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

"Any news?" Han Yili asked, looking at Kabel.

“We closely monitored all underground markets on Hong Kong Island and found no cash with serial numbers within the area. We also notified the Macau police. The casinos were also closely monitoring for any guests carrying large amounts of US dollars, but they also did not receive any information.”

"In addition, the marine police have conducted more than 400 patrols in the area and inspected fishermen in Chai Wan, Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung, but again they found nothing."

All the news was bad, which made Han Yili very irritable. "What about those gangs? They have the most informants at the lower levels, but haven't they heard anything?"

“Because of confidentiality reasons, so…” Cabel pursed his lips.

"What secrets are you still keeping!" Han Yili slammed his hand on the table, a newspaper spread out before him. The headline on the front page was "The Greatest Heist of the Century: Standard Chartered Bank Cash Truck Robbed."

The police force did its best to temporarily conceal the case within Hong Kong Island, but things were completely out of control in London. Standard Chartered headquarters hadn't received the cash, and staff there were selling information to the media...

This newspaper was delivered with the plane that landed this morning, and it is foreseeable that today's evening paper will spread the news of this major robbery throughout Hong Kong Island.

The thought of facing countless questions from the media made Han Yili's head ache again.

"Tell those rats in the sewers to find the people, or I'll use their corpses to divert the media's attention!" Han Yili said viciously.

“I understand,” Cabel nodded.

You can always trust the paparazzi's zeal; news spreads like wildfire.

The amount of money in the cash-in-transit van was known to only a very few people at Standard Chartered Bank, but now it can no longer be kept secret: $2300 million!
No, I heard it's pounds...

No, I heard there are also drafts...

No, I've heard there are also bearer share certificates...

Based on the current exchange rate...

That's roughly HK$10 billion!
Soon, a large number of reporters converged on police headquarters. The public relations department was already swamped, but it still couldn't dampen the reporters' enthusiasm. More importantly, the news was becoming increasingly outrageous, and the police had to step forward to refute it. Otherwise, it wouldn't be surprising if someone reported being robbed of $10 billion tomorrow.

If this situation were to actually occur, it could potentially trigger a financial crisis, with citizens fearing bank failures and leading to bank runs...

That would be hilarious!

With no results from the investigation, Han Yili wouldn't come forward to face the reporters, leaving only the unfortunate Klaus Kinlake as the one to speak. To convince the reporters present, senior executives from Standard Chartered Bank also attended this impromptu press conference and displayed the cash transfer receipts.

It was confirmed that it was only $2300 million.

……

"I heard that Standard Chartered Bank was robbed of $10 billion?" Wang Yaotang asked with a smile.

"Seriously? You believe that? Those ordinary people don't understand, but you don't, do you?" Cabel said irritably.

Wang Yaotang burst into laughter. One hundred million US dollars in cash weighs a ton. Leaving aside whether the armored truck could pull it, how to move so much money is a problem.

As for anonymous stuff... that's all nonsense for fools.

"What do you want from me? The police don't want us to help them find someone, do they?"

"Yes, keep an eye out for anyone using large sums of US dollars in the market and notify us immediately."

“If I saw it, my first choice would be to arrest the person, torture them severely, and make them cough up the money. Why would I tell the police?” Wang Yaotang asked, feigning seriousness.

"Believe me, this is useless. Most of the serial numbers on the money are recorded." Cabel didn't care whether Wang Yaotang really didn't know or not, and explained, "That's it. I still need to go and inform the people in the other gangs."

"Wait, have you misunderstood something? I'm a legitimate businessman!" Wang Yaotang emphasized loudly.

“Yes, Mr. Wang, a respectable and upright businessman.” Cabel gave him a reassuring look, smiled, and left.

Wang Yaotang chuckled and scolded, then got up and walked to the other side, saying, "Sorry, my friends, I've been too rude."

"It's nothing, Mr. Wang." The three stood up and smiled, with one of them helping to pull out a chair.

