He Zong's influence is considered greater than Zhang Guohui's, as Wan Nei Street has always been his territory. He should not be afraid of Zhang Guohui trying to take over. However, Wan Nei Street is the only entertainment place for the rich in Rong Shu Bay and the main source of He Zong's income. He obviously couldn't just start a fight with Zhang Guohui there, as it would drive away the customers and ruin his business.
This place is neither Bolan Street nor the cinematic Tong Lo Wan. Who would dare to gather hundreds of people for a fight in such a commercial area? The bigwigs on the road are not fools. Even with government-official collusion, it's hard to justify such actions. Fights must be held in secluded, hidden places. Openly fighting is bad for everyone.
Unable to confront Zhang Guohui directly in Wan Nei Street or his establishments, He Zong saw this as a rare opportunity to teach Zhang Guohui a lesson, possibly even crippling him, but unexpectedly, Cheng Yaojin interfered, proving to be just as stubborn.
He Zong, holding a club, was about to act again, not believing the youngster in front of him could keep dodging using chairs for half an hour or more. But then someone outside shouted, "The police are here!"
Chen Jin knew it was true just by hearing the chaos outside. Soon, one of He Zong's men entered, "Boss, Officer Zhang and his men are coming, we should leave."
Officer Zhang, full name Zhang Jiadong, is a local police officer in Rong Shu Village. The area is remote, and his team is small – just five people, all from Rong Shu Village.
There is a small police station in Rong Shu Bay, the only one on Nan Ya Island. In comparison, police stations in larger areas like Wan Chai or North Point on Hong Kong Island have up to 200-300 officers. The Nan Ya Island station has less than fifty.
He Zong has close ties with the Nan Ya Island police. Although the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has reduced the police-criminal collusion common in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, some bad practices still linger. The police and underworld maintain an understanding: as long as no one oversteps, everyone turns a blind eye.
However, He Zong doesn't have much connection with Zhang Jiadong in Rong Shu Bay. While not afraid of him, He Zong prefers to avoid trouble. Seeing the situation spoiled today, he glares at Chen Jin, "Kid, I'll remember you. Be careful when you're out."
As He Zong and his group reach the door, they are blocked by several policemen. The leader, a forty-something man with a square, flushed face and a tall figure, is a "Sha Zhan" (a low-ranking police sergeant) in the Hong Kong Police Force. This rank is relatively low but respectable in this area, as his subordinates are just entry-level officers or PCs (Police Constables).
Without question, this Sha Zhan is Zhang Jiadong. He confronts He Zong with a police baton against his chest, "He Zong, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're just wrestling!"
He Zong, nonchalantly, removes the baton, "Officer Zhang, this is your territory, I wouldn't dare cause trouble. We were just having a chat with Hui Zi."
Zhang Jiadong sneers, "Chatting with so many brothers and so 'friendly' that faces are swollen and blood is drawn?" Most of the thugs had fled, and Zhang Jiadong didn't intend to arrest anyone. He had just used his baton to disperse those causing trouble.
Inside, Zhang Guohui's three subordinates were bruised and groaning, but others were unharmed. Zhang Guohui steps forward to mediate, "Officer Zhang, they just fell and overturned some tables and chairs..."
Despite being at a disadvantage, he doesn't want to escalate things to the police station, both to avoid trouble and to save face.
Zhang Jiadong glares coldly at Zhang Guohui, "Today is unusual, a fall causing such a mess and injuries."
He Zong, eager to leave, cuts off any further conversation with Zhang Jiadong, "Officer Zhang, I have other matters, so I won't keep you. Maybe next time we can have a meal together."
"Wait," Zhang Jiadong interjects. "I don't want to meddle in your affairs, but you've damaged a lot of property here, and that needs compensation."
Zhang Guohui quickly adds, "Officer Zhang, I'll pay for the damages."
Zhang Jiadong isn't so easily appeased. He extends his hand, "Where's the money?"
Zhang Guohui, beaten and now paying, feels wronged. He takes out the red envelope given by Zhang Weixiong, intending to count a few notes, but Zhang Jiadong snatches it away, "Alright, now all of you get out!" His actions reveal his character.
Perhaps his arrival was more about profiteering than justice. Chen Jin doubts the money will reach the shop owner, who probably won't dare to ask for compensation from Zhang Guohui or He Zong.
He Zong leaves angrily, and Zhang Jiadong, as if not noticing Chen Jin, also leaves leisurely with his subordinates. They glance curiously at Chen Jin, seeing him for the first time.
Despite Zhang Jiadong's greed, Chen Jin had considered obtaining a real Hong Kong ID from him. However, the issuance of Hong Kong IDs is controlled by the Immigration Department, not like in mainland China where local police can handle it.
Seeing Zhang Jiadong ignore him, Chen Jin is relieved. Whatever the reason, it's good for him. Zhang Guohui suddenly pats Chen Jin, "Ah Jin, follow me, and I'll ensure your safety and prosperity, better than fishing."
Being targeted by him isn't good. Even if Chen Jin were a legitimate Hong Kong resident, who would want to join the underworld? Chen Jin firmly shakes his head, "Thanks, Hui Ge, but I'm just a simple laborer, not suited for big matters."
"You, a smuggler, what else can you do?" Zhang Guohui's tone changes upon refusal, "Have you seen Hong Kong movies? Many successful gang leaders came from the mainland. I see potential in you. With me, we can even claim territory in Central, Hong Kong Island, and live gloriously."
But Chen Jin knows that none of those leaders had good endings. As he's about to respond, Zhang Weixiong cleverly interjects, "Hui Ge, you promised to sort out Ah Jin's ID. We're waiting for your good news."
"Kid, are you teaching me how to do my job?" Zhang Guohui is annoyed but can't afford to offend the Zhang family, "Alright, I know. Remember to prepare nine thousand Hong Kong dollars."
Zhang Weixiong is taken aback, but Zhang Weihao quickly questions, "Hui Ge, didn't you say you'd sort it out? Why charge money?"
Zhang Guohui scoffs, "I said I'd sort it, but didn't say it was free." He dismissively waves his hand, "Alright, no more nonsense. Eight thousand dollars. Prepare the money and photos if you're interested."