Chapter 123 【Adding Insult to Injury】

The sky was starless, with raindrops scattering in the air. A fine, steady drizzle fell, dampening the streets, leaving them slick and glistening. It was past midnight, and the traffic on the streets had noticeably thinned.

Gu Feng sat in a taxi, gazing out at the drizzle, his expression grim.

Just now, from Biao Zi's phone call, Gu Feng learned that after the five chapter leaders of the Red Star Gang left the hospital, four had died. Only the fatty named Xiong Wu had survived, protected by A Long.

This news was a devastating blow to the current Red Star Gang. What worried Gu Feng even more was that the subordinates of the five chapter leaders had gathered at the Ling family villa, and the bodies of the four deceased had been dumped at the villa's entrance.

For underworld figures in the 21st century, while they might not prioritize loyalty as much as those in the '80s and '90s, they still had to uphold a sense of brotherhood. After all, loyalty was the foundation of the underworld, even though it had largely been replaced by profit in modern times.

With their boss and chapter leaders killed, and their bodies dumped at the Ling family villa's entrance, the Red Star members gathered at the villa went crazy—completely insane!

They clamored, demanding weapons to go out and fight the Dong Xing Gang. At this moment, their fight wasn't for profit but for loyalty—to avenge their boss.

Gu Feng wasn't opposed to the Red Star members seeking revenge. The key issue was that within twenty minutes of the four chapter leaders' deaths, the Ling family villa was surrounded by police, including some armed tactical officers.

Clearly, the police anticipated the Red Star members' desire for large-scale retaliation and acted preemptively to prevent a major clash.

Gu Feng didn't know if Xiang Tianhua had tipped off the police. However, he was certain that if the Red Star members, driven by rage, confronted the police, they'd be finished.

Although the Red Star Gang was a major gang in Hong Kong and had no shortage of weapons, engaging in a firefight with fully armed police or tactical officers would be nothing short of suicide.

Upon learning this, Gu Feng told Biao Zi to get back to the villa immediately to rein in the Red Star members. In the current situation, only Biao Zi could barely restrain the nearly frenzied members.

At the same time, Gu Feng instructed Chen Yuan to lead her team back to the food factory, while he got off midway and hailed a taxi.

Gu Feng didn't want to expose the Hei Gu Team yet. After all, the Hei Gu Team was a trump card, and the later it was discovered, the better.

"Driver, step on it!" Gu Feng felt anxious inside, but his expression remained calm.

The driver glanced at Gu Feng and complained, "This damn weather, it's raining! I can't go fast!"

The driver's words left Gu Feng frustrated. He knew the driver was right. After an anxious wait, Gu Feng arrived at the Ling family villa twenty-five minutes later.

Dozens of police cars were parked at the villa's entrance, their strobe lights glaring brightly, illuminating the entire area. Over a hundred fully armed police officers stood beside their vehicles, weapons in hand, staring intently at the villa's entrance.

At the villa's entrance, some irrational Red Star members were shouting and exchanging insults with the police. At the front, riot police armed with batons and shields had completely blocked the entrance. If anyone tried to leave, they wouldn't hesitate to strike back with their batons.

Biao Zi had already arrived at the villa. Among the Red Star members at the entrance, aside from those arguing with the police, some more rational ones were desperately trying to restrain their companions. The scene was chaotic.

The taxi driver, seeing the disorderly scene, turned pale. The car was stopped by the police.

Gu Feng quickly paid the fare and got out of the car.

Two police officers extended their hands to stop him, scrutinizing him coldly as they asked, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"I'm Ling Wei's homeroom teacher. I heard something happened at his home and came to check on him," Gu Feng replied expressionlessly.

Hearing that Gu Feng was Ling Wei's teacher, the two officers softened their tone. One of them said, "Sorry, this area is sealed off. No one is allowed through!"

"Ling Wei is my student. Now that his father is dead, he's emotionally unstable. He needs my comfort," Gu Feng said calmly.

Gu Feng's words gave the two officers pause, but they still shook their heads.

