After that day, Xia Liu Yi moved into He Chu San’s apartment, and the two of them officially had a “home” together. To avoid attracting attention, Xia Liu Yi was even more cautious coming and going than during an underground deal. He brought only two personal bodyguards to stand watch, told neither Cui Dong Dong nor Xiao Ma, and every so often even returned to his village house for the night to keep up appearances.
Although they slept in the same bed almost every night, both were busy with work. Usually, by the time they got home it was deep into the night and both were exhausted. Only once every ten days or two weeks could they carve out half a day or a whole day to fool around together. He Chu San had barely used half of his little blue bottle—and every time he used it, he got beaten.
Elite He might have appeared gentle, but he was unyielding within, with skin as thick as a city wall and a will that refused to break. Even after using half the bottle without ever reaching the final step, he remained perfectly patient, coaxing and soothing Xia Liu Yi as they progressed little by little. He was even planning to use the whole bottle up in one go on Children’s Day that year.
But on the last day of May, a narrow-eyed young man appeared in the reception room of Xiao Qi Hall’s “head office,” wearing a smile as pleasant as a spring breeze.
“Good morning, Mr. Xia. I’m Lu Guang Ming, an investigator with the Independent Commission Against Corruption. You are suspected of violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance by offering bribes to Hua Sheng, formerly Chief Inspector of Kowloon City District, and Xu Hao Jie, currently an Inspector in Kowloon City District. We would like you to come with us and assist with the investigation.”
At that moment, He Chu San was speaking confidently to a client in a café beside the Central ferry piers. The jarring ring of his brick phone cut him off. He glanced at the number, gave the client an apologetic smile, and walked to the window to answer.
“A’San, something terrible has happened! Come back quickly!” Auntie Wu sobbed from the other end. “Your father, he… he… sob…”
He Chu San rushed to the hospital. Father He had suffered a sudden heart attack. His already fragile cardiovascular system was partly to blame, but the immediate cause was Auntie Wu’s wayward daughter, Xin Xin. Auntie Wu had noticed that Xin Xin had recently been distracted, secretive about her whereabouts, and stealing money from home, so she asked Father He to follow the girl with her. They discovered Xin Xin taking drugs with her delinquent boyfriend. Enraged, Father He seized a stick and began beating the young man, who was already too drugged to think straight. Xin Xin stopped him and screamed, “You senile old bastard! Who asked you to meddle?” Her boyfriend escaped amid the confusion. Father He and Xin Xin had a furious argument, and Xin Xin stormed away. The moment she left, Father He collapsed unconscious from rage.
He Chu San and Auntie Wu waited together outside the operating room. Overwhelmed with worry and grief, Auntie Wu kept wiping her tears and repeatedly apologized to him. “If only I hadn’t asked your father to come with me. I’m sorry. I’ve wronged both you and your father.” He Chu San forced himself to stay calm and comforted her gently. He also called several neighbors they knew and asked them to search for Xin Xin, afraid that she might do something even worse in a fit of anger.
Only after finishing those calls did he notice several missed calls on his brick phone, all from Cui Dong Dong’s private number. Puzzled, he called her back. Her end of the line was filled with noise—a confused jumble of conversations, arguments, and footsteps.
“Sammy-boy, where are you right now?”
“I…” He Chu San hesitated. He could hear a faint urgency in her voice, something that had never appeared in Cui Dong Dong’s tone before.
“There’s no time to explain. Come to the basement of the annex beside the head office immediately. Hurry.”
He Chu San looked at the red light still glowing above the emergency operating room. “What happened, Sister Dong Dong? I have something urgent here. I can’t leave.”
“Liu Yi was taken away by the ICAC.”
“…”
For the second time that day, a loud buzzing filled He Chu San’s head.
He lost his voice for a moment before forcing himself to remain calm. “Why?”
“Three years ago, he treated several inspectors to dinner and gave them tens of thousands of dollars. It should’ve been a trivial matter, but the ICAC somehow obtained surveillance footage and a statement from one of those inspectors.”
He Chu San struggled to remain composed and rational. “What can I do if I go to the company now?”
“The ICAC is using this as leverage to conduct a full investigation of the company’s accounts. It happened too suddenly. This quarter’s ‘books’ haven’t been finished yet. They’ll come to seal the company this afternoon. Sammy-boy, you’re the only person who can help us now.”
He Chu San stepped backward, his fingers tightening around the brick phone. After holding his breath for a long time, he said, “I’m sorry, Sister Dong Dong. I can’t cook the books for you.”
Cui Dong Dong froze for a moment, then exploded. “Who the hell do you think you’d be helping? You’d be helping your Brother Liu Yi! If they discover the holes in the books, he’ll only be sentenced to even more time!”
