Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 233 Washing hands in a golden basin
Tsim Sha Tsui, Mody Road.

The Shangri-La Hotel was packed with people, but even so, luxury cars kept arriving one after another, making it look like a global car show.

Inspector Li Wenbin of the Hong Kong Police Headquarters Anti-Triad Unit, driving a car for free, said to Chief Superintendent Hu Zhuoren of the Anti-Triad Unit in the back: "Boss, Sir Chan Ka-Chun has been in the underworld for so long, and has only been the leader of Hung Hing for two years. Is he already retiring from the underworld?"

"Retire from the underworld? Leave the criminal life behind? Hah, what goes around comes around."

Hu Zhuoren, with a white Marlboro cigarette between his fingers, shook his head and sneered.

"Boss, do you mean that Boss Jun can't get out? Can't clear his name?" Li Wenbin looked behind him.

"He is the big water pipe of Hung Hing and the big sister of the Macau Number Gang. Hung Hing has long been deeply marked by his mark."

Even if he were no longer a figure in the martial world after tonight, if he so desired, a single call to arms would summon countless members of the Hung Hing Society and countless other martial arts practitioners, all willing to risk their lives for him.

"Most importantly, he's rich."

Hu Zhuoren pointed out the key issue.

"Then why did he decide to retire from the underworld? Isn't that redundant?"

Li Wenbin was even more puzzled and asked curiously.

Hu Zhuoren flicked his cigarette ash and said, "He withdrew from the low-level struggles of the martial arts world. After leaving this quagmire, he will naturally move towards a broader martial arts world."

"With such a large-scale operation tonight, can our anti-triad unit wipe them all out in one fell swoop?" Li Yuanbin asked with a smile.

"You bastard." Hu Zhuoren slapped him across the face: "If Boss Jun is retiring from the underworld, then we must make sure he does so smoothly!"
If you actually invite those people inside back for tea, even Jesus can't save you!

As soon as he finished speaking, a magnificent motorcade slowly pulled up at the Shangri-La Hotel. Two elders of the Hung Hing Group, Po Wah and Uncle Hing, got out of the car first. Hong Kong's "Charity King" Sin Ma Shi-tseng, dressed in a Tang suit, got out of the Mercedes-Benz Pullman with Chan Ka-chun, chatting and laughing.

Chen Jiajun has booked the two largest halls at the Shangri-La Hotel tonight.

When they entered the Shangri-La Hotel, there were already forty or fifty tables of guests. Apart from the Hung Hing gang members, they were all people who were close to him, including gangsters, celebrities, businessmen, and politicians.

His retirement ceremony was naturally extraordinary, so he invited people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to witness it.

In fact, he didn't even need to invite them. Many important figures wanted to come and witness the event, and it even alarmed the Governor of Hong Kong. If it weren't for the fact that some people were unable to show up, the entire Shangri-La Hotel would probably have been booked to accommodate everyone.

The corridor between the two halls was also filled with chairs, and a golden basin filled with clear water was placed on the stage against the wall.

Behind them were several plaques, which were hung in turn on the stage backdrop.

In Chen Jiajun's view, the inscriptions on the plaques, such as "different from the common people," "not holding a grudge against the past," "lofty conduct," and "recognizing the good and condemning the evil," are definitely high-level satire.

Chen Jiajun believes that he has committed numerous evils to date.

These plaques were all given to Chen Jiajun by people from the underworld who are retiring from the trade tonight.

The phrases "different from the crowd" and "recognizing good and condemning evil" were bestowed upon them by the Hung Hing leaders. Before they retired from the criminal world, they were still the leaders of Hung Hing, so it was understandable that they boasted about themselves.

The phrase "forgive and forget" was sent by Tung Sing and Wo Luen Shing, meaning that past events should be wiped clean.

Some of the younger Hung Hing brothers were busy serving tea and water, while others, with bulging waistbands of young demon slaves, roamed the hall maintaining order.

Washing one's hands of the martial arts world signifies officially retiring from the underworld, and all past grudges are wiped clean.

Therefore, if anyone has a deep-seated grudge against Chen Jiajun, it must be resolved before he retires from the criminal world. Otherwise, once those hands are put into the basin, they will never be able to seek revenge against Chen Jiajun again.

As the clock in the lobby struck six o'clock, more and more people arrived outside the hotel.

