“But Johnny’s not violent.”

What's this? Another fic starting another series? Welcome to the DMBJ Mob AU! (Thank you to the wonderful @jockvillagersonlyfor helping me plan this oh so long ago 🖤❤️🖤)

Wu Xie is a police detective who likes to act first and think later.

Zhang Qiling is the head of the Zhangs, the oldest and most powerful organised crime family in Changsha.

When strangers scurrying deep within the shadows of their city threaten the delicate balance of power that has maintained peace between the nine most powerful families of Changsha, the two must work together to find answers...while protecting secrets of their own.

Snippet:

Changsha, at sunset, was a beautiful city, the setting sun turning the glass faces of the skyscrapers into towering waterfalls of bloody reds and vibrant gold. Zhang Qiling sat quietly, his back turned on a room of deepest blacks as he watched the colours of the city shift. He sipped his whisky, silver rings flashing in the dying evening light. Far below, the people bustled as small as ants, and cars the size of toys crept ever closer to unknown destinations. This high up, Zhang Qiling’s fated detachment from the world became manifest.  Somewhere behind, a door clicked, gliding open on noiseless hinges, and Zhang Qiling turned from his contemplations. Lights ignited at the movement of a man, clad in grey and black, stepping into the room, his dress shoes clicking against glossy black tiles webbed with veins of gold.  The man bowed. “Patriarch.” “Zhang Rishan,” Zhang Qiling greeted in return.  Zhang Rishan stepped forward, a folder in hand. Zhang Qiling gestured to a chair across his desk, the silver chain around his wrist glinting in the reflection on the black glass surface. Zhang Rishan sat and placed his folder on the desk. Zhang Qiling reached for the pile of papers, flipping through them. “Zhou Lixin’s main competitor has pulled out of the mayoral race. We don’t have any further information on why, but we suspect blackmail,” Zhang Rishan reported.  Zhang Qiling scowled. At the rate the so-called Zhou Lixin was going, he would be in power within the year. And his appointment would spell the beginning of the end for the Nine Gates. Zhang Qiling needed to begin considering countermeasures. 

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Happy 29th of DEPPcember! 

(Johnny Depp) (29/31)

(City of Lies) [2018] 

Paw paw? Is that you?

City of Lies - Masterlist

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

City of Lies by Sam Hawke I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me ... Outwardly, Jovan is the lifelong friend of the Chancellor’s charming, irresponsible Heir. Quiet. Forgettable. In secret, he's a master of poisons and chemicals, trained to protect the Chancellor’s family from treachery. When the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army lays siege to the city, Jovan and his sister Kalina must protect the Heir and save their city-state. But treachery lurks in every corner, and the ancient spirits of the land are rising ... and angry.

@sullxo

Now why didn’t you give me a warning on how this movie end huh?

Even friends can break your heart too

Gee, this isn’t suspicious at all.

How do you misquote someone literally bragging about assaulting a crew member?

This is just scratching the surface. 

And with this, part 1 of Blood and Gold is complete! (see the end notes for a rough estimate of when part 2 will begin posting)

Wu Xie is a police detective who likes to act first and think later.

Zhang Qiling is the head of the Zhangs, the oldest and most powerful organised crime family in Changsha.

When strangers scurrying deep within the shadows of their city threaten the delicate balance of power that has maintained peace between the nine most powerful families of Changsha, the two must work together to find answers...while protecting secrets of their own.

Snippet:

Xiao-Ge landed at Wu Xie’s feet, blood sluggishly leaking from his hairline and shoulder. Wu Xie’s breath stopped for a heartbeat. Beyond the wall, a dozen feet crunched over gravel, rushing closer. He knelt down, the stench of refuse curdling in his nose as he lifted Xiao-Ge into his lap. Xiao-Ge rolled limply in Wu Xie’s arms, his face still and his breath quiet. Xiao-Ge had come to save him. Xiao-Ge was hurt because of him.  The thoughts whirled around and around in Wu Xie’s mind, caught in a whirlwind of fear and nausea. He had to get Xiao-Ge to safety, but was there time to carry him away? A head appeared over the wall, glaring down at him with venom. A second head joined.  Wu Xie lay Xiao-Ge down, standing between him and the Wangs, who now perched on top of the wall. He had lost his grip on the wrench when Xiao-Ge had tackled him. He was completely unarmed. He reached blindly towards an abandoned dining room chair, snapping off a crooked leg and wielding it like a club. If these men wanted to kill him, he’d take them down with him and protect Xiao-Ge. It was the least he could do.

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No other actors can do it like Johnny Depp

Sorchia and Goddess Fish Present City of Lies

Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction–City of Lies by January Bain On Thursdays, Sorchia’s Universe joins forces with Goddess Fish Promotions to feature more books in the genres we love. Check out Thursday posts for contests, freebies, and magically delicious mayhem. Be sure to visit other stops on the Goddess Fish tours to increase your chances of winning prizes. City of Lies author January Bain will…

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City of Lies, Brad Furman, 2018.

City of Lies on Letterboxd

City of Lies

I’m only about 100 pages in, but is this a book from the oppressors’ viewpoint??? This is really really good so far.

The three kids’ naivety is very well done. The way they’re all in disbelief that anyone in their entourage could be a traitor. Poor guys.