Hong Kong variety show: Hung Hing, are you contributing to society?

Lin Yaodong suddenly chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Brother 19, have you been scared out of your wits by the cops? Your Changyi Society's territory got raided by the police, and you come to me?"

"Wasn't it because you colluded with the police that my place got into trouble?" He Yong questioned.

"Do you have any evidence?" Lin Yaodong asked with a gentle smile, then retorted, "If you don't have any evidence, I can sue you for defamation."

"You..." He Yong was speechless for a moment. He really had no evidence, and all his deductions were based on one logic: Huang Mao had just gone to Lin Yaodong's territory to cause trouble, and the Changyi Society was wiped out the next day. It was too much of a coincidence.

This is a matter of the underworld; often, solid evidence isn't needed, and tacit understanding is enough.

The two men's voices grew louder and louder, and the neighbors around them began to whisper among themselves.

Although they couldn't hear everything, they could see He Yong's excited expression and gestures, as well as Lin Yaodong's consistently calm demeanor.

"Ah Dong, what's wrong?" An old man with white hair stood up and asked. He was a long-time resident of this street, and everyone called him Uncle Fu.

"Say something if you need anything."

"I won't allow anyone to bully you in Causeway Bay."

Among those neighbors, one or two were in their fifties or sixties, but they spoke like passionate young men in their early twenties.

"It's nothing, my friend just lost some money in his business and is in a bad mood," Lin Yaodong explained with a smile.

Uncle Fu looked at He Yong suspiciously, then at Lin Yaodong, and finally sat down, but his eyes never left the corner.

He Yong realized that he had lost his composure.

He hadn't expected Lin Yaodong's reputation to be so high; he didn't even need to greet him, the neighbors all supported him so much.

On someone else's turf, facing a popular opponent, being too harsh in your words is not a wise move.

He took a deep breath and lowered his voice: "Fine, even if I have no evidence, Lin Yaodong, you know perfectly well what you've done..."

"Brother Dong, the milk tea is here."

At this moment, Ah Kang brought out the milk tea and placed it in front of Lin Yaodong.

Lin Yaodong: "Thank you."

Ah Kang smiled and said, "You're welcome. Enjoy your meal, Brother Dong. Just call me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay." Lin Yaodong nodded slightly.

He understood Ah Kang's unspoken meaning: if he was about to take action, he should speak up.

He Yong forcibly suppressed his rage and continued, "This time, I, Brother 19, admit defeat. I'm not asking for compensation; I just want you to put in a good word and release my brothers. Most of them are just low-level henchmen; they didn't do anything serious."

Lin Yaodong took a sip of milk tea, put it down, then crossed his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly: "Brother 19, you think too highly of me, Lin Yaodong."

"The police have arrested someone; do you think I can just release them with a single word? If you break the law or do something wrong, you have to admit it. That principle applies to everyone."

"Bullshit!" He Yong couldn't help but raise his voice again, "Then why don't the police raid your place?! Is your place even clean?"

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the ice room changed instantly.

Several tables of guests stood up at the same time and walked over here.

Uncle Fu walked at the front, his face serious: "Sir, please watch your words. Ah Dong is a good man in Causeway Bay; his businesses are all legitimate. Don't make false accusations!"

"Exactly! My mother lives in the nursing home that A-Dong donated to. It only costs 800 yuan a month. That's not even enough to rent a dilapidated house!"

"Ah Dong even paid for the elevator to be installed in our building last month. Do you know how much it costs to install an elevator these days?"

"Which club are you from? Are you here to cause trouble?"

The neighbors chattered amongst themselves, surrounding He Yong.

He Yong's face turned pale and then red; he had underestimated Lin Yaodong.

Unexpectedly, Lin Yaodong held such a high position in the hearts of the neighbors that he didn't even need to speak; people would take the initiative to stand up for him.

It's important to know that these weren't Lin Yaodong's underlings; they were just ordinary neighbors.

Lin Yaodong raised his hand, and the neighbors quieted down, but still stood around, watching He Yong warily.

"It's alright, folks. This brother just had a misunderstanding," Lin Yaodong said gently. The neighbors then left and returned to their seats.

Then he turned to He Yong, "Brother 19, you just asked why the police weren't raiding my place?"

He Yong gritted his teeth and nodded.

Lin Yaodong smiled, and there was something in that smile that He Yong couldn't understand—it wasn't mockery or smugness, but rather a kind of compassionate understanding.

"Because my business is indeed all legal," Lin Yaodong said slowly. "Look, my property management company has a legitimate license, employs professional managers, issues invoices for every management fee collected, and the accounts are clear and can be checked at any time."

"I arrange caregivers for nursing homes, cooperate with the government, enjoy subsidies, the fees are transparent, all expenses are detailed, and I even lose money. Last month's financial statement shows that I personally contributed 150,000 yuan."

"The shops I invested in are rented to legitimate businesses, and the contracts have all been reviewed by lawyers. Taxes are paid on time."

"Oh, by the way, there's also the community service center I'm currently preparing for. It has already received government approval and partial funding, and construction will begin next month."

With each word Lin Yaodong spoke, He Yong's expression grew increasingly grim.

He had heard that Lin Yaodong had transitioned to legitimate business, but he always thought it was just for show, something done for the outside world.

But now, listening to Lin Yaodong recount these details as if they were second nature, he realized that the other party was serious.

"As for things like managing venues and collecting debts..." Lin Yaodong paused, his voice even softer, so that only He Yong could hear him clearly, "Brother 19, times have changed. If you're still relying on those methods to make a living, you'll be eliminated sooner or later."

He Yong fell silent.

He stared at Lin Yaodong for a long time, seemingly trying to determine the truth or falsehood of his words and to weigh the other party's intentions.

Finally, he spoke, his voice hoarse: "Then about this matter..."

"I really don't know anything about this," Lin Yaodong said sincerely. "Maybe it's a normal police raid, or maybe someone is trying to get you and is using my name. But Brother 19, I, Lin Yaodong, have always acted with integrity. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't use such methods..."

"When I, Lin Yaodong, was in the business, everyone knew I was trustworthy and loyal..."

He said the police raid was arranged through Szeto Kit, but he won't admit it.

He wanted He Yong to think, guess, and weigh the options himself.

He Yong took a deep breath, knowing he wouldn't gain any advantage today.

Lin Yaodong's words were impeccable, his attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, and he had so many neighbors supporting him.

If I keep making a scene, I'll only embarrass myself further.

If there's any verbal conflict, and he gets beaten up by those old men in the neighborhood, how will He Yong ever be able to face anyone again...?

As He Yong was about to leave, he hesitated and couldn't help but ask, "Regarding this legal... statement... the intricacies... I wonder if you could enlighten me a little..."

He Yong didn't believe it. Collecting debts, guarding venues, seizing territory—aren't these all gray-market activities? How could they be legal?

What kind of law is this?