“Ciro?” I thought for a moment. “He’s a good guy, and he’s my good brother… but he’s still very young and hasn’t really started doing anything yet…”
“Yes, I understand. I’ll let an old brother take over, and then Xiluo can be his deputy.” Eighth Master sighed and said slowly, “He’s a good young man… as for us, we’re all old.”
I gave a wry smile: "Eighth Master... but Xiluo once told me that he wanted to work with me. I promised him and will pass on his words to you."
"Oh?" Eighth Master was slightly surprised: "That's what Xiluo said?"
He frowned, thinking seriously for a moment before making a decision: "Alright, I happen to have something for you to do... This time, I'll have Xiluo go with you! If he does well, consider it a test for him. After he comes back, I'll have him train in Sha Hu's territory for a year, and then he can become the boss of that street! But if he messes it up... Hmph, not only him, but you too, you'd better get back to washing cars!" After saying that, Eighth Master laughed and cursed, "You bunch of little brats, you've got so many tricks up your sleeves!"
I could tell he was joking, so I laughed and said, "Then what can I do for you?"
"Go back and pack your things. I'm planning to send you to Asia. You'll be returning to China first..."
My heart skipped a beat!
Going back to China?!
But then I heard Eighth Master continue, "Then you can meet someone in China, and then you can go to Vietnam together!" He paused, then beckoned me to come to his side. He lowered his voice and said, "There are two people going with you this time: Tiger and our contact in Asia. Your mission this time isn't simple… I'm going to say this, and you listen, but you mustn't tell anyone… not even Tiger!"
Eighth Master's eyes were very serious... and a chilling glint flashed in them!
Part 1: In the Martial World, Not in Control of One's Own Fate, Chapter 159
When I left Eighth Master's place, my expression was calm. I walked out of the office, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and then slowly walked down the stairs.
As I rounded the bend, I stubbed out my cigarette.
At that moment, I saw Tiger standing there smiling at me.
The weather was nice today. We stood under the eaves, looked at each other, and smiled.
"Get ready, our flight is tomorrow morning. I've already got the visas, they're with me." Tiger smiled calmly.
“Yes.” I nodded, then told him, “Ciro is coming with us this time too.”
“Oh.” Tiger wasn’t surprised. “Is that so… No problem. I was originally planning to bring other people, but since Eighth Master has decided to let you bring Xiluo, I’ll go and take care of the formalities.”
Tiger walked over, patted my shoulder, and laughed, "This mission won't be too difficult, but it won't be easy either. You should prepare tonight... You don't need to bring too much stuff. Everything you need will be available when you get there."
"clear."
Suddenly, Tiger smiled, took two steps back, looked at my face, and sighed sincerely, "Little Five, how long have you been here?"
"It's been almost half a year."
"Yeah, it's been almost half a year." Tiger put his hands behind his back. "When I saw you half a year ago, you were still a very impulsive young man. Now, you've finally become more mature."
I nodded, then looked into his eyes and said seriously, "You've taught me a lot."
Tiger grinned.
The sunlight shone on us, bringing a touch of warmth. We smiled at each other, then shook hands. Tiger's tone was like that of an older brother: "Don't worry. This will definitely succeed. I'll take care of you!"
Then we turned and went our separate ways. In that instant, the smile on my face vanished... replaced by a shadow of gloom!
I didn't stop, I quickly walked through the repair shop and then into the room at the back.
As soon as I entered the room, I immediately closed the door behind me and leaned against it.
"What's wrong?" I looked up and saw Qiaoqiao standing in front of me. She looked like she had just taken a shower and changed her clothes. She was wearing a zip-up jacket, and her hair was tied up with a handkerchief. She looked very fresh.
"I have to go out tomorrow." I hesitated for a moment, then told her, "I'm going to take care of some errands."
A hint of sadness flashed in Qiao Qiao's eyes. But then she smiled and said, "Going to risk your life again?"
"No, there won't be much danger this time...it shouldn't be." I avoided Qiaoqiao's gaze, then went inside and pulled a suitcase from under the bed. I opened the wardrobe, took out a few clothes, and stuffed them inside.
Suddenly, I stopped moving.
In my hand is a Tang suit, black, a bit old, but very clean after starching!
This shirt was a gift from Tiger. I still remember the way he patted me on the shoulder and smiled when he gave it to me...
I hesitated for a moment. Then I stuffed the Tang suit into my suitcase.
"Where are we going?" Qiaoqiao asked from behind.
"Go back to China first... then maybe go to Vietnam." I didn't hide anything from Qiaoqiao because I absolutely trust her. Qiaoqiao is also very smart; she won't tell anyone else what I told her.
"Going back to China?" Qiaoqiao seemed to understand why my expression was so bad: "You...going back to China?"
I smiled, but it was a bitter smile: "Yeah, I'm just going to visit some places in China and I'll be leaving soon. I won't be staying here for long."
That evening, Qiaoqiao, contrary to her usual behavior, didn't joke with me anymore, and our usual "teasing" game seemed to have come to a halt.
