I wasn't doing anything legitimate back then.

But it wasn't that extreme either. I stayed away from drugs, gambling, and other illegal activities. I was selling counterfeit goods.

All sorts of small items, shoes, hats, clothes, hardware, bought from the south and sold in the northeast.

Competition in this business was fierce, sometimes leading to violent conflicts. That's why I had a number of good brothers under me.

They helped me watch over the territory or handle disputes.

I wasn't a cultured person. I showed my appreciation to my brothers by treating them to food, drinks, and entertainment.

One time at a KTV, I met Lin Mo.

She stood in line with other hostesses.

When I recognized her, she also recognized me, her gaze a bit evasive.

I glanced at the other hostesses. With her looks, she couldn't escape my notice.

I gestured for her to sit beside me, fearing my brothers might mistreat her.

"What a coincidence."

She seemed embarrassed. "Yes."

"Don't worry, you don't need to be nervous. Just treat me the same way you treat others." Then I realized my words might be misunderstood, so I quickly added, "If you want to drink, drink. If not, don't. No one is forcing you, and I won't touch you. Relax."

After hearing my explanation, she actually smiled.

"You really are a good person. Do you know our wages are based on alcohol sales?"

I chuckled. "Then drink more, according to your capacity. Just don't overdo it."

With those words, we both relaxed. My younger brothers were singing their hearts out, so I chatted with Lin Mo.

I can't remember how long we talked. I had a bit too much to drink at the time. It seemed like I was asking her how to cook plain noodles when a man walked in.

A man who would change mine and Lin Mo's lives forever.

First, one of my younger brothers noticed a man peeking into the private room. After he was brought in, he claimed to be Lin Mo's boyfriend.

I paid close attention. This man was probably the reason Lin Mo wanted to jump into the river.

The man didn't seem very bright. Inside the room, he started arguing with Lin Mo, their voices escalating until they were shouting at each other.

"I told you, I don't have money." Lin Mo pushed the man's arm away, her voice trembling.

"You don't have money? You're here serving the guests, how can you not have money?" The man raised his voice.

I turned off the music and walked up to the man.

"What should I call you, brother?"

"My surname is Wang."

"Oh, Wang, look, we're having a good time here. If you have any issues, can't you wait until we're done?"

"It'll be done soon, it'll be done soon." The man brushed me off, then slapped Lin Mo. "Pay up!"

Several of my younger brothers stood up, ready to intervene. Regardless of the reason, fighting in my private room was disrespectful.

I gestured for my brothers to sit back down.

"Brother, we were singing so well. You've ruined the face of the one singing with me. It's not appropriate."

"It's fine. Once I get the money, I'll let this bitch sleep with you tonight."

I furrowed my brow.

The man continued to threaten and was about to lay hands on Lin Mo.

I grabbed a bottle and smashed it on his head. The man was stunned, unable to say a word as he pointed at me.

"I gave you a chance, but you have no shame, do you?"

"Do you... do you know who I am? Do you know who I'm associated with?"

Lin Mo realized the situation and pulled me, urging me to leave quickly.

At that time, I had some status in our local area. I knew influential people, so I wasn't afraid of whoever he was associated with.

The man, holding his bleeding head, spat at me and was about to leave to find help.

That action truly angered me. I stood up and threw him over my shoulder, slamming him to the ground.

When I made the move, I felt something was off. The man looked strong, but it was all a facade. He had no strength at all.

With that throw, he landed hard, hitting his head on the corner of the marble table in the room.

He died.