Hong Kong Storm: The King of Jobs

Chapter 423, Part 4: The Ceremony Concluded (Thanks to all the big shots for the monthly tickets!)

(The hospital is really overcrowded now. After Ah Xian had a traditional Chinese medicine steam bath with chrysanthemum, the doctor told him he could get out of there!)

"Unhappy?!"

"Uncle Seven can rake in 40% of the revenue from Portland Street every month. If I were him, I would be laughing in my dreams."

"Boss, Uncle Qi has been the head of the filial piety group for six years now. Seeing that he is in good health, he might have to sit on it for another six years."

If you're going to make a name for yourself, you have to be the loudest one!

Although the Number Gang doesn't have the same seniority as Hutchison Whampoa, Grandpa is still the most powerful.

Old Man He Rong felt a pang of heartache whenever he thought about the real money he sent out every month. It was annoying to have an old man constantly on one's shoulders, and he always had to find a way to deal with it.

“Arong, you can say the wrong thing, or wear the wrong shoes, but you can’t go the wrong way.”

"I'll just take it as you talking nonsense when you're drunk, and let it go in one ear and out the other. But if I find out you've done something wrong, don't blame me for cleaning house!"

How could the gangsters who could take over Portland Street really be as brainless and muscular as the rumors say? Moro knew what kind of scheme He Rong was plotting.

That's how Bai Zhishan is: quick-witted, but when he gets down to business, he has no sense of chivalry and only cares about money.

But if it weren't for these old men sheltering them from the wind and rain, all those white paper fans would have been wiped out by the thugs long ago.

Deng Qi is the face of the Number Gang. Prince doesn't really care about gangster affairs. Without Deng Qi, the Number Gang would be a mess. Giving up 40% of the profits to protect his territory on Portland Street is a very worthwhile business in Mo Luo's eyes.

After warning his younger brother He Rong, Mo Luo turned around and got into the car. Since he couldn't be the first to offer incense, there was no need for him to stay at the Tin Hau Temple. He would settle this score with Handsome Boy later.

Old man He Rong was the first to be reprimanded, but he still seemed indifferent. He flicked away the cigarette he hadn't smoked with his finger, then stood up and called his leader to leave.

Let the henchmen handle the incense offering!
When Chi Mengli stepped through the main gate of the Tianhou Temple, a victorious smile appeared on his face. The four families had retreated, so he had won.

The sound of drums and music rang out inside the Tianhou Temple. Chi Mengli, dressed in a long robe and mandarin jacket, looked at the Tianhou Hall with its eight gates wide open, put her hands together, and bowed three times to the Tianhou Goddess.

"Chi Sheng, I have received your check. Thank you for your donation."

"The Mazu Hong Kong Executive Committee made a decision last night to elect you as the representative of the Yau Ma Tei area. This year, two free primary schools will be established in Yau Ma Tei, and the milk and lunch for the enrolled students will be provided."

"Thank you for your donation, Mr. Chi. Otherwise, things wouldn't have been resolved so quickly."

The true master of Temple Street, Twelfth Master, stepped forward. After Chi Mengli finished paying respects to the Heavenly Empress, he removed his melon-shaped hat, revealing his gray hair, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

"Uncle Twelve, you're too kind. Although I'm a lowly gangster, I still make a living in Yau Ma Tei. When Yau Ma Tei prospers, we gangsters who live off the land can earn more."

The one million donated was just a stepping stone; the representative status of the Hong Kong Mazu Executive Committee was the real talisman that Chi Mengli obtained. Don't underestimate these empty titles.

With these titles, he wouldn't be a gangster being ridiculed by the cops anymore, and the cops would have to consider the social impact when they wanted to take action.

It's not big news that a gangster named Handsome Sheng from Shui Fong was thrown in jail, but if a regional representative of the Hong Kong Mazu Executive Committee were thrown in jail, it would definitely attract a lot of attention.

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals will definitely not sit idly by, because among the three hospitals, the one with the most followers of Tin Hau Mazu and the most donations is also the one with the most followers.

Money has no inherent value. As long as Tung Wah Group of Hospitals uses its funds for charity, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) cannot reclaim the money, and the Chief Justice will not sign any decree to allow the Department of Justice to act recklessly.

“Chi Sheng, you’re too modest. Since you took charge of Yau Ma Tei, the security in Temple Street has improved a lot. Although there are still drug addicts everywhere, you’ve given the street thugs jobs, which has kept them busy and reduced a lot of trouble.”

"Let me introduce you to a new friend, Brother Wen, over here!"

The ship captains emerged from the small doors on either side of the inner hall, and Twelfth Master quickly greeted them, beckoning over an elderly man who was chatting with someone.

With a smile on his face, Wen Hongsheng strode over to Twelfth Young Master's side and said with a laugh, "Twelfth Young Master, you're shouting so loudly, there must be some good news! Tell us so we can all have a good laugh!"

"Tonight is the most joyous occasion of all, especially for the Empress!"

"Let me introduce you to a young man, a new friend!"

