The Mafiosa's Thorn

Garner

Juicy pieces of chicken, beef, and shrimp sizzle on the Korean pit built into the table.

Hei blows a readied piece of garlic chicken before biting it. "Haven't had this in a while."

Jian dips some steak into some siracha. "It's to your liking?"

The Hong Kong leader nods.

Fu and Hei's assistant eat alongside them. Usually, it would be a fun occasion, but tonight has a serious air to it. Especially since Xianmao took an unannounced trip to Beijing. She claimed it was to consolidate power in the separated groups. While she's away, she left a crony of hers in charge of her position.

Jian suspects it has something to do with Orchidea. Whatever what was in that box had driven some fear into the Triad leader. Also, the lack of responses from the rat confirmed that he was dead.

He pieced together that the rat must have had some interactions with his grandmother. Nainai hated Bianca Petali with her entire being and the rat wanted her out of the way to take charge. Two people with a common enemy.

He knocks back some whiskey from the anger bubbling inside. Tonight would have been perfect to take down Xianmao. No longer would his sister suffer under her control.

Hei taps the table with his glass of rum and coke. "Let's talk. I'm on your side and will aid your plan."

Jian squints at him. His note he had slipped into his jacket was enough to convince him?

The Hong Kong leader raises his hands calmly. "It's alright to have your suspicions about me. Why would I ally myself with you against the boss I diligently served since the beginning?"

Jian's eyes stare at him for a hint of deception. The fire crackles between them.

Hei takes a gulp of his drink. "Which is better? To be feared or respected?"

A test of his character.

"Respect. Even if someone takes you down, your supporters would wage war to avenge you," Jian answers.

Hei's eyebrows lower. "Why not fear?"

"Fear is useful, but only in the short term. Respect is treasure for the long-term. Allies, power, and dreams can be realized with respect."

The Hong Kong leader smirks. "Exactly. Your display of courage proved that fear isn't a formidable weapon as she thinks. That's why I want to help you."

Jian tilts his head, asking for a full explanation.

"Because you have the courage to point out our mistakes to better the Triad. Xianmao refuses to acknowledge them unless it turned out to be beneficial for her power."

Jian stops his jaw from dropping. Nothing but genuine words flowed out of Hei's mouth.

The ice clinks in his coke. "Plus, she never appreciates the efforts of our underlings. I had given all the credit for their hard work, but she doesn't hear that. She only acknowledges people like me when it's good. However, she doesn't waste time cutting them down when they fail."

Jian's heart rattles from the sympathy for their plight.

Hei leans in with a question of his own. "Now that I told you....what is your reason for doing this? Think before answering."

He sighs. Honesty requires truth in exchange. He confesses the main reason. His innocent sibling manipulated by their grandmother.

"Hmmm. It's noble of you to protect her. She isn't cut from the same cloth as you. You dedicated yourself to the Triad's teachings more than anyone else. She would drown in our world....But would you go ahead with killing your grandmother? The one who raised you two?"

Another test of his character.

Jian quickly parsed through any memory of his upbringing. The only positives were with his twin sister who comforted him. His grandmother would whip him for even the smallest of failures. She would only reward him when he was at the top of his class, as long as he kept that up.

The stress of a mountain placed on his small shoulders.

One time, he received a B on his report card. His teacher stumbled over her words from his endless tears. He didn't want to go home, knowing punishment was awaiting him. He repeatedly asked her for extra credit or a retake of the recent test. His teacher knew Xianmao's influence and gave him an easy test question that marked him to an A plus.

He embraced his teacher fondly for saving his life...

Fast forwarding to his time in the Triad, he overtook the heroin operation and ran it more smoothly than his predecessor. Not even a small appreciation for his efforts. He sought her approval like a dog wanting love from his negligent master. A dream that will never be a reality.

His whiskey glass cracks from his dragon-like grip. Hei's eyes widen from the burning hatred he has for her. Jian's focused eyes tell him that he will not let her live. His abusive past will be casted away along with her.

Hei's concern turns into a smile. Jian is ready to lead the Triad into a new glory. They eat and drink more to celebrate their secret alliance. Hei reassures him that the other groups will fall in line with Jian as the new head.

Jian and Fu walk away with their hopes up high with their heads down low. When Xianmao returns, they will find the right moment to strike.