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

Having returned from the north, without even having a chance to rest all day, after breakfast, Ah-Ji, Ah-Jie, Four-Eyes, and Ah-Wei asked Wang Yaotang about his plans for the triad election.

Ah Jie is a man of his word. “It’s been dragging on for more than 10 days. At first, it was for Uncle Dong’s funeral, which everyone understands. Then we had to fight in the arena and didn’t have time. But another week has passed, and some of the people below are starting to panic.”

“Yeah, if you don’t take the position, no one else is qualified either, but we haven’t let a word out. Those underlings who took over the soda factory are getting anxious,” Aji added.

“If the name is not right and the words are not proper, it’s time to settle this.” Four-Eyes chimed in, “A couple of days ago, Fourth Master, Silly Lin and a few other uncles came to me to discuss things. If these matters aren’t settled, they won’t be able to support themselves in their old age.”

"The title of one of the Four Hall Masters is a dream come true," Awei said with a smile.

Wang Yaotang himself didn't think the title would have any impact. Of course, he thought some people would be anxious, but he didn't expect that all four of his brothers would start to get anxious.

"You guys...sigh, you've really put me through a lot!" Wang Yaotang nodded with a troubled expression.

“Take it!” A-Jie raised his middle finger.

The four-eyed guy got up and went over to offer a cape, saying, "Brother, it's getting chilly, put on another layer."

The others immediately burst into laughter.

“This was not my intention, alas.” Wang Yaotang shook his head and sighed.

The matter was settled, but the election process still had to be followed. We had to give the 'system' some face and show that Wang Yaotang's rise to power was in line with public opinion. Four-Eyes would handle this.

"Before the election, we need to determine the locations of each branch first, and then we can open the gates for the general election. That's what everyone below is waiting for," the four-eyed guy said.

"Damn it..." Wang Yaotang also realized that he really thought these bastards were wholeheartedly thinking of him. This must be the same dilemma that 'Zhao Kuangyin' had back then. The story of 'releasing military power over a cup of wine' made sense. This is the wisdom of our predecessors.

"I'm thinking of directly reorganizing the company," Wang Yaotang said after thinking for a moment.

"How do you want to change it?" Everyone looked over. Wang Yaotang had mentioned this a long time ago, but he had never explained the specifics of how to do it.

"I want to publicly burn the past accounts and the underwater register."

Upon hearing Wang Yaotang's words, everyone was shocked.

“Are you crazy? That’s something that’s been passed down for decades.” A-Jie blurted out.

"What's the use of decades? Are you going to keep it as evidence in court?" Wang Yaotang scoffed.

"Will Fourth Master and the others agree?" Ah Ji asked in a deep voice.

“Right now, I’m the most powerful. If they disagree, let them go ask Tigu Dong and consult the old master. I’m just afraid they won’t come back after asking.” Wang Yaotang sneered.

"Over the years, there have been more than just Fourth Master and a few other retired old guys," the bespectacled man reminded him.

Wang Yaotang chuckled, "These old guys are in their fifties. Do you think I'm afraid they'll jump up and bite me? What kind of connections do they have? Can they reach the heavens? Half of the Action Department are our partners. Don't let them make a fortune only to end up in my hands."

"That's true," the four-eyed man thought to himself. "Sheng Yi Ding Po Tian was a second-rate half-step peak Great Perfection cultivator before, so he could only contact a limited number of people. He thought that after searching around, he ended up coming to my brother's place." He immediately laughed.

"What are you laughing at?" Awei asked curiously.

The bespectacled man's expression turned serious. He picked up his teacup and slapped it dramatically. "Who here is accusing me?"

The group burst into laughter again.

After laughing for a while, Ah Jie asked, "How should we arrange the three positions in the branch? Our own people will definitely be given the top spots."

The Shing Yee Wo organization has grown significantly. Originally, it had seven branches: Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O, and Po Toi O. After acquiring the soft drink factory, it added seven more branches: Mong Kok, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley, North Point, Quarry Bay, and Shau Kei Wan. After defeating Sato, Shing Yee Wo ceded Tuen Mun West, making it a total of 15 branches.

