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

He Yong remained silent for a long time.

The ceiling fan creaked overhead, and the aroma of milk tea and pineapple buns filled the shop.

A bus drove by outside the window, bringing a gust of hot air.

Finally, he raised his head, his eyes hardening: "I understand, Brother Dong."

"Good, I understand." Lin Yaodong called the waiter to settle the bill. "If you need any help, just let me know."

"No need, I can handle it myself." He Yong also stood up. "Brother Dong, wait for my news."

The two parted ways at the entrance of the ice cream parlor and walked in different directions.

Two days later, two accidents occurred in Changyi Society.

First, Bing, a 70-year-old elder of the triad, fell and broke his left leg on the stairs on his way home from the teahouse one evening.

When we took him to the hospital, the doctor said that he was old and his bones were brittle. He would have to stay in bed for at least three months, and even after he recovered, he would still need a wheelchair.

Next up was another veteran, Uncle Chang, who was 68 years old. He was hit by an electric bike while exercising in the morning and suffered a broken right leg.

The young man on the bicycle turned pale with fright and apologized repeatedly. Uncle Chang couldn't say anything and could only accept his bad luck.

During the hospitalization of his two uncles, He Yong took care of them, paying their medical expenses, hiring caregivers, and visiting them in the hospital every day, serving them tea and water. He was more filial than a biological son.

The underlings in the gang saw this and all said that their leader was loyal and righteous.

Once his two uncles were discharged from the hospital, He Yong was worried again: Uncle Bing and Uncle Chang were old and had difficulty walking, and there was no one at home to take care of them. What should he do?

At that time, a younger brother "happened" to know of a nursing home with a good environment and professional service, which specifically admitted elderly people who needed rehabilitation.

This underling was none other than the blond-haired guy who had led the charge to cause trouble in Lin Yaodong's territory.

Upon hearing this, He Yong immediately decided: "Give it to us! The club will cover all expenses!"

Uncle Bing and Uncle Chang were initially reluctant, but they couldn't resist He Yong's earnest persuasion:

"Uncle Bing, you've worked hard for the community your whole life, now it's time for you to enjoy life. I've visited that nursing home; it's nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, the air is fresh, and there are dedicated rehabilitation therapists. Why don't you stay there for a few months to heal your leg? Then I'll personally bring you back."

"Uncle Chang, just think of it as a vacation, a chance to relax. I'll feel terrible if you don't go. You've done so much for me and for the community, how can I not help you now that you're in trouble?"

The words were beautifully spoken, and the sentiment was spot-on.

In addition, the two of them really needed someone to take care of them, and their children were all abroad, so they reluctantly agreed in the end.

On the day he saw off his two uncles, He Yong drove himself and brought more than a dozen of his underlings, making a grand and impressive scene.

Uncle Bing and Uncle Chang sat in their wheelchairs, watching the street scenes recede into the distance outside the car window, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

They had a vague feeling that something was wrong, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it.

He Yong's leg was indeed broken, and he was indeed a filial son; everything was reasonable.

He Yong paid a year's fee upfront and secretly gave the dean a thick red envelope, instructing him to take good care of the two elderly people.

The former dean insisted on not accepting the red envelope.

He Yong often heard that Lin Yaodong was donating money, so he turned around and openly donated the money to the nursing home.

He was very happy to receive thanks from a group of elderly people.

The former dean was also very happy.

On the way back to the city, He Yong leaned back in his seat and let out a long sigh.

The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror and cautiously asked, "Boss, what if Uncle Bing and Uncle Chang...?"

"What if something happens?" He Yong asked with his eyes closed.

"Won't you suspect...?"

"Suspicion about what?" He Yong opened his eyes, his gaze sharp. "Uncle Bing fell on his own, Uncle Chang was hit by a car, the whole gang saw it. I paid for their care and sent them to the best nursing home, what's the problem?"

The younger brother fell silent, not daring to ask any more questions.

He Yong closed his eyes again. The sunlight outside the car window shone on his face, flickering in and out.

