all the hospital expenses and hired the best physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons to treat Truong Xuan's hands, which were in danger of paralysis.
"You also had saved my mother from a stroke. Without you, my mother and I would have been reunited with our ancestors long ago."
Truong Xuan smiled lightly, relaxed, and put down the psychological burden that he had not yet repaid. Now his wish had come true:
"Dogs know how to save their masters, not to mention humans. You are more than a benefactor to me and my mother. If I escape alone, will I still have the face to see my mother? My mother will never forgive me!"
Truong Xuan did not express his emotions and comfortably recounted the past... just like... Hoang Kim calmly accepted the "gratitude." But it was this normality... that revealed that both of them understood each other's mentality, and did not need to show anything, nor did they care about the gossip of the worldly in the distance:
"If they value each other so much, why doesn't Hoang Kim help him pay his debt?"
"That's right, a world-famous superstar with such a huge fortune would actually let his younger brother be hunted down by gangsters for evading debts?"
"That's true... ah, forget it…"
Hoang Kim and Truong Xuan did not care what the worldly barked. They focused on the hidden meanings that affected the gangsters' psychology. The person whose father had got into trouble smacked his lips and sighed, while the person whose mother had been injured was confused and scratched his head.
The big brother considered everything. From the moment he had entered the underworld, through the rain of blood, he had climbed up to the position of leader. The price he had to pay was that his father had been killed by the enemy. His elder brother had sacrificed himself to save him in a gang fight.
The subordinates suffered the same fate: one lost his father, another lost his mother, and some even went insane after watching their wives and mothers being raped to death.
Ever since the night his family had escaped death, the big brother began to worry about a tragic ending in the future. Fear led him to suspect that the enemy had been the mastermind behind the fire. He did not believe that luck would accompany him throughout his life.
In recent times, the number of dangerous incidents he and his family had encountered increased. His family and relatives in the group were terrified. His gang was nervous and worried about dealing with enemies and the police.
Speaking of the police, the law enforcement team immediately appeared. The police mob ordered the scene to be surrounded. Hoang Kim smiled slightly and glanced at the gang leader.
The big brother was talking to the police, but he came across a sharp gaze like a demon‑revealing mirror, making him feel that his mind was being seen through. Hoang Kim explained calmly:
"Hello comrades, this is all just a misunderstanding and we have resolved it satisfactorily."
Everyone reported everything. The police punished the crime of disturbing public order according to law.
"You guys are also charged with assault…"
Hoang Kim said slowly:
"Truong Xuan was chased and beaten, but his injuries are not serious, just a few scratches. They compensated Truong Xuan for his physical and mental injuries. Both reconcile, wouldn't that be better?"
Hoang Kim always valued peace, avoided confrontation, and minimized the risk of making enemies. The last sentence caught the attention of the police team:
"Mainly I hope they have a turn‑over‑a‑new‑leaf opportunity!"
Hundreds of eyes rushed forward, surrounding him, making him feel as if everyone was going to dissect every layer of his psyche, peeling off every thought that was different from life. The whispers grew louder, the flashes of cell Halos and cameras sparkled against the smile that spread across Hoang Kim's lips.
That smile was still warm, gentle, and friendly, simplifying everything and making life easier... but the moment their thoughts were officially understood, a group of gangsters suddenly trembled with fear and asked themselves whether Hoang Kim was human?
Why would this cruel and selfish world give birth to someone who never lived for himself?
This ridiculous, crazy nonsense turned Hoang Kim into a vague, confusing question mark in the eyes of Phuong Hoang and the police team, urging and stimulating people's curiosity, wondering what kind of person Hoang Kim was.
Because even if they searched the whole world, they could not find anyone like him. Everyone already believed the conclusion drawn by the most modern human analysis machine:
"It is impossible to explore and understand Hoang Kim! Perhaps only the most historical busybody—Hoang Kim's idol—General Thiet Nam and General Thuy Phung, rising from the grave, could sympathize and understand him."
All were surprised, even more excited, when the thug policeman raised his mouth and smiled, unable to wait to see what unbelievable story Hoang Kim could make happen next. The policeman shrugged:
"What horror are you looking at? I, like everyone else, know next to nothing about the national hero."
Hoang Kim giggled. A serious man who had never laughed so strangely made people even more curious. He asked the main question:
"Comrades, how can they turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society?"