He Chu San’s voice became even calmer. “I’m sorry, Sister Dong Dong. I told you a long time ago that I wouldn’t help you cook the books. Besides, you know this isn’t something that can be fixed in an hour or two. Rushing it will only leave more flaws behind. It won’t work.”
“Don’t give me that fucking bullshit!” Cui Dong Dong screamed, completely losing control. “Do you know how Liu Yi treats you? When you were captured, he risked his life to rescue you himself! For your sake, he swallowed his pride and begged Second Master Qiao, even offering him several of his best establishments! Even when there was no way out, he would never abandon you! And now you—”
“I’m truly sorry, Sister Dong Dong. I have to hang up.”
Without waiting to see whether the furious Cui Dong Dong had heard him, He Chu San ended the call and switched off his brick phone.
Auntie Wu looked over at him with concern, only to see the usually calm and composed young man stand there blankly for a moment before suddenly crumpling beneath the weight of everything and squatting on the floor. He tossed aside his brick phone and covered his face with both hands.
The veins stood out one after another across the backs of his hands, as though he wanted to claw away the entire hypocritical mask from his face.
Auntie Wu hurried over, stroked his back, and tried helplessly to comfort him. “Don’t be afraid, A’San. Don’t be afraid. Your father will be all right.”
Eyes tightly closed, He Chu San opened his mouth. He had a thousand things he wanted to say, but only one hoarse phrase emerged. “I’m sorry.”
He was sorry to Auntie Wu and Father He. He had not paid enough attention to his rebellious little sister or properly cared for Father He. He was sorry to Cui Dong Dong: he had failed the trust she had placed in him and what she had entrusted to him. He was sorry to Xia Liu Yi: at the moment Xia needed him, he had chosen to stand aside. What he wanted was a clean future for the two of them. He could not act recklessly in a moment of emotion and carelessly leave evidence behind.
He was sorry to his own conscience. He had fallen in love with a gangster steeped in every kind of crime.
…
Xia Liu Yi had guarded against O Division and the Narcotics Bureau from every direction, only to be brought down by a newly promoted, unknown ICAC investigator. Lu Guang Ming did not investigate his murders or arson, his drug dealing or prostitution, whether he was the Dragon Head of a triad, or whether he laundered money. He investigated only bribery and tax evasion. The evidence was simple and airtight; the case was open-and-shut.
The ICAC interview room was nothing like O Division. The coffee was hot, the air-conditioning was set to a comfortable temperature, and the interrogator, Lu Guang Ming, wore a refreshing smile—like a fox basking in the spring breeze.
“Mr. Xia, Inspector Xie and I are different. He’s a superhero who wants to catch every criminal under Heaven and save the entire world. My objective is much more specific.”
He bent down, moving outside the camera’s view, and whispered beside Xia Liu Yi’s ear, “It isn’t you.”
Xia Liu Yi raised an eyebrow but did not answer.
Lu Guang Ming continued softly, “I know Xiao Qi Hall has a ledger recording every business transaction and every payoff made during the more than twenty years since its founding. I’m not interested in what kind of business you conduct. I want the section recording the payoffs. Give it to me, and I’ll destroy the evidence against you.”
“Oh?” Xia Liu Yi stared expressionlessly at the observation glass opposite him. “Which inspector are you after?”
Lu Guang Ming narrowed his eyes with a smile and pointed upward.
Xia Liu Yi finally turned and looked directly at him. “Investigator Lu wants to move against the Old Shopkeeper?”
Lu Guang Ming’s smile broadened. “Straight talk between straightforward men. I like it.”
“You’re young, Investigator Lu, but you certainly talk big.”
“You flatter me.”
“Unfortunately, I’ll have to disappoint you. Xiao Qi Hall has no dealings with the Old Shopkeeper. Besides, even I can’t afford to provoke him. I have no intention of being buried alongside you.”
“No dealings?” Lu Guang Ming smiled. “Boss Xia has risen like the midday sun over the past two years. Everything has gone your way. How could that be possible without the Old Shopkeeper protecting you? Boss Xia is far too modest.”
“Believe whatever you like.” Xia Liu Yi looked away and said nothing more.
Lu Guang Ming tried every indirect question, threat, and temptation he could think of, but Xia Liu Yi remained as solid as iron and refused to yield. After pestering him for two days, Lu Guang Ming still learned nothing. He understood that Xia Liu Yi was one tough piece of bread to chew through, and that the ledger containing Xiao Qi Hall’s lifeblood could never be obtained so easily. Unhurried, he decided to do someone a favor and tossed that cold, stubborn piece of bread to Xie Jia Hua, along with every scrap of evidence concerning Xia Liu Yi that he had collected.
