An American knife seller? No, please acknowledge me as your godfather.

Haidilao.

Luxury private rooms on the second floor.

"Clatter!"

A pale blue flame leaped up, and Lynn skillfully lit a Marlboro cigarette.

He took a deep breath, then exhaled a perfect, sweeping motion.

Leaning comfortably back in his chair, Lynn glanced through the swirling smoke at Old Mike (Black Dragon) on his left and Kane (White Tiger) on his right, and chuckled softly:

"Are you all full? Now, let's talk about the future direction of our gang... oh no, our team."

The Blood Wolf Gang was successfully captured, and a huge wave of emotional value was perfectly harvested. They even found out the channels for Indian generic drugs.

But the matter doesn't end there, because the benefits haven't been fully realized.

Although the Blood Wolf Gang members are gone, the neighborhoods and territories they once controlled still exist.

This tempting spoils are definitely going to be eaten.

But how exactly should we eat it?

Which should we eat first? Should we eat first to encourage the others to eat later, or how should we eat?

This is a very worthwhile question to study.

"I'm done eating."

Upon hearing this, Kane showed no sign of lingering affection on his cold, stern face.

He put down his chopsticks, straightened his back, and didn't look at the bubbling hot pot again.

Meanwhile, Mike on the other side appeared to be struggling.

Reluctantly putting down his chopsticks, he mumbled that he was done eating.

But those cloudy eyes seemed to be drawn to the bright red, scalding hot broth, as if by a magnet.

As the saying goes, the sensation of spiciness is essentially a form of pain.

As a product of superior genes that survived the rigorous selection process at the bottom of the slums, Mike has an extremely high pain tolerance.

So the extreme spiciness that would make ordinary people drink water frantically is nothing to him.

Instead, it was like opening the door to a new world; the more you ate, the more addicted you became!

"Hehe, it's alright. If you're not full, keep eating. We can chat while we eat."

Noticing Mike's awkwardness, Lynn waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need to be so reserved.

Then, he narrowed his eyes slightly and tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, asking:

"What are your thoughts on the businesses and territories left behind by the Blood Wolf Gang?"

"Is there even a question? Of course, we'll accept it all!"

While chewing on tripe, Mike muttered without thinking upon hearing this.

His face had an expression that said it all was perfectly natural.

Having spent years mingling on the streets and living by the law of the jungle, he saw it as perfectly normal for the winner to take all.

Now that they've wiped out the Blood Wolf Gang, all the assets left behind by the Blood Wolf Gang naturally belong to them!

"I don't think that's appropriate."

Kane glanced sideways at Mike, whose mouth was greasy, and then slowly spoke under the man's wide, bull-like gaze:

"Boss, I have already investigated this carefully. First of all, in addition to collecting protection fees from shops on a few nearby streets, the Blood Wolf Gang's core sources of funding are the Rust Anchor Bar, strip clubs, underground gambling dens, as well as smuggling and selling enhancement agents."

"These people sound impressive and seem very powerful, but in reality... they have almost no real fixed assets of their own."

"No assets?"

Lynn paused slightly, the fingers holding the cigarette between her fingers, and frowned, as if realizing something.

Before Lynn could ask any further questions, Kane continued his explanation with a blank expression:

"First is their headquarters, the Rusty Anchor Bar, which is located at the corner of the Red Hook neighborhood. Although it's not exactly a top-tier CBD, it's definitely in a prime location."

"Where would a street gang of the Blood Wolf Gang's size get the financial resources to own this land? Even if they could barely afford to rent it, they definitely wouldn't have the money to carry out renovations of that scale."

"In reality, the real owner behind the Rusty Anchor Bar is someone else. The Blood Wolf Gang mainly contracts the daily operation of the bar by investing in security."

"Strictly speaking, they can only be considered shareholders who manage the bar."

"In addition, the strip club and the underground gambling den were all dilapidated venues that they rented on a monthly basis."

"Aside from some dilapidated tables and chairs, cheap steel pipes, and a few old gambling tables, there was nothing of value in the room."

"As for the enhancer... that batch of goods has already been seized by the police in the warehouse."

"As for smuggling... their warehouse apparently also has tens of thousands of dollars worth of high-end Cuban cigars and a batch of unmarked Ghost Gun parts, which are in high demand in Seattle, so..."

