After that day, Xia Liuyi moved into He Chusan’s apartment, and the two of them finally had a place they could call a “home.”
To avoid prying eyes, Xia Liuyi was even more cautious coming and going than in underground dealings. He brought only two close bodyguards to stand watch, told neither Cui Dongdong nor Xiao Ma, and would occasionally return to his own village house to keep up appearances.
Though they slept in the same bed almost every night, both were busy with their work. Most nights they returned home deep past midnight, utterly exhausted. It often took ten days to half a month before they could steal even a little leisure time—just enough to tangle together for a day or half a day. That little blue bottle of He Chusan’s had barely been used—only half gone—and each use inevitably earned him a beating.
Elite He was gentle on the outside yet unyielding within, possessed of a hide as thick as city walls and a will that would not bend. Though half the bottle had been used and they had never once gone all the way, he remained unhurried and unflustered—coaxing, soothing, advancing step by step. He had even made plans to finish the whole bottle in one go on this year’s Children’s Day.
Yet on the last day of May, a young man with long, narrow eyes appeared in the reception room of the Xiaoqi Hall “headquarters,” wearing a smile as warm as a spring breeze.
“Mr. Xia, hello. I am Lu Guangming, Chief Investigator of the Independent Commission Against Corruption. You are suspected of violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, having offered bribes to former Kowloon City Chief Inspector Hua Sheng and current Inspector Xu Haojie. We would like to ask you to come with us to assist in the investigation.”
At that very moment, He Chusan was seated in a café by the Central ferry pier, speaking eloquently with a client. The sharp ring of his brick-sized mobile phone cut him off mid-sentence. He glanced down at the number, smiled apologetically at the client, and stepped to the window to answer.
“A-San, something’s wrong—come back quickly!” Auntie Wu sobbed on the other end. “Your father, he… he… wu wu wu…”
He Chusan rushed to the hospital. His father had suffered a sudden heart attack. Aside from his own fragile cardiovascular condition, the cause was Auntie Wu’s wayward daughter, Xinxin.
Auntie Wu had noticed Xinxin acting absent-minded lately, her whereabouts uncertain, even stealing money from home. So she asked Mr. He to follow her together. What they discovered was that Xinxin was taking drugs with her triad boyfriend. Enraged, Mr. He grabbed a stick and beat the boyfriend, who was already half senseless from drugs—only to be stopped by Xinxin, who shouted, “You old bastard, who asked you to meddle in my business!” Taking advantage of the chaos, the boyfriend fled. Mr. He and Xinxin fell into a fierce argument; she stormed off in anger, and scarcely had she left when Mr. He collapsed from rage.
He Chusan and Auntie Wu waited together outside the operating room. Auntie Wu, overwhelmed with worry and grief, kept wiping away tears and apologizing to He Chusan again and again: “If only I hadn’t called your father… I’m sorry, I’ve wronged both you and your father.” He Chusan steadied himself, speaking gentle words of comfort, and called several familiar neighbors, asking them to help find Xinxin—fearing she might do something even more reckless in her anger.
Only after finishing the calls did he notice several missed calls on his phone, all from Cui Dongdong’s private number. Frowning, he returned the call. On her end, chaos reigned—voices clashing, footsteps clattering.
“Xiao Sanzi, where are you right now?”
“I…” He Chusan hesitated. Beneath her voice he heard a trace of urgency he had never known her to show.
“No time for that. Come to the basement of the annex building at the head office immediately. Hurry.”
He Chusan glanced at the still-lit red light above the emergency room. “What’s happened, Sister Dongdong? I’ve got something urgent here—I can’t leave.”
“Liuyi’s been taken by the ICAC.”
“……”
For the second time that day, a buzzing roar filled He Chusan’s mind.
He fell silent for a moment, then forced himself to ask steadily, “For what reason?”
“Three years ago he treated a few inspectors to meals and gave them tens of thousands of dollars. It was nothing worth mentioning—but the ICAC somehow got hold of surveillance footage and testimony from one of the inspectors.”
He Chusan struggled to remain calm and rational. “If I come to the company now, what can I actually do?”
“They’ve seized on this leverage and want to conduct a full audit of the company’s accounts. It happened too suddenly—the ‘books’ for this quarter aren’t even finished. They’ll come to seal the company this afternoon. Xiao Sanzi, at a time like this, you’re the only one who can help.”
He Chusan took a step back, his fingers tightening around the phone. After holding his breath for a long while, he spoke:
“I’m sorry, Sister Dongdong. I can’t help you cook the books.”
