Opium Warfare

Copyright 2015 by Justin Bienvenue

All rights reserved.

Book cover design by Gemma Newey

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or physical including photocopying or by any storage and retrieval system without the written consent of the publisher/author or except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and incidents either are product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons either living or dead including events and locations is entirely coincidental.

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Authors website: http://jbienvenue.webs.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePlasmaticWriter

Twitter: @JustinBienvenue

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“The most important kind of freedom is to be what you really are. You trade in your reality for a role. You give up your ability to feel, and in exchange, put on a mask.”-Jim Morrison

“I don’t do drugs. I am drugs.” -Salvador Dali

“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” - Aldous Huxley

Opium Warfare

Chapter 1 - Reminiscence

As a boy, I remember my father telling me a bedtime story about the day my grandfather was decapitated. Sure, it seems like an odd tale to tell a young boy, but I was strong and my father knew I could handle it. He told me because he wanted me to know about our family, where we came from, the struggles we overcame and that started with my grandfather, who was in the fur trade like his father. Business boomed, but only because he made a deal with another man to help him with the money. When business got bad, the money decreased and when my grandfather couldn’t pay his debt, he couldn’t pay the man back, and it was in that moment that things changed forever. My father always said he knew not of the details of what happened entirely, but knew my grandfather got his head taken off because he could not pay the man back. He also told me there was a myth behind the cruel act, but swore to tell me when I got older. He never did after all. I always suspected it being due to something along the lines of my grandfather’s head rolling down the top of a hill of the opium fields where he was killed...I always liked to mix my imagination together with the rumours.

Of course, I’d like to tell you that it was a different time and some things should stay in the past, but sometimes you can’t control what may carry over into the present. It was 1885 when my grandfather was killed, that was thirty-five years ago. My father is now the same age my grandfather was when he was killed. I mention this because, well, I can’t help it. I know he doesn’t have a target on his head, nor does he carry my grandfather’s blood money, but I cannot shake that feeling of dread. I guess in some ways my childhood memories have finally caught up to me and how I should have been scared back then, I am now. One memory I have as a child was an incident where I fell into the Huangpu River after climbing a tree in the park. When I came out, I had a fish in my pants. My father and Liu thought it was hilarious, but I didn’t and I still don’t. Sometimes they still tell that story to people and burst out laughing every time, but I still don’t find it funny. I mean, I was just a kid and that fish was creepy looking...and in my pants! Anyways, the city of Shanghai had come a long way since its dark days, but in a lot of ways, it was no different than it was then. It still had its crime right out in the open as any city does, but this also meant that if you were a kid scampering through the streets to run an errand for your dear mother, you’d better take the back streets wherever possible. I have been fortunate in both cases; for I grew up when it was safe to walk the streets and I have no child to fear for not making it back home. For the time being, the Tsang family tree ended with me.

Lately, things seemed strange within the community. Something just seemed off about the general public. There was no efficiency when it came to coming together or exchanging friendly greetings and gestures. Always in a hurry, or keeping to themselves in such a way that you thought maybe they all had deaths in their families and wished not to speak with anyone because of shock. Obviously, this wasn’t the case, but I just couldn’t understand it; me being a vibrant young man who kept to himself, I was curious and knew all too well how things could change out of nowhere. There has been small talk of something going on within the community as the cause of for its silent shake up, but I, for the life of me, could not figure out what that was or whether or not it was true. I first became suspicious of the town’s activity after a day at the local market. Two men in business suits outside the market on a Wednesday just seemed a bit off. I would have looked the other way and carried on if it weren’t for their suspicious demeanor. One guy seemed skittish. He stood about 5'10'' with a slender frame, slicked back black hair in a ponytail . On his side, he carried what appeared to be a weapon of some sort. I assumed it to be a gun at first, though, it may have been a small knife, I wasn’t really sure. He was constantly whispering to his friend while he kept looking around. I remember grabbing an apple and just glancing over at their direction only to notice the other man’s odd behavior. The other just stood there with his arms folded as if he was guarding something, yet there was nothing to guard.

He stood a bit taller than me at around 5'9''and also had the same black hair but shorter. He had a Fu-Manchu like mustache, but clearly looked like he was trying way too hard, what a wannabe. Like his friend, he too had a weapon strapped to his side. I myself stand at 5'7,'' a bit above the average height. I have short black hair with a good amount on top and a buzz look on the sides. I also have hazel eyes. My attention was diverted when a small boy about six years of age stole a good amount of fruits that he put in his small sack. When some man started chasing after him, I looked on with everyone else and then turned back to my own market goods. I then glanced over my right shoulder and noticed that the two men were gone and what was even stranger was that they were nowhere to be found. I remember the young boy being dragged back into the market store as the man who chased him had a firm grip on the boy’s shirt.

“Please, please I just need food for my brothers and sisters,” the boy said, clearly scared.

I remember the man holding him, looking over at the owner of the small marketplace and shaking his head. He put the boy down and went to the owner to give him a renminbi, but it cost far more than that. I handed the man another four pieces to cover the price and the man shook his head and smiled at me before he grinned at the boy. The boy thanked us and ran off. Before I handed the man the money, I overheard the boy say something to him as to why he stole the fruits.

It was in Chinese, but I know I heard him correctly; he said, “We have no money because of the Opi.”

Odd thing to say, and what did he mean by the Opi? As I was thinking about it, I paid the vendor for my goods and as I was walking away, I suddenly stopped and thought to myself, what did the boy mean by that? I’m not sure what Opi means, but whatever it is, the young boy knows it well and it led him to steal. I had long since forgotten about the incident...until now. I don’t know why I’d forget such a thing, but it just popped back into my head.

With so much going on in this place, I decided to pay my old friend Liu a visit. I could always count on Liu to help me out with whatever, whether it be someone to hang out with or whether I needed a favor he was the man to see. More than likely, Liu was on top of his roof. He liked to go up there and tend to his pigeons and if he wasn’t doing that, he was usually jumping from building to building. Sure, it seems like a crazy thing to do, but the buildings are close together and Liu knows what he’s doing. He was like many of us growing up, always wanting to be a ninja; I grew out of that phase but not Liu. He was so determined to learn the way of the ninja that he once started a fight with a local gang from the block we used to live on. He went into that alley up against five guys and got his ass handed to him. I spotted him from my window and then ran down to see if he was alright. His lip was gushing blood and he was beyond repair, but he simply looked up at me and laughed. That’s the type of guy Liu was.

I walked down the street Liu lived on, his apartment was the last one there. Man, I thought, this place looks like crap since the last time I was here two weeks ago. A huge mound of garbage piled up against the building while the concrete blocks along the bottom were cracked, chipped, and broken off, mixing in with the trash. One of the railings along the sides of the building’s stairs was off its hinges and dangling. I couldn’t comprehend how a building could go from good condition to shambles in just two weeks. I went up the stairs and into the hall. I then made my way up the first set of stairs inside to the 2^nd floor, where Liu’s apartment was located. As I got to the 2^nd floor, I noticed even more filth. The floor was covered in trash, debris, and whatever else one could possibly imagine. There was a small child playing in the doorway of the second apartment as I walked by. I got to the end of the floor and to the 6^th apartment, Liu’s home. As I was about to knock on the door, I realized it was already open just slightly ajar. I knocked on the door anyways and then slowly opened it. I found Liu’s place almost completely devoid of things. All that was inside were a dirty white mat on which, I’m guessing, he slept, an old wooden chair with one of the back legs broken, a small dresser and a table side by side. On the table and floor were what looked like broken glass and rug burns. I slowly made my way over to the bathroom to see if Liu was there, but he wasn’t, just the toilet, bathtub, and rusty, grim looking sink. On the sink were a broken piece of soap and a hash pipe.

That’s strange, I thought, Liu wouldn’t do drugs; in fact, he’s one of the most active people I know. I then wondered if I had the right apartment. I walked outside and looked at the number on the door, which of course was in Chinese, and read the number 6. Yeah, this is Liu’s place, alright. Maybe he moved, I thought. I decided to go up to the 5^th floor and get to the roof. If he wasn’t up there, then he surely must have moved. As I made my way up the stairs, I again noticed the uncivilized and filthy looking appearance of the place. I truly thought I was going crazy. I know this was the place I was at two weeks ago. In fact, I walked the street to this place for a month straight when Liu first moved here. Yet in two weeks’ time since the last time I had been here, the place had become a total disaster. The 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th floors were no different from the 2^nd. Dirty looking floors, stuff all over the place, dents on the wall, and always at least one person hanging out in a doorway of their home.

As I got to the 5^th floor, I went for the EXIT door, which brought me right to the roof. I made my way out and was immediately hit by the sun’s rays just like every other time I went there. After retreating from the sun’s ever so graceful stare, I looked over to the left and saw four empty cages and lying next to the cages curled up in a fetal position was a man who I immediately recognized as Liu.

“Liu!”

He slowly rolled over and awoke before speaking.“Hey man, how are you?”

“Liu what are you doing on the floor and why does your apartment look like crap?”

“Huh...oh, I just...I shipped most of my stuff to Hong Kong, Didn’t I tell you? I got a job as a stunt performer.”

“No, you didn’t tell me, if I had known I would have helped you.”

“Nah, it’s fine, man, I got most of it out.”

“This entire building has deteriorated and your place looks nothing like it used to. I saw an opium pipe in your bathroom. What’s going on? You don’t smoke.”

“I don’t know about the whole place, I never really noticed to be honest, been so busy. I told you I moved my stuff out so I haven’t really been staying here too much and when I do, I’m usually up here jumping buildings. Had to let the birds go, Maybe I'll take it up again in Hong Kong, you know?“And the opium pipe?” 

“Oh, a buddy that helped me move, that’s his. Yeah, he introduced me to this stuff. Let me tell you, if you want to feel metaphoric, just disappear for a bit, that’s what you do.”

“You never do drugs Liu, you’re one of the strongest guys I know.”

“Psh...it’s nothing man, it’s not even a big deal. I’m fine, see?”

Liu got up and brushed himself off. His white shirt was covered in a bronze and light brown stain and was ripped at the right corner. We walked over to the other side of the roof and talked a little bit longer. I told him it was nice to see him and that I’d have to come visit him in Hong Kong first chance I get and he agreed. We said our goodbyes and as I headed for the door, Liu yelled to me.

“Just think, I’ll be doing this for a living!” he said as he jumped the next building and ran off to the next.

I just laughed and shook my head, Liu is active and vibrant, alright, but he is also one crazy son of a bitch.

I made my way down the stairs and just kept on walking, not even acknowledging the people on each floor and the things I had noticed on my way out. I didn’t know why it bothered me so much, the condition of the place, but I just didn’t get how, in such a short period of time, it went from livable to utterly decayed. As I made my way outside, I walked back in the direction from which I came initially. I have nothing to do for the day, so I may as well head back home. As I walked past the small alley between some buildings, I heard a loud thud. I glanced over. Oh, my god, Liu! Oh, dear god, I hope he didn’t fall, holy shit, holy shit! I rushed over to the alley and surveyed the area. Thank the heavens it wasn’t Liu or anybody for that matter. It was just a bag of someone’s trash that made the sound. The odor permuting from the bag was atrocious. It smelled like a dead animal’s carcass wrapped up in a moldy blanket of rotten eggs and body odor. I ran away from it as fast as I could and no sooner did I get away that I saw another bag of trash in mid-flight soar down to the ground hitting the other bag.

God the people who live here are inhuman! Are they too lazy to take their trash to the back and dispose of it properly? No, of course not, I thought people here are off, but this is past “off.”

This was just part of what was wrong with this town. People just didn’t seem to care anymore; they’ve gotten lazy and even the most simple of tasks seemed unbearable to them. I’m just glad I’m not like that, to think of how easy some of us have it only to think that even the easy is too hard. My father would call that Chinese wisdom, I called it an un-necessary paradox. As I walked the streets, I glanced over at Chao’s Deli. That’s funny, the place looks packed. Normally, old Chao was lucky if he had five people on a Monday afternoon and yet, there he was with a full house of people. I sure am hungry, but I would hate to wait a while for food, but...eh...maybe it won’t be so bad. I crossed the street and stopped in front of the entrance. As I looked over an old woman giving me a glaring stare, I smiled politely and she then smiled back revealing no teeth. I slowly gazed back at the deli and opened the door. Hmm...doesn’t look too bad.

As I approached the counter, I was stopped by a man in a suit. He had sleek black hair and wore a ponytail in the back and had what appeared to be a gun on his side. I suddenly remembered him as the man I saw at the market a few weeks back. Hmm...funny seeing him here. I wonder if his trusty sidekick is with him.

“Chao will be right with you, he’s currently taking care of some business,” he said.

“That’s alright, I’ll wait. Say haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”

“No, I can’t say I’ve seen you before. Please step back.”

“Yeah, sure I have, you were the guy I saw at the market with that other guy.”

“I think you’re mistaken, sir. Now, please step back.”

“No, I’m sure I’m right, it was you and another guy outside the market-” We were interrupted by the other guy who was finished talking to Chao.

He grabbed his friend and they began walking towards the exit. I couldn’t help but watch them and I’m glad I did, because the guy I was talking to kept peering at me; clearly, what I had said spooked him, he couldn’t stop staring at me. If he stared any harder, I think he’d burn a hole through my skin. Luckily, Chao appeared when he was about to reach for his weapon. After they left, I turned back to the counter where I was greeted by Chao.

“Ryu! Nice to see you my friend, nice to see you.”

“Hey Chao, nice to see you too. Say, what were those two guys doing in here?”

“Oh, those guys? Just some business about the building, that’s all.”

“I’ve seen them around before, they seem a bit shady.”

“Oh...no...no, Ryu, they are just two men that work for the man who is trying to buy this building.”

I could tell that I was making the poor Chao nervous, so I decided not to ask him anything further.

“I’m sorry Chao, I didn’t know you were selling this place and I was just worried about you, that’s all.”

“Oh, no worries my boy, Chao is not in any danger and I’m not selling the joint. The man, Mr. Shaojin, just wants the building for his collection, he owns a few buildings on the block.”

I got the sense that Chao, for mentioning this Mr.Shaojin, was telling me more then he wanted to or was supposed to, so, again, I just let it go and decided to order something. 

“Oh, alright, good to know you’re staying, cause where else am I gonna get the most tender Beef Sandwich?”

“Ha-ha, nowhere! And you got it, one Tender Beef Sandwich coming right up! I don’t suppose I could interest you in this new sandwich they got over in the States, could I? It’s called a Tomato and Bacon Sandwich”

“Sounds tempting Chao, but I’ll stick to the usual.”

“Alright, well, have a seat if you can find one. Oddest thing, I’m swamped today! Can you believe it?! Ha-ha! I’ll get your sandwich out to you.”

I thanked Chao and decided to sit over by the window, as a couple had just finished and left. As I placed my feet under the table, they scuffed against something. I leaned down under the table and picked up what appeared to be a card. I put it to the window for some light, so I could see what was written on it better. It read: Don’t Wait. For A Better Future Today. Shin Shaojin, Shaojin Enterprises.

I quickly hid the card underneath my arm when I saw Chao coming my way with my food.

“Here you are Ryu, Chao’s famous Tender Beef Sandwich and one cold beverage.”

“Thanks, Chao.”

“You’re welcome, you tell your father I said hello.”

I smiled and nodded. I couldn’t wrap my finger around it, but something wasn’t right. There was no way that Chao met with Mr.Shaojin’s associates because of the building. There must have been something more to it. What did the old man get himself into?

It was hard to believe that Chao could have gotten himself into some kind of trouble or suspicious activity. Aside from my mother’s cuisine, I practically grew up on Chao’s food. I’ve been coming here ever since I was a boy, my father accompanying me. Chao didn’t change much over the years; he’s always been a bit chubby, but now he had white hair and looked a bit like Confucius, if Confucius ran a Deli in the busy streets of Shanghai. I finished my sandwich and thanked Chao. He gave a quick wave goodbye, and I headed out. I looked across the street where I came from and noticed the woman that I had seen on that side of the street before I made my way into the deli. She was with a man who looked sickly thin. They were both sitting on the side of the house where they lived, I guess. As I looked closer, I realized that both of them had hash pipes in their hands and that they were smoking opium.

I crossed the street and slowly passed them and they looked up at me, but still continued to inhale the vapor of the opium. As I walked passed them, I stopped and shook my head. For at least the second time today, I found myself thinking about or seeing signs of opium. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not, but I have a sudden feeling that perhaps my suspicions and observations of the town and opium are somehow connected together. Maybe, I’m just paranoid and it’s really nothing, but then again, it just all seems so strange. I took the card that I found at the deli out of my pocket. With everything else going on, I almost forgot I had it. I thought back on when I was at the deli and I then looked back at the card. I wonder who this Shin Shaojin is and how is it that he knows Chao? Chao seemed way too nervous for an old guy talking with a regular at his own shop.

Who are you Shin Shaojin and who are your associates?

Chapter 2 - Tai-pan

He was a dragon amongst swans as he was sitting Indian style on a luxurious oriental rug in his den. Though he usually wore two piece suits of the finest material outside, inside, he wore the most elegant silk robes. This was a typical day in the life of one of China’s biggest businessmen, Shin Shaojin. After his meditation in the den, he grabbed a glass of his favorite Baijiu (wine), Kaoliang. Sometimes, he drank it straight up, but today he drank Chajiu, a tea liquor with Kaoliang flavoring mixed with hawthorn berries. As strong as the liquor was, he usually held it down. Shin Shaojin was the type of guy you wanted to either be or associate yourself with. He was Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller on steroids. Sure, he was stuck up just like any rich snob was, but only to those whom he thought of as a threat to him. For the most part, Shin Shaojin respected his fellow men in China, but if you crossed him, you would pay handsomely for it.

As Shin sat back and tried to relax, the two men Ryu saw at the market and at Chao’s appeared and interrupted his quiet time. Shin only just positioned himself and closed his eyes as he heard footsteps of the men approaching him.

“You better have a good reason for interrupting my meditation time,” he said in a vulgar tone.

Both men bowed down to him before speaking.

“Forgive us Mr. Shaojin, we have just returned from visiting Chao at his deli to collect your money.”

“Did he give you all of it?”

“Yes, sir, and he also said that next time, he may be a bit late with the payment, but we told him that it’s not our problem.”

Shaojin snickered, “May be a bit late...what an ignorant fool. We should be paying him for him allowing us to use his space, but then again, who is he and who am I?”

The two men did not know whether or not to respond.

“Because he is the indebted mediocre deli worker on his last whim and I am the striving and influential man keeping his business alive.”

“We’d be more than happy to pay him another visit, sir.”

“Very good gentlemen, very good. I’m sure you will and I may even join you myself to show this stupid old fool that I mean business. Was there anything else?” 

“Well, there was this young guy at Chao’s who said he knew me. I kept telling him he was mistaken.”

“Well, did you know who he was, did you recognize him?”

“No, he said he saw me at some market place, but I don’t remember seeing him there”

“What did he look like?” 

“Young guy in his early twenties, about 5'7,'' with short black hair, and could have been a regular, but it was pretty packed in there, I don’t know.”

“Hmm...you didn’t catch his name by any chance, did you?”

“No, sorry sir, but there was something about the guy; he kept staring at me like he knew I was hiding something, course I didn’t say anything. I left with Rezel shortly after.”

“Hmm...that is interesting. Could be nothing more than a curious young man. If you come across him again, keep an eye on him.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

“That will be all, Kazar.”

The men known as Kazar and Rezel left Mr.Shaojin. Mr. Shaojin sat back down and thought to himself for a moment. He thought about what Kazar had told him about the young man. He slowly stroked his beard before his enlightened half smile turned into a bewildered frown. 

After getting some good quality meditation, Shaojin got up and went into his office to go over some papers. He skimmed through them, looking for one in particular. He found it: a deed to Chao’s deli. He smiled wickedly before making a note on top of the page – pay a visit sooner than planned. Shaojin then headed for his closet in the far corner of the room and opened it to get a suit. He examined his wardrobe, wondering which color suit he should wear. After a brief thought, he decided on the classic black. Shaojin was known for his suits, but no one ever knew what color he would wear. Some days, it was black, other days, it was a dark or light blue and sometimes, he even wore a red suit. There was a long standing rumor in Shanghai that you could tell what kind of mood he was in based on the color suit he wore. After changing from his robe to his suit, Shaojin prepared himself another drink, the same as last time.

“Mr. Shaojin? Miss Morgan is here to see you,” said one of his associates from the doorway.

“Ah, tell her to come in.”

“Hello Mr.Shaojin, good day to you.”

“And hello to you, lovely lady. Tell me, what brings you to see me?”

“I was wondering if you would perhaps care to elaborate further your latest business venture for the city.”

“Oh, yes, of course. We didn’t finish our talk the other day, did we? Business is business as you already know. Well, my dear, if you’d just have a seat, I will tell you a little bit about the future I have planned for the city.”

Miss Mia Morgan sat down in a chair as Shaojin sat in one across from her.

“Would you care for a drink?” he asked.

She thanked him for the offer but declined and pressed him to get started with the interview.

“Mr. Shaojin, what can you tell me about this great venture you have planned?”

“Well, you see Miss Morgan, I have an idea for a tremendous opportunity for the city of Shanghai. I plan on building an eighteen story complex building, which will expand in the manufacturing business, and I plan on constructing a few shopping stores as well, which will also be on the same street.”

“This is quite a feat, Mr. Shaojin. So, do you expect there will be plenty of job opportunities for the people of this city and other cities?

“Indeed, my dear. You see, Shanghai has always stood tall and I believe that this will not only keep that idea going, but that it is inevitable for its growth, structure, and longevity in the future. I would say, it could be in comparison with where you’re from in America. Chicago I believe is where you said you’re from?

“Yes, I am from Chicago and it is quite the city.”

“Tell me again, how is it that you’ve come all the way from Chicago, Illinois of the United States to the lovely city of Shanghai to fulfill a job interviewing little ole me?”

“Mr. Shaojin, I think you’re being too humble now; we both know you’re of far bigger importance than you give yourself credit for. As you know, women don’t exactly hold their own in this business, so I am doing my duty not only as a reporter but also as a women’s rights activist in finding the best opportunity for myself and this was a promising one for me.”

“Yes, I would say that you do have a certain charm about you as well. How have you found your experience here in Shanghai?”

“Mr. Shaojin, I am the one that’s supposed to be interviewing you.”

“Of course, of course, my apologies. I am just eager to know more about the beautiful woman who is curious to know more about me.”

Mia slightly smiled, but felt a bit uneasy by the way he complimented her; it was almost unsettling.

“Well, Mr. Shaojin, my last question is: when can we expect this big project to be completed?”

“Well, Miss Morgan, as you know it is already in the works. In brief, it’s in its infancy stage at the moment, but I would expect total completion by the end of 1921 or the beginning of 1922. I know, it’s a long way away, but I think the anticipation will be well worth the wait.”

“I look forward to it Mr Shaojin, as I’m sure the people of Shanghai also look forward to it. I thank you for your time.”

Mia and Mr. Shaojin got up from their seats all together. Mia shook his hand and he smiled back and thanked her for her time.

“Tell me, are you heading back to Chicago right away or are you staying in town a bit longer? If you’re staying, I’d like to offer you a chance to see some of the currently ongoing transactions of my business as well as perhaps taking you out to dinner sometime.”

“I’m flattered Mr. Shaojin, and while I will be staying in town for a few weeks longer, I’m afraid I won’t be able to do that as I will be busy and otherwise entertained for the majority of the weeks to come.”

“Ah, I see. Well, if you change your mind and something opens up, please know that my offer still stands. After all, I’m sure it isn’t every day you find yourself asked out by a man of my stature.”

The two thanked one another again and Mia Morgan was seen out by Shaojin’s secretary.

The secretary looked at Shaojin for a moment before asking him if everything was alright and if he needed anything.

“Everything is well. Thank you, Dahlia. Can you please find Kazar and bring him here?”

His secretary did as told, and Shaojin started pacing back and forth from one room to another.

