NOTE: TANG EMPIRE is Jack’s organization. It was George’s, but he is sick right now. So…
Kowloon, Hong Kong
\”Aren’t you going to tell me why you did that?\”
\”I thought you understand me very well. I guess I’m wrong.\” Zhou Jingren responded to Bei Tian. He glanced at him before he looked at the busy street outside of the car. For a few seconds, Bei Tian stared at Zhou Jingren. He clenched his jaws and stayed silent.
It wasn’t even an hour after they had met Zhou Jingren’s parents and he was already here tracking some triad members in the streets of Hong Kong. Not that he blamed him.
However, the only thing that is in his mind right now was the fact that Zhou Jingren told his parents that he doesn’t want to be a part of Zhou Enterprises and told them that Bei Tian should manage it instead. \”I am already busy, you know.\” Bei Tian uttered. \”I don’t have the time to be your father’s VP and learn from him. Plus… I am not that smart to begin with.\” His tone was serious as he waited for his friend’s answer.
He watched as Zhou Jingren clenched his jaws. Seeing this, Bei Tian changed the topic. \”This triple Lotus Triad was well known for being too old fashion, which makes them more dangerous to deal with as they are not open-minded. They are not the biggest, but everyone in Mainland China respects them.\”
\”Hmmm…\” Zhou Jingren nodded as the car slowed down its pace. \”I will go inside. Wait for me here.\” He eyed the restaurant to his left.
\”Are you sure they will meet you?\”
\”They will.\” Zhou Jingren said before he walked out of the car and walked inside the restaurant.
The moment Zhou Jingren walked inside, a man immediately approached him. The man led him towards the back of the restaurant in which private rooms were located.
\”Please take a seat,\” the man said. After Zhou Jingren complied, he started examining the room that he was in. The restaurant was one of the local eastern restaurants that were known for their rice wine and rice that was wrapped in lotus leaf.
This restaurant is known for its extremely relaxing and laid back interior that includes a small water feature with bamboos, neutral colors, a chandelier that looks like bamboos and paper lanterns. Because of this, many tourists frequent the place.
However, people do not know that this place is the same building that is considered as a triad headquarters. Not only does this place have an underground where the triad keeps their prisoner, but this is also the same place where negotiations and business conversations happen.
Zhou Jingren eyed the Koi pond nearby and let out a sigh.
\”Ah… Mr. Zhuo! I was not expecting that you will personally come, today!\” a man wearing a white ancient Chinese clothing walked inside. A smile was plastered on the man’s face as he sat opposite to Zhou Jingren.
\”Mr. Mu.\” Zhuo Jingren rose from his seat and gave the older man a small bow. While Zhuo Jingren is not really afraid of this triad group, he was not here to create an unfavorable impression either.
The old man’s laughter reverberated inside the private room. His bulging stomach shook, his eyes crinkling with amusement. \”Ah… No offense. But I have met no one of your status gave me a bow.\”
\”I am not here to fight or negotiate.\” Zhou Jingren got straight to the point. He took his seat and me the man’s experienced eyes. \”I am here to hire you.\” The old man’s eyebrows lifted. Still, the smile on his face did not falter.
\”Do tell… how may I help you?\” Mr. Mu asked. \”This made me wonder… I believe your influence in the black market is far greater than mine. Why would you come to hire me instead of choosing bigger gangs?\”
\”Anonymity.\” Zhou Jingren responded. \”And you are one of the triads that are not happy about the Tang Empire being managed by a foreigner.\” His words made Mr. Mu frowned.
\”The Tang Empire…\” Mr. Mu started. \”Call me old fashion but I believe… letting a foreigner in is a crazy move.\”
\”Well… That is exactly the reason why I want your services.\” Zhou Jingren rested his elbows to the oak table that separated him and Mr. Mu. \”I will supply everything… while you do your best to disturb the new management of the Tang Empire.\” Mr. Mu left an eyebrow.
\”Why not just kill them?\” Questions became apparent in his eyes. However, it was short-lived. \”Hah! Don’t tell me you — you are planning to take over?\” the surprised in the old man’s eyes was clear. He almost jumped out of his seat as he beamed. \”Ah!!! You are finally showing your fangs, young man!\”
Zhou Jingren watched as the old man drank his tea, trying to calm himself from his own emotions. \”So… you wanted to take over the Tang Empire.\” he repeated as if he was still in disbelieve. \”Now… you know that the Mu Family in Mainland China has a very good network too. Do you want us to disrupt the Tang Empire’s operations in both Mainland and Hong Kong? Or…\”
\”Both.\” Zhou Jingren answered. Once again, the old man laughed, his eyes glittered with joy.
\”Ah… this is just very good.\” Mr. Mu clapped his hands. \”Forgive me… I was just thrilled that I found someone that would finally help me destroy those westerners.\”
Zhou Jingren nodded in response. \”After this, I would like to make an alliance with your group. Once… I become the Tang Empire’s leader my influence will double or triple. I will have access to Europe and the US.\”
\”Very bold and ambitious.\” Mr. Mu complimented. \”Now… why don’t you tell me the specifics of this plan… so I can start doing my job?\” He beamed, his eyes wrinkled as he looked at Zhou Jingren, like a child waiting for his candy.
