Chapter 86
Outside the door, a burly security guard reacted instantly, pulling a whistle from his pocket and blowing it sharply.
In an instant, all the shirtless men who had been loading goods gathered together, forming a tight, muscular group. The noise of the bustling Causeway Bay faded as their movements shifted into sharp focus.
Causeway Bay, a somewhat aging neighborhood in the western suburbs of Jonford, was home to the Green Bamboo Association’s ninth branch, the largest underground organization in Sagen. Howard Lane, the head of the powerful Lane family and one of the Jonford Five Elites, had once served as president of this very branch.
Years ago, Howard had unified the underground forces in Sagen for the Green Bamboo Association before relocating to Jonford with his loyal followers to run legitimate businesses. His three sons managed the family’s businesses with precision, but none of them wanted anything to do with the underground operations. It was Howard’s grandson, Simon Lane, who maintained close ties with the Green Bamboo Association, keeping the family legacy alive in the shadows.
Eventually, Howard passed on the presidency of the ninth branch to Simon, a decision that earned Simon respect even from men like Kai, who had to tread carefully around him.
The evening air in Causeway Bay felt unnervingly quiet. Sexy, glamorous women dressed to impress sauntered down the streets, their cigarettes billowing clouds of smoke into the air. Groups of young men gathered in corners, laughing and talking, but there was an undeniable tension in the atmosphere.
Inside a luxurious private room at Sisi Bar, Crow was enjoying a meal with several nearby construction site bosses. Crow, with his trademark blonde hair and muscular frame, lounged back in his chair, his arrogance as palpable as the tension in the room.
“It’s the same deal,” Crow said lazily, swirling his drink. “Either you pay me 700 grand, or we have nothing to discuss.”
The construction site bosses exchanged nervous glances. One older man, probably in his 40s, shook his head in disbelief. “700 grand? Crow, you’re joking, right? Where do you expect us to come up with that kind of money?”
The boss reached into his bag and pulled out about 15 grand in cash, setting it on the table with a forced smile. “Take this 15 grand for now, and we’ll start demolishing that row of dilapidated houses on Street 7.”
Causeway Bay had already been bought out by the Duersons, who had set a strict deadline for partial demolition within three months. If the deadline wasn’t met, the project would be handed over to another construction company. But Crow’s men controlled the area, and no progress could be made without his approval.
The construction bosses had come together, hoping to negotiate a reasonable deal, but Crow’s demand was far from reasonable. 700 grand was far beyond what they could afford.
Crow lazily pulled a cigarette from his pack, sticking it between his lips, and then reached into his pocket. The gun he pulled out was as black as night, its barrel glinting ominously as he pointed it toward the construction bosses.
The bosses froze, their fear palpable. “C-Crow…” one of them stammered, trying to find his words.
Crow broke into a wide grin and aimed the gun at his cigarette before pulling the trigger. The muzzle erupted in a flash of blue flame, lighting the cigarette in an almost casual gesture.
The bosses let out collective breaths of relief, realizing it was only a lighter.
But Crow wasn’t done. He slammed the lighter onto the table, the sharp noise reverberating through the room, making everyone jump.
His eyes narrowed into a cold stare as he growled, “You think I’m a beggar? You offer me 15 grand like it’s charity?”
The boss who had spoken earlier wiped sweat from his brow, his voice trembling as he tried to explain, “Crow, 700 grand is just… too much. It’s not possible for us…”
“Difficult?” Crow repeated the word as he stood up, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. “Then let’s wrap this up.”
With a swift motion, he flipped the table over, sending food crashing to the floor in a shower of broken plates and spilled drinks. Without a second glance at the frightened men, Crow turned and strode toward the exit, his footsteps loud in the stunned silence that followed.