Wang Yaotang wasn't sure whether to call the three Korean gangs "Koreans" or "Chinese"...

The two spoke with a strong Northeastern accent, while one spoke with a Shandong accent.

They were all born and raised in China, but later smuggled themselves to South Korea because of the hardships of life. Initially, South Korea promoted the idea of ​​being of the same ethnicity and treating its own people well, but once they got there, they found out that they were all liars.

A bunch of stinking country bumpkins have come to Seoul to beg for food!

But those from the stinky countryside also look down on those who have been smuggled in.

When I arrived in South Korea, I discovered that I was a third-class citizen, someone who could be beaten and verbally abused at will, and that I couldn't even call the police because I had no legal status.

Later, these people who had been smuggled over there established their own gangs in places like docks and factories, fighting against locals and the police while making money off their own compatriots.

After coming into contact with various underworld forces, Wang Yaotang discovered that the locals were extremely xenophobic, making it very difficult for outsiders like himself to try and make a living there.

"Brother Yao, what do the police want with you?" Jin Junhao asked with a smile.

His real name is 'Jin Jianguo', which he changed after he illegally crossed the border.

"On the day of the funeral, a Standard Chartered Bank cash-in-transit van transporting cash to the airport was robbed. Four security guards died, and 2300 million yuan in cash was stolen," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"How much!" The three men jumped up from their chairs in shock, staring at Wang Yaotang with horrified expressions.

"2300 million US dollars!"

You could clearly hear the three of them swallow hard. How many Korean won must that be?

If you could rob that much money, who would bother with setting up a gang?

"How did you manage to steal so much money?" Xu Zhengguo asked in a low voice, like a thief.

Wang Yaotang didn't hide anything and explained in detail the robbers' crime process. "It's actually very simple. It's nothing more than reconnaissance, ambush, and retreat. These are all things that are taught in militia training. Don't tell me you haven't participated in them."

These guys were all born in the 50s. Militia training was quite strict in the 70s. If they hadn't run away to South Korea before they were 18, they must have received relevant training.

In the 60s and 70s, militia training was not just about shooting at targets a few times. All the basic tactical skills had to be trained, and large-scale competitions were held at the brigade, commune, and county levels!

Otherwise, how could the "Big Circle Boys" and "Hong Kong and Guangdong Flag Soldiers" be so powerful?

Seeing their expressions, Wang Yaotang suddenly felt a mischievous urge and, with a smile, he broke down and explained the militia training content in detail, combining it with the robbery case.

Presumably, these three guys will be able to carry forward their legacy, expand their business, and achieve even greater success after returning to South Korea!

Of course, Wang Yaotang didn't mention the secret behind the serial number.

Logically speaking, from the perspective of the police and banks, the concept of "serial number tracking" should be widely publicized, which could greatly dispel some people's ideas about robbing "banks" or "cash trucks." However, the fact is that the vast majority of people are unaware of this.

Wang Yaotang didn't know the specific reasons, but he didn't want to be the one to break the rules.

After chatting for a while, Wang Yaotang mentioned that he was selling them 'videotapes' and 'sex toys' at prices similar to those for shipping to Southeast Asia. As for opening a shop there, he didn't bring it up.

These three 'Chinese' parishes have limited influence locally and are not yet qualified to claim that this is their territory.

South Korea currently has a population of 4000 million, and its domestic economy is starting to rise, with considerable consumer spending power. However, the three Chinese branches of the organization had limited resources and ultimately only placed an order for HK$1 million worth of goods.

Wang Yaotang remained calm; small goals were no longer a concern for him!
That's how arrogant I am!
After the business deal was finalized, the three men whispered that they could buy some "addictive" stuff. Wang Yaotang refused outright, and then asked if they could buy something with power.

What caliber of power?

What caliber is it?

"9 mm, 7.62, and also with a wooden handle."

"I want them all, how much?"

Wang Yaotang scoffed, "Forget about the money, I'll send you a batch. These barbarians fear power but don't appreciate virtue. The weaker you are, the more rampant they become. Be ruthless."

