The gun was shiny, yet it exuded an ancient aura, clearly indicating it had been very well maintained. However, many areas were still worn smooth from being rubbed – a kind of aged quality.
Looking at this guy who looked so much like Al Pacino, and with the Godfather movie playing on the screen in front of me, I almost had the illusion that the Godfather from the movie had stepped off the screen and come right in front of me!
I was sizing him up, and he was sizing me up. We stared at each other, both sensing a hint of danger in each other's eyes... It felt like two wild beasts in the jungle scrutinizing each other!
Bang!!!
Just then, a gunshot shattered the silence in the room—the sound came from the movie screen. This sudden gunshot broke the scrutinizing gaze between us, and almost simultaneously, we both chose to mask our emotions with smiles.
"Please sit down, my friend." His voice was hoarse, even unpleasant. This surprised me somewhat, because someone with such an elegant appearance had a voice that sounded like a male duck.
There were only two sofas in the room. He sat on one of them, so I had to sit next to him.
The movie continues, with Marlon Brando as the Godfather, his face composed, an elegant smile on his face, his eyes gleaming with an almost cruel tenderness… Then, on the screen, he slowly says, “I have to give them benefits; they can’t refuse me…”
I've watched The Godfather countless times, but this scene is my favorite.
Just as my attention was drawn to the lines in the movie, Gao Qi spoke up: "You like this movie too, Chen?"
He spoke in perfect English, without any Sicilian accent, which surprised me slightly, but I quickly replied, "Yes, I love every movie in this series. By the way, this is my favorite part too."
Gao Qi's eyes gleamed, a smile playing on his lips, and he murmured, "I'm going to give them benefits, and they can't refuse me... Do you know which line I admire most? It's 'They can't refuse me.'"
I remained silent and simply looked at him.
He sat there, surrounded by the smoke of his cigar, like an emperor sitting on his throne. Then Gaucher gently put down the Browning in his hand and extinguished the cigar in the ashtray in front of him.
“My friend, please allow me to apologize for the intrusion in inviting you. I know that every minute of your time is precious at this stage.” He spoke slowly and calmly, each word spoken with the tone of a Godfather from a movie…
I suddenly remembered a legend: the movie *The Godfather* tells the story of the real-life Gambino, and after Gambino, almost every mob godfather in the world tried his best to imitate and surpass him! And as the godfather and heir to the Gambino family, this man before me, Gochi, was clearly one of Gambino's admirers. That's why his tone of voice so earnestly imitated Gambino's.
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter 166: The Threat at Dinner
“…That’s how it is. I hate wasting time; everyone’s time is precious. So I think we have some time before dinner, so let’s finish what we’re talking about first, and then I’ll invite you to try some authentic Italian pasta,” Gao Qi said, his palms crossed, his gaze level with mine. “I’m very interested in your current film company. And regarding the film you’re currently investing in, I’ve learned through some channels that you might be short of funds. And I’d like to invest.”
It's that simple.
To my surprise, Gao Qi immediately and bluntly stated his intentions and purpose. No hiding anything, no beating around the bush… and similarly, he didn't give me a chance to dodge the question!
I took a deep breath, feeling the other person scrutinizing me. His gaze wasn't aggressive at all; on the contrary, it was very peaceful... but it was precisely behind this peace that I sensed a hint of danger.
The atmosphere in the room was already solemn, but now, as I fell silent, I felt even more oppressed and uncomfortable. Hammer stood behind me, and Gao Qi's men stood to the side as well.
Unlike me, some of his men had holsters under their arms, while others had pistols tucked into their waistbands under their suits—and they made no attempt to hide it.
“Mr. Gao Qi.” I carefully chose to use polite language, then slowly revealed a smile: “Are you also very interested in the film industry?”
He smiled, then his gaze drifted intentionally or unintentionally to the movie screen, and said calmly, "Our family has always been inextricably linked to movies."
I immediately replied, “Yes. I know that. The movie ‘The Godfather’ should be about Mr. Gambino’s legendary life. But I remember that the Black family should already control several film companies. If you want to plan and make a movie, with your funds and strength, you should have more opportunities than I do.”
I almost blurted out the word "Mafia." In the United States, Mafia members are very averse to being called "Mafia," as they consider it disrespectful. In fact, back in the 1970s, the Mafia managed to organize a massive demonstration of 100,000 people! This demonstration forced the US government to compromise, with the Attorney General declaring that the discriminatory term "Mafia" could no longer be used in public. Instead, only the word "Black" was permitted.
That's incredibly awesome!
He chuckled, seemingly oblivious to the near slip of my tongue, and casually remarked, "Oh. You mean MGM? Those idiots sold it to the Japanese. But that's the Cromple family's business in New York, not mine. Although I still have some influence over Paramount's board... but you know, nobody ever complains about money-making opportunities."
I was speechless.