The police team smiled slightly because Hoang Kim was trying to find a way to help the gang. Phuong Hoang answered:
"Except for unpardonable crimes, all other offenses can be pardoned and treated with leniency, allowing for a chance to turn over a new leaf. As for reintegration into society, it depends on whether the prisoners reform well and strive for goodness..."
Phuong Hoang cleared his throat and turned to the crowd that was filming and broadcasting live:
"… and based on the tolerance and generosity of society in giving them a chance."
Hoang Kim asked about the gangs. Phuong Hoang let Kim answer:
"As long as they have never committed an unforgivable crime, they will be treated leniently and have a chance to turn over a new leaf. But whether the people will give them a chance to reintegrate into society" - Kim smacks his lips - "depends on luck..."
Several people in the crowd raised their hands and shouted:
"I protest! I saw they were demanding protection money from people. They don't deserve leniency…"
"I object too. We don't accept bad people!"
They shouted loudly, calling on everyone to agree with them, but only a few acted like a pack of barking dogs. Most hesitated and did not dare to express their opinions. The rest were gentle:
"No one is perfect. Although the Vermilion Bird gang is not as bad as other gangs, they are still different from ordinary people. It's best to give them a turn‑over‑a‑new‑leaf for themselves!"
The Vermilion Bird gang and Hoang Kim smiled faintly, certain that the gangs disguised as civilians were protesting. Their purpose was to remove the thorns in their eyes. The supporters were also wolves in human skin, not good at all. These men were more cunning than those superficial ones, and they eliminated their opponents in a seemingly kind way.
If Vermilion Bird truly changed, they celebrated. If they committed the offense again, the serious ones were executed, and the minor ones died in prison. The guarantor was implicated. They held a big banquet.
Hoang Kim calmly opened his Halo K and played dozens of clips. The screen displayed images from a long period of time, showing the Vermilion Bird gang suppressing thugs, driving away other racketeers who came to harass, extort, and squeeze money from the merchants. The shop owners happily took the initiative to hand over protection money to Vermilion Bird in person.
"My friends and I took turns secretly monitoring for a year. Vermilion Bird never asked for protection money. They only collected fees when they were protecting innocent people. If there were no problems, they did not charge a penny."
The video clip clearly showed the date and time, and the person who filmed it was the guarantor of all truth. The police confirmed that criminal records showed that several members of Vermilion Bird had prison sentences, but none had committed an unpardonable crime. Kim concluded:
"They never disturbed or harmed innocent people."
The disguised crowd still did not give up:
"Unreasonable. Gangs don't harm innocent people, they never commit unforgivable crimes, and they don't buy or sell contraband. Where do they get the huge funds to develop the gangs into what they are now? I don't believe it."
"What did you mean by not harming innocent people? Then how did you explain the assaulted shipper?"
"I saw the shipper being hunted down with my own eyes. If it hadn't been for Hoang Kim saving him, he would have been chopped to pieces."
Those who supported the change immediately expressed their opposition, and the two sides had a heated debate. Truong Xuan said:
"Before I met Hoang Kim, I had borrowed a large sum of money from Vermilion Bird to treat my mother. The debt had not been repaid for many years, so Vermilion Bird deals with me vigorously. I will not sue. Please give me time to earn and repay the debt."
Hoang Kim laughed and said it was a small matter:
"You will compensate Truong Xuan for the mental trauma and give him time to earn money to repay the debt. Then the whole village will be at peace, and everyone will be happy."
The Vermilion Bird gang agreed. Truong Xuan thanked Hoang Kim. He then waved his hand as if dismissing empty courtesy, and shifted his tone to sarcasm:
"You will not run away from your debts, or else people will use it as an excuse to entertain themselves."
Truong Xuan burst out laughing. Phuong Hoang smiled, because Hoang Kim resisted the trick of borrowing a knife to kill someone. A group of instigators made a lot of noise. Kim took out a cigarette, lit it, took a breath, opened his mouth, exhaled the smoke, and talked nonsense:
"You mean, the kind of people who are greedy, angry, and stupid, plotting to harm others, preaching morality, but living like… huh?"
Those who dragged others into the quagmire were immediately angry:
"Who are you mocking?"
"You are a police officer, why are you defending criminals like this?"
"Your moral preaching is deafening. Why don't they just get a decent job instead of forming a gang?"
The angry crowd protested, noisier than a broken market. Phuong Hoang glanced at Kim, and he showed the attitude of the most villainous man in the police station:
"Then why don't you guys use every moment to do business and make money to support your families? What is your intention in wasting time arguing here and forcing the other party into a dead end?"