He glanced at the three of them, and just as he took out a cigarette, Xu Zhengguo immediately lit it for him.

"If you can't get enough to eat in China, and you still can't get enough to eat after you've been smuggled into South Korea, then you've smuggled yourself into the country for nothing!"

Wang Yaotang took a deep breath and exhaled a long smoke ring. "Lu Xun said that the Chinese people are always inclined to compromise and moderation. For example, if you say that this room is too dark and we need to open a window here, everyone will definitely not agree. But if you advocate tearing down the roof, they will compromise and agree to open a window."

"They won't even go through peaceful reforms unless they propose something more radical."

"But I think that's a one-sided view. It's not that Chinese people like to compromise, but that people all over the world do."

The three exchanged glances, somewhat confused about what Wang Yaotang meant by that.

"Through struggle..."

"Ahem, let me give you an example." Wang Yaotang hurriedly stopped talking. "When you come to a rich and free land, you can love me passionately. Isn't that what the South Korean government says to North Korea and domestically? I remember it was on a radio station, something like Voice of Freedom."

“Yes, that’s what I heard that led me to want to smuggle myself over!” Xu Zhengguo said.

"A person who illegally crossed the border thought that once he arrived in South Korea, he would have enough to eat and wear, and would never suffer from hunger again. But what happened? You all know better than I do." Wang Yaotang's expression turned cold as he spoke. "This person suffered blow after blow, lost everything, and finally wrote a letter to carry with him. He picked up the submachine gun he had brought with him when he smuggled himself in and went to the gate of any random government office during rush hour..."

After throwing down a grenade, Wang Yaotang turned and left, leaving the three of them dumbfounded.

Those who dare to smuggle themselves across the border these days are ambitious, quick-witted, and unwilling to suffer in their hometowns. Those who survive among the smugglers are even more ruthless, possessing the courage to risk everything.

If there's anything bad about it, it's the lack of experience.

If the three companies can make a name for themselves in South Korea, it will be a good thing for Wang Yaotang.

Of course, it's too early to talk about these things now. What Wang Yaotang needs is for them to take the goods back, open up the market, and attract local forces to come to him. That's when he'll make money.

These things must be done within two days. The cargo ship that departed from Tokyo is almost at the South China Sea, and we can't miss the goods that the country needs.

Those who came to the funeral from Japan were not from the Chinese community; they were Japanese devils.

Those Japanese devils are truly perverted!
The same reception process was followed, but when it came time to discuss business, Shigemasa Mota suddenly said, "I've heard from many people these past few days that Mr. Wang is extremely skilled and once killed Jorin's boxing champion in the ring."

Wang Yaotang raised an eyebrow, put down his wine glass, and glanced at Shigemasa Mota of the Ichiwakai and Kenichi Yamamoto of the Yamakane-gumi. "Mr. Mota, what advice do you have for me?"

A rugged-looking man stood up behind Shigemasa Mota. "Mr. Wang Yaotang, please accept my challenge. I beg you!"

Wang Yaotang chuckled and leaned back on the sofa. "Who is he? Who am I? Shigemasa Mota, are you trying to provoke me?"

"My name is Yosuke Sato, the 1981 All-Japan Free Fighting Championship Champion!" Yosuke Sato bowed again. "Please enlighten me, Mr. Wang!"

"I think Mr. Wang has misunderstood. There was no intention of provocation. This is Hong Kong, and we are well aware of that," Shigemasa Mota said solemnly. "These past few days, we have fully learned about Mr. Wang's remarkable achievements. I believe the Ichiwa-kai should deepen its cooperation with Mr. Wang, but please forgive me, but the previous reputation of Katsuyoshi and Mr. Wang makes it impossible for me to persuade the others in the company." Wang Yaotang's gaze swept across Yamamoto Kenichi and Shigemasa Mota's faces. Okay, he had risen too quickly; he accepted this reason. "But damn it, what's the necessary connection between my fighting ability and how well I do business?"

