In 2004,
I'd worked under Boss Liu for three years, having taken over all his legitimate businesses. He trusted me deeply—so much so that he'd even transferred ownership of those businesses to my name.
I had over a dozen men under me, and in the circle, I'd become something of a boss myself. My savings had long surpassed a million yuan.
But no matter what I was outside, at home, I was still the elderly couple's son-in-law and my child's father.
My father-in-law had been discharged from the hospital the year before; now he stayed home with my mother-in-law, helping take care of the kid.
I'd moved the family into a 200-square-meter apartment, with all new furniture—especially the color TV. I knew my father-in-law loved watching TV, so I'd specifically bought a 72-inch one.
I also hired a maid to help around the house. When I had free time after work, I'd cook for the old couple. All I wanted was for them to have a peaceful old age.
Huang Yun was three now. I'd been looking for a kindergarten for him lately, but he was a bit timid, too shy to talk to others.
Sometimes I really worried about his future. They say the way a child is at three foretells what he'll be at eighty, don't they?
Maybe I just worry too much. I wonder if life as it is now is enough to account to Li Fang.
That same September, the city suddenly launched a campaign against organized crime and corruption.