This guy actually made such a despicable thing sound so noble. He didn't give any hints or cover-ups, and directly stated that he just didn't want to miss the opportunity to make money.
I thought about it for a moment, then decided to steer the conversation away from the topic for now. Pretending not to have heard the implication in his words, I chuckled to myself, "Indeed, everyone loves opportunities to make money. But what surprises me is seeing you here. I know your family's influence is probably in New York."
A hint of a smile flashed in his eyes, as if he had seen through my intentions. But he didn't expose me, and simply said slowly, "You're wrong. In fact, the Gambino family has always been investing in movies, and we also have our own influence in Hollywood."
Then, he waved his hand gently, pointed around the room, and smiled, "Do you know who this manor originally belonged to?"
I shook my head.
"This estate originally belonged to the great Mr. Carlo Gambino! The greatest godfather in our family." Gao Qi said in a calm tone, which immediately filled me with a sense of awe! I couldn't help but look around the room.
Those heavy red curtains, the old fireplace, the red bricks, the black iron railings, the thick cashmere carpet… all of this actually belonged to the greatest godfather in history?!
“Look, this estate was built in the 1960s.” Gao Qi seemed very interested in saying this: “Mr. Gambino is very interested in film. He believes it is not only an art of sound and light, but also an excellent public relations tool!”
“Oh, I think I’ve heard about that.” I nodded and said sincerely, “I have great respect for Mr. Gambino’s foresight back then.”
Indeed, back in the 1960s and 1970s, several Mafia families in the United States frequently engaged in bloody battles, which severely impacted public safety. The Mafia's criminal activities became notorious, and the public was horrified at the mere mention of their names. Public opinion was extremely unfavorable towards the Mafia.
“If a group is hated and extremely resented by all social classes, it is a very dangerous sign. Because it may cause attacks and suppression from all social classes. If the government makes up its mind, there will be no room for us to live.” Gao Qi said calmly, “Therefore, the great Mr. Gambino was determined to change this situation. And the movie Godfather was created against this background.”
There's no doubt that The Godfather is a highly accomplished film in terms of art. However, this cannot mask the film's deliberate glorification of the Mafia.
"However, I remember that it seems this movie was planned by Mr. Crombo in New York... Could it all actually be Mr. Gambino's idea?" That's quite a strange story. Because according to what I know about gangster history, the Godfather movie was planned by Crombo, another famous crime master of the Mafia's era, who was a contemporary of Gambino, specifically to improve the Mafia's reputation.
Gao Qi neither confirmed nor denied it, but just smiled mysteriously and said to himself, "Back then I was just a child, but I was once honored to come here to attend a birthday party hosted by Mr. Gambino. I still remember that night, right here in this room, I sat next to Mr. Gambino and watched this movie together. Although I had seen it several times before, that time was unforgettable for me."
I couldn't help but sigh.
Watching a movie with the legendary mob boss Gambino... Now that I'm in the underworld, I can't help but feel a little envious of this experience.
Honestly, I'm really envious.
“Actually, Mr. Gambino established this estate here a long time ago. Occasionally, he would come here for a few days to handle some business with the Hollywood film company… You see, our family has always had a tradition of investing in movies.” Gao Qi’s words brought the topic back to movies: “And now, I’ve inherited it all. I come here to stay every winter for the New York business, while my brother takes over the New York business. When I’m staying here, every Friday night, I choose to stay in this room and watch a movie by myself. Sometimes it’s the first Godfather movie, and sometimes I choose one of the other two.”
I nodded: "Yes, I know. Your family has always valued tradition."
At this moment, Gao Qi glanced at a bulky grandfather clock on the wall, then casually tugged on a rope next to his sofa. A crisp chime rang out, and a moment later, there was a knock at the door, followed by a waiter pushing a food cart inside.
On the dining car was a bottle of 1982 Lafite.
Gao Qi poured himself half a glass of red wine, and then poured me half a glass: "This is also one of our traditions... In fact, it's good to drink a little red wine before a meal."
He raised his glass to me, and I immediately picked up my glass, clinked it against his lightly, and then drank it all in one gulp.
Gao Qi calmly savored the taste of the red wine, swallowing it after a while. Then he stood up—and it was only when he stood up that I realized he was quite short, no more than 170 centimeters tall. This is rare among white people, especially Italians.
"Alright, it's time for dinner. I think we can talk while we eat."
Dinner was in a medieval-style restaurant with a long table and silver candlesticks in the center. The room was completely lit by candlelight, with no other lights on. The dark tablecloth and the exquisitely carved chairs made everything seem so ancient.
The dinner that this godfather, Mr. Gao Qi, invited me to was also very simple.
A croissant, a bowl of soup, a pan-fried foie gras, and a plate of what is said to be authentic Italian pasta.