He finally sat at his desk and resumed going over his papers again. He picked up the deed to Chao’s deli and placed it on top of the pile as a means of priority. He was glad that Miss Morgan didn’t ask him where this colossal building would be built, because then, things could have gotten intense or, at worst, ugly between them. He didn’t need a reporter to know that the building was going to be built where Chao’s deli stood. Just one word of a giant structure taking over a building that has been there for many years could make him look bad and, well, he just didn’t need that right now. Also, he knew how Americans were; they were nostalgic and appreciated old things and small businesses. While he didn’t know much about Miss Mia Morgan, he had a feeling that if she got a little glimpse of what he planned on doing with that deli, she would really show him how much of a reporter she could be. He began talking to himself out loud as he became angry over the old Chao’s stubbornness.

“If that old man thinks he can stop my project from happening, he has another thing coming. Besides, he’s already doing the dirty work for me, yet he still thinks he’ll be able to keep his prized shop. I show no pity to no man, and he may be doing me a favor, but when that favor runs dry, my patience will have run out.”

Kazar made his way into Shaojin’s office.

“You wanted to see me, sir?”

“Yes, I just finished talking with that American reporter, Mia Morgan. The interview went well, but you know how I am with reporters. I want you to keep an eye on her. She’s staying over at the Astor House Hotel. If she speaks with anyone suspicious or you overhear something about me, I want you to come back here and tell me everything, do you understand?”

“Yes sir, loud and clear. Do you want me to bring Rezel along?”

“No, Rezel is otherwise occupied at the moment with another matter I’m having looked into. If he finishes in time, I’ll have him join you. In the meantime, you head over to the hotel and make sure that you’re not being followed and that she doesn’t suspect you.”

“You know me boss, as quiet as a grasshopper.”

“It’s a Praying Mantis, you fool, and yes, you are quiet when it comes to these things, aren’t you now? Hence the reason I’m asking you to do this for me. Enough talking nonsense, just go.”

Kazar nodded before adjusting his belt and his weapon, which was a combination of a gun and a sword on the side of his pants. He then made his way out of Shaojin’s residence and headed over to the Astor House Hotel.

Shaojin got up and prepared himself yet another drink. Normally he’d be done drinking by now, but today has been a bit stressful for him. He felt uneasy about the reporter and his paranoia kicked in. Seeing as he was on his third drink and it wasn’t helping him much, he decided to take the edge of in another way. He didn’t want to feel tense or have a headache that felt like a large locomotive running through his head. He wanted to feel calm, at ease, and enlightened. Since meditating was not the solution nor was it the time for it, he decided to distract himself with his other luxury. He went over to the other corner of the room and reached out for his pipe, but then decided he was going to use a more unorthodox way to smoke his opium. He placed the pipe back on the table and walked a few more feet over to something large in the middle of the room covered by a tarp. He reached over and began taking the tarp off to reveal an unusual apparatus. It was about 6 feet wide and 5 feet high. It was made of a rare metallic alloy with a smooth base for a front, which extended out like the front of a car with seven indentations. The back was what it was all about: with seven medium sized cylinders, which extended out, and inside the cylinders were chambers that all had clear yellow tubes coming out, running all the way to the front connected to the indentations. On the bottom right side of the apparatus was a small lever that Shaojin bent down to pull.

He took hold of the lever, pulled it back onto the other side, and clamped it down. As he did this, a loud sound erupted from the mechanism and water began diffusing from the chambers and out through the tubes. It did this in a continuous loop to prepare itself. Shaojin opened up a small compartment in the mechanism and fed it a globule of molten opium, which was previously held over the flame of an oil lamp. While there was already some opium inside the machine itself, Shaojin inserted his own pure potent batch for an extra kick. He returned to the back of the mechanism in a velvet stool and positioned it in front of the middle cylinder. He placed his head against the chamber and then pressed a red button below it. Soon the water vaporizing within was replaced with smoke, which slowly crept its way through the tubes until it reached the chamber and filled Shaojin’s lungs. Nobody in Shanghai or in the rest of the world for that matter had such an odd contraption. It was called the Urban Shisha Opium Apparatus or USOA for short. Despite him possessing the only one of its kind, Shaojin still frequently enjoyed going to opium dens in town; for one, he owned most of them and secondly, when you’re a man of such high caliber, you can do whatever you want. 

If there was one thing that calmed him down other than meditating, it was his opium. Sometimes, he engaged in both activities at the same time. Shaojin appreciated the drug and all its enlightening qualities. It put him in a state where he wasn’t the corporate tycoon that everyone knew him as, but the young boy who longed to become a Samurai warrior. When he was younger, it was his dream to become an ancient Samurai and learn the ways of the warriors, and fight with long swords and wear battle armor. Oh, how simple times once were and how complicated they had become.

Shaojin did get a taste of what it was like to be a warrior of sorts. He served as an apprentice to a former Samurai as a teen and was given the title of Chuzhong Shentou zhe (junior infiltrator). Very few people knew about this part of his life as he kept it secret from many. He wasn’t ashamed about it by any means, it just wasn’t something that ever came up in a conversation and he liked knowing that people had no clue he had a fighting background. So in a way, it was this time in his life that Shaojin went back to when he smoked opium. A time in his life when he not only enjoyed what he did and had power, but it was a simpler time for him. Having a business and being in control was great and all, but sometimes, it was just nice to go back to the old days of how it all started. 

It was one thing to interrupt him during his meditation, but to interrupt him while he’s taking his opium...well, many knew better than to do so as they never knew what version of Shin Shaojin they may get. Despite this, Rezel stepped into Shaojin’s office while he was inhaling his opium.

“Excuse me sir...”

“You know, this is the second time you’ve come in during my private time. I’m not even upset, though. Come Rezel, sit down and tell me why you’ve come unannounced.”

“I just wanted you to know that I took care of that issue you were having on the other side of town. In fact, I think things will start to pick up in no time and, soon enough, it will come to this side of town and...”

“And nobody will see it coming,” Shaojin said with a wide smile.

Rezel laughed before taking some opium himself.

“Ah, Rezel, where will you be going on your opium journey?”

“The battlefields, boss, just like you as a warrior.”

“Ah, the good life, the good life indeed.”

The two men leaned back without a care in the world or any trace of concern on their minds. At the hotel, Kazar had just checked in to a room and saw that Mia Morgan had also just arrived. He watched her vigilantly and kept his distance as he followed her. She went up one floor to her room and stopped to look around. Kazar hid behind the corner wall to avoid being seen. Mia turned her attention back to her door and opened it to make her way in. Kazar turned the corner and began walking down the hall. As he got to the last room on the floor, which was Mia’s, he stopped in front of it for a moment and decided to walk back down the hall into the lobby. He walked towards the front desk.

“Pardon me, but, which room did you say I had again?”

“Room 201, sir, on the second floor.”

“Right, thanks. I’m so forgetful sometimes,”

Kazar made his way back to the second floor to get into his room. As he was about to insert his key, he saw Mia come out of her room. He stopped for a second to look over. Just as Mia turned towards his direction, he made his way into his room. He sat down on the bed and picked up the receiver of the telephone to make a call.

“Shaojins Enterprises, Dahlia speaking.”

“Dahlia, it’s Kazar. Tell Mr. Shaojin I’m checked in at the Astor Hotel and my room number is 201, if he needs to reach me.”

“Okay, I’ll let him know.”

“Oh, and Dahlia? Do it later; right now is his opium time.”

“Wait, how did you-”

“When you work for Mr.Shaojin as close as we do, you get to know his schedule.”

Dahlia hanged up the phone, went into Mr.Shaojin’s office, and saw Rezel and him laying on the floor.

She ran over to them and found that not only were they alright, but their eyes were wide open and they were smiling.

“Mr.Shaojin...”

“Dahlia! How dare you disturb me! What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m...I’m sorry, sir, I thought you and Rezel were injured, but I see now that you aren’t, I apologize.”

“Hmm...I see. Well, as you can tell we are fine, just in a state of wonder, my dear. Now, was there anything else you needed?”

“No sir, just that Kazar called to say he’s checked in at the Astor Hotel, he’s in room 201.”

“Ah, very good. Thank you Dahlia, that’ll be all.”

Dahlia made her way out of the room and sat down still shaken from being yelled at by Mr.Shaojin.

“Why did you send Kazar to the hotel?”

“A business matter, my dear Rezel, but no worries about that, let us go back to the battle against the Mongolians.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

Chapter 3 - Venom on the Docks

The blade came from an angle that made contact with the neck, slicing the head straight off the body. And then I woke up. It was the third day in a row I woke up from the same dream. The fascination of my grandfather’s death had truly made its presence felt as of late, why? I don’t know. As I rose from my bed, I remembered that today was Wednesday, which meant that it was time to go back to work. I had a job as a dock worker down by the East Bay area where I unloaded and loaded cargo ships. It was a fairly simple job, and the best thing about it was that I only had to work twice a week. My boss, Rafael, was a cool guy who never got on my case. I put on a clean shirt and some junky old pants that I usually wore during my work days. There was no point in getting cleaned up since I was going to get dirty anyways. As I went to get my shoes by the window, I looked out and noticed a fight taking right outside my building. Great, another argument outside my building. I grabbed my shoes and sat down on my bed and put them on. I thought about how the day would go hoping for an easy shipment and, who knows, maybe, I could stop by Chao’s for my break. The boss loved Chao’s sandwiches, always making me go uptown to get us some grub. I didn’t mind, and it was well worth it. I hoped I could go, so I could pay Chao another visit; last time I saw him, he seemed tense because of those two odd ball looking guys that were there.

I grabbed my black jacket from the coat rack. Yes, a young man like me had a coat rack and an elegant looking one at that. My mother insisted I take it when I moved out, I didn’t object, I just didn’t see the point of it seeing as I only had three jackets. I guess she probably assumed they would end up in a pile on my floor and she wasn’t wrong, but they didn’t stay there like that for too long. I went into the ice box and grabbed a bottle of milk. I figured I had to get something in my stomach before work. As I stepped outside my apartment, I looked down the hall and saw an American man banging on one of the doors furiously. As I walked by another door right before the stairs, I realized it was open and I just turned my neck and peeked inside. I saw two people laying on a dirty blue rug with their eyes wide open. I glanced back at the end of the hall, just before letting my foot out of the apartment complex, to see the man still pounding heatedly on the door. He looked over at me and gave me a dirty look, and I just made my way down the stairs before he decided to pound on me for no reason at all, which would have seemed very likely. As I got out, I wondered what that man was there for. I didn’t exactly know my neighbors all that well, but this was the first time they ever had a guest banging on their door and rather vigorously might I add. It wasn’t my concern though, so I made my way down the street and off to the docks.

I wondered what they were arguing about. I know it wasn’t my concern, but I just couldn’t shake it off. Oh well, if it was serious, I’m sure I’d hear more about it when I would return back home. It took me about 10 minutes to get to the docks. Sometimes, it took me between 10 and 15 minutes depending on how things were. As I got there, I noticed a bunch of dock workers near the ship, which was already docked and ready to be unloaded. My boss was among them, but when he saw me, he made his way towards me.

“Well, hello there, Ryu Sunshine.”

He always called me that and to this day, I haven’t the slightest idea why.

“Hey Rafael, early shipment, huh?”

“Yeah, all the way from Singapore, big time fish catch.”

“Fish? On a Wednesday?”

“Yeah, apparently they caught a storm over there and a bunch of fish were just washed ashore.”

“So, that means we unload them and take them to the market?”

“Eh, we’re just unloading them, we aren’t allowed to take them to the market.”

“Why not?”

“It’s for a special client, probably some honcho like Shin Shaojin.”

“Shin Shaojin...”

I suddenly remembered the name as the guy who wanted to buy Chao’s place and the name on the card I found underneath the table at the deli.

“Oh yeah. Shin Shaojin owns half of Shanghai. Always in on big time deals like this, and runs a major corporation.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard the name, I just didn’t realize he was so important. I mean, I don’t really follow politics and all, you know?”

“Psh...I guess, but you don’t have to follow politics to know who the guy is. He’s having a huge building built somewhere in the center of town.”

Then it hit me. This guy wanted to buy Chao’s building and Rafael said it was going to be somewhere in the center of town. Suddenly, it all made sense.”

“I take it he made an announcement if you know about it? Last time I was at Chao’s there were two guys talking with him. They were associates of Shaojin’s. Chao told me Shaojin is trying to buy his building, maybe that’s where he wants to build his building.”

“You don’t say? Well, I certainly hope not! I love Chao! If he goes out of business, I’ll be crushed.”

I realized within seconds I managed to ruin Rafael’s mood, but I decided to tell him the good news, “Yeah, but don’t worry, Chao said he isn’t selling the place.”

“You don’t know Shin Shaojin very well then, kid. When he sets his sight on something, he usually gets it. He doesn’t back down from anyone or anything. Personally, I’ve never liked the guy, but, hey, I grew up here before things went to shit and he walked around like he was the shit.”

“Hmm...maybe that’s why his guys made me feel unsettled.”

“Don’t let my opinion of the guy get to you, Ryu. All I’m saying is that the guy isn’t all he’s cracked up to be. Enough talk though, get your ass over to the ship and start helping us unload.”

I laughed and sprinted over to the ship and began unloading.

There were well over a dozen crates and then some. I looked over and realized that the guys had unloaded an actual dozen of crates to the dock.

“How many are here exactly?” I asked a fellow worker.

“Thirty-five crates.”

I shook my head and got back to unloading. We finished unloading within a couple of hours, and I was beat. We had finished just before lunch time, but I could only imagine what awaited us afterwards.

“Great work guys, great work! Ryu, how about you and I go to Chao’s and pick up some food for the guys?” Rafael said.

“Sounds good, boss, but how come you’re going with me?”

“Cause I want to talk to Chao about this whole moving business. I want to make sure for myself that he doesn’t plan on going anywhere. Yung is a supervisor, so he can watch everyone while we’re gone.”

Hence, Rafael and I went just down the street a few blocks to the center of town to go to Chao’s. We were discussing the shipment today and I told him how we hadn’t unloaded that much cargo in a long time. He laughed and said that I’m young enough to handle it. Rafael was like me, he grew up in this town and remembered the small things that gave him the most enjoyment. Perhaps that’s why he had such animosity for Mr.Shaojin. As we got to the center of town, it felt as though it suddenly got quieter. I don’t know how to explain it, I mean, compared to how it was just a few minutes ago on the other block, things just got so much quieter. Rafael and I got to Chao’s and, to our surprise, the place was closed.

“What? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“That’s odd. Chao’s never closed on a weekday,” I said.

“He’s not selling the joint, huh?”

“I’m sure there’s a more logical explanation as to why he’s closed.”

Unsatisfied with my answer, Rafael began banging on the door. I was suddenly reminded of this morning back at my place when that American was pounding on the door of an apartment.

“Rafael, what are you doing?”

“What’s it look like I’m doing? I want to know if he’s really closed.”

I peeked through the window and noticed that it was dark, but could still make out just enough of everything inside. However, I didn’t see Chao or anyone else in there.

“Rafael, it doesn’t look like anyone is inside. Let’s just go somewhere else. I’ll come back here later or tomorrow and see if Chao will be open then.”

“But I want...err...fine, kid. I just don’t get it. The man’s been here for years and not once, not once, has he ever been closed in the middle of the week.”

We started walking back where we came and decided we’d get some food at another place near the dock. I told Rafael I would catch up with him as I wanted to check out the back of Chao’s place. I went to the back alley of Chao’s deli and didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for, but I felt the need to at least come back here and see if I could find any clues as to why Chao was closed. I went up to the back door on the side of the building and thought I heard what sounded like people talking. I couldn’t make out what was being said, but it sounded like people talking, alright. I wasn’t sure who was inside, so I decided it would be best not to knock on the door and to return to the docks. I had just turned out of the alleyway when I heard the back door of Chao’s open. I quietly walked to the edge of the wall of the building next to me and peered a look around the corner.

I saw a scruffy looking man with a torn gray shirt and ripped pants. He had on black shoes and a dirty wet rag sticking out of his pant pocket. He wiped his nose with his forearm and began walking in a small circle from where he stood to the door at about a four feet distance. He then stopped, wiped his nose again, then looked out into the alleyway, and opened the door to go back into the deli. While my mind began racing as to who I think I may have seen, I quickly rebuffed my thoughts as wild tales and thought that perhaps it was just a worker of Chao’s. Sure, he seemed out of place and a bit strange, but how else could I explain a man coming out of the back door of Chao’s deli? I carried on until I met up with Rafael at a food stop just before the dock.

Rafael and I returned to the docks with about four bags worth of food. As we approached the rest of the crew, I noticed the next ship has just come in. It was about the same size as the other ship and appeared to be carrying the same type of crates, which meant it likely carried the same shipment of goods...fish.

“Can you believe it? Chao’s closed.”

Rafael was rambling to one of the crew members about how Chao’s was closed.

As we began eating our food, Chang, the supervisor, told us that, while we were gone, the ship that had just docked did in fact carry more crates of fish. There were well over 50 crates of fish...on each side of the ship.

“One hundred crates of fish? There’s no way this is from Singapore.”

The captain of the ship came up to Rafael with some papers and he signed them. He then shook his head and seemed rather unhappy.

“Unbelievable. One hundred and fifty crates of rice, herbs, and ginseng.”

“Ginseng?”

“Yep. This is the first time I’m hearing of this too. If I had to guess, I’d say there’s fifty crates each of foodstuff on that ship.”

“Well, at least they aren’t heavy as if a body was in them. Where is the ship from?”

“Says all the products here are from India and Mongolia.”

“Mongolia?”

“I’ve been working on these docks for a little over 20 years and in all that time, I have never once unloaded any crates of herbs and ginseng, and no shipment has ever been from Mongolia.”

Rafael seemed bewildered, but it wasn’t his job to second guess or question what was inside the crates. As far as he was concerned, our job was to unload them and send them off to where they were supposed to go.

“Alright men, let’s start unloading all these damn crates, and get a move on it!” Rafael exclaimed very sternly.

“Boss, where are these crates going?” a dock worker asked.

“We are to unload them and you will stack them up against the wall over there. After that, someone is supposed to be coming by to pick them all up. If I have to guess, I bet it’s that smug bastard Shin Shaojin for whom this is all for.”

Sometimes, when he spoke with such language, you’d completely forget Rafael was Chinese. Then again, when you’ve worked on the docks for as long as he has, it’s bound to rub off on you somehow. No sooner did the words leave his lips, someone offered a response.

“As a matter of fact, good sir, the crates are for me. What was it that you just called me? Sometimes, I’m a bit deaf in one ear.”

“Mr. Shaojin...I-um...I apologize. I didn’t realize you were-”

“You didn’t realize what? That I was here? That I would be making an appearance on your docks? I am quite sure of one thing, your tongue could get you in quite a bit of trouble if you continue to say such things.”

“I’m sorry Mr.Shaojin.”

I was shocked. First at the fact that I was seeing the infamous Shin Shaojin right before my very eyes and secondly, I couldn’t believe that Rafael just clamped up like that and apologized so quickly.

“Now the reason I am down here is because, given that this is a rather large shipment, I was making sure it all got here as it should be. Also, I don’t suppose you have an idea as to how long it will take to get it all off the ship, do you?”

“Well, it took us a few hours to unload thirty-five crates earlier and there’s 12 of us, so-”

“I care not for how long it took you then, nor do I need a lesson in mathematics you ignorant fool. I asked if you have an idea of how much longer it will take.”

“Four hours.”

“Four hours? Unacceptable.”

“Well, you wanted a time and I gave you one, but the thing is, I don’t take orders from you, you’re not my goddamn boss. Now, if you want the crates on time and even earlier, then how about you let me and my men do our job, huh?”

Shaojin’s expression turned from angry to amused as he laughed before speaking. “My, my, haven’t we gotten a little ill-tempered? Calm down. You have your men take their time and have the crates out at your earliest convenience.”

Shaojin looked Rafael right in the eye without blinking for a second as he spoke to him. He then looked around at all of us and then his eyes shifted to me. He and his men then started walking away, but not before he stopped, turned around, and approached Rafael one last time.

“I don’t believe I caught your name.”

“It’s Rafael.”

“Ah, I see. Well, Mr. Rafael, I am sure you can get everything taken care of, and if you ever get in my face and raise your voice to me again, I’ll cut that tongue of yours out myself, shove it down your throat, and hang you on a hook like a fish. Are we clear?”

Rafael did nothing except grin keeping, his mouth shut.

“That’s a good boy. My men will be back in five hours. I trust you’ll have everything done by then. Gentlemen, let’s go.”

Mr.Shaojin left with his men as we all stood and watched them leave, a little stunned. I approached Rafael who seemed shaken and afraid.

“Rafael, are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh...yeah...yeah, kid I’m fine. Mr.Shaojin was just telling me to make sure all the crates were accounted for and that his men would be back in a few hours.”

“Okay.”

“I’m fine. Now, get back to work.”

I walked toward the ship, but then stopped and took a look back at Rafael. Something was wrong. Clearly, Mr.Shaojin had said something to him that scared him off. Rafael was just as nervous talking to him as Chao only mentioning him. What in the world was it about this guy that made people so nervous? As I stood there seeing him with my own two eyes, I didn’t get the impression of an ego driven businessmen who does what he wants. I didn’t really know what I saw when I looked at him, I didn’t really feel anything, I couldn’t read through him. I walked toward the ship and began unloading the crates.

After about three and a half hours into working, we finally finished unloading the crates onto the dock. It took an hour and a half more than what Rafael told Mr. Shaojin, but at least it got done. Now that I think about it, I’ve been so busy working that I’ve realized I haven’t seen Rafael since the incident with Mr. Shaojin. That’s odd. Usually he’d be yelling at us and driving us to push forward and get things moving along, but that wasn’t the case this time. No sooner did I mention it, I saw Rafael emerging from his small office shed. He seemed much calmer than he was earlier, but I guess we were about to find out if that was true.

“Alright, you finished. Good job, guys!” Rafael said. “So, that is everything off the ship, correct?”

“Yeah, sure is boss.” a worker commented back.

“Alright, well, you’re lucky we got it done when we did, because Mr. Shaojin is on his way back with his men to collect. You all did good and since there’s nothing left to load, you can leave. I’ll be expecting you back in two days, gentlemen.”

We all agreed in unison.

I was concerned for Rafael. “Rafael are you going to be alright here by yourself when Mr. Shaojin comes by with his men?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah kid, I’ll be fine. I doubt he’ll even be coming, probably just bringing his men by.”

“Alright, well, I’ll see you Friday then,”

“Take care, Ryu Sunshine,”

I stopped for a moment and finally asked him why he has been calling me that.

“It’s because you’re so calm and collected when you come to work. You always got a smile on your face, you don’t complain, you don’t argue with me, you’re like a big ray of sunshine.”

I just smiled at him and said okay. As I began walking home, I still wondered about him. Given that intense moment he and Shaojin shared and given everything he told me, I wondered if he was in danger. Oh well, Rafael is a tough guy and I’m sure Mr. Shaojin meant no harm. However, I can’t help but think about why I can’t figure the man out and why he’s such an intriguing mystery. I’m sure it’s nothing, I mean, maybe the guy just comes off the wrong way to people. Maybe because he’s so rich and powerful, he gives off that intimidation factor and people can’t help but think he’s full of himself. Well, I’m sure I’ll meet him at some point and find out for myself, but until then, I shall continue to wonder why he is such a mystery to me.

Chapter 4 - Enigmatic

A man jumped to his death from the four story window of his room at the Astor House Hotel. To think I normally didn’t go this way – got to love taking short cuts. I wasn’t like the many people around running up to the new piece of art lying in the middle of the street; instead, I kept my distance. I was walking, but my head was slightly turned to the crowd and it was because of this that I didn’t see where I was going. I ended up on the ground upon bumping into someone. As I looked up, I realized I bumped into a beautiful woman. She had medium length black hair that went down a bit past her neck. Her eyes were a perfect shade of blue and she had a light complexion and a slender figure. She reminded me of one of those aspiring silent film actresses in Hong Kong or Hollywood. I was taken aback by her beauty, but quickly remembered I had just ran into this poor girl.