That night, I lay on the floor… In fact, I'd been sleeping on a thick mattress on the floor for the past few days. It's one thing to joke around, but actually sharing a bed with Qiaoqiao still gave me some unease.
I lay on the ground, hands behind my head, staring blankly at the ceiling.
The mattress beneath me is soft, not hard at all, and I don't feel cold either. But tonight I just can't fall asleep, staring intently at the ceiling...
In the darkness, I could hear Qiaoqiao's breathing was very even... Hmm, maybe she's asleep.
I sighed, then sat up, carefully lifted the blanket, stood up, walked to the wardrobe, opened the bottom drawer, pulled the whole drawer out, set it aside, and finally took something out from a hidden compartment inside the drawer.
It was something wrapped in newspaper. I unfolded it layer by layer, and inside was a gun.
A Browning pistol, with two magazines beside it. I held it in my hand, the cold, hard grip feeling rough against my skin… I sighed, then picked up the gun and carefully wiped it with a silk scarf I had put away.
I picked up a bullet and squeezed it in my hand. Then I suddenly raised the gun, pointed it at the door, and then at the window.
I made a few aiming motions, took a deep breath, and put the gun down.
"What are you doing?"
Suddenly, Qiaoqiao's voice came from the darkness. I looked up and saw Qiaoqiao propping herself up, looking at me.
"It's nothing," I replied casually, putting away the pistol and returning it to its compartment.
I walked back to the mattress and sat down, feeling a bit irritable. I couldn't help but reach into my pocket for cigarettes, only to find the pack was empty.
"Can't you sleep?" Qiao Qiao's voice was very soft. She sighed softly, "Xiao Wu, are you worried about going back to China?"
"Hmm." I nodded, smiled in the darkness, and said slowly, "Going back to China... I never thought I could go back so soon."
We then fell silent again.
Finally, after who knows how much time had passed, Qiaoqiao's voice came from the bed: "Xiao Wu, come here."
"Um?"
"Come here for a moment," Qiao Qiao said calmly.
In the darkness, I slowly stood up and walked to the bedside. Qiaoqiao gently moved over to make room for me. I lay down, and then I felt Qiaoqiao's hand gently embrace me.
Her body was very soft. A sweet fragrance wafted into my nose...
I hugged her back...
It was a very strange embrace. There seemed to be no trace of lust in our embrace; only a warm, comforting feeling in my heart...
Qiaoqiao sighed in my ear, her voice gentle: "Okay, go to sleep... everything will be alright."
I closed my eyes, opened my arms, and hugged Qiaoqiao tightly... My fingers gently stroked her shoulder blades on her back; that area was very thin.
It seemed to be the first time I suddenly realized: Qiaoqiao is a woman.
A very gentle, very feminine...woman.
Finally, I felt at peace, and then I drifted off to sleep...
When I left in the morning, Qiaoqiao hadn't gotten up. I knew she probably hadn't slept all night, because I could feel her hands gently patting me, just like when my mother used to lull me to sleep when I was little... This seemingly unconventional and flamboyant woman used a rare bit of gentleness to comfort me.
Just as I was getting dressed, picking up my suitcase, and preparing to leave, Qiaoqiao, lying on the bed, slowly said:
"Come back alive."
...
I could tell that Ciro was very nervous.
His expression was very serious... even a little too serious. As I walked over, I could feel his body was ramrod straight.
I smiled and gently patted his cheek: "Handsome, relax! We're not going to war. Just think of it as a vacation."
Xilu smiled at me, but I could tell his smile was forced.
I understand, this is the first time he has gone out on business... and it is also the first time he has done something for Eighth Master.
Just like when I first made a "pledge of allegiance," I can somewhat understand his feelings at this moment.
Tiger was wearing a suit and sunglasses, and carrying a suitcase. He certainly looked like the leader of the three of us. And in terms of status, he was indeed the one in charge of our trip.
One of my brothers drove us to the airport and waved goodbye. Before leaving, he looked at me with a very respectful gaze and tone: "Brother Xiao Wu, the brothers are waiting for the good news of your return!"
Fifth Brother...
I laughed, a laugh that was somewhat complicated.
Hearing that title again filled me with mixed emotions.
Just like back in China, even though I'm not very old, my brothers all respectfully call me "Brother Xiao Wu".
The title "brother" here is no longer just about age. It's a complex mix of strength, status, and many other factors. I know that my previous actions, from working for the organization to publicly accepting Sha Hu's challenge and defeating him in the ring, have earned me respect among my brothers.
Even Xiluo, despite being two or three years older than me, seemed more like my younger brother in many ways.
Perhaps it's because I've been through too much.
The plane took off. I sat in my seat, chewing gum. Next to me sat Xiluo, who had gradually recovered from his nervousness and was now somewhat excited. He was smiling as he watched the beautiful flight attendants come and go. I, on the other hand, closed my eyes, unable to shake off a single voice from my head.
That voice belongs to Eighth Master!
The last words Eighth Master said to me kept echoing in my mind:
"This time when we go out, you have to help me kill someone..."
Part 1: In the Jianghu, Not in Control of One's Own Fate, Chapter 160: The Goal
The sun is shining brightly!