Chapter Twenty-Four: Another Feather Added to the Family’s Glory

Ma Liu brought the wine, lifting a bottle and preparing to open it. I glanced at my watch and stopped him. “Let’s not drink, let’s go.” Ma Liu joked, “Living like this? Are you saving it all to take home?” I smiled. “You’re not far off. Let’s go.” Ma Liu shook his head, a little dejected. “I feel like I’m turning into your lackey. Whatever you say, I have to listen.” Daguang helped Ma Liu carry the wine and grinned at me. “Liu’s good at keeping accounts. Says he’s saving for you, but really he wants to pocket two bottles for himself.”

Back at Ma Liu’s karaoke hall, I yawned. “Where can I get some sleep? I’m exhausted. You guys go ahead, I’ll nap for a bit.” Ma Liu led me to a room upstairs, pointing at a large bed. “This is where I sleep. Make do for now. Later tonight, I’ll sort out something better for you guys.” As soon as Daguang and Ma Liu left, I fell asleep.

Lately, I’d been dreaming a lot, but in this distant, foreign place, not a single dream came. When I woke, I only remembered being startled awake by my own snores several times, but each time I’d drift off again before I could even turn over. This time, it was the deafening music that woke me—a relentless, drum-like beat mixed with shrill screams from men and women, reminiscent of a slaughterhouse. Listening carefully, I realized they were dancing downstairs. I rolled out of bed, opened the window, and looked out. The moonlight was like water, the sky a deep, tile-blue—like an early spring morning. I checked my watch; it wasn’t even nine.

I’d barely finished a cigarette, sitting back on the bed, when the door swung open. I looked up, surprised to see Wang Dong standing there. “Why are you here?” I asked. Wang Dong smiled. “Slant-eye had some business in Jinan, so I caught a ride to visit my uncle.” “You saw him already?” I asked. He nodded. “Yeah, had a few drinks at his place. Couldn’t sleep, so I came over.” Daguang came in, rubbing his neck and laughing. “What, lonely over there? Think we’re living it up here?” Wang Dong kicked him and chuckled. “Damn, it’s boring over there, not even a nightlife. Kuange, you got any girls lined up?” I said, “You’d better be serious—did you come to see me about something?”

Wang Dong’s tone dropped. “Yeah. I ran into someone today—came to tell you. Tang Yong. He was with Qian Feng. Looks like he’s connected with Jiaguan now.” Tang Yong? The name was familiar—hadn’t Kuai Bin mentioned him? I seemed to recall he was an underworld figure too. Daguang exclaimed, “Tang Yong’s back? Wasn’t he given life? It’s only been a few years.” Wang Dong said, “He got reduced to fifteen years. Out west, sentences are cut quickly—serve half, you’re out.” Daguang calculated, “Still doesn’t add up. Hasn’t been half.” Wang Dong shook his head, puzzled. “I don’t know. Maybe parole… or released for medical reasons? Anyway, he’s out.” I was curious—what did he have to do with Jiaguan? “Who is Tang Yong? Why are you all so rattled?”

“You probably don’t know him. He’s from Hedong. He got out of the labor camp after you went in,” Wang Dong explained. “He rose fast, about as quickly as you did back in the day. Kuai Bin knows him—they spent a long time together in the detention center. His sentence was long, so he was sent to Xinjiang. Later, he escaped… Did you know Butterfly’s at odds with him? He’s connected with Da Hai, Butterfly’s nemesis. Butterfly’s worried. At first, he was with Sun Chaoyang, but later…” I waved him off. “Enough about that. Whoever he is, if he crosses me, he’s my enemy. Let’s go—get some air.”

On the way downstairs, a sudden pang of sorrow hit me. What was all this? I’d hoped to leave the underworld behind after this trip, but could I really stop now?

Downstairs, the ballroom was empty. I had to admire Ma Liu’s stamina—when we came down, we could hear him somewhere, loudly playing drinking games. I had Daguang track the noise, and we overheard him singing in a falsetto, imitating a woman: “Today is your birthday, my motherland. At dawn, I set a flock of white doves free…”

When he reached “You are the eternal song in the hearts of your children,” his voice abruptly stopped. The microphone screeched like a donkey: “Has our guest from afar arrived? Has he really come? Oh heavens, he really has!” With a clatter of tables and chairs, Ma Liu’s hulking figure emerged in the corridor. I tilted my head at him, about to head upstairs, but he dashed in front to block me. “Don’t go up. I’ve already set a table for us.”

He really was a hospitable guy. Fine, I’d go for the show. “Where is it set?” Ma Liu pulled me along. “Where else? At Brother Zong’s place! He told me to take good care of you, so I have to—otherwise, he’ll be unhappy.” “Is Brother Zong back yet?” I asked. “No word yet—probably not. If he were, he’d have called. Forget him, let’s just drink.” Because Ma Liu had arranged it in advance, we went straight to a private room at the far end of the corridor. As soon as we sat, the dishes started coming—lavish and plentiful.

After introducing Wang Dong to Ma Liu, I habitually walked over to the window. Outside, the city lights blazed, Jinan’s night alive with a noisy splendor. The lights reflected off the sky, giving it a deep, mysterious hue; the stars were faded, like freckles stuck on black velvet. Leaning out, I saw below a low platform piled with what looked like asbestos sheets; below that, an abandoned warehouse, its yard stacked with black blocks, probably planks of wood.

