2. The Fake Media
Chapter two
The Fake Media
Lei
Tension gathered in my shoulders. “Chen, what happened when my father visited these influencers?”
He picked up his pace. “We have the news footage ready for your viewing in the gym.”
We got to the hallway heading to the Palace gym.
My gut twisted.
I found myself caught in a storm of internal conflict, the likes of which I hadn’t experienced before.
Moni stood by my side. Her strength and grace was a constant source of awe for me in these past days.
I wanted nothing more than for her to be fully accepted by the East, to be embraced by my people as I had embraced her. Yet, the path to such acceptance looked like it would be full of bullshit.
On one hand, my position as the Mountain Master granted me power—power that I could easily wield to enforce Moni’s acceptance.
Should I force them to like her? It would be so fucking easy.
This protective rage surged in my chest, telling me that I should do it.
But such an approach, rooted in fear and coercion, went against everything I believed in.
Mom wouldn’t have liked it.
Plus, their forced acceptance would be a hollow victory, one that could plant seeds of resentment and division in the East.
I have to show them how amazing she is. Once they get to know her, they’ll understand.
I yearned for Moni to be accepted on her own merits, for my people to see in her what I saw—a woman of unparalleled courage, compassion, and integrity. I wanted them to embrace her not out of fear or obligation but because they recognized the depth of her character and the richness she brought to not just my life, but the East’s lives.
This path, however, required patience and faith in the possibility of change, in the capacity of hearts and minds to open.
Fuck.
It was a gamble, one that left the door open for rejection and pain.
I don’t know what to do.
In the end. . .I guess it mattered on what type of Mountain Master I would truly be. . .once my father was gone.
It’s time for a new direction in the East.
While there were good headlines, many sounded ignorant, too closed-minded, and drenched in the old beliefs of purity.
It’s time for a change and Moni could help me with that. She’ll be a set of new eyes and a fresh perspective.
But, to lead by example, to inspire change through understanding and respect, was infinitely more challenging.
The answers were not clear.
We stepped into the Palace gym. The atmosphere enveloped me like a familiar embrace, charged with an invigorating energy. The air carried a mix of scents—sweat, polished wood, and a faint hint of liniment.
I scanned the space, taking in the well-worn mats that lined the floor. Their surfaces marked by countless feet that have danced, shuffled, and stomped.
The walls were adorned with traditional murals along with weapons—swords, staffs, and nunchakus.
Alongside them, hanging scrolls displayed elegant calligraphy and offered guidance and inspiration to those who sought to understand not just the physical but also the spiritual dimensions of our practice.
In one corner of the gym, a group of students moved in unison, and their forms were a fluid expression of power and grace. The clack of wooden weapons and the thud of bodies rolling and falling resonated through the space.
A few of the students spotted me but did not bow or go to their knees.
In the gym, we were all equal.
Chen guided us to the other side where a large tv had been carried in.
Duck got on my right. “Don’t worry about this. We’ll figure it out.”
This is going to be bad.
Chen picked up the remote and clicked it on.
The screen flickered to life, showing the theme song to Good Morning Eastern Paradise .
I braced myself for the unknown.
The main female news anchor, Gao Yue, appeared on the screen with a somber expression. “Good morning, dear viewers. Today, we bring you a report that is both shocking and heart-wrenching. We advise viewer discretion as the footage and details we’re about to share could be disturbing for many.”
The space around me felt colder.
The screen then split into three, each pane showing the exterior of a different person’s home.
Gao Yue continued, “ In a tragic turn of events, the vibrant lives of three of the East’s top influencers—Eastern Gossip, Royal Rumors, and The East 4 Life—have been brutally cut short.”
The muscles on my shoulders tightened.
As the cameras panned over the scenes, what was revealed was nothing short of a bloodbath. Each home, once a site of glamour, was now a clear display of cruelty.
The footage—though carefully edited—left little to the imagination. Splashes of red against the luxury and personal effects of each influencer painted a grim picture of their final moments.
My throat went dry. “He only killed the three influencers?”
Chen didn’t even look my way. “Two influencers had wives and children.”
I eyed him. “And?”
“They’re dead too.”
It felt as though someone had placed a heavy weight on my chest, pressing down on my lungs and making it difficult to breathe.
I forced myself to remain calm. “And the third influencer?”
