In my view, there are only two kinds of people in this world, not divided into bad and good, but one who deliberately displays desire and one who deliberately conceals it. Although the two share a great deal of conceptual overlap with the notions of bad and good, I have always believed I am someone who deliberately masks their desires. Whether I am dangerous is a matter for each person’s own judgment! — (Recollections of Yang Yi)

The next morning, three people arrived at the Black God Gang’s highest headquarters in a single vehicle. Stepping out, they each stared up at the towering skyscraper renowned throughout Shanghai. This was the central nerve of the Black God Gang; regardless of whether one was a high-ranking official or a business partner, entry demanded unimpeachable credentials. Even a head of state would have to think twice before setting foot inside.

“I can’t believe after what happened in Macau last time, I have to personally pay him a visit today!” A middle-aged man’s face was etched with unmistakable reluctance.

“Fifth Brother, what’s the big deal? We’re just here to carry out the mission assigned by the Chief. As a good...”

“Why did you stop talking?” The middle-aged man was none other than Long Wu, a member of the Dragon Group. It was their usual team executing this assignment. And the person who had just spoken, one needed no thought to know who he was.

Feng Wu looked mortified by what she’d said, because in her memory, Yang Yi had never presented himself as a model citizen. If he wasn't a model citizen, why should he cooperate with these mysterious Chinese organizations? Of course, that was just her personal thought.

“Let’s go in and take a look. While I don't expect this mission to go smoothly, at least we shouldn't cause any unnecessary trouble,” Long Wu said, his peripheral vision occasionally glancing pointedly at Feng Wu.

The latter didn't argue, merely pouting with an expression of clear annoyance, and followed Long Wu inside. Long Er, who had been standing silently aside, wore a heavy expression. He cast one last look at the Black God Gang headquarters before entering as well.

It happened to be Saturday, yet for Yang Yi, who was supposed to be on break, it felt no different. After his 'vacation' began, he generally stayed in his office, either planning the Black God Gang's expansion or devising ways to deal with that contingent of virus-affected students at Fudan University.

“Brother Dragon Chief!” Feng Jiu walked in at that moment, calling out with great affection.

“What is it?” Yang Yi set down the documents he was holding and looked up at her with questioning eyes.

“Three people are outside. They say they are from the Dragon Group and want to see you!” Feng Jiu reported.

“The Dragon Group?” Yang Yi’s lips curved upward at the mention of the name. What was meant to arrive eventually would, and what wasn't wouldn't appear no matter how hard one tried. “Alright, I know. Take them to the conference room first; I’ll be there shortly.”

“Understood.” Feng Jiu acknowledged and walked out.

Lin Fatty and Ye Xiaohou, who had been drinking on the nearby sofa, exchanged confused glances with Yang Yi. Lin Fatty asked, “Brother Yi, it seems the State is getting involved now. Does this mean the school situation is settled?”

“It’s hard to say. If the State is only here to deal with the Fudan University matter, then that’s for the best. But if they want me to stop suppressing Nangong San and the others from those few families, that is absolutely impossible!” Yang Yi smiled faintly.

“Indeed, the State is quite cunning,” Ye Xiaohou took a sip of red wine, glancing over documents on the table. “They are afraid that if we crush the Nangong San and the other powerful families, the nation’s economic interests will be severely disrupted. The resulting national loss would be disastrous, so they must use the handling of the ‘Carat Six Virus’ incident as leverage to prevent us from moving against Nangong San and the rest.”

“But the State isn't utterly foolish, are they? They surely know we won't let this slide so easily. Why would they send people to talk to Brother Yi?” Lin Fatty was still slightly puzzled. Given that the current trend of events was irreversible, even the State wouldn’t be foolish enough to provoke them, would they?

If the State forcefully intervened and forbade action against the three major families, given Yang Yi’s temperament, he would undoubtedly explode in fury. That would leave the Eight Great Families of Huaxia and the State in a terrible position, and the subsequent economic turmoil would multiply several times over.

“Isn’t that simple?” Ye Xiaohou paused before continuing, “That’s just how people are. When faced with something they desperately don’t want to happen, even if they lack the true ability to avert it, they must exert every last effort to try.”

“Precisely. That’s what’s called ‘refusing to give up until the very end,’ and it’s the same principle now. If you haven’t tried, how can you possibly settle down?” Yang Yi gathered his files and chuckled.

“Damn, not bad. Fourth Brother can actually think that deeply,” Lin Fatty said, looking at Ye Xiaohou with some surprise.

“Hmph, do you think I’m like you? Always a complete blockhead?”

“Damn it, what kind of thing are you implying?” Lin Fatty glared at him with disdain. As the saying goes, give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.

Yang Yi shook his head at the two of them and walked towards the door, muttering as he went, “It is not the era that has made us; rather, we have forged the era. A new age of the underworld has already dawned; why should we fear anything, anyone, or anything at all?”

