Chapter 102: The Advantage of the Hawk

Chapter 102: The Advantages of the Hawk

“Little Hawk, what are you doing here?”

Originally, the big guy had been planning to stretch his legs a bit, but when he saw the Hawk arrive, he smiled. The Hawk’s influence had nearly doubled in just a few days. The big guy now had to reassess the value of this seemingly unambitious man before him.

“Oh, you’re flattering me, Big Fatty. I just happened to be passing by. Who would have known you were running into trouble in this rundown tavern? Just say the word and I’ll tear this place down for you!” The Hawk played it well. He and the big guy always addressed each other as brothers. Now, he was utterly flattering the big guy, making it seem as if he were just a small player under his command.

“Hawk, what’s your relationship with this fat guy? Do you really need to butter him up like that?” Dog Brother was puzzled. He had previously crossed the big guy badly, so although he was beginning to hesitate inwardly, he didn’t soften his tone one bit.

“Damn it! Mad Dog, say that again if you dare!” The Hawk flared up. He had made his move, yet Dog Brother still refused to show respect to the big guy. Not showing respect to the big guy was the same as disrespecting himself. How could Mad Dog’s faction be so arrogant? Even if his boss came out, he would still have to behave politely when meeting the Hawk.

“Damn! Little Fly, don’t think I’m afraid to mess with you. If you piss me off, no matter how many arms or heads you have, I’ll chop them off and feed them to the dogs!” Mad Dog had been simmering with resentment under the Hawk’s pressure and was now finally letting loose, without any concern for consequences.

Meanwhile, the big guy who had instigated this confrontation looked quite at ease. He watched the two sides tense and ready to strike, saying nothing, simply observing. His mind was busy thinking about how rapidly the Hawk’s influence had grown—within just a few days, it had become strong enough to rival a major gang.

“Heh heh, Mad Dog, what kind of manners is this in treating a guest? Step back at once,” came a gentle voice suddenly. Mad Dog was stunned upon hearing it and reluctantly took a few steps back. Descending from the second floor was a middle-aged man dressed in a Zhongshan suit, smiling warmly as he approached the big guy and the Hawk.

“Honored guest, honored guest, forgive the poor welcome!” he said warmly, extending his hand to shake the Hawk’s. The big guy, who had never met this man before, looked at the Hawk in surprise and asked, “May I ask who this is?”

As the saying goes, you don’t hit a smiling face, so the Hawk, seeing the man’s cordial expression, felt embarrassed to cause trouble here. “Brother Wang, my apologies. I’m a rough fellow and acted rashly. If I’ve made any mistakes, please forgive me.” He paused, then added, “As for who he is, let him introduce himself.”

The Hawk was clever; he spoke only what was necessary, which was why he had come so far.

“I’m just an ordinary nobody. I came today simply to pick up a few kids. I ask Manager Wang to kindly spare those little ones who acted without thinking. I will personally compensate for any losses your establishment has suffered today,” the big guy said with neither arrogance nor submission, but with a tone that brooked no refusal.

Manager Wang glanced meaningfully at the big guy, somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected such words from a man who looked like a buffoon.

“Oh! So it’s about that. My fault. Release those kids immediately.” He whispered a few words to a large man in black behind him, who nodded and quickly left.

At that moment, Song Nianqiang returned with a stern expression. He had searched all five floors but found no sign of the kids. Shaking his head beside the big guy, he listened as the situation was explained and his earlier worries were dispelled.

“You weren’t supposed to—” The black-clad man who had escorted Song Nianqiang in was dumbfounded, swallowing his words as he realized it was not his place to speak now.

Before long, the black-clad man led the group of children out. The young masters and misses were clearly frightened; their eyes were slightly reddened, some even crying. Yet, despite their fear, none bore injuries. Otherwise, today’s incident would have been far more serious.

“Manager Wang, here’s thirty thousand yuan. Consider it my apology to Big Fatty. Please accept it,” the Hawk said as the big guy’s gaze softened. The Hawk then had three thick stacks of cash brought forward, which Manager Wang accepted with a smile and some reluctance.

“This money really shouldn’t have been taken. I must say, Brother Hawk is extremely generous,” Manager Wang said, but he had already passed the money to his subordinates. Song Nianqiang watched this scene with some disappointment. He had thought the Dragonhead Gang’s leader, Manager Wang, was a formidable figure—at least a strategist. But now it seemed he was merely a calculating man.

In contrast, the Hawk was decisive when it mattered, showing a hint of ruthlessness and authority. Song Nianqiang was certain that if given enough time, the Hawk might restore the Dragonhead Gang’s former glory—provided he wasn’t wiped out by the state.

“Let’s go, Fatty. We shouldn’t linger here,” Song Nianqiang whispered to the big guy. Understanding, the big guy nodded, said a word to the Hawk, and they left. Within moments, only the Hawk and Manager Wang remained in the hall.

“Today, Hawk has taken the liberty to disturb you. We shall take our leave,” the Hawk said, turning to leave. Only Manager Wang’s group remained in the bustling tavern.

Behind Manager Wang, Mad Dog growled, “Boss Wang, should I send someone to deal with the Hawk!?”

Manager Wang shook his head gently. “Heh heh, we could have done him before, but this suggestion isn’t good now. Did you see that young man who came down from the second floor just now? His identity is very special and mysterious. I once secretly investigated him, but found nothing.”

Manager Wang seemed more interested in Song Nianqiang, whose background was enigmatic. Apart from a few powerful figures, most people saw him as just an ordinary kid. Those who suspected otherwise found it impossible to uncover his true nature. And if you were lucky enough to find something, congratulations—you were likely headed for trouble.

“From now on, stay as far away from these two as possible. They may be beyond the reach of our gangs, but still, have people investigate quietly. Don’t let them find out. If you discover anything, great; if not, no harm done,” Manager Wang said, casting a meaningful glance at their departing figures, then sighed deeply and returned upstairs.

“Little Hawk, you’ve been doing well lately. When did you get so capable as to challenge the leader of the Dragonhead Gang?” Song Nianqiang teased with a mischievous grin after stepping outside. The Hawk was frustrated—he had unwittingly made an enemy of the Dragonhead Gang’s leader. Though it wasn’t a major problem now, it meant facing a formidable rival in the future.

“Don’t joke with me. It’s all because of Big Fatty. I was in a good mood today, having just recruited some small-time thugs from the underground black market. Not as powerful as the big players, but at least I’m part of the underground scene now. Then I ran into Big Fatty confronting those sons of bitches, so I stepped in.”

Song Nianqiang laughed heartily upon hearing this, then patted the Hawk’s shoulder and said something that made the Hawk’s body shudder: “From now on, our business profits will be split seventy-thirty.” Although Song Nianqiang and his group still took the bigger share, this meant the Hawk would earn even more than before. When the split had been eighty-twenty, the Hawk was already making a fortune; now thirty percent was his.

A look of disbelief flashed in the Hawk’s eyes as he stared at Song Nianqiang, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. Seeing the Hawk’s expression, Song Nianqiang smiled again. “I have only one purpose in doing this. As long as you cooperate with me and remain loyal, I will spare no effort to help you soar to greatness. The dragon rises to the heavens.”