Chapter 347: Chapter 340: A Lone Assassin
Due to the incident with Ah Rou, everyone was in a bad mood, gloomy and silent. The only exceptions were Qiao Xingbang and Li Junji; one was devoted to practicing the Flying Knife Skill, while the other spent each day working on his leg technique against an iron post. Boss Qiao found it very comforting.
The New Dragon Association had suffered heavy losses from the destruction of a profitable underground venue and had come up empty-handed in their investigation; they even suspected the Ju Yi Gang and Yaoxing Gang of stabbing them in the back. But further checking showed that on the day of the incident, both gangs were peacefully staying at home!
However, the New Dragon Association was not one to be trifled with. Eventually, they traced the source of their troubles to Yuan Jin, finding out that he used to be a black boxer for Fei. Thus, the New Dragon Association had pinned the blame on Yaoxing Gang - and rightfully so, as it was indeed their doing!
Yet, before the New Dragon Association could settle the score with Yaoxing Gang, news spread through the Jianghu that several of the Association’s leaders had been assassinated, with two of them being killed instantly by a shot to the head. The others suffered severe injuries.
The New Dragon Association was in a state of panic, while Yaoxing Gang and Ju Yi Gang watched the show from the sidelines, greatly entertained.
Sisi and the others knew that the assassin was definitely Yuan Jin, who hadn’t returned to the Mainland but stayed in Hong Kong to avenge Ah Rou. With a soldier as deadly as the King of Soldiers lurking in the shadows, the days ahead for the New Dragon Association were not going to be easy.
In half a month, the New Dragon Association lost four leaders. Even Boss Gao, their leader, was seriously injured; a bullet had pierced his left lung. Though he survived, his future days were likely to be difficult.
One day, as Sisi, Shangguan, Zhang Jie, and Mo Liu were enjoying afternoon tea in a teahouse, a cute little boy came over and handed Sisi a note.
"I’m leaving, see you in the future!"
It was a sudden and cryptic message, but they all knew it had to be Yuan Jin who had now become the New Dragon Association’s top pursuit and thus couldn’t meet them openly.
"It’s good he’s going back! Liang Garden is lovely, but it’s not our home," Zhang Jie said, full of emotion. Everyone was touched.
Suddenly, Mo Liu said, "Sisi, Feifei, Zhang Jie, my great-uncle would like to see you."
Sisi and the others were surprised, "Mo Liu, you have relatives in Hong Kong?"
Mo Liu blushed and nodded, "Yes, I have a great-uncle here and two other great-uncles abroad. The other day, when I mentioned to my great-uncle that you are my good friends, he expressed a wish to meet you."
No wonder Mo Liu had gone out alone several times recently to visit relatives, making him so familiar with Hong Kong.
Sisi then remembered that Mr. Yun had mentioned that, apart from Mou Ming’s branch, the other branches of the Mo Family had taken refuge in Hong Kong. How could she have forgotten?
"Sure, Mo Liu, you should have told us earlier. It’s really impolite to visit so late now," Sisi said with a smile.
Mo Liu’s face turned even redder, "No, it won’t be impolite to go now. My great-uncle is really nice."
"Mo Liu, why are you blushing like a little girl, your cheeks are as red as a monkey’s butt," Zhang Jie teased, pinching Mo Liu’s face and turning it even redder, like blood.
"Then arrange a time, Mo Liu. We can go anytime," Sisi said, shooing away Zhang Jie’s restless hands and rescuing Mo Liu from her teasing. Zhang Jie was getting out of hand, always mocking Mo Liu. Grateful, Mo Liu scooted a bit closer to Sisi.
"How about tomorrow? My great-uncle is having a private gathering at his home, let’s go together?"
"Wouldn’t your great-uncle’s house be full of guests then?" Zhang Jie was reluctant at the thought; she hated dealing with guests.
"They’re not guests, they’re my great-uncle’s students and friends. Tomorrow is his informal birthday, and these people are coming to celebrate," Mo Liu hastily explained.
"Since it’s Mo Liu’s great-uncle’s birthday, we should definitely go and pay a visit. Let’s do that; we will go tomorrow," Sisi decided.
Zhang Jie showed her teeth at Mo Liu in jest, startling him and causing him to scoot even closer to Sisi.
"Let’s go shopping for gifts; we can’t go to his birthday empty-handed," suggested Sisi.
"There’s no need for gifts, Sisi. It’s not a big birthday, just a regular one. My great-uncle said just being there is enough; really, there’s no need for gifts," Mo Liu hurriedly tried to discourage them, as his great-uncle had specifically instructed not to bring gifts.
Of course, everyone ignored Mo Liu’s plea, and they ended up shopping, with Mo Liu following pitifully behind, trying to pay for everything.
Mu Xiulan was surprised to learn that Mo Liu belonged to the Mo Family and admired her daughter’s influential friends. From what Ziqiang had said, the two girls were also from prominent families, and now, this boy was a member of the Mo Family, too. Ah Nan really was charming!
Mo Liu’s great-uncle, Mo Tang, was Mou Ming’s cousin and was extraordinarily talented, a true genius. While others struggled to master even one skill, he excelled in everything he learned, becoming a master of all trades.
Mo Tang was an honorary professor at Hong Kong University, occasionally giving lectures. His main job had been as the chief editor of a newspaper, but now he was retired, spending his days leisurely with birds, playing chess, writing books, painting, playing the piano, and sometimes guest-hosting TV shows or writing movie reviews. His life was truly carefree and joyful.
Mo Tang had three sons and two daughters, each excelling in fields like literature, politics, business, film, and music, becoming elites in their respective industries. Thus, the Mo Family held a respected position in Hong Kong, and many wealthy individuals sought to befriend them to raise their own status.
Mu Xiulan funded Sisi with a generous amount of money to pick out thoughtful gifts, emphasizing not to tarnish the family’s reputation. Boss Qiao was even more delighted when he learned they were visiting the Mo Family. Despite being from the Jianghu, he admired cultural people above all.
If the New Dragon Association and Ju Yi Gang knew that Qiao Ziqiang’s daughter was friends with the Mo Family, they would be green with envy!
Ha-ha! Boss Qiao was so pleased that he gave them a card and boisterously commanded:
"Pick out the best and most expensive gifts!"
The next day, after breakfast, Sisi and her group of six – yes, with Qiao Xingbang and Li Junji trailing as little followers – set out. Qiao Xingbang had been sent by Boss Qiao to soak up some culture, while Li Junji wanted to build a connection with the Mo Family himself.