Chapter 42

At the same time, Pang Jian, the leader of the Brothers Alliance, disappeared mysteriously in the hospital, and the already shaky Brothers Alliance was completely destroyed with his disappearance. These days, Xie Wendong has no time to relax as the affairs of his gang keep him extremely stressed. Since five of their operations were shut down on the first day of the inspection, Xie Wendong realized that this new Director Cheng was by no means just a typical new official who would take drastic measures right away, so he cleverly halted the drug business in their operations. Even so, the police kept showing up frequently to express their “love” for “friendly” citizens. After being forced to stop the drug business, the gang’s source of income was cut off. After discussing several ways to deal with the situation with Gao Zhen, they failed to find a suitable solution. The two were at a loss. Finally, Gao Zhen said, “This new director won’t budge, no matter what we try. I’ve tried everything, but he just won’t understand! If nothing else works, then… we might as well get rid of him!” Xie Wendong shook his head and said, “It’s not that extreme yet. It’s not hard to get rid of him, but then the underworld in City J will be in trouble. The provincial authorities won’t let us off, even if you have connections in the provincial party committee—because the impact would be too bad!” Gao Zhen became anxious and asked, “Brother, then what do you suggest? Our income source is cut off now, and thousands of our men are waiting for us to feed them!” Xie Wendong replied hesitantly, “I’ve thought about it for a long time. Big Brother Gao, do you know where Director Cheng’s family is from?” Gao Zhen said, “I heard he’s not from this city. I’m not sure exactly where either. Why do you ask?” An idea struck Xie Wendong, who remembered the time when he made He Haoran submit. He chuckled and said, “I want to know about his family—who they are. Knowing that might help us!” Gao Zhen said urgently, “Brother, are you thinking of threatening him with his family? Hmm! That could work. Even if he’s like Bao Zheng, as long as his family falls into our hands, he’ll have no choice but to obey! Haha!!” After saying that, Gao Zhen couldn’t help but laugh, feeling much better. Xie Wendong shook his head and said, “Big Brother Gao, we don’t necessarily have to threaten him with his family. Let’s adapt as the situation unfolds. We’ll decide based on what happens.” Gao Zhen was pleased, his expression no longer gloomy as before. He patted Xie Wendong’s shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, brother. I’ll have someone investigate that guy’s background right away. We’ll get some information within three days. After all, I have connections in the provincial party committee! Haha!” The two chatted happily for a while longer. Gao Zhen glanced at the figure behind Xie Wendong and changed the subject, saying, “Brother, have you been having trouble with Xiaoyu lately?”

Xie Wendong’s face turned slightly red upon hearing this; after all, it wasn’t something honorable! He nodded in silence. Gao Zhen laughed and said, “Brother, don’t be so petty. Xiaoyu has made me and Xiaomei too spoiled. If you can, give in to her! These days, Li Feng and Xiaoyu have been getting very close—be careful!”
It was Li Feng again. Xie Wendong felt annoyed at hearing that name, thinking to himself that he would have to teach him a lesson sooner or later! He said seriously to Gao Zhen, “Big Brother Gao, you’re right. I am indeed a bit petty about this. I’ll go back to school and apologize to Xiaoyu right away!”
Gao Zhen nodded. “It’s good that you’ll do that. I won’t say anything more. Let’s talk again another time.” With that, Gao Zhen stood up and left.
After seeing Gao Zhen go, Xie Wendong checked his watch—it was already past five, and No.1 Middle School was about to dismiss students. He resolved to talk things through with Gao Huiyu.
When he arrived at No.1 Middle School, it happened to be dismissal time. Xie Wendong stood at the entrance of the teaching building, deep in thought, wondering how to apologize to Gao Huiyu. Suddenly, Ying tugged at his clothes. He turned to look at her, and she pointed toward the students coming out of the building. Xie Wendong saw that Gao Huiyu and her sister Gao Hui Mei had just come out, seemingly talking about something.
Xie Wendong hurried over and said softly, “Xiaoyu, Sister Mei!”
Gao Huiyu was startled upon seeing Xie Wendong. She huffed and turned away angrily, though she felt sweet inside, thinking that this annoying kid finally bothered to come after her! Gao Hui Mei pulled Gao Huiyu aside, glanced at Xie Wendong, smiled slightly, and stepped to the side.
Xie Wendong took Gao Huiyu’s hand and led her to a quieter place, saying softly, “Xiaoyu, I’m here to apologize!”
Gao Huiyu nodded silently without saying a word, waiting quietly for him to continue. After he finished speaking, Xie Wendong looked at her but stayed silent. Seeing her lowered head and cold attitude, he didn’t know what to say.
The two stood there, the tension gradually subsiding. Xie Wendong broke the silence and said, “Xiaoyu, I no longer have as much influence as before. The brothers in the gang are worried about my safety, so they sent Ying to protect me. I hope you’ll believe me, and I hope even more that you’ll understand me!”
After hearing this, Gao Huiyu’s eyes reddened slightly. She had already heard all this from her sister long ago and had forgiven Xie Wendong in her heart, but she hadn’t dared to speak first. Looking at his gaunt cheeks, she felt heartache and said, “Wendong, actually I…”
“Ring!” Before Gao Huiyu could finish speaking, her phone rang. Xie Wendong glanced at her apologetically. “Xiaoyu, I need to answer this call. Wait a moment!” With that, he turned and walked away a few steps. He didn’t want Gao Huiyu to know too much about the gang, nor did he want gang-related matters to affect her innocence.

