Chapter 030: The Black Tiger’s Sidekick

This story is entirely a work of fiction.

In the early hours, the Supreme Bar was ablaze with lights. Outside its doors, groups of football fans trickled out, having just watched the X League match. Some were jubilant, others disheartened and crestfallen, still discussing the game that had just ended.

“Damn it, if only I’d listened to that big mouth and bet on Royal. That’s a massive upset tonight, isn’t it?” one man shouted loudly.

“It’s not really an upset, if you look at the odds, a 25% chance of winning means the result isn’t all that shocking,” replied another, his tone suggesting he had won and his pockets were heavier.

Inside the Supreme Bar’s football lounge, most patrons had dispersed, but a few die-hard fans remained, watching the match highlights replayed on the giant screen in the main hall.

Leng Junfeng, the manager, made his rounds through the hall, his mood buoyed by the fans’ enthusiasm. As they said, they bought a ticket, watched the game, and gained a financial reward.

Some had wagered hundreds or thousands, while bigger players staked tens of thousands, and the highest rollers occasionally bet ten or twenty A units in a single go.

Leng Junfeng was on intimate terms with all of them; greetings were exchanged with a brotherly camaraderie.

He summoned the servers, instructing them to deliver fruit platters, pastries, and beer to each guest.

The previous match had brought Leng Junfeng considerable earnings. He knew those still betting here likely had winnings of their own. To prevent them from getting reckless, he cautioned the players about risk, hinting they should rein in their excitement. Yet, intoxicated by the recent win, one shouted as he saw Leng Junfeng, “Supreme is our lucky haven! Damn the risks, luck must have fled before us fortunate brothers.” The others chimed in, “To hell with it all!”

Leng Junfeng returned to his office. Though he’d made plenty over the years, he felt an overwhelming emptiness, especially in the dead of night, when loneliness became almost unbearable. He sat, lost in thought.

He took out a Cuban cigar and lit it, exhaling clouds of smoke. Reflecting on his solitude, he realized it was closer to despair. In the past, Elegant Ting would occasionally appear by his side, giving him a peculiar sense of satisfaction—not merely visual, but spiritual, for he was endlessly drawn to her, filled with unspeakable longing. Yet all these years, Elegant Ting seemed utterly uninterested in him. His only solace was when, in moments of acute loneliness, she would invite him out for Western food and wine, discussing nothing but company business.

Everyone knew Leng Junfeng liked this woman, but she remained lofty and unattainable.

His subordinates saw this and secretly hoped their boss would conquer this proud woman, making her his own. In their eyes, if Leng Junfeng’s fortunes improved, perhaps they too would share in his bounty.

Leng Junfeng puffed on his beloved Cuban, the room thick with smoke. As usual, he propped his legs up on his desk, his toes twitching restlessly.

He pressed the desk phone and spoke in a low voice, “Send Black Tiger to my office.”

Soon, a robust man entered. Black Tiger had a murderous look about him. Those who knew him understood his skills well.

Black Tiger had trained at Shaolin Temple, bearing dragon tattoos on both arms. His dark skin and warrior’s bearing marked him out.

He appeared stern; raised in the temple, he’d once coached martial arts at Changchun School. Introduced by friends, he’d followed Leng Junfeng for years.

Black Tiger leaned in, nodding repeatedly. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.” Without turning, he backed out, bowed at the door, then exited, gently closing it.

Leaving Leng Junfeng’s office, Black Tiger returned to his own seat.

Inside, the office was bustling. Several men queued to hand recovered funds to the finance center.

Business at the Supreme had soared in its first month, with loan demands rising sharply.

To meet company needs, Lü Jiahui sought aid from Number One of the Great River, though no one knew his relationship with Ma Shengwei, Number One. Yet he managed to secure large sums in the shortest time.

Supreme staff admired Lü Jiahui, greeting him as “Boss Lü” with utmost respect.

At the finance center, a worker pulled bundles of ten thousand yuan bills, feeding them into the counting machine, which whirred at high speed.

Black Tiger slapped one of the men, a fierce-looking subordinate with a scar across his forehead—a Shaolin-trained fighter.

This was Black Tiger’s own protégé, ruthless and known as “Ghost Dread.”

Ghost Dread glanced at Black Tiger, recognized his master, and bowed, “Long time no see, Master, is there something you need?”

“If I didn’t, do you think I have nothing else to do? Haven’t seen you lately—still chasing old debts?”

“Yes, Master. Collection is tough now. Sometimes, after many visits, I get only a little back,” Ghost Dread shook his head. “A while ago, things nearly went wrong. If not for my quick thinking, I’d have suffered badly. One of my men bolted after collecting, but someone else taught him a lesson. Later I found out the guy was dead, tendons cut. The police found clues. I had an alibi, and surveillance evidence cleared me, Master.”

“With big events coming up, best not to stir trouble. All our moves are to build momentum for the World Football Championship. Prioritize. I’ve been busy with tough company matters, and more trouble may follow. So when collecting, mind your limits—no incidents now.” Black Tiger looked at his apprentice, “Understand?”

“Yes, yes, rest assured, Master!” Ghost Dread answered without hesitation.

“Come with me, we’re going out for a walk,” Black Tiger said coldly.

