NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 5: Wei Long, the Iron Fist
In the heart of the Nine Dragon Syndicate’s operations, Wei Long, Mei Ling, Tian Hao, and Zhu Fen gathered around a polished mahogany table. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the air smelled faintly of cigar smoke. Each member of the syndicate was deep in thought, their faces reflecting the weight of their decisions.
Wei Long, the Iron Fist, slammed his fist on the table, shattering the momentary silence. “What is happening out there? Those workers are becoming emboldened! This insubordination cannot go unanswered!” His voice was like thunder, reverberating through the room.
Mei Ling leaned back, a calculating smile on her lips. “Perhaps it’s time we turn this to our advantage. If we can manipulate the media narrative, we can paint the protestors as troublemakers. Fear will work in our favor.”
Tian Hao, the Shadow Banker, nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “We control the money, and money controls the narrative. If we can fund some smear campaigns against them, we can discredit their cause before it gains any real traction.”
Zhu Fen, always the mediator, frowned. “But if we escalate this too quickly, it could backfire. We need to maintain some level of public sympathy for our operations. Let’s not forget, we have influential connections in the government. We can use them to put pressure on the media and local authorities.”
Meanwhile, Lian Zhu, the Whisperer, leaned in closer, her eyes glinting with mischief. “And I have some information that could be valuable,” she said softly, drawing the attention of the group. “I’ve intercepted messages indicating that Felix has a connection to Black Sorrow. If we can expose that link, it will tarnish his image even further.”
Wei Long’s lips curled into a sinister grin. “Excellent. If we can make Felix the face of the rebellion, we can crush their spirits before they even gather momentum. Let’s start sowing discord among their ranks.”
In the corner of the room, Chen Lu, the Surgeon, observed silently, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He had always been devoted to his work, but the increasing violence and disregard for human life within the syndicate began to weigh heavily on him. “Are we sure this is the right path?” he finally spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. “The more we push, the more chaos we create. What if we lose control?”
Mei Ling shot him an icy glare. “Control? We can’t afford to think like that. Our profits depend on our strength. You need to remember why we’re in this game, Chen.”
At that moment, Feng Bao, the Storm, burst into the room, panting as if he had just run a marathon. “Wei Long! The situation is escalating! The workers are more organized than we anticipated, and they have help from Black Sorrow!” His wild eyes darted around the table, seeking their reactions.
“Calm down, Feng,” Zhu Fen said, attempting to maintain some semblance of order. “What do you propose we do?”
Feng Bao’s lips twisted into a dangerous smirk. “Let’s take matters into our own hands. A show of force will remind them who they’re dealing with.”
Wei Long’s eyes gleamed at the prospect. “A show of force sounds enticing. We can unleash a few of our best enforcers on them, send a message that defiance will not be tolerated.”
In the shadows, Shen Ai, the Black Lotus, silently observed the entire exchange, her expression unreadable. She had her own agenda, one that didn’t align entirely with the syndicate’s ruthless tactics. If they continued down this path, they would inevitably invite even more resistance.
As the others debated, she quietly slipped out of the room, her mind racing. She needed to find a way to leverage the chaos for her gain. There were whispers of a new alliance forming among the protestors, and she wanted to be on the right side of history.
Meanwhile, Huang Jin, the Phoenix, stood outside the room, listening in. He had been feeling increasingly disillusioned with the syndicate’s violent approach. The conflicts they were stirring up were not just threatening their enemies; they were jeopardizing everything he had built.
As he walked away from the gathering, he felt the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. Could he find a way to turn this tide before it consumed them all?
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Back in the meeting, Wei Long concluded, “Let’s move swiftly. We’ll initiate a campaign against Felix and his crew, and at the same time, prepare our enforcers for a show of strength at the next protest. This will end before it even begins.”
Mei Ling nodded, her mind already calculating the potential profits from this new wave of chaos. “And I’ll work on a drug that can incapacitate those riled-up protestors without permanent damage. We need to ensure our operations remain intact.”
