Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

Having decided to target the stone market, Lu and Shi followed the four-eyed guy back, still on the same machine gun speedboat they had come in, but their mood was different.

We arrived with trepidation, but returned with high spirits.

Halfway there, the two pushed and shoved each other, and finally went to find the four-eyed guy and said they wanted to try out the machine gun on the hill and see what it felt like.

He's in his fifties, but he's never fired a gun, let alone a machine gun!
I've seen it quite a bit in TV shows and movies, though.

Four-Eyes laughed and agreed. The speedboat veered slightly off course, and each of them fired two magazines of machine gun. When they sat back in the cabin, their hands were shaking. It was so, so exciting!
With this divine weapon, Lui Che-woo could be destroyed with a flick of the wrist!
……

Wang Yaotang did not return to Hong Kong Island. At his urging, Neves agreed to launch "Operation Storm" tonight and that he would stay to oversee the work.

Around 2 PM, Wang Yaotang arrived at the Umbrella Corporation base again. For the previous six months or so, the training consisted mainly of fists, kicks, and batons. After all, the security situation in Macau was much better than in Hong Kong, and there was no need for them to do anything, so they had never handled a gun.

Considering the operation planned for the night, Wang Yaotang felt it would be appropriate to allow the company's security personnel more contact with firearms, so he prepared to take them outside to practice with firearms, just to familiarize them with the weapons.

The entire fleet was moored in the inner bay of Qingzhou Island, where a makeshift pier was temporarily built using pontoons. Anthony Bratton and Shi Jiayang, along with a team of 50 people, waited on the shore. Wang Yaotang was not wearing a suit this time, but instead wore a camouflage outfit. He stood up straight, exuding a capable and efficient aura, completely different from his previous appearance.

"Wow, that looks pretty sharp," someone in the crowd whispered.

"I told you guys long ago that Brother Yao is a great fighter," said one of the men from Hong Kong and Sheng Yi, raising his head high.

"I know, he killed the boxing champion Peng on stage. The casino had already opened betting at the time. But Yao Ge had just risen to prominence then. It's been a year now. Why would Yao Ge need to do it personally now?"

"That's true. If Yao-ge has to do it all, what are we supposed to do?"

After exchanging a few words with Anthony and Shi Jiayang, Wang Yaotang shook hands with the security guards one by one, introduced by Shi Jiayang. Many of them were people he had arranged to come, and he remembered their names. When he said it to them in person, the group was very moved and looked like they were willing to die for Brother Yao.

Upon hearing that they would be going out to familiarize themselves with firearms and that everyone would have the chance to fire 10 bullets, the group of young people immediately became excited.

After getting acquainted and exchanging a few words, Wang Yaotang then invited everyone to board the boat, which took a detour through the Inner Mountain Waterway and headed straight for the southeast of Haojiang.

Fifteen kilometers away, near Changqin Island in the Wanshan Islands, a hundred years ago, this was a gathering place for pirates, and traces left by pirates can still be seen occasionally on the nearby islands.

There are hardly any people living on the island now, with only occasional fishermen working nearby. The Quanxing ship stopped directly near a beach, and after setting up a simple pier, Wang Yaotang began firing the guns himself.

Umbrella Security Company is not authorized to carry firearms in Haojiang, and even if they had guns, they couldn't just take them out at the base to show them to everyone, so they could only go out to sea.

Shi Jiayang rubbed the Type 56 assault rifle in his hand, his expression somewhat excited. He had used this gun for more than ten years, and after retiring it, he never thought he would be able to pick it up again.

Shi Jiayang was an expert at teaching people how to use guns, so Wang Yaotang didn't need to worry about it. Sha Ze and the others found a good spot on the beach and set up tables and chairs. Wang Yaotang and Anthony lay on the beach chairs and chatted.

Anthony, the former sheriff, had no objection to the idea of ​​practicing shooting.

Wang Yaotang lay back on the beach, took a sip of chilled glutinous rice wine, tilted his head and looked at Anthony with a smile, asking, "I want to apply for the right to bear arms for Umbrella Corporation. Do you think it's possible?"

Anthony seemed to have anticipated this question and replied without hesitation, "Although there is no security pressure in Macau and all the local troops stationed here have been withdrawn, it is still impossible to apply for gun ownership directly, especially since the company's security personnel are all Chinese."

