Chapter 200: Hungry Ghost Festival Deity Parade

Two days later, the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month.

Chen Jiajun sat in a Mercedes-Benz Pullman bulletproof car, arriving at the Hongxing Headquarters Tang Lau opposite Victoria Park.

A long red carpet had already been laid out outside the Tang Lau, and the Inner Altar for the Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly had been erected on the central lawn of Victoria Park.

The Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly was divided into an Inner Altar and an Outer Altar; the Inner Altar was presided over by Dharma Master Sheng Yi, while the Outer Altar conducted the deity-parading and street-wandering activities, which had long been reported to the Government House by the Hong Kong Teochew Overseas Merchants Association.

At this time, outside the small Tang Lau, the young demon slaves and Hongxing boys, wearing red headscarves and dressed in golden-yellow button-front Tang suits and theatrical costumes, had two long dragons—one white and one black—laid out on the ground.

Several Hongxing Elders, including Baohua and Xing Shu, had changed into gray Tang suits, their hair neatly groomed, standing at the entrance of the Tang Lau, smiling as they watched the dragon dance and chatting with several Uncles from the Hong Kong Teochew Overseas Merchants Association.

When they saw the iconic 6.2-meter-long Pullman bulletproof car arrive at the Tang Lau, everyone stood at attention in salute.

Dumu opened the car door, and Chen Jiajun, dressed in a gray button-front Tang suit, stepped out; with his hair slicked back, he looked handsome and dashing, his majestic gaze sweeping across the entire scene.

"Ada."

"Big Brother."

"Mr. Chen."

Wherever his gaze swept, those unruly Hongxing boys and young demon slaves all wore expressions of obedience.

Entering the Hongxing Headquarters, a shrine had already been set up at the entrance.

Ji Ge brought over an incense burner and other items, saying, "Big Brother, everything is ready, we were just waiting for you."

"Alright, I understand."

Chen Jiajun reached his hands into a basin of clear water, washed them, and dried them; then, using a rosewood stick, he stirred the incense in the burner until it was even and added five-colored beans, symbolizing good fortune and success.

During the procession, every deity-parading team had to stop three times to welcome the incense burner for people to pay their respects; these three incense burners were kept in three households, or rather, three units, associations, or companies.

As for which three families they were kept at, that naturally depended on who donated the most money.

After setting up the incense burner, Chen Jiajun placed it on the shrine, led the Hongxing Zha FIT Ren and Red Poles in three bows, and inserted the incense sticks into the burner.

Next, Chen Jiajun went to Victoria Park, to the Inner Altar of the Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly.

Dharma Master Sheng Yi led the novices there, making final adjustments.

"Uncle Nan, Mr. Li."

Chen Jiajun greeted the members of the Hong Kong Teochew Overseas Merchants Association.

The association's chairman was Chen Weinan, and the Chairman of Ping Shan Group, Li Jiacheng, and a group of Teochew merchant representatives had also come to attend the Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly.

After the young novices had ground the ink, they brought over several writing brushes and said, "Benefactors, please dot the eyes of the dancing dragons."

"Uncle Nan, please."

Chen Jiajun looked toward the association chairman, Chen Weinan.

Chen Weinan looked at Li Jiacheng: "Boss Li, why don't you go first?"

"That should naturally be Boss Chen dotting the eyes of the dancing dragons first."

Li Jiacheng waved his hand, very humbly letting Chen Jiajun go first.

"Benefactors, the Inner Altar is ready; we may proceed with the deity-welcoming ceremony."

After checking, Dharma Master Sheng Yi walked over and pressed his palms together.

"Dharma Master Sheng Yi, we will have to trouble you then." Everyone also pressed their palms together in salute.

Two-thirty, the time was neither early nor late, just right.

The deity-welcoming ceremony was conducted by Dharma Master Sheng Yi, wearing red ritual trousers, and two other High Monks at the Sutra Platform on the central lawn of Victoria Park; the three of them entered meditation before the platform, silently chanting:

"Hong Kong residents' Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly... residing in auspicious directions at such and such places..."

After a long period of silent chanting, they began to offer incense.

"Boom."

The Awakening Bell rang.

"Amitabha."

The novices stood in two rows, striking wooden fish and chanting Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit.

The atmosphere was grand and solemn.

Dharma Master Sheng Yi ignited a stack of Paper Ingots before the altar and performed three kowtows; the two accompanying monks took the ingots, held them above their heads, circled three times, and dissolved the ashes into the Spirit Water.