I brushed myself off before getting off the ground and offering my sincere apologies.

“I’m so sorry, I was looking at the crowd and not ahead of me. And oh gosh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, I wasn’t watching where I was going either. I hope you’re okay.”

Her voice was as angelic as I thought it would be from the brief moment I glanced up at her.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine. The better question is, are you?”

She laughed. “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m Mia,” she said as she extended her hand for me to shake.

“I’m Ryu,” I replied as I shook her hand.

“Do you know what happened?” she asked me with concern.

“Unfortunately, yes. I was walking up the street and just happened to look up and saw a man fall to his death from the fourth floor of the hotel.”

“Oh my! How terrible!”

“Yeah, I was shocked and came over to see what had happened and as I backed up...well...that’s when I ran into you.”

“Well, I’m just glad we are both alright and it’s totally understandable, I mean, it’s not every day you see something so horrific before your very own eyes.”

We both slowly walked together near the crowd of people to try to take a look at the body. By now, the authorities had blocked off the area and kept everyone away at a good distance from the scene.

“What would possess someone to jump out a window like that?” Mia asked.

“I don’t know, but he could have always been pushed...”

“You think so?”

“Just a thought, I can’t imagine someone ending their own lives that way.”

“Yeah, me neither. I’ll try and see if I can get any information on what happened, I’m a reporter.”

Wow, beautiful and has an inside profession; this girl is something else.

Mia was gone for about two minutes, but came back to speak with me some more.

“It was an old man. They said he jumped, alright. He had a note in his back pocket.”

“You got all that information just like that?

“I told you, I’m a reporter, so I have some pull,” she said as she winked at me.

“Did they tell you why he jumped or what the note said?”

“No, afraid not, but it really makes you wonder. Maybe he was in debt or had an illness and just couldn’t take it anymore,” she said.

When she mentioned debt, I immediately thought of my grandfather. He owed a lot of money and that’s what got him killed. I wondered if he ever thought about ending his life before his time, though, I immediately denounced the thought of it as I knew my grandfather was a strong man.

“Ryu? You okay?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about something”

Mia let out a soft snicker before speaking, “It’s alright.”

“So where are you from?” I asked.

“I’m from America. Chicago, Illinois to be exact.”

“Oh, very nice. I’m quite familiar with Chicago; I’m a big geography buff and one day, I wish to go to America to explore, so I’ve made sure I’ve done my research.”

“Yeah, it is a nice place to live in, though, Shanghai isn’t so bad either. I’m learning quite a lot here.”

“Is that so? What brings you here to Shanghai anyways?”

“Well, I was sent here to interview Shin Shaojin, do you know him?”

There he was again. For the third time in as many days I found someone I know bringing up Shin Shaojin, the great enigma.

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard a lot about him lately and I just saw him at my work down by the docks. He was giving my boss a hard time about the timing of when he wanted his shipments unloaded.”

“That sounds like him alright. Try interviewing him, he gives me the creeps,” Mia said.

“Wow, that bad, huh?”

“Don’t get me wrong, the man was nice enough to allow me to speak with him and he answered all my questions, but just the way he came off as someone very smug, and he sort of hit on me.”

“I can’t say I blame him-err-I mean, yeah, he does seem a bit forward at times,” I quickly corrected myself, hoping she didn’t catch that.

“Yeah, the guy is a mystery,” Mia said, slightly blushing.

“That’s what I’ve been thinking too; it seems everyone I’ve been talking to had little to say about him or don’t like him, especially my boss.”

“Not a fan of his, I take it?”

“Not at all; in fact, he rattled him and I’ve never seen anyone rattle him like that.”

“Yeah, he’s a real saint. I got to do my report on him as a piece on businessmen around the world.”

“That sounds interesting...well, aside from the fact that you got to talk with Shaojin, I mean.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I was actually on my way to meet with him in a little bit.”

“Oh, that should be fun.”

“You know it. Say, are you doing anything tonight?”

“I don’t believe so, why?”

“Maybe we can meet up and have tea and get to know each other better. You seem like a nice guy, a lot nicer than Shaojin.”

“Yeah, I’d like that. Where would you like to meet?”

“Meet me here in front of the Hotel at around eight.”

“Sounds good. See you later Mia, it was nice meeting you.”

“Same here Ryu, see you then.”

I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she was walking away. Wow, was she beautiful. Given the latest state of how things have been lately, it was nice to see a fresh new face around here. If only Rafael could see me now, he’d really be calling me Ryu Sunshine, because I was beaming. I never had much luck with the ladies, then again, I never really tried to approach them. It wasn’t that I found them intimidating or was afraid of being turned down, it was just I had been a shy and quiet type of guy most my life and to be honest, Mia was the first girl who I’ve immediately struck up such a conversation with in a long time. My mind was racing and my heart was beating fast, but not so much that it felt like it was about to pop out of my chest. As I walked home, I thought about Mia almost the entire time until I remember whom we were talking about. Back into my thoughts he returned like a menacing serpent ready to strike. It dawned on me that if nobody had anything good to say about him; he’s already implanted inside my mind and I only met him once, only knowing what I knew about him based on what everyone had told me, then clearly he must be poison. Again while I knew not if he was as lethal as everyone was saying, I knew two things were becoming evident: I would be getting some answers soon, hopefully with Mia’s help, and the more people mentioned him to me, the more I started to loathe this Shin Shaojin.

* * * * * *

Chao’s deli had been closed all day. It was the first time in a long time that Chao had been closed for an entire day. People who knew him knew that not only was he never closed, but he never took days off. To his friends and loyal customers, Chao was iron-willed and as strong as they come. What they didn’t know was that Chao was not as iron-willed as they thought he was. He was getting older and times had become hard for him. Sure he had quite a crowd for the first time on a Monday in a long time, but it was by no means a reflection of the way things were becoming.

He had loyal customers and he had solid income for his business, but Shin Shaojin was not a loyal customer. Shin Shaojin was not even a customer. He had a vision of Shanghai’s future and cared not that old man Chao had stood on this very spot for over 40 years. He cared not for tradition or any old fashioned nostalgia or landmark; he only wished to create his own landmark. Even if that meant taking out the current ones and wiping away that history.

Chao had not opened the store, because he knew Shin Shaojin would be showing up, and it rattled him since he woke up. He didn’t want to be bothered, so he prepared himself for the great businessman to make his appearance. He cleaned up the front of his deli for hours, touching up what he already touched up just an hour earlier. He didn’t dare go in the back room, for he felt nothing but shame when he walked back there. Every time he walked back there, he was reminded of how things had changed, of how he had, in a way, given up. He continued to clean and polish his counter. The counter top shined brighter than it had in a long time, it made him smile for just a moment until he was brought back to reality upon remembering why he was doing it in the first place. He was killing time and not in a good way. He thought that maybe he could open the place for a while; surely, people must have been worried about him and were probably wondering why he wasn’t open today.

Tired of cleaning, he sat down and looked around his place. He sighed hard and threw his rag down. He thought long and hard and came to a decision. It probably wouldn’t be the best idea, but he had to stick up for himself and he had to do what was right. He nodded in approval to himself and picked up his rag off the spotless counter and gripped it firmly. Chao knew what he was about to do was bold and it scared him, but he also knew that it had to be done. He heard a knock at the back door. He reluctantly got up from his seat and went to the back and opened it. Standing outside was the visitor he was expecting, the man of the hour with his two associates.

He stepped aside and welcomed them in and closed the door as they entered.

Chao sat in a chair in the back room of his establishment. To the side of him stood Kazar and Rezel and directly in front of him stood Shin Shaojin.

Shin started walking back and forth in the room, slowly pacing as his shadow went in and out from visibility to darkness. It was as if it molded within the darkness and every time it came out into view, it appeared even more menacing.

“So you said you had something to tell me Mr. Chao?” Shaojin asked Chao.

“I thought long and hard about what you said, about what has happened so far, but no more. I will not have any of it anymore.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I am sorry Mr. Shaojin, but I cannot continue to be selling out my back room for such debauchery, and I will not sell my joint to you. I am a man, I am a strong man and this place has been around for many year. Many families of different generations come to my place to eat and to enjoy their stay here. People know me and they respect me and if I go, it’s as though a part of their lives will be gone, and I enjoy bringing smiles to their face.”

Shaojin clapped after hearing Chao protesting.

“Bravo Mr. Chao, that was quite a speech, but I don’t think you believe it for a second. I just think you’ve come to a sudden epiphany and while it makes sense to you now, I don’t think it will in a day or even in a few hours from now. You should know better than to think I would believe you.”

“No!” Chao stood up angrily from his seat.

“You’re just being brave now Mr. Chao, and I am willing to look the other way and let you be for the time being.”

“No! No more!” Chao exclaimed again as he made fists with both his hands, his face red with rage. “You listen to me Mr. Shaojin, I am not allowing you to use my place anymore! Sure, I could use the extra money, but I am cutting you off, no deal! I will not allow you to use me, and I will not be selling my building to you. I hope you can respect my decision and find another place. Chao does not sell out, Chao is a good man.”

“How dare you try to back out of our deal?! You think you have a choice? The whole reason I asked to use your back room is because I felt pity for you. I took it out of the kindness of my heart to allow you to continue to keep your establishment and even make additional money, which we split fifty-fifty so that you could retire and ride off into the glorious Shanghai sunset.”

“But I-”

“No! Now you listen to me! I already bought the building fair and square, so you cannot back out now. Plus you were paying the rent for me in the beginning, yes?  But I said no and struck up this idea to have you keep your deli for a while longer, so I could use your back room. Now what I hope you can respect Mr. Chao is that I am not to be toyed with, and I sincerely and wholeheartedly hope that you are just amusing me because you are old and senile.”

“I am not senile and I do not kid you, Mr. Shaojin. I am through with our deal!”

“NO! YOU ARE NOT THROUGH WITH OUR DEAL!”

Chao fell back into his seat.

“You ignorant fool! This is non-negotiable, and understand that I was allowing you to keep this place, but since you feel that it breaks your oath as a man well...well, Mr. Chao, I’m afraid I will have to be changing our little arrangement.”

Shaojin nodded to his men and Rezel and Kazar grabbed Chao from under his arms and dragged him over to the other side of the room, while Shaojin followed them slowly. Shaojin began placing a white mat horizontally on the floor. He then dragged a large man made device right above the white mat. The apparatus was about 7 feet high and had a barrel of water at the top with a faucet like spigot coming out of it. Rezel and Kazar then laid Chao down and strapped his arms and legs to a spring board that was on top of the mat. After they positioned him on the board and strapped him, they started punching his face and stomach. They continued to beat him up for about a minute until their boss told them to stop. Mr. Shaojin then moved the device right at the edge of the spring board and mat, so that the spigot was lined up above Chao’s forehead.

He then stepped back and turned the knob on the device just a slight inch, so that the water would be out trickling out slowly drip by drip.

“You know what Chao? I have decided to give you one last chance to change your mind. So what I’m going to do is leave you here to gather your thoughts. As you can see I have set up this little device here to assist me, to keep an eye on you so to speak, and to hopefully make you see the truth of how our arrangement should be.”

Chao screamed and pleaded, but to no avail. Rezel then stuffed a piece of cloth into Chao’s mouth to keep him from screaming.

“I’m sorry it had to come to this, but you tried to defy me and back out of our deal. But as you will soon come to realize...there is no other option but to agree to my terms and accept your fate. So I leave you here and let those cold euphoric drops of water drip and seep into your skull. I will be gone for 48 hours, I trust that when I come back, you’ll have come to your senses. I’m truly sorry it had to come to this.”

Shaojin turned his back to his helpless victim and walked away with a mischievous and wicked smile upon his face.

Chao began to weep softly as every so often a drop of water fell upon his forehead.

“Don’t be sad Mr. Chao as long as you remember what is best for you; all will be well and taken care of.”

Mr. Shaojin and his two associates then made their way out of Chao’s deli from the back door leaving the poor Chao helpless.

Chao continued to weep as he began thinking and wondering what is going to happen to him. As he was thinking, another drop of water dripped down upon his forehead.

Chapter 5 - Revival

I imagined her in a long elegant red dress with a light shade making up the straps and stomach area while the waistline would be made up of lovely rose and flower patterns flowing all the way down. I arrived at the Astor Hotel at approximately 7:52 p.m. I always liked to be early for appointments, but considering this was a date, I definitely made sure I was on time. As I waited for Mia to come out, I looked out over to where the incident took place just hours earlier. The area was still blocked off, but there was no longer a commotion. A couple of officers were standing at the site along with a few guys in business suits. It was still hard to believe a man jumped to his death, it was even harder for me to bear, because I just happened to look up as he was falling. As I looked around further, I noticed typical activity in town. People walking, talking, and just going about their lives. Funny how people can be so interested in something that happens one minute and then totally indifferent almost oblivious the next. It was like my father used to say, “A man’s interest is only perceived by his willingness to stay focused.” My mind and focus was shifted when I glanced over to the doors of the hotel and saw her coming out. She gave me a smile and I immediately returned it back. She looked great.

“Hey Ryu!” Mia said.

“Hey Mia, you look great!”

Mia blushed before thanking me.

In reality, she wore a lovely turquoise gown with matching shoes and a gold necklace that outlined her neck.

“So what have you been doing since we last talked?” Mia asked.

“Not much, just went back home and did a few things around the house.”

“So you live on your own?”

“Yes, I got my own place around a year ago, though my family still likes me to visit them every chance I get.”

She laughed, “I totally understand. My mother, father and grandfather are the same way. I take it family is important to you?”

“Yes, very much so. I come from a long line of Tsang’s, strong people from generation to generation.”

“Hmm...maybe I should be interviewing you instead of Mr.Shaojin, you sound a lot more interesting than him.”

“Flattering, but I assure you, aside from my long family ties, I live a pretty common life here.”

“Working on the docks doesn’t sound common.”

“Eh, it has its ups and downs, don’t get me wrong, but I’m just happy to do something I enjoy.”

“Well, what do you want to do? I mean, do you want to be more than a dock worker? Oh, my god, I’m sorry, that came out wrong-”

“It’s alright, I know what you meant. To be honest, I’ve never given it much thought. My friend Liu had more of ambition than I did growing up. He’s a stunt performer in Hong Kong.”

“That’s great. Have you ever thought about being one?”

“No way, I’m not into dangerous stuff like that.”

She laughed and smiled at me again.

“So where did you want to go?” I asked.

“I was thinking, maybe, we could just take a walk around town, unless you know a nice place we could go to.”

“A walk sounds fine by me,” I said smiling back.

We began walking in the opposite direction of which I came from to arrive at the hotel. As we began walking, something made me glance back to the incident site, and I noticed everyone had all left the crime scene but two. I could have sworn that I saw one of the men in a suit hand what appeared to be a card to one of the officers. I quickly looked back ahead of me and to the side of me to address Mia.

“You alright, Ryu?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s just...I thought I saw something.”

“Saw what?”

“Well, I glanced back over to where the incident was and I thought I saw a guy in a suit hand a card to one of the officers.”

“Hmm...really?”

“Yeah, but I’m sure it was probably nothing.”

We continued walking around town, and she was telling me all about herself and I about myself. She told me what Chicago was like, more about her work, and why it was always a dream of hers to become a reporter. I admit that she did most of the talking for the first couple of minutes, but then I told her about myself. Eventually, our talk ceased when we came up to Chao’s deli.

“That’s weird...” I said upon noticing that Chao was still closed.

“What’s wrong?”

"Well, it's just Chao's here. I come here all the time, have been since I was a kid, and in that time, I’ve never seen him closed once, never mind two days in a row.”

“Oh my, I hope everything’s alright.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m really worried now.”

“Well, do you know where he lives? Maybe we can go see if he’s okay?”

“I wish I did, but I don’t remember. My father took me to Chao’s place only once back when I was a kid.”

I could tell Mia could sense the concern on my face.

“I’m sorry, I’m probably making you feel uncomfortable,” I said.

“For what? No not at all. I’d be concerned too. I just hope he’s alright.”

“Yeah, I hope he didn’t sell the place to Shaojin.”

“Wait...what?” Mia asked alarmed.

“Yeah, last time I was here, Chao said Shaojin was trying to buy the place, but Chao said not to worry, because he wasn’t going to accept the deal.”

Mia looked at me now almost remorsefully.

“Ryu, when I was interviewing Mr.Shaojin, he told me he was in the process of building an eighteen story building for the manufacturing of goods and he was going to include a shopping area too. Maybe he was thinking about having it built here; after all, this is the busiest part of town.”

“Oh gosh, you’re probably right. Chao seemed so nervous when I asked him about it. Maybe he did decide to sell the place. Maybe he was just talking himself down; because he was ashamed to tell me the truth, But Chao isn’t like that, he’d never sell out for anything or anyone.”

“I’m sorry Ryu, I hope I’m wrong about it, but it would certainly make sense.”

“Yeah, you’re right, it does make sense...then again, do you think Shaojin threatened him into giving up the place?”

“Hmm...I’ve only met him on two occasions, but from the impression I got, he’s a determined man who seems like he gets what he wants by any means necessary.”

“I was afraid of that...look, I’m sorry, I don’t want to ruin our time together on worrying about a dear friend.”

“Ryu, it’s alright, you’ve got to stop apologizing. I’m glad you told me, because I can probably find out more if you’d like. I have a few more follow up questions to conduct with him, so I can try to dig deeper and see what he plans on doing.”

“I’d appreciate that, but just be careful, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you like it may have with Chao.”

Mia blushed at his concern for her.

“Thank you Ryu, being in this business I have had my share of touchy subjects to get the real scoop on, so I’ll be more than careful.”

I changed the subject and we walked around a bit longer until we made our way back to the hotel.

“Well Ryu, I had a lovely time with you tonight, even if we just walked around and talked about certain individuals we’d rather not speak of” she laughed.

“I had a nice time as well. It seems our mutual acquaintance keeps us connected though, right?”

“Agreed, and I’ll be in touch with you about what I find out about Chao, if anything.”

“Alright, thank you Mia.”

“You’re welcome Ryu, take care.”

She smiled and kissed my cheek, and made her way up the hotel stairs and through the doors.

A beaming smile lit up my whole face. I can’t believe she kissed me, I thought. Get a hold of yourself, it was just a kiss on the cheek. Besides, I’m not acting very mature about this, I’m acting like a giddy child, but it was still very nice.

It became a bit cold as I began walking home. The wind had picked up quite a bit, but luckily for me, it was in the opposite direction of where I was walking, so my back would be against it. I walked down the long street before taking a right. As I got a little bit past the corner of the street, I stopped a moment, hearing some faint commotion. I glanced down the long alleyway and noticed what used to be an elaborate building, which I guessed was a temple. However, this was far from a temple now. It clearly looked like it was abandoned for quite some time, but was recently turned into something else. The beautiful clay patterns that once made up the roofs were now chipped and were hung with an ivy type plant that was clearly evident all around. The windows were merely square frames with no trace of glass ever having been there. There were solid wooden pedestals that held up the roof and made up the porch, which was slightly crooked leaning to the right.

I began to walk toward the building to get a better look at it and as I got closer, the faint sounds became louder and shadows more manifest. I kept walking until I was a few feet away from the building. What I thought I saw as silhouettes and outlines of people sitting on the porch were merely phantasms constructed by my mind. What I also noticed that I did not before was a dirty white sheet hanging in place of where a door should have been. I walked up the broken steps and stood next to the sheet to see if I could hear anything more. It was the oddest thing; I heard nothing but the whistling of the wind behind me.

The chatter and echoes I clearly heard when I was out on the street suddenly died out. I took the sheet down, stepped inside and, low and behold, I saw people sitting and laying on the faded gray wooden floor boards. There were seven people all scattered about the room. What stood out to me was that, while not all of them had a blanket or some type of sheet or clothing to lie on, they all had one thing in common: they were all smoking opium. 

I was astounded by the display. I’d seen people doing opium lately, but this topped all of what I’ve witnessed. Some of them looked at me, but were clearly in no state to acknowledge me; in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them didn’t even know I was there. It became obvious to me that I was standing in an opium den, a man made opium den

Out of respect, shock, and an overall feeling that I was clearly out of my territory, I made my way out of there and fast. After I separated a good distance between myself and the den, I slowed my pace. I never expected to come across that and see what I saw. It was all starting to make sense to me though; opium was becoming more and more prominent and I just stepped into one of the layers of it. I kept walking and was just two blocks away from my home. I glanced over before I crossed the street and noticed on the second floor of an apartment building was a man sitting outside his window. From the way he was positioned and by his features that I could make out, he reminded me of Liu. Liu was always jumping into and out of windows, over fences, and through small cracks. I crossed the street and looked back up and noticed the man was gone, but saw smoke permuting from out his window. Since I knew he wasn’t announcing the newest Pope, I figured his house was either showing small signs of catching fire or, the more obvious assumption, he too was smoking opium.

I shook my head and kept on walking home. I decided it was best if I just kept looking straight ahead and went home, not stopping to observe anything else, but that proved hard to do. I like to think of myself as a very observant person, but no more observant than anyone else. This, however, was not the case tonight as my senses seemed to be on high alert, and it seemed that everywhere I looked, I saw something peculiar or suspicious. As I approached the last block to my home, I came across buildings, which were so close together that it seemed like they could be one big giant construction. These two buildings seemed to stand out more than the others on the block. They had quite a lot of commotion going on as there were quite a lot of people standing outside of them. Perhaps, they were holding a party or having a meeting or gathering...only it was late, and around here, nobody stood outside of a building nonchalantly at this time of day.

Maybe my thoughts were getting the best of me, but I knew better; after the last two things I witnessed, I was sure that what I was seeing now was somehow connected to them. It was dark and I may not have been able to see much, but I was sure I felt some of those people’s eyes on me. Watching me like large birds ready to strike their prey. I stopped for a moment and looked over across the street trying to see if I could get a better look at what they were doing. It was dark, but there was a glimmer of light shining in that direction which could help me see. Suddenly, I saw one of the men looking at me, I was sure of it. His head was facing the guy in front of him, but then turned toward my direction. He tilted his head to the side, and I just stood there frozen. Then the guy whom he was facing looked over at me. The first guy who was rather large or at least he appeared to be in the dark started walking toward me. Everyone else stopped talking and watched him walking over to me. Not wanting a confrontation and obviously observing something I shouldn’t have, I decided to keep walking, though, I walked a bit faster than normal seeing as I had angered these people. It’s kind of funny really. Lately, I’ve been seeing small indications of opium use and strange activity going on, but I didn’t think anything of it, and now, I witnessed clear signs of it on three separate occasions in less than five minutes of each other. I could have been jumping to conclusions, I mean, after all, I didn’t know if those guys were doing opium, but I wouldn't put it past them and it wouldn’t have surprised me in the slightest if they were. As I kept walking, I looked back behind me and noticed that, while the guy who was looking over at me had crossed the street, he had stopped walking and wasn’t following me anymore. I sighed in relief and was thankful that it did not get ugly. I made my way home to my apartment and closed the door. I took off my jacket, hung it up on the coat rack, and then made my way over to my bed and just collapsed on it. What a day, I thought. I almost forgot what a great time I had with Mia, because of all the things I saw when walking home.

I was in deep thought when my phone rang. I got up and picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Ryu, sweetie, I’ve been calling for over an hour. When are you coming by for dinner?”

“Hello Mother, I’m sorry, things have been hectic, and I just got home. I can stop by Saturday. I have work tomorrow and have something planned this Friday, but I’m free otherwise.”

“That would be fine. Your father was wondering if you have been by Chao’s lately. He said the place looked closed the other day.”

“No, I was there last week, but I noticed he was closed as well. I was going to go there during break at work tomorrow, so I’ll let father know what’s going on then.”

“Alright, that sounds fine. Goodbye dear.”

“Goodbye Mother, see you on Saturday.”

I knew my mother would call. She always calls to ask when I’m coming by for dinner. I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed something was amiss with Chao. Although I’m sure my father and I were just two of many other people who were also wondering about Chao. I decided to get some rest, since I had work in the morning. I just hope things were back to normal and Rafael would be in high spirits the next time I see him. The last time I saw him was when he had that encounter with Shin Shaojin and was really rattled. I’m sure he was back to his shining peachy self.