"What are you two doing? Hurry up and prepare! Those thugs might charge out any minute!" At that moment, a potbellied police officer in the distance shouted at the two officers near Gu Feng.

That person was none other than Yan Zhengchun.

Hearing Yan Zhengchun's shout, the two officers' expressions changed slightly. They immediately turned and saluted, reporting, "Sir, this gentleman claims to be Ling Wei's homeroom teacher and requests entry into the villa."

"You two, go attend to your duties. I'll handle this," Yan Zhengchun said, his expression shifting slightly upon seeing Gu Feng. After the two officers left, he quickly approached Gu Feng, wearing a respectful smile. "Mr. Gu, what brings you here?"

As he spoke, Yan Zhengchun's dark eyes darted around. He clearly remembered that Gu Feng and Ling Yongbing had an unusual relationship. Now that Ling Yongbing was dead, Gu Feng's arrival at the villa couldn't be without purpose—Yan Zhengchun wouldn't believe it even if beaten to death.

"Ling Wei is my student. His father is dead, and he's emotionally unstable. I need to go in," Gu Feng stated his request quickly.

"Mr. Gu, this..." Yan Zhengchun, though a superintendent, wasn't the person in charge of this operation. He didn't have the authority to let Gu Feng in, so he hesitated.

"If your superiors have any questions, they can call Qiao Gang to discuss it," Gu Feng said, knowing Qiao Gang's reputation in the Hong Kong police force and using it immediately.

Sure enough, upon hearing Qiao Gang's name, Yan Zhengchun shuddered involuntarily and nodded subconsciously with a smile. "Mr. Gu, please wait a moment. I'll communicate with the higher-ups."

With that, Yan Zhengchun waddled over to a person in charge in the distance, his potbelly bouncing, gesturing toward Gu Feng as he spoke.

About ten seconds later, accompanied by Yan Zhengchun, the person approached Gu Feng.

"Hello, I'm Senior Superintendent Chen Zhi of the Hong Kong Police," Chen Zhi said, extending his hand with a smile.

Hearing Chen Zhi's introduction, Gu Feng was slightly surprised. In Hong Kong, a senior superintendent ranked just below chief superintendent and commissioner, a position of considerable authority. The fact that a senior superintendent was overseeing the Red Star incident showed how seriously the Hong Kong police were taking the matter.

"Hello, I'm Gu Feng, a teacher at Purple Maple Middle School," Gu Feng shook Chen Zhi's hand.

Perhaps because Yan Zhengchun had informed Chen Zhi about Gu Feng's relationship with Qiao Gang, Chen Zhi was quite polite to Gu Feng. "Mr. Gu, Superintendent Yan has briefed me on your situation. The current issue is that the villa is filled with a large number of Red Star Gang members, and the situation is very chaotic. If you go in, there might be danger, so I suggest..."

Chen Zhi didn't finish his sentence, but it was clear he didn't want Gu Feng to enter. After all, Yan Zhengchun had told him that Gu Feng and Qiao Gang were very close. If anything happened to Gu Feng inside, Qiao Gang would surely come after him.

Gu Feng looked at Chen Zhi and said calmly, "Superintendent Chen, no matter what happens, I'll take full responsibility. Superintendent Yan can testify for you."

Hearing this, Chen Zhi could no longer refuse. He smiled awkwardly and said, "Alright then, please follow me."

Led by Chen Zhi, Gu Feng easily passed through the police line and arrived at the villa's entrance.

By now, the number of Red Star members shouting at the entrance had decreased significantly. Clearly, Biao Zi's authority within the Red Star Gang was still solid, and his words carried weight.

"Mr. Gu is Ling Wei's homeroom teacher. He's here to see Ling Wei. You'd better not lay a hand on him, or I'll make sure you spend the rest of your lives in prison," Chen Zhi said coldly to the Red Star members at the entrance.

Although the Red Star members had been shouting earlier, it was mostly directed at the regular police. Seeing that Chen Zhi was a senior superintendent, they didn't dare say much, only giving Gu Feng disdainful looks. Some even muttered, "What's a lousy teacher doing here?"