At the ritual altar, Dharma Master Sheng Yi used the Spiritual Talisman and Spirit Water to sprinkle purification in all four directions of the Inner Altar, inviting the gods and immortals to descend upon the altar grounds to use their merit to save the wandering souls.

Three bows and nine kowtows, offering incense, offering candles.

The altar-opening ceremony began.

After a series of symbolic and complex altar-opening rites, gongs and drums sounded in unison; the young demon slaves and Hongxing boys in theatrical costumes danced with the long dragons, followed by the men and women arranged by the Teochew leaders, setting off from Victoria Park to begin the deity-parading ceremony.

The deity-parading ceremony started from Victoria Park, circled the Hong Kong urban area once, and returned to Victoria Park.

At the Inner Altar, many Teochew people came to pay their respects; after paying their respects, Chen Jiajun, Chen Weinan, Li Jiacheng, and other Teochew merchant leaders distributed Fortune Rice printed with the words "Hong Kong Teochew Overseas Merchants Association, Hongxing Group" and numbered with Arabic numerals.

Each person was limited to one bag of this Fortune Rice, lasting for three full generations.

Receiving a bag of Fortune Rice was considered auspicious for the coming year, so the Teochew people of Hong Kong scrambled for it.

After the rice distribution, the altar grounds were filled with dozens of round tables where the Teochew people held a banquet.

After the banquet, a theater stage was set up at the altar grounds with over a dozen chairs placed in front of it; the Cantonese Opera Troupe performed the Godly Merit Opera there, but the seats were not fully occupied—the extra seats were for the dead.

Once the opera began, people from all directions came to listen.

One direction for the living, three directions for the ghosts, and four directions for the gods.

Once the singing started, it had to be finished regardless of whether there was anyone in the audience.

Just because mortals weren't listening didn't mean the ghosts and gods weren't.

Shatin Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly Inner Altar.

In front of the theater stage, Zhang Renlong sat in the first row, with Si Yanlong of the Sun Yee On sitting beside him, along with several District Councilors and Rural Committee Members.

Zhang Renlong raised his hand to check the time, his expression slightly displeased as he said to Chen Guoshan, "Hasn't Hongxing's Dalao Jun arrived yet?"

"Godfather, Mr. Chen told me he would definitely come."

Chen Guoshan was wearing a form-fitting cheongsam, which showcased her curvaceous figure to the fullest.

"In another fifteen minutes, if he still doesn't come, you notify him that he doesn't need to come anymore.

From now on, the Sunshine Bus stops in Shatin will be operated by New Yee On senior members. Tell Dalao Jun that this is what I, Zhang Renlong, said.

Even if Hantao, Lu Huangfa, or the Anti-Triad Unit come, it won't matter."

Zhang Renlong's tone contained both anger and arrogance.

Just then, the stage suddenly shook. Futou Jun ran in and said in the ear of Si Yanlong of New Yee On: "A Ding, Dalao Jun has arrived."

"In-law, speak of the devil and he appears," Si Yanlong said, looking at Zhang Renlong.

The angry expression on Zhang Renlong's face eased slightly, and he revealed a trace of a smile, saying: "In-law, you should go and receive him."

"Of course."

Si Yanlong walked out of the Inner Altar with Futou Jun, only to see a luxurious motorcade composed of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bentley, and other luxury cars slowly driving toward this place.

After the motorcade stopped in front, Hongxing Second Route Marshal Dumu, Yuen Long Zha FIT Ren Ya Qi, Tuen Mun Zha FIT Ren Banshou En, Tsim Sha Tsui Zha FIT Ren Tian Yangsheng... a group of Hongxing high-level members got out of the cars.

Dozens of young demon slaves, averaging about 1.9 meters in height, wearing suits and ties, got out of the cars and stared at the New Yee On senior members who outnumbered them several times over.

Afterward, Chen Jiajun, wearing a gray Tang suit with a front-button closure, stepped down from a stretched bulletproof Mercedes-Benz.

"Wow, Brother Long, putting on such a big show to welcome me?"

"Dalao Jun, you also know that we at New Yee On are country folk and haven't seen much of the world."

Si Yanlong also returned a smile.

The times had changed. A year ago, New Yee On was far from as prosperous as it was now. Chen Jiajun wiped out a group of drug-dealing big shots and launched multi-field cooperation with New Yee On. Today's New Yee On is the largest triad society in all of Hong Kong.

Although New Yee On and Hongxing have many collaborations in Gambling Halls and Game Consoles, it does not mean that the relationship between the two sides is very harmonious.