The meeting adjourned, but the tension hung thick in the air. Each member had their agenda, and the impending conflict loomed like a dark cloud over Southeast Asia.
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As the smoke cleared from the heated meeting, each member of the Nine Dragon Syndicate retreated to their private agendas, their minds buzzing with the potential of their nefarious plans.
The term "Nine Dragons" emerged in the New Order era, when businessmen and the government were involved in a mutually beneficial relationship. This group is known for many businesses that are considered "dim," such as gambling, drugs, and smuggling. They supposedly have a strong network that makes them immune from security measures.
In the early days of the formation of the Nine Dragons, the situation was extremely complex. As the Triad sought to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, it encountered many obstacles, mainly due to the strengthening of military regimes in almost all countries in the region. Efforts to recruit new members, especially in Singapore, have faced strong resistance from the government and the public.
As a result, Triad has had difficulty building a solid network in Indonesia. Although they tried to forge a deal with some local elements, such as Tomy Win and Yos Rai, the results were not as expected. The Triad's involvement in Indonesia has instead triggered internal conflicts, in which local groups seek to consolidate their power without foreign interference.
As time went by, the structure of the Triad slowly began to collapse. Although they still have power in certain economic networks, their influence globally is declining. On the other hand, local groups like the Nine Dragons began to take over, taking advantage of the loopholes left by the Triad. They built their networks that were more in line with Indonesia's social and political context, strengthening their position more adaptively and ingeniously.
With a strong foundation and deep connections with local military and business officials, the Nine Dragons emerged as a new entity that not only filled the void left by the Triad but also developed greater power and influence in the region.
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Wei Long’s Iron Grip--- Wei Long, determined to maintain his iron grip over the syndicate, had a singular focus: the completion of the luxurious casino on a cruise ship—a floating palace of vice that would attract high rollers from Singapore and beyond. He envisioned this as not just a revenue generator but a symbol of power, a beacon of the syndicate’s strength against any who dared challenge them.
“The sooner we get that casino operational, the better,” he muttered to himself, his fists clenched. “Every delay is a chance for our enemies to regroup. We need to crush this protest and eliminate any potential interference.” His next move was clear: send a message to the construction workers, ensuring they understood the dire consequences of defiance.
Opportunities in Singapore---
In the collapse of the New Order, Wei Long finds himself at a crossroads. The political and economic instability that has plagued Indonesia has forced many families to find new ways to survive. This is where the "Foster Parents program" came into being, offering opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to get an education abroad.
Wei Long, who was in his teens at the time, was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the program. He was adopted by a wealthy family, who saw the potential in a child who grew up in a harsh environment. Together with Tomy Winata, who is also part of this program, Wei Long left for Singapore to pursue an education that he had never dreamed of before.
Arriving in Singapore, Wei Long was fascinated by the modernity and progress that existed. However, his new life is not as easy as imagined. He must adapt to different cultures and face new social challenges. Despite being cut off from his old environment, the shadows of the past remained imprinted in his mind.
While in Singapore, Wei Long met Subianto, an exile who was struggling against injustice. This friendship gave Wei Long a new perspective on strength and courage. However, his aggressive nature and fighting spirit never disappeared. He learned to combine the violence he learned from his father with Subianto's more subtle strategies.
As part of the program, Wei Long and Tomy are also equipped with various skills and knowledge. They are taught about business, management, and how to utilize networking for personal gain. Wei Long saw this as an opportunity to build an even greater power in the future.
Returning to Indonesia after completing his education, Wei Long brought all of these experiences and lessons with him. With the support of Tomy Winata and the network he has built, he is determined to not only survive but also rule the world that has raised him.
In the course of his life, Wei Long sought to overcome his childhood trauma and prove that he could be something more than just a street boy. However, the path he chooses has consequences that will haunt him one day—a conflict with the values that his friends, including Bintang and David, are trying to defend.
