A Different Way

Wang Yan followed Li Zhenkun's car from a distance all the way to Chinatown in southern Manhattan.

This Chinatown covered four square kilometers, encompassed more than forty streets, and was home to 150,000 Chinese people. Its restaurants sold Chinese food, it had large markets, and people spoke Chinese when they interacted. Living here, if one did not know they were in a foreign country, it was hardly any different from back home. Most of the residents came from China's southeastern coastal regions, particularly Guangdong Province, Fujian Province, and Hong Kong.

In fact, compared to people from other regions, those from the coast tended to be more spirited and fierce. It had nothing to do with individual fighting ability, but rather the mental fortitude forged by surviving at sea and facing raging winds and storms. Overall, they were tougher and more driven. Most overseas Chinese also came from coastal regions—some had fled abroad because of modern wars, while others had gone overseas later to make their fortunes.

They parked outside a shop with a sign reading "Li's Massage." Li Zhenkun and his group got out, circled around to the back door, and went inside.

Wang Yan did not move. He parked, shut off the engine, lit a cigarette, and sat quietly in the car to wait. After a long while, no one came out. Wang Yan confirmed that this was Li Zhenkun's base.

He raised his hand and checked the tactical watch on his wrist. It did not have many flashy functions. Its main features were waterproofing and dustproofing; its strap was made from special material resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. Most importantly, it kept highly accurate time with minimal deviation.

The watch showed 10:35. It was an awkward hour. Those who rested had long since gone to bed, while