Kong Zhenghui narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Su Tianyu. "What are you really trying to say?"
"Nothing, just feels a bit off," Su Tianyu replied, maintaining eye contact. "What do you think?"
"Heh," Kong chuckled, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know what you're thinking, but honestly, I think it's just a coincidence. We don't need to overthink it."
Su Tianyu fell silent.
Kong Zhenghui continued in a softer voice, "You still don't know much about Dragon City. Whether it's street crews, waterway teams, long-haul runners, or the ones cutting through the wastelands, each industry has its own set of rules and circles. The Wharf Gang has been working the waters for years—plenty of eyes, plenty of muscle. The moment you're near the water, they're already watching. It's not strange."
Su Tianyu nodded slowly, absorbing the words. "Maybe I'm just overthinking it."
Kong Zhenghui shrugged, his tone matter-of-fact. "Worst case? We're just making a living in the Jianghu. If the deal's good, we go for it. If it's not, we walk. We're just the muscle—take what's ours and move on."
Su Tianyu smiled slightly. "Fair point."
"Alright then," Kong said, waving his hand as he gathered his men. "I'll take my people back."
Not far off, Su Tianbei was distributing the 81,000 yuan in cash. He handed out the appropriate shares to the three families, and the workers who helped with loading and unloading, as well as the core members of the Su, Bai, and Kong families, each received a 500 yuan bonus.
In terms of Dragon City's living standards, this amount wasn't small—one night's work equaled a month's salary for many ordinary people. Although the line of work was smuggling, the risks the ground crew took were quite different from what the three families faced. If something went wrong, the higher-ups took the fall; they were the ones who paved the way and greased the wheels, while the workers simply had to do the heavy lifting. So no one argued over the split. In fact, a few were even eager to make this a regular thing, hoping to earn a bit of extra cash to support their families.
Su Tianyu pocketed 4,000 yuan himself. Yu Mingyuan had given him 85,000 yuan for distribution, and it was clear that Yu valued the Su family highly and was generous in his dealings.
With the cash in hand, Su Tianyu felt lighter and more content. He quickly wrapped up the remaining tasks and was about to head home to get some sleep when—
"Xiao... Xiao Yu-ge." Da Xiong came over, grinning ear to ear.
Su Tianyu turned around. "What's up?"
"I... I made some money. I... I want to buy you breakfast," Da Xiong said, still grinning. "Something nice. How about... we go to Cantonese House for a dim sum?"
"Forget it. I'm heading home to crash."
"No... don't give me the cold shoulder. I really want to treat you," Da Xiong insisted directly.
Su Tianyu smiled. "Alright, then. Let's go."
"Great." Da Xiong eagerly opened the door of Su Tianyu's "company" Ford and climbed in.
"Where are you two going?" Su Tianbei, Bai Hongbo, and a cousin of the Su family approached.
"Da Xiong's treating me."
"Hey, Brother Da Xiong—what, you're not treating us?" Bai Hongbo called out from the car.
Da Xiong paused for a few seconds, deep in thought, before finally agreeing. "Alright... I'll treat everyone. Let's all go."
"That's the spirit!" Bai Hongbo hopped into the back seat.
So, the five of them piled into the SUV and drove for about five or six kilometers to Cantonese House, because Da Xiong insisted on going there.
They entered just as the sky was turning light. The sun was rising, casting a golden glow everywhere.
Rarely the one to order, Da Xiong took charge for once—shrimp dumplings, steamed fish balls, sea cucumber porridge—nothing exactly cheap.
When the check came, Bai Hongbo instinctively reached for it, but Da Xiong stopped him. "I said it's my treat. You're not paying, Bai-ge."
"Got principles, huh?" Bai Hongbo chuckled. He didn't mind about the price; he simply let it go and began drinking his congee.
As they ate, Da Xiong hesitated and then asked tentatively, "Xiao... Xiao Yu-ge, do you think I could... could I stay in the three-story place we rented?"
Su Tianyu paused for a moment. "Why do you want to live there? Aren't you going home?"
"It's... free there," Da Xiong said, lowering his gaze into his congee. "No one's there. If... if it's a problem, I could pay some rent."
Previously, Yu Mingyuan had arranged for Linda to rent a three-story building by the coast. The primary purpose of the building was to store equipment like speedboats, ropes, motors, chains—things that couldn't be hauled back and forth every time. Also, every time they had a job, they needed a place to gather the workers; they couldn't always congregate at the garbage yard—it would be too obvious.
Su Tianyu looked at Da Xiong. Though he had many questions, he refrained from asking about his personal matters. "Alright. If you want to live there, go ahead. No need to pay rent. We could use someone to keep an eye on the place."
Da Xiong's smile broke out. "Th-thank... thank you, Xiao Yu-ge. When you've got time... I'll treat you to something better."
"Heh. So, Da Xiong, when are you getting married?" Bai Hongbo asked casually.
As long as I keep working hard... and save enough, I can buy a place and marry a wife. "It shouldn't be long," Da Xiong answered, with a hopeful tone.
"You can marry, sure—but not Third Sister," Bai said with a sideways glance. "She's my white moonlight. Your future sister-in-law."
"Shut up," Su Tianbei muttered in frustration.
At this, Da Xiong's face turned bright red, and he lowered his head, saying nothing.
"Man, people say this guy's slow," Bai snorted. "But look at him—his life plan's more solid than mine."
"You don't have a plan?" Su Tianyu asked.
