He immediately examined Eighth Master carefully, checked his eyelids, then opened his suitcase, took out a stethoscope, and fiddled with it for a while. His expression softened slightly: "It's alright, there's nothing too serious, but it's best to take him to the hospital. I only have some basic medical equipment with me, and he'll need some medication..."
I interrupted him: "A car will be here soon, take him to the hospital immediately." I glanced at Little Pig: "Little Pig, it's up to you. Take Eighth Master to the hospital, and please also make an appointment with this doctor."
A few minutes later, the other young man from Eighth Master's men returned. I had the two of them take Eighth Master to the hospital. Before leaving, I pulled Little Pig aside and whispered, "Be smart... There's been some trouble, and I'm worried about Eighth Master's safety. Mr. Sorin's men will definitely be with him at the hospital, so his safety shouldn't be a problem, but I still have some concerns. No matter what, you're not allowed to leave Eighth Master's side! I'm going to see Mr. Sorin now, and then I'll go to the hospital to find you."
We helped Eighth Master into the car. Before the door closed, he was already somewhat speechless, just staring intently at me. I understood his anxiety, and holding onto the car door, I said seriously, "Eighth Master, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'm going to see Mr. Solin now and ask him to help contact the authorities... As for the repair shop, we'll need you to call back and calm the brothers down. The plane tickets for tonight are booked; I'll report back to you at the hospital later."
Watching the car drive away, I composed myself. Having learned that Eighth Master had been rushed to the hospital due to a sudden illness, some of Sorin's men had already arrived at the villa area. Besides the two young men, Little Pig and the doctor, the car taking Eighth Master to the hospital also carried four of Sorin's men in another car.
"Where is Mr. Sorin?" I asked one of my men from the villa complex. The man hesitated for a moment, then said, "Mr. Sorin hasn't returned yet, but I just called Mr. Martin. Mr. Martin should have already told Mr. Sorin…"
Seeing his troubled expression, I waved my hand and said, "Alright, I'll wait here. I think Mr. Thorin will see me soon."
Actually, I know that given the status of these Sorin's men in the villa, they are far from qualified to contact Sorin directly. At most, they can only report to Sorin's top leader, who is "Mr. Martin," the bearded man in his thirties who picked us up at the airport when we arrived in Toronto. This man is Sorin's right-hand man, just like Tiger to Eighth Master.
Actually, I have another idea, which is to find Her Highness the Princess... but Her Highness is still in Yang Wei's hands right now.
My eyes lit up – Yang Wei!
After hesitating for a second, I immediately dialed Yang Wei's phone number.
When the call connected, I heard the sound of rushing water on the other end.
Then Yang Wei's slightly lazy voice came: "Xiao Wu?"
"Yang Wei, I'm in trouble." I said in a deep voice, "Where are you now? Where is the princess?"
"What a coincidence, I just got back to the villa." Yang Wei laughed on the other end of the phone. "It's the one on the hillside by the lake. What about you? If you're nearby, you can come and find me."
"OK!" I hung up the phone and ran quickly toward the villa on the hillside.
This lakeside villa area is quite large; I ran over a kilometer in one go before reaching the foot of the villa on the hillside. There were several of Yang Wei's bodyguards outside the villa. However, I didn't see the black man, Hansen. As soon as they saw me coming up, someone immediately came to stop me.
"I'm here to see Miss Yang Wei." I spoke before they could say anything. "I just spoke to her on the phone, and she asked me to come."
"Wait." The person in front of me looked somewhat familiar. I think I'd hit him during the conflict the night before. He had a band-aid on his nose, gave me a cold look, turned, walked to the door, and pressed the intercom. He said something into the intercom. His voice was very soft, and I couldn't hear him clearly. However, Yang Wei's voice was very clear on the other end.
"Let him come in."
They then let me through. And they seemed to hesitate for a moment, but didn't search me, probably because of Yang Wei's words, "Just come in."
The villa on the hillside was more than twice the size of the one at the foot of the hill. When I entered, the hall was empty. Soft music was playing from the stereo. I tentatively called out, "Yang Wei."
