Cai Xudong didn't actually hate Cao Yang. In fact, he was even a little grateful.If Cao Yang hadn't stirred up such chaos, he never would've become the new boss.
But gratitude was one thing.Cao Yang still had to die.
Only by killing him could he shut up Liu Zhenhu's remaining followers.Only by killing him could he make his authority clear on his very first day in power.
The problem was—no one knew where Cao Yang was hiding.Finding him would take time.
For now, his priority was handling Liu Zhenhu's funeral.Even if they never got along, the man was still the former boss. As the new leader, Cai Xudong had the obligation to do things properly.
He rented a church and scheduled the memorial for three days later.
When the day came, the turnout was huge. Besides the Henan Gang, many fellow townsmen who'd worked with them over the years also arrived.
Some were legitimate businessmen from Henan living in the city; even they came.Running a legal business didn't mean you wouldn't encounter illegal types—and maintaining good ties with the Henan Gang was always smart.
Other major local gangs sent their leaders as well.
Rivals or not, they were all part of the same underworld circle. Liu Zhenhu had been a notable boss—it was only right to send him off.
A group of big bosses gathered together, chatting idly as they waited for the ceremony to start.
"Didn't expect this. Old Liu just held a memorial for his brother a few days ago… now it's his turn."The Jiangxi Gang boss sighed, and the others nodded. Life was unpredictable like that.
"Right? Who would've thought that rookie kid would be such a monster to kill?"The Anhui boss shook his head. The others agreed—Cao Yang's name was now famous among them.
The Sichuan boss, Liu Changling, smirked as he looked at She Zhishan."Old She, that kid has beef with you too. Better watch your back."
He said it like a friendly warning, but the amusement in his tone was obvious.
She Zhishan shot him a glare."You think I'm scared? If that brat dares show up, I'll chop him into pieces."
He was boasting, of course.Ever since he heard Liu Zhenhu's entire squad had been wiped out, he'd quietly upgraded his security and hadn't dared step outside.
The Guangxi boss joined in, smiling as he poked fun:"Still, you should be careful. The police haven't found him yet. If he decides to go down fighting…"
She Zhishan's face darkened. He was about to spit out a retort when a convoy entered the church grounds, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Eight black Mercedes-Benz S600s.Every single one worth over a million.
"Who the hell is showing off like that?""No idea. Maybe some big shots from the Shenzhen branch of the Henan Gang."
Everyone stared at the cars, curious which arrogant figure wanted this much attention.
The doors opened. More than a dozen men in black suits stepped out and lined up in formation.
Then, from the lead car, a man emerged—dressed in a sharp black suit, posture firm and imposing.
Tang Shaojie.
He glanced around calmly, then strode toward the hall with his followers behind him.
"What? Tang Shaojie? He came?"
The local bosses were stunned.Many had tried inviting Tang Shaojie in the past, but he always kept his distance. They never expected him to show up at Liu Zhenhu's funeral.
"Did Old Liu have connections with him?""Maybe the new boss, Cai Xudong, invited him?"
They looked between Tang Shaojie and Cai Xudong.
Cai Xudong was just as confused.He never invited Tang Shaojie, and as far as he knew, Tang Shaojie and Liu Zhenhu barely knew each other.
But a guest was a guest—he'd have to entertain him properly.
Tang Shaojie approached the memorial, lit an incense stick, and bowed deeply to Liu Zhenhu's portrait.With his status, he didn't need to do that. But showing respect to the dead was its own kind of etiquette.
He placed the incense, then shook hands with Liu Zhenhu's beautiful widow.
"My condolences."
"Thank you."
Seeing that the ritual was complete, Cai Xudong rushed forward."President Tang, I didn't expect you to honor us with your presence. Welcome, welcome—please, this way."
Everyone knew Tang Shaojie's reputation in Guan City. Even the White-Hair of Dongtai or Ah Hui from Prince Hotel had to call him "Brother Jie."
He led Tang Shaojie to the table where all the major gang bosses sat.They all stood to greet him respectfully—older ones called him President Tang, younger ones called him Brother Jie.
"President Tang, I've been wanting to visit you for a long time. Since you're here today, let's drink a few cups later."
Tang Shaojie waved casually."I have things to do later. Tomorrow is better."
"I'm mainly here to send Boss Liu off—and to invite all of you to a gathering tomorrow."
His men handed him a pack of invitations.He distributed them one by one.
"Tomorrow noon, Fulin Restaurant. I look forward to seeing everyone."
When he reached Cai Xudong and She Zhishan, he paused briefly."Boss She. Boss Cai. You two must come."
"Of course!""We'll be there!"
Once the invitations were handed out, Tang Shaojie waved goodbye and left with his convoy, leaving the entire hall confused.
"What's that supposed to mean?"The Guangxi boss opened his invitation—it only listed the time and address. No explanation.
"Is it his birthday? His mother's? His kid's full moon? Or maybe he's taking a second wife?""How would I know? Guess we'll find out tomorrow."
"Better be cautious. That guy always keeps his distance from us. If he's inviting us personally… something's up."
One boss turned to She Zhishan with a teasing grin:"Boss She, why'd he specifically tell you to be there? Looks like he's closer to you than to us."
She Zhishan froze.He had no idea either.
The Sichuan boss, Liu Changling, snorted."Arrogant bastard. Pretends he's here to pay respects, but he's really slapping the Henan Gang in the face."
The others laughed.Only Cai Xudong's expression darkened.
Liu Changling wasn't wrong.Tang Shaojie's move was rude. But was it because he didn't understand etiquette? Of course not. He simply didn't care.
He did whatever he wanted—and everyone else's feelings weren't even on his radar.
Cai Xudong shot Liu Changling a cold glance.Was that guy deliberately stirring the pot?Everyone understood Tang Shaojie had crossed a line—yet this idiot insisted on saying it out loud, trying to look clever.