Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Boss of Yan Alley

The final filming location chosen for Mansion No. 1 was the Bilee Court on Broadcast Drive, from which one could clearly see the television headquarters of TVB. The owners of the two adjacent apartments symbolically charged only ten thousand for rent, and of course, Yan Xu had already obtained their consent for any modifications to the properties.

One of the apartments would be superficially renovated to appear extremely luxurious, while the other would focus on a fashionable and unconventional style. These renovations would only use some shoddy materials, as durability was not a requirement—so long as they looked presentable during filming. After the shoot was completed, Yan Xu promised the owners he would have the apartments properly refurbished.

The pre-production preparations were nearly complete. Besides the mansion on Broadcast Drive, there were also scenes set in a crowded public housing estate and an office building. In contrast to the mansion, the other two locations were far easier to find. Yan Xu simply used his own company for the office building, even having his employees appear as extras.

As for casting, he had already locked in most of the supporting roles. The only role yet to be determined was the female lead. This was a story centered around a woman, requiring not only beauty but also a strong, decisive presence—someone elegant, competent, and with a clear sense of self.

In his heart, Yan Xu considered Lin Qingxia to be the ideal candidate. Her temperament, image, and versatile acting ability made her perfect for the role. However, she was currently involved in Chen Long’s “Police Story” production, a role that diverged greatly from her usual image and even included somewhat ambiguous scenes—something she might not be willing to accept.

Now, with the entire crew ready, finding the female lead had become an urgent task. Yan Xu was determined not to use a newcomer for such a demanding role. The lead required solid acting skills and the ability to perform naturally in front of the camera.

In addition to giving his requirements to Bald Qiang, who cast a wide net within the industry, Yan Xu also spread the word through his own connections.

***

“Big Brother, what’s going on today? Why is everyone here?” Yan Xu pushed open the door to Bald Qiang’s office, finding inside not only Bald Qiang but also Chicken Feather and Ghost Dong, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time.

The three were no longer the small-time crooks they had been half a year ago. Each had found his own path: Yan Xu had become a renowned director and owned his own company; Chicken Feather and Ghost Dong each managed a department at Hundred Battles. While not fabulously wealthy, they were now part of the upper-middle class—envied by their neighbors.

With their careers taking off, their opportunities to meet had actually become less frequent. Nevertheless, their childhood bond remained strong, and distance had done nothing to erode their friendship.

“I called them here especially. We were just waiting for you,” Bald Qiang said, his expression serious enough to make Yan Xu swallow the lighthearted words he’d been about to say.

“What’s happened, Big Brother?” Yan Xu sat down across from Bald Qiang. On the phone, Bald Qiang had simply told him to come and sign the contract for a new film, but the atmosphere now clearly hinted at something more significant.

“The three of you have been with me for quite a few years. Of all the brothers, you three have been with me the longest. In my hardest times, it was you three who stayed by my side. You all know my temperament best. In this line of work, the best outcome is to keep a low profile, avoid trouble, and steer clear of the syndicate’s affairs whenever possible. Over the years, only Ah Xu was hurt once, and it’s really only in the past six months that things have improved—and that’s largely thanks to Ah Xu.” Bald Qiang looked at the three, speaking slowly.

Yan Xu nodded slightly, his curiosity only deepening.

“I’ve already explained the situation to Chicken Feather and Ghost Dong. The syndicate is going through some changes. The success of the film company has improved the organization’s finances. Some of the older members are preparing to retire from management, which means there will be major shifts. At yesterday’s meeting, it was decided that Boss Liu, our current head, will be emigrating next month, so a new leader must be chosen. I’m one of the candidates,” Bald Qiang continued.

“The leader?” Yan Xu looked at Bald Qiang in surprise. The leader was the head of the syndicate. While their group, Yanzi Crew, was only a medium-sized offshoot with a little over a hundred full members and four or five hundred associates—controlling two streets, a few bars, and inns, with interests in vice, gambling, and drugs—they were still a force to be reckoned with, even if they couldn’t compare to the massive organizations with thousands of members.

In the past, if Bald Qiang had really become the crew leader, Yan Xu could have ridden his coattails to become a Red Pole enforcer. But now, not even the position of leader interested him. The days of fighting and killing could never compare to his current life. He had his own company, managed many employees, and had no shortage of money or power.

“Have you made up your mind, Big Brother?” Yan Xu asked, knowing that while becoming leader meant more power, it also meant losing the freedom he now enjoyed. The responsibilities would multiply, and being leader required fierce competition—transitions were always turbulent and dangerous.

If you entered the race and won, all was well. If you lost, unless you had the strength to make the new leader leave you alone, you’d be forced to surrender your power and become a nobody within the syndicate.

“My film company is the syndicate’s cash cow. Everyone has their eyes on it, so I have no real choice.” Bald Qiang’s gaze met Yan Xu’s. The film company was still technically a syndicate asset; if someone else became leader, they could easily take it away from him.

“Of the five elders in the syndicate, Top Grandpa and Ox Grandpa have already privately pledged their support to me.”

“There are three candidates this time: myself, Heroin Qiang, and Ox Spirit Quan. Apart from my film company, Heroin Qiang controls the drug trade, Ox Spirit Quan handles stolen goods, Ah Li manages the loan-sharking, and Pimp Ma controls the girls. The remaining businesses—gambling dens, inns, and bars—will be divided equally among the three of us. I’ve been assigned the syndicate’s bars and some businesses on nearby streets. In half a year, whoever manages their territory best will become the new head of the crew,” Bald Qiang explained.

“What do you need us to do, Big Brother?” Yan Xu asked. Though he desperately wanted to distance himself from the syndicate, this was Bald Qiang’s most crucial moment—he could never just stand by and do nothing.

“Ah Xu, you’ve taken a different path from us. This life isn’t for you. I know you don’t want to be part of this world anymore, and I hope you go as far as you can, and stay as far away as possible. Once you get involved, getting out isn’t easy. I called you here today not only to sign the contract but also to formally cut ties. From now on, we’re no longer sworn brothers—just business partners. Don’t get involved in syndicate affairs anymore,” Bald Qiang said, looking at Yan Xu.

“Big Brother, this…” Yan Xu hadn’t expected Bald Qiang to say this. He’d long wanted to leave, but not like this, not at this moment.

“Ah Xu, say no more. If you still see me as your big brother, listen to me. This is a decision we all talked over,” Bald Qiang interrupted him. This was something he, Chicken Feather, and Ghost Dong had agreed upon in advance.

“You’re already almost completely out of the syndicate, and you’ve achieved so much. It hasn’t been easy. You can’t just throw it all away. If you get involved this time, you’ll never be able to leave, and you’ll be branded by the syndicate for life,” Bald Qiang said solemnly.

“Jiuri, Ghost Dong and I are in too deep. It’s impossible for us to get out now, and if we left, we wouldn’t know what else we could do. We’ve already decided to officially become Red Poles, but you’re different. You’re a director, you own two companies—you have no reason to get mixed up in this mess,” Chicken Feather said, patting Yan Xu’s shoulder.

“Exactly. If anything happens to us, at least our families will have someone they can rely on,” Ghost Dong added.

“What are you all saying?” Yan Xu looked at the three of them, his eyes slightly reddening.