“How did you obtain surveillance recordings of bribes paid several years ago?” Xie Jia Hua asked him.
“One morning, they appeared in my mailbox all by themselves.” Lu Guang Ming shrugged. “Judging from the camera angle, one of their own people secretly recorded them. A gang fights among itself while you and I stand at the side and reap the benefits. Isn’t that interesting, Inspector Xie?”
Xie Jia Hua frowned. “If Xia Liu Yi is driven out, another ‘Xia Liu Yi’ will merely take his place. Worse still, they’re treating the ICAC and the police as weapons in their private disputes. These societies rise and fall while fighting endlessly among themselves. It will only throw Hong Kong into greater chaos. I see nothing interesting about it.”
He gathered the evidence from the table and rose with a cold expression. “Thank you for your help this time. I hope we won’t need to meet again.”
Lu Guang Ming tapped the table behind him. “Inspector Xie, if you truly want to thank me, at least pay for my milk tea before you leave.”
Xie Jia Hua went to the counter, settled the bill, and walked away without looking back.
Lu Guang Ming watched his rigidly straight back and narrowed his eyes with a faint smile.
He lifted his cup, took a sip of milk tea, then let out another furtive, almost neurotic chuckle.
“Adorable. Inspector Xie, you’re simply too adorable.”
…
Xia Liu Yi and his subordinates were repeatedly investigated and interrogated by both the ICAC and O Division before the case was brought to court. After paying an enormous amount of bail, he was temporarily released to his village house in Kowloon City, ordered to remain at home, and barred from leaving Hong Kong.
He Chu San, normally so attentive and affectionate, did not visit him even once. Only a week later did he finally manage, through several intermediaries, to get a call through to Xiao Ma. All of Xia Liu Yi’s former numbers had been disconnected, while Cui Dong Dong refused every call from him.
Although Xiao Ma also resented He Chu San for deserting them at the critical moment and thought he was a complete bastard, he could not bear the sight of the Boss repeatedly staring forlornly out of the window over the past few days. Furious at He Chu San yet unable to harden his heart, he went thud-thud-thud upstairs and solemnly presented the brick phone to Boss Xia. Under Boss Xia’s glare, he obediently retreated and closed the door.
“Brother Liu Yi,” He Chu San called softly from the other end.
Xia Liu Yi leaned against the headboard smoking. His expression was exhausted, but his voice was gentle. “I heard your father was hospitalized. How is he?”
“He only came out of danger the day before yesterday. He still can’t get out of bed.” He Chu San stood outside the ward and turned to glance back at Father He as he spoke.
Father He wore a hospital gown and leaned against the headboard, reading a newspaper while receiving an intravenous drip. Although he looked frail from his illness, his spirits were excellent, and he was even humming a little tune.
A father had fallen ill, and his elite son from Central had taken an extended leave from work to wait on him day and night without ever leaving his bedside. It was treatment that left every other patient in the ward green with envy. Father He’s nose was practically pointing toward the ceiling from sheer pride.
“How did he become so ill? Was he overworked?”
He Chu San sighed softly. “My little sister found herself a delinquent boyfriend and followed him down the wrong path. She made Dad so angry that he fell ill.”
Hearing the heaviness in his voice, Xia Liu Yi joked to cheer him up. “You found yourself a delinquent too. How come you didn’t pick up any bad habits from him?”
He Chu San laughed softly. “So you admit you’re my boyfriend.”
Xia Liu Yi coughed loudly. “What’s the name of the bastard who led your sister astray? I’ll have someone deal with him.”
He Chu San hesitated before saying, “Actually… I really did want to ask for your help.”
“What happened?”
“My little sister left with that delinquent. The neighbors have helped search for several days, but we still haven’t found her. I’m afraid something has happened.”
Xia Liu Yi frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Which hall does the boy belong to? What’s his name?”
“My sister calls him Da Gao. I don’t know who he works for.”
Xia Liu Yi raised his voice and called Xiao Ma inside. He explained the situation involving He Chu San’s younger sister and ordered Xiao Ma to send people out immediately. The moment Xiao Ma heard He Chu San’s name, resentment appeared on his face. Xia Liu Yi glared at him, and Xiao Ma shrank his neck before accepting the order and running off.
Xia Liu Yi turned back to reassure He Chu San. “Don’t worry. Your Brother Liu Yi has men all over Hong Kong. We’ll find them in no time. What do you want done to the boy? Should we drown him in a pig cage or bury him in concrete?”
