N-A-A Chapter 63: The First 7
Chapter 63: The First 7
The seventh day after Big B's death.
With the change of leadership in Hung Hing and the mysterious death of Big B, this funeral became the most watched event in the underworld recently. Various triads, underworld figures, and even some business people who had business dealings with Big B sent representatives or attended in person.
Song Zhaowen, dressed in a black suit with a white flower pinned to his chest, slowly walked into the mourning hall, accompanied by Xiao Zhuoxiao and Wu Zhaoyong.
His arrival attracted a lot of attention. He was a rising star, the head of Tin Shui Wai, and was very popular. Moreover, it was said that he had a good personal relationship with Big B.
Rongzai is still undergoing surgery in Canada, and only Sister-in-law B hurriedly flew back from Canada.
"Ah Wen, you're here... Waaah... Come and offer incense to your Brother B."
Sister-in-law B, Amei, was dressed in plain white. Her once plump figure was now emaciated, her eyes were red and swollen like peaches, and her makeup was washed away by tears, leaving streaks on her face.
Song Zhaowen stepped forward, supported the swaying Sister-in-law B, and whispered, "Sister-in-law, please accept my condolences and take care of yourself. Rongzai and Amei still need you."
Mentioning the children, Sister B's tears flowed uncontrollably. She gripped Song Zhaowen's arm tightly, her nails digging almost into his flesh: "Awen... thank you, thank you for sending us out... otherwise... otherwise the three of us, mother and children..."
B's wife had seen the autopsy report issued by the police. It was clear that Big B had been subjected to inhuman torture before his death and had been injected with a large dose of drugs, indicating that it was a gangland feud.
As the woman of a powerful figure in the underworld, Sister B naturally knew that if she were in Hong Kong on the day Big B got into trouble, her fate would definitely be dire. Flying to Canada was a stroke of luck that saved her from disaster.
"Sister-in-law, stop talking. Let me offer incense to Brother B first." Song Zhaowen gently patted the back of her hand.
After offering incense, Song Zhaowen walked to the side and nodded to several familiar and unfamiliar figures in the underworld. He saw several leaders of the Hung Hing triad—Brother Kei, Fatty Lai, Prince, and others; the atmosphere in the mourning hall was oppressive and subtle, with most people keeping their eyes down and trying to minimize their presence. To the side of the mourning hall, in a red suit and sunglasses, Handsome Kun sat imposingly in the main seat, with Silly Qiang and his trusted henchmen standing behind him, exuding an intimidating aura.
Who wears all red for a funeral?
Being kicked out by the host and guests is the least of your worries; now, who dares to say another word?
Just then, a slight commotion arose at the entrance of the mourning hall.
Wearing an old black jacket, with a scraggly beard and a dejected look in his eyes, Chan Ho-nam appeared at the entrance of the funeral hall with Tai Tin-Yi, who was also in a sorry state.
Chen Haonan's appearance instantly drew everyone's attention. Sympathy, disdain, curiosity, schadenfreude... a mix of emotions swirled in their eyes.
Chan Ho-nam seemed oblivious to all of this. He simply stared at Big B's portrait, his eyes instantly reddening, his lips trembling, as he walked forward step by step.
"Stop!" a sarcastic voice rang out.
The speaker was a short, stocky henchman named Silly Qiang, who stood in front of Chan Ho-nam. He glared at him and said, "Chan Ho-nam, you've already been kicked out of Hung Hing. What right do you have to come and pay your respects to Brother B? Get out! Don't defile Brother B's memorial hall!"
Da Tian Er glared angrily: "Silly Qiang, what are you talking about? Even if Brother Nan is no longer a member of Hung Hing, he is still Brother B's brother."
"Brothers?" Silly Qiang sneered, "What right does someone who sleeps with his own brother's girlfriend have to call us Hung Hing people brothers? Maybe Brother B was so angry with him that he jumped into the sea."
These words were extremely vicious. Chen Haonan's body trembled violently, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, but he gritted his teeth and did not lash out. He knew that today was the seventh day after Big B's death, and he could not cause trouble.
The mourning hall was silent as everyone watched the scene unfold. The other Hung Hing leaders displayed a variety of expressions: some frowned, some remained expressionless, and some even wore a hint of anticipation. Meanwhile, Leung Kwan leisurely puffed on his cigar, seemingly unconcerned.
"What? Speechless now?" Sha Qiang, pushing his luck, reached out to shove Chen Haonan. "If you know what's good for you, get out of here yourself. Don't force us to physically 'invite' you out!"
Just as his hand was about to touch Chan Ho-nam's chest, a steady and powerful hand reached out from the side and firmly grabbed Silly Qiang's wrist.
Sha Qiang was taken aback, turned his head and met a pair of calm yet profound eyes.
"Death is a serious matter." Song Zhaowen released his grip. "Today is Brother B's seventh day memorial. Regardless of any grudges between them in life, everyone who comes is a guest, and it's all out of respect for Brother B. To kick people out? That's not appropriate."
Sha Qiang was intimidated by Song Zhaowen's imposing manner and was speechless for a moment. He turned to look at Liang Kun.
Young Kun slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of sinister eyes, staring at Song Zhaowen: "You're that Song Zhaowen who sells beef balls, right? This is a family matter of Hung Hing, it's not your place to interfere, is it?"
Song Zhaowen met his gaze: "Brother Kun, it's true that I, Song Zhaowen, am an outsider. But Brother B was my friend when he was alive, and I'm here today to bid him farewell. Seeing people causing trouble in front of his coffin, it's not too much to say a few words of justice, is it?"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd in the mourning hall: "I believe that all the big shots and brothers who have come here today are here to bid farewell to Brother B, not to watch him cause trouble. Brother B is gone, leaving behind an orphan and a widow; that's already tragic enough. Why add to the unease of the deceased and the suffering of the living by showing up at his funeral?"
These words were reasonable and logical, and many representatives from other gangs and veterans of the underworld present at the funeral hall nodded slightly in agreement. Indeed, it was unreasonable and illogical to drive people away from the funeral hall on the seventh day after death, especially since it was the deceased's most trusted lieutenant.
Brother Ji coughed lightly and said, "Ah Kun, Mr. Song is right. Let's leave it at that for today. Let Ah Nan offer some incense. We can talk about it after today."
Fatty Li chimed in with a booming voice, "Yeah, Ah Kun, so many people are watching."
Although the crown prince did not speak, he nodded slightly.
Seeing that several Hung Hing triad leaders had spoken, and members of other gangs were echoing their sentiments, Brother Kun knew that further forceful obstruction would make him appear too heartless and petty. His expression shifted a few times, then he suddenly grinned, putting his sunglasses back on: "Since the big brothers have all said so, then of course I'll give them face. Silly Qiang, step back. Chan Ho-nam, if you dare, come in!"
Sha Qiang retreated dejectedly.
Chan Ho-nam glanced gratefully at Song Zhaowen, took a deep breath, and was about to step forward.
Someone kicked Chan Ho-nam, knocking him over.
Chen Haonan was also tough. He was kicked hard but didn't utter a sound. He curled up, his forehead pressed against the cold terrazzo floor, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, spreading dark red on the gray tiles.
Not only did he not fight back, but he also continued to crawl forward on his knees without uttering a sound. With each step he took, Hung Hing, who was on good terms with Leung Kwan, would punch and kick him from either side.