Duck spoke, “His name was East 4 Life. He had a secret male lover that wasn’t even at his house. Uncle Leo paid him a visit too.”
“And now the lover’s dead?”
They nodded.
My pulse pounded.
I stared at the footage on the screen, still rolling—still showing the horrifying scenes of what my father had done. Each blood-soaked room exposed more of his brutality.
The news anchor’s voice echoed in the gym. “The Palace has yet to issue an official statement on this matter but unauthorized statements have been spreading that these brutal executions were ordered by none other than leaders from Rowe Street Mob which is why our Mountain Master has kept the gates closed for our safety and security.”
A tight knot formed in my stomach. “I shouldn’t be in the gym. I need to make a statement.”
“I understand, Lei,” Chen sighed. “But, training is more important than calming the masses right now. Everyone knows why those three truly died—”
“That’s the fucking problem. I need to let them know that I do not stand by this.”
Chen shook his head. “We have three days for you to handle the true problem. Forget about the media, and focus on the battle.”
I pursed my lips and put my attention back on the screen.
“The authorities are currently investigating these heinous acts, and while details are still emerging, it is clear that the impact of this tragedy reaches far beyond the immediate victims,” Gao Yue’s voice continued, steady but tinged with emotion. “These individuals were more than influencers; they were icons of the East, loved and admired by many. While I do not agree with recent comments that they made. . .I. . .well. . .their sudden departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”
As Gao Yue spoke, images of the influencers at their most vibrant—smiling, engaging with fans, and shining in the spotlight—flashed across the screen.
Damn you, Father.
While I had planned to kill them too, I would not have touched their partners and children.
As usual, you went too fucking far.
The segment transitioned, showing Gao Yue’s co-anchor, Sun Peng. His usual composure was replaced by a visible discomfort.
I shook my head. “The press is now terrified. This is exactly what my mother didn’t want.”
Sun Peng put on the fakest most uncomfortable smile I had ever seen. “And in a rare and. . .surely unrelated happening.”
Gao Yue blinked and appeared close to pissing herself.
Sun Peng’s voice trembled, betraying his attempt at maintaining professionalism, “The Grand Mountain Master was spotted strolling through the East’s downtown last night. He. . .requested that we show this to you all this morning.”
I tensed.
Sun Peng cleared his throat, as the footage began to play.
There, larger than life, was my father.
The camera captured him in an eerie casualness, strolling the streets with a lit cigar between his fingers.
But it was the blood, unmistakably splattered on his clothes and hands, that made my mouth drop open.
The few men and women that were out on the streets hurried away like they had seen King Kong or Godzilla.
Duck shook his head. “No need for a press conference, Lei. The mystery is solved.”
Fuck.
Surrounding my father were Uncle Song and many of his men. Their appearances mirrored his—all bathed in blood and pleased with the violence they had unleashed.
Some fast-paced song played near them.
I stepped closer and strained. “What’s that music playing in the background?”
Chen sighed. “Yong was driving his Cadillac pumping Tupac’s Hit Em Up .”
“Like they were shooting a hip hop video or something,” Duck added.
I ran my fingers through my hair. “All of this happened while I was sleeping?”
Duck eyed me. “You were just sleeping?”
I frowned. “Why wasn’t I alerted? Where the fuck was the East’s security?”
“Our aunts.” Chen shrugged. “They didn’t appreciate the influencers comments about Monique either. They blocked all messages getting to the Palace and Mount Utopia.”
“That’s bullshit.” I sneered. “Get this cleared up so something like this never happens again.”
The camera panned back to the newscasters, Sun Peng and Gao Yue sat in silence, their faces now pale, eyes wide with terror. Words had abandoned them, which I was sure was a rare occurrence for those trained to speak in the face of anything.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Sun Peng finally found his voice again. “We wish the Grand Mountain Master. . .continued health.”
Duck snickered. “I bet you do.”
Then, as if desperately trying to flip a switch, Gao Yue transitioned to a lighter note, her voice artificially bright. “And on a much happier topic, we are delighted to share that our Mountain Master Lei, has introduced his new love to the East.”
Footage of Moni and I walking down the Palace hallway showed.
My hand held hers.
Even with all the bullshit that happened, I had to admit that she looked gorgeous. Those pretty eyes shimmered. Our steps remained in synchronicity.
Meanwhile, a deliriously joyous expression covered my face.