He Chu San’s voice immediately became anxious. “No! Absolutely not…” Xia Liu Yi’s tendency to solve problems violently, combined with the trouble already surrounding him, was precisely why He Chu San had delayed asking for his help.
Xia Liu Yi laughed. “I’m teasing you. I know where to draw the line. But the brat does need to be taught a lesson. He dared mess with my little sister?”
He Chu San coughed loudly. If Xin Xin, who worshipped underworld heroes, learned that she had suddenly acquired a Dragon Head as an older brother, who knew how she would react?
“Is everything all right on your side?” he asked.
News carrying the headline “Rising ICAC Star Strikes Hard: Underworld Boss Goes Down for Bribery” had spread throughout the streets of Hong Kong. Father He was currently holding that very newspaper, sighing repeatedly as he read it.
If he learned that the gangster mentioned in the article was his son’s boyfriend, he would probably suffer another heart attack.
“It’s nothing,” Xia Liu Yi replied calmly. The evidence held by Lu Guang Ming and Xie Jia Hua could not shake Xiao Qi Hall’s foundations. With the help of his team of fast-talking barristers, the worst outcome would be a fine and three to five months in prison.
But those three to five months would not be peaceful. Ever since his arrest, the elders he had suppressed for so long had finally found an outlet for their anger, while some restless younger members beneath them had begun making moves. If Xia Liu Yi was imprisoned, no matter how clever or capable Cui Dong Dong might be, the elders would still dismiss her as “just a woman.” The situation could easily change.
“I’m sorry,” He Chu San said guiltily. “The day you were arrested, Sister Dong Dong asked me to alter the accounts. I refused.”
Xia Liu Yi was silent for a moment. In truth, Cui Dong Dong had long prepared for an audit, and no problems had been discovered so far. He knew her request had merely been a test of He Chu San’s loyalty. She still could not let go of the mysterious listening device.
“She was wrong to put you in that position. You don’t need to apologize. I don’t want you involved in any of Xiao Qi Hall’s affairs either.”
He Chu San struggled to suppress the emotions surging inside him, but his voice still grew louder. “As long as you don’t blame me. I… I’ve wanted to visit you all this time, but Dad needs someone to care for him, and Auntie Wu has been searching for my sister. I miss you so much…”
“Then go see her!” Father He called weakly from inside the ward. He had not heard the earlier conversation clearly, only the words I miss you so much. “Your father is already this sick and doesn’t have many days left! Why haven’t you brought your little wife to the hospital for me to meet?”
“Dad, the doctor said you’re past the danger period and will be fine. You also need rest, so speak less and don’t become agitated.” He Chu San covered the receiver and turned to soothe him.
Father He angrily slapped the newspaper and lay back down.
He Chu San uncovered the receiver and quietly moved farther away from his father. Xia Liu Yi laughed on the other end. “If I weren’t forbidden from going out, I really would visit your father. He can’t pull teeth in his current condition, can he?”
He Chu San laughed quietly to himself. His Brother Liu Yi was like a gray wolf that normally bared its fangs and claws at everyone, yet the moment Father He, that old sheep, raised his dental drill and went Baa-aa~, he tucked his tail between his legs and fled.
“I have to hang up,” He Chu San said when he saw the doctor approaching to change Father He’s medication and examine him. “Once Dad’s condition is more stable, I’ll come and see you.”
“You’re not allowed!” Xia Liu Yi’s tone darkened. “You’re not to contact anyone on my side. Not even Xiao Ma. If there’s news about your sister, I’ll send someone to tell you.”
He Chu San softly answered, “Mm.”
Xia Liu Yi knew he felt wronged, and his own heart ached terribly too. After holding himself back again and again, he finally could not resist coaxing him in a gentle voice. “Be good. Take care of your father and wait for me at home. When Brother Liu Yi comes back, I’ll celebrate a belated Children’s Day with you.”
He Chu San smiled and covered his burning cheek. “All right. I’ll wait for you to come back and celebrate Children’s Day with me.”
“Fine. Hang up.”
“Wait.” He Chu San glanced back at Father He and the doctor, then quickly and secretly kissed the receiver. Mwah! Lowering his voice, he said, “Give me a kiss.”
“Cough! A kiss, my ass! That’s sappy as hell!”
He Chu San called plaintively from the other end, “Brother Liu Yi…” He dragged the final syllable out in an endlessly sticky, expectant whine.
“Fine, fine! Shut up!”
Xia Liu Yi turned his head and warily glanced at the firmly closed bedroom door.
Mwah!
After hanging up, he stared at the foot of the bed for a while. The warmth and amusement gradually faded from his eyes. He slowly released a sigh, then fell backward and sprawled across the bed with his long arms and legs spread wide.
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