Chapter 039 【Deterrence】

The night sky was exceptionally beautiful, with twinkling stars hanging in the pitch-black expanse, turning the whole sky into a magnificent oil painting. The cold moon in the sky was undoubtedly the crowning touch.

Silver moonlight shone on the garden of the Hong Kong Garrison hospital, adding an eerie atmosphere to the already quiet surroundings.

Qiao Gang held a military-issue cigarette between his fingers, somewhat puzzled as he asked, "Brother Gu, why did you let Zhou Jingming and Xiang Tianhua off the hook?"

In Qiao Gang's memory, Gu Feng had never shown mercy when dealing with enemies. Yesterday, upon learning that Gu Feng had been pursued, his first thought was to confront Zhou Jingming and Xiang Tianhua head-on, but Gu Feng stopped him. Subsequently, Qiao Gang followed Gu Feng's instructions to snipe the Zhou family's Xiangyun Group.

"The Zhou family holds significant influence in Hong Kong; using force isn't the right way," Gu Feng said calmly, gazing at the cold moon in the distant sky. "The Xiang family has dominated Hong Kong for decades; they're far from an ordinary family. Taking action against Xiang Tianwei would involve many other forces. Hong Kong is different from other provinces—the situation is far too complex. If things escalate, it'll be difficult to contain."

"Brother Gu, I know the Xiang family holds a high status in Hong Kong, but I think if we let..." Qiao Gang tossed his cigarette butt away in frustration, but before he could finish, Gu Feng raised his hand, and Qiao Gang swallowed the rest of his words.

"Gang Zi, I have my own plans. Let's leave this matter here," Gu Feng said with a serious expression.

Seeing that familiar stern look, Qiao Gang deflated like a punctured balloon and replied, "Understood."

Noticing Qiao Gang's confusion, Gu Feng offered no further explanation. His purpose in coming to Hong Kong was to build a relationship with Lin Jiaying and continue the Gu family line. He didn't want to stir up trouble over this matter. Zhou Mingwei had already received the punishment he deserved. If this situation continued to escalate, it would undoubtedly cause a major commotion, making it difficult to resolve later.

Of course, if Zhou Jingming remained obstinate and continued to pursue the matter endlessly, Gu Feng wouldn't mind sending him to the underworld to discuss life with the King of Hell.

"By the way, Gang Zi, take good care of Xu Qiang's mother here," Gu Feng remembered something and added, "Also, let Xu Qiang stay here for now. Have someone drive him to school every day."

Earlier, Gu Feng had called Qiao Gang to have a military doctor bring Xu Qiang's mother here. Xu Qiang's mother suffered from cerebral thrombosis, which wouldn't heal quickly and required hospitalization. Worried that Xu Qiang might face retaliation from the Dong Xing Gang's Bo Zai, Gu Feng had no choice but to ask Qiao Gang to arrange protection.

Qiao Gang lit a cigarette with a sigh and said, "Don't worry, Brother, I'll handle this properly."

Hearing this, Gu Feng felt somewhat reassured. He glanced at his wristwatch and said, "Alright, it's getting late. I should head back; I have classes tomorrow."

Gu Feng's words left Qiao Gang speechless.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious villa on Hong Kong's Mid-Levels.

A man around forty years old held a glass of 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild, gently swirling it. Behind him stood two expressionless young men, both exuding an extremely dangerous aura.

A man around fifty years old sat opposite him, looking somewhat troubled. He took out a white handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, then put back his gold-rimmed glasses and asked, "Mr. Xiang, is that mainlander's influence really that powerful?"

This man was none other than Zhou Jingming, and the person sitting across from him was a godfather-level figure in Hong Kong's underworld—Xiang Tianhua.

Xiang Tianhua placed his wine glass on the table and picked up a Cuban cigar from the table, placing it between his lips. The young man behind him immediately stepped forward, lighting the cigar with a Zippo lighter. Xiang Tianhua took a gentle puff and said calmly, "Old Zhou, although I can't uncover that mainlander's true identity, someone who can have the eldest grandson of the number one leader of the CD Military Region following him is definitely no ordinary person. I believe after today's events, you should have realized just how powerful the other side is."

As he spoke, Xiang Tianhua narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint flicker of anger passing through his dark pupils.

Zhou Jingming was one of his legitimate business associates. Yesterday, Zhou Jingming called to tell him that a mainlander had crippled Zhou Mingwei and asked him to eliminate that mainlander. Initially, Xiang Tianhua didn't pay much attention to the matter, sending his trusted subordinate Scarface to handle it. Unexpectedly, Scarface ended up beaten into a vegetative state.

Even more surprising to him was that last night, Qiao Gang, who served in the Hong Kong Garrison, led a group of people to his private club and nearly wrecked the place.

As the leader of the Dong Xing Gang, he naturally knew that Qiao Gang wasn't an easy opponent to deal with. Without affecting his own interests, he wouldn't make an enemy of someone like Qiao Gang. Therefore, after learning the details, he immediately called Zhou Jingming to inform him that he couldn't help with the matter. Considering their years of business collaboration, he didn't vent his anger on Zhou Jingming but instead directed his frustration toward the Red Star Gang, raiding several of their territories. Last night's clash between the two major gangs kept the police extremely busy.

He was already somewhat displeased with Zhou Jingming for hiding the other party's identity, and tonight Zhou Jingming specifically coming to see him only added to his irritation.

Hearing Xiang Tianhua's words, Zhou Jingming's expression immediately turned grim.

Starting this morning, the Zhou family's companies in various major cities across mainland China had been subjected to investigations by tax authorities. Several branch offices were forcibly shut down due to tax evasion issues. When Zhou Jingming called local officials, they told him he had provoked someone he shouldn't have and that anyone who intervened would face dire consequences.

Seeing Zhou Jingming remain silent, Xiang Tianhua sighed and said, "Old Zhou, take my advice and let this go for now. Your branch companies on the mainland are all in trouble. If you continue to fight, your company will be ruined. Although that kid Qiao Gang can't extend his influence to the autonomous region government, you should understand that if that mainlander can get Qiao Gang involved, he might very well be able to involve others. Remember, an enemy whose background is unknown is always the most dangerous. Your son may be in prison, but he can come out after a few years—that's not a problem. As for continuing the family line, you're not that old; you can always have another child."

Hearing this, Zhou Jingming's expression turned sinister. His brows furrowed tightly together, clearly indicating he hadn't taken Xiang Tianhua's advice to heart. Asking a man over fifty to have another child was simply impossible.

Seeing the faint glint of murderous intent in Zhou Jingming's eyes, Xiang Tianhua knew Zhou Jingming intended to continue seeking revenge, but he offered no further warning. After all, how Zhou Jingming chose to deal with Gu Feng in the future was his own business and had nothing to do with Xiang Tianhua.

After Zhou Jingming left, one of the burly men behind Xiang Tianhua couldn't help but ask, "Boss, Scarface was beaten into a vegetative state, and our place was almost wrecked. Are we just going to let it go?"

Xiang Tianhua gently rolled his neck, exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, and sneered, "Of course not. It's just not the right time yet. Once I've dealt with the Red Star Gang and the 14K, it'll be their turn to die."