[Chapter 926: Movies That Corrupt Kids]
"Honey, my sister called and said things in Harbor City are getting a bit rough. Those street gangs, loafing around all day long."
"What, are you worried Tommy will end up running a gang? Don't worry, things have been a bit hectic lately, all because of that damn movie that's corrupting the kids. I just can't figure out how those gang-themed comics and films even got approved through the censors."
"What? My sister never mentioned that. I thought Harbor City's censorship was quite strict."
"Strict? Well, that used to be the case. But remember, John Ng was planning to pack up and leave, right? Those guys who hang around with the lowlifes, since they can't challenge the big boss, they at least want to cause you some trouble.
Before 1974, Harbor City was really chaotic. If you expected cops to help, it was better to approach the gangs themselves. But after the anti-corruption body was established, things finally improved.
To be honest, over the last twenty years, Harbor City has come a long way. Without corrupt cops taking bribes, social order has been significantly better.
It's not just me seeing through conspiracies. Ever since the big announcement from the authorities, many previously strict regulations have been loosened repeatedly.
Those so-called big shots fled in '74. That's why John Ng was afraid of confrontation -- "Get lost, or else end up behind bars."
You can't just say that since those gang movies came out, the crime rate skyrocketed. That's baseless. Overall, Harbor City's crime rate is still pretty decent. You can even party at night and feel much safer than in the U.S.
However, ever since that gang-themed movie became popular, more and more young folks have been choosing to join gangs. That's an undeniable fact.
Try making a similar movie in the U.S. No matter what rating, it wouldn't pass censorship.
Look at how The Godfather was made.
It didn't glorify gangs; it made it clear that joining them comes with punishment. If you come out trying to defend gangs, well, congratulations, you'd become an target of the FBI.
But look at Harbor City -- they turned it into some kind of hot-blooded idol drama. Adults might brush it off with a laugh, but those sixteen- or seventeen-year-olds? Their values get twisted into god knows what.
Every place has two kinds of order: the law, and gang order. During the day, cops run the show; at night, gangs call the shots.
I have to say, whoever wrote this script definitely isn't a good person. Or maybe that movie company itself isn't on the up and up.
"Michelle Reis, don't worry. Our son's in a private school; no trash like that around there."
"Hmm, I'm still a little uneasy. Honey, can I visit next month?"
"Sure, if you want."
"I'm stepping out now. You should get some sleep early."
"Okay, I'll join you once I finish this."
After Michelle Reis left, William White's face darkened immediately. Looks like he hadn't voiced concerns in Harbor City for a long time. Those punks must've forgotten already.
The richest man's son lived in Harbor City. The general public didn't know, but some so-called big shots sure did.
"Sir, we checked. They're just a bunch of punk kids, trying to be like Cheng Haonan, but they can't last two seconds before they freak out."
"That can't be. I heard about those rituals with chopping off heads and burning yellow papers. What's that? Performance art?"
"Cough, cough. Sir, they're clearly getting younger. Those little brats don't understand anything, but think they're all that."
If they're not getting street-smart through social beatings, maybe break their legs. Things are too chaotic. Send more people down there -- both overt and covert operations need to ramp up.
Damn, should've gone to South Bay earlier. What trash -- kids who haven't even grown their first whiskers jumping into gangs."
"Got it, Sir."
William White had backup. Since you all know, just say it straight. If my son loses a finger, you're in big trouble. If he's in danger, your whole family's screwed.
"Huaqiang, keep an eye on your men. This is tough on me."
"Raymond Chow, this time it's our fault. Sure, maybe we went too far."
"Sigh, Huaqiang, let me tell you honestly - better no injuries at all, or just minor scrapes. These so-called security companies? They're all soldiers clawing out of a pile of dead bodies."
"I understand; we'll feel some remorse here."
"Let's wait this out. You're exposing yourselves now... By the way, Huaqiang, what's your family's plan? Only a year left, right?"
"Raymond Chow, I won't hide the dirt from you. My family made it ashore, but the little brats below don't know their place."
"That's all you can say. If possible, get out sooner."
William White couldn't ignore issues in Harbor City. His son wasn't some disposable asset.
After hanging up, Raymond Chow couldn't help but comment how lucky they were this time - it was William White's side that handled the assault.
If...
You bunch of dumbasses - are you trying to bring a curse on yourselves? Taking protection fees from the richest man's son. That's quite creative, I must admit.
William White didn't care much about some foolish act by a bunch of punks. What troubled him was the social order disruption.
Don't think this is some bleeding-heart speech. It's not. The people who want society stable the most are the wealthy class.
Beautiful women, brothers, flashy cars - if joining gangs was an easy way to get these, why bother with school? Just hit the streets.
Cough. America might not allow it, but if you had the chance, those guys would've been taught a lesson already. Harbor City isn't the same. Gangs have already infiltrated schools.
"Got it, Raymond Chow. Thanks for your help. So, what's going on in Harbor City? Is it like the bad old days of the Kowloon Walled City?"
"Cough, cough. No, those guys are gone, wiped out by time. Lucky to still be alive. The current ones are much younger and have complex backing. Brother William, no one wants to get involved.
Oh, that movie called Young and Dangerous? They invested in that. Sigh, the cop-and-gang films we make are called outdated now."
"Got it. So that's the story. I've seen the movie. It's surprising it passed censorship. John Ng must be doing this on purpose."
"Haha, I don't think they have good intentions."
After ending the call, William White understood this wasn't simple. It involved many interests and John Ng's deliberate leniency.
Have to admit, these things are effective. First, they dangle a big carrot, then introduce weird laws, and finally loosen the chains on gangs.
After '74, the old big bosses were either dead, fled, or stuck in prison.
Recent years' security has been decent. Since refusing more refugees, Harbor City's development has been stable.
Though frustrating, it's unavoidable. Same in the U.S. - some things can't be prevented.
Mahjong parlors, karaoke bars, fitness centers, finance offices - all these fringe businesses inevitably have gang ties.
Even legal businesses aren't safe from gang influence. Like banks - they shouldn't have any ties, right?
Wrong. Debt collection on overdue credit cards? That's gangs doing the work. Banks don't care how the money gets in, just that it does.
*****
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