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

In the summer, the air on Hong Kong Island is always humid and sticky.

The sea breeze, carrying the salty smell and the hustle and bustle of the city, blows through the streets and alleys of Causeway Bay.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. For ordinary people, these were just two ordinary sunrises and sunsets, but for Lam Yiu-tung, the rising star of the Hung Hing Society in Causeway Bay, these two days were of extraordinary significance.

The news of Lin Yaodong's brave fight against the robbers was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples far exceeding expectations.

Not only did TVB broadcast the news three times during prime time, but ATV and several other smaller media outlets, like sharks smelling blood, also sent reporters, armed with cameras and microphones, to flood into Causeway Bay.

Their goal was clear—to thoroughly investigate this young gangster named "A Dong".

In most people's minds, gangsters are always associated with being violent, bullying, and harassing neighbors.

A gangster bravely fights off robbers?

This in itself is a newsworthy and highly contrasting point.

Some media outlets, especially tabloids that are keen to dig up "insider information" and "dirt," are eager to hear different voices from the locals.

For example, claims like "Lin Yaodong is domineering" or "that fight against the robbers was just a misrepresentation of a gang shootout" could generate even bigger buzz and attract a lot of attention.

However, to the surprise and even shock of all the reporters, their interview results were remarkably consistent.

From Jardine Street to Percival Street, from newspaper vendors to restaurant waiters, from housewives dancing in the square to old men playing chess in the park...

Whenever a reporter mentions "Ah Tung of Causeway Bay" or "Lam Yiu-tung of Hung Hing", almost without exception, the people asked give a thumbs up.

The words of praise were simple and unadorned, yet full of weight; not a single one of them criticized Lam Yiu-tung as a "gangster villain."

"Ah Dong? A good guy's here!" A fruit stall owner said into the microphone while deftly weighing oranges for a customer.

"Last time, a few thugs came to collect protection money, and it was Ah Tung who stepped in to drive them away for us. He said he was in charge of this street and wouldn't allow anyone to cause trouble."

"Brother Dong is so righteous!" a student in school uniform exclaimed excitedly.

"Last time my grandma fell on the street, it was Dong Ge who drove her to the hospital and even paid for her medical expenses. Later, my dad rushed to the hospital and wanted to pay Dong Ge back, but he refused to accept the money! Dong Ge even said that if you encounter any difficulties that you can't handle, go to him."

"Ah Dong is so kind-hearted. He often helps us old neighbors with moving things around. He's so down-to-earth," an aunt carrying a shopping basket added with a smile.

An elderly woman with gray hair and a sprightly demeanor pulled the reporter aside and said in heavily accented Cantonese, "Young man, are you writing about Ah Tung? He's such a kind person! I'm old and have trouble walking, and he's helped me cross the road so many times. He's always so patient, unlike some young people who complain that I'm blocking the way."

As the reporter held the microphone and listened to the endless praise, the expression on his face gradually changed from initial professional curiosity to disbelief and shock.

This... this is supposed to be a gangster movie?

This person is even more popular with the people than a district councilor!

Instead of uncovering any of the scandals they had imagined, they ended up with a near-perfect report on a "good deed."

Several reporters who had hoped to make a big story looked at each other in bewilderment, and could only put away their equipment with wry smiles. They cursed Lin Yaodong in their hearts for being an anomaly, turning the "promising profession" of gangsters into a community role model.

...

The storefront of "Guangji" dim sum restaurant is not large, but it was already packed with people.

The steaming heat rising from the steamer at the entrance, mingled with the aroma of food, proclaims its authentic reputation and booming popularity.

The shop owner is a very energetic old man, nearly sixty years old, but he still does everything himself every day. He says that this is his family's traditional craft and brand, and he can't let it go.

Early in the morning, Lin Yaodong, along with Gao Jin, Xiao Fu, and driver Jiang Xin, sat in a relatively quiet private room inside "Guangji".

The door to the private room was ajar, ensuring the privacy of their conversation—they spoke in hushed tones, only audible to a few people around the table, without the noise reaching the main hall outside; it also cleverly avoided arousing suspicion by closing the door in broad daylight, and if anyone with ulterior motives approached, they would be detected immediately.

Lin Yaodong was wearing a simple white polo shirt. His expression was not as fierce as the rumors suggested. Instead, he had a gentle smile. However, those who knew him well, such as Gao Jin and Xiao Fu, could see a subtle shrewdness and calmness in his slightly narrowed eyes.

Gao Jin remained aloof and sat upright, as if he could suddenly launch an attack at any moment.

Xiao Fu, on the other hand, appeared more reserved, with a calm gaze that occasionally flashed with a sharp light.

Only the driver, Jiang Xin, although also someone Lin Yaodong trusted, still seemed somewhat reserved when facing this discussion within the inner circle.

His past was that of a motorcycle thief, and it will take some time for him to change his identity.

On the table in front of them were several plates of exquisite dim sum: shrimp dumplings, steamed siu mai, chicken feet in black bean sauce, and a pot of steaming Pu'er tea.

They were discussing something important in hushed tones.

"...The news is confirmed. This afternoon, Chen Haonan and his group will take a boat to New Australia." Lin Yaodong tapped the table lightly with his fingertip, his voice steady. "This is an opportunity we cannot miss."

Gao Jin chimed in, "Brother Dong, is Liang Kun really going to take this opportunity to cause trouble?"

Lin Yaodong's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "It's not just that it will, it's that it definitely will."

The incident with Ba Bi caused Liang Kun a huge loss and also made him lose face.

He wouldn't dare do anything to Boss B directly on Hong Kong Island, on Hung Hing's territory, but outside of Hong Kong Island, especially in the chaotic New Macau, he definitely wouldn't be able to hold back. If he makes a move, and we catch him red-handed…”

He paused, not finishing his sentence, but everyone present understood.

In Hung Hing, betraying one's own people and colluding with outsiders to frame one's own people is a major taboo in the triad.

If they can obtain irrefutable evidence that Leung Kwan is doing something detrimental to Chan Ho-nam, then Leung Kwan's good days in Hung Hing will be over.

Lin Yaodong didn't know if things in this world had changed because of him, but he still had to do what needed to be done.

His gaze swept across Gao Jin and Xiao Fu's faces, clearly weighing who was more suitable to carry out this crucial task.

Gao Jin is a top-notch fighter and his loyalty is beyond question, but his cold and hard temperament easily attracts attention.

Xiao Fu, on the other hand, is better at hiding and adapting to changing circumstances, which may give him an advantage in carrying out tasks such as covert surveillance and evidence gathering.

Almost simultaneously, Gao Jin and Xiao Fu both felt Lin Yaodong's gaze. They spoke at the same time, their voices not loud but unusually firm:

"Dong-ge, I'm going!" *2