Ma Liu, in true underworld fashion, cupped his fists to Wang Dong. “First time here, brother, make yourself at home. As they say, ‘Within the four seas, all men are brothers.’” Wang Dong seemed awkward with the formalities, stood up stiffly, and returned the gesture. “Yes, yes.” Ma Liu, still half-drunk, plopped down and flashed his yellow teeth. “I’ve long heard your name thunder through the land. To meet you today is a blessing for three lifetimes!” I waved him off. “Enough with the classical phrases—just give us a toast.” Ma Liu downed his glass in one gulp. “What’s the point of a toast? Let’s get started—I’ll go first!”

I raised my glass to everyone. “All in one go.” After we drank, I signaled Daguang to challenge Ma Liu to a drinking contest, then quietly asked Wang Dong, “How old is Tang Yong?” “Much older than us—even older than Kuai Bin, maybe forty or so.” “Do you know any stories about him?” I asked. Wang Dong replied, “Not much, except that all the street guys over there fear him. He’s ruthless and smart. I heard once he fell out with Sun Chaoyang. Sun called all his guys to plan a bloodbath at Tang Yong’s hotel. But right after their war council, Tang Yong walked in alone. Everyone froze. He went straight up to Sun Chaoyang, said a few words, and Sun suddenly called him brother, told everyone to disperse, and swore they’d never fall out again. From then on, no more conflict, until Tang Yong was arrested. Sun visited him at first, but then stopped—maybe the distance was too great. After Tang Yong broke out of prison, Sun was too afraid to meet him.”

I understood then. I was sure Tang Yong wouldn’t cross me just because of Jiaguan—he was probably just putting on a show.

After a while, I asked Ma Liu, “What’s the name of that tall guy always hanging around with Jiaguan in Jinan?” Ma Liu thought for a moment. “What’s his name? I really don’t know.” “What does he look like?” I pressed. Ma Liu described, “He’s over six feet, red-faced, narrow eyes, an old knife scar on his jaw, and he walks with a swagger.” I glanced at Wang Dong, who nodded. “Tang Yong.”

“Liu, does Jiaguan always have him with him in Jinan?” I continued. “Not at first. Jiaguan came with some younger guys, but later it was just the two of them. The big guy’s intimidating—never says a word.” “Is he following Jiaguan, or is it the other way around?” “You’re thorough, even analyzing who’s the boss. Of course Jiaguan leads—this guy looks like his sidekick.”

I had it figured out. Tang Yong was a dangerous man, biding his time and hiding his true strength. He wouldn’t be content playing second fiddle to Jiaguan—he was borrowing Jiaguan’s power to reestablish himself. Once he understood the lay of the land, who knows what he’d do? I’d met men like him before: used to commanding obedience, unwilling to be under anyone’s thumb. His early release must have taken considerable effort—he must have big plans. He was desperate to stage a comeback. His real purpose in following Jiaguan to Jinan was now clear: to stay close at Jiaguan’s side in his time of need, win his trust, and help him eliminate all enemies. This would clear the way for his own return to power.

After thinking it through, I made up my mind. I’d have to deal with him once and for all—otherwise, he would become my greatest enemy. I’d have to take control of him as soon as possible, make sure he’d never have the strength to oppose me. But how? I sank into thought once again.

Tang Yong’s opening move was clever—he didn’t seek out his old crew, only Jiaguan. That proved he was after something Jiaguan had. Once he had the full picture, he’d reveal his true nature—just as I did years ago, charging down the road to domination. He’d break his rivals one by one, maybe even stir up infighting among the underworld, then reap the rewards. Well then, I’d wait for him to make his move.

I needed to pee badly, so I patted Ma Liu. “You guys keep drinking. I’ll be right back. Don’t force drinks on my brothers while I’m gone.” Ma Liu, his tongue loosened by wine, was unusually sharp. “Go take your piss. Too many worries will shorten your life.”

Suddenly, a shadow flitted past the doorway. I sensed something wrong and slipped behind the door. Ma Liu turned his head. “What are you doing there? Playing hide-and-seek?” I was about to signal him when the door opened, and I darted behind the curtain. The wind made the curtain flutter, and I saw a man standing in the doorway, smiling apologetically. “Sorry, sorry—drank too much, wrong room.” He didn’t come in, so the others inside didn’t notice him. From where I stood, I could see half his body. Qian Feng?! As he turned to leave, I recognized him. It was Qian Feng! Ma Liu cursed, “Get lost!” and slammed the door shut with a kick.

I rushed back, grabbed my clothes. “Stop drinking. Let’s go, now!”

Back at Ma Liu’s karaoke hall, I caught my breath and called Wang Dong over. “I just saw Qian Feng.” Wang Dong was shocked. “What’s he doing here?” “Probably here to nab me—on that little bastard’s orders.” Wang Dong gripped my arm tightly. “If that’s the case, let’s do something decisive. I heard from Daguang that Jiaguan often goes to a tea house run by someone called Bad Water. Let’s grab Bad Water and use him to draw out that bastard, finish him off here! Where’s Bad Water’s tea house? I’ll go check first.”

I thought for a moment, then smiled. “You’re right. Let’s take a look—maybe he’s there. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be such a coincidence for Qian Feng to be in Jinan.” I called Ma Liu over and told him my plan. He rounded up a few brothers and left.

Wang Dong and Daguang complained that I wouldn’t let them come. I said, “This isn’t our turf—if we go too far, people won’t like it.” After a bit of reflection, I said, “No matter what happens, always keep your eyes as sharp as an eagle’s.” Just then, Ma Liu hurried back, breathless. They’d waited outside Bad Water’s tea house for a while, sent a man inside pretending to be a customer. It was calm—just people drinking tea and chatting, a few tables drinking but no sign of Jiaguan. I smiled, a little vague. “See, I was right. The one who should be scared now isn’t me—it’s that little bastard. He’s run.”