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After completing the construction project of the Siliwangi Headquarters in West Java, Wei Long's reputation soared. In a secret meeting attended by the leaders of the Nine Dragons, the atmosphere was filled with tension and ambition.
"Wei Long," the firm voice of the Tiger General, one of the military leaders, broke the silence. "This project is not just a construction. This is an investment for our future."
Wei Long looked at the General with full confidence. "I understand that, General. We can expand the network of other military projects if we control procurement and contracts."
The Tiger General nodded. "Our strength is not only in weapons but also in infrastructure. We need to ensure that we become the only supplier of building materials for strategic projects."
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Another voice emerged from the corner of the room, that was the Commander of The Tiger, another influential leader. "What you offer, Wei Long, can be a double-edged sword. If we're not careful, we could lose control."
Wei Long looked at The Tiger Commander sternly. "Risk is part of this game. However, if we act quickly and appropriately, we can strengthen our position in the market."
The Tiger General crossed his arms, paying attention to the reaction of his comrades. "If you can prove your vision, Wei Long, we will give you our full support. But remember, failure is not an option."
With a glowing determination, Wei Long replied, "I won't let you down. Strength and resilience are key, and I will remember the lessons from the past."
It was there that Wei Long realized that his position in the Nine Dragons was getting stronger. With the support of military leaders and a well-thought-out strategy, he prepared to face obstacles and take a major step toward dominance.
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In her lavish office, Mei Ling was already drafting plans for the bioengineered drugs she intended to use to keep the construction workers compliant. The casino's construction would not just require labor; it would demand discretion. She was developing a substance that could ensure loyalty without the workers even realizing they were under the influence.
“I can leverage the chaos of the protests to push these products into the market,” she mused, tapping her pen against her cheek. “If I can make them indispensable for our operations, I’ll gain control over the workforce.”
Her gaze drifted toward the map of the reclaimed beaches where the cottages were to be built—luxury getaways meant to draw in tourists and wealthy clientele. “These cottages will complement the casino perfectly. A private paradise for those looking to escape the scrutiny of Singapore's regulations,” she thought, envisioning the opulence that would come.
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Mei Ling joined the Nine Dragons at a time when the syndicate was expanding its influence in the financial and development sectors. Initially, he was seen as a valuable asset thanks to his business skills and strong background. However, the working relationship with Wei Long, who was also involved in the construction project, became tense.
Over the years, the clash between Mei Ling and Wei Long was inevitable. Wei Long's brutal methods often contradict Mei Ling's ethical principles, which seek to create a positive impact through her business ventures. In one incident, when Wei Long tried to force a construction project using intimidation, Mei Ling stood firm, refusing to compromise on her values. "We can build without having to destroy," he said, facing Wei Long, who only snorted in annoyance.
However, as Tian Hao, The Shadow Banker, entered the picture, the dynamics between them began to change. Tian Hao, with ingenuity and a deep understanding of power games, saw the potential in the collaboration between Mei Ling and Wei Long. "You two have complementary strengths," he said one night in a secret meeting. "With the right strategy, we can dominate the market without having to resort to violence."
From the meeting, Mei Ling and Wei Long began to find common ground. They realized that to overcome greater challenges, such as competition from other syndicates and government pressure, they needed to work together. This collaboration, although initially tinged with tension, gradually changed the way they viewed each other.
As they continue their journey with the Nine Dragons, Mei Ling begins to appreciate Wei Long's pragmatic side, while Wei Long slowly opens up to Mei Ling's ideas of more sustainable and responsible business. With Tian Hao as the mediator, the two began to devise an ambitious plan that would not only benefit them but could also have a positive impact on society.
Now, in the atmosphere of the conflict that continues to roll, Mei Ling and Wei Long are trying to balance personal ambitions with social responsibility, determined to change the Nine Dragons from within.