In 1930, Portugal had 497 troops stationed there.

Forty years later, due to World War II, the number increased to 797.

In the early 50s, the number of troops stationed reached a peak of 1500, but the vast majority of them were black soldiers hired by the military.

After the "Carnation Revolution" in Portugal in 1974, the second-generation Portuguese from Macau were unwilling to give a single penny to the mainland, and the mainland also withdrew all its troops.

Portugal's influence in Macau is not nonexistent, but it's really just a name.

These second-generation Portuguese lack any sense of ownership and are more concerned with the privileges that come with being Portuguese. The current military force in Macau consists only of the Public Security Bureau and casino security teams, which is truly weak.

For Anthony, it would be even better if the Umbrella Corporation could obtain the right to bear arms; ideally, everyone would be armed. The stronger the Umbrella Corporation's military force, the greater his influence in Macau.

"So, what suggestions do you have?" Wang Yaotang smiled upon hearing this.

“Why doesn’t the company hire some Portuguese people?” Anthony looked intently at Wang Yaotang. “I know you don’t care about whether the security company is profitable, so salary isn’t the key issue.”

"To be honest, I think you are discriminating against us Portuguese, boss. We shouldn't be excluded."

“Wait, you said ‘rejection,’ are you expressing that you are being ‘discriminated against’?” Wang Yaotang asked, switching to Portuguese.

“Yes, that’s what I mean.” Anthony sat up and nodded emphatically.

“Am I not ridiculous? The Portuguese have special privileges in Macau.” Wang Yaotang said with a strange expression.

“Not at all ridiculous, sir.” Anthony shook his head with a serious expression. “I know that the mainland is negotiating with the British. As far as I know, the vast majority of British people living in Hong Kong are pessimistic about this. The British sun has set. Facing the mainland with millions of soldiers, they do not believe they can keep this colony. Similarly, the Portuguese in Macau are even more pessimistic.”

"Most of us arrived in Haojiang during our grandfathers' time. We were born here, grew up here, and all our relatives, friends, and businesses are in Haojiang. This is our home. At that time, we don't know what the outcome will be. You have to understand, not all Portuguese people are rich; that's only a small minority. Perhaps they aren't too worried, but ordinary Portuguese people are not."

Wang Yaotang found it quite interesting; he had never considered things from the perspective of an ordinary Portuguese person before. "So, which category are you?"

“I don’t think I can maintain my current standard of living after leaving Macau.” Anthony did not answer directly. “The company recruits some native Portuguese people, and you will gain the friendship of 1.2 Portuguese people living in Macau. Believe me, this is very important.”

Wang Yaotang understood. This guy was a local lobbyist. From the Portuguese perspective, they were afraid that the Umbrella Corporation would suddenly stab them in the back at some point.

This is the consequence of having no foundation; the future is bleak.

Of course, by recruiting some Portuguese people, Antony would no longer be isolated, which would not only expand his influence among the Chinese but also among the Portuguese.

Thinking about it, it's not necessarily a bad thing; an all-Chinese team might not be a good thing for me either...

“I do not discriminate against anyone, whether they are of Portuguese or Chinese descent. They are all people from Macau, and I will consider this matter carefully,” Wang Yaotang said thoughtfully.

“That’s really good news.” Anthony raised his glass in a toast.

"If you only protect your nightclubs, you'll never get a gun license. You can start with banking. You know, this is Las Vegas. The Governor's financial policies are relatively lenient, and the amount of cash circulating in the market every day is huge. Bank security has always been a big problem. If this weren't a small island, relying solely on the police department would result in bank robberies every day."

"Bank security, cash transport services," Wang Yaotang summarized.

“Yes, I can also introduce you to some banks,” Anthony said with a smile.

This is the bargaining chip offered by the local faction. It's clear that these native Portuguese are very insecure. Wang Yaotang chuckled inwardly, but didn't show it on his face. He smiled and praised Anthony for being the wisest decision he ever made by hiring him as the company's general manager.

The matter was temporarily settled, and the two chatted while enjoying the sea breeze. Shi Jiayang instructed the security guards on the basic rules of using firearms before arranging live-fire shooting. The continuous gunfire made Wang Yaotang feel very reassured.