Phuong Hoang giggled; she heard his tone become vulgar and obscene. He sneered. His owl eyes swept across, coldness piercing into the minds of evil people.
It depended on the attitude of the other party. When he met an uneducated person, he behaved like an uneducated person. When confronting gangsters, he became a villain, more arrogant than any bull‑headed guy. Phuong Hoang echoed:
"Oh, by the way, why are you guys the only ones who strongly oppose this? Don't tell me you guys have a conflict with them?"
Being provoked constantly, the ones who felt the cap fit grew angry:
"Hey, what do you mean?"
"She said it as if we are hurting someone who is not innocent?"
Phuong Hoang was waiting for these words, and she immediately seized the opportunity:
"Then sue me for defamation. I'm ready to go to trial. But…"
Phuong Hoang crossed her arms and smiled charmingly:
"According to the newly enacted law, anyone who wants to sue must report their personal information to the city police station to complete the procedures. Ah, kill two birds with one stone. Reporting criminals, save time, energy."
The police officers laughed in their throats. Kim gave his colleagues a thumbs‑up. A group of agitators flinched; they tried to leave, claiming they were too lazy to argue with the stubborn debaters and would only get angrier if they stayed.
When the situation returned to normal, Kim mentioned the conditions for convincing the criminals to change:
"The government will provide vocational training, create job opportunities for your families, and send you to a safe area, protected by soldiers day and night. You guys will join the Red Flag Hall team, undergo a year of rigorous training and testing."
Hoang Kim spoke seriously:
"I've said everything I wanted to say. You all can decide for yourselves. If you agree, I will grant you all a lifetime guarantee to reintegrate into society!"
Under special circumstances, according to the law, people who wanted to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society had to have a guarantor. Hoang Kim's lifetime acceptance carried the risk that might ruin his career.
Kim gave a half‑smile, pleased with the "unimaginable" thing that had happened just as he had expected. He smiled and glanced at Phuong Hoang. She had never been more "shocked" than by this thing that only existed in imagination, and she had never "looked at anyone for so long" as she looked at Hoang Kim now.
Realizing that Hoang Kim was about to turn towards her, the female police officer, who respected the law and guarded justice as if it were her life, and worshipped righteousness, hurriedly avoided this affectionate righteous man, a veritable national hero. Kim remembered clearly that this was the first time the proud female police officer had awkwardly avoided someone.
He glanced at Truong Xuan. The shipper was no stranger to Hoang Kim's character. The younger brother had vaguely guessed it before, but he could not imagine that his older brother would "play wildly" to the point of making the space quiet and the people silent. Outsiders were unbelieving and claimed that Hoang Kim had a dark conspiracy.
The insiders did not want to continue living a life of surviving today and dying tomorrow, implicating their families, and not knowing when disaster would come, but they had not had the opportunity to change their fate. Now the opportunity had come, they did not want to miss it. But everyone had sworn allegiance to the big brother. He was still thinking, and they hesitated to make a decision.
He observed his gang subordinates and found that they all respected their big brother's decision. Everyone could not hide their excitement, impatience, and nervousness, fearing that their eldest brother would refuse. They had to endure the days of insecurity—living in the bloody battlefield and worrying about their families.
Everyone had fought alongside him for years, taking bullets for each other, sharing rice balls in the most tragic moments. All the brothers volunteered to lay down their lives for him, and he had risked his life with them countless times. He or anyone else could not selfishly force the people they cared about to live a life without tomorrow.
They were tired of the cycle of stabbing, slashing, being seriously injured, being hospitalized, stabbing, slashing again, and worrying about their dearest ones being retaliated against.
The most tired and most eager to quit were probably the twins. A few days earlier, their mother had tried to persuade her children, but failed. She had been disappointed and had jumped off the bridge to commit suicide.
The god of luck had sent Hoang Kim to save her life. Luck could not always be with them; they had to find a way to break out of the loop before it was too late.
The two were restless, ready to move forward but hesitant. They kept smoking cigarettes, immediately lighting another one after finishing one, which prevented them from expressing their wishes. Although it was legitimate, it would also make the big brother lose face.
The other party hesitated, but Hoang Kim did not rush him. The big brother frowned and asked:
"Why are you so trusting? Don't you consider that if we make the mistake again in the future, your reputation and career will be ruined?"
Hoang Kim asked:
"I want to ask the police comrades, in the history of world crime, have there been any gangs that were so afraid of being implicated and causing trouble that they dared not come to see the benefactor who saved their lives to express their gratitude?"