As soon as I finished speaking, I saw a person slowly walk out from inside. Her long hair was wet and draped over her shoulders, her pretty face had a blush and steam from the steam, she was wearing a bathrobe, and she was holding a snow-white towel in one hand while drying her hair. Her head was slightly tilted, revealing the soft curve of her chin, and there was a smile on her lips: "You came really fast."
When I saw Yang Wei's outfit, I was taken aback: "Are you taking a shower?"
Yang Wei chuckled, then deliberately put on a serious face and said, "I'm dressed like this because I'm taking a bath, not attending a banquet, am I?"
She walked past me calmly, a fresh scent of her bath lingering in her air, and lazily settled onto the sofa. She gave a slight pout: "I just got back too. Sigh, I just finished dealing with that princess and the count's son. Just thinking about those two adulterers gives me goosebumps. I couldn't wait to take a good bath as soon as I got back… You were in such a hurry to see me, were you worried about the princess's situation and potential trouble?" She smiled: "Don't worry, I've taken care of the princess. She won't bother you with today's events…"
I interrupted her, saying hurriedly, "No, it's not about the princess... I have another urgent matter! I need to see Thorin immediately. Also... I might need some of your help."
Then, before Yang Wei could speak, I quickly gave a brief account of what was happening at the repair shop.
My tone was urgent. Yang Wei's expression was calm at first, but as she listened, her expression gradually became serious. Before I could finish speaking, she frowned and said, "You're saying... your people are now all armed and confronting the police? Ridiculous! Isn't that courting death?!"
I immediately said, "No, it's not that serious. We're just blocking the door to prevent the police from searching. They don't have a search warrant, so they can't do anything reckless for now. But the more I think about it, the more something seems off..."
Yang Wei tilted her head and thought seriously for a moment, then said, "You said that the Asian drug lords you contacted in the Big Circle were killed, and their bodies were dumped at the door of your hideout. At the same time, the four managers who stayed at home were all killed outside... Okay, don't rush, let's analyze this first." She glanced at me and hesitated for a moment, "There's no use rushing now... Besides, don't forget, you're not the boss of the Big Circle yet! The boss of the Big Circle is Eighth Master! You're just a big boss under Eighth Master."
"But many of the guys at the repair shop are my good brothers." I sighed.
“Then we need to stay calm even more.” Yang Wei’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly smiled: “Perhaps this is also an opportunity.”
She waved her hand, stopping me from speaking, and quickly counted on her fingers: "This is clearly a long-planned operation against you! First, how did they find the dead drug dealer? How could they pinpoint his whereabouts? Second, all four managers left behind died at the same time. How did they time it so precisely? Four managers killed at the same time—that's too much of a coincidence! How did they know their whereabouts, their routes, and even the timing? Third… you tell me. Last night, these four managers were with you..." The brothers were drinking together, but he went out after receiving a phone call that night and hasn't come back... I think it's necessary to investigate that phone call. And the fourth one..." Yang Wei said in one breath, her eyes flashing, "The other party was able to calculate the time, itinerary, and location so meticulously. So many things suddenly happened all at once, I don't believe it's a coincidence! I think there must be a traitor within your circle! The whereabouts of the deceased drug dealer, the whereabouts of the four deceased managers, are all suspicious! If there's a traitor within, then this matter is even more complicated."
I frowned. Actually, I had thought of what Yang Wei said, but I don't have Yang Wei's delicate thinking. I can't rationally list out the problems one by one in an instant like she does...
“Fifth…” Yang Wei said with a stern face.
"There's a fifth one?" I asked with a pained expression.
“Of course!” Yang Wei said seriously, “Fifth…this time the other side has really gone all out! Now that your drug den has been wiped out, the cooperation with Sorin has become more uncertain…the leaders in your hideout have all been killed, and now the place is leaderless, and they've even clashed with the police…Do you think their actions will stop there?” Yang Wei sneered. Her eyes gleamed!
A chill ran through me!