……

Headquarters of the Haojiang Public Security Bureau.

At 9 p.m., a shrill ringing sound suddenly rang out.

Many of the officers on duty in the operations department were momentarily confused; the ringtone sounded familiar.
A Portuguese police superintendent burst through the door and roared, "Emergency assembly! What are you thinking about? Get to work!"

Everyone then realized what was happening, put down what they were doing, and got up to walk towards the parking lot. The last time this bell rang was more than a year ago.

It took nearly ten minutes to assemble. Neves glanced at his watch, shook his head almost imperceptibly, and after gathering the Portuguese superintendent, police chief, and Chinese police chief in charge, he said, "Due to the recent surge in violent incidents, the Director of Public Security has ordered a thorough search of all entertainment venues in Macau tonight, primarily targeting drug trafficking, prostitution, and gun possession. Tonight's operation is codenamed 'Storm.' From this moment forward, everyone is prohibited from having any communication with the outside world. Anyone found doing so will be dismissed!"

"Now begin assigning tasks..."

"Alright, Chief of Police, return to your posts and get the team into the car immediately." After giving the order, Neves beckoned several Portuguese police superintendents to come closer and whispered, "Tonight's main targets are several entertainment venues belonging to 'Soda' and 'Tiao Lin' companies. Umbrella Security will cooperate with our operation. Be careful to avoid any conflicts."

"clear?"

"Understood!" In other words, cooperate with Wang Yaotang's operation!
The four superintendents exchanged glances. Although they had received a lot of bribes from the two companies, it wasn't that they didn't want to help. The fact that the higher-ups hadn't leaked any information meant that the higher-ups had clearly reached an agreement.

There's nothing we can do then; both companies have to submit to the overall situation.

Without cell phones, it was impossible to send messages out. The four got into their respective vehicles, and amidst the chaotic sirens, more than 30 police cars sped out of the parking lot and headed straight for the two companies' premises.

Neves' car was the last to depart; he would personally lead 20 people to conduct the most thorough investigation of the three nightclubs under Wang Yaotang's name!
……

The police car screeched to a halt, and dozens of officers jumped out, blocking the front and back entrances of the "Night Shanghai" metropolis. The police stormed into the nightclub, shouting, "Inspection! Everyone stay in your seats and don't move!"

Several Portuguese police chiefs, who had been specifically notified, led their teams straight to the warehouse, restrooms, and lounge.

The nightclub was very noisy, and the sirens on the street could not be heard at all. Several henchmen in the lobby hurriedly tried to run over to notify the police, but six or seven policemen shouted and rushed over, swinging their batons and beating them.

"Bang!" The door was kicked open, and a dark gun barrel was pointed at the door. No one dared to move. Soon, a large quantity of drugs that had been hidden so poorly were found, and all the people involved were handcuffed.

In the general manager's office, the manager, who was overseeing the operation, was going crazy as he watched the phone go unanswered.

"Bang!" There were only a few knocks from outside when someone started banging on the door. The loud noise almost made people jump.

"Hey, who is it?"

"Big brother, big brother, there are cops checking!"

"Bang, bang... crash."

"What did you say!"

The police have discovered the goods!

"Don't move, raise your hand!"

"Big brother, hurry up and think of a solution!"

"I'll eat your mother's ass!" After uttering those words, only a busy tone remained on the phone. He was completely stunned. "What the hell happened?!"

He suddenly stood up, glared at his men, and roared, "What are you still looking at? Let's go!"

Just as he and his men reached the door, the phone rang again. He turned to answer it and heard an anxious voice on the other end saying, "Grandpa, I'm looking for you, Grandpa. There are cops, lots and lots of cops, to raid the place."

"It's me. What exactly happened? Where's your eldest brother?"

"Grandpa, I was outside the venue when suddenly a lot of police cars arrived. I didn't have time to notify them. Now the venue is sealed off. My brother has probably been arrested."

"Damn it, trash." Soda Lai said before hanging up.

……

Meanwhile, in the casino, a henchman rushed over to Broken Tooth and whispered a few words to him. Broken Tooth looked incredulous and hurriedly tried to call the police station, but no one answered.