“Of course, just give me a moment,” Ghost Dread replied, rushing to the changing room, donning his gear, and returning promptly.

Black Tiger praised his quick movements, “You’re sharp—my efforts weren’t wasted. A worthy pupil.”

“Certainly, Master. Working with you, speed comes naturally. Let’s go,” Ghost Dread said, excited.

The pair headed to the underground garage. Ghost Dread prepared to start the car, but Black Tiger stopped him, “Wait.”

Ghost Dread looked at his master, puzzled but silent, following his gaze.

His master was staring at the opposite car—the luxury vehicle of Elegant Ting, the company president. At this hour, she usually left the Supreme Club for her villa.

Black Tiger checked his watch. “Open the sunroof, and wait a bit. Let’s smoke first.” He took out a pack of Great River cigarettes, handed one to Ghost Dread, then tapped another on the box, tightening the tobacco before lighting it. Smoke rose through the sunroof.

After a long wait, Elegant Ting entered the garage, climbed into her luxurious red Ferrari, and prepared to leave.

Black Tiger signaled Ghost Dread, who started the car, and followed after she departed.

Keeping a safe distance, they trailed her across the Great River tunnel.

“She’s not heading home, is she?” Black Tiger muttered.

“She must be going to the Riverside Villa,” Ghost Dread said.

“Riverside Villa?” Black Tiger sounded unfamiliar.

“You know she has a villa there? I’ve followed her for years and never knew,” Black Tiger remarked.

“I found out by chance. When she went to MC for a meeting, her maid—my brother’s sister—was sick and couldn’t go. She needed the place cleaned urgently, so my brother brought me along. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know,” Ghost Dread replied.

“She owns so many places, all kept by housekeepers. Why the rush in H City? Someone moving in?” Black Tiger wondered, suspecting it was for the young man brought back from MC.

Black Tiger, knowing Ghost Dread was familiar with the villa’s location, said, “Since you know where it is, no need to follow too closely—don’t let her notice. Just drive normally; we’ll check it out.”

“Sure!” Ghost Dread slowed the car.

As they neared the villa, under dim lights, Black Tiger spotted Dai Yunjian waiting in the yard.

The Ferrari approached the iron gates, which opened silently. After the car entered, the gates closed again.

Black Tiger signaled Ghost Dread to stop.

Elegant Ting had barely parked when Dai Yunjian stepped up to open her door. She exited, carrying her Versace bag.

Her left foot had scarcely touched the ground when Dai Yunjian took her bag, offering his other hand to help her out.

Once out, he placed his hand on her waist. Despite her fatigue, Elegant Ting relaxed completely upon seeing Dai Yunjian, all exhaustion vanishing, replaced by excitement.

Black Tiger and Ghost Dread watched as the usually aloof Elegant Ting transformed into a gentle bird beside the young man from MC. Black Tiger was filled with jealousy, almost drooling with envy.

“Let’s take a look around the villa,” Black Tiger suggested.

“You’d better not. From what I know, the villa is covered with surveillance. Elegant Ting has a central control room monitoring everything. If you’re careless, she’ll spot us. If you want details, ask me—no need to risk it,” Ghost Dread explained.

“The villa’s structure is clear. It’s modeled after the White House, facing south, backed by Phoenix Hill. Apparently, Mr. Will from MC spent a fortune to buy the land for Elegant Ting when she settled here. She’s made a lot in recent years; the villa cost a bundle. Behind the house, the second floor connects to an annex, whose roof is a standard heated pool. When I cleaned there, I sweated buckets and jumped in for a swim—so refreshing! The wealthy live differently; it’s a life we can’t even dream of.”

Ghost Dread’s vivid description fascinated Black Tiger, but it all seemed so distant. He shook his head, “Damn it, I’m a founding hero here, yet that kid gets all the luck. If I spent a night with her, I’d die a happy man!”

“Master, don’t take it to heart. As beautiful as Elegant Ting is, she’s just a mature woman, graceful but rumored to be Will’s mistress at headquarters, slept with the foreigner for over a decade—what’s there to envy?” Ghost Dread scoffed.

“What do you know! People always say grapes are sour when they can’t have them. The unattainable is always best. Leng Junfeng’s standards are higher than ours, right? He’s been after Elegant Ting for years and never succeeded. He’s quite frustrated. Today, it’s his jealousy that set us investigating—got it?”

“That’s true, but there are plenty of beauties in this world! With enough cash, you’ll never lack for company.” Ghost Dread made a gesture counting money, “money, money, you know.” He finished with a lewd grin, whispered something in Black Tiger’s ear, and Black Tiger’s face showed surprise, “Really? You’re a loyal one—not wasted years of training.” He patted Ghost Dread’s shoulder, “Go, go, go, let’s head back.”

Ghost Dread, seeing his master so excited, asked, “Shall we find somewhere to have a little fun?” He looked at Black Tiger, hoping for approval.

Black Tiger, seeing Ghost Dread’s anticipation, tapped his cigarette heavily on the dashboard, “Not going? The usual place.”

“Alright!” Ghost Dread started the car, revving the engine three times. The modified sports car roared, thick blue smoke trailing behind as it vanished into the night.

(To be continued)