I've never heard of a cucumber going out to negotiate business and having to fight someone in a ring!

“Of course we are connected!” Kenichi Yamamoto said very seriously. “Mr. Wang is the head of your company. As the saying goes, ‘a brave general makes a mighty soldier.’ Only the strong can command respect.”

The Japanese soldiers were incredibly brave and powerful; their thought processes left Wang Yaotang speechless. "I won't hold back; he's doomed."

"This is the fate of a martial artist, Mr. Wang. Please do your best. I beg you!" Sato Yosuke bowed again.

“If Mr. Wang wins, we will fully cooperate with you,” Shigemasa Mota said in a deep voice.

After taking a deep look at the group and confirming that they were not joking, Wang Yaotang suddenly remembered the incident of 'Chen Huimin' defeating the 'Japanese boxing champion' in the ring.

He roughly understood what Shigemasa and Mota meant.

The Japanese have a strong admiration for the strong.

Killing their boxing champion in the ring would make you famous throughout Japan. That's the rule in Japan, and no one in the company can question the cooperation.

If you're not rich, you still have to fight in a ring; if you're rich, you still have to fight in a ring. Isn't that a waste of your wealth?

After glancing at the two men, Wang Yaotang frowned and pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll play along. We'll put it in Macau; I want to open a large-scale betting market!"

Kenichi Yamamoto and Shigemasa Shigemasa stood up together. "Thank you, Mr. Wang."

Wang Yaotang didn't look at the two of them, but stood up and patted Sato Yosuke on the shoulder, saying, "Say goodbye to your family."

Having said that, he ignored the people in the room, got up and left, saying, "Three days later, on the arena!"

"Brother Yao, you actually fought him? Who does he think he is?" Sha Ze said indignantly as they went outside.

Seeing that Wang Yaotang didn't speak, Bisina asked what had happened. She was quite excited to hear that someone wanted to challenge the boss.

Of course, it was just excitement. As a woman, she had no chance of going up there. Besides, they weren't even in the same weight class.

“Different worlds have different rules,” Wang Yaotang sighed. “If I had always been in the business world, then there would be no question, and no one would make such a request to me. But I came from the streets, and the underworld has its own rules.”

“I hadn’t paid much attention to this before, but I’ll take this opportunity to announce that this is the last time I’ll accept a challenge. If this happens again, I’ll replace the person next in line.”

As he spoke, Wang Yaotang laughed, "This is because we've developed too fast. Other branches need more than ten years to expand their business from Hong Kong Island to all of Asia. Their reputation is built up little by little."

"I, Wang Yaotang, have been in the martial arts world for two and a half years!"

The members of several branches in Malaysia and Indonesia had already bought plane tickets and were ready to leave, but when they went downstairs early in the morning, they heard the news that Wang Yaotang was going to fight the Japanese. They were all surprised and refunded their tickets without saying a word.

Mr. Wang, a billionaire, is going to the ring. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so he'll definitely watch before he leaves.

The news spread like wildfire, its impact no less than that of the $2300 million heist.

As soon as he woke up in the morning, Sha Ze said that Boss Xiang had called and wanted to come over for a visit. And then the phone calls just wouldn't stop—to the Lin family, Big-Nosed Deng, Uncle You, Li Guohua…

All the influential figures in the martial arts world called to pay a visit, and since they couldn't all find the time, Wang Yaotang simply arranged for them all to meet at his own restaurant.

At noon, four security teams blocked off the street leading to the Yiu Tak Seafood Restaurant, preventing vehicles from entering. These people represented the entire underground forces in Hong Kong, and Wang Yaotang was also afraid of something happening.

The news couldn't be kept secret any longer, and the police quickly found out. Han Yili, already in a bad mood, immediately flew into a rage after hearing Cabel's report, "A ring match? Are they going to kill someone? Do they think the Royal Police Force doesn't exist? Do they even care about anything...?"

