dmims Chapter 96: I'm determined to fight for this position.
Chapter 96: I'm determined to fight for this position.
It's no surprise that Uncle Yuan voluntarily withdrew.
An octogenarian, who has finally retired to the second line and enjoys the support of the community, whose status is not much worse than that of the community's top leader, is he out of his mind to stand up and compete with the energetic young people below for the top position? Don't let him live to choose but not live to take the seat.
But to everyone's surprise, after Uncle Yuan withdrew, Uncle Xiang also expressed his opinion: "Brother Yuan, since you've said so, then I'll withdraw too. This old body of mine is good at managing the gang's accounts and mediating conflicts among the brothers, but to really take charge and oversee the whole situation, you have to carry the banner, which I can't do, and I don't have the energy for it anymore."
With Uncle Yuan and Uncle Xiang, the two highest-ranking uncles, taking the initiative to withdraw, the other uncles naturally felt embarrassed to compete and also withdrew.
"I think we should choose one of these three fit guys: Da Zhi Guang, Li Tianyi, and Song Zhaowen."
With all the older generation of veterans retiring, the competition has become a battle between the middle generation and the new generation.
Da Zhi Guang was secretly delighted. He and Li Tianyi had already communicated privately and even reached a secret agreement—he would go first in this session, only for one session, and then fully support Li Tianyi in the next session.
In his view, in terms of seniority, territory, and connections built up over many years in the triad, Song Zhaowen, this rising star, although showing great momentum, still had a shallow foundation. How could he compete with him? Li Tianyi would definitely support him this time for his "next term," and with the other uncles they had each won over, the votes would be enough to crush Song Zhaowen.
He cleared his throat, puffed out his chest, and tried to appear more imposing: "Uncle Yuan and Uncle Xiang are of noble character, which we juniors admire. Since neither of you uncles will participate, then according to the rules, we should choose from the rest of us."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Song Zhaowen and Li Tianyi before finally settling on Uncle Yuan. His tone carried a certain matter-of-fact air: "I am Da Zhi Guang. I started working with Master Fu at sixteen, from Blue Lantern to 49, and then from 49 I became a Red Pole, building up this foundation in Temple Street. I've experienced dozens of ups and downs in the triad, shed blood for the triad, and made contributions. In terms of seniority, contributions, and familiarity with the triad, I think I am qualified to sit in this position, and I also believe that I can lead Zhengxing steadily and surely to continue its development."
Li Tianyi immediately chimed in, a perfectly timed smile on his face: "Brother Guang is right. The position of leader carries great responsibility and truly requires a steady and experienced person. Brother Guang has served the gang for decades, and his contributions are evident to all. I, Li Tianyi, fully support Brother Guang!"
His statement effectively made his alliance with Hiroshi Ooji public, and gave Hiroshi Ooji a strong boost of confidence.
Da Zhiguang glanced gratefully at Li Tianyi, feeling reassured and confident of victory.
He had even planned that once elected, he would give Song Zhaowen, that arrogant young man, a hard time, and even better if he could force him to leave.
"Damn, seniority makes you so great? You're just an old cucumber trying to look young!" Feiji sneered while picking his nose. "I think my boss, Brother Wen, is the one who deserves to be the top dog! He's got both literary and martial skills."
"Airplane, shut up!" Xiao Zhuoxiao quickly pulled him aside and hissed. In such a formal setting, it was indeed against the rules for a subordinate to interrupt so rudely when the big shots were speaking.
Big Guang's face instantly darkened. He pointed at the plane and shouted sternly, "Song Zhaowen, look at the good little brother you've raised! He has no respect for his elders, he doesn't understand any rules. Does he have the right to speak in a situation like this? What kind of boss are you?"
Li Tianyi sneered, seizing the opportunity to fan the flames: "Exactly, they have no manners at all. Ah Wen, you're riding high, but you need to manage your subordinates properly, otherwise how will you gain their respect?"
Song Zhaowen raised his hand, signaling Feiji and Xiao Zhuoxiao to be quiet. His face was expressionless, and he looked calmly at Da Zhiguang and Li Tianyi: "Uncle Guang, Brother Tianyi, Feiji is young and speaks impulsively. I apologize to you both on his behalf."
He first admitted his mistake, lowering his stance. Da Zhi Guang and Li Tianyi's expressions softened slightly, thinking he was about to back down.
But Song Zhaowen changed the subject: "However, although Fei Ji's words are rough, the principle is sound. Choosing a leader is not about who is older or who has been in the gang the longest. If that were the case, Uncle Yuan and Uncle Xiang would be the most qualified, but they withdrew. Why? Because they know that what the gang needs is someone who can lead everyone forward, not someone who rests on their laurels."
Da Zhi Guang flew into a rage: "Song Zhaowen! What do you mean? Are you saying I'm living off my past achievements?!"
"Uncle Guang, don't get agitated." Song Zhaowen's tone remained calm. "I'm just stating a simple point. Master Fu has just passed away, and although Yuan Qingnan is dead, the East City Gang is still around. We also have the Wo Luen Shing and Tung Sing gangs outside, all of whom are eyeing us covetously. At this time, when we choose a leader, the first thing we should consider isn't who has the most seniority, but who is the most capable fighter, the best at maintaining order, and the best at leading the brothers to carve out a bloody path and earn more money!"
"I, Song Zhaowen, may not have the seniority of Uncle Guang. But I'm daring and hardworking. I conquered Tsz Wan Shan, I cleared Tin Shui Wai, and I founded Man Kee Food Group, which now brings the triad millions in net profit every month and provides legitimate jobs for hundreds of brothers. I personally killed Yuan Qingnan, not only avenging Master Fuk but also showing everyone that if you mess with Zhengxing, you should be prepared to have your head chopped off!"
With each word he spoke, the eyes of his supporters below shone even brighter, and their chests puffed out even higher.
"Uncle Guang, you're a senior member with many merits, and I respect you. But I want to ask, if Dongcheng comes back for revenge, how do you plan to fight? Will you lead the brothers of Kwun Tong to fight to the death, or will you try to negotiate? Also, how can you expand the gang's business and ensure that each brother receives more money? Do you have any concrete plans for these things?"
A barrage of questions, like a machine gun, left Da Zhi Guang speechless. He hadn't even considered these specific questions; all he wanted was to secure his position, reap the benefits, and solidify his territory.
"I...of course I have a way! We should discuss the club's affairs in due course..." Big Guang stammered.
"Take it easy?" Song Zhaowen laughed, a hint of mockery in his smile. "Things in the martial world change in an instant. By the time you've finished your long-term planning, someone else's knife might already be at our throats."
He stopped looking at Da Zhiguang, turned to the crowd, and said loudly, "Uncles and brothers! I, Song Zhaowen, am making this clear today: if I become the leader, firstly, I will personally shoulder all the troubles that the Yamaguchi-gumi will face! Secondly, I will double the size of the gang's business; thirdly, I guarantee that every brother will receive their due share, not a penny less, but more!"
"Brothers, everyone has a girlfriend to play with, and everyone has a car to drive!"
"I, Song Zhaowen, am determined to fight for this position!"