Chapter 86
Outside the door, a burly security guard swiftly produced a whistle and blew. Instantly, all the shirtless men loading goods assembled. The neighborhood, in Causeway Bay's western suburbs of Jonford, was relatively old. Here resided the Green Bamboo Association's ninth branch—the largest underground organization in Sagen. Howard Lane, head of the Jonford Five Elites' Lane family, was the branch's former president.
In his youth, Howard had consolidated Sagen's underworld for the Green Bamboo Association, before establishing legitimate businesses in Jonford with his subordinates. His three sons managed the family's affairs capably, yet none showed interest in the Association. Instead, his grandson, Simon Lane, actively associated with its members. Consequently, Howard bequeathed the ninth branch presidency to Simon, a decision even Kai respected.
That evening, Causeway Bay possessed an unusual stillness. Glamorous women, elegantly dressed, smoked cigarettes, creating swirling plumes of smoke. Groups of young men gathered, chatting and laughing.
Inside Sisi Bar's luxurious private room, Crow dined with several nearby construction bosses. Blonde and muscular, he sat casually, arrogantly stating, "Same offer: 700,000, or we're done."
A forty-something boss produced 15,000 in cash, placing it on the table with a strained smile. "Take this for now. We'll start demolishing the dilapidated houses on Street 7…"
Causeway Bay belonged to the Duersons, who mandated partial demolition within three months; failure meant the project's transfer. Crow's men controlled Causeway Bay, preventing demolition. The bosses thus negotiated, unaware of Crow's exorbitant demand.
Crow retrieved a cigarette and a pitch-black gun, aiming it at the bosses. They trembled. He laughed, aimed the gun at the cigarette, and fired. It was a lighter. The bosses relaxed, only to be startled by Crow slamming the lighter on the table.
"You take me for a beggar? Fifteen thousand?" he snarled.
The initial boss stammered, "Crow, 700,000 is… impossible!"
"Impossible?" Crow stood, exhaled smoke, and declared, "Then let's end this," overturning the table and striding out.