[Edited]
Chapter 5: The Rise of the Golden Enterprise
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January 1957 – New York City
It had taken a decade, but Chinatown—and beyond—was now under my control. The Golden Dragon Society had transformed from a street gang into a vast, structured organization that reached far beyond the shadows of the underworld. The biggest turning point? The foundation of Golden Enterprise, the legitimate face of our empire.
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~Eliminating the Threats (1947-1952)~
The first five years were a brutal struggle. The Rattlesnake Gang and other criminal factions had no intention of letting us rise without a fight. Every inch of territory we gained had to be taken with blood and fire.
By 1949, we had eliminated the Rattlesnake Gang. Their leadership was crushed, their operations dismantled, and their foot soldiers given a choice—join us or disappear. Some fled. The rest swore loyalty and were absorbed into our ranks.
However, taking over Chinatown was just the beginning. Other syndicates—Italian, Irish, and even remnants of the Rattlesnakes who regrouped under new names—challenged us. The battles lasted years, but by 1952, we had wiped out or assimilated every major threat.
In our territory, we enforced a strict code—no drugs, no human trafficking. Any outsider who tried was dealt with immediately. We controlled bars, clubs, liquor stores, jewelry shops, and antique trades, ensuring our people had stable businesses and the community thrived.
By the time I turned 25 in 1952, the Golden Dragon Society had become more than just an underworld power. We were a force shaping the city itself.
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~Building a Business Empire (1952-1957)~
With the streets under control, it was time to step into the world of legitimate business. We expanded into real estate, financing, a trusted lending companies that offered fair rates instead of the predatory schemes other groups pushed. Our brothels operated with strict regulations—only willing women, strict medical checkups, and absolute protection.
However, I wanted more than the underground economy. With my knowledge of alchemy and modern science, we began investing in industries that would define the future.
~Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals~
In 1953, we established Golden Health, a private hospital network dedicated to quality medical care, especially for Chinatown's neglected population. But the real breakthrough came when we founded Golden Pharmaceuticals in 1955.
Using alchemy and biotechnology, we developed potions—modern medicine enhanced with transmutation to accelerate healing and improve resistance to diseases. Unlike the traditional pharmaceutical industry, which took years to develop drugs, our process was faster, safer, and more effective. It didn't take long before hospitals and private buyers sought our products.
~Materials and Engineering~
While the pharmaceutical company was growing, I pushed into another sector—materials science. By 1956, we launched Golden Materials, a company that specializes in advanced metals. Through alchemical refinement, we produced alloys stronger and more shock-absorbent than anything on the market. One of our greatest achievements was a metal comparable to Adamantium and Vibranium—though not as unbreakable, it was significantly cheaper and easier to produce.
We soon found buyers in the aviation and naval industries. Fighter jets, warships, and armored vehicles—all sought after our materials.
~The Birth of Golden Enterprise (1957)~
With operations in pharmaceuticals, materials, real estate, and finance, it was time to consolidate everything under one name. In early 1957, Golden Enterprise was officially established—a conglomerate that controlled everything from medicine to industry, all backed by the iron discipline of the Golden Dragon Society.
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Proficiency Panel Update (1957)
Name: Edward Lin
Age: 30/85
Alchemy Proficiency: 74% (Level: Advanced)
Transmutation: 80% (Level: Advanced)
Reinforcement: 75% (Level: Advanced)
Creation: 65% (Level: Advanced)
Physical Condition: Peak human Enhancement: (Enhanced through reinforcement)
Strength: Planetary Level
Status: Corporate Overlord
Mood: Ambitious
Wealth: Over $800 Million (Profits from Golden Enterprise and underground operations)
Property: Multiple estates, corporate offices, research labs, private hospitals, and industrial plants
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The world had changed in ten years. I was no longer just a gang leader. I was an industrialist, a scientist, a businessman.
And this was only the beginning.
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To be continued...