Chapter Thirty-Five: Return to Hong Kong

“I think it’s possible! But who will recruit these people? We don’t have anyone to do this job, unless you want the Japanese to help us with it?” Mary wrapped her arms around Weihua and asked.

“How could that be! I’ll handle this myself. I believe I’ll find a way. I plan to return to Hong Kong soon—perhaps we can find someone there to help us with this task. Time flies, it’s been over two years since I came to America. It will be good to go back and have a look. Father James has also asked me to visit him. All the money I gave him has been spent on the orphanage’s expansion—the scale of it has grown considerably. He wants me to see the improvements for myself,” Weihua said, holding the beauty close to his chest.

“Shall we go with you?” Mary asked softly.

“No need. You still need to oversee the company’s operations here. When I return, we’ll shift our investment focus to the Tokyo stock market. The US economy is in decline—if we keep making big moves and extracting money from the stock index, it’ll only cause more upheaval, and the government won’t be pleased. After all, we’re on American soil, so we need to be cautious.”

“Understood! Don’t worry, we’ll take care of the company. Enough talk—let’s get some rest! There’s a beautiful woman lying in your arms right now—how can you remain indifferent? Or do you find Selene more attractive than me?” Mary asked, a hint of grievance in her voice.

“How could that be? Weren’t we just discussing business? The three of you are the same in my heart—I love you all. You’re my lovers and partners, among the most important people in my life,” Weihua comforted her.

After enjoying several days of blissful company, Weihua finally set foot in Hong Kong again in mid-January 1975.

He took a taxi to the orphanage. The newly renovated church looked peaceful and serene under the afternoon sun. Weihua knew Father James liked to nap at this hour. Entering the church, he made his way to the priest’s quarters at the back, gently pushed open the door, and stepped inside. Father James lay asleep on a recliner, a novel about religious wars resting nearby. Weihua picked up the book and settled into a chair, quietly reading. He lost track of time until he suddenly felt someone’s gaze upon him.

Without lifting his head, he smiled and said, “Father, I really envy you. It seems life is treating you well—a restful afternoon nap, what a wonderful day.”

“Weihua! When did you get here? Why didn’t you call and let me know? I could have picked you up at the airport!” Father James greeted him with a smile.

“No need for all that trouble. Don’t forget, I’m from Hong Kong—I hardly need help finding my way. Besides, I didn’t bring much luggage. There’s no need for anyone to come. How have you been? I see you’ve spent all the money I gave you on the church and orphanage. Are there any more difficulties? If you need funds, just tell me—I still have enough to support your church and orphanage at the very least,” Weihua said, placing the book on the desk.

“It’s enough! More than enough. But I’m getting old now, and I’m searching for someone to take over. Yet, it’s hard to find anyone willing to settle down to this sort of work. I haven’t found anyone yet, but perhaps in time. Unless… what if I handed it all over to you?” Father James suggested.

“Father, you’d better look for someone else. I’ve got a mountain of things to handle, I’m busy enough already, and I’m always looking for people to help me. How could I possibly take over the church and orphanage? Besides, you seem perfectly healthy—you’ll easily live another twenty or thirty years. And I still need to find a girlfriend and a wife—I’ve no intention of becoming a priest. So, you’d better keep this job yourself.”

After dinner, Weihua went to the casino where Ah Liang worked. Ah Liang had become a minor boss under the Xiang brothers after his former organization dissolved following its leader’s death. Weihua remembered his promise to the Xiang brothers, so he simply wandered around the casino and didn’t gamble. After a round, he found Ah Liang.

“Weihua! You’re back? Weren’t you studying in America?” Ah Liang was surprised to see him.

“Yes, I went abroad, but that doesn’t mean I can’t come back, does it? I’m here to see you. Are you free? How about a drink together?”

“Sure! Wait for me, I’ll go tell the boss.” With that, Ah Liang headed to the back of the casino. Soon, he returned and said, “Weihua, my boss wants to meet you!”

“Your boss? Xiang Huaqiang?” Weihua asked, and Ah Liang nodded. Weihua couldn’t figure out why Xiang Huaqiang wanted to see him—his return to Hong Kong had nothing to do with the Xiang brothers, nor was there any conflict of interest. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to meet; after all, the Xiang brothers were local powers, and a friendly greeting could only be beneficial.

“Let’s go,” Weihua said, heading toward the back of the casino.

“Weihua, my young friend! It’s been two years—time flies. You look even more handsome than before. I heard you went to America to study—are you back now to make your mark in Hong Kong, to achieve something great? If that day comes, don’t forget to look after our brothers!” Xiang Huaqiang greeted Weihua with a broad smile and a clasped gesture of camaraderie.