"Please," Si Yanlong made a gesture of invitation.

"Please," Chen Jiajun cupped his hands toward Si Yanlong and entered the Inner Altar.

"In-law, this is Hongxing Dalao Jun."

Upon entering the theater altar, Si Yanlong introduced Chen Jiajun to Zhang Renlong.

"Oh? I was wondering who it was."

Zhang Renlong lifted his buttocks slightly and shook hands with Chen Jiajun.

"Sorry, Sir Zhang, I am late."

Seeing Zhang Renlong's expression, which didn't even offer a welcome, Chen Jiajun was not angry.

"It's fine, you arrived just in time. Everyone, please sit." After Zhang Renlong pointed to the seats, he sat down first.

Chen Jiajun sat at his side.

After the Cantonese Opera Troupe began to sing, Zhang Renlong looked ahead and said softly: "I, Zhang Renlong, do not object to Sunshine Bus entering Shatin to operate bus lines."

"Then thank you, Sir Zhang."

"However, your Sunshine Bus must increase operating frequency to provide convenience for the Shatin villagers.

At the same time, New Yee On's buses will correspondingly reduce their frequency," Zhang Renlong continued to say softly.

"Oh?" Chen Jiajun felt slightly surprised. He asked back: "Sir Zhang, why don't we lay our cards on the table? What are the conditions?"

Zhang Renlong said arrogantly: "I want 20% of Sunshine Bus's shares.

In addition, Sunshine Bus does not need to set up a depot in Shatin; New Yee On will be responsible for the depot, and half of the bus stops you build will be handed over to New Yee On to operate."

What is the current market value of Sunshine Bus?

Since it is not listed, let's calculate the fixed assets: 1,000 Tesla T1 double-decker buses are worth one billion.

After taking control of Kowloon Motor Bus and Zhongba Group, Chen Jiajun made a strict division of the bus lines: Kowloon Motor Bus is responsible for Kowloon, Zhongba is responsible for Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories is handed over to Sunshine Bus. The entire New Territories has 200 bus stops.

Let's count these 200 bus stops as 100 million.

In other words, Sunshine Bus has 1.1 billion Hong Kong dollars in fixed assets.

Zhang Renlong opened his mouth like a lion and wanted 20% of the shares, which is equivalent to 220 million Hong Kong dollars.

In addition, the depot is handed over to New Yee On to operate, and half of the bus stops are given to New Yee On to operate.

Just how much charm does Zhang Renlong think he has to make Chen Jiajun cater to him like this?

There are always some local tyrants who, relying on their large numbers and influence, open their mouths like lions to investors. 20% of the shares is even on the low side.

Even worse, some directly illegally occupy assets and beat the original owners away.

This phenomenon is very common across the country, and it is the same on Hong Kong Island.

This guy Zhang Renlong, a dog can't change its habit of eating excrement; he had offended many people a few years ago.

Once was in '74, when Zhang Renlong was returning home from a banquet, he was robbed of cash and a Rolex gold watch by a gang of bandits, and was also slashed by the bandits, almost being silenced.

Another time, a gang of bandits pretended to be traffic police, hijacked his first wife into his mansion, and looted it. Zhang Renlong was also slashed on the hand, but fortunately, the Police arrived in time.

Unexpectedly, after so many years, he still couldn't change his foul habits.

If it were other triad societies, they might have agreed to Zhang Renlong's conditions, because being able to connect with Zhang Renlong is equivalent to having a protective umbrella.

However...

Chen Jiajun has been the Hongxing Dragon Head for so long; it has always been others respecting him, always him extorting others, always him messing with others. No one has ever dared to speak to him like this to his face.

Does he, Chen Jiajun, fear a mere local tyrant from the New Territories?

"What do you think? I know your Hongxing has been walking the straight path for the past two years. In the future, when you come to Shatin to make money, our Zhang Family will also provide many conveniences."

Facing Chen Jiajun's silence, Zhang Renlong spoke again.

"Dalao Jun, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Doing business in Shatin, without our Zhang Family's word, your business will be very difficult to do. If you don't believe it, you can try it."

With his father's backing, New Yee On Four Tigers member Zhang Liangsheng also acted very arrogantly.

Chen Jiajun puffed on his Cigar and smiled, saying: "Sir Zhang, the shares behind Sunshine Bus include Sir Deng Zhaojian, Boss Lei, Si Shu of Heng Kee, and many other shareholders..."

