Golden Scale [EN]: Chapter 159

The Lone Venture into the Dragon’s Pool_Golden Scales Are Not Meant for Ponds (1)

“Ugh…” Tina struggled to lift her arm, her head throbbing. The clock on the wall had just struck three. She picked up the phone on the table, and it rang for a long time before someone answered. “Mr. Tian.”

“Tina? So late… What’s wrong?”

“Mr. Lin has been kidnapped.”

“What?”

“Mr. Lin has been kidnapped,” Tina repeated the situation from earlier.

“Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right there. Don’t tell anyone about this for now.” Tian Donghua was already getting dressed as he spoke. *Unexpected events are hard to predict…*

A gray Dodge Ram drove into a small airport in the suburbs of New York. At the end of the runway, a small cargo plane from a delivery company was parked. Several Asians got out of the truck, lifted a large wooden crate from the truck bed, and carried it onto the plane. The driver, who remained in the truck, took out his phone and dialed a Los Angeles area code. “The goods are on their way.”

In the living room of the seaside villa, Tina, wearing pajamas, paced back and forth while smoking.

Tian Donghua pushed the door open and walked in.

“Ah, Mr. Tian, you’ve finally arrived. I was scared to death all alone.” Tina frantically puffed on her cigarette. It was clear she was genuinely frightened; her hands were still shaking after more than an hour. Tian Donghua had no interest in anything else. He reached out his hand. “The letter.”

Tina pointed to the table by the wall, then sat down on the sofa and continued to smoke.

Tian Donghua took out the contents of the letter. It was addressed to the person in charge of the Dongxing Group in the United States, asking him to forward it to Hou Longtao, the chairman of the Dongxing Group. The letter stated that the sender had invited his younger brother, Lin Long, to Los Angeles for a “visit” and hoped that he could also come to the United States soon to resolve the unfinished business between them, to comfort “my brother’s soul in heaven.” The letter was not signed, presumably because Hou Longtao would know who sent it as soon as he saw it.

Tian Donghua also sat down on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and frowned deeply. He now had three paths before him: first, to notify Hou Longtao as requested in the letter and stay out of it, just watching the show; second, to ignore the warning and call the police, which would not only strike a blow against Hou Longtao but also allow him to use someone else to do the dirty work; as for the third path, it was a bit risky. “What did they say?”

Tina repeated the kidnappers’ words verbatim.

“‘Zhina’?”

“Yes, I don’t really understand what that word means.”

“Hmm…” Tian Donghua was now able to determine the other party’s nationality. [“Zhina” is a derogatory Japanese term for China.]

“Should we notify Mr. Zuo first?” Tina put out her cigarette and lit another one.

“Not for now. You don’t need to worry about this anymore.” Tian Donghua took out his checkbook from his inside pocket, wrote a check for $50,000, and placed it in the woman’s hand. “Go home now, and go out and have some fun tomorrow, like Las Vegas, Hawaii, somewhere like that. Go for four or five months, relax. But take out a lot of cash. Don’t use your bank card or credit card during these months, understand what I mean?”

Tina looked up at the man in front of her. He was the one who had given her $50,000 in the first place, instructing her to report to him first if the Lin fellow made any unusual moves.

The Lone Venture into the Dragon’s Pool_Golden Scales Are Not Meant for Ponds (2)

Now, he was giving her such a large sum of money as hush money. She really couldn’t understand what these rich Chinese people were up to. They were clearly friends and business partners.

“Well?” Tian Donghua pressed again.

“Okay, I’ll leave tomorrow morning.” Tina also knew that it was best not to get too involved in this kind of thing…

More than five hours later, at a large estate outside Los Angeles, several Asians carried a large wooden crate into a basement. Twenty minutes later, an Asian youth in a suit, with two bodyguards, walked down the stairs. He only had four fingers on his left hand.

Someone opened the wooden crate. Inside, Long lay naked, unconscious, wearing an oxygen mask.

Two people carried Long out, removed the mask, threw him onto a sofa, and injected him in the neck.

