"I don't think a specific date was ever mentioned. It sounded like it would be sometime soon, though. As for the meeting location, that wasn't brought up either." Sun Ergou scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.
Han Li furrowed his brow. It seemed the information Sun Ergou had wasn't entirely reliable—there were definitely gaps.
He lowered his head in thought for a moment, and suddenly an idea flashed through his mind, a rather brilliant one.
Han Li studied Sun Ergou carefully, then smiled and said, "Sun Ergou, I'm quite pleased with the work you've done these past few days. That last piece of news in particular was a real contribution. So I'm planning to reward you handsomely!"
Upon hearing this, Sun Ergou was overjoyed, and a grin spread across his face.
He'd never imagined that providing a few scraps of intelligence would earn him this man's favor, let alone a generous reward. Working for this gentleman certainly paid well—he just wondered what the reward would be. A chest full of gold and jewels, perhaps?
His mind began to wander.
"Would you be interested in becoming the head of the Siping Gang?" Han Li's words struck like thunder, turning Sun Ergou's face deathly pale, his soul fleeing his body.
"Young master, surely you're joking! Please don't tease this lowly one! What merit or ability could I possibly have to deserve leading an entire gang?" Sun Ergou's face was a mask of anguish as he mumbled.
"And why not? With my support behind you, what's a piddling little Siping Gang? Taking it over would be child's play. Or would you rather remain a petty foreman at the docks for the rest of your life?" Han Li chuckled lightly, baiting the hook.
Sun Ergou's expression shifted between joy and fear, with excitement winning out. After all, what man wouldn't want to sit atop a mountain of power one day—beautiful women at his side, the power of life and death over others in his palm?
The ambition buried deepest in Sun Ergou's heart had been gently kindled by Han Li's few words. But he still had his reservations and didn't immediately agree.
"Our gang master and the three great Protectors—none of them are weak in martial arts. Can you be sure you can subdue them?" Sun Ergou probed in a low voice.
"Subdue them? Heh, is that even necessary? Just kill them all." Han Li's voice was cold, his expression dismissive, as if they were nothing but blades of grass.
A chill ran down Sun Ergou's spine. This young master's killing intent was truly terrifying! If he refused, would he himself be disposed of on the spot?
"Since the young master holds this lowly one in such regard, I'll sell this life of mine to you. I'll follow every command the young master gives." Under Han Li's combined offer of carrot and stick, Sun Ergou finally resolved to take the gamble.
"Good, that's the right answer!" Han Li nodded with satisfaction.