Gu Feng ignored them and walked straight through the crowd into the villa.

"I hope those bastards don't lay a hand on Mr. Gu. Otherwise, Qiao Gang alone will finish them off before the Dong Xing Gang does," Chen Zhi muttered to himself as he watched Gu Feng leave.

If Chen Zhi had known that Gu Feng was now the leader of the Red Star Gang, he might have regretted his earlier actions.

Perhaps due to Chen Zhi's warning or Gu Feng's connection to Ling Wei, the Red Star members didn't cause trouble for Gu Feng. He easily passed through their blockade at the entrance.

Seeing that there were no outsiders around, Gu Feng immediately took out his phone and dialed Biao Zi's number.

"Where are you?" Gu Feng asked solemnly after the call connected.

"In the main building," Biao Zi replied, his tone somewhat unnatural. "And you?"

"On my way," Gu Feng said before hanging up.

Gu Feng had been to the Ling family villa twice before and was quite familiar with it. He quickly made his way to the main building's entrance.

A large number of Red Star Gang members were gathered at the main building's entrance, smoking cigarettes and looking frustrated. For them, having their boss killed and his body dumped at the villa's entrance, only to be stuck inside like cowards, unable to do anything, felt terrible.

"Kid, what the hell are you doing here?" one of them shouted, jumping up from the lawn upon seeing Gu Feng, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at Gu Feng. Gu Feng didn't answer the man and continued walking.

At the same time, A-Long walked out of the villa. Seeing the underling cursing Gu Feng, he rushed over, slapped the guy to the ground, and scolded, "Shut the hell up!"

Gu Feng had faced A-Long before and knew he was a straightforward person. A-Long was already aware that Gu Feng was the new boss. Seeing his own subordinate disrespect Gu Feng naturally angered him.

"Brother Long..." The underling covered his face, looking aggrieved. But facing the furious A-Long, although he wanted to know why A-Long hit him, he didn't dare press further.

Seeing A-Long about to continue his outburst, Gu Feng gave him a solid pat on the shoulder and shot him a look to stand down.

Although A-Long was puzzled by Gu Feng's actions, he didn't ask further.

Only Xiong Wu and others knew about Ling Yongbing handing over the Red Star Gang to Gu Feng; rank-and-file members were completely unaware. Gu Feng feared there might still be spies among the lower ranks, so he didn't want to reveal his identity. Once exposed, it would hinder future moves.

Later, accompanied by A-Long, Gu Feng entered the villa's main hall.

In the hall, Biao Zi sat stony-faced on the sofa, while Xiong Wu sat smoking, looking thoroughly dejected.

Xiong Wu was covered in dust, likely from falling while evading the earlier assassination attempt.

Both Biao Zi and Xiong Wu stood up as soon as they saw Gu Feng enter.

Gu Feng walked straight to Biao Zi and asked, "What's the situation now?"

"Xiong Wu's men are fine, and the men of the other four Chapter Leaders have been temporarily subdued. But if the police don't leave soon, I'm afraid..." Biao Zi sighed, fully understanding why Gu Feng wanted him to keep the Red Star members in check.

Biao Zi's words instantly furrowed Gu Feng's brow. Gu Feng narrowed his eyes, grabbed a cigarette off the table, lit it, took a deep drag, and said, "Among those four chapters, is anyone left calling the shots?"

"Yes," Xiong Wu spoke up this time. Perhaps due to the earlier assassination attempt, his eyes were red, clearly showing his anger.

"Xiong Wu, go bring them here," Gu Feng exhaled a puff of smoke and said slowly.

"Yes, boss!" Xiong Wu immediately extinguished his cigarette and stood up to head outside.

"Where are the bodies of the four Chapter Leaders?" Gu Feng lowered his head, smoke shrouding his face, making his expression unreadable. But Biao Zi could detect a faint hint of killing intent in Gu Feng's tone.

"They're with Brother Bing's body, next door," Biao Zi replied expressionlessly.

Gu Feng viciously stubbed out his cigarette and stood up. "Take me there."

