"Brother Fei, we've got ten men now, but compared to Qian Guang, we're nothing—like a candle before the sun," Wang Gui remarked.
I replied calmly, "It's not about numbers but loyalty and reliability. Besides, Qian Guang's been in the game for over a decade; it's natural he's formidable. Tomorrow is Seventh Master's banquet, and the day after is our grand opening. Invite more people to join us—it'll be lively."
The bar wasn't merely a business to turn a profit. It was a venue to build connections and cultivate people. Unlike Chen Xi or Liu Qiang, who relied on establishments like these for their livelihoods, Qian Guang and I had shifted to jade gambling for our income.
Qian Guang's ambition, however, extended far beyond. He sought to dominate the underworld of Ruili, even at the cost of spending a fortune—100 million yuan—to seize Fat Pig Zhu's territory. With such control, he could recruit more men. Brothers could be bought with money, but loyalty couldn't. Qian Guang understood this well. Offering his subordinates money wasn't as effective as giving them purpose—work that was easy, came with perks like drinks and leisure, and appealed to the youth of today. For him, the revenue from his bars covered these expenses effortlessly. When the time came, these subordinates would rally at his call. Why wouldn't he invest in such a strategy?
Qian Guang was indeed clever—but Seventh Master was even smarter. At this point in his life, the old fox was already paving the way for his eventual exit.
After a day of rest in Ruili, I woke up in the bar's basement, tidied myself up, and headed to Seventh Master's restaurant with Wang Gui and Zhao Kui.
The sight of luxury cars—BMWs and Mercedes—lined up outside made our modest Buick Regal look out of place. Without a designated spot, we ended up parking by the roadside.
The three of us entered the restaurant. It wasn't as bustling as before; this was a private family dinner, unlike the grand celebration Seventh Master held the last time when he handed out red envelopes to spread the joy of his success.
Inside, I saw Qian Guang seated with Ma Qing and Seventh Master, chatting and laughing in a way that made one envious.
Seeing me, Qian Guang gestured for me to join. I walked over and greeted them, "Seventh Master... Brother Guang."
Both nodded in acknowledgment. Seventh Master gestured to a seat. "Sit. There's no need for formality today—just us."
I complied, taking a seat. Across from me, Ma Qing sipped her tea gracefully, not sparing me a glance. Her disdain for me had reached new heights.
"Ah Xin, check in the kitchen. See if we're ready to begin," Seventh Master instructed.
"Yes, Father," Ma Qing replied, offering Qian Guang a polite smile before leaving for the kitchen.
Her departure was deliberate; Seventh Master had something to say without her around. In a gentle but firm tone, he began, "Liu Qiang deserved his fate—his death doesn't sadden me. But as someone from Da La Village, I can't help but feel regret. I watched you all grow up. Whether you left to carve your paths or stayed with me, I've treated everyone the same—as descendants of the Ma clan. Now that this matter is over, I hope for peace among us."
I glanced at Qian Guang. He smiled faintly and said, "Of course, Seventh Master. Nobody wants conflict—not me, unless provoked."
Seventh Master nodded approvingly. "As long as you refrain, I'll ensure the others do too. Ruili may be small, but it's rich in opportunities. Yet, the forces here are chaotic. The Jingpo clans wield considerable power, and the group from Nongdao has long eyed an expansion. Their business dealings are shady, and we can't allow them to infiltrate. That's why unity among us is crucial."
His words left me taken aback. The seemingly tranquil Ruili harbored such a tangled web of power struggles.
Just then, two men entered the room. Their expressions were grim, radiating a palpable hostility. It was clear they weren't here with good intentions.
The visitors were none other than Chen Xi and Slim Monkey. They weaved through the tables and stopped before Seventh Master. After greeting him, they sat down, placing their phones on the table with deliberate movements.
With a sharp edge in his tone, Slim Monkey asked, "Qian Guang, where's Liu Qiang?"
Qian Guang chuckled. "I'd like to know that myself."
"Cut the nonsense. Liu Qiang went to Myanmar recently, same as you. You came back, but he didn't. Even a fool can figure out what happened," Slim Monkey snapped.
"Mind your words. Baseless accusations are slander, and Seventh Master won't tolerate that," Qian Guang retorted calmly.
Seventh Master intervened, his voice measured. "Slim Monkey, you're all from Da La Village. Friction is expected, but let's not escalate it to lethal ends. Those rumors outside are just that—rumors. Don't take them to heart."
Slim Monkey nodded reluctantly, his earlier arrogance subdued. He likely understood that while Liu Qiang's demise was indeed Qian Guang's doing, challenging him was futile under Seventh Master's protection.