“Hello?” A hurried voice came from the other end of the phone. “Brother Dong, it’s Gao Qiang. TheTai Zi Di hall in the city center has been sealed off by the police! Brother Three-Eyes has also been taken away by them!”
Xie Wendong was shocked. “Huh? What happened? Didn’t I tell you not to sell drugs?” “We didn’t sell any! But somehow, the police found five packets of white powder in the bathroom. Damn it, someone must be framing us!”
“Don’t panic. Where are you? I’ll be there right away. First, get Brother Zhang out!” “Brother Dong, I’m at Beibei. All the brothers from Longtang are here. They say they want to storm the police station to rescue Brother Three-Eyes. I can barely keep them in check!”
“Damn it! I’m on my way! Whatever happens, keep the Longtang brothers where they are. Tell them it’s my order!” “Okay, Brother Dong. I got it! Please hurry!”
Xie Wendong hung up the phone, anxious as hell. If Longtang really attacked the police station, things would get bad. He apologized to Gao Huiyu, “Xiaoyu, I have some urgent matters to attend to. I’ll try to come back tonight to take you out for dinner and explain everything.”
Gao Huiyu nodded, worriedly saying, “Wendong, though I’m not involved in gang affairs, I’ve heard some rumors. Be very careful!”
Xie Wendong felt warmth in his heart. He kissed Gao Huiyu’s forehead and said gently, “Don’t worry! I’m Xie Wendong. No one can do anything to me! Wait for me!” With that, he and Ying left in a hurry. Many of Wendong’s brothers were among the students at the school. Seeing Xie Wendong leave in a hurry, they realized something might be wrong with the gang and also hurriedly headed out.
Gao Hui Mei came over and said to Gao Hui Yu, who was still staring at Xie Wendong’s retreating figure, “Come on, he’s long gone. Why keep looking? Let’s go home quickly!”
Gao Hui Yu responded with a “Oh,” and silently left the school with Gao Hui Mei, praying to heaven for protection. Unbeknownst to them, two cars had stopped at the school entrance. When the Gao sisters came out of the school gate, the doors opened and Li Feng got out.
“Xiaomei, Xiaoyu, hehe! You’re both here. I’d like to take Xiaoyu out for dinner tonight!” Li Feng, dressed in a designer suit, strode toward them with an air of confidence.
Gao Hui Mei politely said, “Brother Li, Xiaoyu and I have other plans. We won’t trouble you!”
Li Feng pretended to be disappointed and said to the two sisters, “Oh! I already reserved a table, and I also need to talk to Xiaoyu about Xie Wendong! Since you have other plans… well, forget it then!”
Hearing it was about Xie Wendong, Gao Hui Yu quickly asked, “Li Feng, what is it?”

Li Feng smiled and said, “It’s hard to explain in just a short while. I’ll tell you when you have time someday!”
Gao Huiyu couldn’t wait that long and said loudly, “Li Feng, I don’t have anything urgent either. How about we go eat now?”
This exactly suited Li Feng’s plans. His eyes flashed with a sinister light as he nodded in agreement and politely opened the car door for Gao Huiyu to get in. Seeing her sister get into the car, Gao Hui Mei felt that Li Feng was acting strangely today. Worried about her sister, she said loudly, “Well then, Brother Li, I don’t have anything to do either. I’ll go with Huiyu. I wonder if you’d welcome us?”
Li Feng’s expression changed slightly, but he quickly laughed and said, “Of course! It’s great that Xiao Mei is coming too. Haha!” After laughing a few times, he let Gao Hui Mei get into the car as well, his eyes glowing darkly with a smile on his lips. He thought to himself, Perfect! With both of them here, you’ve come to me on your own!
After Li Feng got into the car, the two sedans sped toward the city center. This incident happened to be seen by a brother from a secret group. Although it seemed like a normal situation, something felt off, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint what. Shaking his head, he cursed himself for being too suspicious after being in the secret group for so long.
Xie Wendong arrived at the BBDI club by car. It was packed with people, and upon closer inspection, they were all members of Wendong’s gang. The place was in chaos, with loud noises filling the air. Wendong stepped in, picked up a bottle of liquor, and smashed it on the ground with a loud crash, silencing the noise in the club.
“What’s all the noise for? Has the sky fallen?!” Wendong shouted angrily.
Seeing it was Xie Wendong, the crowd found a leader. Especially the brothers from Longtang gathered around him, talking nonstop. The constant chatter annoyed Wendong greatly. Gao Qiang pushed his way through the crowd and said loudly, “Stop making noise! Let me talk to Brother Dong!”
After hearing this, the crowd finally quieted down. Gao Qiang recounted what had happened, which was similar to what he had said over the phone earlier. The only difference was that a suspicious person was spotted near the Taizi club. After questioning him, it turned out he was from the Qingbang gang and admitted to putting the drugs in Taizi. Wendong found this unlikely. He was allied with the Qingbang gang, and with the current tense situation, they wouldn’t frame him. Besides, Wendong knew Gao Zhen well—he was a true gentleman and wouldn’t do such a thing! With that in mind, Wendong asked Gao Qiang, “Where is the person you caught? Let me ask him!”
Gao Qiang nodded and told his subordinates, “Bring in that damned guy we caught!”

After a while, two brothers from the Wendong Gang brought a blood-covered man before Xie Wendong. The man had clearly been beaten severely, with wounds all over his body. Once released, he could no longer stand and collapsed to the ground, looking up at Xie Wendong in fear.