He recalled what Lin Yaodong had said at Kowloon Ice Room: "When clearing mountains and splitting rocks, it's inevitable that there will be loose stones blocking the way. Just move them away. The key is to do it in a respectable way, so that everyone can save face."

Now, the stone has been moved.

The road can be repaired now.

Two days later, at the Changyi Society headquarters.

This place was originally an old warehouse, which was later converted into a gang headquarters.

The first floor is a boxing gym where the underlings practice; the second floor has offices and meeting rooms; and the third floor is He Yong's residence.

A picture of Guan Yu was pasted on the wall, and incense sticks that hadn't finished burning were stuck in the incense burner.

The air smelled of sweat, smoke, and a faint musty odor.

But today, a new sign has appeared at the entrance of the warehouse: "Yaodong Property - Changyi Branch".

The signboard was made overnight; it has a white background and black lettering, with a simple design.

When it was hung up, many of the underlings gathered around to watch, pointing and whispering among themselves.

"What's going on? What property management?"

"I heard that we should learn from Lin Yaodong of Hung Hing and make things more formalized."

"Formalization? What does that mean?"

"So we won't have to watch the venue or collect debts anymore?"

"They bought a piece of iron, saying they'd be wearing a uniform in the future to help neighbors unclog drains and pick up their young children from school."

"What the hell! You idiot, I'm out here doing gangster work, just to unclog drains for people?!"

He Yong stood by the second-floor window, looking down at his underlings.

He was wearing a dark blue suit and tie today, and his hair was neatly combed.

This outfit has been sitting in my closet for a long time. I took it out to wear today, and although it felt a little awkward, it seemed to have restored some of my youthful charm.

"Boss, everyone's here." His trusted aide pushed open the door and came in.

He Yong nodded, turned around and went downstairs.

The boxing gym on the first floor was packed with hundreds of people.

They were all core members of the Changyi Society, from the "49ers" to the "straw sandals," from the "red sticks" to the "white paper fans"—everyone who could come was here.

As soon as He Yong came down, the noisy discussion gradually subsided.

He Yong walked to the small platform in front and took the microphone that A-Qiang handed him.

The microphone emitted a piercing howl. He patted it and cleared his throat.

"Brothers."

He Yong's voice was amplified through the speakers, echoing in the empty warehouse.

"I've called everyone here today to announce something important." He Yong looked around at everyone, his gaze sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar faces. "From today onwards, Cheung Yee Society will officially cooperate with Yiu Tung Property. From now on, all the business on our property will be managed using the property management company model."

The crowd erupted in uproar.

"Property management company? They really have to wear uniforms to unclog drains?"

"Brother, aren't you? (Brother, aren't you?) We are young and Dangerous, not security guards! (We are Young and Dangerous, not security guards!)"

"You won't be able to hack your friends from now on, right? (You won't be hacking people in the future, right?)"

He Yong raised his hand to silence the murmurs: "Quiet!"

He took a deep breath and continued, "I know you all have questions and concerns. I do too. But times have changed."

"It's not like the 1980s anymore, where you could just grab a knife and run rampant."

"The police are keeping a close eye on them and the citizens are highly aware. The old trick no longer works. (The old trick no longer works)"

"Partnering with Yiu Tung Properties is a new path for us. It may be difficult, but it's the right path, and it will lead us far."

"No more fear of the police, no more fear of revenge from enemies. We can earn money honestly and live an upright life."

"I don't force anyone. If you want to continue down the old path, I won't stop you. The triad will provide a resettlement allowance so we can all leave amicably. If you want to follow the new path with me, I, Ho Yung, promise you that as long as I have food to eat, my brothers won't go hungry."

(Note: I don't force anyone. If you want to continue down the old path, I won't stop you. The gang will provide a settlement allowance so we can all part amicably. If you want to follow me and change things, I, He Yong, promise you here that as long as I have food to eat, no brother will go hungry.)

After he finished speaking, he put down the microphone and looked at the audience.

The underlings.

dumbfounded.

Can't believe it.

A silence.

Did I hear that right?