As he spoke, Han Yili's voice trailed off, his brows furrowing as he tilted his head in thought. "Did all the people from the three major organizations go to see him?"

“Yes,” Cabel said.

“Well, from a security perspective, if something happens to these people, Hong Kong will inevitably descend into chaos. So, arrange for temporary road closures and send people over to maintain order at the scene.” Han Yili coughed lightly, his earlier anger gone. “You go over there too and tell Wang Yaotang that the police are tolerant of sporting events; they can hold matches, but they need to communicate with the Hong Kong Boxing Association, report to the police for approval, and have the athletes sign informed consent forms.”

"In addition, both sides should purchase insurance and arrange medical personnel to provide medical services at any time to ensure the safety of the athletes as much as possible."

Kabel immediately understood that this was an attempt to divert media attention and relieve pressure on the police by using this "Sino-Japanese underground confrontation".

It’s indeed a good idea.

……

"Ayao."

"Ayao."

"So, are you confident?" the fat old man, Yuber, was the first to ask.

Upon meeting, these old guys didn't bother with any pleasantries and went straight to asking questions.

"Have you been practicing your boxing since the last ring match?" Big-Nosed Deng tapped the table. "You haven't been using all your energy on us, have you?"

"Ah Yao, I called Tokyo this morning and arranged for someone to find the video of Yosuke Sato's match. It will be delivered tonight, and I'll arrange for someone to imitate his style and practice with you." Boss Xiang tapped the table.

"Boss Xiang, are your men any good? I have professional Sanda coaches under my command," Big Nose Deng asked loudly.

"Why not? I don't have any!" Boss Xiang slammed his hand on the table.

The old men didn't give Wang Yaotang a chance to speak; they started arguing amongst themselves.

Business ties between China and Japan have grown increasingly close, but no one can forget what happened more than 40 years ago. Most of these old guys personally experienced that period of history, and their hatred for the Japanese is genuine.

Wang Yaotang was momentarily overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of these old men.

“Ah Yao, didn’t you want to expand your ‘videotape’ and ‘sexy lingerie’ business overseas? If you win this time in the ring, all my branches overseas will get their goods from you!” Big Nose Deng said, waving his hand.

"Only your Tiaolin has business overseas, Ah Yao! I, Yi An, will make sure you can expand into the Southeast Asian market!" Boss Xiang slammed his hand on the table.

Yu Bo squinted at the two shouting old men and sneered inwardly, "One is overseas, the other is Southeast Asia. Anyone who doesn't know better would think you're the whole world. Why are you talking so much nonsense? Ah Yao, I know you're involved in smuggling cooking oil and pork. Before he died, Ti Gu Dong wanted to open a branch in Tuen Mun. If you win this time, the entire western part of Tuen Mun will belong to your Sheng Yi."

"Well, what else can I say?" Wang Yaotang laughed. "Then thank you all for your patronage."

"Hey, Yao, are you confident? With your current status, you can't afford to lose. If it doesn't work out, you can still back out now," Grandpa Lin asked with a smile.

"Hey, Uncle Lin, several big shots have already made promises, so what about you...?" Wang Yaotang rubbed his hands together.

"Wow, you little money god actually think highly of a poor wretch like me? But as long as you win, Lu Zhihe will definitely back down." Grandpa Lin said with a smile.

"Haha, alright, it's a deal. You big shots, just watch how you beat the Japanese devils to death on the stage!" Wang Yaotang said loudly.

"Okay, now it's your turn!"

If last night's agreement with Shigemasa Mota and Kenichi Yamamoto was merely an opportunity to announce to the public that he would no longer accept challenges, then the visits from the three families this morning showed him what it truly meant to challenge the Japanese in the 80s.

After Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury" swept across Asia in 1972, Fu Sheng starred in "New Fist of Fury" in 76 (Fu Sheng is the younger brother of Leng Sheng of "Yi An"), followed by Leung Siu-lung's "Chen Zhen".

