Eren froze mid-step when he heard the voice outside.
Uncle Yuan?
Digging through his predecessor's memories, Eren recalled someone he called "Uncle Yuan." He was a distant relative of Eren's grandfather, who had once helped Yuan settle in New York after sneaking over from mainland China.
Back then, Uncle Yuan had even lived in Eren's grandfather's home before finding his footing. The bond forged during that time kept the two families close.
As a child, Eren often saw Uncle Yuan visiting during holidays, bearing gifts. However, his mother had never been fond of Uncle Yuan's gang affiliations and discouraged Eren from getting too close to him. After his grandparents' deaths, the families drifted apart, though Uncle Yuan still made an effort to visit during Lunar New Year.
Remembering these details, Eren hesitated briefly.
He moved cautiously to the door, peering through the peephole. Outside, the corridor was empty except for a broad-shouldered, square-faced man with a scar over his temple.
"Uncle Yuan?" Eren called out hesitantly.
"Who else? Don't tell me you've already forgotten my voice, kid," came the gruff reply.
Activating Spirit Vision, Eren confirmed that only Uncle Yuan was outside and sensed no malice. He pushed aside the cabinet barricading the door.
Hearing the sounds of movement, Uncle Yuan's face briefly twisted with a peculiar expression.
When Eren finally opened the door, he greeted Yuan sheepishly, "Of course not, Uncle Yuan."
Yuan glanced at the cabinet by the door and nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You've learned a bit."
With that, Yuan strode inside without waiting for an invitation, settling onto a chair and gesturing for Eren to explain. "What'd you do to piss off the Shui Gui Gang? Their turf is by the docks. Normally, they wouldn't bother with someone like you."
"It wasn't me provoking them—they came after me," Eren replied with a bitter smile.
Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"They're after my grandfather's house and the money my mom left me. They knocked me out, drugged me, and tried to record… that kind of video to blackmail me into compliance. I managed to escape and called the police. They raided the place, rescued another girl they had kidnapped, and shot two of the gang members in the process. I'm guessing the three who came to Chinatown last night were sent to get revenge on me. Honestly, I'd never even heard of the Shui Gui Gang before this."
Although Eren trusted Yuan more than a stranger, he remained cautious. He omitted any mention of Gwen's true identity, George Stacy's involvement, or the potential conspiracy behind the incident.
Yuan frowned deeply, his scarred face growing more intimidating as he processed the story.
"So, they're after your grandfather's property?" Yuan mused. "That makes sense if they're trying to expand their territory. But targeting Chinatown…" He trailed off, lost in thought.
After a moment, Yuan stood and said, "You're coming with me to see Seventh Uncle. Tell him what you told me, but emphasize that they're after your house. Chinatown is our turf. Neither Zhong Yi Hall nor any other hall here will tolerate outsiders meddling in our territory."
Eren's eyes lit up.
Yuan's intent was clear: frame the Shui Gui Gang's actions as a threat to Chinatown itself, ensuring Zhong Yi Hall would intervene. Internal disputes might not warrant their attention, but territorial incursions certainly would.
With Zhong Yi Hall stepping in, Eren's safety would improve significantly.
"Understood," Eren replied solemnly. "Thank you, Uncle Yuan."
Yuan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, though he waved it off nonchalantly. "It's nothing. Now, let's go. Seventh Uncle's time is precious."
Chinatown's history was one of resilience, forged in the face of systemic oppression, economic exploitation, and racial discrimination. During the most tumultuous periods, Chinese immigrants faced not only institutional challenges but also harassment from local gangs.
It was in this crucible that organizations like the Hong Men emerged—groups that united the impoverished and wealthy alike, navigating the delicate balance between cooperation with the authorities and resistance against exploitation.
At its peak, nine out of ten Chinese immigrants were connected to Hong Men in some way. But as the organization grew, internal divisions emerged, leading to its fragmentation into numerous smaller factions.
Zhong Yi Hall was one such faction.
Although not the largest or most powerful of the Chinese gangs, Zhong Yi Hall was among the oldest, with deep roots and enduring influence.
Under Yuan's guidance, Eren arrived at Zhong Yi Hall's headquarters. They bypassed the main hall and entered a side room.
Inside, three bound and beaten men—faces bruised and bloodied—sat slumped on the floor. Their captors, a row of stern-looking young men, stood on either side of the room.
At the head of the room sat an elderly man with meticulously combed silver hair, dressed in a traditional Chinese jacket. His piercing gaze fell on Eren as Yuan announced, "Seventh Uncle, I've brought the boy."
The old man set down his teacup and nodded. "Speak. What did you do to anger the Shui Gui Gang enough for them to send three armed men to invade our territory in the middle of the night?"
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]