“...........” Hearing Yang Yi’s words, both Ye Xiaohou and Lin Fatty on the sofa froze, suddenly unsure how to interpret his statement, which sounded imbued with Zen philosophy.

“Who does she think she is? Just because she’s the Dragon Lord of the Black God Gang, she acts like she’s more important than the Chief, making people wait here for so long!”

“Xiao Wu!” Long Wu frowned and called out, his eyes intentionally sweeping towards Feng Jiu, who was watching the scene with amusement.

Given Feng Jiu’s usual temper, she should have immediately snapped back at Feng Wu. But surprisingly, she didn't. Instead, she wore a smiling expression, as if enjoying a good show, which astonished not only Long Wu but also made Long Er knit his brows tightly.

Seeming to notice their confusion, Feng Jiu smiled faintly. “You don’t need to wonder. It’s because she hasn’t crossed my bottom line yet. If she does, I apologize, but she might very well be a corpse in the next second.”

“Thud!” Hearing Feng Jiu’s words, the hearts of the three dropped, and they stared at her dumbfounded.

“Xiao Jiu, that is rude!”

Just as Feng Jiu finished speaking, Yang Yi’s voice arrived, and Feng Jiu immediately let out a joyful cry, “Brother Dragon Chief!”

“You little girl, when are you going to fix that temper of yours? You know that kind of attitude will make people hate you everywhere. How will you ever get married?”

Hearing this, Long Wu and Long Er understood that Yang Yi was using the topic to criticize someone else in the room. Feng Wu was so angry she was practically smoking from her seven orifices. However, Feng Jiu reacted with unexpected defiance. “Hmph, I’m not getting married. I’ll stay by Brother Dragon Chief’s side, happy to serve like an ox or a horse.”

When Feng Jiu said this, her eyes fixed on Feng Wu with undisguised mockery. Who knew what underlying targets she was aiming at with those words?

“You…” Seeing Feng Jiu’s provocative expression, Feng Wu was nearly unable to suppress her rage. If Long Wu hadn’t stopped her with a look, she would have surely lashed out physically by now.

“May I ask what important business brings you to seek out this young master?” Yang Yi walked directly to his main seat, his familiar rogue smile hiding layers upon layers of complexity.

“Our purpose in coming here is actually regarding the Nangong, Ximen, and Tang families, as well as the Fudan University, the British Royal Family, and the Carat Six Virus matter!” Long Wu got straight to the point, feeling there was no need to conceal anything from Yang Yi, primarily because no secret, however well-hidden, could escape the notice of the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord.

“Oh?” Yang Yi looked at him with interest. “How is it that I hear your tone suggesting I have something to do with all of this?”

“Mr. Yang, we hope you will cooperate with us!” Long Er looked at Yang Yi’s smiling facade, understanding that Yang Yi was merely trying to intimidate them first. He countered slightly.

“Am I not cooperating right now?” Yang Yi shook his head in feigned helplessness, stood up, walked to the window, lit a cigarette, and stood there smoking, showing little deference to the Dragon Group members.

In truth, Yang Yi hadn’t wanted to see the Dragon Group today at all. The only reason he agreed was that he wanted to know one thing. He turned back towards Long Wu and said, “There is no need to elaborate on your immediate goals; I naturally know you want me to abandon action against the Nangong, Ximen, and Tang families to prevent national instability. However, the fact that you come to see me when you clearly know this is impossible speaks to your patience. Still, I have a question for you!”

Hearing Yang Yi’s words, the Dragon Group members felt a heavy weight in their hearts, utterly resigned. They knew exactly what Yang Yi meant. Completing the primary mission was now impossible; the only option was to negotiate the real discussion that was to follow.

“Mr. Yang, please speak plainly!” Long Wu said.

“What is your true objective? I don’t believe you came all this way just to persuade me on this single point,” Yang Yi exhaled a smoke ring, having somehow grown fond of the numbing sensation of tobacco, perhaps the only thing that forced him to remain sober.

Indeed, upon hearing Yang Yi’s words, Long Wu wore a bitter smile. “Alas, you truly live up to your title as the Black God Gang’s Dragon Lord. Everything seems like a clear mirror before you, seen through without a flaw.”

“You flatter me. Let’s skip the pleasantries; get straight to the point. My time is rather limited!”

“Actually, our purpose in coming here is singular: We hope Mr. Yang will not interfere with the matters concerning Fudan University, the British Royal Family, and the Carat Six Virus!”

“As expected.” Yang Yi muttered internally, then smiled. “Of course, as long as you don’t stop me from moving against those three major families, I couldn't be bothered to care about anything else.”

Yang Yi wasn't foolish. If someone was so keen to clean up some mess for him, he certainly wouldn't refuse. However, one thing made him suspicious: why did the State place such great importance on the Fudan University incident? There must be some significant, hidden darkness involved. But for now, Yang Yi couldn't worry about it; his time was finite.