Chapter Thirty-Six: The Refugee Camp

Mr. Xiang, you’re too kind! I’ve come back to Hong Kong this time merely to handle a private matter. I’m far from having completed my studies yet. The reason I’ve come to your territory is simply to catch up with old friends; I still remember the promise I made to you! Wei Hua replied politely, clarifying his purpose.

Little brother Wei, you’re being too formal—those things are all in the past! Why bring them up? I invited you here today simply to reminisce and offer you some local hospitality. If you need any help with your business in Hong Kong, please don’t hesitate to ask! Mr. Xiang responded warmly.

Thank you, Mr. Xiang! My affairs are just minor, so there’s no need to trouble you. Ah Liang alone will be sufficient!

Very well! Ah Liang, you’ll accompany little brother Wei these next few days. Leave other matters to your men. Little brother Wei, today isn’t the best timing. How about I host a feast for you another day to welcome you properly?

Thank you, Mr. Xiang! Unfortunately, I’m pressed for time and won’t be staying long in Hong Kong. So I think we should skip the welcome banquet. Your kindness is enough for me.

Alright then! If your schedule is tight, we’ll let it go. But don’t forget, if you return to Hong Kong in the future, you must come visit me. I’d very much like to become friends with you. Wei Hua nodded, then left the casino with Ah Liang. They found a bar, sat down, ordered two beers. After taking a sip, Wei Hua asked:

Ah Liang, how have you been these past two years? Is everything going smoothly under Boss Xiang? Have you ever thought about quitting and finding a proper job? There are so few who end up well in this line of work. If something happens, you’re expected to risk your life at a word from the boss. Aren’t you afraid?

Afraid? Of course I’m afraid! But we gangsters have to follow the boss to earn a living, otherwise we’d starve. I’d like to find a proper job, but what could I do? No education, no skills, it’s too hard. Even if I wanted to start a small business, I don’t have the capital. So I just muddle along, one day at a time. Luckily, the boss has treated me well these past two years, hasn’t asked me to do anything dangerous. I’ve been fortunate. Two friends of mine, also gangsters, were hacked to death in the street just days ago. I still shudder when I think about it. Ah Liang said, after a sip of beer.

So you don’t want to continue?

That’s right.

Good! I came to Hong Kong for something very important. If you help me solve this matter, I’ll introduce you to a proper job. At least you won’t have to worry about being hunted every day. How about it? However, the job will require you to leave Hong Kong, but I think that’s a good thing for you. Away from Hong Kong, you’ll be free from the influence of the gangs and can live like a normal person. What do you think?

Really? That would be wonderful. But are you sure you can do it? Ah Liang asked.

Of course! My friend needs someone to help manage his estate in Indonesia. You just need to oversee the workers—it's a complex and tedious job, but I think you can handle it.

Wei Hua, don’t worry! I’ll do my best and won’t let you down. We’ve talked so much about my affairs, but I still don’t know what you need my help with.

I’m back this time to find some Vietnamese to serve as bodyguards, preferably battle-hardened elite soldiers. My friend has gotten into trouble with the Japanese Black Dragon Society and the Yamaguchi-gumi. He fears retaliation, so he decided to hire bodyguards and asked me to come to Hong Kong to find some. I heard the Hong Kong government has set up refugee camps for Vietnamese who escaped from Vietnam. Can you find the people I need there? If not, could you find someone in the camp to act as a guide so we can go to Vietnam ourselves? The situation with the South Vietnamese army is dire; there must be many people desperate to leave. We should be able to find suitable candidates easily.

Refugee camp? I’m fairly familiar with the place. You know, in the past year or two there have been more and more Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong. They’ve started forming their own gangs, and conflicts between Vietnamese groups and local gangs have increased. Local gangs often recruit from the refugee camps. Those Vietnamese will do anything for food—kill, arson, nothing fazes them. Our gang hasn’t lost many members recently, but public security in Hong Kong has gotten worse. You should be able to find the kind of people you want in the camp. Do you have any specific requirements?

Ideally, aged between twenty-five and thirty, preferably with families. The most important thing is character—they must be trustworthy and loyal to their employer. You know, as bodyguards, the employer’s life depends on their protection. If they’re not loyal, there’s no point in hiring them.

That makes sense! Don’t worry, I’ll find suitable candidates for you. Just wait and see! Ah Liang promised Wei Hua.

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