“Ah…” Long’s brow furrowed, and his eyes slowly opened, but his body was still motionless, probably because he hadn’t fully recovered…

Tian Donghua didn’t even notify Zuo Wei before flying to Los Angeles himself. He only met with him every three or four days anyway, so he wasn’t worried about him noticing anything.

It was nearly noon when Tian Donghua walked out of Burbank Airport in Los Angeles.

Two Asians came up to him. “Mr. Tian?”

“That’s me.”

“I’m Yoshi, and he’s Suho. We’re detectives from the Organized Crime Investigation Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department. The department has sent us to protect your personal safety and assist you in your operations.”

“Are you both Japanese?”

“Yes. Aren’t you looking for the Japanese mafia?”

“That’s right.”

“Then let’s go.”

Tian Donghua followed the two men into an unmarked car. Michael Sha did have some connections after all.

“Mr. Tian, should we go to his house now, or to his bar tonight?”

“You’re the experts. Give me some advice.”

“That depends on the nature of your visit. If you’re here to demonstrate power, then go directly to his house and show no respect. If you’re here to show weakness, then wait until tonight and respectfully visit him at his nightclub. If you’re here to discuss business, then you should also go to his nightclub, but you need to be tough, at least showing an equal status.”

“Then let’s go to the nightclub. I have business to discuss.” Tian Donghua closed his eyes; he was a little sleepy…

Little Tokyo in Los Angeles is where the Japanese gather. At night, the Emperor Nightclub there is where most young Japanese Americans revel. On the dance floor with flashing lights, dozens, even hundreds, of ghouls and goblins twisted wildly to the rhythm of heavy metal music.

Tian Donghua, led by Yoshi and Suho, passed through the dance floor and arrived at a semi-circular sofa, where several young men in suits and several girls were sitting.

“We want to see Mikuchi Ryuuko.” Yoshi, after all, was a police officer and couldn’t be too aggressive.

A short man with slanted eyes looked at the three newcomers and stood up. Without saying anything, he walked towards the depths of the nightclub, returning five or six minutes later. “Come with me.”

At the end of the corridor, the music was barely audible. Two Japanese men with folded arms guarded a wooden door. “You know the rules.”

Yoshi and Suho had obviously been here before. After handing over their guns, they consciously raised their arms.

The doorman scanned Tian Donghua and the others with a metal detector and then opened the wooden door. “Go in.”

There were seven people in the room. Two men in black suits sat on the two single sofas on the right, their expressions serious, not saying a word, probably bodyguards. On the long sofa on the left sat two men and two women, all gathered around a glass coffee table. A woman was using a thin straw to snort the white powder on the table. Behind the large desk sat a young man in a gray suit, his face very gloomy, his eyes cold as he looked at people, his left hand, propping up his chin, only had four fingers.

“Mr. Mikuchi.” Yoshi and Suho both bowed deeply. They were not only turning a blind eye to the drug use but also being so respectful, they must have taken dirty money.

“Didn’t we just feed you last week? What are you doing here again?”

“This Mr. Tian wants to see you. He has business to discuss with you. We’re just responsible for his personal safety.”

Mikuchi Ryuuko squinted at Tian Donghua. “Mr. Tian? Tian Donghua?” He actually spoke fluent Chinese.

Tian Donghua was slightly surprised. “That’s right.”

“Hou Longtao sent you? I’m not interested. I only talk to Hou Longtao.”

“Hou Longtao doesn’t know about Lin Long yet.”

“Hmm?” Mikuchi Ryuuko leaned back in his swivel chair, a slightly interested expression appearing on his face. “You’re here for Lin Long?”

“Yes.”

“Hou Longtao doesn’t know?”

“Doesn’t know.”

“Are you afraid that he’ll blame you for losing Lin Long and want to find the Lin fellow before he finds out?”

“No.”

“Everyone out.” Mikuchi Ryuuko slapped the table. He pointed at Yoshi. “Including you two.”

Tian Donghua nodded to the two policemen.

