The Charismatic Charlie Wade

As Jagoan and Hogan exited the roast goose shop together, Hogan cast a wistful glance back at the humble facade.

He let out a soft sigh and remarked, “From this point forward, my father’s exceptional roast goose craft will fade into obscurity.”

Jagoan responded with a smile, posing a question, “Uncle Hogan, do you have any reservations or objections about my decision today?”

Hogan fell into contemplative silence for a brief moment before responding earnestly, “Master, Jordan is not a pet I’ve tamed but an orphan I took under my wing. I never planned for him to follow in my culinary footsteps when I adopted him. His childhood was marked by vagrancy, with little education and even less ambition. His status as an undocumented immigrant left him trapped in Chinatown. I taught him the art of making roast goose simply so he could eke out a living.”

With conviction, Hogan added, “As for whether he chooses to sell roast goose or abandons the trade altogether, that decision rests with him. However, the opportunity presented by the Young Master today is truly remarkable. I worry that he may lack the experience to seize it.”

Jagoan responded earnestly, “Uncle Hogan, perhaps we can view this matter from a different perspective.”

Respectfully, Hogan inquired, “Please, Young Master, share your perspective.”

Jagoan elucidated, “Before our arrival, those individuals had already targeted Jordan and subjected him to violence. If we hadn’t intervened, what fate would have befallen him today? At best, he would have endured a more savage beating. Given the ruthlessness of those gang members, it’s highly likely that Jordan would have been left with lifelong consequences, ranging from severe disability to paralysis in the worst cases. And that, my friend, would be a relatively fortunate outcome.”

Pausing for emphasis, Jagoan continued, “Consider the worst-case scenario, these individuals have already committed murder in Chinatown, and it’s not just one or two lives they’ve taken. What if they intended to use Jordan to set an example today? It’s possible that Jordan would have put up a fierce resistance, leading to a tragic outcome. If they had resorted to firearms, Jordan would almost certainly have perished today. In this situation, it ranges from severe injury to death. In light of these circumstances, Jordan has nothing to lose. He has everything to gain from this point forward.”

“Furthermore, when Jordan contemplated using lethal force against those gangsters, his resolve was unwavering. The fact that he was willing to take a life when confronted by oppressive adversaries suggests that he possesses the spirit to fight back. He has a fighter’s blood in him, and taking this path is likely better for him than not taking it at all.”

Hogan nodded in agreement and posed a question, “By the way, Young Master, why did Jordan refrain from using deadly force against those individuals?”

Jagoan responded, “He will inevitably cross that line in the future, but now is not the right time. Committing multiple homicides so abruptly could easily desensitize him and make him bloodthirsty. It’s better to ease him into it gradually.” Turning his attention to Hogan, Jagoan inquired, “Uncle Hogan, you’ve been up all night. Would you like to catch some sleep at the hotel?”

Hogan declined with a quick wave of his hand, stating, “I came along with the Young Master for business purposes. We can rest after our business is concluded. Let’s head to Queens now and find a place to enjoy a cup of coffee. I suspect Peter’s antique shop should be open.”

Jagoan agreed, “Alright then, let’s head straight to Queens.”

***

In New York, Queens, a vast area lay before them. Though not as bustling as Manhattan, Queens served as a smaller yet thriving hub. The borough boasted a diverse population and was a melting pot of immigrants from various ethnic backgrounds, with Flushing being a particularly renowned neighborhood known for its concentration of Chinese residents and businesses.

Located centrally in Queens, Peter Cole’s antique shop may not have been expansive, but its location was undoubtedly prime. As Jagoan and Hogan parked their vehicle across from the antique shop, they observed that the store was not open.

Initially, Hogan didn’t discern anything amiss. After all, it was still morning, and few antique shops opened early in the day. However, Jagoan, blessed with keener observation, detected something out of the ordinary.

the doorknob of the antique shop, indicating a lack of maintenance over an extended period. Originally intending to grab a cup of coffee from across the street, Jagoan drove the car to the opposite side and stopped. Upon closer inspection, it became evident

window, Jagoan observed that the displays inside were neglected and hadn’t been

“It seems this place has been closed for at least

numerous antique shops across Europe and the United States? It’s possible this location

second-hand store and noticed that, although the store still bore a closed sign, people

he turned back to Jagoan and said, “Master,

Hogan disclosed, “Master, I just inquired with the neighboring store owner. It appears that Peter Cole was

curiosity. “Why was he

were quite unique and distinct from ordinary cases of fraud. When he was apprehended, it was the FBI who conducted the arrest, and

“Uncle Hogan, aren’t cases of

necessarily. If the situation is deemed severe, poses a threat to national security, or involves prominent figures and sensitive items, the FBI may assume jurisdiction. The fact that Peter Cole was suspected of fraud and arrested

store owner next door have any information

Hogan replied, “The individual didn’t have much information. All they knew was that the Cole family’s antique stores in the United States appear to have closed down. As for Peter Cole’s current whereabouts, they had no information to offer.” He sighed in frustration, adding, “During the years I’ve spent in New York, I’ve mostly remained confined to Chinatown

a sip of his drink, Jagoan reassured him, “That’s alright. When it comes to matters in New York, we can likely rely on Miss Joules for assistance. Her connections and information sources are likely far

phone rang several times before Michaela finally answered. She

not be in a convenient location to speak and was likely with his wife, Jagoan. He considered the title she used, “Mr. Balard,” to be a cover, perhaps to prevent any

it’s not convenient for you, we

in New York. Please hold on for five minutes, and

“Certainly, take your time.” He

minutes later, Michaela called back as promised. As soon as the call connected, she spoke with respect, “Mr. Jagoan, I discussed our plan with Jagoan. I was concerned

“No need to apologize. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. How has Jagoan

predict how long you’d need my assistance, I decided to play it safe and entrusted her with full responsibility for the project here. It might

“My wife’s always

Jagoan must possess quite a bit of drive yourself, otherwise, you wouldn’t have allowed me to invite your wife to

Michaela inquired, “By the way, Mr. Jagoan,

appreciate your help in looking

“Please share the details, and

in Chinese antiques across Europe and the United States, with a few notable pieces in their collection. Have you heard

a reputation in the Chinese antique community. They’ve primarily focused on recovering Chinese antiques from overseas since the Opium War, through to the end of the Anti-Japanese War. Many valuable cultural relics that were taken abroad during that period were repatriated by the Cole family. They even donated some precious cultural relics to China. My grandfather

However, upon arriving in New York, I discovered that their store had been shut down, and there were rumors of Peter Cole being arrested by the

asked, “Mr. Jagoan, you’re in New York? Does