Before I went to sleep, I went to my window to pull the curtain down. As I looked out,  I saw a man. It was the same man who I saw hanging out his window when I was walking home. The man who I figured was probably smoking opium just like everyone else I encountered earlier. Thankfully, it wasn’t the one I was eyeing from across the street that began coming towards me. All these odd happenings were making my head hurt. He stood out there, but rather than observe what he was doing or what he was going to do, I decided I didn’t care, I’d had enough for one night, and went back to my bed and laid down. I decided that now more than ever I needed some sleep. These odd happenings, coincidences, or whatever you want to call them were all happening too much and it was too stressful to think about. The more I thought about it, the more it made my head hurt. Once again, I wondered if Shin Shaojin was connected to this in some way. The man just stuck out too much to me. Oh well, enough is enough for one night. I held my head as I lay in bed staring at the blank white wall. I should be thinking about Mia and the wonderful time we had, but too many odd occurrences have happened today, and something tells me I won’t be dreaming happy dreams tonight.

* * * * * *

Chao lay put in the same spot he had for almost two days now. A small water drop found its place upon his head where it disappeared upon making contact. He had no clue what time it was and had lost count as to how many drops of the innocent yet deadly drops of the liquid’s injustice fell upon his head. He lay there for what seemed like a week, but in reality, it was only two days. Of course, when a man is lying helpless and unable to move with nothing to do but think, the mind makes its own assumptions. He remembered when the water felt cool upon his skin, which was in the beginning back when Shin Shaojin and his goons first installed this mechanism. Those first fifty drops or so, give or take, felt okay and then, not so much. After he lost count, consciousness, and his train of thought, was also when the drops became more lukewarm.

Chao felt as though the drops evolved over time. At first they were cool and he felt as long as they were cool he could keep counting them, but then they turned warm and he was losing himself. Slowly his mind began to unravel, and the drops felt stagnant, and then they felt raw hitting his forehead. After a while, Chao became so used to the drops that he stopped feeling them altogether. Every now and then, he felt a slight stinging tap upon his head, but it no longer clouded his thoughts, it became his thoughts. To make matters worse, he swore he heard rats making noise. As clean of an establishment as Chao knew he ran, he knew rats always had a possibility of finding their way in. He wasn’t afraid of them; in fact, he grew quite fond of them as a boy, but then, he wasn’t laying here helpless. Back when he was a boy, he didn’t think much of what sewer a rat crawled out of or of how wretched and dirty it was. Then suddenly, Chao felt something else on him, but this time, it wasn’t a simple erratic drop upon his head. Since he was strapped down, he couldn’t look down to his feet to see it. There was a small rat gnawing on his shoe. Then he heard it squeak and his eyes widened.

Slowly he felt the rat crawl up his leg and into his lap. Chao began to whimper frantically. He felt it slowly crawling on him and he lay there helpless, unable to do anything about it. It was like an itch he couldn’t scratch. Like one of those itchy feelings inside the ear that you know you can’t get to and wish you could open your ear like a door to scratch it. This however was no simple itch, and Chao’s focus was no longer on the drops upon his head but the rat by his lap. If only he could just shoo it away, he would be happy, but he couldn’t. His arms were strapped down firmly and in the entire time he spent there, he never once thought of trying to break the straps until now. Then before he knew it, his focus was back on the drops hitting his head. He didn’t know whether it was the drops themselves or his simple will of mind to concentrate on them, but his attention was back on them.

The door to Chao’s opened and in came Shin Shaojin and two of his men. Shin slowly approached as his two men stood by the door. He smiled jubilantly as he looked down at his helpless victim.

“Ah, well, hello there Chao. And what’s this? Ah, I see you have had a little friend keeping you company. Nín hao máoróngrong de niPchi dbngwj (Hello furry rodent).”

Chao mumbled something, but Shin could not make out what he said. So he took out the rag in his mouth.

“Come again Chao?”

“Get the rat off me, please!”

“Is that the only thing you want off you?”

“Get the rat off, get the water off, get it all off!”

Shin chuckles loudly.

“I will do just that Chao, but that is up to you now, isn’t it?”

“You stop talking in questions, and free me!”

“So, Mr. Chao, I assume this means that you have thought long and hard about what I said the other day and you’ve come to a realization? Because if you haven’t, then I shall not only leave you here, but I’ll make your little friend here feast on your flesh.”

“Yes! Chao has changed his mind. You can have the back room, the building, all of it! Now get me out of this.”

Shin looked over to his two men and nodded as a sign for them to let Chao off the device. Just before they undid the straps, Shin picked the rat off Chao’s lap, and they slowly helped Chao off the device. Chao let out a deep sigh of relief as both men held each one of his arms and helped him to his feet. Chao let out another sigh, and he looked over to one of the men and spit on his face.

Rezel, the man whose face he spit on, wiped the saliva off his face and then clocked Chao in the jaw with a vicious right hook, sending the old man to the floor. Shin looked over with a bewildered expression on his face.

“What? The old man spit on my face, so I punched him.”

“I’m surprised he had any spit built up in him given the time he’s been here. Help him up, and Kazar, get him some water.”

Rezel helped Chao up as Kazar got him some water. Shin slapped Chao across the face to wake him up.

“Oh...ugh...”

“Mr. Chao, that was quite foolish of you, but I understand you’ve been in a bad state for the last two days.”

“I...ugh...you can have my deli. I don’t want any more trouble.”

“Ah, a very wise decision Chao, a very wise decision indeed.”

“Yes, I don’t want any more trouble...you let Chao go now?” Chao asked, clearly still out of it.

“I hate to sound like I’m not keeping my word, but I just remembered that if I let you go, I risk the chance of you telling someone what I did to you here.”

“No, I won’t say a word!”

“I wish I could believe you Chao but I...I just don’t know. Besides, I’m rather curious as to what I said earlier about this little guy here eating at your flesh.”

Shin then nodded to his men as they each grabbed his arms and held him tightly.

“No!! No, please!”

The two men put Chao down back onto the device, and Shin returned from the kitchen area with a metal bucket in one hand while still holding the rat in the other.

Chao at the corner of his eye saw what Shin was holding in his hands and began to yell.

Shin stood there for a moment looking down at Chao and contemplated his next move.

“You know what, I’ve changed my mind; I won’t do this to you Chao. I trust you won’t tell anyone.”

Shin told his men to help him back up, but still kept holding onto his arms.

“Oh, thank you Mr. Shaojin, I promise Chao won’t tell a soul. You can have this place, I take the money and go to another place, I won’t tell a soul.”

Shin Shaojin then reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a medium sized pistol sword that looked similar to a Smoothbore Elgin Caliber, only this one had more of a straight handle, which was the color of burgundy and was equipped with a 12.5 inch blade, whereas the Elgin had an 11.5. The gun was made of metal for the most part, with two small wooden patches on top and below the base. The barrel of the gun was a few inches before the blade, but was aligned perfectly with it. He then pointed it at Chao and fired it, shooting him point blank in the head. He then went over to Chao and stabbed him with the 12.5 inch knife blade of the gun. Shaojin looked into Chao’s eyes, smiling wildly before his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Shaojin made a quick twisting motion with the blade still inside Chao’s stomach. Chao’s body went limp as Shaojin removed the blade, and Chao’s body fell to the ground.

He looked at his gun before speaking to his two men.

“Do you know this gun was made special just for me? I had them model it after a gun that the American Navy hated. It’s got a few similarities, but for the most part, the gun is one of a kind. Pick him up and dispose of his body at a remote location, I could’ve just drugged him, but I went with a more direct approach.” Shin said to his two men as he was admiring his customized pistol. As he admired the pistol, he said one last thing to Chao’s now lifeless body.

“You were right about one thing Chao, you won’t tell a soul; I’ve made sure of that.”

Chapter 6 - Transcendence

He rode a giant Chinese version of a Phoenix, the Fenghuang, high above a battle between the Ninja and Samurai warriors. The bird hovered in place as Shin looked down, admiring the view of the epic battle before him. In reality, he was lying down on a mat in one of his opium dens around town, dreaming away with the help of the dose of the opium he had taken. Shin had always admired the Samurai culture, so he decided to side with them. He made the bird make a U-turn in the sky as it soared in, flying lower and lower until it hit a large group of ninja straight ahead. The ninja exploded into confetti of red and gold. The samurai rejoiced (and quite unrealistically) by taking off their battle helmets and throwing them onto the air like graduating caps. While up in the air, the helmets turned into dragons and like Shin did with his bird, they flew down and into groups of the enemy ninja. Red, gold, and now even silver confetti flew out everywhere around them. Shin and the samurai screamed and laughed loudly at the top of their lungs, dancing in celebration. Their celebration, however, was cut short when more ninja came swarming toward them. The ninja began slicing their way through the dragons, which when struck, disappeared into puffs of smoke. The samurai, who now suddenly had their hats back without any explanation, began charging at the ninja, and they clashed together. Shin took a step back and watched the battle from afar until a ninja came toward him.

He opened his mouth and fire came blazing out, hitting the ninja mid flight as he fell to the ground burning. Shin put his foot on the burning man, putting him out like burnt cigarette on the ground. Shin then whistled to call for his bird as it flew by his side. He then stepped in front of it and made a signal to which the bird responded by letting out a loud cry. It then doubled in size and its wings and entire body began to ignite in fire. Shin yelled for it to attack as it flew up in the sky and began throwing fireballs, which emerged from the tip of its wings. The bird seemed to almost throw them, because of the flowing motion its wings made back and forth, sending the fireballs forward. Ninja after ninja exploded into confetti as the balls of fire hit them one by one. The samurai did not stop either as they continued to attack their enemies. What once seemed never ending had finally come to a close as all that was left on the battle field were Shin, the samurai, and the phoenix on the battlefield of confetti.

Shin snapped his fingers and some of the confetti turned into a small pond of blood from which his bird began to drink. The samurai then dropped to their knees and picked up some of the confetti, which turned into a mix of taffy and popcorn, and they began eating them. Shin smiled wickedly and began to dance and some of the samurai joined him as well. Shin told the men that the only true way to celebrate their victory is to indulge in female companionship. The men yelled loudly in agreement, and Shin did his best magic maneuver as he made a large group of women appear out of absolutely nowhere. One of the women approached him by dancing in a seductive manner. She said hello and that’s she’s happy to see him again. His eyes widened;  he was taken aback by the comment of her knowing him.

“Who are you? Do I know you my dear?” he asked.

“I am your love, your obsession, your life,” she kisses him.

He closed his eyes to savor the kiss. When he opened them, he realized he was now kissing a yellow dragon. He panicked a bit, wanting to stop, but found himself unable to break free from the kiss.

The dragon asked, “What are you afraid of? Do you not love me more than anything?”

He was finally able to break free from the kiss, and he took a step back. He closed his eyes tightly. When he opened them again, the dragon turned into Mia Morgan. She wore a silky and lacy bronze outfit, which was something one could assume Mia did not own nor was it her style, but then again, this wasn’t her dream or fantasy. He lifted a finger and pointed for her to come over and she did. She had a mischievous smile on her face as she crawled over to him on her knees. He smiled and embraced her lips, only when he stopped to look at her, her face was disfigured and appeared to be melting and drooping down. He shrieked out loud and closed his eyes again. As he opened them this time, he saw a giant fish head before him.

He closed and opened his eyes for the last time, and he saw that he was kissing himself. Feeling extremely awkward, he broke from the kiss and stepped away as far back from himself as possible. Suddenly, he saw his now other self as a drug addicted version of himself. He saw that he’s an addict who's been on drugs for years and looks like he’s about to die. His other self had bloodshot eyes, which began pouring actual blood out of each socket, withered yellowed skin, and his body a frail skeletal frame.

He panicked again and his eyes grew wide like saucers as his addict dead looking self said, “What are you afraid of? You love me more than you love yourself...”

As he began to speak, he realized that the voice he was hearing was not his own, but in fact, his secretary’s, Dahlia. Briskly, he awoke to see her standing before him.

“Mr.Shaojin, Mr.Shaojin, sir.”

“Dalhia! What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry sir, I asked Rezel where you were and he told me. I know you said not to bother you in this den, but I thought you may want to hear this bit of information I received from one of your investors.”

“Oh...it’s alright Dahlia...come sit by me and tell me what it is you have to say,” he responded, still shaken from what had just happened to him.

Shin smiled widely taking in the aroma of exotic flowers from Dahlia’s perfume. It was a surprise to him that he was able to smell anything other than opium smoke.

“Well sir, the man said he would have your latest investment ready and that he would be in contact with you very soon. I tried to ask him for more information, but he said it wasn’t important to disclose and that you’d know exactly who he was and to what he was referring.”

“Ah, yes, very good. Thank you Dahlia.”

“You’re welcome sir, but if you don’t mind me asking, what investment and who is he? He doesn’t sound like one of your usual men you work with.”

“Well, you see Dahlia, he is no investor, he’s an associate of mine. And I don’t know his name, I only know him by his code name, The Charon.”

“The Charon?”

“Yes, let’s just say he helps people cross over to the other side.”

Dahlia swallowed hard at his response, bowed respectfully to him, and exited the den. Shin simply smiled and reverted back to his drug induced utopia. He imagined himself back on the battlefield where he was previously, only this time instead of a battleground, there was a table and sitting at the table were the legendary Mongolian leader, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, and the Carthaginian commander, Hannibal. The table was draped with a golden cloth with tassels hanging from each corner. On the table were many different types of tea including Shin’s new favorite tea liquor, Chajiu. Shin sat among them and they nodded to greet him. Each man drank a different type of tea. For Genghis Khan it was Oolong, for Attila the Hun, it was white tea, and for Hannibal, it was green tea. They drank their tea and talked about the many battles they won. They all got a chuckle out of one of Genghis Khan’s stories when he said he once cut a man’s head off, hollowed it out, and drank soup from it. Shin’s eyes grew wide when he heard the story. Seeing that he was the most inferior out of them all, he told them about his only finest moment.

“Well, you see gentlemen, I am the leader of the infamous Green Gang. I come from a long line of its members and, in fact, one of my ancestors was one of the original men who founded the gang. It is why I take much pride in what I do, especially processing opium.”

The men cheered him loudly raising their tea cups with their pinkies in the air. After they finished their tea, the men got up from their seats and sprinted to a large field of daffodils where a giant dragon hovered. Each man touched the dragon and every time they did that, the dragon changed colors. The dragon began swerving, and the men joined hands and began to sing a song. They started skipping hand in hand and singing while the dragon swerved and danced around them. Suddenly, they stopped and came across a strange looking plant. It stood around eight feet tall and had a turquoise coating with a metallic glow radiating from it. It had a mossy and sticky feel to it as one of the men touched it. The plant had two other branches coming out from each side and making up the top were many violet leaves and pomegranates. On the other side of the plant was a very small door, which opened up and a tiny man walked out of it. He was dressed in a luxurious green robe, and on top of his head sat an orange salamander the size of his cranium, which moved around like a live halo. He said his name is Elchin the Jade.

The men sat Indian style by Elchin and the plant as he began telling them stories. The men listened intently as they ate pomegranates they retrieved from the plant. After he told them a few tales, the men clapped in unison, and the sound of their claps created a vortex and five unicorn like creatures jumped out. Each man got onto a unicorn and they began to ride around  the field of daffodils.

Then they decided to race to see who can reach the end of the field first. Genghis Khan won the first couple of races at which point Attila claimed he cheated. The two got off their unicorns and a heated exchange began between them. Elchin the Jade got in between them and assures them that this was nor the time or place to be angry at each other. He calmed them down, and they get back on their unicorns and engaged in a few more races. Each man won a race after the heated argument, and Elchin assured the men that here everyone is a winner. He then snapped his fingers and the field grew bigger creating a giant track along. Shin did the same and another dragon appeared. Hannibal joined in, snapping his fingers and a couple chariots materialized. Elchin then declared for them to take part in the Utopia 500 and that the winner will get a very illustrious and unique prize.

They all line up and Elchin told them when to go. Shin turned his unicorn into a dragoncorn before the start of the race. Soon the tournament began for that mysterious prize, and Shin, Genghis Khan, Attila, and Hannibal all raced along with their dragons and chariots with ghost riders. One of the chariots was in the lead before Attila took him out with a hip check from his unicorn. Shin was mostly in the 8^th during the race. Seeing that there were only a few laps left, Shin decides to put his plan in motion. He tapped the side of his dragoncorn and it began flying double the speed of everyone else. Soon he found himself all alone in the lead. The others behind him tried to regain their headway, but soon enough, Shin and his dragoncorn have outdistanced them. As the final laps came to a close, Shin smiles widely and raises his hands. He crosses the finish line and was declared a winner by Elchin the Jade.

Everyone began lining up to congratulate Shin. Elchin the Jade stood before Shin and presented him his prize. He awarded him with a purple and green scepter and dubbed him “The Salamander King.” Shin then transformed into a larger version of the orange salamander on top of Elchin’s head. He began swerving around doing a victory lap. After he was done, he changed back into his human form. Elchin told him that he has quite a gift now and he can reign supreme any time he comes back here. Elchin bid them all goodbye and went back into his small house within the plant. He opened its tiny door and stepped inside. He left it open and the unicorns, Shin’s dragoncorn, and the chariots also walked through the tiny door. It closed itself and disappeared out of the plant as if it was never there at all.

Then, Shin and his new found friends lay in the field of daffodils. Shin, realizing the whole reason he was here, turned the daffodils into poppies. Soon enough, the field was covered in them and the men began making poppy angels. Then, they looked up at the sky and began discussing what types of things they see within the clouds. Shin pointed up and said that he sees a cloud in the shape of Confucius. Genghis Khan said that he sees a cloud in the shape of a beautiful Mongolian woman to what Shin responded that only in the clouds. Attila the Hun saw a cloud in the shape of a giant throne similar to the one he had back home. Hannibal, not to be blatantly predictable, claimed to see a cloud in the shape of an elephant. The clouds then became animated and started floating around the men. Shin sat across from the Confucius cloud and they began meditating together while Genghis Khan took his Mongolian cloud woman into his arms and stuck his tongue down the cloud’s head and began kissing her. Attila sat on his cloud throne, which he swore to be even comfier than the one he actually had. Hannibal sat on top of his cloud elephant, reaching up to feed it cloud peanuts.

After a while, the clouds dissipated, leaving the men amongst themselves. Genghis Khan still in an embrace like state didn’t realize the cloud was gone and that he was now kissing the air. Everyone began laughing at him, and he opened his eyes and realized that the cloud was gone. He got angry and took out his sword and began threatening everyone else. Shortly, he threw his sword down and burst out laughing himself.

Soon, Genghis Khan and the rest of the crew expressed that they have to go and they said goodbye to Shin Shaojin. Afterwards, they all disappeared into nothingness. Shin all alone now began thinking, asking himself if he should stay here or go back to the real world. Seeing that he had nothing of dire importance to do for the day, he decided to stick around for a little bit longer.

Shin opened his eyes for a brief moment, then closed them again and found himself in a room full of ninja. He realized he was in a dojo and that the ninja were training. He looked around and saw many of them training by fighting in combat with one another. As he took a closer look at them, he noticed that some landed punches and kicks, which seemed to break off limbs of the other fighters, however, they reappeared immediately after being knocked off. Some even get their head knocked off only to have it reappear seconds later.

Shin got up to walk around, taking in all the action. The ninja seemed oblivious to him being there and were too focused on their training. He wanted to see if they could see him, so he tried to punch one of them, but his whole arm went right through the ninja, and he fell to the ground. Shin realized that he had fabricated a ninja mirage and while he could see them, he couldn’t interact with them. He focused on one particular group training and watched intently, taking in their moves and sequences.

He was remembering the days when he used to be a great fighter. He felt that he still, was but not like he used to be. He was lost in thought watching them train and almost missed something odd. As he glanced down at the mat, he noticed a light silhouette, which only meant that something or someone was behind him. As he turned around, he saw that no one was there. As he turned back, he was punched square in the face and fell backwards. He looked up and saw nothing but the ninja still training.

As he got up, he still felt as though someone was poking him and felt sharp pains in his stomach. He fell to his knees and had his arms around his waist, and as he looked up, still seeing the ninja train, he noticed a cloaked figure hiding behind them. He kept looking around like a cat watching its prey. Then he felt someone strike the back of his head. Feeling slightly venerable and embarrassed, despite being the only one actually in the room, Shin began sliding himself backward until his back was against the wall. He then looked all around the room and focuses his eyes and mind at each group of ninja. At every glance on each of the groups, the ninja began to disappear. He did this over and over again until he finally saw one figure remaining in the room with him.

The blue and white mats turned into water and the figure jumped out and landed on the side of one of the walls. He began walking along the side of the wall while Shin watched him wide eyed. A giant wave came out and tried to take out the black cloaked figure, but he evaded and was now standing on the ceiling. The figure began walking on the ceiling towards Shin’s direction. Shin focused his mind to warp and morph the ceiling, so that it would collapse, but it was only drooping behind the figure whose steps were precisely ahead of the drips. Upon reaching Shin, he jumped off the ceiling twisting his body until he landed in front of him. The figure now stood before Shin saying nothing. He was dressed in a black cloak and seemed faceless as the darkness concealed his identity.

The look on Shin’s face changed from fear to relief as soon as he realized that he knows the cloaked phantom standing before him. The figure extended his hand out for Shin to help him up. Shin shook his head as if in disagreement before an echoing cackle within a deep breath escaped the cloaked figure. Shin wiped the virtual sweat off his head and looked down at his hand to find it bloody. He let out a yell and, again, the figure let out another echoing cackle, which rang in Shin’s ears. The figure then raised his arms and levitated off the ground and started floating backwards as Shin began walking toward him. Both stopped in the middle of the room.

“WAAAKE UPPPPP SHAOJIN!”

Shin woke up and realized he was back in the opium den. However, he noticed that the figure was there as well with him. He remembered being in the room with a bunch of people before. He now knew that his vision of the ninja mirage was his representation of the other people within the room, and he could not touch them because he could not get into their thoughts. He looked up at the figure who, for some reason, was still around.

“Charon...I should have known it was you,” he said to the figure.

“ALWAYYS LOSSST IN CONSCIOUSNESS.”

“Cut your intimidation act. You got me back into reality.”

“It’s always entertaining infiltrating your mind Shaojin.”

“I’d still like to know how you’re able to do that.”

“Ancient Chinese secret.”

“My secretary told me you wanted to speak with me. I take it must be important if you’re paying me a visit and pulling me out of my state of mind, yes?”

“I wanted to inform you that the job you wanted done has been completed and taken care of.”

“And there is no trace of foul play or you ever being there?”

“Is there ever?”

“No, I suppose not, that’s why you’re the best man for the job. This is good news.”

“What was the reason for my service anyway? I don’t normally get summoned to go to a dock.”

“The guy there was a real arrogant pain in the neck. He opened his mouth and bit off a bit more then he could chew. I’d have done it myself, but my men and I had a little business of our own the other day to take care of. I couldn’t be pinned for two crimes in the span of a week.”

The figure known as Charon laughed.

“I take it you’re referring to that old man Chao?”

“Yes, what a foolish, foolish man.”

“Well good to hear you can hold your own, and I am glad I could be of service to you.”

“Yes, thank you Charon. I will have Rezel deliver your payment in a few days.”

“That would be fine, I am a patient man.”

Charon began to walk out the den door before stopping in the doorway to speak. “Oh by the way, I thought you were a samurai type of guy?”

“I am...you implanted the ninja in my head.”

“I may be able to infiltrate thoughts Shaojin, but I cannot manipulate them. It seems that you have changed your stripes.”

Charon then left while Shin stood there alone. Shin thought to himself for a moment and shook his head in disbelief before leaving the opium den.