“How did you find me? Why did those two policemen bring you to me?” Mikuchi Ryuuko pointed to the swivel chair across the desk.

“Originally, I wasn’t clear about how many people Hou Longtao had killed. I couldn’t tell anything from the letter you left, but your people revealed that they were Japanese during the operation. Hou Longtao’s only real contact with the Japanese was probably when he went to Tokyo. I checked the Japanese news from that time and could guess a rough idea.”

“How did they reveal it?” Mikuchi Ryuuko drooped his eyes, looking even gloomier.

Tian Donghua explained about the “Zhina” issue.

“Hmm…” Mikuchi Ryuuko’s expression relaxed slightly, and the hidden murderous intent disappeared. It seemed that he had originally intended to punish that subordinate but had now dismissed the idea. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll keep you here?”

“I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Why not?”

“The enemy of my enemy.” Tian Donghua smiled slightly.

Mikuchi Ryuuko narrowed his eyes. The Chinese man in front of him didn’t reveal his emotions, and even his tone of voice was extremely calm. It was really not easy to see through him at once. “I have a very important meeting soon. Come to my residence tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, then I’ll take my leave.” Tian Donghua turned and went out.

Ten minutes later, a subordinate came to Mikuchi Ryuuko’s office. “Boss, someone from the Bamboo Union is here.”

“Let them in.”

Four Taiwanese men entered Mikuchi Ryuuko’s office, all bowing in unison. “Boss Mikuchi.”

“How’s the matter going?” Mikuchi Ryuuko didn’t let them sit, his tone like a master lecturing slaves.

“It’s started according to your instructions.” The speaker also spoke Chinese, with a southern accent.

“How much has been sold?”

“Twenty grams.”

“Baga!” Mikuchi Ryuuko slammed the table hard. “You’re as stupid as pigs! Only twenty grams sold in a whole day!? What the hell are you good for besides having Zhina faces and speaking Zhina language!? Idiots!” [“Baga” is a Japanese insult, meaning “idiot” or “fool.”]

“Yes, yes, Boss is right. As you know, it’s mainly because we have to avoid the Dragon Tiger Gang, and we’re not familiar faces, so it’s not easy to do. It’s not like you can just sell drugs in Chinatown just because you speak Chinese.”

“Excuses!”

“Yes, yes.”

“Get out!”

“Yes, yes.” The four Taiwanese men bowed and backed out, their butts facing him…

The next morning at 9:00, Tian Donghua arrived at a large house outside Los Angeles. A servant led him to the second floor, pointing to a sliding door. “The master is waiting for you. Please come in.”

“Thank you.” Tian Donghua nodded and opened the door.

The room was completely Japanese-style. Mikuchi Ryuuko was wearing a men’s kimono, kneeling in front of a wooden Go board, setting up a game. Two women in kimonos were serving him on either side.

Mikuchi Ryuuko looked up at the visitor and gestured for him to sit down.

“Boss Mikuchi has a refined hobby.” Tian Donghua knelt down opposite the Go board.

“Mr. Tian, would you like to play black or white?”

“Whatever the host prefers.”

“Okay,” Mikuchi Ryuuko picked up a white stone and placed it on the board. “It’s white’s turn.”

Tian Donghua made a corresponding move. “Boss Mikuchi’s intention is clear: to use Lin Long to force Hou Longtao to come and then fight him to the death.”

Mikuchi Ryuuko didn’t even raise his eyelids, just staring at the Go board. “Do you have any suggestions? Remember, I don’t need money.”

“These two ladies?”

“Pretend they don’t exist. They don’t understand Chinese.”

“For a person, simply taking his life may not be the most severe punishment. Making him lose everything he cherishes and loves, and then deciding whether to deprive him of his right to live when he is in despair, can bring the greatest happiness from revenge.” Tian Donghua spoke calmly, so calmly that it was almost cold.

“How can that be done?”

