When I finished speaking, I went over and held Xiaomi close; she nestled into my chest, clutching me tightly. I asked, "How long do you think you have left?"
"I don't know. A year? Two? As long as I'm still alive, I guess I'll just keep going…" she replied, disheartened.
I knew that people who abuse drugs don't last long, and though Xiaomi still looked lively, who could say when her body might suddenly give out? I said, "You should stop…"
She gave a bitter smile and said, "Sure, I'll quit when you run out of money."
I pushed her away and stood up. "I'll send the money, but your life is yours alone. If you're determined to die, I won't stop you."
Leaving Xiaomi's place, I descended the stairs with a slight pang of regret. But it didn't weigh on me; she had chosen her path, and if that meant walking it to her end, so be it.
I went to the bank, withdrew some cash, and arranged for someone to deliver it to her. Soon after, Guang called, asking me to join him at Master Qi's restaurant. I knew Qi wanted to play the mediator, so I agreed. I summoned Wang Gui and Zhao Kui—though I didn't have many people, I was still a leader, and a certain presence was expected.
Wang Gui pulled up in a Buick Regal to pick me up. The car was his, modestly priced but with a commanding look on the road. We headed toward Qi's restaurant.
Reflecting on last night's pleasures, I realized how only Xiaomi could bring me that kind of joy. I couldn't help but wish she wouldn't die.
Suddenly, I asked, "Wang Gui, do you know any way to quit drugs?"
Wang Gui looked at me sharply. "Fei, don't tell me… That stuff's deadly, impossible to shake. Once you're hooked, it's over."
I shook my head. "It's for a friend. I don't want to watch her die, though she's already fallen too deep."
Zhao Kui interjected, "Fei, in Yunnan, we're on the front lines against drugs. I used to work in drug enforcement, and once people get in, it's nearly impossible to quit. There is, however, a certain chemical injection used in military detox programs to suppress cravings temporarily. But you can only get it from official centers."
Getting Xiaomi into a detox center wasn't feasible, so I asked, "Is there a way to acquire it?"
Zhao Kui nodded, "You can get it on the black market—we used to see it at the border, though it's pricey. A pack of twelve goes for around a thousand per vial. But overuse creates a new dependency."
I nodded. "Help me get some."
Zhao Kui agreed but added, "Fei, addicts aren't worth saving. They're greedy, cunning, and would do anything for a fix."
I looked out the window, sighing, "She's a friend…"
At this, they fell silent. They knew I value loyalty.
We arrived at Qi's restaurant, where firecrackers were exploding at the entrance, and two lion-dancing troupes, dressed in black with a bold "Ma" character emblazoned, were performing. I hadn't seen such traditional celebrations in ages.
Inside, the hall was crowded. The air was filled with colorful-haired young men, loud card games, and shouting matches. Zhao Kui scoffed, "These street punks can't hold a candle to the Ma gang. Nowadays, there's no respect among them—back then, a lackey wouldn't sit without his boss's permission. Look at the Ma gang outside; they still keep to those values."
"Do you know much about the Ma gang?" I asked.
"Yunnan's Ma gang has been around for centuries. They once ruled Southeast Asia, but they've become obsolete in the modern world. Companies, boards of directors—that's how people operate now. The Ma can't keep up, and they're slowly withering."
Intrigued, I asked, "Why don't they form a board?"
Zhao Kui laughed, "The Ma gang's livelihood relied on horses and transporting goods. Nowadays, who uses horses? They'd go bankrupt. Back then, they mainly transported tea and raw stones, but with the current market, they're just waiting to fade away."
His knowledge surprised me—he must've dealt with these circles while in the military. We climbed the stairs, where the tables were filled with people, with Master Qi seated at the head, alongside Qian Guang and others.
I approached, greeting him, "Master Qi…"
He waved me over with a smile, "You won a stone worth thirty million last time; I promised a feast in your honor. I'm glad you could come."
"Master Qi, you're too generous to him," Chen Xi sneered. "He should be grateful for the invitation alone."
I nodded. "Yes, Master Qi, it's truly an honor."
Master Qi chuckled. "Have a seat. Ah Bang, call Liu Qiang and ask why he isn't here yet."
One of Qi's associates stepped away to make the call, and I took a seat. Chen Xi shot me a cold look. "This seat's for the top leaders. Don't overstep—find another place."
I felt a surge of annoyance but held it in, moving to a seat beside Qian Lao Wu's group. For now, I was still under Qian Guang's command, so I had to abide by his hierarchy.
As we settled, Qian Lao Wu offered me a cigarette and muttered, "I've got twenty men outside, ready to strike. If Liu Qiang shows up, let's take him down."
He spoke calmly, but I knew his anger ran deep. I advised, "Hold back for now. Taking him out is easy, but dealing with the aftermath isn't."
Qian Lao Wu scowled, inhaling deeply. At that moment, I noticed Ma Lan and Ma Qing descending the stairs. Ma Qing's elegance drew every gaze, mine included. She had a serene beauty, with gentle dimples, luminous eyes, and a graceful stride.
Ma Lan approached me, plopped down nonchalantly, lit a cigarette, and tossed her lighter on the table.
I shook my head. Though both were women, the difference was striking.
"Heading to Myanmar soon? Take me with you," she said.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. It seemed word had spread. If Liu Qiang heard, he'd surely follow.
"We'll see. I have business to handle today," I replied.
Ma Lan glanced at Ma Qing, who had everyone's attention, and smirked. "I could dress up too."
"Then do it already! You look like a tomboy," I teased.
She blew smoke at me, chuckling, "Mind your business. Who are you to tell me what to wear? Not my man."
I forced a smile. Why did I bother? She grinned, showing off her bracelet. "Got the BMW 760. Thanks. Come over tonight?"
I resisted, reminding myself of her deceit. Although we'd shared a night, she had played me for millions. It didn't sit well.
She waved her bracelet. "What do you think?"
The violet jade bracelet gleamed exquisitely. "It suits you."
She nodded, "This set alone costs over two million. I've sold a few, though idiots claim it's fake…"
I laughed. "Good quality can get tarnished in bargain markets. For high-end clientele, you'd need a shop on Jewelry Street."
Ma Lan pondered, "When I make my first billion, I'll open there. This piece is stunning."
I glanced at it, imagining how beautiful it would look on Xuanling…
"Oh? Haven't started yet? Were you waiting on me? Apologies for the delay…"
A loud voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Liu Qiang, exuding arrogance, strolling in. His cocky attitude irked everyone. Qi's face darkened as Liu took a seat.
Liu sneered at Qi, "Master Qi, heard you made a killing in the stones business. Congratulations, but remember, gambling is risky. Don't get too carried away."
"What did you just say?" Ma Lan snapped, standing in anger.
Liu glanced at her disdainfully, "Didn't catch that?"
Ma Lan fumed, but Qi gestured for her to sit, reminding her, "We're here to resolve matters. Let's keep it civil."
Reluctantly, she sat, but her glare lingered on Liu. I was stunned by Liu's audacity to defy Qi so openly—he clearly had something up his sleeve.