American homeless people, surviving in the city

Lynch didn't reach for the teacup Vesalio offered. He knew that this kind of test, whose purpose was unclear, was essentially a way for the other party to probe something.

The real highlight—the reason why the Razor Gang invited him here—is yet to come.

As expected, seeing that Lin Qi did not accept the teacup, Vesalio did not rush to express his opinion, but slowly spoke, revealing the true reason for the meeting:

"You must be wondering why I would suddenly have Sanjar invite you here when we've never met before."

"In fact, at the beginning, we were looking for someone, someone from the University of Tokyo like you."

"That Dongda guy is a martial arts master with extremely rich combat experience. Although he's not particularly strong, he's quite formidable in a fight thanks to the unique martial arts of your Dongda. Until a few weeks ago, he was under the command of a gang that has always been at odds with our Razor Gang, the Stud Gang."

"But he suddenly disappeared some time ago."

"The information we gathered is that the martial arts instructor left in anger due to ideological differences, severing his cooperation with the horse racing gang."

"We want to find him and get him to work for the Razor Clan. But we've never seen that martial artist in person before, so Sanjar mistook you for him, which is why I had Sanjar bring you here."

Lynch understood. He finally understood why Sanjar had suddenly come to his door.

But the story doesn't end there. Vesalio's revelation of these inside details was undoubtedly a prelude to his subsequent remarks. Therefore, Lynch simply sat quietly in his seat, listening attentively.

Vesalio:

"As for why we're looking for that missing martial arts master from Tokyo University, that's a more complicated story."

"Although we live in the modern era and individual combat skills are insignificant in the face of firearms, the America we live in is no longer as chaotic as Sicily was 100 years ago."

"A rash clash between gangs will only lead to government intervention. Our strength is negligible in the face of the army; we'll just get kicked to death like a stray dog ​​on the street."

"Therefore, disputes between our major gangs are often resolved in a relatively civilized manner."

"That is, what is known as underground boxing matches."

What does this have to do with civilization whatsoever?!

Although he was inwardly complaining, Lin Qi didn't dare to speak and could only listen to Vesalio continue:

"However, we have always been at a disadvantage in our boxing matches against the Gongma Gang."

"Besides Sanjar, we don't have any other decent boxers. Ordinary street thugs can bully ordinary people, but in a real match, they'll just get knocked down with one punch."

"In order to compete with the stallion, we have been looking for strong warriors."

"Therefore, when I heard that a rather powerful East Asian man had recently appeared on the streets of Third Avenue—that is, you—I thought it was that martial arts master from Dongda who had left the Gongma Gang and come to our territory."

"Therefore, after Sanjar witnessed you take down that fat black man with your body, I had him bring you here."

As he spoke, Vesalio suddenly chuckled softly:

"Of course, the moment you walked into the room, I knew that the person I was looking for wasn't you."

"I knew it the moment you walked into the room and I saw you. Although neither Sanjar nor I have ever met the martial artist, it is said that he is at least 50 years old."

"but!"

Vesalio's tone suddenly became exceptionally impassioned:

"The quality and level you demonstrated far exceeded my expectations."

"From the little test just now, I can see that you have keen insight, good mental qualities, and strong self-confidence. This personality is very much in line with your young and powerful physique and excellent fighting skills."

"I really find it hard to believe that such an outstanding young person as you would end up homeless!"

The blond, bearded man became more and more excited as he spoke, and he simply got up from the table and quickly walked over to Lin Qi.

Sitting in his chair, Lin Qi dared not move, and could only let the leader of the Razor Gang gently pat his shoulder:

"However, it is precisely because of this that I was able to meet such an outstanding young person as you. Thank you, fate."

Vesalio's voice grew lower and deeper, his tone becoming increasingly inflammatory:

"I have developed a fondness for talent."

Lynch felt a chill run down his spine. At that moment, he finally understood the whole story and the meaning behind Vesalio's words.

As an ordinary homeless man, he would never have been noticed by a large gang like the Razor Gang. However, just as he arrived on Third Avenue, another East Martial Arts Master went missing, which brought Lynch into the Razor Gang's sights.

This is why, as soon as Lin Qi acquired the new skill [Kanto Hunting Knife Technique] and demonstrated his strength on the street, he immediately attracted Sanjar's attention.

Through a series of coincidences, he ended up sitting in front of the head of one of Seattle's biggest gangs just ten minutes after gaining combat skills!

Vesalio's words did not mean "love of talent" in a literal sense.

He wanted to recruit Lin Qi!

However, because everything happened so quickly and by chance, Lin Qi never even considered joining the gang.

Just a few days ago, he saved Chen Yumo from the Razor Gang and got in touch with several police officers, including Chen Kelei and Kayla. How come, in the blink of an eye, even the gangsters are inviting him?

Even Infernal Affairs wouldn't dare to act like this!

Lynch forced his mind to calm down, trying to talk to Vesalio to buy himself time to think:

"Uh... what do you mean?"

"What do I mean? Haha..." Vesalio laughed heartily, his attitude towards Lynch becoming increasingly affectionate. "You're a talent I value, so of course I'll fully support you in whatever you do. You've been homeless lately, haven't you? What are you lacking right now? Money? A house? Whatever you want, I can give you it all."

"Then... what do you need me to do?" Lynch remained unmoved. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Vesalio spoke casually, but the more tempting the offer, the more dangerous the task he would have to undertake would likely be.

Seeing that Lynch's answer was still so cautious, Vesalio narrowed his eyes slightly.

After a brief silence, his voice, no longer so impassioned, slowly began to speak:

"Sigh, it's really rare to see someone as smart as you on the street."

He strolled back to his seat, plopped down, and sounded tired:

"In this huge Razor Claw gang, I can only trust half of the people, the lads who fought their way up from the streets with me. But to be honest, none of them are as smart as you."

"My other half are employees I paid to handle accounting and legal issues. They are very smart, but I don't trust them."

"People like you are really rare."

Through the wisps of golden bangs on his forehead, Vesalio squinted, looking directly into Lynch's eyes:

"Since we're both smart people, I won't bother trying to communicate with you using the tricks of street thugs."

"To be honest, we're short-handed right now. The next boxing match is about to start, but apart from Sanjar, I basically don't have any good fighters I can field."

"Therefore... I need you. But for you, this is also a life-changing opportunity."

Lynch's muscles tensed instantly, and Vesalio opened his mouth, uttering seductive words like a devil:

"Join us, serve me, and your destiny will change forever."

"You will be freed from the misery of homelessness, and once again be dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, becoming the top of society. You will no longer worry about money; houses, cars, women—everything will be within your grasp."

"All you need to do is box for us, nothing else. If you win, I can give you endless riches and honors; if you lose, it doesn't matter, we are never stingy with our own people, you will receive the best medical care, and we will also hire the best coaches for you to continuously hone your skills."

"Because I have faith in you, young man."

Vesalio chuckled softly, relaxing back in his chair.

"Of course, this is just an invitation."

"I don't like to force people. Whether you accept my invitation or not is entirely up to you."

"Even if you refuse, I will keep my promise. You can still take that antique teacup. From now on, you will always be a friend of the Razor Gang."

"So, now, make a decision."

"Do you want to make a name for yourself and change your destiny, or continue to wander the streets and live a meaningless life?"

"It all depends on your choice."