“I’ve already done a lot of work, and I’m only a step away from success, but you came out of nowhere like Cheng Yaojin,” Tian Donghua shook his head and placed a stone. “But maybe this isn’t a bad thing. If you can cooperate with me, my plan will be more secure.” [Cheng Yaojin is a Chinese folklore figure known for barging in unexpectedly.]

“Why should I help you? The blood of the Great Japanese Empire’s samurai flows in my veins.”

“Hahahaha, didn’t you just say that the satisfaction you get from revenge will be multiplied several times? And don’t tell me you don’t care about money. Three percent of the shares of the Dongxing Group would be tempting to anyone. Do you understand the Dongxing Group?”

“I’ve thoroughly investigated Hou Longtao.”

“Then you should know what you can get.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Don’t let Hou Longtao know that Lin Long is in your hands for now. Don’t cause Lin Long any physical harm for now. Let him have fun, especially fun,” a cold smile appeared on Tian Donghua’s face, “heavenly fun.”

“Be more specific.”

Tian Donghua used his right thumb to push against his right nostril and inhaled forcefully.

“Tell me your plan from beginning to end.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t trust you,” Tian Donghua wrinkled his nose. “Hou Longtao is a formidable character. How do I know you weren’t specially arranged by him to test me?”

“You just stated that you were going to betray him.”

“So what? He already knows that I’m not on the same side as him, but he doesn’t know what I’m going to do. How could I reveal the trump card in my hand to you?”

“You won’t even tell me the plan, so why should I trust you? Why should I believe that you have the ability to fulfill your promise?”

“For no reason. You can trust me.”

“Hahahaha,” this time it was Mikuchi Ryuuko’s turn to laugh. “Are you Zhina people all so humorous?”

“I’m just asking you to take a gamble. If you lose, you’re just delaying the time to deal with Lin Long and Hou Longtao by one or two months. If you win, you’ll not only have a more intense revenge but also get hundreds of millions of dollars in clean money as extra income.”

“Hou Longtao has already scheduled to come to the United States to attend the opening ceremony. If I wasn’t in a hurry to deal with him, I could have waited until then. There was no need to invite Lin Long here.”

“You just need to tell me whether you accept my proposal.”

“I at least need to know why you became the enemy of my enemy.”

“Money, power, women, why should he have everything he has now? I want to take everything he has. Do I need a better reason?”

“Hmph, hmph,” Mikuchi Ryuuko threw down a stone. “Have you studied Go?”

“I’ve read a few Go manuals.”

“Okay, please leave.”

Tian Donghua nodded, got up, and left the room.

“Master, are you really going to listen to that Zhina man?”

“Hmph.” Mikuchi Ryuuko overturned the Go board…

Hou Longtao followed Gu Quanzhi into a large room on the second basement level of the Evergreen Building. It was actually a temporary office, with a large number of computers and electronic instruments piled on the ground and desks. Several men in their twenties and thirties were smoking and chatting.

“Come, come,” Gu Quanzhi waved his hand. “Let me introduce you. This is Hou Longtao. You’ve all been wanting to meet him, haven’t you?”

The men all stood up and shook hands with Hou Longtao one after another. “Brother Prince, we’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time.”

“You’re too kind, you’re too kind.” Hou Longtao was a little confused, but his attitude was very friendly.

“They’re the ones who can help us find out the source of Tian Donghua’s funds.”

“Oh?” Hou Longtao quickly sized up the men again. They weren’t very eye-catching, not only not looking like wealthy people but also having a bit of a low-class vibe.

“What are your names?”

“Don’t ask,” Gu Quanzhi waved his hand. “Even I don’t know. They’re just people I borrowed.”

Hou Longtao looked at the equipment in the room. He scratched his head. “Black hats?” [“Black hats” refers to hackers.]

“Think about it. GM’s business with you can’t be settled in cash. When Tian Donghua gives this money to GM, he can’t just ship them a few containers of banknotes. It’s all done through the internet. You young people should understand better than this old man. A few keystrokes, and billions of dollars change hands in the network.”

“Can you intercept that money?” Hou Longtao’s eyes widened.