Twelfth Young Master patted Chi Mengli on the shoulder and introduced him to Wen Hongsheng: "Brother Wen, this is Chi Mengli, also known as Chi Sheng, nicknamed Handsome Sheng in the underworld."

"This face is definitely stunning! Any pretty girl would go weak in the knees if she saw it!"

"Chi-sheng, this is Brother Man, a district councilor in Yau Ma Tei, a major landowner in Yau Ma Tei. The Man family ancestral hall owns one-tenth of the land in Yau Ma Tei. If he coughs, Yau Ma Tei will catch a cold!"

"In the Kowloon Gentry Association, the Man family and the Tang family have the upper hand. After all, there are only eighteen gentry representatives in each term, and the Man family has five seats. They are really overjoyed!"

In Kowloon and the New Territories, there are gentry associations, and gentry representatives are elected based on the amount of land they own.

The major unrest over the Chinese dang rights fifteen years ago was caused by these people. The foreigners also conceded defeat, acknowledging the Chinese dang rights and allowing them to build dang houses on their land.

Upon hearing Twelfth Young Master's introduction, Chi Mengli immediately realized what was going on and quickly shook hands with Wen Hongsheng to greet him.

“Chi Sheng is a talented young man, not a playboy with a gilded family background. This time, Chi Sheng donated one million, which will provide sufficient funds to open three more Chinese primary schools.”

"We are Chinese, and it's fine for us to learn ABCD and keep up with the world, but we must not forget our roots!"

"Having made a contribution, we old fogies should of course give the newcomers a shout-out. The district representative for Yau Ma Tei this time is Chi Sheng, Brother Man. If you ask me, you should thank Chi Sheng. The crime rate in Yau Ma Tei dropped by two points last month, and that's all thanks to Chi Sheng."

Twelfth Young Master praised Chi Mengli a couple of times and, acting as an intermediary, introduced the two to each other.

Wen Hongsheng immediately nodded, looked at his secretary, who understood and took out a business card, handing it to Chi Mengli with both hands.

"This is my business card, Chi Sheng. Call me when you have time."

"I have something to attend to, so I won't bother you two any longer."

Upon seeing that his secretary had received Chi Mengli's business card, Wen Hongsheng nodded, bid farewell to the two, and left.

"Uncle Twelfth, the offerings have been arranged neatly. Chi Sheng may enter!"

The volunteers from the Tin Hau Temple quickly approached Twelve Young Master, indicating that the offerings inside the hall were ready and incense could be lit. Twelve Young Master took out his pocket watch, realized it was almost time, and said to Chi Mengli, "Chi Sheng, this way please."

Chi Mengli straightened her robes and followed the Twelfth Young Master inside.

There is no such thing as a coincidence in this world. Twelve Young Master was the middleman. He took advantage of this opportunity to offer incense to introduce Wen Hongsheng to him. The meeting between the landlord and the gangster was for a simple reason: to acquire the property.

Yau Ma Tei has good feng shui and even better geographical conditions, but there are several wooden sheds and tin-roofed houses in the surrounding area. If you want to develop Yau Ma Tei on a large scale, you have to deal with these tin-roofed houses.

This is a powder keg, and he absolutely cannot get involved. Besides, these people from the gentry are all stingy and can't offer the bargaining chips that Chi Mengli wants.

Why not continue hanging out with Young Master Wang and create a commercial pedestrian street?

Twelfth Major General Chi Mengli led the way to the entrance of the main hall, where he took a tray from a volunteer. On the tray was a bundle of incense sticks, exactly three and a half bundles.

Chi Mengli picked up the three and a half sticks of incense, glanced at Bo Cai Dong who was following beside her, and the two of them walked into the main hall together.

"On December 31, 1978, during the New Year's prayer ceremony, Chi Mengli, a disciple of Jintaishan and Anle, respectfully offers simple wine, delicacies, incense, flowers, and candles before the Heavenly Mother and Mazu of the Sea!"

Chi Mengli dipped her thumb into the rootless water in the golden basin, symbolizing washing her hands in the golden basin to purify herself. Then she went to the candle on the right and lit the three and a half incense sticks in her hand.

The Han people valued the right side, while the Yi and Qiang tribes valued the left side.

After three and a half incense sticks were lit, the volunteers outside the main hall received a hand signal from the Twelfth Young Master and lit a sky-piercing cannon. The sky-piercing cannon shot into the sky with flames and exploded with a loud bang.

Chi Mengli held her right thumb, index, and middle fingers together, with her ring and little fingers bent inwards, her palm facing upwards to support her incense feet. Her left hand also held three fingers together, covering the back of her right fingers, forming a cupped hands shape. Her incense body was held vertically upwards, level with her brow.

This is the Hongmen's concept of Heaven, Earth, and Man: Heaven above, Earth below, and Man standing in the center.

"The Holy Mother, born in Meizhou, rides a dragon across the sea, rescuing those in distress and danger, bestowing blessings upon the world, extending grace to all nations, her divine power is awe-inspiring, and her incense burns everlasting."

