Chapter 18: A Glimmer of Light

The smallest gem in the safe was worth three hundred flow pearls—enough to cover the ship fare back to headquarters, and more than enough to buy a decent bottle of wine.

The lights at headquarters were always on; this place never went dark throughout the year. Chu Hengkong entered the lounge carrying a bottle of wine. The shift change was long over; those on the afternoon shift were resting in their dorms, while the night patrol was out on the streets. The little girl despised the police for being useless, not realizing that it was precisely because the gangs avoided the constantly patrolling officers day and night that her father had survived unscathed.

But what use was reasoning with a child? She cared only that no one came to her rescue when she was attacked.

Chu Hengkong settled onto a small sofa and poured himself a glass. The wine was a deep purplish red, slightly bitter with a lingering sweetness and a faint floral aroma. He squinted, pondering whether to find a bag of peanuts to accompany it.

“Up late stealing wine for yourself?” A golden ponytail swayed as Ji Huaisu strode in briskly and sat on the adjacent sofa. She reached for the bottle. “Pour me a glass too.”

Chu Hengkong shifted the bottle back an inch. “Drinking on duty is against regulations.”

“Cut the act—you broke the rules first.” Ji Huaisu’s eyes flicked mischievously. “If you won’t share, I’ll report you internally!”

With a resigned smile, Chu Hengkong pushed the bottle to the center of the table. The two temporary partners each took a glass, tasting the mediocre but presentable wine. Silence fell, broken only by the ticking of the lounge clock.

“Have I ever told you I used to run with the mob?” Chu Hengkong spoke.

“Once,” Ji Huaisu glanced at him, “but you don’t look the type.”

“It’s true,” he said calmly. “In traditional gangster families, newcomers must pass two major tests. The first is the initiation ceremony—usually witnessed by senior members, where you swear an oath with a blood handprint. After that, you’re one of the family, treated as a brother.

“But since the family is large and diverse, to gain recognition you must become a ‘trusted person.’ That’s complicated. You start by assisting the elders with the smallest, dirtiest tasks—collecting debts, extorting protection fees, watching turf, teaching lessons to those who don’t respect the rules... Gradually, as you earn their trust, the second test comes. One day, a senior will hand you a paper bag, saying he’s too busy to handle a matter and needs your help.”

Chu Hengkong raised his glass; under the light, the purple wine gleamed like blood. “The newcomer hurriedly opens the bag and finds a gun inside. Only then does he realize he’s been sent to kill someone. The chosen target has crossed the organization’s bottom line. They may not deserve death in the eyes of society, but in the underworld’s rules, death is certain.

“Once the newcomer pulls the trigger, he transforms into a ‘trusted person,’ because in a world ruled by violence, only a life taken is the most reliable bond and binding oath.”

Chu Hengkong shrugged. “In the past, few passed this test because people have hearts of flesh—most believed their target didn’t deserve to die... But nowadays, the test is mere formality; everyone knows the drill. Just shoot, and you get promoted. No matter who the target is, one shot ends it.”

The outcome didn’t matter as much as the killer’s attitude. The target could have reasons, be elderly or innocent, but regardless, you must pull the trigger yourself. The test’s creator wanted to see your resolve.

The underworld is like this; the law-abiding world is no different.

Ji Huaisu listened intently and asked, “What did you do?”

“Me?” Chu Hengkong chuckled softly. “I like to prepare before taking a job. My target was a poor waiter whose sister had married a senior family member. That man was a classic playboy from Puglia—often beating his wife and gambling away her hard-earned money. He even caused her to miscarry by beating her. The poor woman broke down mentally. When the waiter found out, he grabbed a knife and took that senior’s life.

“When I met him, the man was terrified—over six feet tall, his legs trembling. He begged, ‘Don’t resist, please spare my sister.’ I told him, ‘Get lost! Take your sister to another city. If anyone dares stop you, say my name—Chu Hengkong will kill them!’”

He drained his glass, eyes shining with satisfaction. Ji Huaisu rolled her eyes. “Such a heavy gangster vibe.”

“On the way back, I bought this bottle and went straight to the boss’s office. He said, ‘Today’s decision is final, Ah Kong—you’ll never become a big shot.’”

“Why?” she asked.

“The boss said, ‘You’re smart and quick-witted, no one can match your skill, but you lack foresight and patience. Big shots always look far ahead—they don’t mind temporary setbacks or compromises because they lead to future success. But you refuse to look up; your eyes are fixed only on the next step. If you don’t change, you’ll be a thug for life.’”

At this, Chu Hengkong’s eyes glowed with nostalgia. “I told the boss, ‘You see right through me—I’m narrow-minded! I live only for today, unwilling to endure a moment’s compromise. No matter how much logic or benefit piles up, I won’t do anything against my will!’”

He looked at Ji Huaisu. “Tell me, am I stubborn?”

“Very stubborn,” she nodded. “Like a child.”

Chu Hengkong laughed heartily. Usually taciturn, tonight he spoke freely, perhaps reminiscing about his gangster days or venting pent-up thoughts. He cared little if anyone listened, simply reveling in the wine’s courage. His excitement grew, eyes dancing. “So I never rose to the top anywhere—I deserve to be a thug all my life... But at least I live freely, unlike the big shots!”

Some children are stubborn from ignorance, others understand everything yet never change, stubborn forever. Ji Huaisu thought he belonged to the latter—probably born with this temper, or else a man with loyalty and feeling wouldn’t have ended up a hitman.

She waited for his laughter to fade, then spoke softly, “Chu Hengkong, your hometown must be peaceful, right?”

He paused. “Most places are stable.”

“I thought so. Otherwise, your boss wouldn’t say that.” Ji Huaisu shrugged. “In prosperous times, people have the luxury to look ahead. But when chaos strikes, survival is hard. Many watch years into the future, ignoring the blade at their throat today.”

Seeing his confused look, she smiled. “When all you have is a worthless life, what difference does rank make? Taking things step by step—if that leads you far, you’re still a true big shot.”

She tossed him a round object and lounged carelessly. “Congratulations, Detective Chu. You’re officially promoted to Senior Detective today. Don’t forget to buy drinks for everyone sometime.”

It was a badge-shaped jade plaque, smooth and warm, carved with a swimming dragon. Chu Hengkong glanced at the half-empty bottle of wine, questioning his own tolerance.

Just then, the lounge door opened. The man with the paper fan appeared again, ghostlike, followed by the shifty-eyed Jie An. Ji Qiufeng snapped his fan shut and smiled. “Everyone’s in such high spirits late at night—why celebrate before the ceremony even starts?”

“What ceremony?” Chu Hengkong was puzzled.

Jie An leaned in, rubbing his palms. “Hey, Captain Huaisu didn’t tell you? Our team has strict requirements for rank promotion. To be a Senior Detective, you have to be a ‘critical point one’~”

Chu Hengkong’s drunken haze vanished instantly. He stood with disbelief. “I thought I was being fired? How did it become a promotion?”

“To be promoted to Senior Detective, you can’t be a cold-blooded killer. You handled things well—if not you, then who?” Ji Qiufeng tapped him. “But your recklessness at the end could have been handled better—check with a senior next time. From now on, the Guishui Street area is your district. Watch over the girl and the dog; if anything happens again, it’s on you.”

Chu Hengkong pocketed the badge, serious. “I will keep watch.”

“Good. Then let’s have our sharp detective crack another case.” Ji Qiufeng waved his fan. “Since no one’s sleepy, why not strike while the iron’s hot—let’s hold the Senior Detective promotion ceremony before bed.”