Chapter 7 - Revelation

When they pulled Rafael’s body out of the water, he was attached to the hook of the ship, which was embedded into his chest. They said it was a one in a million freak accident. He was apparently by himself when it all happened. I was shocked at what I was witnessing. A few of my co-workers had arrived and they tried to get through as I did to see what was going on, but just like me, they were ordered to turn around. The docks for the most part were completely blocked off. The guy who’s usually the first to arrive after Rafael was the one who contacted the authorities. He told us that the lights were still on in his office along with his belongings intact. When he went aboard the ship, he noticed the hook was in the water. Normally, any time a ship is near the docks, the hook is supposed to be on the ship and only when there are numerous people on board, is it lowered into the water.

Our co-worker said he’d never seen a dead body until today. When they pulled him out of the water, it was a sight you’d never want to see. He said Rafael’s skin was like an unripe blueberry, and he had no idea how long he’d been down there for. I had to sit down as I couldn’t take it all in. Rafael was so good to me, so genuine and kind to me since I got the job. I looked up to him and now, just like that, he was gone. The authorities told us to go home and that there would be no unloading at the docks today. I felt that it really wasn’t their call to make, but I guess work would still be there tomorrow, so we all agreed to leave in the end. As everyone started to leave, I walked past the ship down to the deeper part of the docks where there was no commotion. I noticed a small rock just by my feet and picked it up.

“I’ll miss you my friend,” I said out loud while looking out into the water. I said a prayer in my head and then tossed the rock into the water. It was my way of paying my respects to Rafael and saying my goodbye to him.

I then walked back and decided to head home. One of authorities told us we could come back to work as soon as the investigation was wrapped up. What was there to wrap up? It was a freak accident. That’s what I didn’t understand. Rafael was so careful; I mean, he’d been on the docks longer than all of us combined. He always told us to never board a ship alone and yet, there he was found dead at the bottom of the sea with a goddamn hook in his chest. I was definitely interested in knowing if they would find anything else attributed to his death, because for the life of me, it just did not make any sense. I had just left the docks when I saw some of the authorities taking off. Hmm...I wonder what could be more important than this. As I crossed the street, I saw more police officers going down the block. Now, I was curious, but I figured I shouldn’t even bother following them as I was already kicked out of one crime scene, plus one crime was enough for me for the day.

I decided I knew just the thing to take my mind off of Rafael’s death; I’d go to Chao’s. Surely he had to be back by now. As I approached the building, I felt a knot in my stomach tightening. Still closed. To make matters even more uneasy, I noticed that waiting outside the door was the man who I had seen at the deli. I decided to approach him and demand some answers; I had a feeling he knew something.

“Hey, you there!”

He turned to acknowledge me.

“Yeah? Oh...it’s you.”

“Yeah, me again. What do you know about Chao’s being closed? He hasn’t been open in days now and it’s very unlike him, and now I see you standing in front of his place.”

“You’re quite a curious guy. You know what curiosity did to the cat?”

“Excuse me? Is that a threat?”

“A threat? Are you kidding me? No not at all, I’m merely saying that sometimes curiosity gets the best of people or animals in the case of my analogy.”

“Well, I’m a loyal customer and a friend of Chao’s, and I’d just like to know what happened to him.”

“Well, I’m afraid I got nothing to tell you. Now, I suggest you beat it or things are gonna get ugly for you.”

“Oh yeah? Try me.”

The man then pulled out what appeared to be a gold pistol with a blade attached to it. So that’s the weapon he’s been hiding. I took another quick glance at it and it looked like a small saber with a handle and a trigger on it. Seeing this rather unusual weapon, but a weapon nonetheless, I decided to back up slowly.

“Whoa, take it easy. I don’t want any trouble, I just want to know if you know anything about Chao’s whereabouts.”

“First of all buddy, you just got in my face, so I think you were looking for trouble. Secondly, you back away the minute I pull this weapon from my jacket like a coward and thirdly, it’s like I told you before, I’m afraid I got nothing to tell you.”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry. I’m gonna back up slowly and walk away. Can I walk away?”

“Walk away? No, you may not walk away, because you pissed me off with your nose in my business. So just for that, I say I take you out right here in front of your beloved deli. Better yet, I say we fight. I wanna see if you even have what it takes or you’re just some young punk who doesn’t know when he’s in too deep.”

He removed his saber pistol from his hand or whatever the heck that thing was, and then puts his hands down. He then motioned towards me as if he wanted me to come at him. I merely stood there in confusion and bewilderment. Is this guy serious? He wants to fight right here out in the open? I started glaring down at him like he was staring at me. Suddenly he began charging at me and with his shoulder, thrusted me onto the ground. He then picked me up by the hair and dragged me over to the alley. I managed to free myself, and I swept one of my legs under his feet, sending him flying into a garbage heap by the wall adjacent to the side door of the deli. He got up and wiped himself off and then charged at me. He shoved his head into my stomach.

“What was that, huh? That was a cheap move only punks make. I was right; you’re nothing but a coward. I bet your father is a coward too. I bet that’s where you get it from,” Kazar said.

As I was on the ground holding my stomach, I heard what he said and suddenly, I felt a rage rising within me. I was by no means a coward, but to call my father one, well, that was something I just wouldn’t stand for. I got up and to the best of my ability punched him on his right cheek. I sent him tumbling a few steps back. After he stopped rubbing his cheek for a moment, he lifted his foot off the ground.

“You’re no fighter kid, you’re a no good punk. If we cross paths one more time, I’m gonna shoot you with this pistol, and you can rest assured we won’t be crossing paths anymore.”

I lay on the ground a bit dazed after he kicked me in the face, but I heard him loud and clear. He said if we crossed paths again he’d shoot me. I just hope we don’t, because I don’t want to deal with him anymore. As I slowly got back up, I looked around the alley for the man, but noticed he was gone. Well, I guess that’s that. I wiped the blood from my lip and walked out of the alley. I suddenly thought about Mia and how I should probably meet up with her. I was sure she had a more fruitful encounter than I just did. Maybe she had some news for me from her latest meeting with Shin Shaojin.

* * * * * *

Mia Morgan had been in Shaojin’s office for the last five minutes. They made small talk at first she even managed to get the less gripping questions out of the way, but now it was time to get down to business.

“Mr. Shaojin, is it true that you were trying to buy out Chao’s deli, so that you could build your illustrious business building of the future?”

“Yes, but before that, I was using his back room as an opium den!” he laughed hysterically.

Mia laughed slightly, unsure of what to make of his joke.

“So then, you weren’t trying to buy him out?”

“Miss Morgan, I already owned Chao’s deli. I’ve owned it for quite some time now. The only reason Mr. Chao was still open was because I felt he could use some extra money for his retirement, plus I know it means a lot to him, hence I gave him some time so he could gradually adjust to the change.”

“Was still open?”

“Hmm?”

“You said ‘was’ as if the place has already closed. Forgive my curiosity Mr. Shaojin, but a man like Chao would surely have held a big going away party or would at least tell his loyal customers and townspeople of Shanghai that he was closing. So, did you immediately tell him to close down?”

“Ah, a slip of the tongue. What I meant to say is that Chao has another month before he closes.”

“So the reason it’s already closed now would be...?”

Sensing that her questions were now being flung at him with some serious heat, Shin realized he has to be more precise with his words.

“I was not aware that he was closed; this is news to me. Perhaps he closed for a moment to see what retirement life was going to be like.”

“You said ‘was’ again Mr. Shaojin.”

“Ah...again a slip-”

“I don’t think so. Not two times in a row. You see what I think Mr. Shaojin is that Chao had a change of heart and decided not to sell his deli to you, only you didn’t want to hear that, so you did something to him, which would explain why he’s been closed for the last few days.”

“Well Miss Morgan, you’re lucky the people you work for pay you for your reportage and not your assumptions and ridiculous theories.”

“I don’t think it’s a theory, I think-”

“You think wrong Miss Morgan, and you are way out of line. I assure you, I have no knowledge of why Mr. Chao is closed, however as I said before, I think perhaps he is taking some time to see how he adjusts to his retirement.”

Mia felt her heart beating faster than usual. Normally, she would never be so up front with her questions or make such accusations, but she couldn’t help it.

“Now Miss Morgan, if you have any more questions about my future endeavors and the future of Shanghai, then by all means, ask away. But if you’re going to make further blasphemous accusations that are incredible and make you look amateurishly foolish as a reporter, then I declare this interview over.”

“My apologies Mr. Shaojin, I only have a few more questions, and I promise they will be relevant.”

“Ask away then,” he said with an evil grin.

“Do you have any ventures outside of Shanghai? I know many businessmen such as yourself tend to expand into multiple cities and on an international level.”

“Ah, excellent question. I actually have two other corporations and two other Shin Shaojin Enterprise locations, which are located in Beijing, Wuhan, Hong Kong, and the final one is just past the Himalayas.”

“Would you consider yourself a friendly and fair businessman?”

Shin laughed at the question. “Have I not been friendly enough with you Miss Morgan? Aside from my slight sign of anger a moment ago, but that was merely a misunderstanding.” 

“I think it’s all a facade. I think you wear a mask to show us, the media and the public, how you want to be perceived, but behind closed doors and deep down inside lies the real Shin Shaojin. A man who is so egotistical, maniacal, and so power driven that he would sell his soul to the highest bidder if it meant getting to the top.”

Shin’s face turned red with anger, but he soon realized that if he shows his weakness he would just be proving that she’s right, so he decided to take a deep breath, let the complexion in his face settle down, and turned to Mia.

“Well Miss Morgan, we all have our opinions, and here I assumed you thought highly of me.”

“I do Mr. Shaojin, I think you have a great vision for Shanghai, but I also think that it’s more about you and it’s backed up with a hidden agenda.”

“And what would that agenda be, Miss Morgan?”

“I thought I was the one asking the questions, Mr. Shaojin.”

“On the contrary Mia, you are, but if you say I have a hidden agenda, then I’m curious as to what you think that might be.”

“I don’t know, I just know you have one.”

“Ah, so you’re engulfed with uncertainty, but I assure you my only agenda is to see that Shanghai is as strong as it can be.”

“You only treasure what you cannot possess,” Mia said.

Shin smiled laughingly.

“Well, Miss Morgan, I take it we are done?”

“Yes, I think I’m about done here Mr. Shaojin. I thank you for your time and I’ll be in touch with you to let you know when my report is out.”

Mia then saw herself out of Shaojin’s office and out of the building. She then decided to go to the docks to pay Ryu a visit. As Mia got closer to the docks, she notices that the authorities have blocked it off. She decided to head back to her hotel. As she made her way back to the hotel, she saw a group of people standing around in a circle outside of it. She slowly walked over to see what the fuss was all about until she noticed Ryu sitting on the steps of the Astor.

“Ryu?”

“Mia!”

“I was just going to go to the docks to see you, but I noticed it was blocked off, what’s going on?”

“There was an accident, my boss Rafael died.”

“Oh my god, Ryu, I’m so sorry. How did it happen?”

“Someone noticed he was gone, so he called the police and they found his body in the water. The hook of the ship was embedded to him.”

“Oh god, that’s awful!”

“Yeah and to make matters worse, when I went by Chao’s, I noticed it was still closed, and I saw that guy again.”

“Wait, what guy?”

“Some guy I saw at the market a week ago and then again inside Chao’s deli. He drew this weird pistol on me, and so I apologized for causing any trouble and got away as fast as I could from there.”

“I’m glad he didn’t use the weapon on you.”

“Yeah, me too. So why were you looking for me?”

“Well, I just came from interviewing Mr. Shaojin, and, well, let’s just say you weren’t the only one scared for your life today.”

“Oh god, did he hurt you?”

“No, but he got angry. I pressured him about Chao and caught him in a lie twice. I asked him why Chao was closed and he acted as though he didn’t know why.”

“So he didn’t tell you if he knew anything about it?”

“He claimed he didn’t know, but he jumped to defend himself too quickly and as a reporter, I know that as a clear sign of lying.”

“Well, what do we do now?”

“Well, I plan on sending my report on Shaojin back to Chicago, but I’d like to see if I can dig up some more dirt on him and expose him for the liar that he is.”

“So what exactly did you say to Shaojin to tick him off so much?”

“I told him I suspected that he did something to Chao and then he gave me some excuse that Chao’s trying out his freedom to see what retirement will be like. Oh and get this, according to Shaojin, he already owns Chao’s, has been for weeks now, but allowed him to stay there longer so he could collect some extra money.”

“What?! Chao told me he would never sell out to him...can’t believe he would lie to me like that. Though, it would explain why he was so distraught the last time I saw him. That’s why those two men were there that day. The guy I’ve seen three times now must be one of Shaojin’s men.”

“Yeah, that definitely all makes sense.”

“Did he say anything else?”

“When I first asked him if it was true that he was going to buy out Chao’s, he jokingly said he was using Chao’s back room as an opium den.”

Ryu’s eyes grew wide. The minute Mia said opium it was like a light bulb went off in his head.

“Are you sure that’s what he said?”

“Yeah, but he was just joking...at least, I think he was.”

“I think he was being sarcastic and blunt Mia, and I think he was being serious.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been seeing things around town, of people, just normal people around town smoking opium.”

“What? Really?”

“Yeah, I’ve never thought anything of it, but then, it occurred more frequently, like just the other day on my way home, I came across an old building that was run down that looked like it was still in use for something. Then I saw a man on his balcony smoking and then I saw the same man on my street outside my apartment before I closed the blinds.”

“Hmm...well, I don’t know if the two events are related in any way, but if they are, we’re going to need to get some proof first.”

Ryu walked Mia up to the main entrance of the hotel. They said goodbye before agreeing to meet up again at the park in a few days. Instead of heading back from his usual direction, Ryu decided to cross the Garden Bridge and head to the Huangpu District. As he crosses the street, he stopped to examine it from afar. He smiled as he looked at it. Ryu had always loved the Garden Bridge. It was one of Shanghai’s prized structures, and he loved its history. It was the first all-steel bridge built in 1856. As Ryu was crossing it, he remembered the unforgettable tragedy that took place on it just five years prior. The governor of Shanghai Admiral Tseng Ju Cheng was assassinated while on his way to the Japanese consulate when a bomb went off. The perpetrators also managed to get off eighteen shots. Ryu remembered being in the center of Chinese City when it happened. His father had friends who worked for the governor, who also died on the bridge that day.

He continued walking along the historic bridge taking it all in, and he stopped halfway and looked over to his right to survey the Wusong River. Ryu was used to the Huangpu River, which is adjacent to the Wusong as it is the river nearby the docks where he worked. It was quite a beautiful sight. Ryu was always either walking places or using a rickshaw, since he didn’t know how to drive. Then again, one didn’t really need to drive to get around in the city. He kept walking until he got into Huangpu. Ryu didn’t normally find himself in this district except to run an errand for Rafael every now and then. As he looked around, he wondered if opium had crossed the bridge and found its way over here too. It wouldn’t surprise him, given all the random places he had come across it. Sure enough, before he even took six steps into that town, he looked over to his left and saw smoke coming from a small circular building. He thought to himself that there was no way he could be right about that so quick, so he walked over to the building to get a better look.

As he walked over to the building, he soon realized that it wasn’t a smoking den but a temple in which incense was being burned. He sighed in relief and continued walking further. He didn’t know what it was about it, but seeing a bunch of people smoking opium just really bothered him. It probably went back to the day he saw Liu who said he had tried it. He just didn’t see what the fuss was all about. Ryu decided he would explore the local market in the area and perhaps shop a bit; after all, he didn’t know when he might come back in this district again. His market browsing was suddenly interrupted when he happened to glance over down the street to remark what appeared to be the other one of Shin’s men, the one with whom he did not have any direct encounters, but who was in Chao’s that day. In fact, he was the one who was talking to Chao while the other guy was holding him back. Ryu shook his head and decided to keep browsing in the store. He was tired of his sharp eye catching things that for all he knew could have been completely coincidental. For all he knew, it could have been a simple friendly gathering. Not wanting to spoil his time in Huangpu, he decided to keep walking along the market and enjoy himself.

* * * * * *

As Mia walked into the Astor House Hotel lobby, she stopped and remembered the last thing she said to Shaojin and her final suspicion about him. She then remembered what she told Ryu about how Shaojin jokingly said he was using the place as an opium den. She then put that together with what Ryu said to her about seeing use of opium around town. Suddenly a very interesting thought crossed her mind.

What if Shaojin’s hidden agenda just revealed itself to her? Now she was more determined than ever to prove it was true.

Chapter 8 - The Silencing

Mia was looking over her left shoulder as she was picking the lock of the back door of Chao’s deli. Since Mia had come to a sudden epiphany in the hotel lobby, she decided to do some investigating and look into her idea. Given what Ryu and her suspected, there was no doubt that it needed to be looked into. As she heard a small click, she realized that she picked the lock. For the second time in her life, she had picked a lock, the other time being to assist her friend in getting into her apartment back in Chicago. She slowly opened the door and took another look to her left to make sure no one was around. When she saw that there wasn’t anyone, she made her way inside. Since it was a bit dark, she went to reach for the light switch and then closed the door. As she turned the light on, she looked into the room and, while there was no immediate evidence of opium use, there was evidence of something else. Upon the ground were two large stains of what was either residue of water or blood. She wasn’t sure which one it was at first, but as she approached closer, she realized it was blood.

She gasped as she looked down to examine closer. The ground was clearly stained in dark red and black blots of blood. As Mia looked around the room, she noticed how unorganized it was. What was once a corner stacked orderly with boxes and rectangular crates was now a mess of scattered opened and broken containers. Supplies and even some food were all dispersed around the floor. Mia also noticed that two of the shelves, which were meant to stock supplies and kitchen equipment looked like they had recently been moved. She walked over to the shelves and looked down and noticed mops in front of them. The mops were dry and cakey, which clearly meant they were used to wipe up the blood. As she turned to her right, Mia’s feet hit a medium sized metal bucket, which made a loud echoing sound throughout the whole deli. She stopped and stood as still as a statue after hitting something. Hoping no one heard anything, she kept moving farther in the back room. She looked around and noticed mostly everything else other than what she had already seen seemed to be intact. As she made her way over to the kitchen area, she noticed three dirty rags hanging over the sink. Two of the rags were brown and black covered in dirt and soot from wiping up the floor, meanwhile the last rag had orange, black, and red stains from wiping up the blood. While they may have gotten whoever was bleeding out of here, Mia felt they did a bad job by leaving the evidence behind. Talk about careless, she thought.

Suddenly, she heard what sounded like talking coming from outside the back door. Thinking they might come in, Mia decided to make her way out into the dining area and hide behind the counter. She kneeled down beneath the left side corner of the counter next to a large plant. The back door opened and she heard two people talking to one another.

“Well, I know someone was in here, cause I locked the door before we left, Mr. Shaojin made sure of it as he always does and-” 

The man stopped mid sentence upon noticing the light was on. He pressed a finger to his lips to convey his partner to be quiet. The two men began walking and looking around everywhere, and then made their way over to the kitchen area. One of the men grabbed the three dirty rags off the sink and threw them into a black bag. He then returned into the back room and grabbed the dirty mops and broke off the heads and stuck those into the bag as well.

“Hey, did the boss want the floors cleaned?” the man with the bag in his hand asked.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. He says he’s going to have a cleaner come in tomorrow morning to give it a good scrub.”

The man by the sink walked out into the front and looked around the area fleetingly and then returned into the back room.

“You find anything suspicious?”

“No, come to think of it, I probably forgot to turn the light off and lock the door. Either that or the boss was here. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

The two men began to make their way out of the deli and one of them turned off the light and closed the door. 

Mia then crawled along the counter until she reached its end and turned to face the back area, but couldn’t see anything from afar. She got up slowly and walked cautiously into the back room. She noticed that the men were gone as the light is off. She decided to wait a bit for the guys to at least leave the outskirts before walking out. After she thought the coast was clear, she opened the back door and exited the deli. She then walked out of the alleyway and back into the streets. As she was walking, the two men were talking in the opposite direction outside the deli. One of them took notice of Mia walking and figured she came out of the deli.

“Rezel, look!” Kazar exclaimed.

“Yeah, it’s a woman, so what?” Rezel asked.

“It’s that reporter who interviewed Shaojin, Mia...Morgan, I think her name is. She didn’t walk past us or come from across the street; I think she was at the deli.”

“You think? I didn’t see or notice anything suspicious.”

“Well, how else can you explain the direction she’s coming from? Besides, the door was unlocked and the light was on.”

“You wanna follow her?”

“She’s probably going back to the Astor House Hotel. I’m staying there anyways; boss had me tail her and get a room to keep an eye on her.”

“Oh, so that’s where you were the other day.”

“Yeah, I do things for the boss on my own sometimes, you know, without you.”

“Well, lets follow her and see where she goes. If it’s the hotel, then it will be all the easier to get her.”

Rezel and Kazar began to follow Mia, but kept their minimum distance, so she wouldn’t get suspicious.”

* * * * * *

I returned home after shopping a bit at the market area in Huangpu district. I wanted to take a nap before going over to my parents’ house for dinner. I promised my mother to come by today, given the events of the last few days, I was actually quite glad that it was Saturday. I put the bag on my bed and opened it. I didn’t get much, really. I bought myself a new sweater as it was going to be getting colder out soon and I know my mother would have told me to buy one if not buy one for me anyways. I also picked up some fruits and vegetables for my mother for dinner. I know she likes to cook with fresh ingredients, so she would be most pleased with my selection. I put everything back in the bag and placed it next to my bed. I decided that nap needed to happen, so I lay down on my bed. I closed my eyes and began to fall asleep. However, my eyes opened as soon as I heard commotion outside my door.

I closed my eyes and tried to just ignore it, but that proved to be pointless as the commotion got louder. I normally never butt into other people’s business, but given that they were being quite loud, I decided to see if everything was alright. I opened the door, stepped out into the hallway. I noticed it was the American man who I had seen pounding on the door a few days ago. He was standing there with my neighbor, and they were both yelling at each other. Suddenly, the man swept my neighbor off the floor and slammed him against the wall. I wasn’t really sure of how to react to this, but I didn’t want my neighbor to get hurt, so I decided to intervene.

“Is everything okay here?” I asked.

The man looked over at me, still holding my neighbor against the wall.

“Go back inside kid, this doesn’t concern you,” the man said.

“Well, I live in this building and you’re causing a disturbance, not to mention you have my neighbor there up against the wall, so how about you just let him go and kindly leave?”

“Tell you what you dumb bastard, how about after I’m done pounding your neighbor’s face here, I come over and bash your face in?”

“Sir, I don’t want any trouble, alright? I’m sure whatever issue you have is not worth hurting this poor man. I don’t want any trouble, so please just let him go or I will call the police.”

Suddenly the man backed up and released my neighbor who dropped to the floor. I thought I had reasoned with him, except he came running over to me and got in my face.

“You’re dead punk!”

He took a swing at me, but I lowered my neck and avoided his punch. I then backed up a bit and began imploring him. He was going to take another swing at me, but not before he was hit over the head with a frying pan by my neighbor. The man fell to the floor unconscious.

“Oh my heavens, I am so sorry about that!” my neighbor said.

“It’s alright, are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes, yes, I will be fine. Thank you, young man.”

“You know, I don’t believe we’ve ever really talked, I’m Ryu.”

“I am Yugori, it is nice to finally meet you Ryu.”

“Same here, Yugori. So if you don’t mind my asking, why was that man so angry with you? I saw him here pounding at your door a few days ago, too.”

“My apologies Ryu. He was here a few days ago to collect something from me, but I did not have it at the time nor now, so this time I decided to answer door, but he wasn’t happy with what I had to say.”

“Oh, I see. Well, what did he come to collect?”

“First of all, let us go inside and I will call the police on our friend here.”

Yugori closed the door as we both stepped into his place. He told me to have a seat as he went to his phone and called the authorities to come get the man outside. As I looked around, I realized he had quite the place. Many old fashioned antique trinkets all over the room including a very nice looking tea set. I immediately noticed the luxurious oriental rug he had in the room. He also had many pictures hanging on his wall, which I assumed were of him and some of his family members. After he made the call, he asked me if I wanted some tea.

“Yes please,” I said.

He then came out with two cups of tea.

He took a sip before speaking, “Oolong is my favorite.”

“So what did the man come to collect?”

