Chapter 85: 061 Yujiang (First Watch)_3
Translator: 549690339
Zhu Shaodan’s eyes lit up as if he had discovered a new continent.
Seeing how influential the Qinglong Association was, he thought to himself, wouldn’t I be invincible in fights if I joined them? He could even settle his score with Bai Ziyan.
His friends gasped with surprise.
Zhao Shun looked at him disdainfully upon hearing this statement. “You’re really an ignorant brat. The Qinglong Association isn’t just a place where any Tom, Dick, or Harry can join.”
Zhu Shaodan snorted, “Why can’t I join? You must be afraid that I’ll surpass you once I join the Qinglong Association. What a vicious mind.”
Zhao Shun laughed derisively, looking at him like a fool. “You foolish kid, do you even know the rules of joining the Qinglong Association?”
“What rules?” Zhu Shaodan asked subconsciously.
“Firstly, you need a sponsor who must be at least a branch leader of the Qinglong Association. Secondly, you must capture a traitor within the association and sever one of his fingers with your own hands.”
Zhu Shaodan jumped in fright, “In today’s lawful society, that’s a crime!”
Zhao Shun gave him a disdainful glance, “I can’t believe I’ve been speaking with a fool for this long.”
Zhao Shun, arm around a beautiful woman, turned and left without another word.
His friends sighed in relief, “The Qinglong Association is truly terrifying. I’ve heard about this rule before. As a new member, you’re supposed to capture a runaway, sever one of his fingers personally and offer it as a token of your initiation.”
Another friend added, “What Zhao Shun said is true, but in reality, you can choose one of the two methods. If you find the second one too violent, you could always find a branch leader to sponsor you. But would someone in that position lightly recommend you? What’s more, if you betray the Qinglong Association or harm its interests, your sponsor would be implicated and suffer the same punishment – losing a finger. That’s why they’re reluctant to recommend anyone. The association has many strict rules, a rigid hierarchy, and intense competition. We’re just ordinary people, let’s not get carried away.”
Zhu Shaodan’s eyes sparkled. “Don’t you think it’s cool? Have you ever watched the movie Young and Dangerous? Don’t I resemble Chicken Wang?” He added, ruffling his hair and displaying a ‘greasy’ grin.
The others glanced at each other, thinking he was one step away from losing his mind.
Zhu Shaodan asked, “Do you guys know who the branch leaders of the
Qinglong Association are?”
Seeing his determination, his friends shared everything they knew. “You can frequently patronise places like casinos, bars, discos and entertainment venues, those are their territories.”
“However, I advise you against it. Once you’re initiated into the Qinglong Association, it’s hard to pull out. Regardless of whether you’re of royal descent or part of the business elite, they only respect power within the association.”
Zhu Shaodan, lost in thought, bid his friends goodbye and hailed a taxi to go home. Realising he was out of cash, he waved the taxi off and decided to walk home.
As the sky gradually darkened, the neon signs on both sides of the road started to shine.
Just as he turned a corner, he saw a signboard for the Sweetheart Bar, its name brightly illuminated.
A group of men of varied heights and weights, some tattooed and others with facial scars, approached him. They were certainly an intimidating bunch.
Zhu Shaodan glanced at them, then stepped forward to stop them. “Gentlemen, may I ask if you’re from the Qinglong Association?”
The leader of the group looked him up and down, scoffing, “Kid, what do you Zhu Shaodan flashed his best sycophantic smile, “I’ve heard about the prowess of the Qinglong Association for a long time but sadly, I have no connections. Brothers, please accept me as your little brother. I promise to be obedient.”
One of the men, skinny with a pointed chin, looked Zhu Shaodan up and down before addressing the scar-faced leader. “Scar, this kid’s clothes aren’t cheap, he must be a spoiled rich kid. His naive look makes him perfect to run errands for us.”
The scar-faced man raised an eyebrow, “Not afraid of hard work?” Zhu Shaodan perked up, seeing a glimmer of hope. “Not at all, I’m eager and full of energy.”
He added, thumping his chest with enthusiasm.
“What’s your name?”, Scar asked.
Zhu Shaodan’s eyes rolled, ‘Every debut needs a stage name, right?’ He had never liked his name – it sounded too feminine.
“My name is Lin Shaoxia. The ‘Lin’ is from ‘lin shuangmu’ (forest), ‘Shao’ is from ‘shaoye’ (young master), and Ixia’ from ‘wuxia’ (martial hero)..”