Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 4: The Golden Empire Expands

---

March 10, 1947 – Chinatown, New York

The scent of incense and hot tea filled the room as I sat at the head of the table, my inner circle gathered around me. A map of Chinatown lay spread before us, dotted with red markings that indicated businesses under our protection.

Jackie Wu tapped his fingers against the table. "We're sitting on a gold mine, boss. Protection money's steady, and the Rattlesnake Gang isn't making any moves after our last run-in. We've got breathing room."

David Chen crossed his arms. "Breathing room isn't enough. We need to build something real—something that'll last."

He was right. A gang that only thrived on protection rackets was one that could be toppled by a bigger fish. We needed legitimacy, businesses that people respected. We needed to go beyond just controlling the streets—we had to control the economy.

I stood and gestured to the map. "It's time we expand. Bars, clubs, liquor stores, jewelry stores, antiques—anything with real profit. And we'll do it the right way. No drugs, no human trafficking. Our girls? Only the willing ones, and they get weekly checkups to keep things clean. We don't deal in filth."

The room went quiet. Then Jackie whistled. "That's gonna make us stand out."

David smirked. "And make us a hell of a lot richer."

---

Acquiring the Clubs and Bars

The nightlife in Chinatown was thriving, but most of it was under the control of corrupt landlords and small-time hustlers who gouged their customers and let the businesses rot. That changed when we made our move.

I visited the biggest bar in Chinatown, The Red Lantern, personally. It was owned by a man named Lou Zhang, a businessman who was barely keeping his place afloat due to constant shake-downs from the Rattlesnakes.

"You don't have to fight them alone," I told him as we sipped whiskey in his office. "Let us handle security, and you focus on running your business."

Lou Zhang hesitated, but when I laid out the deal—lower fees, guaranteed protection, and no interference in his management—he agreed. Soon, The Red Lantern became ours in all but name.

Within weeks, other bars followed, signing onto our protection willingly. The money poured in, and Chinatown's nightlife flourished under our watch.

---

Legitimizing the Empire

Running bars and clubs was lucrative, but it wasn't enough. We needed something with real stability—something that would make the city recognize us as businessmen, not just another gang.

So, we opened Golden Prosperity Lending, a proper and trusted lending company. No loan sharks, no broken kneecaps—just fair loans to those who needed them. People feared the banks but trusted us, knowing we wouldn't cheat them.

At the same time, I moved into luxury goods. Jewelry stores and antique shops were the heart of Chinatown's wealth, but they were often at the mercy of thieves and conmen. By offering reinforced security, fair trade practices, and a safe place to do business, we secured our foothold.

For those who couldn't afford traditional banking, Golden Prosperity became their lifeline.

---

Ensuring Order and Morality

Despite our rapid growth, I made one thing clear: there would be no drugs or human trafficking in our territory. Anyone caught dealing opium, heroin, or running forced labor was dealt with swiftly.

When a small-time pusher was caught trying to sell in our bars, I made an example of him. I reinforced a wooden table and smashed him through it, breaking three of his ribs. The message spread fast—Chinatown was clean under the Golden Dragon Society.

As for prostitution, it was done on our terms. No forced work, no pimps abusing women, and strict health checkups. The women who worked for us did so willingly, and they were treated with dignity. Golden Orchid Parlor, our first establishment, became known for being both high-class and safe.

Jackie summed it up best. "Other gangs treat women like cattle. We treat them like business partners. That's why they come to us."

---

The Future of Chinatown

By April, the Golden Dragon Society was no longer just a gang—it was an empire. We had money, influence, and respect. The city was starting to take notice, and so were the bigger players.

As I stood on the balcony of our newly acquired tea shop, looking down at the bustling streets below, I knew this was only the beginning.

But with power came new enemies. And I was ready for them.

---

[Proficiency Panel Update]

Alchemy Proficiency: 60% (Level: Novice)

Transmutation: 50% (Level: Novice)

Reinforcement: 45% (Level: Novice)

Creation: 32% (Level: Novice)

Wealth: $50,000 (Profits from clubs, jewelry, antiques, lending, and protection services)

Property: Rented safe house, underground storage, acquired tea shop, ownership stakes in multiple businesses in Chinatown

Physical Condition: Enhanced

Status: Rising Power, Respected Businessman

---

To be continued...