Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

Lip soon arrived at the "old place."

This abandoned factory had been the base Lip chose when he first started forming the Xiaolong Gang. The buildings and roads here are so intertwined that they resemble a maze to those unfamiliar with it, but to those who know the area, it's as clear as home. There are also many bunkers and secret paths scattered around. Whether for defense or leading people through, this place is ideal.

Under the still bright moonlight, Lip walked around and made his way to a rooftop. The view was expansive, and even at night, the streetlights provided enough visibility to carefully observe each entrance and exit.

Lip turned a corner and found the 18 core members of the Little Dragon Gang, either squatting or leaning against the ground. Among them were Mickey, Pete, and Johnson, old friends with whom Lip shared a lot of history.

As Lip approached, everyone lit up their special Marlboros and stood up in unison.

"Boss," they all shouted together.

Lip's eyes scanned the group with calm but imposing authority. "I think everyone has a general idea of why I've called you here today. That's right—the first major incident for the Xiaolong Gang has happened!"

"Our mutual friend Kevin was not only robbed by Fei Luo and Shou Qiao of the Wild Dog Gang, but he was also shot. Although it was only a scratch, this behavior has crossed the line with our Xiaolong Gang."

"Family and friends are something we must protect with our lives!"

"You are all my proud apprentices, and the core of this gang. I want to know, has anyone or their families been bullied by the Wild Dog Gang?"

"If you have, stand to the left. If not, stand to the right."

Almost immediately, everyone moved to the left side.

"Oh, so you've all been bullied by the Wild Dog Gang. Let me ask you: have you ever thought about resisting? Ever thought about revenge?"

The 18 of them stood silently, clenching their jaws and gritting their teeth. Their fists cracked with tension.

"You may have been weak and timid before, but I believe after these few months of training, you've become brave and strong."

"If I lead you to wash away this humiliation, to settle the score, and to eradicate the Wild Dog Gang from our Southern District, are you willing?"

"Willing!" the 18 shouted passionately.

Lip could see the fire burning in their eyes.

"Good!" Lip praised loudly. "As brothers, I am proud of you. But as your boss, I have to be responsible for you—and for your families."

"Even if Fatty Luo and Thin Joe must die, the Wild Dog Gang has to be wiped out! But we can't act recklessly."

"Do you hear me?"

"Hear it!"

"Now, I'll assign tasks."

"Those who can fire guns, step further to the left."

Twelve people, including Mickey, Pete, and Johnson, moved to the left, while six others stood still.

"Among you 12, if you think your shooting skills are the best, step forward."

All 12 approached Lip.

"Okay, you'll be tested tomorrow. I want to see how well you shoot," Lip said in a commanding tone. "Do you have guns?"

"I do!" Mickey and Johnson said together.

"How many?"

"I have two Sig Sauer P320s, and maybe an Uzi submachine gun if I'm lucky," Mickey said proudly.

Lip nodded. He was familiar with the Sig Sauer P320. It's a 9mm pistol used by Chicago police, known for its durability and high performance. The Uzi submachine gun was famous for its power and reputation worldwide.

"I have two Glock 17s and two M1911s," Johnson added confidently.

"You're all great! Where are the bullets?"

"I can get a few dozen rounds at most," Mickey admitted, looking a little embarrassed.

"I can only fill four magazines," Johnson said.

"That's not nearly enough! But don't worry, I'll handle the ammo situation," Lip assured them.

"Boss, why do we need so many bullets?" Mickey asked.

"To feed the guns!"

"Feed the guns?" Johnson was puzzled.

"It's the technique of shooting a large number of rounds in a short time to improve accuracy and stability. It's called gun feeding." Lip said as he pulled out a coin, tossing it into the air. He quickly drew his Glock and fired three shots in quick succession.

"Bang bang bang~." The bullets hit the coin three times in a row, without deviation.

"My shooting skills are pretty good!" Lip said with a smile.

"Boss, your marksmanship is incredible! Teach me too!" Johnson flattered.

"Wow!" others exclaimed. "You're amazing, boss!"

"I want to learn too!" someone else added.

"This can't be taught in one lesson. You need to shoot 10,000 rounds to perfect it," Lip explained.

"Ten thousand rounds? Where am I going to find the money for that?" Pete asked.

"That's your problem, not mine," Lip teased. "But if we take out the Wild Dog Gang, we'll make a lot of money. G-Dog has been making a fortune selling fans!"

The eyes of the group lit up.

"Once the Wild Dog Gang is gone, we can reshape the rules of the underground world in our district. As heroes, everyone will get what they want: cars, houses, money, and girls!"

Lip's eyes sparkled as he spoke. He knew how to stir them up—anger, hatred, rewards, and benefits. With all these strategies, it would be impossible for these guys to back out.

"Boss, what do we do?" asked the six who couldn't shoot.

"The six of you will work in pairs starting tomorrow morning. I need you to track down the whereabouts of Fatty, Slender Joe, G-Dog, and Bobcat Tom. Focus on 6 p.m. to midnight. The more detailed your info, the more valuable it is."

"Understood, boss! We'll get it done!"

"And you 12—start practicing your shooting tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll guide you one-on-one."

"Ah?" Pete looked confused.

"Otherwise, are you going to fight with knives? Even if you get close to G-Dog, you'll be full of holes before you can even hit him."

"Hehe, boss, you taught me a lesson!" Pete said with a goofy smile.

Lip patted him on the shoulder. "If anyone betrays the gang or their brothers, I guarantee you and your family will end up in trash cans all over the South District. How many trash cans are there? That's how many pieces you and your family will be in!"

Lip's gaze turned deadly serious, planting fear into everyone's hearts with what he called "Lucifer's Gaze."

"Okay, if there's nothing else, get to work!"

Lip assigned the tasks for the next two days before he and Mickey left.

"Boss, what's up?" Mickey asked, sensing something was on Lip's mind.

"Mickey, remember to call me boss while you're in the gang. I have something to ask you."

"Go ahead, Lip."

"I need you to find out what kind of guns Fei Luo and Shou Qiao are using."

"Okay, I'll handle it. But why do you need this info?"

"Don't worry about it, I'll explain later."

"Well, though it's all a bit mysterious, I trust you have a plan."

"Mickey, get Ian in for gun practice tomorrow."

"Why Ian?"

"It's better to deal with things proactively than wait until they're too late."

"You don't want Ian to do the same…"

Lip didn't speak, but nodded silently.

"I get it. You're doing this for his own good. The Southern District isn't a safe place. He needs to learn how to handle it now, instead of being shocked later."

Lip smiled and patted Mickey's shoulder. He knew Mickey truly cared for Ian, which was why he agreed.

Both understood the importance of forging a strong heart rather than simply paving the way for those they loved.