Time passed quickly, and before long, a semester had gone by, and the New Year was almost upon them.
As expected, the Yamaguchi-gumi sent people to follow him, but Masashi acted as if he had no idea anyone was tracking him and went on with his life as usual. After over two months of investigation, the Yamaguchi-gumi still couldn't uncover anything, and they eventually gave up.
Meanwhile, the Black Dragon gang and the Manhattan gang led by Donald King had several large-scale street gunfights, with both sides winning and losing. This caught the attention of other gangs and the local police. Some people predicted that something big was about to happen.
Sure enough, a month later, Donald King was found dead in his apartment.
This caused a huge stir, and everyone suspected the Black Dragon gang was responsible, but no one could be certain. Donald King had many bodyguards, and anyone who approached him within five meters would be immediately shot. He was also an arms expert with excellent marksmanship. Yet, such a man died in his own home.
What was most puzzling was that there were no signs of injury on him. Even Manhattan's most authoritative forensic expert could only conclude that he died of heart disease. However, this conclusion was not accepted by anyone because Donald King had no history of heart problems.
But regardless, he was dead, and the Manhattan gang plunged into chaos. Many gangs that Donald King had aggressively suppressed began to rise, leading to frequent gunfights over turf. After Donald King's death, the gang he led fell into internal strife and disintegration.
In the midst of this turmoil, the Black Dragon gang resurfaced. Although everyone knew the Black Dragon's intentions, no one could stop its aggressive expansion due to its superior equipment and massive manpower.
In just half a month, the Black Dragon gang became the dominant force in Manhattan.
For the local police, this outcome was a mix of emotions. The good news was that the daily gunfights had ceased, and they no longer had to worry about emergency calls from citizens. The bad news was that the Black Dragon gang, an international criminal organization, posed a far greater threat than Donald King's gang. But at this point, there was nothing they could do, so they increased surveillance.
"Master, are you really not coming to spend the New Year with us?" On the morning of four days before New Year's, a tall, attractive young man with black hair spoke in Chinese to a teenager at the VIP lounge in Tokyo Airport.
"You know my current situation—I have a family. If I'm not there for New Year, they'll worry. After the New Year, we'll get together properly."
"Alright then, remember to call me when you have time," Lei Li said reluctantly.
Masashi nodded, then took out a red envelope from his pocket and handed it to him. "I used to give you one every New Year, and this year is no exception, even though it's a bit early. Take it."
Lei Li's eyes reddened immediately, and after a moment, he slowly accepted the envelope, unable to say a word.
"Chang'an, I'll leave the future matters to you," Masashi said to the man in white beside him.
"Rest assured, Master. I know what to do," Chang'an replied respectfully.
Looking at the refined and gentle Chang'an, Masashi sighed. "Chang'an, don't mind me asking, but you really aren't planning to find a companion?"
"Master, since she passed, my heart has died too," Chang'an said flatly, as if speaking of someone else.
"Is that so? But being alone isn't easy," Masashi replied.
"I've grown used to it over the years," Chang'an said with a faint smile, though Masashi saw the bitterness in it.
Masashi knew there was nothing more to say and turned to Lei Li. "Time's almost up. Go get on the plane, and come find me after you finish."
"Master, please take care," Lei Li said, reluctantly looking at him.
Masashi smiled and said, "You're such a big guy, but still act like a child. Go."
Lei Li looked back three times before walking toward the boarding gate.
"Please take care, Master."
"You too," Masashi patted his shoulder.
Chang'an bowed to him before leaving.
Once they were both inside the cabin, Masashi sighed lightly. "Another year."
The Japanese place great importance on the New Year, just like the Chinese. The difference is that Japan's New Year is celebrated on January 1st of the second year. On New Year's Eve, they celebrate with fireworks or drinking, and in some areas, large-scale religious ceremonies are held. Younger people, or those not too old, often choose to stay home and watch the annual "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" on TV.
On the first morning of the New Year, Japanese people go to temples to offer incense and strike bells, praying for a better year. They then visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings.
In many ways, their New Year customs are very similar to those of the Chinese.
Due to his parents' divorce, Masashi's relatives had been reduced by more than half. He wasn't sure if this was good or bad, but aside from a few close relatives he needed to visit, he was able to skip the others, which made things easier.
"Masashi, here's your mail. One of the letters is from Rumi," Rumiko said cheerfully, handing him two envelopes the day after New Year's.
Seeing Rumiko's mischievous smile, Masashi felt a bit of a headache.
"Mom, I've told you many times—there's nothing going on between Rumi and me. You're overthinking."
"I haven't said anything. So, what exactly is your relationship with her?" Rumiko teased.
"Anyway, it's not what you think," Masashi said helplessly.
After looking at them for a while, Masashi handed one of the letters to Rumiko. "Mom, this letter is for the whole family. Rumi says hello to you in it."
Rumiko took the letter, and sure enough, it was a New Year's card filled with well-wishes written in brush calligraphy.
"She's such a thoughtful girl. Masashi, Rumi is a good girl, so make sure you treat her well," Rumiko said, unable to hold back a laugh.
Masashi shook his head and continued to look at the other letter.
From the moment Rumiko first saw Rumi, she liked the innocent and obedient girl very much. If Rumi could become her daughter-in-law in the future, she would be overjoyed.
At this moment, Kazumi came out of the kitchen holding a tray of rice cakes and asked, "Brother, whose letters are these?"
"One is from Rumi, the other is from an old classmate from middle school. It looks like they're inviting us to a reunion."
"A middle school reunion? I'm not going," Kazumi said without hesitation.
Masashi had also thought that such a reunion would be boring, but when he saw Kazumi's reaction, he changed his mind.
"Kazumi, come with me."
"You want to go?" Kazumi asked, surprised.
"Yes, let's go together."
"Alright then," Kazumi said reluctantly.