"I must greet these people; otherwise, it will be difficult for me to answer to them."

Times have changed, and Dalao Jun's city-dwelling nature has become even deeper.

But in the eyes of Zhang Renlong, Si Yanlong, and others, it was a display of cowardice.

Zhang Renlong smiled and said: "Li Zhaoji of Heng Kee, when starting construction on Shatin First City in Shatin, also greeted me. I will give him a call regarding his side; as for Sir Tang, Boss Lei, and the others, they are only minor shareholders, and the largest shareholder is still you..."

After a pause, Zhang Renlong said: "How about this, I will give you time; you must give me an answer before the Hungry Ghost Festival Assembly."

Shatin is his, Zhang Renlong's, territory, and he believes that Chen Jiajun, who is involved in everything from black to white to grey, knows clearly what it means to have to bow one's head when under someone else's roof.

Zhang Renlong knows Dalao Jun's past and knows about the time Dalao Jun drove the entire Vietnam Gang out of Hong Kong.

However, for any society or organization to live long, it must come from the masses and go to the masses.

Reflected in Shatin, Dalao Jun must have him, the local snake, nod before he can expand his business here; otherwise, if he, Zhang Renlong, raises his arms and shouts, the Shatin boys would all be willing to shed their blood for him.

"I understand, Sir Zhang. It is too late today, so I will take my leave first."

Chen Jiajun reached out his hand to Zhang Renlong.

"I am a very fair person when it comes to doing things. You coming to Shatin to make money, I don't object, but you must follow my rules." Zhang Renlong gripped Chen Jiajun's hand.

"Mm-hmm, see you later then."

"See you later."

Under the gaze of a group of Sun Yee On big shots, Chen Jiajun returned to the car with the young demon slaves.

After the car started, Chen Jiajun made a phone call to Lao Yu.

"Dad, do you think Dalao Jun will bow his head?"

After Chen Jiajun and the others left, Zhang Liangsheng impatiently asked his dad: "I have already selected the location for the car factory, and it will start construction immediately."

"He is a smart man; he knows how to choose."

Zhang Renlong said slowly, possessing infinite confidence in his own judgment.

"Boom—" a sound!

A bolt of lightning split the sky, followed by a torrential downpour.

Chen Guoshan opened an umbrella for Zhang Renlong, and Zhang Renlong said: "Alright, it's getting late, I'll be going first. A-Sheng, visit home more often when you have time; don't spend all day fooling around outside."

A group of lackeys opened more umbrellas, escorting Zhang Renlong into the car cabin.

The Rolls-Royce started and vanished before their eyes, soon disappearing without a trace.

Dark moon, rainy night.

Traveling to the Lion Rock Tunnel, the traffic lights turned on.

The Rolls-Royce slowed to a stop, and a Mercedes-Benz also slowly stopped beside the Rolls-Royce; Lao Yu rolled down the car window.

Inside the Rolls-Royce cabin, Zhang Renlong and Chen Guoshan were being intimate...

When the green light turned on.

The Rolls-Royce drove out impatiently.

And it was right at this moment.

"Bang."

A dump truck came roaring over and, with a loud boom, crashed into the Rolls-Royce.

Screech, screech, crack...

The ear-piercing sound pushed the Rolls-Royce all the way forward until it hit the body of Lion Rock.

"Bang."

Finally, the dump truck could not move forward and stopped; the door pulled open, and a 1.9-meter-tall, grizzled, bearded, and weary-looking man jumped down.

The man lowered his head, took out a lighter, cupped his right hand, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled a smoke ring.

Lao Yu drove the Mercedes-Benz and brushed past the man.

The man finished the cigarette in a few puffs, threw the butt away, and took out a brick phone to report the incident.

"Hello, is this...?"

"I crashed into a car..."

"Is it serious? You wait for me to take a look... Not that serious, though there seem to be a few people in the car."

"Hello? Hello? The signal isn't very good."

Beneath the deformed lower edge of the car door, blood spread and flowed out in a gurgle.

Zhang Renlong struggled to open his eyes, and he spoke with difficulty to the weary-looking man to beg for help: "Save, save me..."

"Where? How would I know where?" The weary-looking man looked at him and shouted into the receiver.

"Oh, oh, there seems to be a tunnel here."

Hanging up the brick phone, the man lit another cigarette, bent his knees, and squatted at the entrance of the Lion Rock Tunnel, puff after puff.

Blood stained the entrance of the Lion Rock Tunnel red, rendering it a glaring shade of red.

(End of this chapter)