Courtyard House: First, kill the hypocrites, leave none alive.

Smoke swirled around them. Uncle Quan leisurely puffed on a cigar, while Master He tapped his fingers impatiently on the table.

"Ah Xiong," Uncle Quan finally spoke, his voice hoarse and deep, carrying the composure unique to a seasoned veteran, "I heard you haven't been doing so well lately."

Master He's eyelids twitched; he knew the main topic was coming. He forced a smile, a smirk playing on his lips. "Brother Quan is well-informed. There's a little trouble; the underlings are a bit reckless and caused some problems."

"A minor trouble?" Uncle Quan flicked his cigar ash lightly. "How come I heard that more than a dozen brothers were wiped out, and on their own turf, they were all wiped out with automatic weapons? They don't even know who the enemy is?"

The words were plain, but every word was piercing. This was a blatant attempt to expose Master He's wounds and question his abilities and control.

Master He's face darkened, but he forcibly suppressed his anger. Today, he had taken the initiative to invite Uncle Quan over through an intermediary to "discuss" the matter. Since he needed something from him, he had to adopt a humble attitude.

"Brother Quan, this time it was my carelessness; that intruder got me in the eye." Master He said in a deep voice, "That guy is ruthless and fast; we haven't found any clues yet. But, I, Lin Guoxiong, have been in Kowloon West for decades, and I've never suffered such a loss! I will definitely settle this score with him!"

He paused, looking at Uncle Quan: "However, nowadays some unscrupulous outsiders (referring to other gangs) are trying to overstep their bounds and seize my territory because they see I'm temporarily out of power. My manpower is tight right now, and I also need to find a new patron, so I'm a bit overwhelmed. Therefore, I'd like to ask Brother Quan for your help to temporarily oversee the Yau Ma Tei pier and a few places in the southern section of Temple Street. Once I've settled this matter, I will definitely thank Brother Quan profusely!"

This is quite clear: I don't have enough people to watch over the territory for the time being, and I'm afraid that outsiders like "He Yi An" will take it away. I don't want the good stuff to go to outsiders, so I'm asking my fellow disciple, Uncle Quan, to take over temporarily. Once I've recovered, I'll take it back and I'll give you a good "reward".

Uncle Quan did not answer immediately, but slowly puffed on his cigar, his eyes flickering uncertainly behind the smoke.

Master He's heart pounded. He knew Uncle Quan had big ambitions and had always coveted the dock business he controlled. By taking the initiative to speak up, he was essentially handing over a handle and an opportunity to the other party.

Sure enough, Uncle Quan slowly began, "Ah Xiong, it's only right that we, fellow disciples, look after each other. However…" He changed the subject, "Yau Ma Tei Pier and the southern section of Temple Street aren't small places. If I'm going to send people there, I'll have to send capable men, and I'll have to go head-to-head with those bastards from 'Wo Yee On.' All of this requires resources and a life-or-death commitment."

He exhaled a puff of smoke: "Besides, I heard the police are keeping a close eye on things now, especially after your case. If my men go there and something goes wrong, and it alerts the police, we'll all be in trouble."

Crane cursed the old fox in his heart. He wanted territory, benefits, and to absolve himself of all responsibility.

"Don't worry, Brother Quan, I'll try my best to take care of the police. As for manpower and risks..." Master He gritted his teeth, "Brother Quan, help keep an eye on the territory. For each venue, the profits will be split 30/70 between me and Brother Quan, you get 70% and I get 30%, for three months! In addition, I'll give a separate big red envelope for Brother Quan's brothers to have tea!"

The deal is split 30/70, with the other party taking 70%, and they want to maintain this for three months! This is practically handing over most of the profits, just to preserve the "nominal ownership" of the territory and the possibility of future recapture. And that "big bonus" won't be a small amount either.

Uncle Quan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, as if he was weighing his options.

Scarface Rong, standing nearby, looked grim and was about to say something when Master He sternly stopped him with a look.

Fei Jiming's lips curved upwards almost imperceptibly.

After a long silence, Uncle Quan finally nodded, a "warm" smile appearing on his face: "Since Ah Xiong has asked, as a brother, there's no reason not to help. Alright, I'll temporarily send Fei Ji Ming with men to keep an eye on the pier and the southern section of Temple Street. As for the profits, it'll be 30/70 for three months, as you said. However, let me make this clear beforehand: if 'Wo Yee On' or anyone else tries to force their way in, my men will definitely retaliate. If there are any injuries, or if the police get involved, these expenses..."

"Don't worry, Brother Quan, I, Lin Guoxiong, will take full responsibility for all the costs!" Master He immediately declared. His priority now was to secure his base; everything else could wait.

"Good! That's straightforward!" Uncle Quan raised his teacup. "Let's use tea instead of wine, and wish Ah Xiong that you'll soon find that dragon crossing the river and get your revenge!"

Master He also raised his teacup, and the two clinked their cups together briefly before each drinking it down. The tea was of excellent quality Pu'er, but it was bitter on the palate.