I hadn’t even realized that I’d been grinning that hard the whole time. I was just so happy to finally present her to the East.
I look like a fool in love.
I cringed a little bit.
Duck gave me a sad smile. “No one can deny that Monique is beautiful and you are happy.”
Chen nodded. “I’m sure Uncle Leo wanted to make sure that no problems came with Monique’s transition to the East.”
I sighed. “Only he would think that a blood bath would be a solution.”
“It’s truly wonderful to see such happiness in these trying times.” Gao Yue’s smile was strained.
Sun Peng echoed her sentiment, yet sounding rehearsed. “Absolutely, it’s always a joy to witness love and unity, especially within such esteemed ranks. We extend our warmest congratulations to the Mountain Master and his beautiful partner on this joyous occasion.”
Gao Yue’s hands trembled as she gestured to her side. “And now for the weather.”
A new view came onto the screen—a terrified weather man that looked like he wished he were anywhere, but on tv today.
“Thank you.” A scary smile was plastered on the weather man’s face. “Before we dive into today’s weather forecast, I’d like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Mountain Master’s lovely new partner.”
I let out a long breath.
“And now, let’s take a look at the weather forecast for today.” The screen behind him displayed animated clouds and sun rays. “We’re expecting a mix of sun and clouds across the East, with a chance of showers in the late afternoon. Which uh. . .I hope the Mountain Master and his partner enjoy. . .because I am accepting of their unity.”
What the fuck?
The weatherman cleared his throat. “Temperatures will be mild, making it a pleasant day for those planning to spend time outdoors and. . .romantic picnics in which. . .our Mountain Master hopes to do for his love. . .well I’m not telling him what to do, but I believe it would be a nice thing—”
“Turn it off.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Are the rest of the news channels this way?”
The screen went dark.
Chen bobbed his head. “Lots of congratulations and frightened smiles. All news outlets have retracted tenser headlines. Gossip blogs deleted posts along with other social media influencers. It’s now silent.”
Fengge spoke, “This isn’t exactly a bad thing.”
Bolin stepped forward. “Good for now but you can’t control a population with terror and death.”
Fengge shrugged. “There are many countries that have done it just fine—”
“And our parents fled those countries.” Bolin scowled. “The East is not about dictatorship.”
Fengge waved him away. “They don’t like the East, they can always move.”
“Enough.” I held up my hand. “I don’t need a fucking debate today on whether to oppress the East or not. Once my father is gone, I will not rule with terror. That shit is done.”
They both spoke in unison, “Yes, Mountain Master.”
“Chen, Duck,” I began, my voice heavy with uncertainty, “I’m torn about whether we should tell Moni about everything that’s happened, especially about my father, the influencers, and the violence. . .”
Chen cast a wary glance in my direction. “Lei, think carefully. Sharing this with Moni could bring unnecessary fear and burden to her.”
“I don’t want that.”
“She’s still adjusting and this could push her away, not just from you but from everything we’re trying to build here.”
His words hit me with the force of a physical blow yet I couldn’t dismiss them outright. The idea of Moni viewing me—or the East—through a lens tainted by fear and racism was something I couldn’t bear.
But Duck interrupted. “But you can’t lie to her either. She’s now a Friend of the Four Aces. Her committee will eventually update her and I won’t have her pissed at me for keeping quiet.”
I frowned.
Duck continued. “Moni deserves the truth. She’s stronger than you think and she has a right to understand the world she’s stepping into.”
Chen shook his head. “The news will be fine with her. I think we have enough going on. There’s no need—”
Duck interrupted and scowled at me. “How can she stand by your side if she’s kept in the dark?”
That statement stirred something within me.
“I need to think about it.” I eyed Duck. “For now don’t bring this up to her, I’ll have an answer on how I want to proceed by this evening.”
Duck didn’t appear pleased at all.
I glared. “You already gave her our sacred text. Do not push me, cousin.”
“Yes, Mountain Master.”
“And I want those goddamn panties back.”
Duck stared at the ground. “Yes, Mountain Master.”
I looked at Chen. “Anything else happened while I slept?”
Duck muttered under his breath, “Again. . .you were just sleeping?”
Chen ignored him. “Well. . .there was a small problem with your supposed Harem Exit Strategy Plan.”
My head throbbed with annoyance. “What now?”