“Well, you see Ryu, I am an old man with many philosophies and plenty of wisdom that I have accumulated over my many years of living. One of the things I am a believer f is the practice of smoking opium.”

Ryu shook his head at the response.

“Ah, I take it you are not a believer.”

“I’ve been seeing it smoked all over town and now I find out my neighbor’s even doing it, well, that just gets to me.”

Ryu then realized what he said and apologized.

“I’m sorry Yugori, I don’t mean to say you’re like the rest of them. I’m sure you’re not, it’s just that I’m so sick of hearing about opium and seeing it smoked all around.”

Yugori simply laughed.

“It is alright. Yugori is not insulted. You are right, I have been smoking opium for many years and it is unfortunate that it is people like that man outside who know that I smoke it.

He believes that I will give some to him, but I am not such a person.”

“How did he find out?”

“I assume he is an acquaintance of one of my friends in town, one who told him I too smoke opium, however, my friend forgot that I am not one to share such system of distribution and that I do not use opium in such a way.”

“I just don’t get why people are so caught up in it. It’s like everywhere I look, there it is.” Ryu says.

“Before you wonder ‘Am I doing things right?’ ask yourself, ‘Am I doing the right things?’” Yugori said.

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” I said.

“I can tell you are a man who believes in something Ryu, but there are some people that question their motives rather than question on whether or not their motives are correct. In other words, some smoke opium, because it is available, not because they have a valid reason.”

“Ah, now I get it. You’re saying everyone has a different reason for doing what they do, in this case with opium.”

“Correct, I am an old man and I do what I do, because it brings me happiness. Perhaps it brings the others happiness as well, but in the case of our friend outside, he is not happy at all.”

“I’m just glad you’re alright, I had to step in and help you,” I said.

“Courtesy is the password to safety,” Yugori replied.

I finished my tea just as the authorities arrived. They took the man out of the building and then knocked on Yugori’s door to ask us if we were alright and about what happened. After we talked to them, I decided to head back to my place. I thanked Yugori for the tea.

“Thank you again for assisting me Ryu.”

“It was my pleasure Yugori, I’ll see you around.”

“Remember Ryu, each day, compel yourself to do something you would rather not do.”

I said goodbye to my neighbor and made my way back into my apartment. It’s kind of crazy that he too smokes opium, but he’s the only person I didn’t see smoking it, he only told me that he does it. I don’t know much about the narcotic, but I believe Yugori is a very wise man, probably wiser than the people I’ve seen on the streets or up in their balconies smoking, but again, I just don’t know. There was clearly something going on with that opium business and I was determined to find out exactly what it was. In the time being, it was time to take that nap before I headed over to my parents for dinner.

* * * * * *

Mia made her way back to the hotel. She made her way into the lobby and went to the front desk to check in. Rezel and Kazar weren’t too far behind as they entered the lobby as well. As Mia got her key, she made her way to the 2^nd floor while Rezel and Kazar approached the front desk to check in their turn. Kazar got his key from the desk clerk and they made their way up to the 2^nd floor.

“So what’s the plan?” Rezel asked.

“Well, I’m in room 201 and Miss Morgan is in room 210 at the end of the hall. I’m going to call Mr. Shaojin and tell him what she’s been up to and we’ll take it from there. If he wants us to go in there and take her, then we take her.”

Kazar then dialed the number to Shaojin’s office.

“Shaojin Enterprises, This is Dahlia speaking, how may I help you?”

“Dahlia, it’s Kazar. Is the boss in? I need to speak with him.”

“Hello Kazar, yes he is, one moment please.”

Dahlia went to get Shin while Kazar was waiting on the phone.

“Hello Kazar, what can I do for you?” Shin asked.

“Hi boss. I’d thought you’d like to know that Chao’s had a little break in before we got there a little while ago. As Rezel and I were standing outside the place, I saw Mia Morgan walking from there. In fact, the door was unlocked and the light was on when we got there, but it wasn’t until I looked over and saw her a few minutes later that I connected the dots.”

“Really? Interesting. Are you certain she was in the place?”

“Well, me and Rezel were blocking the street and she was walking with her back to us and she sure didn’t pass us, cause we would’ve seen her, so the only other place she could’ve come out of was the back room of Chao’s.”

“I see. Did she see or hear you two do anything?”

“No boss, we took what we needed and got out of there. I don’t think she saw or heard anything, but then again, she got there before us, so she may know something.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. Alright Kazar, is Rezel there with you?”

“Yes, he is.”

“And you’re at the hotel?”

“Yes and Mia went to her room just before us.”

“Alright, this is almost too easy. I want you to go get her and bring her back to my headquarters.”

“Alright boss, sounds good, but won’t Dahlia get suspicious?”

“I want you to bring her back to my other headquarters.”

“Your own private opium den?”

“No you fool! My ‘other’ headquarters.”

“Oh...okay boss, I’ll do that. We’ll see you in a few.”

“Goodbye.”

Kazar hanged up the phone and told Rezel about the plan.

“Okay, so the boss thinks we can’t take any chances with what Mia may or may not have seen at Chao’s, so he wants us to kidnap her and bring her back to his underground headquarters.”

“Hmm, sounds good to me. So how do you want to do this?

“Let me hear your best room service voice.”

“Room Service!”

“Eh, on second thought, why don’t you leave the talking to me.”

Rezel made a frown.

The two men made their way out of the room and looked around the hallway in both directions. When they saw that the coast was clear, they made their way to room 210, Mia’s room. Rezel knocked on her door as Kazar spoke.

“Room service, Ma’am.”

“I didn’t order anything, are you sure you have the right room?”

“Compliments of the hotel Ma’am.”

“Okay, one moment please.”

As Mia opened the door, Kazar forced his way in and Rezel followed. Mia fell backwards from the force, and both men made their way in and stood over her. Rezel shut the door behind him as Kazar knelt down and covered Mia’s mouth while picking her up off the floor. She tried screaming but her voice was muffled by Kazar’s hand.

“Um...Kazar, how exactly are we getting her out of the hotel without people noticing?”

“Simple, she plays along or I shoot her...or stab her, either or.”

“But Shaojin wants her alive.”

“Technically, he never said that, but I’m sure with the right push, Miss Morgan here will do as we say.”

Kazar then took out his pistol sword and put the blade against Mia’s throat.

“Okay Miss Morgan, here’s how it’s going to go. We’re going to take you out of here. I’m sure you know who we work for and if you want to live, you’ll do as we say. Got it?”

Mia nodded in approval.

“We’re going to walk out of here side by side and Rezel will follow. If you run or yell or do anything to tip someone off, I will not hesitate to use this weapon on you, do I make myself clear?”

Kazar removed his hand from her neck and pointed the gunblade at her head.

“Yes...yes, I understand.”

“Good, now we are going to get going. I swear if you do anything stupid, I am putting a bullet in that beautiful head of yours and I'll slash your stomach with the blade.”

Kazar and Mia walked out of the room as Rezel opened and held the door for them. Mia walked in front of Kazar with the weapon poking Mia in the back. As they get to the end of the hall, Kazar removed the weapon from her back and reminded her of what would happen if she tries to alert someone or make a break for it. Kazar and Mia made their way down to the 1^st floor lobby as Rezel trailed behind. As they made their way into the lobby, Mia approached the front desk and smiled at the clerk while handing her keys to him. Kazar did the same as Rezel turned up in the lobby. They all walked towards the main doors and exited the hotel. They waited a moment to see if anyone tried to come out after them, just to be sure.

“Me and Mia are going to catch a Rickshaw, you take another one by yourself and follow us. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Kazar and Mia got into a Rickshaw and Kazar told the driver where to go. Rezel got into the other Rickshaw behind them and also told the driver where to go.

Though it took a while, they finally reached their destination. Both Rickshaws arrived at an open field where an old warehouse stood in the distance. Kazar and Mia got off and Kazar payed the man. Rezel did the same, and the two Rickshaws pulled away.

“What are we doing out in the middle of nowhere?” Mia asked.

Kazar and Rezel both laughed before responding.

“You’ll see soon enough.”

The three began walking towards the warehouse where Kazar opened the big doors. They went inside and Mia was still confused as to what they were doing there.

“You’re going to tie me up in here?”

“We aren’t going to tie you up, and no we aren’t staying here.”

Rezel then went over to the right side of the warehouse where on the floor was a metal hatchway. He knelt down and opened it. Kazar brought Mia over, and Rezel began climbing down the ladder adjoined to the hatchway.

“What the-”

Kazar smiled at her as he pushed her to go next. Mia began climbing down the ladder  and Kazar followed after.

As they reached the bottom, Mia realized they were now in the tunnels.

“Tunnels?”

“Yes, these tunnels will take you to any place in the city. Back in the day, these tunnels were used to transport illegal goods to the warehouse.”

Then they began walking through the long narrow wooden tunnels.

“Why are they wooden, are they man made?”

“Yes, the sewer tunnels are below us, but these tunnels were made by slaves in order to transport the illegal goods. The tunnels were also used to transport slaves.”

They continued walking down the long tunnel for about thirty yards until they took a right. As they turned right, Mia was astounded at what she saw: an open area that has been transformed into a small luxurious palace. The open area was built up of wooden walls with tapestry hanging from them as well as a few red and gold chairs were on the floor. Below them were rugs that looked like they dated back centuries. As they drew nearer to the room, they saw Shin Shaojin sitting in one of the chairs with one of his legs crossed over the other, sipping a cup of tea.

“Hello Miss Morgan, looks like we meet again after all,” he said and laughed hysterically.

––––––––

Chapter 9 - The Age of Pollution

When I got the call, I ran frantically to the docks as if my legs pumped battery acid and my feet were on fire. The call was simple and to the point, “Ryu, work’s back on so head on over. You might want to get here fast because there’s something you’ll want to see.”

So that’s exactly what I did, though I didn’t have to take it so literally. To be honest, I didn’t know why I was running so fast. When I woke up, I just felt so full of energy and as though I needed that adrenaline boost, as if I’d been lazy the day before. Actually, I was eager to get back to work, but it was no excuse for why I was running so fast, so I slowed down a bit. I wondered what one of co-workers meant when he said there’s something I’ll want to see. When I got there, I suddenly realized what he meant. The two ships that were docked for Thursday were still here, only now they were up in flames. One of the ships was the very same one nearby which Rafael was found with the hook inside him. Since the authorities told us to leave, the ships had to stay docked until they could be unloaded. One of the other employees, who was second in command for Rafael, told everybody to come down here, but I wasn’t expecting this. He said he got a call from the Captain of the ship who had come down after being told it was safe. Yeah, because it is so safe now.

The fire was unstoppable by the time I had arrived. According to some of the workers, the Captain made the call to our second in command and no sooner did he make the call, the ships went up in flames. He ran over to them to get a better look and swore he saw cloaked figures jumping off the decks; at least, that’s what he told the authorities. I couldn’t believe it, another few days without work. Normally I wouldn’t mind the days off, but this was getting ridiculous. Yung, the second in command, saw me and made his way over.

“Hey Ryu, thanks for coming. So, you know I told you we’re back to work and technically, I wasn’t lying, because you’re needed, but unfortunately, it won’t be to get the crates off the ships.”

“So, what are we going to do exactly?”

“Help us put out the fire.”

I soon realized he wasn’t joking as I saw a few small boats with men trying to put out the fire.

“You’re serious,” I said.

“Darn right I am buddy; we need all the bodies we can get!”

“Alright, well, I’ll be more than happy to help.”

“Thanks, just head on over to the guy by edge of the dock there and he’ll tell you what to do.”

Well, this was something else. Rather than take the crates off a ship, I’ve become a volunteer firefighter for the first time in my life. I listened to what the man instructed me to do and soon enough, I was on the side of one of the ships along with everyone else trying to extinguish the fire. As we were trying to put it out, a strong poignant odor came over us. I immediately knew the smell as the very thing that I’d been seeing smoked everywhere...opium. Many of the guys were asking one another if they smelt the same thing and they all agreed, though, we didn’t know why we were smelling it. After what seemed like an eternity, we managed to stifle the flames. Both ships were burned pretty badly, but the second one we managed to salvage better. Only five crates survived the fires. When we moved them to the docks, we were told to step back as two more experienced men dealing with fire decided to open the boxes. When they did, we were shocked at what we saw. Four crates were filled with tons of opium. This caused quite a commotion as everyone began talking about the opium inside the crates and everyone was perplexed as to why it was there. Since this was no shock to me, I decided to look elsewhere and looked over at Yung and I could sense that something was on his mind.

“Well, I’ll be damned...” Yung said.

“What’s wrong, Yung?”

“Well, while we found some interesting contents inside the remaining crates, it turns out that the rest we weren’t able to save weren’t even on the ship.”

“Wait, what? How is that possible?”

“Simple, whoever the crates were for got some of their own people to remove them from the ships.”

“How do you know?” I asked inquisitively

“A guy just called in and said he heard about the fires. Also, said his men were here last night to retrieve the crates.” 

“And it’s not suspicious to you that the ships are on fire the next day and we just so happened to find opium inside some of the crates?”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t suspicious, what are you saying Ryu?”

“I’m saying, what if the guy who called you saying he retrieved the crates is the one who started the fire?”

“Why would someone light two ships on fire after they retrieved the contents from them?”

“Yung, are you not getting it?! There was opium on that ship! They probably wanted to burn the evidence of it being there.”

“So what Ryu? There’s nothing wrong with opium, I smoke opium myself. In fact, I’m thinking of taking some of this home with me.”

“Yung!” I shouted, outraged.

“Calm down buddy, why are you so upset? You didn’t inhale enough of those fumes of fire and scent of opium when you were putting out the fires, did you?”

“I don’t smoke opium Yung, it’s bad.”

“No it’s not man; you just don’t know what you’re missing.”

It was then that we were both interrupted by one of our men.

“You aren’t going to believe this shit!” he said to us.

We went over to him and saw that the fifth and final crate was opened. What was inside was not opium or any other type of commodity, it was a body.

“Is that what I think it is?!” Yung said.

“Yeah, someone stuffed a goddamn body in the crate!”

I looked on in shock as some of the men tried taking the man’s body out of the crate. It took some time, because it was quite a struggle as the man was stuffed in there pretty well. When they finally were able to pry the man’s lifeless body out of the box, they laid him down. I looked down at the body and a horrific expression came across my face as I felt my heart sink in my chest.

“CHAO!!!”

I went over to his body and dropped to my knees. I was in shock and disbelief as tears started falling from my eyes. I looked at his body and noticed his shirt was bloody and his head had a bullet hole in it. Now I knew why Chao had been closed for most of the last week, but while I finally knew what happened to him, I was now wishing that I didn’t.

“Looks like he’s been in there for a few days. Apparently, someone stabbed and shot him and then stuffed his body in the crate,” one of the men who opened the crate said.

I then remembered about my last encounter with that man in front of Chao’s deli, the one who drew a weapon on me. The weapon was both a sword and pistol, and here I was before Chao’s body, which just so happened to have a bullet hole in the head and stab wound in the stomach.

I wiped the tears from my eyes and cleared my throat before speaking, “You guys, I think I know who did this...”

“Who Ryu?” Yung asked.

“I’ve been wondering where Chao has been for days now, because I know he was never closed, so I thought it was kind of suspicious. I was there just the other day and there was a man in front of the building who I think works for Shin Shaojin. Well, he told me to move along, but I wanted to know what he knew about Chao being closed. Well, he kept insisting that I leave and after I refused, it was then that he drew some kind pistol with a blade on me. I didn’t want to die so after a small fight with him I backed off and left.”

“Damn Ryu, I’m glad you’re okay. Do you really think it was the same guy?” one of the men asked.

“Well, it would certainly explain why Chao has a bullet hole in his head and a cut in his stomach...I just can’t believe this.”

“Alright Ryu, the authorities just got here, so why don’t you give them a statement about your encounter and what you know, and then just go home. Since you knew Chao better than any of us, I think it’s only right for you to get out of here for a while and clear your head.”

“Okay, thanks Yung...”

My day went from one extreme moment to another, and now the very thing in the pit of my stomach I didn’t want to believe was true...Chao was dead. I gave my statement to the authorities and they wrote it all down and told me they would contact me if they needed anything else. I definitely needed to get out of here. My mind was racing at the thought of it all. What if it was that guy? It had to be, and he more than likely worked for Shaojin after all; Mia and I had come to that conclusion as we pieced it all together. Mia...I had to see her, I had to let her know what happened. I thought about going to see her, but decided I would make a call to the hotel and ask if we could meet up, first.

As I got to my street, I noticed some police men were there. Hmm, I wonder why they are here. As I approached my apartment building, they asked me who I was. I told them and asked what was wrong. They told me my neighbor Yugori was found dead by one of the other people on the floor. I suddenly felt ill and wanted to collapse. I asked them how it happened and when they told me the cause, I fell to my knees yet again. They said he died of an opium overdose, which didn’t make sense to me since Yugori had been an opium smoker for years. Then again, I suppose it doesn’t matter how many years you do drugs or how well you have them under control, after a while, the effects are bound to catch up with you. Also, I did only meet with him once, so he may have just told me that to reassure me. I asked them if I could go inside and they said no, but I told them I just needed to make a quick telephone call. The officer acquiesced, but told me not to disturb the crime scene. He said to just tell the men already inside who I was and what I needed to do.

As I stepped inside I alerted the men and the woman who lived on the same floor as Yugori in the hallway of my presence, and I told them I lived there. They let me go on ahead to my apartment. I was shaking uncontrollably. I took a deep breath and then picked up the receiver and put it to my ear as I put a finger to dial zero for the operator so I could be transferred to the Astor House Hotel.

When the called was transferred to the Astor House Hotel and I asked for Mia’s room, they told me she had not been there since yesterday afternoon. Great...as if this day could get any worse, now Mia is missing. I put the receiver down and sat for a moment to collect my thoughts, but I couldn’t as it was just too much to take all at once. First, Rafael, now Chao and Yugori, and to top it all off, Mia is missing. I didn’t know if she was missing or not, but I couldn’t imagine why she wasn’t at her hotel room since yesterday. I made my way out of the building and thought about where I could go. I decided to go over to the Hongkew market and maybe the Garden Bridge; I just knew I needed to go somewhere and clear my head. I made my way out of my place and the officer asked me what I knew about Yugori. I told him that I really never talked to him until yesterday. I told him how we had tea together and how he told me about his opium habits. He then asked me if I smoked opium with him to which I said no. He said that he had no more questions and that I could be on my way.

I made my way outside and thanked the officer for allowing me in. I began walking down the street and looked over at the first house next to my apartment building and noticed two officers smoking opium. They simply looked over to me smiling and nodding. I stopped for a minute as if I was going to say something, but thought it would be best if I just kept walking forward. I reached the end of the street before crossing it. When I reach the corner, I noticed there were more people smoking opium. Everything suddenly fell silent. I could no longer hear cars on the street, the talking of people, the chirping of birds, I had gone completely deaf. As I stood on the corner, I slowly turned my head to the left and saw people smoking opium out in front of the building and then I looked to the right and saw the usually busy strip completely empty.

I turned my head back forward and held my ears as I began walking without being able to hear anything. I felt like I was losing my mind. I continued walking until I reached the run down house I had come across and examined a few days before and when I looked over at it, I saw the man who threatened to kill me. I stopped and looked at him, and his eyes met mine. He gave me an evil smirk and pulled the same weapon he threatened me with from his coat pocket. I stood frozen looking at him not taking my eyes off him. As he got nearer, I closed my eyes for a brief moment and upon re-opening them, he was gone. It was as if he had vanished into thin air or wasn’t ever there at all. I removed my hands from my ears. Not only could I still not hear, but now, even my mind and eyes were playing tricks on me.

I think I was taking in everything that had happened so far today in my own way, by completely losing it. I kept on walking and decided I would not stop until I reached the Hongkew market. I didn’t care if I couldn’t hear anything or I was seeing things that weren’t even there, I just knew I had to get to a place where there would be a bunch of people. As I approached the market, my hearing returned. I let out a sigh of relief, which I heard with my own ears for the first time in what seemed like hours. Finally, I made my way to the market and there was a crowd of people all around it. Thank god, I didn’t have to feel alone anymore. I walked around for a bit before stopping to sit down at a table. I then started to try to piece everything together so it made a bit more sense to me. Rafael was found dead a few days after he got into an argument with Shin Shaojin about the crates on the ship. Chao was acting suspicious when I last saw him, and Mia told me Shin told her that he owned the deli and was planning to make it the spot for his upcoming businesses. Chao then went missing for a few days and next we find his body in a crate that was on one of the burning ships. Yugori had an altercation with that American man and then is found dead the next day.

I then realized Shin Shaojin was the common factor in all of this. Rafael fights with Shaojin, ends up dead. Chao goes missing for days after we find out his building is owned by Shaojin, we find him dead. Yugori...Yugori may or may not have known Shaojin, but he smoked opium. Mia did say that Shaojin used the back of Chao’s as an opium den. What if Shaojin is the one bringing in all this opium, it would certainly explain some things, I mean, he is quite a powerful man. Perhaps Yugori got his opium from Shaojin? Or maybe the guy fighting with Yugori was working for him? No...that doesn’t make any sense. Yugori died of an opium overdose and for all I know, it could have nothing whatsoever to do with everything else. I stood up and decided to walk around after piecing what I could together. I walked around for some time and just tried to enjoy myself as best I could, but then my head was still racing and I still felt sick.

After walking around for a few hours I decided I should head home. Seeing as I barely made it here, I looked for a rickshaw to take me home. I spotted one a few feet away and walked my way over to it. I told the man where I wanted to go and I hopped in.

* * * * * *

When I got to my place, I noticed that the officers were gone. I stepped inside the building and made my way up to my apartment. I looked over to Yugori’s place and noticed the door was open. I made my way over and stepped inside and noticed everything was as it was when I was in here the other night.

“I didn’t know you that well but I enjoyed the time we got to spend together. I will miss you my friend,” I said outloud.

Just as I closed the door behind me, I noticed Yugori’s opium pipe was sitting on his desk near one of his chairs. I then closed the door and made my way back over to my place. What an awful day, I thought. I took my shoes off and put them over by the window. I then stood over the side of my bed and collapsed into it. I needed some sleep, oh how I just needed some sleep.

Chapter 10 - Destination Unknown

I woke up to someone breaking down my door as small sharp pieces flew into the air and the door fell to the floor in an abrupt slam. Alarmed, I sat up and saw a man standing in my apartment. He looked at me wide eyed and as I looked back, I realized it was the American man who had been yelling at Yugori the night before. The man that the police had taken away. Great, I’m guessing he wants to avenge himself for me standing up to him. Well, this should be fun.

“Look if this is about the other night, I’m sorry...”

He said nothing and just kept staring at me intently. I got out of bed and decided to confront him. As I stood straight up, he came charging at me. I saw his right arm coming at me with what appeared to be a studded covered gauntlet.

* * * * * *

The man knocked Ryu out with a single punch to the face. Ryu fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes. The man then removed the gauntlet from his wrist. He went over to the phone by the desk and picked up the receiver to make a call.

“Yeah, Operator, transfer me to Shaojin Enterprises.”

“One moment please,” the operator replied.

“Shaojin Enterprises, this is Dahlia speaking, how may I help you?”

“Yeah, is Mr. Shaojin in? I’d like to speak to him.”

“He just stepped in, one moment.”

“Hello?” Shin said.

“Mr. Shaojin, it’s Cuddington. I’m in Yugori’s neighbor’s apartment. Just knocked the guy out. What do you want me to do with him?”

“Marvelous! I’ll have one of my men come by in a rickshaw to pick him up. Then I want you to tell him to drop our unconscious friend in front of the teahouse along the river in Chinese City. I’ll have another rickshaw come pick you up.”

“Very good.”

“Have a safe trip Cuddington,” Shaojin smiled as he put down the receiver.

