Noticing the nervous tension etched on Gunbir’s face, Charlie, who had been quiet up until that point, suddenly understood that the approaching sound of a motorcycle engine was likely directed at them.


    In that moment, Arman realized the gravity of the situation and addressed Gunbir with a serious tone, “Gunbir, you need to tell me the truth. Who have you offended?” Acknowledging that he could no longer hide the issue, Gunbir reluctantly began to exin.


    “Uncle Arman, these individuals are part of a new gang that has emerged in New York…”


    Arman gasped, “Are you in debt to loan sharks?!”


    Gunbir quickly rified, “No, Uncle Arman! They just took over two days ago. They went to Chinatown and are now going door to door demanding protection money. They want three thousand dors a month! If businesses don’t pay up, they threaten violence and even destruction of property.” With a frown, Arman pressed further.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “Isn’t Chinatown usually under the control of Chinese gangs? In recent years, the protection fee has only been three hundred dors a month. Why has it suddenly changed?”<fn67e3> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fn67e3>


    Gunbir sighed in frustration, responding, “The Chinese gangs were outmatchedst week. There was a brutal confrontation, and they suffered heavy losses. Big Viagra has given up and left Chinatown to them…”


    Arman raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked, “What’s the background of this new gang? Offering three thousand a month seems exorbitant.”


    Gunbir replied with indignation, “Tell me about it! We and several surrounding shops work long hours just to make ends meet. We have to pay rent and wages, and since weck legal status, we struggle to keep our businesses afloat. After all that hard work, we barely earn a few thousand dors a month. They want three thousand, which means we’re basically working for them!”


    Arman inquired further, “What can you tell me about this new gang?”


    Gunbir exined, “The gang is called the Burning Angels. They are primarily African-American, with a few Latinos from Brooklyn and downtown. Rumor has it they have backing from the Italians. The Italians have since taken a step back, no longer getting involved in the violence, but they’re reluctant to give up their share of the profits, so they’ve supported this ruthless group…”


    Arman questioned, “Did they hurt you because of the injuries on your face?”


    “Yes…” Gunbir replied angrily. “They came to collect their protection fee, and when I couldn’t pay, they assaulted me. They’ve given me until tonight toe up with the money, or they’ll destroy my store.”


    Arman pressed on, “Have you called the police?”


    “I did,” Gunbir said, disheartened. “But calling the police is pointless. You know how it is in New York. The police focus on wealthy neighborhoods. When I reached out, they just showed up to check the box and said they couldn’t find me.” Arman’s frustration bubbled over, “That’spletely unreasonable!”


    Gunbir sighed helplessly, “I told the police toe back, but they imed they didn’t have enough officers avable. They told me to call 911 when I saw them, but what good would that do? If they showed up armed, I’d be in serious trouble before help arrived.”


    With a heavy heart, Gunbir continued, “They are American citizens, while we are undocumented immigrants without status. The American police simply don’t care about our lives.”


    As he spoke, the deafening roar of the motorcycle engines grew louder, signaling their arrival at the roast goose shop. Gunbir’s anxiety spiked, and he urged Arman and Charlie, “Uncle Arman, Mr. Wade, you need to get upstairs quickly!”


    Charlie, however, calmly sat down and grinned, “Honestly, I’ve never witnessed the underworld collecting protection fees before. This is quite the opportunity to learn. Gunbir, go grab me some roast goose rice. I’ll just enjoy my meal while watching all of this unfold.”