Chapter 839

"Jason, have you heard? Wayne Enterprises has spread word that no one can seize other people's homes—everyone must live only in the housing assigned to them, but I think that's impossible."

In the tiny cellar, Six-Finger Boss Lady propped her chin on her hand and sighed: "How do we stop the gangs from seizing our homes? Even if you've taken out plenty of their leaders lately, new ones will always come."

Six-Finger Boss Lady glanced left and right and said: "I heard a major gang has set its sights on these houses—lately, there've been plenty of unfamiliar faces wandering around. I think they're ready to move in any moment…"

Jason was reading a book carefully. He said: "Let them come. No one can take what's ours."

"Even if you can handle the heads of big gangs, the Twelve Families…"

"Don't you see yet?" Jason looked at Six-Finger Boss Lady. "Do you think I took out those small gang leaders all by myself?"

Six-Finger Boss Lady shook her head. "I truly don't know how you convinced those kid gangs. We used to be enemies, but after you went to them, they all agreed to fight alongside us."

"That most fussy, effeminate one—he heard you were going to kill their neighborhood boss and didn't even piss himself. Instead, he sent men to watch for you and draw attention. Jason, what's your magic?"

"I ask you…" Jason looked into Six-Finger Boss Lady's eyes. "If killing the gang boss means you get your own house—forever yours—with a bed, windows, space to keep a potted flower…"

"Every day after work, you have a place to bathe, then lie on a soft bed, pull the blanket over you, and sleep well. You could live like this every single day. To get this life, the man you must kill carries a gun. Are you willing to do it?"

Six-Finger Boss Lady's fingers trembled. She said: "I've dreamed of that life. That scene only ever appears in my dreams. But if… if it's really possible… maybe… I… maybe I really…"

She kept swallowing. "I'm not unwilling to kill. I'm just afraid. But if it's truly like that, I'd do it. I think anyone would."

Six-Finger Boss Lady's speech grew faster. "They've never helped us. They've never considered us. So we don't need to pity them. They never valued our lives—so they deserve it… they deserve to be killed…"

"See? I've convinced you." Jason smiled. "I'm not lying to you. I'm just telling you a fact. After all, the building's already under construction—the foundation's nearly done. If we don't act now, it'll be too late."

Jason closed the book in his hand and pulled out a map from beside him. "Look—this is the terrain map I drew. These three major streets are the neighborhoods we're going to redevelop."

"I've seen those strangers you mentioned. I know which gang they're from. They're from Elizabeth Street. Their boss is called Trainhead. Some call them the Blue Jacket Gang, others just the Blue Gang…"

"Tonight, I'm going to take a walk down Elizabeth Street."

"Are you insane??!"

Six-Finger Boss Lady raised her voice. "You're not even satisfied just staying here—you actually want to take the initiative and go to Elizabeth Street? Don't you know what kind of place that is?!"

"Of course I know. The four gangs there are among the biggest in the East District. Two of them even control docks. But I don't care…"

Jason's eyes glowed brightly. Six-Finger Boss Lady saw a fire in them—the same fire she'd once seen in the eyes of a fanatical ascetic. Jason spoke with calm steadiness as he uttered mad words:

"I don't care how many men they have, how many guns, how much power, how much money they make, or how illustrious their boss is. They're doomed to fail."

"Jason, sometimes I truly can't understand your madness. I don't know where your confidence comes from." Six-Finger Boss Lady sighed and glanced at the book beside him. "Is it because of the books? Because you've read more than we have?"

"Want to take a look?" Jason handed her the book. "The vocabulary here isn't hard. You should be able to understand it."

Six-Finger Boss Lady shook her head. "I don't have your time. I have to work this afternoon, or I won't have anything to eat tomorrow."

"Jason, promise me you won't risk yourself. We all depend on you." Six-Finger Boss Lady turned and climbed up the cellar hatch, looking back.

Jason set the book down again. In the empty space, he whispered: "Don't worry. I'll make sure you all have time to read these books."

That night, Little Sneak returned to the Tailhook Gang's underground base. He opened a box, pulled out a uniform, and handed it to Jason. "Quick, put it on. Try it on—this is brand new. I just finished it."

