Inside the bar, the music was still off, everyone was still watching, and the drone was still buzzing in the air. John smiled as he lifted his glass, looking at Sheriff Joe.
Sheriff Joe's icy expression gradually melted into a smile. "Haha, John, no need to be so formal. Come, have a seat and let's have a good drink together."
Tiger quickly got up to make room for John. John casually said, "Get rid of the trash."
He spoke as if giving orders to a subordinate.
"Yes, yes, right away."
Tiger seemed to adapt quickly to his new role. He lowered his head, called a few of his men, and they swiftly carried out Black Three's body, wiping away the blood until there wasn't a trace left.
After sharing a drink with Sheriff Joe, John felt a sense of relief, knowing he had passed this critical moment.
"You're a man of ambition, and these guys are lucky to have you leading them. Don't worry about the authorities; I'll take care of everything," Joe declared, not caring about the many eyes watching.
Beside him, Tiger and Black Three's former subordinates breathed a sigh of relief. It was clear that John would take over Black Three's position as their leader. With Joe's support, John's position was secure.
Everyone was just trying to get by, and it didn't matter who they followed. Now, with a new, powerful leader, their future looked brighter.
Loyalty and vengeance were concepts for fools.
John clinked glasses with Joe. "I'll hold the position of leader, but the day-to-day operations will be handled by Tiger."
"Understood. You're meant for bigger things. It makes sense you wouldn't waste time on minor tasks."
Tiger, elated, quickly pledged his loyalty. "Don't worry, Boss John. I'll do my best, even if it costs me my life."
John nodded slightly, dismissing him. He saw through Tiger's type easily. Not very bright, loud, and eager to show off—such people were easy to control with enough intimidation.
After a few more drinks with Joe, John excused himself. He walked Joe to the bar's entrance, the drone following. Once outside, John waved at the drone, and it flew off into the night, destination unknown.
Joe watched with growing respect.
Originally, Joe had planned to investigate John's background. If John was bluffing, Joe intended to take him down. But with John's proactive offer of increasing Joe's cut, there was no need for hostility. Instead, Joe decided to support him.
As Joe left, John called Tiger over.
"We need a name. Let's call our group the Renaissance Gang. Rename all our businesses, including Black Three's gambling den and the Regal Bar, under the Renaissance name."
"Yes, yes, of course."
"Tomorrow morning, prepare the accounts at the gambling den. I'll come to review them. Also, gather the brothers so we can all get acquainted."
"Yes, right away."
Tiger responded like an echo, only knowing to agree.
"Let's go."
John walked away. Tiger and the others stood at the bar's entrance, bowing until John was out of sight.
"Our new boss… is impressive. Even has an armed drone. What's his background?"
Tiger slapped the questioner. "Don't ask what you shouldn't. Don't think what you shouldn't. Or you'll end up like Black Three, feeding the dogs!"
"What's our next move, Boss Tiger?"
"Of course, we follow Boss John! Didn't you see his power? We'll have a better future with him than we did with Black Three. And remember, obey or face the consequences."
"Absolutely, Boss Tiger. You have our support. Let's drink to your health!"
They returned to the bar, turned the main lights off, switched the party lights back on, and resumed the music. The bar returned to its lively state as if nothing had happened.
Black Three's death caused no stir; it was just another day in the slums. But John's name was etched in everyone's memory.
Turning a corner after leaving the bar, John saw Butcher Shawn watching him with a complex expression.
John smiled and approached. "Shawn , I handled it myself."
"You even brought out an armed drone. Quite the show."
Shawn had practically watched John grow up, but now found him increasingly hard to understand.
After a moment's thought, Shawn asked the burning question, "How did you get that? What exactly are you doing?"
"Everyone has their secrets. I have mine. I can only promise that I'll always be the same John you've known. I won't change."
Shawn sighed. "If you don't want to tell, I won't ask. But are you really going to join the underworld? It has no future."
John shook his head. "No. This is just a disguise. I need it."
"A disguise…"
Shawn repeated the word, his expression complex.
Returning home, John found the drone safely landed in his yard. Carefully locking the door, he packed the drone into a box and hid it under his bed.
The drone couldn't be seen. If discovered, people would immediately suspect it was fake and question John's background.
With the drone secured, John lay down and closed his eyes. He'd had some drinks, and his head felt fuzzy. It was time to rest.
But while John slept, his 12 computers and robots continued working, handling gaming tasks. The 13th computer also remained active, its robot endlessly browsing the internet, absorbing knowledge.
Everything ran smoothly, with no impact on John.
The next morning, John woke up feeling refreshed. He skipped cooking and headed to Aunt Wang's food stall again.
"Aunt Wang! A large bowl of beef noodles, with an egg and some meat, please!"