Buddy Liang saw that I was unmoved and grew even more anxious.
"Brother Jin! There's no place for you in the gang anymore. Fat Tong is in charge now. He's always had a grudge against Old Master Rong. He'll kill you!"
I picked up a bottle of cola from beside me and opened it.
"Buddy Liang, leave."
"Leave...?"
"What happens next is between me and Master Tong. If you stay here, you'll only get dragged into it."
I took a sip of cola.
Room temperature.
It tasted bad. Buddy Liang was silent for a long while before slowly standing up. He paid the noodle shop owner for the meal, then turned back and bowed to me.
"Brother Jin, you helped me once. If you ever need me in another life, just say the word..."
"Alright, go."
I waved my hand. Buddy Liang thought for a moment, then pulled a folding knife from his pocket and placed it in front of me.
"Brother Jin, for self-defense."
"I never use blades in a fight," I said, shaking my head.
"Take it away."
"Keep it, Brother Jin. This is all I can do for you."