During the meal, he didn't say another word to me. Instead, he focused intently on finishing his food. In the end, he even broke a piece of bread and dipped it in the tomato sauce from the remaining spaghetti on the plate until the plate was completely clean. Only then did he wipe his mouth with a napkin.
During the meal, there were only the two of us in the room, and it was very quiet.
Hammer had already been taken away by his men. The restaurant was dimly lit, and we sat at opposite ends of a long table.
As I held the silver dinner knife in my hand, I looked at Gao Qi across from me. He seemed so composed, so gentle... so vulnerable!
I even couldn't help but have a thought pop into my head... If I were to shoot the knife in my hand right now, I would have at least an 80% chance of piercing his throat with one blow!
However, I quickly dismissed this absurd idea.
Stifling! Not just ordinary stifling!
This guy's every move seems gentle, but he doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath or hesitate... nor does he give you a chance to use sweet words!
After putting down his napkin, he immediately picked up a red wooden box next to him, took out a cigar and lit it. At the same time, with his other hand, he gently took out the old Browning pistol, placed it on the table, and gently stroked it.
Then, Gao Qi looked up at me...
“Alright, my friend. As I’ve said before, I’m not one to waste time. And I’ve made my intention in inviting you quite clear. I imagine you were carefully considering this matter during dinner. Now, let me know your answer.” Gao Qi spoke in his usual calm and measured tone, accompanied by his hoarse voice.
While I remained silent, he seemed nonchalant, and then slowly muttered to himself, "I'm going to give you something in return, you can't refuse me..."
He slowly uttered the adapted movie line, and then a sharp glint finally appeared on the face of this Gambino family godfather! He stared at me, one hand on his cigar box, the other on his Browning pistol. Then he gently pushed with both hands simultaneously…
brush……
The cigar box and the pistol were pushed to a spot not far in front of me at the same time.
Gao Qi's eyes held a hint of sternness: "My left hand holds friendship, my right hand holds bullets. Now, my friend, make your choice."
I could feel my palms sweating.
Seriously! I've met quite a few powerful underworld figures, from Thorin to Mr. Yang, and even Master Ba. None of them have ever given me this kind of almost suffocating sense of oppression!
Although he remained calm and gentle, he always exerted a powerful and oppressive aura on you! It was an aura of authority that had been passed down from an ancient family!
It's so frustrating! So incredibly frustrating! Even when facing old Thorin, I could always calmly and skillfully persuade him with words. But with this guy, I suddenly feel completely helpless! It's as if there's no opening I can find… everything is airtight!
Looking at the cigar box and the Browning pistol in front of me, I couldn't even reach out my hand!
Choosing a cigar? Then I must submit to this Mafia godfather before me. And relinquish a portion of my business… That's how he summoned me. A dinner, under his threats, and I didn't dare utter a sound, obediently following his orders?
...The veins on my forehead were throbbing faintly!
Choose a pistol?
Hey... if they're not friends, then they're enemies!
But do I have the right to turn against Gao Qi? Do I have the strength to challenge him?
Obviously, I don't! Although I'm doing quite well now, fundamentally, my foundation is weak. While the Big Circle has a reputation, it doesn't have much influence in the US. America is still largely the territory of these traditional families! And Gao Qi, standing before me, isn't just any ordinary gang leader; he's a "Godfather"! A true "Godfather!" Behind him stands a family with a glorious, legendary aura! And he can influence all the Mafia families across America!
At this point, could I, Chen Yang, confront him head-on?
I'm afraid that if I choose the gun, I might not even be able to leave this door tonight!
"Remain calm in the face of great events!" I reminded myself earnestly.
Feeling tense, I couldn't help but change my sitting posture. I had heard Zhou with protruding teeth say that when people are unable to control their emotions, such as tension or excitement, changing their posture slightly can be very helpful.
I sat up straight, legs together, and took a few deep breaths. Instead of answering Gao Qi's question immediately, I took out a cigarette from my pocket, put it in my mouth, reached for the silver candlestick in front of me, and lit the cigarette by the flame of the candle.
Hiss...
Amidst the billowing smoke, Gao Qi's face was illuminated by flickering shadows in the candlelight.
A strange thought suddenly popped into my head...
I was nervous. And he might not have been as calm as he appeared!
Then, I laughed.
Under Gao Qi's watchful gaze, I deliberately and slowly reached out my hand, then slowly placed my palm on the Browning pistol in front of me... but I didn't immediately take it back: I just kept it there!
At the same time, I secretly observed Gao Qi's expression. Sure enough, when my hand touched the gun handle, the muscles at the corner of his mouth twitched, and a shadow of gloom and a barely perceptible hesitation flashed in his eyes!
“Mr. Gao Qi.” I finally noticed a slight lapse in his confidence, and my hand not only rested on the wheel, but I even tapped my fingers rhythmically on the table a few times. Then, I smiled knowingly and said, “I’m very curious, really curious… if, I mean if… if I chose this gun, what would be the outcome for me?”