One month later...

With Jian's leadership and Hei's support, the Triad undergoes a trimming process. Casting out those who brought shame to the organization. From those who skimmed the books to mouth breathers who didn't push their weight.

The fat dragon of the Triad shed its weight and began to move more efficiently.

Lord Fenghuang sells away some priceless artifacts of the late Xianmao to cement the Triad's legacy after his future passing. Only keeping her cane sword as a reminder to not become like her. 

Due to the trimming process, more funds were released to keep the heroin and cocaine operations going, but with stricter control. The drugs are only sold to the highest of bidders for consumption only. The lower-income addicts received rehabilitation and money to start new, productive lives. 

He and Fu rub elbows with politicians to improve the neglected Chinese communities. Installing local sports programs to keep them away from crime unless they became adults who wanted to join the Triad.

Those applicants would be pushed through a rigorous program that tested their hearts and wits. Those who succeeded bolstered the eventual manpower needed to keep things afloat.

Jian attends every board meeting with rice wine in hand. Despite being given a ring of his leadership, he thinks about the symbol. A bird rising from the flames beneath it.

From hell to heaven, he thinks rightly.

Meanwhile.....

Signor Luis Romano continues the former Petali's organization. He holds true to staying away from cocaine operations by buying up marijuana pharmacies for new funds. Illegal guns were still being sold and bought across the ocean. He smiles with pride at his new ring. 

An engraved cogwheel representing all the work he had done for the Petalis and the work he will continue to perform.

"Don't get lost in the reflection or I will knock you out," Marco jokes.

Luis chuckles. "You're right. What's on the agenda for today?"

"The Toretto furniture store."

He throws on his charcoal jacket. "Let's go."

---

The duo's presence startles the employees. They ask to speak with Mr. Toretto in private. He leads them to his office with fear jumping on his heart.

He worries that insurance payments will increase.

"I will make this quick. I want to apologize for how you were treated."

Mr. Toretto's eyes widen in disbelief.

Luis continues. "You and other stores suffered from the pandemic, and we shouldn't have ignored that. And you kept it going by slashing your salary so your employees can eat. That deserves recognition."

He pulls out from his charcoal jacket a check and some documents. The store owner has no idea how to feel at this moment.

Signor Romano taps the paperwork with his pen. "This releases you from the insurance payments and this check is to reward you with no strings attached. You can always call on us if someone tries to hurt your business."

Mr. Toretto's eyes almost pop out of their sockets. A 2 followed by six zeroes.

"I-Is this real?"

"It is. From this point on, our security is free. That will also apply to a few others as well. Look over the paperwork. Your questions will be answered."

The more he read, the more he couldn't believe it. The signature of the NY mayor was there as a sign of authenticity. His store will never have to pay "insurance" even under new leadership. The anchor on his heart lifts up.

"This is a lot," he manages to utter.

"Changes are always new," Luis replies. "I do ask of one thing......Don't give me discounts on what I buy from here."

"B-But I can't do that. You're helping-"

Luis puts hands over his ears. "Sorry! Didn't hear that part."

With relief, the store owner signs the contract and accepts the check. Luis and Marco don't leave until they buy a reclining leather massage chair for Luis' comfort.

His phone would receive some messages from his former boss. That Bianca and Diego celebrated Miguel's birthday with a cake and a homemade lasagna since he's still in recovery. Also, that Isabella and her are talking again.

Hearing that brings a smile on his face. He doesn't mention what he's doing to keep her out of it.

You earned a life free from this. Thank you, Mrs. Petali.

----

Present

Signor Romano pulls out a clear bottle of 110 proof vodka. "Oh, Jian, I brought something for everyone to try."

He almost gags. "I still can't tolerate that."

"It can't be that bad," Lord Kelpie assumes.

One shot later....

"OH FUCKIN' CHRIST! Just kill me!" Seamus exclaims.

Vladimir pounds down another shot while Jian refuses another. "Then you will never see your wife nor Bianca again. Toughen up."

After catching his breath, he smiles. "I do miss her. She-"

"Please, stop, you bloody pervert. She was my boss, ya know."

"Oh.....any word from her and El Segador?"

Luis shakes his head. "All I can say is that they're starting their new lives. I wish them the best."

Jian nods. "I do as well. They earned it."

"So did you," Vlad mentions to him. "I only tolerated Xianmao, but I respect you more than her."

"Same here. I never knew what was on her mind, but you are refreshing," Kelpie adds on.

Jian's phone buzzes and he checks it. "I'm sorry. I have someone to meet."

Fu follows a smiling Jian outside to see his sister. Not having their grandmother around results in a happier Jia.

No dark circles. No stress. And an engagement ring on her finger.

He embraces her deeply. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. Raven makes me so happy. Were you busy?"

He puts away the ring into his pocket. "Just drinking horrible vodka with them."

She chuckles. "I wouldn't last a second with that."

"Me neither," Fu comments.

Jian puts an arm around her shoulder. "Let's celebrate. Where do you want to go?"

Jia taps a finger on her chin. "How about......some Benihana?"

"Sounds good!"

Despite the time apart, the twins enjoy dinner together. The chef tosses a seasoned shrimp which Jia and Fu catch in their mouths while the other bounces off Jian's face. Jia's laughter makes him laugh.

When the bill came around, Jia is surprised to see it was zeroed out. "Do you own this place?"

Jian shakes his head and waves over the waiter. "Sir? There's a mistake on this bill."

"No mistakes, Lord Fenghuang," the waiter whispers. "Do you see my boss over there?"

The Japanese bald man waves at him.

"You saved a cousin of his with your rehab program. He is eternally grateful for that."

"Still, I can't take advantage of that. Let me pay."

The waiter talks with his boss who reluctantly accepts in exchange for them to get a free dessert. Daifuku. Soft balls of mochi as a sign of appreciation.

Before they leave, Jian bows to the owner. "Thank you for the nice meal."

"Come back any time."

The trio leave with satisfied stomachs and leftovers. They stop by a karaoke bar and sing some songs before retiring for the night. Fu was the most surprising as he sang Hotel California by The Eagles with his heart and soul.

Fu drops off Jia at her hotel. Before she enters-

"Brother! Come to the wedding!"

His eyebrows raise. "Are you sure?"

She nods repeatedly. "It will be a small wedding and.....I do need someone to walk me down the aisle."

He kisses her cheek while fighting back tears. "I will be honored. Let me know when and I will move things around."

The twins embrace before she enters the lobby. Both happy to still be a part of each other's lives.