Chapter 42

Lin responds amiably, "My brother. Master Ip Man, he should've told me earlier. I'm his disciple now! Was the duel private, Brother Hui Liang?"

This left Ip Man's a little more quiet than usual since he promised Master Liao that it wouldn't spread. Moreover it could cause a lot of trouble for both of them.

His friend Quan politely helped him decline the question, "We have things to discuss. Leave us for now."

"Then I won't disturb your private conversation," amiably responding with a smile as he picks up the tray and leaves closing the door.

Quan was pouring himself a cup of tea as he spoke, "Everything is costly in Fo Shan these days."

"So what?" Ip Man questions in curiosity.

"That means the economy is good in Fo Shan. Everybody can afford to spend money," giving him an answer that leads him on to the topic.

"Is that so?"

"Clothing is the most important in our daily lives. There will be lots of demand for future clothing," Quan saids in a business manner expecting a reaction from Ip Man.

"I'll open a cotton mill to provide cotton for them. I want you to be my partner," reaching the main point he's getting across.

"I don't know anything about business," Ip Man politely rejects.

"But I do."

"I'm not in need of money," Ip Man finally answers.

White they were in a chat about the business the door suddenly opened, as the two men looked in surprise at the teen who barged in who's saying, "I've been wronged, Master Ip. Please tell everybody that your student defeated Master Liao in a duel."

As Ip Man was eating the last bite of the food he saw Master Liao through the beaded curtain of the room.

Who upon seeing Ip Man and Hui Liang immediately looked embarrassed at the ground.

Master Liao proceeds to say to Ip Man, "Master Ip...You got to clear my name." Ip Man then nods to Master Liao in agreement.

The teen's brother Lin was furious at the trouble he caused. Telling him in front of the crowd of onlookers, "You liar! Why are you bothering Master Ip?

His younger brother tries to clear the accusations by yelling back, "I'm no liar. I saw the duel when I was picking up my kite."

His older brother Lin drags him from the room to the crowd by grabbing his collar.

Yells back at him, "So your kite was cut and fell into Brother Ip's house. You saw the whole duel between Master Hui Liang and Master Liao. Isn't that too much of a coincidence?"

His younger brother now was taking in short breathes in furious anger explaining, "That's exactly what happened."

But then Lin goes on, "Even if it's true, you shouldn't have told everyone. You're not supposed to admit to certain things."

It was a scene of an angry adult trying his best to make his child understand the mistake he has done.

The angry teen argues back, "What wrong with admitting to the truth?"

"That might cause embarrassment for others," Lin was now motioning his hands in demonstrative anger at the scene his brother caused.

"What embarrassment? I don't know what you mean!" he scoffs back at Lin.

Preventing the scene from derailing into something Lin might regret, Tony steps forward and puts his hands on his shoulder, "Brother Lin, he's still young. With a boy give him time and patience."

Smiling at the crowd he gives a small salute, "There's nothing to watch anymore. Please forgive the mistake the young boy has caused Master Liao." Turning to Master Liao and giving a kung fu salute.

"What do you mean by mistake? Brother Hui," the teen asks back, "you've really sent him flying across the room."

"What's with this gathering," a tall man wearing a black coat with black police cap enters, strutting through the crowd.

Lin changed into a polite tone saying, "Captain...It's no big deal. Everyone please leave." Towards police that have so much power he must be respectful.

"Leave? Nobody leaves!" putting a stop to their dispersion. Using it as an opportunity to show off his authority.

Point with his leading finger in the air like ordering a command, "I saw everything. I'm warning you...I'll nab whoever that causes trouble on my turf."

Master Liao explains to Captain Li, "I didn't cause any trouble. My reputation was put to the test. But now I claimed my justice."

"What justice? I am justice," he says to Master Liaos face.

While turning his face to Tony, "You hooligans are fighting all the time. What age are we in now? Still talking about martial arts? We're talking about arms and guns! Guns. Got it?

He whipped his gun out from the pocket and directed the barrel towards Tony's face.

Tony grabbed that hand with light strength and pushed away the loading revolver.

As it's flying across in mid air he grabs the revolver loaded with bullets with his free hand in blitz speed.

Smiling, he let's go of the pistol and grabs Captain Li's right as he puts in his palm the loaded revolver.

Ip Man also decides to step in saluting the captain, saying to Lin "Lin, set a table for Captain Li. It's on me.

Lin quickly regained his composure and saids, "Yes...Captain Li, this way please." Pointing his hands towards a certain direction as he tries to lead him away.

Captain Li turns his head and shouts to the crowd, "What are you looking at? Get lost!"

"Go on. Go on."

Ip Man salutes Master Liao in respect before deciding to head back home with Quan.

At home the two men sit together as Ip Man questly passing to Quan a wad of cash wrapped in brown paper.

Quan smiles politely asking Ip Man, "Why so secretive?"

"I'm really not good at business," Ip Man. "Taking this to set up the mill. Pay me back if you make a profit," he says to his friend in a casual manner.

"It'll be awhile before I can repay you," Quan says back.

"Take your time."