Chapter Fifty-Two: A Bond Forged in Life and Death

Ding Li and his companions, led by Zhang Mingzhi, eventually boarded a three-deck pleasure boat named Colorful Cloud Pavilion. More precisely, it was the boat Zhang Wu had mentioned earlier, with a subterranean casino beneath the first deck, and one of the many properties owned by Old Hua.

Without a moment’s pause, as soon as they set foot on the boat, Zhang Wu seemed to transform entirely, his expression growing cold as he strode ahead of Zhang Mingzhi. Before the waiting attendants could approach, Zhang Wu, as if performing a magic trick, tossed them several hefty gold ingots of undeniable quality. His voice chilled, colder than the sea beneath the boat: "Arrange the best room, prepare a full spread, and the rest—exchange for lead bars!"

"Certainly, please come this way!" The attendant, dressed in fine garb and possessing a keen eye, instantly discerned that Zhang Mingzhi’s party was no ordinary group, especially the girl disguised as a young man, Zhang Yurou. His sharp gaze missed nothing. He understood at once that these were scions of wealthy families, and with a broad smile, did not even bother to check the gold ingots, stepping aside to clear the passage, signaling discreetly to his companion by the wooden stairs, bowing low in utmost servility.

The first deck of the pleasure boat served as the main hall, though it also featured private rooms, most of which were empty. The first floor, crowded and noisy, naturally drove those seeking privacy to the upper decks. The side corridors buzzed with activity, mostly young couples whispering sweet nothings, leaning by the windows, enjoying the evening sea breeze, sipping wine, exchanging laughter with their beloved—an atmosphere rife with leisure.

Upon reaching the second floor, the clamor diminished. Still, a few drunks raised their voices, and not even the solid woodwork could fully muffle their antics. The air here carried a fresh tang of sea, invigorating with every breath, perhaps due to the abundance of negative ions.

The third floor, smallest in area yet most spacious in design, was reserved for distinguished guests. Only twelve rooms lined the windows, all furnished identically to avoid disputes over selection, differing only in orientation.

Once the four had taken their seats, the door, just closed, was softly knocked upon. Two women in loose, somewhat revealing green attire entered, neither seeming the least bit untidy. Their hands bore trays of brown hardwood, laden with bottles and jars.

The two women arranged the containers on the broad square table, smiled professionally, bowed respectfully to the group, and then, eyes downcast, retreated from the room, walking backward as if they had eyes on their backs.

Ding Li thought nothing of it, accustomed as he was to such professionalism; these were surely staff trained at great expense by Old Hua. He understood this level of service was reserved for those who could reach the third floor. With wealth, anything was possible—two attendants were nothing.

"Ah Li, what do you usually drink?" Only after the women left did Zhang Mingzhi, lounging in his chair with a hint of laziness, finally shift his lecherous gaze from the women’s pale bosoms. He straightened and pointed at the bottles, smiling at Ding Li.

"I’m easy. My tolerance isn’t great, but I’m not picky," Ding Li replied, his eyes briefly scanning the table, modestly nodding.

"Refreshing! What man lacks drinking prowess?" Zhang Mingzhi, a true lover of drink, laughed heartily. Though Ding Li claimed a poor tolerance, Zhang knew he was merely being modest. He turned to Zhang Wu, instructing, "Ah Wu! Tonight, let’s have our Lingnan Yuxi Bolo. And some Jiannan Spring! Also, bring my sister Hedong Qianhe’s grape wine!"

"Of course, no problem!" Zhang Wu nodded, smiling, and immediately began arranging the bottles, leaving only three small pots of wine on the table—much to Ding Li’s surprise. Four people, three pots. Wouldn’t a single sip each finish them off?

Just as Ding Li pondered, the door opened again—the same two women entered, now with pale green jade trays, each carrying two plates of exquisite cold dishes. As they placed the dishes, Zhang Mingzhi, now leaning back in his chair, let his eyes gleam with a mysterious green, perhaps reflected from the jade trays.

Everyone in the room noticed this scene. Ding Li and Zhang Wu could only shake their heads and smile wryly, while Zhang Yurou, furious, propped her chin on her hand, glaring murderously at her brother. Her legs, under the table, moved restlessly, but the table was too large, the distance too far; after several futile attempts to kick him, she could only stew, her cheeks puffed and flushed, looking especially adorable.

The two women felt awkward, though they’d seen many such scenes, never had they encountered someone as bold as Zhang Mingzhi, who shamelessly stared at their chests. They were both amused and annoyed, but dared neither to show anger nor to laugh aloud. After verifying the three kinds of wine, they finally left, visibly relieved.