"Honestly? Not really. I'm kind of lost," Bai replied with a shrug. "I don't even like half the things I do, but... quitting isn't an option. My dad's getting old. The whole clan depends on the same pot. When you grow up, being a man, life stops being yours alone."
Su Tianyu smiled and looked over at Su Tianbei and their cousin. "Second Brother, Hao—what about you two?"
"Make it big, make it strong, do it again," Su Tianbei said succinctly.
"Sounds good," Su Tianyu nodded. "And you, Hao?"
The young man sitting across from him was Zhang Hao, Su Tianbei's cousin. His father had died in action during his service with the Chinese Navy, and he and his mother had no one, so they sought refuge with the Su family in Dragon City. A quiet kid, always hardworking, Zhang Hao was a familiar face in any corner of the Su family's compound. Su Tianyu had known him since they were young and always thought well of him.
Zhang Hao thought for a moment and replied, "No real plan. Just want to make some money, so my mom can live a better life."
"Right. That's what life's about, really—chasing a better future," Bai said, raising his bowl. "To better days ahead."
"You don't 'bottom up' congee," Su Tianbei deadpanned.
"Figuratively speaking," Bai grinned. "It's dumb to start drinking spirits at sunrise; not healthy." He looked around and added, "Today's a milestone. We completed our first job. Here's hoping it only gets better from here."
The five young men exchanged smiles and clinked their congee bowls.
They left the restaurant together and headed into the bright morning, each going their separate ways under the sun.
With the keys to the three-story building in his pocket, Da Xiong practically skipped his way home.
A little after 8 a.m., he climbed the seven flights of a crumbling building on Tufang Street in Zhannan, finally unlocking his front door.
Tufang Street was a notorious slum in Zhannan. The buildings here were semi-subsidized housing, constructed by the City Relief Bureau for those without social security, jobs, or the ability to work. Aside from the utilities, there was little else to pay for.
Da Xiong's father had once been a soldier. He fought on the inland front in the Chinese sector, where he took a severe injury—his left hand was blown off—and was awarded a third-class merit. After being demobilized, he came to Dragon City with the migration units, receiving a decent apartment and a payout.
But with three sons to support, relying solely on military compensation wasn't sustainable. So, Da Xiong's father, along with a few army comrades, tried their hand at trading scarce goods. Unfortunately, the timing was poor, and with tightening policies, the venture ended in a loss.
Eventually, the Wu family moved to the slums, and Da Xiong's father worked briefly with the Su family in the garbage crew, a favor from Su Zhengcai, who remembered their time together in the army. However, as his father's health worsened, Da Xiong stepped in and took over his place in the dirty business.
Inside, the living room was dingy. Da Xiong's father sat at a filthy table, having breakfast and drinking white liquor. That was his habit—he drank with every meal, and after eating, he either lay in bed reading or took a nap.
The apartment was about 60 square meters in size, shabby and old, with furniture that seemed decades old. A musty, rotten smell filled the air, one that was hard to pinpoint.
Da Xiong's older brothers had both moved out for work, so his father rented out the east room to a middle-aged couple who ran a breakfast stall. His parents stayed in the west room. As for Da Xiong, his room was a converted balcony—just enough space for a bed.
When Da Xiong returned home, he awkwardly called out, "Dad... you... up?"
"Where the hell have you been? Always out, never home," his father barked loudly.
"I... I was out with some friends from the company, helping the Su family move some goods by sea," Da Xiong mumbled, his voice trailing off.
"Sea goods?? Smuggling? Are you stupid? Do you just do what others tell you to?" his father exploded, slamming his cup down. "If you got caught, do you even know how many years you'd be looking at?"
"They're all doing it, even the Su family. It's fine," Da Xiong said, turning to walk toward the balcony.
"How much did they pay you, huh?" his father yelled after him.
Once on the balcony, Da Xiong started packing his things, not responding.
"Damn it, how did I end up with a fool like you? You just step on the lines people draw for you, your head's full of crap," his father continued, swearing, alternating between drinking and cursing.
Da Xiong quickly packed up his belongings and grabbed a shabby duffel bag. He locked the balcony door behind him.
"What are you doing?" his father called out.
"I found a night watch job. I... I'll be living there... for a while," Da Xiong stammered.
"I'm asking you, how much are you making running goods with them?" his father pressed, his eyes wide.
Da Xiong paused, then pulled out 454 yuan from his pocket, placing it on the table. "They gave me 500 yesterday. Here, take it."
His father took the money, and his tone softened slightly. "Don't be an idiot. Keep your eyes open. If something feels wrong, run."
"Got it," Da Xiong replied.
"Alright. I'll hold onto this for you. Don't make trouble out there," his father said.
"I'm leaving," Da Xiong said as he slung the bag over his shoulder and stepped out.
Outside, the bright sunlight greeted him. As soon as he stepped out the door, Da Xiong's characteristic grin appeared.
He made his way across town to the three-story building by the sea, dropped his bag on the floor, and began fixing up the top room.
It was a hot day, and Da Xiong carefully cleaned every corner of the room with a rag and an old mop. Though his rough exterior and silly smile might give off a different impression, he was actually quite meticulous and organized.
Once the room was clean, he carried some old cabinets from downstairs and set them up in the room.
Afterward, Da Xiong unpacked his things, sorting them with quiet care. On the nightstand, he placed a small, hand-carved wooden figure that resembled Third Sister, and next to it, a broken superhero action figure—one that had been repaired with clear tape, its arm permanently askew.
When everything was set, Da Xiong lay down on the cool floor, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his forearm, staring at the bright sliver of sky outside the window.
He grinned at himself for no particular reason, just enjoying the moment.