Lei Gong from the Sanlian Gang of Taiwan also arrived. He led Xiao Hei from the Black Panther Hall of the Sanlian Gang, Zhong Yongbo, the leader of the Loyalty Hall of the Sanlian Gang, and others, and walked quickly toward him: "Sir Chen."

"Mr. Lei, it's kind of you to come all the way from Taiwan." Chen Jiajun was slightly surprised.

"I heard that Sir Chen is going to retire from his life of crime, so I immediately had Xiao Hei book his plane ticket."

Damn, it's been a year or two since I last saw you. I never expected you to cause such a stir in Hong Kong! Not only did you become a knight, but you even brought down the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). I heard about it over there. You've really boosted the morale of us Chinese!"

Lei Gong and Chen Jiajun talked as they walked inside.

Just as the Sanlian Gang members were seated, other triads such as Tung Sing, Wo Luen Shing, Number Gang, Hung Lok, Hung Tai, Sun Kee, and Wo Hing Shing arrived one after another.

The leaders and bosses of these triads, regardless of their usual relationship with Hung Hing or whether they had any deep-seated hatred for Chan Ka Chun, were all meek, gentle, and humble.

Or you could shout: Sir Chen.

Or you could address him as Mr. Chen.

Or you could call him: Boss Jun.

Before Chen Jiajun retired from the underworld, they might have relied on their seniority, their status as members of the underworld, or their resentment or other emotions, and were unwilling to acknowledge Chen Jiajun's achievements.

Now that Chan Ka-Chun has retired from the business world, his only identities are: Chairman of Tesla Group, Kwok Chun Garment Factory, Kwok Chun Group, Director of Kwok Chun College, the behind-the-scenes controller of China Motor Corporation and Kowloon Motor Bus Corporation, and the Sir Chan, who is praised by everyone in Hong Kong.

Such a big boss could easily scrape together a little money from under his fingernails, enough for these江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the underworld or江湖义气, a code of honor among江湖义气) figures to eat, drink, and have fun.

How could they dare not be submissive, gentle, and humble?

At this moment, a distant and ethereal chime sounded, and Uncle Hing, a retired elder of Hung Hing, walked onto the stage carrying a small bronze chime: "The auspicious time has arrived. Please take your seats, guests."

A prominent figure from a triad society took his seat in a chair that had been prepared in advance in the middle of the corridor.

According to custom, the uncles of Hung Hing should come up first and say a few words, talking about Chen Jiajun's merits and demerits to Hung Hing over the years.

However, who in Hung Hing dares to comment on Sir Chan's merits and demerits today? Therefore, this process has been omitted.

After Uncle Xing finished speaking, Chen Jiajun walked onto the stage, looked at the audience, and said:

"Today is the day I, Chen Jiajun, retire from the criminal world. Before retiring, I would like to announce a few important pieces of news."

First, a complete and utter retreat is necessary. "Hung Hing Second Route Marshal Doom, Central District Chief FIT Old Prisoner, and Macau District Chief FIT Old Evil, step forward."

A muscular man over 2.3 meters tall, along with three burly men over 1.9 meters tall, exuding a bloodthirsty aura, walked to the front of the stage and shouted in unison:
"Big guy!"

Chen Jiajun nodded: "After I retire from the criminal world, I should step down from my position as the leader of Hung Hing. Today, I am reorganizing Hung Hing into a three-person leadership system."

From now on, Hung Hing is in your hands, the three of you are the leaders. I hope you will live up to the expectations of the 120,000 brothers of Hung Hing, abide by the law, and carry forward the glory of Hung Hing.

"Yes."

The three of them shouted in unison.

The audience suddenly became commotion.

Before they could even react, even more shocking news arrived.

Chan Ka-Chun then shouted: "Chai Wan's leader, Chicken Zhao Shanhe; Causeway Bay's leader, Good Fighter Yang Tian; Kowloon's leader, Small Eyes Han Chen; Kwai Tsing's leader, Binni Han Bin; Portland Street's leader, Thirteen Sister Cui Xiaoxiao; Yuen Long's leader, Ya Qi... step forward."

The leaders of each of Hung Hing's major districts stepped forward one by one, knelt on one knee, and shouted in unison:
"Ada."

Chen Jiajun nodded and said, "Today I am reorganizing the FIT system of the fifteen district leaders of Hung Hing into a sitting system."