Later, accompanied by Biao Zi and Ah Wei, Gu Feng went to the adjacent building.

In the hall, Gu Feng saw the bodies of the four men.

Their bodies were placed alongside Ling Yongbing's. They had been riddled with bullets, and one of them even had his head blown off. Despite being washed, traces of blood and brain matter still stained their clothes.

"When our brothers found them, they were stuffed in black sacks, the bags drenched in blood, and their heads had all been cut off!" Ah Wei's voice trembled, though it was anger more than anything.

"Those Dong Xing Gang bastards!" Although A-Long had already seen the bodies once, his expression remained furious upon seeing them again. He clenched his fist and slammed it against the wall with a dull thud.

Gu Feng calmly looked at the four dead men, but his heart was anything but calm. Although he had only taken over the Red Star Gang a few hours ago, and although he had only met the four men once, they had all called him boss and had followed his orders to gather their men at the Ling family villa...

All of this had happened just hours ago, and now they were dead.

An uncontrollable rage spread from Gu Feng's heart throughout his entire body.

Xiang Tianhua had killed Xu Qiang's father!

Xiang Tianhua had killed Ling Wei's father!

Xiang Tianhua had killed the four Chapter Leaders of the Red Star Gang!

Xiang Tianhua's son once plotted to have Qiao Gang killed!

The order from above was clear: Xiang Tianhua had to go to prison, or better yet, die! The words echoed in Gu Feng's mind like a voice from hell.

At this point, the list of reasons for Xiang Tianhua to die was a mile long. In fact, Gu Feng couldn't think of a single reason why Xiang Tianhua should continue living in this world.

Gu Feng let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, closed his eyes for a moment, and said, "Ah Wei, immediately have the outside brothers buy four freezer caskets and some white cloth."

Unlike Ling Yongbing, the bodies of the other four were still exposed to the air, while Ling Yongbing's body was placed in a freezer casket.

"Yes, boss!" Ah Wei gritted his teeth, nodded, and hurried out.

At the same time, led by Xiong Wu, four burly men in their late twenties entered.

Clearly, these four were the guys with the most clout left in those four chapters.

"Introduce yourselves." Gu Feng withdrew his gaze from the four Chapter Leaders and turned to look at the four men beside Xiong Wu.

The four had been staring at the bodies on the floor with fiery eyes. Caught off guard by Gu Feng's question and seeing Biao Zi standing beside him, they guessed Gu Feng held a high position. They promptly spoke up: "Loyalty Chapter, Bao Zai."

"Harmony Chapter, Hu Zai."

"Dragon Glory Chapter, Ning Zai."

"Discipline Chapter, Meng Zai."

Hearing their introductions, Gu Feng gave a slight nod and said, "Let me introduce myself. I am Gu Feng. On Mr. Ling's authority, I'm taking over the Red Star Gang, effective immediately." Gu Feng's words stunned the four, who then bowed in unison, saying, "Boss!"

Gu Feng waved a hand for them to look up, and looked at them calmly. "You want to go out for revenge?"

Without any hesitation, all four nodded simultaneously.

The one called Hu Zai seemed the most hot-tempered, breathing heavily as he said, "My life was given to me by my boss. They killed him. If I don't kill those Dong Xing Gang bastards, I swear I'm not human!"

Although the other three didn't say similar words, their expressions told Gu Feng they felt the same way.

"We *will* have our revenge, but now is not the time," Gu Feng sighed, looking at the four men filled with murderous intent.

Gu Feng's words made their faces fall. Hu Zai loudly exclaimed, "Boss, they killed our chapter leaders so brutally. If we don't get payback..."

"Do you think revenge is possible right now?" Gu Feng interrupted before Hu Zai could finish.

Hu Zai's face fell slightly, as if he had realized something, and he fell silent.

Unlike Gu Feng, when Biao Zi gave orders, he simply stated that everyone must stay in the villa and not go anywhere, without explaining the bigger picture like Gu Feng did.

"I assume you all know that with the police blocking the entrance, you simply cannot take revenge, right?" Gu Feng's expression remained calm.