Reading the eulogy, especially the one written in calligraphy, is definitely beyond the capabilities of Spinach East, with his eccentric mind; only Twelfth Young Master can handle it.

Upon hearing Twelfth Master begin chanting sutras, Chi Mengli quickly bowed three times to the Heavenly Empress seated high on the altar, and then inserted the incense into the empty golden incense burner.

When inserting the incense into the incense burner, he still maintains the three-finger gesture, with his left hand helping to stabilize the incense, symbolizing receiving the blessing of the ancestral master with the power of heaven, earth, and man.

After carefully inserting three and a half sticks of incense into the incense burner, he took a step back, cupped his hands in a circle, and performed the "Hong Zi Gui Yi" posture.

"The sun and moon shine together on Hongying, and people from all corners of the world share one heart!"

Only after Chi Mengli finished reciting this sentence did the entire ceremony come to a complete end. This was to pay homage to the Heavenly Empress on behalf of the Ancestral Master, and not a single step could be wrong, especially since he had lived two lives and dared not make any mistakes.

"On this auspicious day, we respectfully offer this sacrifice, with a single incense stick and three rounds of wine. We humbly pray that the Holy Mother will temporarily halt her celestial journey, come and taste this humble offering, and witness our sincere devotion. May she bless the believers and grant them eternal peace!"

"With this sacrificial text, I proclaim to the gods."

"I hope you enjoy the meal!"

After Twelfth Master finished reading the eulogy, he lit it on the candle in his right hand and placed it in the copper basin beside him, watching as the eulogy burned to ashes.

In Hong Kong, the belief in ghosts and spirits is prevalent, and paper craft shops have kept up with the times. If you tell the paper craft shop master that you want high-quality yellow paper for memorial texts, they will find yellow paper with added accelerants.

Now we don't have to worry about the eulogy not being burned cleanly enough, which would anger the men!

"Kowtow!"

Twelfth Master nodded in satisfaction and shouted loudly.

Chi Mengli knelt on the floor tiles, obediently performing three kneelings and nine kowtows to pay her respects to the Empress, and also used her new robes to clean the floor for the Empress.

The whole process of kneeling, kowtowing, and prostrating oneself took two or three minutes.

After performing the ritual, Chi Mengli stood up from the ground and bowed three times to the Empress.

All done! Time to go back and eat shark fin soup!
He nodded to Twelfth Master, then staggered out of the main hall with Spinach.

Seeing that the ceremony went smoothly, Hei Ahu, Ji Mi, A Cong and others outside the temple also put their hands together and bowed to the Goddess of the Sea. The group then left through the side door of the Goddess of the Sea.

When the troupe leader saw Chi Mengli and the others come out, he immediately waved his hand, signaling the dragon and lion dance, the gong and drum masters to start, and the actors on the stage to begin singing a family reunion play.

Chi Mengli took out three red envelopes that she had prepared in advance and handed them to the dragon and lion dancers, the stage manager, and the host. These were the bonuses given by the host.

The money has been given, and everyone should leave now.

Big Mouth was very happy to see that the movie hadn't started, because he didn't have to pay for the resettlement fee. He told the construction workers to leave, those who wanted to watch the show could stay, and those who didn't could take the free minibus at the intersection to go home.

Chi Mengli stood in front of the stage, watched the opera for a few minutes, and then turned to leave. It was New Year's Eve, and the brothers were all waiting at Liji Restaurant for their red envelopes.

Peach Blossom Girl, sitting on the railing, never took her eyes off Chi Mengli. She felt that Chi Mengli's figure was very similar to the leader of the mercenary group on the island.

It's normal for gangsters to have short dogs, but I've rarely seen them with long ones. Local gangsters, not big circles, wouldn't be that arrogant!
She must have drunk too much coffee, causing her brain to short-circuit and her to hallucinate. She wasn't too concerned about the group of shady mercenaries now; she only cared about when she could finish work.

The tense situation, which was on the verge of erupting, dissipated as soon as Chi Mengli finished offering the first incense.

As Ding Gou watched Chi Mengli's figure gradually disappear, he planned to put Liangzai Sheng's name at the top of the Dragon and Tiger List after returning, so he could slowly collect evidence.

The O-Division's "Dragon and Tiger List" is a blacklist that is shared weekly with the anti-triad units of local police stations.

There are no end to catching gangsters, you can never catch them all, especially with the current terrible employment rate. But the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) isn't going to sit idly by either. They have to eliminate any rising gangsters.

Now that Handsome Sheng is following the rules and not running a fan stall, it doesn't mean he will always follow the rules.

Hong Kong is a society governed by law. If you follow the rules, you can survive. When Handsome Sheng breaks the rules, the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) will take the evidence they have collected and take down this good-for-nothing gangster.

(Minimally invasive surgery is amazing! Today the pain has lessened by 80%. But Ah Xian has been drinking meal replacement juice every day for the past two days, and he's been really envious of the steamed buns the guy next door is eating.)
(End of this chapter)