Indeed! The current chaotic situation is entirely the result of the other side's actions... They are acting with a combination of intention and cunning, and their attack is so fierce that they might have some other powerful tricks up their sleeve!
Even if they don't have any backup plans... they can't possibly remain inactive now that they see us in such a predicament! If I were the leader of the Vietnamese, seeing the Grand Circle in complete chaos, not taking action at this point would be a sign of low intelligence!
A backup plan... a backup plan... does the opponent have some other powerful backup plan?
I fell into deep thought, but Yang Wei raised an eyebrow. She said decisively, "This isn't the time to think about that. The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. It's too late for you to think now; we can only deal with whatever comes our way!" She glanced at me, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Chen Yang…do you believe me?"
"Of course." I didn't hesitate to say that.
“Okay.” Yang Wei said in a low voice, “I think you shouldn’t see Sorin right now. Besides, if I’m not mistaken, Sorin’s speed in getting the news shouldn’t be slow either.” She slowly continued, “First, as the head of the Canadian underworld, the whole of Canada is like his backyard. How could he not know about any disturbances? I dare say, whether in the underworld or the legitimate world, Sorin has many sources of information. Now, several hours have passed since this happened, and Eighth Master even fell ill and was sent to the hospital, but Sorin himself hasn’t even made a single phone call… Why do you think that is?” However, Yang Wei didn’t intend to let me answer this question, and quickly continued, “That’s just the first point… There’s also the second… What is your status? Hmph, Little Five, in the end, you’re just one of Eighth Master’s subordinates. You’re not even the head of the Big Circle. You’re going to Sorin now, wanting to ask him for help? What makes you think you can ask? Eighth Master hasn’t even asked, so why should Sorin help you?”
Yang Wei looked at my expression, sighed softly, then smiled, her tone softening as she said, "Okay, alright, I was a bit blunt, don't take offense." She leaned closer, looking into my eyes, and slowly said, "Xiao Wu, I told you back then that you're too straightforward, a bit impulsive, and naive, not really suited for this cutthroat world. More than a year has passed, and you've matured considerably. But to be fair, while you've already shown some potential, you still lack experience. For example, what happened today—you just said you called back to quell the chaos among your subordinates, which you did very well, showing decisiveness. But your thinking is still too narrow. But that's alright, it's because you were in the thick of it and didn't see it clearly. With more experience, you'll naturally become more mature. But for now, as your friend, I guess I have to help you."
She casually tossed the towel onto the table, looked at me, her expression turning serious, and said solemnly, "There are three key issues now. Once you understand these three key issues, all the current difficulties will be resolved!"
I was instantly invigorated!
I deeply admire Yang Wei's intelligence and wisdom. Her words must indicate she has some remarkable insights!
"Well, first of all, the other side should be Vietnamese! If their actions were just revenge, then taking down the drug dealers and dismantling the house would have sufficed; there's no need to waste energy scheming against the four people in charge of your household! And the timing was so precise, right when you and Eighth Master were both away from the hideout. So they must have something to gain by doing this, nothing more than throwing you into chaos! In that case, it's not just a simple act of revenge! I ask you, what do the Vietnamese want most?"
“It’s a collaboration with Sorin… Ah! It’s drugs!” My eyes lit up. “Yes, it’s drugs! If the Vietnamese control drugs, they’ll have leverage to collaborate with Sorin! That’s why Hong Da is so important to both of us.”
“Yes,” Yang Wei said, “The body was dumped at the entrance of your stronghold. Firstly, it was a show of force; secondly, it was a deliberate attempt to lure the police. Killing your trusted lieutenant was to dismantle your command structure! Your enemies are not simple! These two tactics have enraged your elite troops, eliminated your leadership, and drawn the police into a standoff! Now that your stronghold is blocked, no matter how powerful your Big Circle is, not a single soldier can leave the gate! Unless you openly fight the police! But even someone with a modicum of sense wouldn't do that. The enemy is essentially using the police to tie down your main force… and then, the target. It should be your drugs! The cooperation with Sorin is complete, and I think a large batch of drugs has already been delivered to your Big Circle. It should be handed over to the Hells Angels soon.”
