Chapter Six: Has the Crimson Hand Society Risen Again?

"Good morning, Ben," Yang Qiu greeted his old neighbor a few days after his revenge was complete. Ben was carrying a toolbox, evidently just returning from work, and upon seeing Yang Qiu, a delighted smile broke across his face.

"You've finally come out," Ben said warmly. "Aunt May was worried sick about you. Are you free today? Join us for dinner tonight." Ben Parker waved enthusiastically. After the accident that took Yang Qiu's adoptive parents, Ben and May had visited him a few times, but Yang Qiu had been consumed by his plans for vengeance and barely paid them any heed.

"Yes, I'm finally out," Yang Qiu replied, glancing up at the sun hanging in the sky, a sigh escaping his heart. He turned to Ben. "Uncle Ben, I feel bad about not even letting you in the last few times."

"Don't worry, we didn't mind. By the way, Peter's coming home for dinner tonight too. Maybe you can give him some tips. With a top student like you around, he's bound to get into a good college," Ben said with a smile, brushing some dust from his clothes before giving Yang Qiu a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Yang Qiu smiled faintly, not responding directly. He was an excellent student; his test scores and the college he’d attended surpassed most Americans. But when it came to Peter Parker, even now, Yang Qiu had no confidence he could compare. The future Spider-Man was a true prodigy—on par with someone like Stark in certain fields—a genuine genius.

That evening, Yang Qiu arrived at Ben's doorstep, Anne in his arms, and pressed the doorbell. Aunt May quickly opened the door and welcomed him in. The dining table was laden with an abundant feast; the spread was lavish. Peter, sitting on the sofa, eyed Yang Qiu with a hint of envy—he had never received such a reception. Who was the real nephew here?

"Good evening, Ben, Peter. Oh, and Peter, I brought you a little gift," Yang Qiu said, handing over a gift bag.

Peter blinked in surprise, took the bag, and opened it in a flash. His entire face lit up with excitement.

"The latest personal computer from Stark Industries—the top-of-the-line model!"

Peter clutched the laptop tightly, all trace of jealousy vanishing in an instant.

"Isn't Stark Industries an arms dealer? They make computers now?" Ben asked as he emerged from the kitchen, placing a dish on the table.

"Uncle, Stark Industries also makes computers—and they're the best on the market!" Peter retorted, clearly annoyed by Ben’s underestimation of the company.

"The best? That's too expensive. Yang, we can't accept such a gift; take it back," Ben insisted, taking the laptop from Peter and handing it back to Yang Qiu. Peter looked a little reluctant but said nothing, knowing such a gift was far beyond what his family could reciprocate.

"Uncle Ben, I already have a full set at home. If you return it, it’ll just gather dust. Besides, Peter has a heavy workload—having a good computer will help him a lot, right, Peter?" Yang Qiu winked at Peter.

"Right, right," Peter replied reflexively, then hesitated. "But it really is too expensive."

"It's nothing. I’ll be coming over often for meals; are you trying to tell me I’m not welcome?" Yang Qiu joked. The inheritance from his adoptive parents was no small sum—if he didn’t squander it, he could live comfortably for a lifetime.

Ben glanced at Peter, who looked hopeful, hesitated for a moment, and nodded. "Alright, Peter, you can keep it."

"Awesome!" Peter shouted, hugging the computer and dashing to his room, unable to contain his excitement.

"Peter! Dinner’s ready—where do you think you’re going?" Aunt May called out after him.

With Aunt May's urging, Peter reluctantly set aside his new laptop and returned to the table.

During dinner, Yang Qiu somewhat regretted giving the gift so early. Ben and May kept piling food onto his plate, and a grateful, excited Peter only added to the enthusiasm. By the end of the meal, Yang Qiu was close to bursting.

"Yang, what are your plans now? Looking for a job?" Aunt May asked with concern. "Ben's doing electrical work for a big company; maybe he can introduce you."

"No, I plan to return to my father's shop, tidy it up, and reopen," Yang Qiu replied. His adoptive parents had run an electronics parts store, selling components and some finished products.

"Yang, maybe you should wait a bit before going back. Things aren’t safe over there," Peter suddenly said. "A classmate of mine lives in that area—there’s been nonstop gunfire at night because of the gang wars."

"Yes, I’ve heard the same," Ben added. "Apparently one of the gangs was wiped out, and now all the others are fighting over territory."

"That’s not it, Uncle Ben," Peter explained. "A classmate’s dad is a cop—he said the Bloodhand Gang was almost wiped out, but recently, out of nowhere, a bunch of them reappeared. The Bloodhand Gang seems to have revived and is fighting to reclaim their turf. That place is definitely a mess right now."

With a snap, Yang Qiu’s fork broke in half as Peter spoke. Yang Qiu stared darkly at the table.

"Oh my! Yang, are you alright? This fork is terrible quality," Aunt May exclaimed, throwing the broken utensil away and taking Yang Qiu’s hand to check for injuries.

"I’m fine, Aunt May. I just remembered something I need to do. I’ll head home now," Yang Qiu said, taking a deep breath and standing.

Aunt May sensed something was wrong and hesitated for a few seconds. "Will you come by tomorrow?"

"I will—sorry to trouble you for lunch again," Yang Qiu managed a strained smile.

After Yang Qiu left, Peter looked confusedly at his uncle. "Uncle, did I say something wrong?"

Ben let out a long sigh. "The Bloodhand Gang is the one responsible for his parents’ deaths. In the future, don’t mention them in front of him."

"Oh, I should go apologize then," Peter said, standing up.

"Don’t. Let’s see how he is tomorrow before you say anything else. I don’t want you making things worse." Aunt May shook her head, worried that Yang Qiu, after finally emerging from his grief, might fall back into it again.