“Tell Ab to hold off on taking action for now.”
Jiang Tian Zheng instructed Chen Yao.
Without resolving the internal conflicts within the organization, rashly engaging in external warfare would be detrimental to the organization’s development.
As the saying goes, one must first settle matters within before dealing with external affairs.
Even if he couldn’t fully control Hong Xing, he needed to hold absolute authority. Such an incident as today absolutely couldn’t happen again.
He could imagine how ecstatic and celebratory Han Bin, Liang Kun, and the others would be after their victory.
Moreover, today’s events had dealt a blow to Jiang Tian Zheng’s prestige within the organization.
“Let them revel in their victory for now, but their joy won’t last long.”
…
“Also, have Ab comfort Wei Ji Xiang.” Jiang Tian Zheng continued instructing Chen Yao.
“Yes, Mr. Jiang.”
Back at the villa, Jiang Tian Zheng sat on the sofa, pondering how to dismantle the small groups formed by Han Bin and Liang Kun.
Liang Kun’s group, despite appearing loose, was actually the most difficult to break apart.
Both Fei Lao Li and Ma Wang Jian held Jiang Tian Zheng in contempt, so bribing them was out of the question.
Liang Kun’s ambition was the position of Dragon Head, so asking him to stand down was impossible.
“The only avenue for intervention is through Han Bin.”
Jiang Tian Zheng thought for a moment.
Within Han Bin’s group, he and Kong Long were brothers, leaving no room for manipulation.
But Thirteen Sister was different.
Thirteen Sister and Han Bin shared a sense of loyalty, but how much loyalty could there be in this line of work?
It was more about mutual protection and support.
“Chen Yao, I want to bring Thirteen Sister over to my side. Do you have any suggestions?” Jiang Tian Zheng looked at Chen Yao and asked.
If he could bring Thirteen Sister on board, the situation would improve significantly.
Han Bin and Liang Kun would then be left with five people, while his own side would gain an extra person, also making it five.
Their forces would be equal.
Greyhound had always stayed neutral. Even if Prince stood with Han Bin and Liang Kun, there was still Ji Ge.
“Mr. Jiang, attracting someone boils down to fame and fortune.” Chen Yao spoke in a serious tone.
With men, one could use the tactic of beauty, but for women, only fame and fortune remained.
“As far as I know, Han Bin and Thirteen Sister do share a bond of loyalty, but Han Bin also has a reputation for womanizing outside. Thirteen Sister is aware of this, so while their loyalty exists, it’s not that deep.” Chen Yao asserted confidently.
“To win Thirteen Sister over, perhaps we can try offering her fortune.”
Chen Yao offered his suggestion.
As for fame, Thirteen Sister was already a “话事人” (person in charge), and there was nothing more to offer her besides the position of Dragon Head.
“You go speak to Thirteen Sister. As long as she’s willing to help, once I take power, I’ll declare war against the United Society to help her avenge her father’s death. Then, however much territory we take back in Pottinger Street will belong to her.” Jiang Tian Zheng looked at Chen Yao, his expression serious.
Thirteen Sister’s father, Chui Shui Da, was killed by the United Society’s hall leader, Xian Shi.
Unlike in the movies, Thirteen Sister had never been able to avenge her father’s death, fearing a war between the two organizations.
“Yes, Mr. Jiang.”
Chen Yao nodded in agreement, then turned and left.
…
Just as Jiang Tian Zheng had anticipated, Han Bin, Liang Kun, Kong Long, Ma Wang Jian, Fei Lao Li, and Thirteen Sister were together celebrating.
“Damn! Today was fucking awesome. That little white face Jiang Tian Zheng got shut down and couldn’t even utter a word.” Ma Wang Jian laughed boisterously.
“Yeah, you all saw his ugly face. It’s truly satisfying.” Fei Lao Li also burst into laughter.
“Damn, a little white face who wants to be the Dragon Head of Hong Xing? He’s dreaming.” Kong Long scoffed.
Inside the private room, the three men laughed and chatted, while Liang Kun and Han Bin had a low-toned conversation.
“This is just the beginning. We’ll keep doing this, whatever Jiang Tian Zheng supports, we oppose, and whatever he opposes, we support.” Han Bin said with a grin.
“That’s right.”
Liang Kun nodded, then said, “But Prince stepping in today caught me by surprise.”
“What’s the big deal? That idiot Prince probably still has Jiang Tian Yang on his mind.” Han Bin said disdainfully, “I don’t know how Prince can be so loyal to him, like a dog he raised.”
“Alright, let’s not talk about that.”
Liang Kun shook his head, then said, “But if that’s the case, I suggest we pull Prince into our side.”
“If we have seven people, even if the remaining six all agree with Jiang Tian Zheng, he won’t be able to do anything.”
“Makes sense.”
Han Bin nodded and said, “Let’s meet with Prince tomorrow and talk about this.”
“You guys chat, I have something to do. I’m leaving first.”
Thirteen Sister had been listening to their conversation without saying a word. Now, she got up and excused herself.
No one in the room paid much attention to her departure.
…
Stepping out of the private room and into the nightclub, Thirteen Sister lit a cigarette and took a puff.
She wasn’t sure if her actions during the meeting were right or wrong.
“Whatever, I’m not thinking about it.”
Thirteen Sister shook her head and was about to get into her car to leave.
“Thirteen Sister.”
At that moment, a voice came from behind her.
“Yao Ge?”
Thirteen Sister was taken aback at the sight of Chen Yao.
“Do you have some time? Let’s chat somewhere.” Chen Yao looked at Thirteen Sister with a smile.
“Okay, come with me.”
Thirteen Sister thought for a moment, nodded to Chen Yao, and they both got into the business car.
Soon, the car stopped near a street food stall.
“Mr. Jiang sent you to find me, didn’t he?”
Sitting down beside Chen Yao, Thirteen Sister stated confidently.