"See? I told you he wouldn't run."
Tang Shaojie stood in front of the mirror while Hu Qing helped straighten his clothes.
"So what? You were right once. Don't get cocky."
"I've got a good eye for people. You just never believe me."
"I believe you. Go set up a fortune-telling stand under the overpass—you'd make good money."
The couple bickered their way out of the room.A fleet of cars was already lined up downstairs, and Cao Yang sat in the lead car with the two of them.
Fulin Grand Restaurant—an old Cantonese establishment famous for seafood and roast goose—was packed today.Tang Shaojie had reserved dozens of tables, inviting nearly every major figure he knew.
There were local bosses from yesterday, regional gangs from the province, the Teochew group, the Meizhou group, and several Dongguan power players.The city's biggest nightclub owner, Baimao.The largest hotel tycoon, Liang Hui.Even two senior elders from the Yi He Society—one from Deep City on the mainland, one from Hong Kong headquarters.
They were here to witness Tang Shaojie officially taking a new follower—Cao Yang—whose name would be recorded in the Hong Kong headquarters registry.
Did being recorded matter?Not really. It was just an old tradition.
If anything, the only benefit was that, should something happen to Tang Shaojie in the future, his registered disciples would have an easier time inheriting his status.If Tang was the emperor, then these trusted followers were the princes.
Tang stepped onto the stage with a mic.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules," he said with a joking tone. "Yesterday a friend asked if I was throwing a drink because my mother turned eighty. Someone else said I was marrying a concubine. But honestly? Nothing big. I just wanted to gather with friends."
Laughter erupted across the hall.
"Tang, aren't you taking in a new disciple today?"
Tang smiled lightly. "Family matter. It just happens to be the same day."
"No worries! Since we're all here anyway, bring your new disciple out. Let us meet the young talent who managed to catch your eye."
"Right, right! We all know you don't accept followers easily. Each of your men can run their own territory. Show us who impressed you this time!"
"Alright then. He does like causing trouble. I'm afraid he'll offend you all someday, so better let you recognize his face first—please go easy on him in the future."
Another burst of laughter.
A row of chairs was set on the stage.Sun Xiao patted Cao Yang on the back—his cue.
Straightening his new suit, Cao Yang walked onto the stage like a celebrity on the red carpet.He never expected such a formal ceremony just to "accept a follower."He thought it was just:
I'm the boss.You're my guy.Work for me, make me money, I give you a cut.
Simple.
But the way they treated him—so ceremoniously—actually warmed him a little.
Suddenly—
BANG!
Someone slammed the table.
The hall fell silent.
Henan Gang's new leader, Cai Xudong, was shaking with fury.He had never seen Cao Yang in person, but he had seen photos—he instantly recognized the man they had been hunting everywhere.
Hunan Gang's leader, She Zhishan, also turned grim.They had a blood feud with Cao Yang, and Tang Shaojie dared to accept him as a disciple—right in front of them.
Worse, he even invited them to witness it.It was a slap to the face.
Sichuan Gang boss Liu Changling frowned at first, but soon his expression darkened as well.He understood—this was a message directed at him.
"Calm down, Old Cai."
"Old She, don't act rashly. This is his turf!"
Other gang leaders quickly intervened, trying to stop an explosion on the spot.
Everyone else now understood who Cao Yang was—the kid who stirred up Dongguan and killed the Henan Gang's former boss.
Tang Shaojie and Hu Qing continued the ceremony as if nothing happened.
Cao Yang ignored the tension and poured tea into two cups.He kneeled on one knee, holding the tea up with both hands.
"Big Brother, please have tea."
Tang Shaojie took it with a smile, sipping lightly.
"From now on, we're family. Here—take this for good luck."He handed Cao Yang a red envelope.
Cao Yang placed it in his pocket, then poured another cup.
"Sister-in-law, please have tea."
Hu Qing accepted it gracefully and handed him a red envelope.
"From now on, you're part of the Yi He Society. Don't act recklessly. Whatever you do, outsiders will assume it's on behalf of your Big Brother. If something comes up, tell us first. And don't worry—no one will bully you."
Cao Yang bowed his head. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
Not far away, Ale whispered bitterly to Sun Xiao:
"Brother Xiao, what's so good about this kid? Why are Boss and Sister-in-law treating him like treasure? Just because he can fight?"
Their own initiation ceremonies back then had no outside witnesses—nothing like this grand display.
Sun Xiao glared at him. "You really think Cao Yang is the star today?"
"Who else? You? Me?"
"You idiot! Today's entire setup is aimed at the local gangs."
"I know, the Henan Gang and Hunan Gang—because of Cao Yang!"
"You really are hopeless. Today's target is the Sichuan boss. Henan and Hunan are just collateral."
Ale blinked. "No way. Sichuan and Cao Yang have no beef."
"Not yet. But after today? We'll see if he dares oppose us."Sun Xiao sighed."Now I finally get why Boss wants Cao Yang."
"Why?"
"Because he's disappointed in you."
Ale froze.
"I thought Cao Yang was a reckless brute with only his fists. Turns out you're even more brainless."
Before Ale could argue, chefs began serving dishes.Tang Shaojie took Cao Yang around the hall, raising glasses at each table.
When they reached the local gang leaders' tables, the atmosphere tightened.
Tang casually draped an arm around Cai Xudong's shoulders, the other around She Zhishan.
"Brothers, I know you and Cao Yang have… issues. Let's talk later and see if we can settle things."