"Shouyi! Can’t you behave yourself?" As soon as the women departed, Zhang Yurou exploded, slapping the table, ignoring the pain in her reddened palm, and glared furiously at Zhang Mingzhi.

"What’s wrong with a little hobby? I was just looking, not touching!" Zhang Mingzhi shrugged indifferently, grinning. Just as Zhang Yurou was about to erupt further, a sly glint flashed in his eyes. He turned slightly to avoid Ding Li and Zhang Wu’s gaze, then looked at Ding Li and smiled, "Ah Li! You really helped me—and the Zhang family—with the South Sea Gang. It’s been over a month, and I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly. Tonight, we must drink together! But you mustn’t get drunk—this is only the first round!"

Ding Li didn’t mind these words. Since Zhang Mingzhi brought up the South Sea Gang, Ding Li nodded with a smile, hesitated, then spoke: "Second Brother, for saving my life, I have nothing to repay you with! As for the South Sea Gang, please don’t mention it again. As long as it’s within my power, just say the word—so long as it’s not anything evil or bullying. I won’t even frown!"

At this, Zhang Mingzhi visibly trembled, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Ding Li, looking down, didn’t notice. After a moment, he raised his head, his eyes shining with determination, breaking the silence: "Second Brother, I speak bluntly—don’t take offense. You saved my life, so naturally you’ll have things you need from me. Regarding the Small South Sea pleasure boat, I have no objections! But I have one request—or you might call it a condition."

"Let’s hear it," Zhang Mingzhi replied, his demeanor growing serious. He had saved Ding Li originally because he’d noticed this dark horse stirring up trouble at the Guangzhou wharf, and he was, at heart, a businessman—never one to do a losing deal. Now that Ding Li was laying his terms on the table, Zhang Mingzhi felt he must treat him with the same gravity.

"No harm to the innocent! In any matter, ordinary people must not be involved," Ding Li responded, his gaze unwavering. He paused, then added, word by word: "If ever this is compromised, no matter what I do, I hope you’ll understand. I simply cannot do such things. If it comes to harming you or the Zhang family’s interests, I’d rather die tonight outside Lord Liu’s mansion!"

"A trivial matter! Do as you wish, I won’t interfere," Zhang Mingzhi replied, even more decisively, nodding without hesitation. His gaze held a new respect for Ding Li. Even Zhang Yurou, sitting opposite, looked at Ding Li with a strange light in her eyes.

"In that case, Second Brother has all of Ding Li’s loyalty," Ding Li said, nodding earnestly at Zhang Mingzhi. This was not mere sentimentality or idle talk; he truly meant it. If he could establish himself in Guangzhou, or even the broader Lingnan region, with the Zhang family’s power, Ding Li could finally pursue his own ambitions, ensuring his loved ones’ safety and a carefree life.

Of course, at that moment, Ding Li could not foresee that his plans would soon be shattered by the outbreak of war across the great Tang empire, forcing him onto another path of iron and blood.

"You overstate it," Zhang Mingzhi said, recognizing Ding Li’s sincerity. He waved his hand, thought for a moment, and then, his face grave, explained his own intentions: "Ah Li, when I decided to save you, it was because I saw potential in you, and I wanted you by my side. It was entirely due to your ability—if you’d died at the hands of that scoundrel Liu San, it would have been a terrible waste. You yourself said earlier, ‘A gentleman may die unknown, but his name will not be sung.’ That made me believe you’re not someone who’ll long remain beneath others. Truthfully, from the start, I considered you my brother—like Ah Wu. Though Ah Wu has been with me since childhood, I prefer to treat you both as brothers, not servants."

"And another thing!" Seeing Ding Li about to speak, Zhang Mingzhi raised a hand to stop him, then pointed at Zhang Wu, his expression unusually solemn: "If not for you today, Ah Wu would have fallen to the two dog servants of the Cao family! You saved his life, and to me, that’s no different from saving mine!"

These words were stirring, surprising Ding Li with how highly Zhang Mingzhi regarded him. The atmosphere in the room subtly shifted, a sense of camaraderie between men.

But it was quickly disrupted by Zhang Yurou, who seemed oblivious to the change, her delicate fingers pointing at the trio: "You saved him, he saved him, and he saved you! So by that logic, each of you has saved another, meaning you’re all bound together as life-for-life brothers, with no debts between you!"

Hearing this dizzying summary, the three men frowned and pondered, wanting to refute her but unable to find any flaw. In the end, they exchanged glances, seeing only resignation in each other’s eyes, and a bitter smile appeared on their lips.