RMM -Chapter 153 The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back

“Brother Cheng, I treat you as one of my own, which is why I’m speaking so… uh… heart-to-heart with you.”

Before getting started, Brother Long made his stance clear and even deliberately used a classical idiom.

“Yes, yes. From the very beginning, I’ve received your guidance and support, Brother Long. That’s why I’ve been able to advance so steadily and quickly. Your great kindness and generosity, I, Cheng Yue, will never forget.”

With Brother Long saying that, Xi Yuechen naturally didn’t just sit there. He immediately stood up, picked up his glass, and respectfully toasted Brother Long, expressing his gratitude verbally.

After Brother Long smiled and finished the drink in his hand, Xi Yuechen poured him another half glass and only then sat back down. Every action was smooth and natural; though it carried a flattering undertone, it didn’t feel servile or sycophantic at all.

Brother Long naturally appreciated this, his face smiling warmly.

Knowing exactly what Brother Long wanted to hear, Xi Yuechen continued, his expression serious, posture proper, showing a determined clarity of purpose.

“Brother Long, I don’t yet know what my fate will hold, but if I ever rise to prominence, I will never forget your kindness and will repay it to the best of my ability. Everything I have today is thanks to you; I keep it all in my heart.”

Xi Yuechen spoke earnestly, with an air of solemnity and sincerity that made it impossible to tell that any of it was improvised.

As these words were spoken, Brother Long’s face lit up with pleasure. Xi Yuechen already had his psychological state completely figured out—he knew exactly when to say what.

Pressing the advantage, Xi Yuechen added, “I am not someone who forgets their roots. No matter what happens in the future, if Brother Long ever needs me, Cheng Yue will give everything—heart and soul—to repay you.”

Xi Yuechen’s words were clever. He didn’t say “I,” only “Cheng Yue,” which was a completely fabricated identity—essentially an empty promise meant to appease Brother Long and give him peace of mind.

Xi Yuechen’s empty promises sounded grand, and Brother Long, unaware of the hidden meaning, was thrilled, trusting him even more.

For Brother Long, Xi Yuechen’s words acted as a catalyst, fundamentally changing his perception of him. From that moment on, they were not just mutually beneficial allies but brothers who would share fortune and misfortune.

In reality, all Brother Long wanted was that one promise from Xi Yuechen. His skills weren’t outstanding, but he wasn’t stupid either. After all these days together, he could clearly see Xi Yuechen was someone destined for greatness.

Xi Yuechen had always been respectful and obedient to him. Even after being summoned twice by Bai Xiong and gaining Bai Xiong’s quiet favor, Xi Yuechen remained humble and composed before Brother Long. That’s precisely why Brother Long continued to fully support him.

If we were to break it down plainly, it was simple: “No one survives by being selfless alone.” Even if Brother Long admired Xi Yuechen, if he became useless or used him as a stepping stone, surviving in Yanmen would be tough. Trouble would come, even if not fatal, and Xi Yuechen would be sent packing.

People in this world of underworld dealings weren’t soft-hearted philanthropists. Brother Long wouldn’t voluntarily pave the way for a newcomer.

Although Brother Long’s influence in Yanmen wasn’t enormous, he was a veteran with plenty of methods for dealing with outsiders. Even if Xi Yuechen caught Bai Xiong’s favor, Brother Long could still cause trouble if he sensed ingratitude. Loyalty was key in this world.

Fortunately, Xi Yuechen showed no hint of arrogance. The more progress he made, the humbler he became, which pleased Brother Long. He had invested in Xi Yuechen as a potential rising star, and it would have been a wasted investment otherwise. Effort deserves reward.

Brother Long kept a very precise account of everything. Xi Yuechen’s words today not only delighted him but also made him genuinely want to build a sincere relationship. Of course, this wasn’t just because of Xi Yuechen’s words—it was the result of careful observation over time.

Today, Xi Yuechen’s words of “loyalty unto the end” were nothing more than the “straw that broke the camel’s back.”

“Good! Excellent! You’ve got the guts to speak of loyalty—I like it! From today on, we’re real brothers. Come, let’s drink!”

Brother Long raised his glass from the table and laughed loudly.

“Thank you for your recognition, Brother Long. I will never forget today’s favor!”

Xi Yuechen, equally delighted, clinked his glass with Brother Long’s and drank it all at once.

Brother Long had no idea that Xi Yuechen’s inner thoughts were entirely opposite to his outward display.

A dark gleam flashed in Xi Yuechen’s eyes so quickly that even Brother Long didn’t notice. He smirked inwardly, knowing he had fully gained Brother Long’s trust and support—a step of great significance.

Though Brother Long’s influence in Yanmen wasn’t huge, he was a veteran, and everywhere he went, people gave him respect. Since Xi Yuechen had entered Yanmen through Brother Long, he had to be careful with his attitude.

People like him liked taking advantage and were petty, calculating “small men” who, while not lethal, could create many troubles. Xi Yuechen’s current mission was important, so he didn’t have time to argue with Brother Long. The support he gained, however, was invaluable.

For instance, now Brother Long shared Bai Xiong’s whereabouts and habits openly. Without him, where could Xi Yuechen have obtained such information?

“Big Brother contacted us again yesterday,” Brother Long said, putting down his chopsticks and thinking before continuing. “This time, he’s been in high spirits. I think he must have successfully completed several major deals.”

Xi Yuechen’s heart stirred. He put down his chopsticks, curiosity sparking. “Brother Bai went out on business?”

“Not entirely,” Brother Long said proudly. “Our Yanmen is no longer so small that the boss has to personally handle two deals. That would be beneath him.”

Xi Yuechen said nothing, listening intently, his eyes showing a hint of admiration.

“Do you know where the boss went this time?” Brother Long asked mysteriously after a pause.

“How would I know? Only someone like you, a veteran, could know such secrets.”

Xi Yuechen always knew how to flatter Brother Long at the right time, winning his favor.

Sure enough, Brother Long’s face lit up with pride. “Back when we followed Brother Bai, starting from nothing, Yanmen didn’t even have its name. Nobody knew us. To get even a tiny bit of goods, we ran countless errands, begged countless people, endured ridicule. Who could have imagined we’d achieve what we have today? Even we didn’t expect it.”

Brother Long’s expression grew nostalgic, lost in memory.

Xi Yuechen knew from Afei that Brother Long was one of the earliest followers of Bai Xiong, a truly indispensable veteran. Now that Yanmen had grown in power, the real inner circle remained those early loyal followers, giving Brother Long some influence with Bai Xiong.

“All we wanted was a better life, which led us to follow Brother Bai. You don’t know how hard it was in the beginning, but we survived the tough times. Brother Bai treated us well. Living to this level isn’t so bad,” Brother Long said.

He paused, sneering with self-satisfaction, adding, “Look at Yanmen now. Who isn’t jealous? Who doesn’t want a share? How many want to destroy us? But who can? Only the government and police have tried to find evidence against us, but never succeeded. If anyone wants to wipe out Yanmen, they better have the ability!”

Brother Long spoke arrogantly, pride evident. Xi Yuechen listened coldly, detached, like ice.

No need to rush. What’s meant to come will come. Yanmen’s days of glory aren’t that many.

Admittedly, Brother Long sometimes acted recklessly in speech and action. Breaking the law is one thing; boasting about it is another.

“Yanmen truly is legendary, inspiring awe,” Xi Yuechen commented lightly, with a smile.

Brother Long nodded, smiling in agreement. After a bit of boasting, he reluctantly returned to the main topic, continuing to share information about Bai Xiong with Xi Yuechen.