"This still needs to be done democratically, so that no one will say that I, Wang Yaotang, am all-powerful. Let's make a call to Fourth Master and the others and have a meeting to discuss it."

"I'm going to have absolute power. What, anyone who disagrees, let them step forward." Ah Jie chuckled.

"I can't remember who they are," Wang Yaotang said with a laugh.

"I'll go get the ledgers," the bespectacled man said with a smile as he stood up.

Before long, a thick ledger was brought up. "This has been organized, including the accounts of the various branches of the soda factory that handed over their accounts before."

Wang Yaotang picked it up and looked at it. After flipping through a couple of pages, he saw the names of "Gossip Xing" and "Piggy Ming". "By the way, what happened to those sausages that were caught at sea?"

“Da Niu, Quan Wang Hai, Shou Gu Long, and their entire family have all been dealt with. Their bodies were thrown into the sea to feed the fish. More than 4000 million yuan was extracted from their cash, stocks, and other assets. There are still more than 20 properties left, all of which have been registered under other people’s names,” Aji said.

"No way, that little?" Wang Yaotang asked in surprise, "After being the head of a gang for so many years, he's been involved in everything from gambling and drugs to prostitution, and all he has is 4000 million Hong Kong dollars? Are they eating shit?"

“I reviewed the accounts with the financial company, and it really is only this much,” the four-eyed guy continued. “They need to launder the dirty money they earn. They spend money extravagantly, eating, drinking, and having fun every day. Their family expenses are also huge. They live in big houses, drive luxury cars, their wives are adorned with gold and silver, and their children attend elite schools. Their annual expenses are no less than 300 million.”

"Fuck your mother's stinking dung, so much? I don't even spend that much now!" Ah Jie cursed upon hearing this.

"Come on, didn't you say just a few days ago that you wanted to invest in Kara Hui's film?" Awei immediately exposed his weakness.

"I was just saying, I haven't invested yet. Besides, what if it makes money?" A-Jie said, blushing slightly. The others burst into laughter.

"What's wrong, Ah Jie? You've taken a fancy to her and want to marry her?" Wang Yaotang asked with a smile.

"My mother's been pushing me hard," Ah Jie sighed.

"Would you like me to introduce you to some daughters from prominent families?" Wang Yaotang asked.

"Uh... forget it. I've met some people in nightclubs, and they're all so rule-bound and have such bad tempers. I can't stand them." Ah Jie thought about it and shook his head.

Wang Yaotang tapped the table and said very seriously, "As the eldest brother, I still have to tell you that just because you like someone doesn't mean you have to get married. Love can't be measured by a marriage certificate. If it's true love, it doesn't have to be a marriage certificate."

"Wow, Yao-ge, that's such a jerk!" the four-eyed guy exclaimed dramatically.

“I’m not kidding you guys. Getting married now is fine, but what if you get divorced later? You’re all worth over 100 million now. Even if you don’t split it in half, it will definitely be a huge financial blow. Even if you have a prenuptial agreement, it won’t help. Our assets will only increase faster in the future.” Wang Yaotang didn’t understand the current situation of gold diggers in Hong Kong, but he had heard a lot about this kind of thing in his previous life and knew he had to be careful.

"Are you kidding me? You think you can get a share of my money after the divorce?" Ah Jie snorted. "I'll slaughter his whole family."

"Stop talking nonsense. It's fine if you don't have kids, but if you do, are you going to kill his mother?" Wang Yaotang said irritably.

Ah Jie was speechless.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" the bespectacled man asked, frowning.

“At our level, let’s not talk about true love anymore. Unless it’s a couple who have been through thick and thin together, it’s very necessary to marry someone of equal social standing. Marriages based on mutual benefit involve many aspects. Unless the two families fall out, there is almost no possibility of divorce.” Wang Yaotang said with a smile, “This has always been the case, both domestically and internationally, and history has proven that it is very effective.”