Kane concluded in a somber tone:

"The Blood Wolf Gang doesn't actually have any core industries of its own; it's all just a facade of prosperity."

After listening to Kane's extremely professional background investigation, Lynn took a deep drag of his cigarette and let out an epic puff.

His deep gaze remained reserved, and he did not speak immediately.

Mike, standing to the side, couldn't sit still any longer. He immediately widened his eyes in disbelief and exclaimed:

"What the fuck! What is this? Seriously? The Blood Wolf Gang is this poor? What a disgrace! With this little bit of wealth, they call themselves the Blood Wolf Gang? They might as well call themselves the Red Hook District Beggar Gang!"

Kane shook his head noncommittally and gave him a cold glance:

"That's normal. Gangs of the Blood Wolf's size often employ this kind of asset-light approach."

"By not buying land or hoarding heavy assets, it's not only easier to quickly accumulate wealth and obtain sufficient cash flow, but more importantly..."

"If they get into trouble or are surrounded by the police, they can abandon everything at any time and run away immediately."

"FUCK! Does that mean we've worked for nothing?"

Old Mike's thick eyebrows twitched violently, and suddenly the spicy beef in his hand seemed tasteless.

Light assets, huh...

Lynn slowly stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, a fleeting glint in his eyes.

He was actually prepared for Kane's statement.

How could a Blood Wolf Gang with only twenty or thirty core members possibly own so many priceless properties?

This is illogical in itself.

If it's all rented or acquired through violent means, then everything makes perfect sense.

After a moment's hesitation, Lynn raised his eyelids slightly: "Kane, what do you think we should do next?"

Upon hearing this, Kane cleared his throat, his eyes sharp, clearly having already prepared a response:

"First of all, we can continue collecting protection money from those blocks! Even if we don't, other gangs that smell blood will soon take over and collect it!"

"Hmm." Lynn nodded in agreement, tapping the table. "Very practical. Continue."

Encouraged, Kane continued, speaking clearly and logically:

"As for the Rust Anchor Bar... its location is indeed excellent. We can definitely talk to the real boss behind it! We can directly follow the Blood Wolf Gang's model, investing in management and continuing operations."

"As long as the other party's profits can be guaranteed, he doesn't care whether the security guard is Blood Wolf or White Tiger."

Lynn raised her chin noncommittally: "Continue."

"As for that low-end strip club and run-down gambling den, they don't have much remaining value anyway, so I suggest we just give up on them."

"It's a den of iniquity, with meager profits but plenty of trouble and trouble from the police. There's really no need for us to get involved in that dirty water."

"Aside from these, all that's left are the tens of thousands of dollars worth of smuggled cigars and Ghost Gun parts in the warehouse."

"These items are in high demand on the Seattle black market. We can slowly find channels to sell them off and quickly gather a wave of cash flow to replenish our initial capital."

After saying that, Kane straightened his back and gave a concise summary: "Boss, that's all."

"Um."

Lynn nodded, but still did not immediately express his opinion.

Instead, he turned to the still-stunned old Mike and asked, "Mike, what about you? What are your thoughts?"

Mike was startled, pointing to the tip of his nose with some uncertainty: "Me? Boss, you're asking me?"

Lynn nodded and chuckled, "Otherwise what? You're a veteran."

"Alright!" Old Mike grinned, flattered, then put down his chopsticks, his gaze darkening and his brows furrowing.

They seem to be racking their brains to seriously consider this profound strategic issue.

Lynn wasn't in a hurry; he simply sat in the main seat and waited quietly.

After a while.

Old Mike suddenly looked up, his face flushed, and said, "Boss, I think... what Brother Kane just said is absolutely right!"

After saying that, he shut up completely and stopped talking.

The previously lively atmosphere suddenly became eerily quiet, with only the bubbling sound of the hot pot broth remaining.

"???"

Lynn raised an eyebrow, looking at him suspiciously: "That's it?"

"Uh..." Old Mike scratched his head awkwardly, then forced out a sentence:

"Boss, I didn't quite understand what Kane was saying either, but I only know one very practical question..."

"If we really want to take over those blocks and Rusty Anchor Bar, with just the three of us... that's definitely not enough manpower! Even if the Kane brothers are incredibly skilled fighters, they can't possibly split into ten to collect protection money at the same time, can they?"

"Excellent, that's a very insightful question. Go on," Lynn said, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Okay!"