Chen Xi sighed. "Fat Pig Zhu owed me 30 million and disappeared. Now Liu Qiang, that gambling addict, owes me another 30 million, and I'm left empty-handed again. That bastard supposedly fled to Myanmar, but who believes that? His territory's already carved up by his men—those heartless brats care nothing for us."
Seventh Master chuckled. "That's Liu Qiang's problem. Chen Xi, among the three of you, you've been with me the longest and are the most capable. With two from our northern ranks gone, I can't afford to lose another. Many eyes are on our territories."
Slim Monkey muttered something about collaboration with shady factions but fell silent under Seventh Master's icy glare.
Seventh Master's voice hardened. "Some money isn't worth earning. The Ma clan survived harsh times, carrying tea across hundreds of kilometers to earn a single coin, yet we avoided the easy path of poison that ruined lives. Do you understand?"
Slim Monkey nodded, albeit begrudgingly.
Seventh Master continued, "Among the Da La villagers who ventured into the underworld, you three are the best. Tonight's a family dinner, so I'll speak plainly: Stop the infighting and focus on your businesses."
The dinner proceeded, the tension simmering beneath cordial smiles. Everyone knew the peace was fragile, a mere facade masking underlying rivalries.
Chen Xi broke the silence, raising his glass with a faint smile. "Seventh Master, I'm not much into gambling on jade stones, but I do see potential in jade shops. I'm thinking of opening one myself."
Seventh Master nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good idea. The nightlife business in Ruili isn't as lucrative as it used to be. With Ruili being the 'jade paradise,' diversifying into jade shops could be a wise move."
Turning to Qian Guang, Chen Xi added, "Brother Guang, with the quality stones you've been winning lately, why not sell them to me? We're all brothers here. Cut me a deal, let me share in your success."
I frowned inwardly at Chen Xi's cunning proposal. His smile was disarming, but his words were laced with traps. How much of a discount would be acceptable? If Qian Guang agreed and later regretted the terms, his reputation on the streets would take a hit. It was a no-win situation for him.
Qian Guang, maintaining his composure, responded with a polite smile. "I appreciate your interest, but I've already partnered with Mr. Zeng. All the jade I unearth is handled exclusively by him. It's out of my hands."
Chen Xi's smile didn't falter, but a sharpness crept into his tone. "Qian Guang, we're from the same village, family, so to speak. Why work with an outsider like Mr. Zeng when you could help a brother earn a living instead?"
Slim Monkey chimed in, his voice laced with irritation. "Exactly. That old fox Zeng makes a fortune off you, and you're fine with it? Why not let us take a share of the pie?"
I could see the faint crease forming on Qian Guang's forehead. He was cornered. If he refused outright, it would seem disloyal, as if he valued outsiders over his own people.
Before Qian Guang could respond, Seventh Master intervened, his tone authoritative and unyielding. "Chen Xi, Slim Monkey, remember who you are. Our Ma clan has survived this long because we've stayed united, focused on building, not tearing each other down. If you have the capability, create your own opportunities instead of trying to take what's already spoken for."
Chen Xi and Slim Monkey exchanged glances, realizing they'd overstepped. They quickly nodded in agreement, muttering conciliatory words.
Dinner resumed, though the underlying tension remained. The air was heavy with unspoken challenges and veiled threats. I ate in silence, observing the dynamics at play. Everyone seemed cordial on the surface, but their true intentions were far from harmonious.
"Qian Guang," Slim Monkey said suddenly, breaking the uneasy quiet. "I heard you've been making a killing with jade gambling. Let me join in next time—I'm curious to try my luck."
Chen Xi scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Luck? Look where it got Fat Pig Zhu and Liu Qiang. Both lost their lives chasing jade. You think you're any different? Stick to what you know, or you'll end up like them."
He turned his gaze to me, a sly grin on his face. "Zhao Fei, you're impressive. At this rate, you'll surpass your boss in two or three years."
His words caught me off guard. I glanced at Qian Guang, feeling the weight of the subtle provocation. Was he trying to sow discord between us?
Qian Guang smiled faintly, unperturbed. "I hope so. I train my men to surpass me—that's how we grow stronger. A disciple who excels his master brings honor to both."
Seventh Master chuckled approvingly. "Exactly. If the younger generation doesn't surpass the old, it's a disgrace. Growth and progress are essential."
Relieved, I realized that Chen Xi's ploy to create a rift had failed. His smirk faded slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, raising his glass. "Seventh Master, you're absolutely right. Speaking of growth, I've been thinking of expanding into jade retail. Brother Guang, we're all family here. Don't you think it's time to share some of your winnings with us?"
Before the conversation could escalate, Ma Qing returned with the waitstaff, signaling the arrival of the main course. Her presence diffused some of the tension, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics.
But as the meal progressed, I couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's truce was temporary, a fragile facade masking deeper conflicts that would inevitably resurface.