Some ugly thoughts surfaced in my mind. In that moment, I actually doubted Old Master Rong.
“But you've just gotten out. How could you have a knife on you?”
Master Tong took the blade from my hand and examined it carefully.
“This knife has been meticulously sharpened. It's wickedly sharp—more than enough to kill someone. But that bastard didn't count on you being this stupid, did he? Trying to use it on yourself.”
I didn't grasp what Master Tong meant. I only knew he wasn't saying anything good. He was framing Old Master Rong.
“Ah Jin, I have a way to wipe the slate clean between me and that bastard Gambler Rong.”
He waved a hand, and the men pinning me down backed off. I straightened up and stretched my limbs.
“What way?”
“You come work for me. I'll put food on your table.”
He saw I wasn't answering and went on.
“I can also let you train in boxing. You've got a record, so you can't be a pro, but I can get you into an underground boxing gym. Anything Gambler Rong can give you, I can give you too. Follow me from now on.”
I hesitated for a second.
“Master Tong, I'm just a piece of trash. Am I really worth two million to you?”
“You're no piece of trash.”
Master Tong shook his head.