The four remained silent, understanding that Gu Feng spoke the truth. Even if they took guns to confront the police outside, they wouldn't stand a chance, especially since the police had only deployed a portion of their force.

"Now is not the time for revenge," Gu Feng said, his voice rising. "Right now, Mr. Ling and the four Chapter Leaders are dead. Our first priority is to set up a proper wake for them. Do you really want to see your bosses' bodies just lying on the ground like that?"

Gu Feng's words made the four men's expressions change again, and tears instantly welled up in their eyes.

Clearly, all four had been very close to the deceased Chapter Leaders; otherwise, they wouldn't be willing to risk confronting the police for revenge.

For them, leaving their bosses' bodies lying on the ground was simply unbearable.

"Now go notify your brothers and have them all come here," Gu Feng said seriously. "Also, don't let the subordinates know about my existence." Subsequently, the four left the hall to gather their men to pay their respects, while Gu Feng, Biao Zi, Xiong Wu, and A Long remained in the hall.

"Gu Feng, what's the plan?" Biao Zi said, his voice as emotionless as ever.

Gu Feng looked up and met Biao Zi's gaze, seeing in his eyes a genuine, unmistakable killing intent.

"First, we set up the mourning hall, then calm the brothers and get our own house in order," Gu Feng said with a serious frown. "To keep my cover, I won't attend the memorial service later."

Gu Feng's words took Ah Wei, Xiong Wu, and A Long by surprise, but Biao Zi's face remained a mask. He understood Gu Feng's fear: spies from the Dong Xing Gang might be in the villa. If Gu Feng's identity as the new leader of the Red Star Gang were exposed, it would jeopardize their plans.

Biao Zi gave a curt nod.

"Boss, our backs are against the wall," Xiong Wu hesitated but spoke up. "Since the war with Dong Xing began, we've been losing ground. Now, almost no customers visit our entertainment venues, the girls have all run off to Dong Xing's side, our drug routes have been taken over, and even some stars from our entertainment company are planning to jump ship to theirs…"

Xiong Wu spilled the current state of affairs in one breath—four words summed it up: extremely dangerous.

As soon as Xiong Wu finished, Biao Zi lifted his head and fixed him with an icy stare, making him quickly lower his gaze.

Seeing Gu Feng didn't comment, Xiong Wu mustered his courage. "Brother Biao, I know revenge should be our priority now. But you know those are our income sources. Without money, we can't buy guns, the brothers can't eat or sleep. Even wanting revenge will be difficult!"

"Xiong Wu, you got where you are because Big Brother gave you the chance and the brothers backed you," Biao Zi suddenly stood up, staring coldly at him. "Money we can get later. Revenge comes first. You say there's no money? Don't think I don't know—you and the other four have made a lot. Now the gang's in trouble, take out some of your stash."

Biao Zi sat back down. Cold sweat had broken out on Xiong Wu's forehead.

Unlike Biao Zi, Xiong Wu wasn't driven by revenge; he cared more about his future standing and money.

"Understood, Brother Biao," Xiong Wu replied, the words sticking in his throat. He knew refusing now might cost him his life.

"Biao Zi, I'll leave things here to you. I'll wait in Xiao Wei's room," Gu Feng said, seeing people were about to arrive. He stood up, then turned and left the hall.

Not long after, the four hall leaders brought in their men—about two hundred total. Following Gu Feng's instructions, they calmed the brothers, and no one clamored for revenge.

About half an hour later, Red Star's peripheral members delivered four refrigerated coffins and white cloth to the villa. The police at the gate didn't stop them; they knew gangs had their rituals, and setting up a mourning hall was normal.

The memorial service lasted roughly half an hour. Afterward, Biao Zi had the hall leaders arrange sleeping quarters, while he headed alone to the main building.

Ling Wei, overwhelmed by grief and exhaustion, had already fallen asleep in the bedroom.

Gu Feng sat in the hall, smoking a cigarette with his head lowered. Seeing Biao Zi enter, he stubbed it out.

"What's the next step?" Biao Zi walked straight over and asked coldly.