Seemingly having found his area of ​​expertise, Mike instantly became very talkative, gesturing wildly as he boasted:

"Boss, haven't I been dealing with those homeless people in the East District these past few days? And you know what? I've actually discovered quite a few hidden talents among them!"

"These guys may be poor, but as long as you give them food, they're incredibly efficient and quick-witted! Take that secret warehouse where the Blood Wolf Gang hid the enhancement agents, for example—they were the ones who staked it out day and night and dug it out!"

"Their abilities are truly impressive. Without exaggeration, these guys are almost a tenth as clever as I am!"

Hearing this extremely shameless boast, Kane's lips twitched violently twice.

His originally cold expression became much stiffer, and he looked at Mike as if he were looking at an idiot.

Lynn's eyes brightened slightly as she thoughtfully stroked her chin.

"Actually... it would be great if we could bring all these guys we know so well into our gang."

Old Mike sighed, then muttered regretfully, "What a pity, there are too many of them, at least several dozen. We probably can't afford to support them right now..."

His voice grew softer and softer until it finally faded away completely, like a mosquito's murmur.

After listening quietly to Mike's concerns, Lynn did not answer immediately.

Instead, he picked up the bottle, poured himself one last glass of chilled craft beer, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

Setting down his wine glass, Lynn's sharp gaze swept over the two people before him as he spoke calmly, "I have understood your opinions and concerns."

"And my opinion is..."

Under the watchful eyes of Kane and Old Mike, Lynn crossed his arms and rested his chin on them, declaring each word firmly and clearly: "I want them all!"

Ignoring their shocked expressions, Lynn immediately and swiftly began making arrangements:

"Kane, do exactly as you said! Go to the bars to negotiate, take over the properties, and cash in on all the smuggled goods!"

Then, he turned to Old Mike: "Mike, all those homeless talents you mentioned earlier, recruit them all tomorrow! Anyone reliable will do, I'll take care of the funding!"

"If all goes well, Rusty Anchor Bar will be your headquarters from now on!"

"Now that the Blood Wolf Gang has been eliminated, we should naturally change our name as well."

Lynn sized Mike up and down a few times, and seeing the man's worn but distinctly Black streetwear style, the corners of her lips slowly turned up:

"From now on, our gang will be called the Black Dragon Society! And you, Mike, you will be the first leader of the Black Dragon Society!"

"The Black Dragon Society..."

Old Ke chewed on the imposing name repeatedly, his expression shifting from joy to longing, and then to utter shock!

But soon, he shook his head violently and started shaking the rattle drum very quickly:

"No way! Absolutely not! With the boss here, how can I possibly be the chairman? I, Mike, am just a tool in your hands, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

Although Mike was greedy, he was not blinded by this sudden and enormous surprise.

Having spent so many years on the streets, I know better than anyone who the two kings really are.

"Mike, listen to me."

Lynn simply shook her head slightly, her tone leaving no room for argument:

"My identity is highly sensitive, and it's not appropriate for me to appear publicly in the underworld. As a seasoned veteran, you're the most suitable person to take over this neighborhood!"

In the initial conception, Old Mike was the perfect black glove because of his skin color.

"I understand... Thank you for your guidance, Boss! My life, Mike's life, is now yours!"

[Thanks +30!]

Old Mike was so moved that tears streamed down his dark cheeks.

He was practically ready to stand up, kneel down, and kowtow to Lynn.

"hehe."

After reassuring Mike for a moment, Lynn turned to Kane, who had remained silent, and asked, "You don't mind him being the nominal chairman, do you?"

"I don't mind." Kane shook his head calmly.

He has a very clear understanding of himself and has no interest in the kind of game where he can wield power and influence as a gang leader.

Deep down, he enjoys the thrill of reaping lives in the darkness.

Whether you mind or not, I need to make things clear to you.

Lynn lowered his voice and leaned forward slightly, his deep eyes fixed on Kane, radiating an unparalleled sense of pressure:

"I'm putting you in the background because... I need you to become a sharper, more hidden sword! You have a special arrangement that's more important than gang warfare!"

Kane's spirits lifted instantly, and his eyes flashed with a brilliant light.

"I need you..."

Just as Lynn was about to give the instructions.

[Admiration +10!]

A line of small, light-colored text reappeared in front of my retina.

"this……"

Lynn blinked, his heart pounding with shock.

Seriously? Again?

Who the hell provided this admiration value?

……