Chapter Four: Making a Name—Planting the Flag on Observatory Road

Escaping the blade’s edge, Li Zhengfei wiped the sweat from his brow and panted incessantly, "Thank you, Brother Yao. Thank you, Brother Yao."

"The copyright is in my hands. If you manufacture these for them, it’s an infringement. I will sue you until you’re bankrupt. So, I’m marking this down against you for now. Remember, I’ll be coming to settle this account whenever I please."

"Ah, Brother Yao, this, this..." Li Zhengfei’s forehead was sweating even more profusely than before.

It was like having a sword hanging over his neck—not striking, just hovering and threatening... How was he supposed to sleep at night from now on?

"What? You want me to give you a hard time right now?" Wang Yaotang sneered.

"Ah... no." Li Zhengfei’s mouth twitched. Had he known it would be this much trouble, he never should have taken the job. He certainly didn't think it was his own fault for not reporting it to Wang Yaotang in the first place.

"You prick, who are you putting on that face for? Am I bullying you?"

"No, no." Li Zhengfei shook his head hurriedly.

Wang Yaotang gestured toward Li Zhengfei, then looked at A-Ji and Four-Eyes, "See that? To be a gangster, you must know the law, study the law, understand the law, and use the law. Otherwise, you’ll be called a prick for the rest of your life."

Li Zhengfei offered a dry laugh.

"Alright, that’s it. I’ll come find you in a few days to sign the contract." Wang Yaotang waved his hand. "Four-Eyes, settle the bill."

By the time everything was handled and the contract signed, it was already dark. It was past eight o'clock when they returned to Tsim Sha Tsui. After dismissing the others, Wang Yaotang took his brothers to a seafood food stall for drinks. Over the past few months, the quality of their meals had noticeably improved.

While eating, they chatted about the negotiation with Li Zhengfei. A-Jie cursed bitterly, "Damn his mother, I thought the guy was forced into it. Turns out he was just bullying us street thugs for being ignorant! Damn it, we should’ve slashed him until he bled!"

After venting, he thought of something else and asked with concern, "What if people from other gangs take the goods and find other factories to produce them?"

"Impossible. Re-tooling the molds and setting up new plates costs too much for small quantities. It's better for them to just go to Old Li," Four-Eyes explained.

"Oh." A-Jie scratched his head. He didn't fully grasp it, but as long as his big brother had a plan, that was all that mattered.

"Brother Yao, since we didn't pursue him this time, do you think Old Li will intentionally try to sell to other gangs?" Four-Eyes asked worriedly.

"Damn it, if he dares, we’ll kill his whole family!" A-Jie blustered.

"You can't stop plagiarism and pirating. We aren't Sun Yee On or Wo Shing Wo. A nuclear bomb is most threatening before it’s detonated. In the future, if anyone asks Old Li to produce these, at least he’ll notify us. We'll be in the loop," Wang Yaotang shook his head.

Four-Eyes sighed. He had heard from his sister that Brother Yao had designed many of these styles. Watching others pirate his designs to make a fortune felt miserable. But saying that out loud was useless; the big gangs would pirate regardless. Could they really stop them?

Wang Yaotang didn't want to dampen the mood. He raised his beer bottle and signaled to his four brothers, "We’ve suppressed Fook Yee Hing. People from the surrounding gangs should know by now. Tomorrow, A-Wei, set up two more stalls on Observatory Road."

"A-Ji, A-Jie, bring all the men tomorrow morning. We’re going to hold the ground."

"Let’s strive to double our revenue. We brothers will grow big and strong and create glory!"

*Clink.*

The five of them clinked their bottles together and shouted in unison: "Grow big and strong, create glory!"

After eating and drinking his fill, Wang Yaotang wiped his mouth, "Alright, let's head back."

Whether they would make a name for themselves or not, it all depended on tomorrow.

...

In Hong Kong, with a population of over five million, there were more than 400,000 gang members. Including their families and relatives, nearly half the population was involved. This was unique globally!