The regional leaders are elected every three years and can be re-elected for one term. The regional leaders are eligible to run for the position of Hung Hing leader.

Those with voting rights are the regional chairpersons and former chairpersons. Those eligible to run for regional chairperson are the "Red Stick," "Straw Sandal," and "White Paper Fan" candidates. Candidates must not fight amongst themselves. Does anyone have any complaints?

"We will heed the leader's teachings." The leaders of the fifteen districts of Hung Hing shouted in unison.

"Wow"

Another uproar erupted from the audience.

This significant change to the Hung Hing triad, a hereditary organization, is clearly intended to revitalize its various regions and give its members more hope.

It is conceivable that the reorganized Hung Hing will be more dynamic.

“The three leaders and all the Hung Hing bosses, please return to your positions.”

After announcing this momentous decision, Chen Jiajun waved his hand. Once the audience quieted down, Uncle Xing shouted, "The golden basin washes away all grudges, the smoke clears and there's no turning back. From now on, the martial world is no longer my domain; I'll live a carefree life like a wild crane."

Chen Jiajun said loudly, "If any of you here have any grudges or debts against me, you may speak up now. Otherwise, once my hands are in the water, all past grievances and grudges will be wiped away."

When a江湖人 (jianghu person) retires from the underworld, he not only invites his friends to witness the ceremony, but also invites his enemies.

The Hung Hing gang members all stood up, their eyes fixed on the enemy, their gazes sweeping in all directions.

Uncle Xing also shouted loudly with great energy: "Everyone, I will count to ten. After ten counts, all grudges will be cleared up."

one two three……"

Uncle Xing didn't count very fast; it took him about seven or eight seconds to call out a number.

As he shouted, a solemn silence fell over the crowd.

Who would dare seek revenge? If someone were to stand up, wouldn't they just be asking for trouble?

"Nine."

When Uncle Xing called out the last number, Chen Jiajun slowly stepped forward, put his hands into the water, and then exhaled heavily.

As the chime sounded, Uncle Hing spoke: "Having washed away all worldly ties in the golden basin, from now on only known for loyalty and righteousness, Hung Hing leader Chan Ka Chun, has washed his hands of the golden basin. Ceremony complete!"

Chen Jiajun took his hands out of the basin, and Xinma Shizeng took a white towel to dry his hands. From this moment on, he had no further connection with the Hong Kong underworld, at least on the surface.

When the ceremony of washing one's hands is completed, a respected elder must be invited to wipe one's hands, which also implies a sense of notarization.

Now that the ceremony was over, all that remained was for Chen Jiajun to lead the Hung Hing leaders and other key figures in offering toasts in turn.

Listening to the clinking of glasses and lively conversation at the Shangri-La Hotel, Inspector Li Wenbin of the Anti-Triad Unit was still puzzled: "Boss, why do we need to ensure that Sir Chen's retirement from the underworld proceeds smoothly?"

"Ah Bin, I started working at nineteen, and I'm fifty-three this year. I've been a policeman for thirty-four years, witnessing the four major drug lords, the four major Chinese detectives, the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and the conflicts between the police and the ICAC..."

For thirty years of that time, I worked in the anti-triad unit. As your senior in that unit, I have one piece of advice for you: when dealing with triad members, always leave room for maneuver. If a triad member is willing to announce they're retiring from the underworld and starting anew, we'll make way for them.

Hu Zhuoren smoked a cigarette, rolled down the car window, and looked at the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui.

Li Wenbin asked, "What if someone goes back on their word?"

“Those who break their promises rarely have a good ending; they are either sent to Stanley by us or die in the streets.”

Hu Zhuoren exhaled a thick puff of smoke and spoke slowly.

“What if our anti-triad unit prevents them from retiring from their criminal activities and arrests them?” Li Wenbin asked again.

Hu Zhuoren laughed and said, "If we arrest Sir Chen now, the judge will only sentence him to three to five years, and we'll get promoted and leave. But when he gets out, he'll just return to the underworld, and he'll be even more dangerous..."

"Inspector Hu." At this moment, Yaqi came over to greet him.

"Yaqi, congratulate your older brother on retiring from his life of crime."

Hu Zhuoren immediately recognized Yaqi as the bodyguard who often followed Chen Jiajun, and he offered him a cigarette.