Jason took the uniform. "How'd you get this done so fast? I only told you I wanted a uniform two days ago."

Little Sneak grinned. "I knew you'd be eager—you just didn't say it. Come on, try it. I think it'll fit perfectly."

Jason went to change. When he came out, he didn't wear a mask. He lowered his head, studying the uniform on his body.

It was a carbon-black fitted suit—not one-piece, but two-piece. Yet the material was so tightly woven, the seams were nearly invisible.

Lines ran across the torso and legs—not just for aesthetics, but for protection. Little Sneak shrugged. "Fireproof and heat-resistant is basic. Good stretch and elasticity. Won't stop bullets completely, but offers some protection. I also added plenty of pockets for gear."

"More importantly, the whole suit doesn't reflect light—ideal for concealment. But if you insist on wearing that bright-colored mask, you'll still be easy to spot."

"It's good enough." Jason checked the straps on his arms. "I actually wanted a red uniform, but it's too flashy. Never mind—black's fine. I like it. Thanks, Little Sneak."

"No thanks needed. I've been researching this stuff lately. But you'll grow taller, so you'll probably need a new one soon. Once I've mastered these techniques, you'll have a suit that's both stylish and practical."

Jason nodded and smiled. "You came at the perfect time. Tonight, I'm going out. I'll pay close attention to the feedback and tell you when I get back."

As he spoke, he walked out. Little Sneak waved at him. "Stay safe."

Jason glanced back at Little Sneak's turned back. Clearly, his friend knew what he was doing—but said nothing extra, offering silent support.

Arriving at Elizabeth Street, Jason's first move was to seek out the leader of the local kid gang. But it was harder than he expected—the kid gang had no sense of impending danger.

Because the gangs ruling here were wealthy, the kid gangs were wealthy too. They lived well and had no desire to change. Jason's arrival made them wary—they refused to cooperate, instead raising their guns and forcing him to leave.

After reading for several more days, Jason understood: sometimes timing isn't right. Certain environments prevent people from awakening. If you cling to illusions then, you'll fall back into the cycle of dependence. So Jason didn't count on them—he planned to act alone.

The four gangs on Elizabeth Street were all famous, powerful organizations. Their defenses weren't comparable to those of small gangs. At their main base alone, patrols ran in three shifts, 24 hours a day. To infiltrate, he'd need another method.

Jason took an alternate route. He climbed to the roof of a taller building, then used a rope he'd prepared earlier to lower himself onto the roof of another building. From there, he moved along the rooftops toward the Blue Jacket Gang's headquarters.

Because this building was taller, the gang likely never imagined anyone would appear on the roof—so there was no guard. Jason reached the roof, then descended along the gutter until he reached the target's balcony.

His slender frame gave him an advantage. His footsteps were light, and he could easily hide along the balcony's edge, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Hiding at the balcony's edge, Jason heard faint voices through the window. A rough voice spoke:

"I know what Wayne's up to. He wants to turn us against each other, control us, and break us apart so he can seize full control of this city. Does he think we're fools?"

"I know he can make everyone live in the housing assigned to them. He can give everyone a home… Sure, Wayne Enterprises has the power. But we can't let him succeed…"

"If he decides who lives where, who will listen to the gangs? Who will listen to me? He's already redeveloping the three southern streets. Soon, he'll come here…"

"Then we'll either have to fight him, or wait until he finishes building and gives each of us one tiny apartment. What do I need with a one-bedroom dump? I need an estate, a luxury car, and thousands in monthly rent!"

"Go contact the other three gangs. We must stop this. We must make Wayne Enterprises sit down and negotiate with us—let us decide who gets which housing. If he refuses, he won't set foot here again!"

"I've already sabotaged the first-phase construction site. On the day they break ground, there'll be an explosion. If he doesn't compromise, not a single building will rise!"

Outside the window, Jason's brow furrowed deeply. His grip tightened on the windowsill. Then he heard the men inside say:

"Send someone to check the explosives again. If we can kill a few workers, even better—make Wayne Enterprises pay more in compensation. Then he'll be more willing to sit down and talk…"