In Hong Kong, every business—every single one—had some connection to a gang. No exceptions! This was why Wang Yaotang, after digesting the memories in his mind following his rebirth, decided to temporarily leverage the gang platform for development.

Knutsford Terrace, combined with the small hill beside the observatory, formed the Knutsford Terrace area. Over 30 bars and nightclubs were concentrated on this path, only a few hundred meters long. It was a hidden district of food and wine within the skyscrapers, where eight different gangs had planted their flags.

The most powerful were Sun Yee On and the Tiu Lam faction. The two bars belonging to Wo Shing Yee were on the outskirts, while their brothels were on three other streets: Mei Yuen Mansion, Fung Lok Mansion, and Nam Hoi Mansion. By the way, opposite Nam Hoi Mansion was the Five Minerals Building to the north.

With such a complex environment, it wasn't that Wang Yaotang didn't have the money to expand his stalls earlier; he just hadn't dared to.

After ten o'clock, a small van pulled up in front of Mei Yuen Mansion. Seeing Wang Yaotang step out of the vehicle, the dozen or so underlings waiting nearby immediately stood up, greeting him in a cacophony of voices.

"Brother Yao."

"Brother Yao."

"Good morning, Brother Yao."

"Who’s shouting 'good morning'?" Wang Yaotang looked over with a smile.

"It’s me." One of the underlings raised his hand.

"You’re the cunning one," Wang Yaotang laughed and waved his hand. "Move the stuff down."

After he gave the order, the underlings immediately went to the van to unload four brand-new female mannequins.

That morning, Wang Yaotang had spread the word that he was setting up two more stalls. The "blue lanterns" (low-level members) and the hoodlums under Guan Zai-sen all heard the news and had been waiting early.

Who wouldn't want to follow Brother Yao, the best moneymaker in the branch? Money is what makes a boss.

Directing his men to move the previous four mannequins out from the gang’s base, A-Wei walked up to Wang Yaotang and whispered, "We can't keep them at the base anymore; there’s no room. Should we rent a place?"

"Rent one. Not too high up, it’s hard to move the goods," Wang Yaotang gritted his teeth. He had originally wanted to consider buying a van. As a local boss leading twenty men to make money, having to squeeze onto trams and subways when going out was embarrassing!

Running a damn business required money at every turn. He had just saved up a little capital, and now it all had to be poured back in, Wang Yaotang cursed inwardly.

With everything prepared, the group of underlings looked at Wang Yaotang with eager eyes, waiting for his call.

Wang Yaotang scanned the crowd and pointed to three of the tougher-looking low-level members, and then to four others who were usually articulate at selling goods—including the one who had asked "Good morning."

"You idiots, call him!" A-Jie reminded them.

The seven hurriedly bowed and saluted, shouting loudly, "Brother Yao!"

"Alright, let's go. I'll take you to get some food before we start working," Wang Yaotang smiled and beckoned.

"Thank you, Brother Yao."

The group hustled away. Those who hadn't been picked looked on with envy, jealousy, and resentment, wishing Brother Yao would set up more stalls soon.

If only Brother Yao were the boss. Guan Zai-sen only knew how to gamble all day; when would that old fossil finally step down!

...

At noon, a dozen of them, carrying four mannequins, marched grandly toward Observatory Road. Since they couldn't go to the doorsteps of other gangs' territories, they found street corners and areas near restaurants. A-Wei led the men in setting up the mannequins and arranging the display stands.

The crotchless stockings paired with the sketch of a pink clam created an instant magnet for "LSP" (lecherous) types, drawing the gaze of everyone nearby.

The underlings began soliciting customers. Wang Yaotang immediately took his men a bit further away. He wanted the money, but he also wanted to maintain his dignity.

He wanted both!

"Yo, isn't this Brother Turkey?" A mocking voice rang out. "Brother Turkey is quite impressive. You made a name for yourself the day before yesterday, and today you're planting your flag right here on Observatory Road."