“No, hehe,” a brown-haired kid with glasses laughed. “We wouldn’t dare. Really stealing billions of dollars on the internet, no one can protect us, and it’s too difficult. We don’t have that ability.”

“Then…”

“It’s much easier to just check the source. As soon as the money arrives, we can immediately enter GM’s opening bank’s network, find out which bank the funds were transferred from, trace it all the way to the originating bank, find the remittance account, and the source of the funds will be revealed. Because we don’t really want to touch the money, the difficulty is not only reduced a lot, but it’s also not easy to be discovered.”

“How big is the chance of success?”

“Hmm…” The man pursed his lips. “We just practiced with HSBC and Mitsubishi Bank yesterday. Maybe there’s one in ten thousand chance of failure.”

“Hmph, good.”

“Once the source of the funds is revealed, it’s up to you whether to confront Tian Donghua or not, but for the sake of Old Jia… you know what to do.” Gu Quanzhi smiled at Hou Longtao…

Back in his office, Hou Longtao received calls from Marry and Zuo Wei in the car.

The three bodyguards Marry sent to protect Long in secret hadn’t contacted their superiors for a long time. By the time it reached her, three days had passed.

Zuo Wei reported that Long and Tina were both missing. They had disappeared silently, as if they had evaporated from the world. He hadn’t paid much attention at first, just assuming that they had gone out to play on their own, but after two days of not being able to reach them by phone, he began to feel that something was wrong.

Hou Longtao instructed Zuo Wei not to call the police for the time being. The situation was too unclear. The worst possibility was that Long had been kidnapped, but no ransom demand had been received, so even if it was really a kidnapping, the purpose was probably not money, so he couldn’t act rashly.

“Ru Yan,” Hou Longtao dialed his office phone. “Help me notify them to come to the company for a meeting this afternoon, everyone.”

“Everyone?”

“Yes, including Yueling and the others, understand?”

“Okay.” Ru Yan knew that something must have happened…

“With something like this happening, I can’t control things remotely anymore. I need to go to the United States as soon as possible,” Hou Longtao looked around the room. “Does anyone have any objections?”

“Why are those Russian guys so useless?” Da Pang rubbed his hands vigorously. “Aren’t you the one who said the Russian mafia is the most awesome in the United States?”

Hou Longtao spread his arms, not knowing how to answer. “Even tigers have times when they doze off. Damn it, it’s really infuriating.”

“All this is too late now. Let’s just kill them with a large group of people.” Ma Lian waved his fist.

“What are you talking about?” This isn’t a street fight. The Russian guys probably didn’t just disappear, they were probably…” Hou Longtao drew a finger across his neck. “And they did it without leaving a trace. What are you going to do?”

“Then what are you going to do?”

“It’s obvious that they’re coming for me. Otherwise, why would they kidnap Long? I’m the one who sent him to the United States. I have to go get him back.”

“He’s not just your brother…”

“Stop it,” Hou Longtao reached out to stop Wu Da. “Even if you want to go, it takes time to get a visa. I can’t wait. I’ll just take Chun Xia Qiu Dong with me. Besides, I’ll be prepared, so there won’t be any problems.”

“Don’t be so impulsive.” Ru Yun had to speak up. She could see that the man’s emotions were very unstable.

Hou Longtao sat back in his swivel chair, smoking heavily. “None of you are allowed to go with me. I want you to promise me one by one now.”

“I want to go,” Yu Qian said indifferently. “It’s not like I haven’t been to the United States before.”

“You…” Hou Longtao’s eyes widened.

“Don’t mess around.” He Liping pulled Yu Qian back.

“We want to go with you,” Zhiji pointed to her sister. “We won’t leave you for a step.”

“Bang,” Hou Longtao slapped the table. “The negotiations with GM will be handled by Third Brother. Uncle Gu will tell you what to do. That’s all for today. No one needs to say anything more.” He got up and walked towards the door of the conference room.

“Everyone, don’t worry, I’ll go see him.” Ru Yun got up first, reassuring everyone…(Golden Scales Are Not Meant for Ponds)