The man known as Cuddington put the studded covered gauntlet back on his right arm and made a fist to get a feel for it. He then picked Ryu’s limp body off the floor, slinging him over his shoulder. As he made his way out of Ryu’s apartment, he noticed the woman who also lived on the floor standing outside the hallway. She looked up at him and dropped the satchel that was in her left hand. He flinched and took a giant step toward her to scare her to which she responded by shrieking and running to her door. He walked up to the door and waited nearby, occasionally looking out the hallway window to see when the rickshaws would show up. After a few moments it showed up, and he took a step outside and looked around to make sure the coast was clear. When he saw that it was, he put Ryu in one of the rickshaws and told the man where to bring him. The man nodded. Cuddington then got into the other rickshaw, sat down and told the driver to follow the other rickshaw.

The two rickshaws arrived at the teahouse in less than ten minutes. Cuddington got off his and went over to pick up Ryu who was still unconscious. He once again put him over his shoulder and walked down the rustic bannister along the river right across from the teahouse, however Cuddington had no intention of crossing the street. After looking around and seeing that no one was around, Cuddington threw Ryu’s body over the bannister and he fell into the river.

* * * * * *

I woke up and hadn’t the slightest idea of where I was. I dreamt I was floating down a river, although when I looked at my clothes, I soon realized it was no dream. The last thing I remembered was that American guy punching me in the face. I even heard the name of Shin Shaojin mentioned, but I wasn’t certain if I really heard it as I was out of it. I took my hands out of a dirty puddle and wiped them on my pants. I then wiped my eyes with my knuckles. I then looked around me and realized I was in an opening of a tunnel. Seeing as I didn’t have any clue how I got here or what to do, I decided to venture further into the tunnel to see where it would lead me. Surprisingly, it wasn’t dreadfully dark in the tunnel as I walked further in it. I noticed torches every so often as I passed. It seemed that this tunnel was used quite frequently, but I immediately noticed it wasn’t a sewage tunnel.

I vaguely remember hearing about a mysterious tunnel as a boy, but I never thought it actually existed. I knew wasn’t the Shanghai Tunnels as that one was in the United States, but I imagined the tunnel in which I was now walking served the same purpose. As I continued walking, a black cloaked figure appeared before me. I guessed he wasn’t friendly, because, well, come on, can a cloaked figure in a mysterious tunnel really be friendly? I did at least try asking him if he could help me, but he answered me by revealing a long sharp sword from his back. He had me at a clear disadvantage as not only did I not have a weapon, but my defensive skills more than likely lacked compared to his. However rather than attacking me, he motioned for me to follow him. Since I didn’t really know where I was going and I didn’t want to die, I decided to comply.

As we were walking together, I realized he had not one but two swords behind his back; he was clearly an assassin, perhaps even a ninja. As we walked down two long passageways, he stopped to face me before I backed off a little. I was about to speak, but before I could, he removed the other sword from his back. Great, I thought, he just wanted to go a little further to make me believe he was going to help, so he could kill me. He then took one of the swords and dropped it by my feet. I looked at him and he merely nodded his head as if to tell me to pick it up. I picked it up, and then he got into a stance and came at me. I countered his blade by pointing mine diagonally. Hmm, so far so good. I’d heard stories and even seen some ancient battle re-enactments to have somewhat of an understanding of how to fight, but again, I knew I was no match for the man before me. I think he was toying with me as we clashed swords over and over and I knew he could more than likely either take the sword out of my hand or go for my body and slash through me and cut up my organs.

I jumped out of the way as he tried to come at me with more power. I then surprised him by kicking him in the chest when I noticed he was off guard. He dropped his sword, but rather than surrender, he came at me with moves I couldn’t even block with my sword. He knocked the sword out of my hand, then turned around and knocked me to the ground. Sure enough, he began beating me in hand to hand combat and before I knew it, I was on the ground broken and bleeding. He then extended his hand to help me up, and once again I found myself confused. I took his hand and he helped me up. He then kneeled down and picked up one of his swords and handed it to me, but he did not pick up the other one.

Once again, he kneeled down in front of me and for the first time, he spoke, “Kill me!”

I was at a loss now. Not only had this man prolonged my untimely end, but now he was asking me to end his life. I stood there with the sword in hand shaking and confused at his request.

“Wh...what...?” I asked.

“You must kill me if you wish to proceed any further,” he explained.

“But I’ve never killed anyone...” I was trembling now.

Instead of saying another word, he rose from his knees, grabbed my hands, and thrust the sword I held into his chest. I tried to let go of the sword, but he tightened his grip on my hands and with what little strength he had left, he thrust the blade into himself even further.

“There will be more...Tsang.”

His hands let go of mine and I immediately dropped the sword and backed away as the cloaked assassin fell to the ground with the blade sticking through his chest and out of his back. Did I just kill a man? Oh god! I looked down at my hands and noticed they were bloody. What just happened?! My hands were now shaking uncontrollably and covered in blood, and I felt like I was going to faint. I decided to rest against one of the walls, but decided to do it a bit further ahead, away from the body. I didn’t need a reminder of what I’d just done. I took a seat with my back against the wall and took a deep breath. I wasn’t going to ask myself anymore questions, because lately, all it ever seemed to do was make things worse. How was it that the saying went? He who asks too many questions will only become more confused than he originally was. That was me right then. After I had regained my composure, I got up and continued walking through the tunnels.

One thing I do know is that he knew my last name and knew I was coming. Someone sent him after me. If it was who I thought it was, then I had no idea what I was in for. I continued walking down the long tunnel for what seemed like hours, endless hours which would continue for what seemed like forever. Not only did I not know what time it was, but I had a strange feeling inside me as if time was non-existent here. It was as if the further I traveled into this tunnel, the more irrelevant time became. Clearly my thoughts were the thoughts of a shaken and tired man, but better than seeing all that opium being smoked around town or wondering who was coming for me next. I then came across a group of crates. I looked inside some that were open and noticed they were the same ones from one of the ships. Only four out of ten boxes were open. As I walked past them and looked over them, I stopped at the last three boxes. On one of them it said Explosives. I definitely don’t remember that sign being on any of the crates in the ships and seeing that I was in a tunnel, I decided to be careful around the last three boxes.

I kept on walking, but I felt my legs going limp. This tunnel was taking a toll on me. I sat down again for a breather and then saw something fly past me. I looked over and saw a strange object stuck to the wall. I looked ahead and saw someone standing there ready to throw another one. I picked the one imbedded to the wall out and then tried to get out of the way as another one came flying at me. It just missed me. I then made a break for it and ran back and turned around the corner, the only one I had seen since I’d been in this tunnel. I knew the person would be coming after me, so I quickly looked down at the weapon. At first glance it appeared to be a shuriken, but it looked nothing like any I’d ever seen. It was only half a blade and looked like a crescent moon with sharp triangle points sticking out of it. Just as I looked up, I detected the figure who threw it. He looked the same as the former one wearing a black cloak, and he had two swords hanging behind his back.

Assassins in a tunnel, that’s what they were, of that much I was sure. I wondered if this guy was going to be as odd and friendly as the other one. I decided to strike first, but that proved to be a foolish move as he caught my fist with his hand and bent my wrist sideways, cracking it. I screamed in pain, and he kicked me causing me to fall backwards. I then backed away while still on the ground as the assassin was slowly creeping up to me. I started to think this guy wasn’t going to be like the other one, but then again, the other guy wasn’t like I thought he’d be either, so I decided to just tough it out. I got up and he approached me. I surprised him by striking him in the face. His head turned to the side before it focused back on me. I struck him again and his head turned to the other side and then back on me. He then struck me three times in the face much faster than I had struck him. Seeing as I wasn’t doing anything to topple him, I remembered I still had the half star in my other hand. Still a little bit woozy from his three punches, I took the half star and slashed it across his face right where his eyes were, since they were the only thing visible.

Blood began spilling from his eye sockets at a very rapid rate. He let out a scream before his hands went to his face to cover his deadly wound. Sure it was a girly move, but then I kicked him in his groin where it would hurt the most and took a step back. I then looked down at the mess I had just created. Lying before me was a cloaked assassin who not only couldn’t see, but was also hurting in the one spot to which no man could dare fake. I picked up his sword and placed it next to him. I then walked away and continued going further in the tunnel.

I felt the proudest I’ve ever felt since waking up in this tunnel and, though I knew not what lay ahead, I knew what had to be done if I wanted to survive and make it out of here. I continued forward making two more turns in the wooden labyrinth where I had no idea when or if I would ever get out of. I then heard what sounded like faint voices up ahead. Another assassin peered from around the corner and began attacking me immediately. This one had no weapons of any kind other than his fists and feet. He came at me with raging fury of kicks and punches and I did my very best at dodging them. I still had the half star in my pocket and thought about taking it out and using it. I was kicked in the head and fell to the ground. I got to my knees and told him to stop. He responded by stopping his fist mid swing. He then looked at me and tilted his head as if confused. Seeing a perfect moment to strike, I took out the half star and charged to attack him, but he was quick, too quick.

He caught me and threw me against the wall. I slashed at his arm and he pulled it back. I tried my best at kicking him, but failed as he was able to block my every move. He then backed away, and I decided to throw the star. He would more than likely strike it down but I had to at least try. I threw the star at him and despite his attempts, he could not stop it. The star pierced him in the corner of his chest. He came at me full speed sending me to the ground again with a kick. A loud voice uttered a word in Chinese, but I couldn’t understand it clearly, but he did. He must be retreating or something, because he bowed and pointing to me then he took off running.

I kept on walking and as I did, the voices grew louder. Perhaps I was closing in on the assassins clan’s layer. As I reached the end of the tunnel, I noticed two directions I could go to: to the left or straight ahead. I wasn’t sure which way the assassin went. I went up to each of the entryways and listened trying to pinpoint where the voices were coming from, but I couldn’t really tell from there. I decided to go left and see if it was the right way. I walked down the long passageway and shortly, I remarked tapestry upon the wooden walls of the tunnel. Well, this certainly just got interesting. As I traveled further, I noticed beautiful rugs on the ground and I soon realized that I had definitely come across something. I soon came to a big opening and that’s when I saw them: Mia tied to a chair with a rag in her mouth, so she couldn’t speak, and a man standing behind her, but I couldn’t see who he was as his back was turned to me. The entire passage way was decorated in pure elegance.

“MIA!!!!” I cried.

Mia looked up at me and her eyes grew wide. She tried to speak, but her voice became muffled with the rag in her mouth. The man behind her slowly turned around and gave me an evil smirk. It was who I thought it would be...Shin Shaojin.

Chapter 11 - Liberation

1885, Chinese Embassy.

“Quan Tsang, how nice to see you. Long time no see.”

“Yes, nice to see you as well, Aeris,” Quan said.

“The conference should be beginning shortly.”

“Ah, very good. It’s been a while since we had one, although, the timing seems a bit odd. Aren’t they usually held at the end of the month?” Quan asked.

“Err...usually yes, but I guess they felt that certain things needed to be addressed today in order to move forward. I heard there’s some surprises coming and they felt it would be best to meet, so we could all go over the issues.”

“Yes, I also remember hearing about that. So the Russians will be doing business with the Chinese once more. All too long if you ask me,” Quan answered.

“Well, luckily, I didn’t!” Aeris said laughing.

“Gentlemen, the meeting will begin shortly if you’d like to come in and take a seat,” a man from the doors of the Embassy building called out.

Quan and Aeris made their way through the doors and into a conference room of the Chinese Embassy. Each of them took a seat next to each other on the ground level in front of ten other men, and the meeting began. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I felt we should meet seeing as we have not in quite some time. The first matter at hand is that we will be doing business with the Russians again,” the head of the committee announced. “Now I understand all of you are in different types of businesses, but do keep in mind that when it comes to the trading business, the Russians are open to all negotiations, and we all have something that they want.”

“Did the Russians approach you about this treaty or did you?” Quan Tsang asked.

“They came to me Quan. They said it was time to put the past in the past and move forward. They are very much looking forward to trading furs with you. They have a lot of businesses in trading furs with other countries and this new partnership with us will give them access to some of the finest materials, and they know you have the goods,” The man replied.

“This is great. Aeris and I were just speaking about this outside. It’s been a long time coming; I’m just surprised they finally came around. Out of the cold and into the light,” Quan said.

They all laughed and began clapping after Quan’s words. The men then started discussing their plans with the Russians and how they plan on making trades with them for each other their goods. After they discussed business for a few more minutes, the head of the committee addressed the second topic.

“There is a problem in our midst. It appears that the Green Gang have also been making exchanges in their trading of Opium with other countries.”

“You’re kidding,” one of the members said.

“Afraid not. It’s been seven years since we’ve done business with the Russians and now they have finally agreed to trade with us once more. I would hate them to get word that the Green Gang is still dealing opium; if it gets out, the Russians may void our treaty and back out of the deal,” the head said.

“Why doesn’t somebody do something about it? Isn’t what they do illegal?” a member asked.

“Yes, but you have to remember that the Green Gang also deals in the trading of other goods, which is how they’ve kept afloat for all these years. Besides their deals in opium aren’t too many, but enough to cause someone like the Russians to turn on us again.”

“So they’d assume just because they do mysterious business transactions that we do too?” another member asked.

“Precisely. If even one group is out of line, it ruins it for the rest of us. I think we’ll be fine, but just the thought of their opium business growing in the future is a scary possibility.”

“It won’t even see the light of day; it will be dead in a few years,” Aeris reassured.

“I hope you’re right Aeris. We need the Russians to be on our side, it just makes things easier.”

The men moved on to discussing more about their trades in business of furs, food goods, clothing, manufacturing, and teas and herbs. After about ten minutes of going over these matters, the meeting adjourned and the men went their respective ways.

“You alright my friend?” Aeris inquired Quan.

“Hmm? Yes. Why do you ask?” Quan asked.

“I don’t know, you seem bothered. You only asked that one question in the beginning of the meeting, then you were quiet the rest of the time, which isn’t like you.”

“Oh, yeah, I just got a lot on my mind, but I figured I’d let everyone else speak for a change,” Quan said.

Aeris laughed, “Well, how thoughtful of you! Alright, well, I was just checking. I’m glad all is well. Looks like the fur trade is about to boom for Shanghai, eh?”

“Yes and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.”

* * * * * *

Quan made his way to a warehouse far away from the town. He knocked on the door in a unique pattern of knocks. Two, one, three, two and ending with one final knock. The warehouse door opened and he was welcomed inside. As Quan made his way inside, he noticed a large group of men all in rows fighting on one side and a group of men sitting down praying on the other. In the back center of the room sat a man in a large chair who noticed Quan entering. Quan began walking toward him, and the man got up from his seat.

“Ah, hello Mr. Tsang, to what do I owe the pleasure?” the man asked.

“I had a meeting with the committee and the Russians have agreed to do business and trade with us again. The first time in seven years,” Quan announced.

“Ah, very nice. This is splendid news indeed. I take it that you all shall benefit from the new agreement?”

“Yes and they are very much interested in trading furs with me.”

“Hmm...I’m sensing your reason for coming here wasn’t just to tell me this wonderful news.”

“I’m telling you, because you came up, at least The Green Gang did, anyway. If the Russians know you’re trading opium, they will back out of our deal. You see, you can’t be making any more mysterious transactions Master Zheng.”

“Is that so? Because I would ruin everyone’s business with the Russians or because you’d risk being exposed as our consultant?”

“No, and you know why I am in on this with you. I told you it’s been tough lately and you’ve helped me in the fur business tremendously, but now that the Russians have agreed to trade with us again, hopefully down the road, I won’t need your assistance anymore.”

“Won’t need my assistance? Is that what you’re calling it? Your hands are dirty Quan Tsang, they are tainted in the eyes of Confucius.”

“Please, I’m just asking you to be more careful and discreet about your business,” Quan retorted.

“Who are you to demand anything of me? How dare you! We took you in when you were facing difficulties Mr. Tsang, and if anyone is going to pull out of our arrangement, it would be me!”

“I don’t want another Opium War to ensue.”

Master Zheng smiled. “I think the Opium Wars were one of the finest things to happen in this country and I also believe that if opium does not strike a hole in the fabric of our society now, it will in the years to come.”

“I just wanted to tell you-”

“You just wanted to tell me to keep quiet, so that things don’t get spoiled for you and your men and that you don’t get caught working for us, that Mr.Tsang is the truth you speak to me. Though is it really the truth as it comes from my lips and not yours?”

“I’m sorry Master Zheng, hopefully I won’t have to rely on you much longer.”

“Yes, hopefully you won’t. I thank you for the ‘information,’ you may see yourself out. Oh, and Mr. Tsang? If word does happen to get out about you working with us, then I offer my deepest condolences.”

Quan Tsang then saw himself out of the warehouse. He hated what he had become. No one knew that work would become so hard for him that he had to affiliate himself with Master Nan-dao Zheng and The Green Gang. None of his business associates and most certainly not even his family knew about it. He felt they would think of him as an outcast and shun him, but he forgot how understanding his family was. Seeing as there wasn’t another meeting for a month, he had time to get things together and hopefully this would all work out and no one would be hurt in the process, especially Quan’s reputation. A few days passed and it was then that Quan was told about another meeting. An emergency meeting was to take place that Friday.

He started to become nervous. He wasn’t sure why they would have another meeting so soon; in fact, he thought the last one was a bit off in timing as well. He even discussed that with Aeris. He decided to get some sleep, and attend the meeting earlier tomorrow to hopefully get some insight on what it was going to be about.

Quan woke up early on Friday morning. He did his daily routine and then made his way to the Embassy. His nerves had calmed down since the day before, he thought that perhaps the Russians were in town and had decided to go over their new agreement. He took a rickshaw to the Embassy and despite getting there ten minutes earlier, he noticed everyone was already there. He saw Aeris and approached him.

“Aeris, what’s going on? Do you know why we are having this meeting?” Quan asked.

“No, I’m just as shocked as you are,” Aeris replied.

The men then gathered as they all began wondering why they were summoned again to a meeting for the second time in less than a week. They made their way into the Embassy building and took their seats in the same conference room as they had a few days before.

“Gentlemen, the reason for this meeting is because we have received word that someone among us is working for the Green Gang. Someone is trading secrets and has tipped off the Green Gang about our deal with the Russians,” the head of the committee said.

Everyone gasped and began looking at one another inquisitively, trying to guess who it could have been. At first, Quan gulped hard and took a deep breath before he engaged with everyone else as not to reveal himself.

“How did this information come to light?” a committee member asked.

“One of my associates is close with Nan-dao Zheng who enlightened my associate about knowing about the Russians being in town and about our mutual deal. Seeing as we are the only people in this room other than the Russians themselves who knew this information, I have to believe one of you went to Zheng and told him about the deal.”

“Well, what if they were just telling him to keep away from the Russians?” Aeris asked.

“If there’s one thing we know about Zheng, it’s that you don’t go and tell him to back off of something. Why are you asking Aeris? You working for the Green Gang?”

“Yes and I had tea with Nan-dao Zheng!” he joked, laughing.

Everyone laughed and figured this as Aeris’ way of reassuring them he was not the traitor among them.

“Well, whichever one of you is working for The Green Gang let this be your warning. While there is no proof of what else you may have talked about with Zheng I assure you it will only ruin things for you. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll cut your ties with them,” the head of the committee advised. “I have great respect for all of you, so it’s why I won’t immediately command who amongst you is the rat. I’m asking, no wait, I’m demanding you, whoever you are, back out now or you will regret it. This deal with the Russians is better than any deal you have on the table with the Green Gang.”

The men were then briefed on when the Russians would be making business arrangements with each of them. Afterwards, they made their way out of the building. As Quan was making his way out of the building, he was stopped by Aeris.

“Quan! Can you believe this? A rat among our committee?” he asked.

Quan did his best to not give off any suspicion of a guilty look, but he didn’t have to worry as his shame was coating it for him nicely.

“Yes Aeris, it is quite a shock. I just hope that whatever happens, the Russians will see the good of our deal together.”

“Yes Quan, I believe you’re right. Hopefully, the Russians believe in our deal no matter what happens. Perhaps we can get together and go over our plans for the deals next week?”

“That would be good Aeris, I shall see you then.”

Quan and Aeris parted ways, retiring back to their homes.

* * * * * *

A few days later, Quan had his meeting with the Russians. He was excited and overjoyed at the opportunity. He dealt in very unique furs that he acquired from reputable places as well as from his own hunting. Quan wasn’t much of a hunter, but when he could every once in a while, he would go hunting and kill small game. He learned how to hunt and basic wilderness skills from his father back when they hiked the great Himalayas when he was a boy. He met with them at a local teahouse in town. When he arrived, he noticed there were two of them and the expression on their faces didn’t seem too pleased.

“Hello Mr. Tsang, please have a seat,” one of the Russians said.

“Thank you.”

“It is good that we get to do business with the fine men of Shanghai once more,” he continued.

“Yes. I’m very glad that we made peace and hopefully, we can come to terms on making this arrangement with furs a successful one,” Quan said and extended his hand.

“Yes, that would be a very prosperous thing, but before we get to business Mr. Tsang, I have one thing to ask you.”

Quan suddenly felt chills running down his spine and he tensed up. He wondered if they somehow got the word about his connection with the Green Gang.

“Yes? What is that?” Quan asked.

“Would you like some tea? We are at a teahouse after all,” the man asked.

Quan sighed in relief.

“Oh!” he laughed. “Yes, yes, I believe I shall have some tea. I enjoy Oolong.”

Quan got his tea and then sat back with the two Russian men, and they began going over their fur business arrangements. Seeing as he was about to have a deal in place, Quan decided now was the time to come clean about his deal with the Green Gang. He would face the repercussions with the committee later.

“Gentlemen before we proceed, I just thought you should know that I have been doing small business with Nan-dao Zheng of the Green Gang. I know you question his motives sometimes and believe me I do as well, but as you may probably guess, the fur business hasn’t been easy as of late. I needed help and he was the only person to whom I could turn to. I hope this doesn’t change your mind about us conducting business together. If it does, I will understand completely.”

He waited for one of them to respond and felt things had now become strained. He felt as though perhaps he had just blown the deal. After a few moments of talking between themselves, the two men faced Quan to give him their answer.

“First off Mr. Tsang, we thank you for being honest with us. We imagine it must not have been easy for you to tell us this bit of news. It is true that we do not like Nan-dao Zheng and his way of business, however, we also understand how difficult times have been in the fur trade, because we have had the same issues. It is part of the reason we decided to sign the treaty with you and your fellow committee members.”

“So, does this mean you’ll still do business with me?”

“Yes, Mr. Tsang, we wish very much to do business with you still.”

“Thank you!” he clasped his hands together in a greeting gesture.

“You’re most welcome, and thank you Mr. Tsang for your generous offer and your brave honesty as well. We have a meeting with your friend Aeris next, is he still a cheery fellow?” the man asked.

“Oh yes, quite so, and still stubborn as ever if not bargained with correctly,” Quan said laughing.

The men began going over the plans of where they will exchange the furs and after a few minutes, they bid farewell and went their separate ways. Quan returned home a happy man as he not only got the deal done, but he confessed to his working with the Green Gang.

The next day Quan awoke to two men whom he recognized as members of the Green Gang. They came at him and before Quan had a chance to react, they took him against his will. They brought him back to the Green Gang warehouse and they dropped him before Master Nan-dao Zheng.

“Master Zheng, what is the meaning of this?!” Quan demanded.

“I could ask you the same question Quan. I believe you have a deal in place with the Russians, yes?”

Quan said nothing.

“You don’t have to say anything Mr. Tsang, because I know you have a deal in place; they told me. They also told me that they won’t be doing any sort of business with me or any of my associates. All because you told them.”

“I’m sorry, I had to. Besides, I told you I wouldn’t be working with you anymore,” Quan explained.

“That not only wasn’t your call to make, but you ruined any deal we could’ve had with anyone! Not just the Russians, they told other countries not to do any business with us. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?!”

“I’m...I’m sorry, Master Zheng. I’m sure you can do business elsewhere.”

“No, you fool! You have set us back for quite a while! You have destroyed my ability to negotiate with anyone.”

“I’m sure the Russians already knew of your work and disapproved.”

“Yes, but your honesty and coming clean only furthered their hatred toward us. This cannot go unpunished Mr.Tsang, I cannot allow you to leave here.”

“What...what are you saying?” Quan asked.