There was a brief pause on her end before Cui Dongdong exploded, “What do you mean help me?! You’re helping your Brother Liuyi! If the discrepancies in the accounts are exposed, he’ll only get a heavier sentence!”
Yet He Chusan’s voice grew even calmer. “I’m sorry, Sister Dongdong. I said long ago I wouldn’t do your accounts. And you know the books aren’t something that can be fixed in a moment—rushing it will only leave more flaws. It won’t work.”
“Don’t you fucking feed me that bullshit!” Cui Dongdong roared out of control. “Do you know how Liuyi has treated you?! When you were caught, he risked his life to save you! For your sake he humbled himself to beg Qiao Er, even offering up some of the best venues! Even when there was no way out, he would never abandon you! And now you—”
“I’m truly sorry, Sister Dongdong. I have to hang up.”
Without caring whether she heard him through her fury, He Chusan ended the call—and then powered off the phone.
In the distance, Auntie Wu cast him a concerned look, only to see the always steady and composed young man stand there blankly for a moment, before suddenly collapsing into a crouch as if crushed by unbearable weight, flinging the phone aside and covering his face with both hands.
The veins on the back of his hands bulged one by one, as though he wanted to tear off the entire false mask he wore.
She hurried over, patting his back helplessly in comfort. “Don’t be afraid, A-San, don’t be afraid. Your father will be fine.”
He Chusan squeezed his eyes shut, his lips parting as if a thousand words pressed to be spoken—yet in the end, only a hoarse “I’m sorry” escaped.
He had wronged Auntie Wu and his father—he had not paid attention to his rebellious younger sister, nor taken proper care of his father. He had wronged Cui Dongdong, betraying her trust and her reliance. He had wronged Xia Liuyi—choosing to stand aside at this moment. What he wanted was a clean future for the two of them; he could not act on impulse and leave behind fatal evidence.
He had wronged his own conscience—he had fallen in love with a man steeped in heinous crimes, a member of the underworld.
……
Xia Liuyi had guarded himself against the O Bureau and the Narcotics Bureau countless times, only to fall at last to a newly promoted, little-known ICAC Chief Investigator. Lu Guangming did not investigate his murders or arson, did not probe his drug trafficking or flesh trade, did not pursue whether he was a triad kingpin, nor whether he laundered money. He investigated only bribery and tax evasion—simple, irrefutable evidence, nailed down beyond dispute.
The ICAC interrogation room was unlike that of the O Bureau. The coffee was hot, the air-conditioning just right, and the interrogator, Lu Guangming, wore a smile as gentle as spring—like a fox basking in a warm breeze.
“Mr. Xia, I’m not like Sir Xie. He’s a superhero, wants to catch every criminal in the world and save it. My objective, however, is very clear.”
He bent down, avoiding the surveillance camera above, and whispered into Xia Liuyi’s ear, “It’s not you.”
Xia Liuyi raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Lu Guangming continued in a low voice, “I know your Xiaoqi Hall keeps a ledger, recording every ‘business’ transaction and every ‘tribute’ payment since its founding over twenty years ago. I have no interest in what business you do—I want the ‘tribute’ portion. Give it to me, and I’ll destroy the evidence that’s unfavorable to you.”
“Oh?” Xia Liuyi stared expressionlessly at the mirrored glass across from him. “Which inspector has caught your interest?”
Lu Guangming narrowed his eyes with a smile and pointed upward.
Only then did Xia Liuyi turn his head and look at him directly. “Director Lu intends to move against the old shopkeeper?”
Lu Guangming’s smile widened. “Boss Xia speaks plainly—refreshing.”
“Director Lu may be young, but his ambition is not small.”
“You flatter me.”
“A pity—you will have to disappoint, Director Lu. The Xiaoqi Hall has no dealings with that ‘old shopkeeper.’ Besides, I, Xia Liuyi, cannot afford to provoke him—nor do I have any intention of being buried alongside Director Lu.”
“No dealings?” Lu Guangming smiled. “Boss Xia has been riding high these past two years, smooth sailing all the way—how could there be no ‘old shopkeeper’ guarding your path? You are being too modest.”
“Believe it or not—your choice.” Xia Liuyi withdrew his gaze and spoke no further.
Lu Guangming circled the matter, probing and pressing, mixing threats with temptation—but Xia Liuyi was as immovable as iron, unmoved in the slightest. After two days of entanglement, Lu Guangming gained nothing. He understood well that Xia Liuyi was a hard crust to crack, and that the ledger—upon which the lifeblood of Xiaoqi Hall depended—would never be obtained so easily.
