The next day.
The first ray of morning sunlight shone into the hotel.
A long line had already formed outside Old Ninth's room.
Most of the Hong Kong Government's big shots of any standing had shown up.
The elderly head of the Leng Family stood respectfully at the front with Young Master Leng, who was wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
Yet the person closest to Old Ninth's door was actually Rat Eyes.
The instant this fellow learned Old Ninth's identity, his attitude had done a complete about-face.
That was how people who scraped by at the bottom lived: not only were they resilient, they were also pragmatic (thick-skinned).
"Line up properly. My Brother Nine doesn't like too much noise. You're all big shots around here, so don't make things difficult for a little guy like me."
Rat Eyes straightened his stained jacket and cleared his throat.
He acted as though he knew Old Ninth very well.
Which of the big shots present wasn't shrewd?
When Old Ninth arrived in the Hong Kong Government, Rat Eyes was the only person he had brought along. That detail invited all kinds of speculation.
Taking the view that it was better to misunderstand than to offend, all the big shots smiled at Rat Eyes.
That made him feel even better. He thought, It feels fucking great throwing my weight around with someone powerful behind me.
"That accent of yours, young fellow... are you from the Hong Kong Government?"
Old Leng narrowed his eyes and asked with a cheerful smile.
In fact, he had already learned all about the man's background last night.
"I do indeed make my living in the Hong Kong Government. By a stroke of fate, Ninth Master and I became friends after a fight."
"You all know my Brother