Phuong Hoang was surprised to see Kim giggle from ear to ear, as if he had heard Hoang Kim ask this question before. The police officer said it had never happened. Hoang Kim shrugged:
"I'm not stupid enough to play a game of saving someone who is treacherous, cunning, and hard to change! But this matter is very important, and it may be a turning point in life... so... we need to think carefully before deciding..."
The big brother exhaled, smacked his lips, and smiled. Why do we have to calculate and make our brains twist? There is only one chance; there will be no second chance.
"Our ancestors accumulated merit for eighteen generations, so we have the opportunity to join the Red Flag Hall to change our lives. We are not stupid and brainless enough to miss this rare, hard‑to‑find opportunity."
The gang subordinates were delighted and relieved, releasing the burden that had been about to weigh them down, and they heard the big brother say loudly:
"I declare that from now on there will be no more Vermilion Bird gang. Everyone should take off armor and return to the fields, herding cattle and cutting grass in your hometowns!"
The police force was delighted. With one less criminal, the danger was reduced, they were less tired, and they had less stress.
The entire police force applauded and celebrated. People simultaneously filmed Hoang Kim's live broadcast announcing the good news. Millions of viewers were surprised and excited to hear him tell everything and explain the reasons for guaranteeing Vermilion Bird. Hoang Kim said seriously:
"A prodigal son who returns is worth more than gold. The police have confirmed that Vermilion Bird has never committed an unpardonable crime and should be treated leniently. I hope everyone will give Vermilion Bird a chance to reintegrate into society!"
A large number of viewers enthusiastically supported it, but there were also many who were hesitant and many who strongly opposed it. Hoang Kim analyzed the pros and cons:
"Violence breeds violence. Cruelty responds to cruelty. Being generous to the right people who need generosity brings peace and joy. Not welcoming with an open heart pushes them into a dead end. We can't ruin the lives of people who deserve a chance to do good. Animals have feelings. We are human beings, not an ignorant species. Don't be indifferent and cruel to each other! Please open your hearts and give them a chance. I am willing to stake my life's reputation on ensuring that the trust I place in them is not a mistake."
Calls and advice came with honor, but also warnings of forcing those who wanted to become human again to become monsters, which would bring unpredictable consequences.
Good people thought clearly, while bad people were afraid of being torn to pieces by monsters. The worldly did not sympathize with them, but condemned and criticized them for being stupid and ignorant, worse than animals.
Phuong Hoang and Kim smiled because of the unique and savvy way of opening the minds of good guys, frightening the bad guys, and forcing them into situations where they were compelled to agree.
"For people like Hoang Kim, friendship, righteousness, and honor come second only to family. We don't have to worry about it anymore. All agree to this."
"Tsk, I'm suddenly in a situation where I have no choice but to agree."
"Whether it's forced or voluntary, I agree..."
The people safeguarded by Zhuque are now voicing their most passionate support:
"What the hell is forced or voluntary? As long as Hoang Kim speaks up for help, no matter what the reason, I will agree."
"If it weren't for Zhuque's constant protection, our shop would have been wrecked by those thugs long ago."
The Vermilion Bird gang happily congratulated each other and said to their big brother:
"That's great, boss! No need to worry anymore!"
He cleared his throat and reminded:
"Tsk, the Vermilion Bird gang no longer exists. Don't call me boss anymore."
The gang subordinates said yeah, yeah, yeah, and took turns shaking hands with Hoang Kim, Truong Xuan, and the police team. They raised their hands to greet the millions of spectators.
"Thank you two and everyone!"
***
Every word and every picture of the past brings a heavy feeling to those who think that fun is the reason for living. Truong Xuan is the first to be forced to speak by the suffocating air:
- If my older brother loses his left hand, I will make a bowl. If he loses his right hand, I will make chopsticks. If... he can't hold a bowl and chopsticks!
Truong Xuan's voice is so distorted that no one recognizes the most cheerful and humorous person in the team. He raises his hands and clenches every word:
- These hands will be his!
The solemn group clench their fists, the sound of bones cracking to prevent the pain from turning into multiple sentimentalism:
- If he loses his leg, I'll be a crutch!
- I will be his wheelchair forever!
The Vermilion Bird leader and the hippies sneer, belittle, but their voices are distorted:
- You guys make the crutch and the other guy becomes his wheelchair, so insignificant…
They determine the future without hesitation:
- Losing an arm or a leg, or even being paralyzed for life, lying in one place, we will take turns carrying him for the rest of his life!