Then, after thinking for a moment, he sent a page to the superintendent with whom he had a long-term working relationship.

Archie took out his pager, glanced at it, and then hung it back on his waist.

He paced back and forth a few times, but seeing that no calls were coming in, he could only hurriedly call his subordinates to prepare to go to the scene to check.

……

Soda Lai had a gloomy face. The driver kept honking the horn and drove very fast. In just seven or eight minutes, they arrived at the street where the venue was located. They could see the flashing police lights and the people being escorted out from afar.

The car was parked on the side of the road, and Qishui Lai was about to go over and ask. Haojiang is only so big, and there is no high-ranking official in the Public Security Bureau's Operations Division who doesn't know him. He has to give an explanation!

Just as I got out of the car, the door of a minivan parked on the side of the road was suddenly pulled open, and four people dressed in black combat uniforms jumped out. Startled, Qishui Lai hurriedly took two steps back.

"Are you fucking blind?!" one of the henchmen roared menacingly and was about to go forward, but he suddenly froze on the spot after taking a step.

The four men in black raised their hands and pointed their guns at him. The long barrels and dark muzzles of the guns were pointed at him. Soda Lai's eyes narrowed to the size of pinpoints. Submachine guns!
My first instinct was to run, but when I turned around, two more people appeared behind me, also carrying submachine guns.

No, how dare you? There were police officers just a dozen meters away!

"Soda Lai, our boss invites you over for drinks." A man tilted his head and looked him up and down with a smile. This guy was the famous soda company's boss in Haojiang. He wasn't all that great, was he? He was too scared to speak.

The 50 people were divided into 7 action groups, and the credit went to their own group!
“Your boss…” Soda Lai squinted, his attention had been drawn to the submachine gun, but now he noticed the other person’s clothes. After examining them closely, he blurted out, “God of Wealth Yao!”

"Who do you think you are? Call me Brother Yao!"

Police officers nearby noticed that someone was watching the situation and called to the sheriff, and they walked over together. Soda Lai's expression suddenly became excited. Just a few minutes ago, he was cursing the police department, but now, these were his family!

"Brother, the police are coming." Soda Lai straightened up immediately. "You'd better get out of here, you don't want to get jailed, do you?"

Several security guards instinctively turned around to look. Although they had been told to give prior notice, carrying submachine guns was blatant criminal activity.

Four or five meters apart, their eyes met, and the policeman immediately spotted the Type 56 rifle in the security guard's hand, instantly freezing in fright.

The security guards were just unsure of themselves, but the police were genuinely afraid!

madman!

The police chief in charge was also terrified, his back covered in sweat. He blinked hard, then suddenly remembered what the superintendent had said earlier: "The Umbrella Corporation will cooperate with the operation."

So that's how 'cooperation' is explained!
I've learned something. No wonder he's a police superintendent; he's really skilled!

Slowly raising his hand, afraid of provoking the other party, the sheriff gave a big smile and said, "It's alright, let's go."

Having said that, he turned around.

Several police officers instinctively turned around, but after taking a few steps, they were still completely bewildered. What was going on?

Soda Lai's expression shifted from surprise to bewilderment, then from bewilderment to indignation. He suddenly raised his hand, "They have guns! Can't you see them?!"

I am filled with indignation!

I have never hated you so much! Where is the justice in your hearts?!
Arrest them!

As soon as the words were shouted, the policemen quickened their pace, their backs showing signs of panic.

What does the Portuguese have to do with the Pearl River?
"You, you guys..." Qishui Lai gasped for breath.

The security team member turned to look at Lai in the water room, and asked with a mocking expression, "What did you shout?"

"I..." Qi Shui Lai Qi's lips were trembling. "I, I said let's go."

"Please." He stepped aside to make way for the car, and got in with a blank expression on his face.

The car doors closed, and the car turned around and drove off, leaving only a few henchmen from the soda bar standing there blankly. The boss had been kidnapped, what were we going to do?
Almost at the same time, Bengya Ju, who had just gotten out of the car, had a dark gun barrel pressed against him, looking back at the flashing police lights not far away.

Hurry up and come, I can't handle this alone.

Hurry up and come... (End of Chapter)