Yaqi took the cigarette: "Inspector Hu, Mr. Chen originally wanted to invite you up, but he was afraid that the ICAC would cause trouble for you, so he asked me to come and say a few words to you."

“Go ahead and speak,” Hu Zhuoren nodded.

Yaqi said, "Mr. Chen would like to invite you and Director Li to the Chen Family Manor tonight for a chat."

"What's the matter?" Hu Zhuoren asked.

Yaqi leaned down and said, "I'm giving you a big case. Don't announce it beforehand to avoid gossip."

"Okay, I'll definitely be there."

Hu Zhuoren felt a chill; this was the first time Chen Jiajun had taken the initiative to contact the police.

Ten o'clock that night.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Lee Shu-tong and Chief Superintendent of the Anti-Triad Unit Wu Cheuk-yan arrived discreetly at the Chan Family Estate. In the tea room, they met Chan Ka-chun, who reeked of alcohol.

The two men stood up and greeted him: "Sir Chen."

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for so long. Please have a seat."

Chen Jiajun shook hands with the two men, took out a jar of dried tangerine peel, and said, "Old tree dried tangerine peel from Xinhui in the 20s, want to try some?"

"When in Rome, do as the host says. Please make yourself at home," Li Shutang said with a smile.

"Cigars? It's not working hours now, so the ICAC officers don't know either."

Chen Jiajun opened the cigar box again.

After boiling a pot of water, Chen Jiajun put the dried tangerine peel into the boiling water, let it steep for a while, then poured out the boiling water. He then brewed a second pot of water before setting out three teacups and pouring the tangerine peel tea into the teacups.

Li Shutang picked up the teacup with slight doubt. He usually drank coffee and rarely even drank tea, let alone something like dried tangerine peel.

He first took a small sip and felt a distinct bittersweet astringency in his mouth at first. After a few seconds, a refreshing sweetness filled his mouth, but it was cloyingly sweet, and there was also a medicinal aroma.

He took another big gulp, and the sweet flavor became even more intense, making him feel refreshed and invigorated, and also good for his appetite and spleen.

Setting down his teacup, Li Shutang said, "Sir Chen, congratulations on retiring from the underworld. I wonder what case you mentioned earlier."

Chen Jiajun took a puff of his cigar: "A massive case involving 2.5 billion US dollars."

"Two billion US dollars?"

This number exceeded Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren's expectations, and the two looked at each other.

“Yes, Miss Bai, with $2.5 billion, also has ice,” Chen Jiajun continued.

"Boom" sound.

Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren were immediately drenched in cold sweat.

The $2.5 billion case suggests that these drug lords may possess heavy weapons or even have private armed forces.

Is it the Khun Sa Group from northern Myanmar?

Or is it from South America?
Hu Zhuoren asked in a deep voice, "You're not joking?"

Do you think my status and position are necessary?
Someone wanted to turn Hong Kong into a distribution center for Southeast Asia, and they contacted me.

Chen Jiajun shook his head and looked at Hu Zhuoren with a mocking expression.

As members of the anti-triad unit, Hu Zhuoren and Li Shutang, the assistant commissioner of police, both knew that Hung Hing's long-standing rule was not to touch ice or powder, and Chen Jiajun was even more averse to these things.

After a moment of silence, Li Shutang spoke up: "Who is the other party?"

"The Asian Ice Queen," Chen Jiajun uttered four words.

Li Shutang and Hu Zhuoren exchanged a glance, clearly not unfamiliar with the name.

This Asian drug queen is something else. She started her drug trafficking activities in the 1970s, but to this day, neither the police nor customs have her identity information or photo. However, it is understood that she is a major drug lord in North America.

Chen Jiajun then dropped a bombshell, saying, "The Asian Ice Queen may have infiltrated the U.S. Navy's anti-narcotics unit, or rather, the anti-narcotics unit is using the Asian Ice Queen to smuggle drugs and ice. The person who contacted me is Vincent, the commander of the U.S. Navy's anti-narcotics unit. He was previously a Navy SEAL, and is the person behind Fat Li."

Therefore, your police station will be facing fully armed retired U.S. Navy SEALs.

"The Navy SEALs... Wang Dong, the captain of the Flying Tigers, is also a former Navy SEAL. You mean... the other side has infiltrated the police station?"

Li Shutang grasped some key points.

(End of this chapter)