I whispered into her ear, "I will be with you forever. We will never touch drugs, never engage in violence, I promise I can do it!"
Xie Nana said, "I believe you. If you didn't have this sense of justice, you wouldn't have painstakingly dismantled such a deeply entrenched organization. Don't worry about me. Even if I lose everything, at least I still have you. If you can just give me a stable life, a warm little home, I'll be very, very content. As for how much money, how big a house, or what kind of environment – I don't care about any of that. I only care if you are by my side."
I said, "If I go back to being Li Hua, I'll have my original life. Can you accept that? I have my own circles, my friends, and even women who love me as much as you do. You love Li Hua, but you'll have to face these realities. Can you accept it?"
Xie Nana was stunned for a moment, then quickly recovered. She looked at me and said, "I can accept it. As long as I know you love me too, I won't interfere with your original life. It's enough if you know I'm still waiting for you to come home."
I hugged her tightly, gently stroking her back and kissing her forehead. She stood up, broke free from my arms, and pulled me towards the bed.
I knew a great battle was imminent.
The room was dark. I didn't know how long I had been asleep when the phone's ringing woke me.
Mobile ringtones of that era were very simple. The crisp sound filled the entire room.
I reached for my phone, following the faint light. I forced my eyes open to see the caller ID: an unfamiliar number.
What time was it? Midnight, or was it almost dawn?
I pressed the answer button. A familiar voice came from the other end.
Brother Hui!
I knew he would find me, but I didn't expect it to be so soon!
I said, "You've got some nerve, calling me."
Brother Hui replied, "Kid, you underestimate your Uncle Gong. You've only been eating for a few years and you dare to play with me? Do you know how many men I deployed during the meeting? Honestly, I suspected you from the start, so I couldn't put all my bets on you. I was wary of everyone, including that so-called chairman. What I didn't expect was that you would collude with the police and almost get me caught. Luckily, I was prepared. Otherwise, you would have taken me down completely."
He burst into laughter, like a victor.
I said, "I think you're better off inside. Outside, you're hiding like a rat, and your life probably isn't easy. Listen to me, surrender. You might be able to get a lighter sentence. If you keep resisting the government, you'll end up with nowhere to go. Why bother?"
Brother Hui said, "Kid, I'm living a good life out here. I'm enjoying the sea breeze in Southeast Asia right now. I suddenly thought of you, you're quite interesting, so I decided to call and chat. By the way, no matter what, my Nana won't leave you, and you're still my Uncle Gong. We still have this family connection, which is better than the outsiders around me. Actually, I quite admire you. You've accomplished so much at such a young age, and I didn't see any impatience in you. Not bad, I think highly of you. Once I establish myself here, you and Nana can come help me. What do you say?"
I said, "Have you been drinking tonight?"
Brother Hui replied, "Yes, how did you know?"
I said, "Because you're talking nonsense, or perhaps in your sleep. You just said I'm steady when I do things. Why? Because I have my principles, which are my guiding rules. That is, to fight against anyone who harms society and harms the people until the end. Unless you repent and become a law-abiding citizen. But now you're facing serious charges. Even if you want to repent, you have to accept legal punishment first, and then you'll be qualified to return to society. Can you do that? If not, don't talk to me about these things."
Brother Hui asked, "Are you determined to oppose me?"
I said, "I don't target anyone specifically. Anyone who stands against justice, no matter who they are, even my own father, I will fight them to the end! I'm sorry, Uncle Gong."
Brother Hui replied, "Alright, since you say so, be careful with your life. My people are everywhere. You'd better grow a few more eyes."
I said, "Don't worry, I will definitely see the day you are brought to justice. As for your people being so capable, bring it on. I'll be waiting."
After hanging up, Nana came over and asked me whose call it was. I guessed she hadn't heard much, so I didn't tell her the truth, just gave her a random name and told her to go back to sleep.
I stood up, phone in hand, and walked to the window. I sat on the sofa and checked the time. It was only a little past eleven at night. No wonder he said he was enjoying the sea breeze; it was time for supper.
I called Da Kui and asked him where he was.
Da Kui said he had returned to his hometown because of some family issue and had rushed back.
I didn't ask him what it was. If he didn't say, he must have his reasons. I didn't press him.
Da Kui's home is in Baoshan, hundreds of kilometers away. It takes two or three days to drive back.