"As for not liking it, you can keep a mistress and not marry her."

"So, who are you planning to marry?" the bespectacled guy suddenly asked.

Wang Yaotang froze upon hearing this, somewhat embarrassed and unsure of what to say.

The four-eyed man picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I don't mean anything by it. You said that an arranged marriage is the right thing to do, but since you've already thought it through, you should find a suitable match as soon as possible and make a plan."

"Definitely not. I have my own life plans. So what if she's from a wealthy family? Just because I can't handle it doesn't mean I won't get married. Does that mean the children won't be mine? You're kidding!" Wang Yaotang said firmly.

“We still have to get married.” The four-eyed man shook his head. “Li Xiaohe’s daughter, Li Yunlian, is 23 years old. Huo Lina from the Huo family is 20 years old. Feng Jingxi’s family includes Feng Qiwen and Feng Qiling. Xu Shixun’s family includes Xu Xueyuan.”

While the two were talking, the other three brothers all lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound.

"You know that?" A-Jie looked surprised.

“I also think we should have a marriage alliance, so I had someone collect some information,” the four-eyed man said with a smile.

Wang Yaotang pursed his lips and gave a thumbs up, "No wonder he's a four-eyed guy."

He actually knew one of these women very well.

"Alright, we can't just pick and choose anymore. Let's get down to business." Wang Yaotang drew their attention back. "If the paparazzi are still alive, let's bring them back and let them sit in their original seats. Otherwise, people will say I'm being ruthless."

“Ah Jie and Ah Ji, you two stay put. Ah Xiang, go to Wan Chai. Ah Wei, go to Causeway Bay. Da Kou Hui, let him go to Mong Kok. Ah Li is out on medical parole now, let him go to Happy Valley to take charge. As for North Point…” Wang Yaotang thought for a moment, “Here’s what we’ll do: Ah Xiang, ask Da Sen, Gou Zui Bo, and Chao A, and give them a chance.”

“The remaining Quarry Bay and Shau Kei Wan will be merged, and Tau will be in charge. Chai Wan still has some venues, right? We’ll give them all to him.”

"Didn't Big Head Bo take over the territory around Clear Water Bay with the people from Po Toi O? Let's give it all to him and let him take control."

"Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin, Tseung Kwan O, whoever conquers the most territory this time will be the one to take the top spot. As for Tuen Mun West, that's for Chao Tsai."

"That's about it." Wang Yaotang put down the ledger in his hand. "The white paper fans and straw sandals for each branch, A Xiang, you can compile a list for your branch later, and I'll see who's suitable."

"Okay." The bespectacled guy quickly jotted it down and asked, "Should we notify them now?"

“No.” Wang Yaotang shook his head. “Let’s be frank. It would be too easy for them to rise to power. Things that are too easily obtained are not cherished. Let the word out that I’m evaluating people. I’ll hold an incense ceremony a week later to select them. Give them time to build connections and see what they’re made of. If they can’t even build connections with me, what’s the point of having them? Fighting and killing?”

"Didn't you just finalize everything? What's the point of them pulling strings then?" A-Jie asked, puzzled.

“Yes, it’s already decided. No matter how much effort they put in, it’s useless. We just need to make them understand the cruelty of society. I am the god of Shengyi. Whoever I say will rise to the top will rise to the top.” Wang Yaotang said, word by word, “I may not remember who works hard, but I will definitely see who doesn’t work hard.”

"Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor's grace," the four-eyed man concluded.

"Well said, Xiao Xiangzi." Wang Yaotang clapped lightly. "Here's your yellow jacket, now kneel down and thank you."

"Get lost!"

"Damn, you people are really wicked!" Ah Jie clicked his tongue twice. "When they find out, they'll be furious."

"I just want to see if anyone badmouths me behind my back!" Wang Yaotang snorted. "If they can't even handle this little test, how will they get things done in the future? Will they still rely on fighting and killing? When the time comes, I'll give them the positions of white paper fans and straw sandals, and they'll have to kowtow and thank me." (End of Chapter)