Such is life—a series of dramatic ups and downs.
My car is ruined, my money lost, yet I feel no sorrow. I believe if I could once achieve wealth, I will surely earn it again, perhaps even more so the second time.
The evening breeze was refreshing. I spent the entire day with Xuanling, and at last, her spirits lifted a bit.
We sat on a school bench, Xuanling leaning on my shoulder, her legs swinging as she clung to my arm.
"Tomorrow, I have to go..." I said.
She looked up at me, as if to speak, but then simply nodded heavily, understanding she shouldn't ask questions and thus refrained.
I stood and escorted her back to her dormitory. At the door, she hugged me tightly, reluctant to let go. "Auntie is under my care now, so don't worry. Take care of yourself out there, alright?"
I gently patted her head, my heart swelling with gratitude beyond words. She looked up at me, pursed her lips expectantly; I kissed her, and she smiled contentedly, walking back to her dorm without looking back. I knew she wanted to spare me any burdens.
I sighed in relief—this small gesture was proof of her pure heart; she truly cares for me.
Leaving the school, I called Wang Gui, telling him to meet me at the train station that night. We all converged there, purchasing late-night tickets, and by ten, we were on a train headed to Ruili. Day or night, it made no difference to us.
Onboard, we sat together, with the younger guys heading to the door for a smoke, each one with dark circles under their eyes—clearly, they'd had a few wild days.
"How are the new guys working out?" Wang Gui asked.
"Not bad. They handle business well and don't talk much. I like that," I replied.
He chuckled, and I glanced at Zhao Kui, who still looked unsettled. "Why do you hate Baldie so much?" I asked.
Startled, Zhao Kui lowered his head. "I don't want to talk about it," he murmured.
I nodded, sensing a painful past. After a brief silence, he said, "When I was in the army, I had a girlfriend I could only see once a month. One day, she didn't show. One month, two months...a year passed. I tried everything to reach her, but I was stationed too far away. I eventually learned she'd been murdered in a bar, brutally taken advantage of, and she was just a student...she ended her life."
Zhao Kui's words were calm, but tears fell silently from his eyes. No wonder he loathed Baldie. To him, Baldie was the embodiment of those who, for selfish gain, inflicted harm on others—unforgivable.
Wang Gui wrapped an arm around Zhao Kui. "Brother, what's the name of the guy who did this? Which bar? We'll take care of him when we get back."
Zhao Kui managed a faint smile. "We will, but first, Brother Fei has things to do."
I nodded at him. "Once I'm done, we'll clean up those like him."
I gave Zhao Kui a firm pat on the shoulder, and he nodded back. We fell into silence.
By the time we reached Ruili, it was already late at night. Zhuzi's car was waiting for us at the station. We loaded up, sending the younger guys to the bar first to make preparations.
As we drove through Ruili, the air was thick with a scent of greed. I followed it, knowing it was time to make my mark.
At the bar, I saw Qian Guang smoking heavily, bandages still wrapped around him. When he noticed me, he gestured towards the sofa. I took a seat as he handed me a beer, his face tense.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Liu Qiang went to see Uncle Qi again. He wants a showdown," he replied.
I frowned. "That bastard—how does he even dare?"
"A gambler has no shame," Qian Guang said. "Uncle Qi has agreed to host a banquet, trying to mediate and dissolve our grievances."
I laughed. "Uncle Qi has no intention of letting Liu Qiang live—he sees him as a threat."
"Yes, but he's given us a chance. If we don't take Liu Qiang down, he'll have to clean up the mess himself. We've cost him quite a sum, and only thanks to the profit you helped him gain has he given us this time," Qian Guang said.
I nodded. He added, "Thanks for everything, brother…"
I waved it off. "So what's your plan?"
"Uncle Qi doesn't want us causing open trouble. He has his business to maintain, so any moves will have to be discreet. We can't afford to risk his operations," Qian Guang said.
Taking down Liu Qiang again would be challenging; I needed a new plan. "Liu Qiang's a gambler and greedy, and we have that inside man, Four-Eyed Dog. How do we use him?"
I thought for a moment. "A gambler will always meet his end at the table. Do you remember that black jade we saw with Mr. Wei in Burma?"
Qian Guang snuffed out his cigarette. "That piece? It was worthless—you said so yourself."
I smiled. "Except no one knows that but us and Wei. Even Kun Sang thinks it's worth millions. Imagine if we raise its value?"
Qian Guang laughed, "A fair point."
After a quick call to Mr. Wei, Qian Guang informed me that the piece remained untouched with Kun Sang, ready for us anytime.
"We can't deal with Liu Qiang here on our turf; Uncle Qi wouldn't allow it. But if we lure him to Burma, there'd be no one left to bury him."
"But Four-Eyed Dog said Liu has private arms in Burma," Qian Guang cautioned.
"Kun Sang invited me to a gambling event. I trust he'll offer us his protection," I replied.
This strategy had come to me on the spot. Truthfully, I wanted to see the gambling tables myself, and a favor from Kun Sang was an opportunity worth seizing.
After a pause, Qian Guang said, "Just be careful."
"I'm out of money now, but as my big brother, I'll follow you. No matter what, we're brothers," I said.
Qian Guang nodded. "Zhuzi, let the word out that we're heading to Burma for jade gambling."
Zhuzi left, and the plan was set, though much depended on Uncle Qi's arrangements and Kun Sang's response. This time, we'd eliminate Liu Qiang for good.
Afterwards, I told Wang Gui and the others to go back. I headed to Xiaomi's place, knocking at her door late into the night. She looked at me, annoyed, as I entered. "So, did you get that million you promised?"
I forced a smile. "I got it—but it's gone."
She gave me a disbelieving look. "I don't care where it went; I need it now—for powder. I need it by dawn."
Watching her struggle, I said, "You could quit."
"Screw you! Mind your business. I don't want to quit. We agreed not to meddle in each other's lives, remember?" she snapped, nearly losing control.
Addiction had transformed her; drugs held a terrifying grip, twisting her mind and spirit.
After a moment, she softened, holding me close. "I'm sorry. I just... I miss you so much…"
She looked at me, pleading, and I understood her struggle. Drugs had shattered her. They are destructive, blurring lines between lust and love. I swore to never touch them.
For a moment, I let her have what she wanted, the emptiness swiftly replacing fleeting pleasure.
Morning broke as I woke to the sharp scent of smoke. Xiaomi sat by the bed, smoking, her face hollow with exhaustion.
"Thanks. Last night was fun…" she said.
I agreed, though her current state left me empty. "Quit it."
She shook her head, reaching out a hand. "I need money—ten thousand…"
I couldn't help but laugh. As I checked my phone, a text from the bank appeared—a million wired from Malan. This woman—just like that, another million. Damn, she owes me over thirty by now...
"The money will be there," I told her.