Unhurried, he simply went with the flow, doing a favor in passing—handing this “cold, hard bread” over to Xie Jiahua, along with all the evidence he had gathered on Xia Liuyi.
“How did you obtain these surveillance tapes of bribery from years ago?” Xie Jiahua asked.
“One morning, they simply appeared in my mailbox.” Lu Guangming shrugged. “Judging by the angle, it was secretly filmed by one of their own. Internal strife within the gang—while you and I reap the benefits from the sidelines. Isn’t that rather amusing, Sir Xie?”
Xie Jiahua frowned. “Driving out one Xia Liuyi only replaces him with another ‘Xia Liuyi.’ Worse still, they use both the ICAC and the police as tools in their struggle. These societies rise and fall, fighting endlessly—only plunging Hong Kong into deeper chaos. I fail to see what is amusing about that.”
He gathered the evidence from the table and rose with a cold expression. “Thank you for this. I hope we won’t have cause to meet again.”
Behind him, Lu Guangming tapped the table. “Sir Xie, since you wish to show your thanks, why not settle the bill for my milk tea before you go?”
Xie Jiahua paid at the counter without a word and left without looking back.
Watching his straight-backed figure, Lu Guangming narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly.
He lifted his cup, took a sip of milk tea—then suddenly let out a strange, quiet laugh.
“Adorable. Sir Xie… you really are far too adorable.”
……
Xia Liuyi and his subordinates were subjected to repeated investigations and interrogations by both the ICAC and the O Bureau, before being formally charged and brought to court. After posting an enormous bail, he was temporarily released back to his village house in Kowloon City, forbidden from leaving or departing Hong Kong.
He Chusan, who had once been attentive and deeply affectionate, did not come to see him even once.
Only after a week did he, by roundabout means, place a call to Xiao Ma—Xia Liuyi’s old numbers had all been disabled, and Cui Dongdong refused to answer his calls.
Though Xiao Ma resented He Chusan for fleeing at the critical moment and thought him utterly worthless, the memory of his boss standing by the window these past days, gazing into the distance in lonely silence, softened his heart despite himself. Cursing his uselessness, he dashed upstairs, presented the phone to Boss Xia with both hands, then obediently withdrew under Xia Liuyi’s glare and shut the door.
“Brother Liuyi,” He Chusan called softly from the other end.
Xia Liuyi leaned against the headboard, smoking. Though his expression was weary, his voice remained gentle. “I heard your father was hospitalized. How is he now?”
“He just passed the critical stage the day before yesterday. He still can’t get out of bed.” He Chusan stood at the ward doorway as he spoke, glancing back at his father.
Mr. He, dressed in a hospital gown, leaned against the bed receiving an IV while flipping through a newspaper. Though his body was weak, his spirits were excellent—he was even humming a tune.
—After all, having fallen ill, his son—the elite of Central—had taken leave to attend him day and night, never leaving his side. Such treatment stirred envy and jealousy throughout the ward. Mr. He was so pleased he could scarcely keep his nose from pointing skyward.
“How did it get this bad? Overwork?”
He Chusan sighed softly. “My younger sister got involved with a triad punk boyfriend and went astray. She angered father into illness.”
Hearing the heaviness in his tone, Xia Liuyi teased to comfort him, “Didn’t you also pick up a triad boyfriend? How come you didn’t go astray?”
A quiet laugh came from the other end. “So you admit you’re my boyfriend?”
Xia Liuyi coughed loudly. “What’s that brat’s name? I’ll have someone deal with him.”
He Chusan hesitated, then said, “Actually… I really do want to ask you for help.”
“What is it?”
“My sister ran off with that triad punk. The neighbors have been helping search for days, but there’s no sign of her. I’m afraid something’s happened to her.”
Xia Liuyi frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Which faction does he belong to—what’s his name?”
“She calls him ‘Da Gao.’ I don’t know where he runs.”
Xia Liuyi raised his voice to summon Xiao Ma, briefly explained the matter, and ordered him to send people immediately to investigate. At the mention of He Chusan’s name, Xiao Ma showed visible displeasure, but one glare from Xia Liuyi made him shrink his neck and run off to carry out the order.
Turning back, Xia Liuyi reassured him, “Don’t worry. All of Hong Kong has your Brother Liuyi’s men—we’ll find them in no time. What do you want done with that brat? Sink him in a pig cage or seal him in cement?”