“Take him over to the Chambers.”

The two men then grabbed Quan and dragged him over the Chambers. Everyone else slowly followed them to the room. Nan-dao Zheng made his way into the room after and motioned for one of his young pupils to come forward. He then presented a sword to the young man. The man took the sword from his master. The two men threw Quan down. Quan knelt and didn’t move after that.

“You will kill this man for his betrayal,” Zheng ordered.

“Nooooo! Please!!!” Quan pleaded.

He tried to turn around, but the two men stopped him.

The young man approached Quan and looked down at him before raising his sword. Quan looked up at him and he could tell the young man couldn’t be any more than twenty years old. He noticed the man’s hand shaking nervously. He saw worry and fear in his eyes.

“Kill him,” Zheng repeated.

The man’s sword was high above his head while it was still shaking in his hands. Aside from his shaking, he remained motionless.

“What are you waiting for? I said kill him!” Zheng urged him again.

The man gripped the sword tighter as sweat dropped from his forehead, and he slowly lifted the heel of his left leg up and grinded it to the floor. Clearly nervous. After shaking some more, the man dropped the sword from his hand. He fell to his knees and began weeping.

“You are weak and have disgraced what the Green Gang stands for. How disappointing. Take him away,” Zheng said as a group of men took the young man away.

“I will deal with him later, but first, I need someone to step forward and kill this man for his treachery.”

Another young man among his gang stepped forward. Zheng looked at him emotionlessly.

“I sincerely hope you don’t fail to go forward with what must be done or you’ll end up with your friend who just got taken away.”

The young man picked up the sword from the floor. He then scrutinized it and weighted it in his hand trying to get a feel for it. Zheng looked at him inquisitively, wondering if he’ll go through with it.

“Are you ready?” Zheng asked.

The young man nodded as he raised the sword above the side of his head and walked over to Quan. Just as Zheng began to speak and before he could finish, the young man, with one swift movement, brought the blade down to Quan’s head, decapitating him. The man turned to Zheng with a cold stare on his face. Nan-dao Zheng smiled mischievously before clapping in approval.

“Excellent!” Zheng applauded.

The young man bowed down to Zheng before going to hand him back the sword.

“No, no you keep it. You have earned that sword.”

The young man nodded in approval, dismisses himself, and walks back toward the rest of his members.

“One of you take Mr. Tsang’s head and dispose of it. If The Green Gang cannot do business with anyone, then Quan Tsang won’t either.”

Chapter 12 - Enlightenment 

He stood in his luxurious robe with his attention completely on Ryu as he laughed wildly holding an opium pipe in his hand.

“Ah, Ryu Tsang, we meet once again,” Shaojin said.

“Shaojin! How do you know my name?” Ryu asked.

“I know much about you, Ryu. I probably know more about you than you know about yourself.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will, you will. To answer your question, how wouldn’t I know who you are? We first met at the docks after all. Sure, we didn’t exchange any words between us, but I asked your boss Rafael who you were after Rezel, one of my men, mentioned coming across a man who resembled you.”

“Rezel...so that’s who he is. I had a few run-ins with him.”

“Yes, he told me. After the second time he encountered you, I looked into just exactly who you were. Though, to my surprise, we met again in more different circumstances.”

“What are you talking about? This is only the second time I’ve ever seen you face to face.”

“You don’t remember? Oh, that’s right, you wouldn’t now, would you?” Shin said.

“Enough with the game Shaojin. Let Mia go!” Ryu demanded.

“Don’t worry, if I wanted her dead, she would have been by now. I also have no intention of harming her.”

“Why are you doing all this?!”

“Isn’t it obvious Mr. Tsang? I wish for Shanghai to become an Opium Utopia, a euphoric paradise where everyone is happy. Don’t you want everyone to be happy, Mr. Tsang?”

“You’re a dirty businessman and a murderer! You killed Chao!”

“Yes, that was unfortunate, but you see, the stubborn old man wanted to back out of our deal. Did you know I was using his back room as an opium den? The very same room where I put a bullet in his head and a blade through his abdomen.”

“You sick son of a bitch, you admit it!”

“Yes Ryu, I killed Chao just like I had your boss Rafael killed as well.”

“I had a feeling you were behind it!”

“Yes, I had an old friend take care of that foul mouthed rat you called a boss.”

“You bastard! I bet you killed Yugori too, didn’t you!?”

“Yugori? Heavens, no. Yugori and me go way back. I did supply him with opium, though. The poor man succumbed to an overdose. He always said he was careful, but clearly his words caught up to him.”

“So, in my eyes, you’re still responsible.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right. I did supply him with the drugs, and I may not have killed Rafael, but I had someone else do it for me. I am also responsible for a man jumping to his death outside the Astor House Hotel, did you hear about that?

“Hear about it? I watched him fall...no one knew why he did it.”

“The man owed me a rather large sum of money and to another wealthy businessman over in Huangpu. Since his deadline passed and he still didn’t have the money, he took drastic action. Tragic really. But yes, he owed a debt just like your grandfather supposedly did.”

“My grandfather?! What do you know about my grandfather?!” Ryu asked, enraged.

“Well, for one, he didn’t die because of a debt; he was a traitor to his people.”

“Liar! My grandfather was a good man who was killed over a debt.”

“No Ryu, he was killed, because he was a member of the Green Gang, and he betrayed them when he decided to come clean about being involved with them.”

“Lies! How could you possibly say that?”

Shin Shaojin laughed before turning around to retrieve a sword that hung above a small piece of tapestry on the wall. He then turned back with the sword in his hand facing Ryu and confessed, “Because I was the one who killed him.”

Ryu’s face became pale and he suddenly felt sick again.

“No...no, that can’t be...you’re a liar,” Ryu said.

“Oh, but it’s true. It was my first kill as a young boy. I was training to become an assassin, though, I grew out of that phase shortly after. Would you like to know how he died?”

“You son of a-”

“Yes, I know, son of a bitch. But my mother was no dog Mr.Tsang, although a dog is rumored to be what took your grandfather’s head by the hair, dragging it out into the fields. There are many rumors of where your grandfather’s head is. One thing is quite clear however, I took his head off with the blade I now hold in my hands. It was given to me by the then leader of the Green Gang, Master Nan-dao Zheng.”

“Stop it, just stop it!”

“Some say his head is buried under the earth in the opium fields, underwater beneath the Garden Bridge, ooh this one’s good, under the Chinese Embassy Building where he frequently met with his fellow committee members, how’s that for irony?”

“Shut up! You’re a twisted man, Shaojin!”

“Haven’t you felt it Mr.Tsang? A connection between us? I know you have. I’m sure for every misdeed in town you’ve ever seen, you thought of me and maybe it’s because of this. Maybe it’s because I was the one who sliced off your beloved grandfather’s head.”

Mia looked on in shock, still tied up and gagged. Ryu began balling his hands into fists and didn’t know whether to attack Shaojin, keep listening, or cry at this point.

“So my grandfather was a member of the Green Gang, and he betrayed the people of Shanghai?”

“That is what I said, wasn’t it? And he wasn’t a member officially, nor was I back then, but he went to Master Nan-dao Zheng again, the leader of the Green Gang at the time, since his fur business was declining.”

“And when he wanted to stop doing business with him and cut ties with him, you killed him?”

“When Zheng found out that the Russians were going to do business with your grandfather, they nor any other country wanted to do business with him, he became quite angry. He had someone try to kill your grandfather, but that person failed to go through with it, that’s when I stepped up and did the bidding.”

Ryu began to shake and cry. He didn’t care anymore. For years his father told him tales, countless tales of his grandfather and his journeys. He even told him countless times of how his grandfather died. Sure it was odd to tell a kid something like that, but his father had great pride in his father and he only felt that his own child should know the truth and be proud of it as well. He now wondered if his father knew the truth or if he’d been lying to him for all these years.

“Come now, Mr.Tsang. I am doing you a favor. I am telling you the truth and aren’t you more at ease of knowing it? Doesn’t it just make your mind clearer? If not, then perhaps you could use some opium.”

“No, it doesn’t help! You’re behind killing nearly everyone I’ve ever cared about! I don’t care what you say, I don’t believe you, I don’t! And I’ve never touched opium ever, I’m no drug user!”

“Ah, and you accuse me of being a liar. Mr.Tsang, you may not believe me, but don’t stand there and be a hypocrite telling me you’ve never tried opium.”

“I haven’t! I grew up with two good parents and developed good morals, and I’ve never tried opium. I see people on the streets with it and every time I do, it makes me cringe,” Ryu said.

“Ha! You claim you’ve never smoked opium, which I find to be quite humorous, because you see Mr.Tsang, you’re one of the biggest opium users in all of Shanghai!” Shaojin replied.

“You don’t know-”

“Before you say another word, let me piece it all together for you and then you can tell me if I’m wrong. You say you’ve never touched opium and yet, the second time we met wasn’t here and now, but at an opium den almost a week ago. I was sitting down in a meditative state and I just happened to open my eyes to get a glimpse of you walking in. You sat down next to me on a mat and, though I don’t like to be disturbed when smoking opium, I remembered you from the docks and decided to speak to you. We then engaged in a brief conversation.”

“You have the wrong person Shaojin. Either that or you’re far more sick and twisted than I thought.”

“No, Mr.Tsang, it is you who is the sick one. I am not mistaken; it was you I saw. You smoked opium and lots of it, though, for someone reason, you cannot remember any of it or you subconsciously don’t remember.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about! I think I would know if I smoked opium,” Ryu said.

“Clearly not, Mr.Tsang, As I stated earlier, perhaps subconsciously, you just don’t remember and perhaps in your active state of mind, you’ve let yourself believe that opium is bad, but deep within the cortex and interior of your mind, you embrace it but blocked it out.”

“You’re out of your mind!” Ryu exclaimed.

“You’re out of yours! Think carefully, Mr. Tsang. I told you you’d see why I know more about you than you know about yourself. Now think very carefully, why would I claim to have seen you? I have nothing to gain from it nor is it relevant to anything other than me telling you the truth that it was you that I saw that day.”

“This is ridiculous...you don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ryu responded.

“Think Ryu! Think back on every time you encountered opium and concentrate. I guarantee things aren’t what they appear to be.”

I decided to go ahead and do as Shin said just to shut him up and prove he didn’t know what he was talking about. I began thinking back to when I was with Yugori and we had tea together. Not sure why that moment came into play, but I soon realized that after I left Yugori’s to go back to my own place to take a nap, I couldn’t sleep at all. I was laying in bed and a few moments later, I left my place and returned to Yugori’s. Funny, I don’t remember that at all. I knocked on Yugori’s door and let myself in and, as I sat at the table, I saw myself asking Yugori if he’d like someone to share his opium experience with him. He then handed me an opium pipe and...What the...that can’t be. I...I didn’t smoke opium with him. But I could see clearly that I took the pipe from his hand and began smoking opium.

My mind then flashed back to another time, to the day after Yugori had died and I went inside his apartment when I saw his door was open. I saw myself go back to my place only to lie down for a few moments. I then got up and went over to Yugori’s where I picked up the opium pipe, sat down in the chair I sat in last time I was there, and began smoking. No...this doesn’t make any sense, I thought.

My mind then flashed to the day I was walking home and saw the man up on his balcony smoking and when I returned home, I saw him outside before I closed the curtain. I realized I didn’t sleep and saw myself going out of my place and outside where I walked over to the man. He smiled at me before handing me his opium pipe. He then put his arm around me and we sat down on the steps as we took turns smoking from the opium pipe.

I then flashed to another moment when I was going to Chao’s and walked by a lady before walking inside. As I came out, I crossed the same street where I saw the same lady sitting on the steps the last time, but she wasn’t alone. I never walked by her and the other person, because I was the other person. I saw myself go up to her and strike up a conversation before I sat down next to her and we began smoking. None of this made any sense, and I saw the pattern of me not sleeping, but I had just come out of Chao’s this time...it didn’t make sense.

Finally, my mind flashed back to when I went to visit Liu. Well, I remember this, but I don’t see how it’s connected to opium. I walked up to Liu’s place, but this time, I didn’t see any of the people that were in the other apartments. I saw myself take out a key and walk into what is Liu’s apartment. Liu never gave me a key...I walked inside and into the bathroom and took the opium pipe off the sink and began smoking it. After a few moments, I saw myself exiting the bathroom and then the living room and then I headed upstairs to the roof. This is all so weird. I opened the door of the roof, but I didn’t see Liu there. I walked over to the corner of the roof where I had remembered seeing him, only then I laid down in a fetal position and  closed my eyes and began rocking back and forth. My god...Liu wasn’t there. Liu was never there. He didn’t live there, because that was an opium den that...that I stayed at.

Suddenly, I came back to reality and a shock came over my face. My face went white and I could feel myself starting to get even more queasy.

“What’s the matter Mr.Tsang? Remember something you had otherwise forgotten?” Shaojin asked.

“I...did it. I smoked opium. All the times I came across it or saw people doing it...I did it myself...but that doesn’t make any sense,” Ryu said.

“You see Mr.Tsang, I have only told you the truth. Sometimes our minds play tricks on us and in your case, opium has mixed itself with some kind of disorder of yours, because I do not have such blackouts when I smoke opium.”

“But...but how did you know I was smoking it? I mean...how did you know I didn’t remember aside from my denial?”

“When you showed up here, you acted as though we’d never met face to face, but I reassured you we did. Also, the conversation we had that day at the opium den was quite the conversation. You told me your name and how we’d met on the docks and you told me how you appreciate everything I am doing for this town. Since you’ve been here, you’ve acted like you don’t remember anything and are against everything I am. I, like you, am a very observant person; I can read people and profile them and you, Ryu Tsang, are very out of touch with your own reality.”

“I...I don’t believe this...I can’t stand opium and yet I smoke it?” Ryu asked.

“You remind me of a story I once heard Mr.Tsang. A story of a man who sat down by a tree every day for 2 weeks. It was a beautiful Wisteria tree with purple flowers. Every day, around the same time, he would come to the park and sit by this tree. On the fourteenth day, he came to the park and approached the tree and as he sat down, he closed his eyes as he always did. Only this time when he opened them, the tree withered and died before him. The man then looked around and before he knew it, he had found that he never came to the tree at all, but was in an asylum the whole time.”

The story unnerved Ryu who now began to question his sanity. He looked at Shaojin and then looked away and down at his feet. He then looked over to Mia who was still tied up helpless in a chair.

“Am...am I really here?” Ryu asked.

“Ha! Of course you are my dear boy, of course you are. Surely, you wouldn’t conjure me up. For what possible purpose could I serve in your mind? Oh I know, you don’t think you like opium, so you make me up and I serve as everything you hate about it.”

“Wha...What?!” Ryu asked, now even more bewildered.

Shin Shaojin laughed hysterically before approaching Ryu and striking him in the face with a furious punch.

“Is that real enough for you?” Shaojin said as he kicked Ryu in the knee and punched his face again.

Ryu backed away and wiped his lip revealing blood. He looked at Shin Shaojin and his bewilderment turned into sudden anger upon being attacked.

“Yeah, I guess this is real, but so what? What now Shaojin? Why leave me in a tunnel and let me battle my way through only to come across you?”

“Well, it’s simple really, Ryu, I wanted to break you and I believe I have. Yes, I am very much real and I led you here so I could see just how brave and tough you think you are. You’re brave, I’ll give you that, but you’re confused now and your mind is a fragile mess. Miss Morgan here was going to expose me and add her findings at Chao’s deli to her report on me.”

“I’ll sort out whatever I have going on later, but right now this ends Shaojin, this ends once and for all.” Ryu said firmly.

“I have revealed your true self to you Mr.Tsang, I have been more honest with you just now than anyone you know ever has. And you wish to thank me by telling me this is going to end? I must say, while I’m normally an ill-tempered man you, you bring out the enlightened side of me. Exactly how would you like this to end, Mr.Tsang?”

In the time they have been talking, Mia had managed to free her hands from being tied to the chair. Ryu noticed her emerge from the chair before he quickly locked his eyes back on Shin Shaojin.

“I said, just exactly how do you see this ending Mr.Tsang? Personally, I say we let bygones be bygones and call it a truce by celebrating with tea and opium, what do you say?”

“I don’t find you the least bit funny Shaojin and I see this ending with me and Mia walking out of this tunnel,” Ryu said.

Shaojin laughed. “Such a noble statement, however, I’m afraid that’s not going to happen, because you see, I’ve changed my mind about killing Miss Morgan and you’re going to stand there and watch, so you can completely lose your mind.”

Mia managed to undo the ties on her hands and untied her feet from the chair. She then looked over to a small ornate shelf and noticed the pistol sword that Shaojin had left on it. She slowly and quietly got up from the chair and went over to the shelf and retrieved the pistol. Shin Shaojin was unaware as he was too busy talking to Ryu. Mia raised the pistol and pointed it at Shaojin’s back and attempted to shoot him. She pulled the trigger, but the gun flinched in her grasp as she missed his back and shot him in the shoulder.

Seeing as the shot still hit him, Shaojin yelled in pain,“Damn you!”

Mia stood there with the pistol still raised shaking in her hands. Ryu, seeing this as their opportunity to leave, took advantage of the situation.

“Mia it’s alright, step back,” Ryu said.

Mia backed away from the shelf and the chair. As she stepped away, Shin Shaojin held his shoulder wincing in pain. Ryu then decided to take Shaojin down and punched him square in the jaw with an uppercut along with a shoulder thrust that pushed him back and into the chair and then the shelf causing him to fall over. Mia lowered the pistol and ran into Ryu’s arms.

“It’s alright, we’re going to get out of here,” he comforted her.

They looked over at Shin Shaojin who now lay on the ground with a deep cut above his eye and one on the side of his face. As he tried to get up, Mia aimed the pistol sword again and fired another shot hitting him in the knee.

“Gahh!” he cried out, now unable to get up.

“It’s over Shaojin, we’re getting out of here and leaving you here to rot,” Ryu said.

Shaojin laughed. “Rezel and Kazar will be here shortly, so even if I can’t take care of you, they will.”

“Well then, I guess they’re going to die with you, because I’m blowing this place up.” Ryu said.

“With what?” Shaojin asked, then remembered the dynamite in one of the passageways. “You fool! If you do that, you’ll die too, not to mention, you’ll destroy the whole foundation above this tunnel!”

“This is how it ends Shaojin,” Ryu replied.

Ryu and Mia began walking out of the elaborate Shaojin hideaway, not looking back.

“This isn’t over Mr.Tsang! Your destiny has already been set into motion and my plan is already in effect. When you reach the surface, you’ll see that Shanghai has become infested with opium. The opium capital of the world!”

They continued walking until they reached the two diverging paths. Back in the open room, Shin Shaojin has lost consciousness. He heard a voice call out to him.

“SHAAAOOOOOOJINNNN!” 

As Mia and Ryu reached the paths, Mia asked him which way he came from.

“I came from the left that’s where the dynamite is, just up ahead. It’s a long way out of here though.”

“Well, I came from the right and it didn’t take too long. I took a ladder down from an opening in the floor of a warehouse; it’s probably a lot faster than where you came from.”

“Alright, let’s go left and grab some dynamite and then head back that way.”

“We should probably see how far it is, so we can place the dynamite and get out of here.” Mia suggested.

“There’s no time, Shaojin may get up and who knows when his goons will get here,” he said.

They held hands and ran to the left of the tunnel where, after turning a corner and going a little further down, Ryu came across the crate of dynamite he had seen earlier. He saw that the crate was already open and sure enough inside it was filled with dynamite. He and Mia each grabbed two sticks of dynamite and headed back to where they came from. As they got to where they came from, they took the left which was now straight ahead and as they ran turning at the corner, they were met by Rezel and Kazar.

“Whoa! Not so fast you two,” Kazar said.

“I told you what would happen if we crossed paths again buddy,” Rezel says to Ryu.

“Well, we have four sticks of dynamite in our hands that I can easily make to go off, and your boss is lying back there bleeding to death, so how would you like to do this?”

“Doesn’t matter to me, I said I was going to kill you and I meant it,” Rezel said.

Mia who was still holding Shaojin’s pistol sword in her other hand took the blade of the pistol and rushed toward Kazar thrusting it straight into his gut. She then pulled it out of Kazar and tried to thrust it into Rezel, but he countered it by stopping her hand from coming forward. Rezel raised his pistol sword attempting to use the blade on Mia. As Rezel came down with the blade, Mia countered it by having it meet with the blade of the sword in her hand, but she dropped the dynamite from the other hand. Rezel stared at her waiting for her to look down, but she did not. While both of them were locked in on one another, Ryu charged at Rezel and they both fell back. Rezel’s pistol sword went flying from his hand and hit the wall before falling to the ground. Mia took a step back as Rezel got Ryu off of him and the two began exchanging punches. While Ryu wasn’t the best at fighting, he did his best to defend himself. Ryu got in one good punch and ran for Rezel’s pistol sword. Mia then aimed hers at Kazar while he was still on the ground holding his gut. Ryu then aimed the pistol sword right at Rezel as the latter got up.

“Go ahead buddy, shoot me. I doubt you have it-” 

Ryu shot Rezel hitting him right below his shoulder, but he still remained standing. Mia took her focus off of Kazar, took the blade of the pistol sword, and drove it through Rezel’s neck. Rezel then held his now bleeding neck with one hand while holding his chest with the other. He then slowly fell against the corner of the wall until he sat on the ground bleeding out.

Mia dropped the weapon and picked up the two dynamite sticks. She ran back to the two diverging paths and lit each dynamite stick, throwing one straight ahead and the other to the side where Shin Shaojin was. She then told Ryu that they were lit and the two ran past the two men and run all the way down the long passageway. They turned at one final corner to the right and headed straight down as they reached the ladder where Mia said she came from. Ryu began to climb the ladder with Mia right behind him. As he reached the top, he turned the nozzle, opened the hatch, and crawled up and into the warehouse. He then extended his arm out to help Mia up. With Mia now safely out of the tunnel, Ryu then lit both of his dynamite sticks and threw them down into the opening and then closed the hatch.

Not sure if they would make it out alive and unaware of when the dynamite would go off, Ryu and Mia then looked at one another and ran as fast as they could out of the warehouse. As they reached the door, they felt the ground start shaking. They made their way out and kept running as far away from the warehouse as they could. Suddenly, another loud boom was heard as Ryu and Mia stopped running where they could now see the warehouse from afar. Another explosion was heard and this one startled both of them as it felt like it was right next to them. They held one another and a final explosion went off and the warehouse caught on fire.

Ryu let go of Mia and then stared hard at the burning warehouse. Mia also looked ahead at it before reverting her attention to Ryu.

“Thank god it’s over and we’re out of there,” she said.

“Yeah, and Shin Shaojin is gone once and for all...” Ryu agreed.

Then they got up and brushed themselves off before walking back into town holding hands. As they got back into town, Ryu stopped and looked around. He looked at the houses and buildings and saw clear evidence of open opium use. He started to believe he was losing his mind and is seeing things.

“It’s okay Ryu...I see it too,” Mia reassured him.

“You do?” he asked.

“Yeah...looks like Shaojin was right...the city got caught up in it.”

“And so have I...” Ryu looked down holding his head in shame.

Mia gripped his hand tightly and put her hand to his chin, and he looked up at her.

“It’s alright Ryu, we’ll get you some help, and we’ll figure this out...together.”

Ryu tried to smile the best he could. The two then began walking further into town unsure of what the future may hold.

* * * * * *

6 months later.

Ryu was sitting at the dinner table at his parents’ house with his father at the end of the table and Mia sitting beside him. His mother called out to him from the kitchen.

“Ryu, sweetie you have a phone call.”

He excused himself from the table and went to the kitchen. His mom smiled as she handed him the receiver.

“Hello?” Ryu said.

“Hello Mr.Tsang, I hope all is well with you, because there’s about to be a reckoning. I wonder though, are you truly at your parents house or are you really in an opium den somewhere? Or perhaps under your own Wisteria tree? I told you this wasn’t over and, soon enough, I’ll be coming for Miss Morgan, your family, and then you. I’ll kill you just like I killed your grandfather...by cutting off your head!”