Besides 'Chen Zhen', in the 72 film 'Huo Yuanjia', Huo Yuanjia and Japanese judo master Masao Miki had a public duel in Shanghai.

The 75 film "Karate" starred Fu Sheng and Qi Guanjun.

76's *Shaolin Temple*, 77's *The Four Great Schools*, 78's *Drunken Master* by Hendrik Willem Van Loon, 80's *The Killer*...

Too many movies and TV series have depicted the confrontation between China and Japan, and the concept of fighting the Japanese in a ring has become deeply ingrained in people's minds.

This concept is not only popular in Hong Kong and Southeast Asian Chinese communities, but also among Chinese communities worldwide, and even in Japan.

Besides the three major families, many other influential figures he knew called, and Wang Yaotang asked A-Jie and A-Ji to help receive them.

At noon, Wang Yu and Jia Runnian came over and said that Chen Qili and Liu Weimin wanted to come and visit in person.

In the afternoon, people from several Chinese communities in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines also sent word that the leaders of each community were coming over.

As one powerful figure after another on the Chinese side announced their intention to personally watch the match in Hong Kong, the Japanese side also couldn't sit still. The acting leader of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Hiroshi Yamamoto, the Sumiyoshi-kai, Masao Hori, and the Inagawa-kai, Seisho Inagawa, among others, also announced their intention to watch the match in Hong Kong.

As messages kept coming in, Wang Yaotang started to get really nervous. "Damn it, we underestimated the confrontation between the underground forces of China and Japan in this era."

“Yeah, if I wasn’t so unsure, I’d love to go on stage.” A-Jie rubbed his hands excitedly. “Damn, I’ve never had so many people come to me in one day. I’m so stiff from smiling today.”

"Brother Yao, do you want to practice for a bit later?" Aji said in a deep voice.

Wang Yaotang tilted his head and thought for a moment, "Okay, let's go practice. Hmm, call Boss Xiang, he has people on his side, doesn't he?"

"Oh, right, call Chen Huimin over too, he's a good fighter."

……

The next morning, upon hearing his secretary's report, Han Yili rubbed his face. He had indeed hoped that this competition would divert media attention from the 'robbery case,' but... he hadn't expected it to escalate to the point of a 'grand gathering of underground forces' across Asia.

He's an Englishman; how could he possibly understand the depth of the conflict between China and Japan?

They've definitely lost most of their attention, but now it's getting a little out of control!
Wang Yaotang originally wanted the ring to be held in Macau for easier betting, but Cabel personally went to convey the police's idea, and the location was finally decided to be the MacPherson Stadium. The police have already taken care of all the formalities for him.

……

On the other side, Haojiang.

This time, it wasn't just Hong Kong and Macau that placed bets; Southeast Asian countries, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea also participated, and the betting volume surged past the 10 billion mark within three days!
Wang Yaotang mobilized all the funds at his disposal, betting 3 million yuan of his own money at the 'Macau Palace' alone!

This is only a legal betting platform in Macau.

The three privately run betting platforms on Hong Kong Island have attracted even more funds, reportedly exceeding HK$15 billion.

The Japanese invaders wreaked havoc throughout Southeast Asia back then, so the influence of this tournament has expanded to a wide extent, with betting odds available in various countries.

The funds absorbed by Taiwan's "local" and "outside" provinces are also enormous, roughly estimated to exceed 5 million.

Japan had even more, and with the promotion of the three major powers, it also attracted more than 15 billion in funds.

With so much money tied up, it can no longer be a normal "competition". What if someone throws the match?
This isn't a well-established competition.

Therefore, in a mega-betting scheme worth nearly HK$50 billion, only living people can step down from the ring.

current,

Yosuke Sato: 1 to 1.5
Wang Yaotang: 1 to 2.1
Although Chinese people all hope that Wang Yaotang can defeat the Japanese in the ring like Chen Zhen, when it comes to actually paying real money, they still acknowledge the prestige of the "boxing champion" title... (End of this chapter)