“Yes, there is a shipment. Although Eighth Master doesn’t want me to get involved, but…” I shook my head: “But the location of the drug shipment is very well hidden. Even I don’t know it. The Vietnamese wouldn’t find out so easily, would they?”
"Sigh." Yang Wei smiled bitterly, "Yes, you may not know, but that doesn't mean others don't! Hmph, Eighth Master knows the location of the drugs... but... others may not know, but surely this drug dealer wouldn't be unaware!"
My expression changed drastically!
Recalling the photo of Hong Da's miserable death, his face contorted in agony, it was clear that he had suffered severe torture before his death!
"Alright." Yang Wei said quickly, "That's the first point. If I'm not mistaken, the first key issue is that the other side is probably using the police to tie down the main force in your hideout, and then sending people to raid your drugs!"
"Okay, you said there are three key questions, this is the first one... what are the other two?"
“The second thing… is Sorin’s attitude!” Yang Wei said quickly, “I just said, don’t you think Sorin’s attitude is strange? You and Eighth Master were arguing for so long, and Eighth Master was even sent to the hospital, but Sorin didn’t even make a phone call… The people here told Martin that Martin would definitely have informed Sorin immediately about such a big thing! But Sorin didn’t even make a phone call… This is too abnormal! Even if an ordinary guest suddenly falls ill in the host’s house, the host wouldn’t just ignore it!” Yang Wei said coldly, “Therefore, I suspect that the other party is so meticulous in their actions because something just happened in Vancouver, and they have probably already come to contact Sorin at the same time! Of course, this is just my guess, but you must be careful!”
It turned out that Yang Wei's guess was very accurate!
It was only much later that I learned that, almost at the same time that I and Eighth Master received the devastating news, Old Thorin also received something delivered to him!
The package was simple, a paper packet delivered to Thorin almost at the last minute! Inside, when opened, was a pair of bloody human ears!
There was another line of text on the paper package, written in fresh blood!
"The drug kingpin of the Big Circle is dead! If you want drugs, you need to find a new partner!"
Almost at the same time that Sorin received this item, he also received news from Vancouver that Eighth Master had fallen ill at the villa.
I learned about this later under special circumstances. At the time, Sorin hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not call me or Eighth Master immediately.
Of course, that happened later, so we'll leave that aside for now.
"As for the third key question," Yang Wei said slowly in her characteristically calm and composed voice, "Gang Wu, I think... this matter is a crisis for Eighth Master, but for you, it might not be a bad opportunity!"
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Twenty: The Extraordinary Woman Yang Wei
Messages kept coming in.
While I was still at Yang Wei's villa, my phone rang twice. Once it was from Xiluo. He had barely managed to suppress those guys at the repair shop. Although Xiluo was young, everyone knew that he was now my best friend and the highest-ranking person in the repair shop besides me (after all, Xiluo was now nominally the head of a territory).
The bad news is that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have already been deployed in Vancouver! Ciro said he even saw helicopters patrolling overhead, but he didn't know if they were from the TV station or the police.
The case of the body dumping has been exposed, and now half a street outside the auto repair shop has been cordoned off by the police under the pretext of protecting the scene. There are at least seven or eight police cars and dozens of police officers outside, a third of whom are Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Fortunately, the police didn't force the issue; they only requested to inspect the interior of the repair shop. I said something to Ciro:
"Don't force it! If it really doesn't work, just let the police in to inspect. Have half of our brothers send everyone in the repair shop back to their dorms or the canteen, and don't let them cause any trouble... As for the police searching, let them search. The only things they have at home are some weapons, half of which are licensed, and the unlicensed ones are just illegal possession of firearms, which can be a big deal or a small one! But whatever you do, don't let a conflict break out."
After hesitating for a moment, I whispered again, "If... I mean if! If things change and things really get out of hand, listen to me, Xiluo! No matter what, I forbid you from taking any action! If things turn out badly, you immediately take a few of my men and go outside to surrender to the police! Try to get out of there safely! I'm warning you, even if others cause trouble, you are not allowed to do anything reckless! If you dare to fire a single shot, I'll break your legs when I get back!"