He Chusan’s voice turned tense at once. “No! Absolutely not—” It was precisely because he feared Xia Liuyi would resort to violence on his behalf—and because Xia Liuyi was already mired in trouble—that he had hesitated to seek his help.
Xia Liuyi chuckled. “I’m joking. I know the limits. But that brat deserves a lesson—he dares touch my sister?”
He Chusan coughed, suppressing laughter—if Xinxin, who idolized underworld heroes, knew she had gained a triad kingpin as an elder brother, who knew how she would react.
“How are things on your side?” he asked.
—The news headline “Rising Star of ICAC Strikes Hard—Underworld Boss Falls Over Bribery” had already spread across Hong Kong. Mr. He was holding such a newspaper in his hands, sighing deeply as he read.
—If he ever learned that the “underworld boss” in the report was his son’s boyfriend, he would likely suffer another heart attack.
“Nothing much,” Xia Liuyi said calmly. The evidence in Lu Guangming and Xie Jiahua’s hands could not shake Xiaoqi Hall’s foundation. With the slick-tongued lawyers under his command, at most he would face a fine and three to five months’ imprisonment.
But those few months would not pass peacefully. Since his arrest, the long-suppressed elders had found an outlet for their frustrations, while some restless juniors below had begun to stir. If Xia Liuyi were imprisoned, even Cui Dongdong—capable as she was—would still be dismissed as “just a woman” by the elders. Change would be inevitable.
“I’m sorry,” He Chusan said guiltily. “The day you were taken, Sister Dongdong asked me to cook the books. I refused.”
Xia Liuyi fell silent for a moment. In truth, Cui Dongdong had long prepared for an audit—so far nothing had been found. He knew this move had only been a test of He Chusan’s loyalty—she still brooded over that mysterious listening device.
“That was her mistake. You don’t need to apologize. I don’t want you entangled in anything related to Xiaoqi Hall.”
He Chusan struggled to suppress the surge of emotion in his chest; his voice rose slightly despite himself. “As long as you don’t blame me… I… I’ve wanted to come see you, but father needs care, and Auntie Wu is still searching for my sister… I miss you…”
“If you miss her, then go!” Mr. He suddenly shouted weakly from inside the ward. He hadn’t heard the earlier words clearly—only caught “I miss you.” “Your old man’s half-dead already, hasn’t got many days left! Aren’t you bringing your wife over for me to see?!”
“Dad, the doctor said you’re past the critical stage—you’re fine now. And you need rest. Talk less, don’t get agitated.” He Chusan covered the receiver and coaxed him.
Mr. He slapped the newspaper angrily and lay back down.
He Chusan uncovered the phone and quietly stepped farther away. On the other end, Xia Liuyi laughed. “If I weren’t stuck here, I’d actually like to visit your father. He can’t pull teeth right now, can he?”
He Chusan chuckled—his Brother Liuyi was like a ferocious wolf most days, but before Mr. He—the old sheep wielding a dental drill—he would tuck his tail and flee in defeat.
“I have to hang up,” He Chusan said as he saw the doctor approaching to change the IV. “Once father stabilizes, I’ll come see you.”
“You are not to come!” Xia Liuyi’s tone turned firm. “You are not to contact anyone on my side—Xiao Ma included. If there’s news about your sister, I’ll have someone inform you.”
He Chusan gave a soft “Mm.”
Xia Liuyi knew he felt wronged, and his own heart ached as well. After holding it in for a long time, he finally softened his voice to coax him, “Be good. Take care of your father and wait for me at home. When I’m back, I’ll make it up to you—we’ll celebrate Children’s Day.”
He Chusan smiled, covering his flushed cheek. “Alright. I’ll wait for you to come back and celebrate Children’s Day.”
“Enough. Hang up.”
“Wait—” He Chusan glanced back at his father and the doctor not far away, then quickly, secretly pressed a “mwah” against the receiver and whispered, “A kiss.”
“Cough! What kiss?! So damn cheesy!”
From the other end came a soft, aggrieved call: “Brother Liuyi…” the ending drawn long and sticky with expectation.
“Alright, alright—shut up!”
Xia Liuyi turned his head, casting a wary glance at the tightly closed bedroom door.
“Mwah!”
After hanging up, he stared blankly at the foot of the bed for a long while. The warmth and smile in his eyes slowly faded. Letting out a long breath, he leaned back, his long limbs sprawled across the bed.
Elio’s notes: That’s all for today, dear readers. We’ll continue tomorrow. Good night! (( _ _ ))..zzzZZ
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