That was the first call. The second call was from Xiaozhu, who was at the hospital, telling me that Eighth Master was alright. Although Eighth Master is still very weak, he insisted on taking the earliest flight back, which would take off in about two hours. After calling me, he was going to accompany Eighth Master to the airport.
"How is it?" Yang Wei's expression remained calm. She sat on the sofa, without even changing her posture.
I put away my phone and casually recounted the messages that Xiluo and Xiaozhu had sent me in the two previous calls.
"It seems your Eighth Master still doesn't trust you," Yang Wei said with a sigh.
These words pierced my heart like a needle. My eyes twitched, and I deliberately covered it up by saying, "I don't understand what you mean."
"Tch." Yang Wei scoffed, looking me straight in the eye. "What are you hiding now? Master Fang clearly doesn't trust you! His closest old subordinates and brothers are either dead or gone! The only one he can really rely on is you, Xiao Wu! Under these circumstances, why is he keeping you in Toronto and not letting you go back to Vancouver? You handled today's unexpected incident very well, with a good balance of firmness and tact. Master Fang isn't blind; he's seen it all! Why won't he let you go back? He wants to keep you under control, don't you understand?"
I remained silent.
Yang Wei ignored my expression and continued, “Your internal management in your circle has always been quite interesting. Your internal management is far too simple, unlike those truly powerful families and organizations! For example, right now, basically Eighth Master is the biggest, with several leaders under him, and those leaders in turn manage a bunch of smaller subordinates! Now, all those leaders in the middle are dead! In this situation, what is Eighth Master Fang most afraid of? Losing control of his subordinates! And you, Little Fifth, among the people below, your popularity, prestige, and the merits you've made for the organization, have already reached the point of threatening Eighth Master Fang! Before, he wasn't worried about you because as long as he controlled his few leaders, your threat to him was limited. But now, Eighth Master Fang's leaders are all dead… well, to put it in a cliché, his ‘mass base’ isn't stronger than yours… If we take you back now, and you handle this matter perfectly… hmph, from now on, the people below will probably only know you, Little Fifth Brother, and not Eighth Master Fang!”
Seeing my pale face and my silence, Yang Wei suddenly sighed. She walked to my side, raised her chin, and stared into my eyes: "Xiao Wu, I have a question for you. You have to tell me what's on your mind!"
"………What?"
Yang Wei snorted and pointed at my nose: "Do you even have any intention of competing with Master Fang?"
That sentence really hits home!
Eighth Master has always been suspicious of me, and recently he has been deliberately suppressing me. However, I am only dissatisfied in my heart, but on the surface I am still very obedient and respectful to Eighth Master.
But to say that I harbor rebellious intentions against the Eighth Prince... that's really hard to say.
It was only because of my conversation with Tiger before his death in Vietnam that I felt somewhat disheartened towards Eighth Master.
But as disheartened as I was, I never truly intended to replace the Eighth Prince...
"well."
Yang Wei sighed, lowered her hand, slowly sat back on the sofa, rubbed her temples, and said with a wry smile, "It seems I guessed right... You still can't let go of the feelings in your heart. You are a sentimental person and a loyal person. Asking you to kill Eighth Master openly and take his place is something you just can't bring yourself to do."
I suddenly looked at Yang Wei, my tone strange, and slowly said, "Yang Wei, let me ask you, if I were the kind of person who would do anything to climb the ladder and be ungrateful... if that were the case, I wouldn't be Xiao Wu!"
Yang Wei was stunned for a moment, opened her mouth, finally breathed a sigh of relief, and nodded, saying, "What you said is also correct."
I sat down next to her and took out a cigarette. But after thinking for a moment, I snapped the cigarette in half and threw it into the ashtray on the coffee table, shaking my head. "Yang Wei, I know. You're smarter than me. I'm a little flustered right now. What should I do in this situation?"
Yang Wei glanced at me: "Oh? I do have some ideas, but if I say them, you'll probably get angry, so I'd better not say them."