Triads: The Inside Story

Ho is the son of Uncle Kwan and is sent to the United States during his childhood to live a stable life. He builds a family there, establishing a life far from the criminal underworld. This upbringing shapes his later, more forgiving and family-centered approach to leadership.

Uncle Kwan, leader of the Hung Hing Gang, is ambushed and killed during a gang fight led by the rival Shrimp in Hong Kong. The death creates a power vacuum and sets the stage for Ho's return. The underworld's balance begins to tilt as old loyalties are tested.

Ho returns to Hong Kong to attend his father's funeral. He is immediately chosen to succeed his father as leader of the Hung Hing Gang. The weight of leading a criminal empire falls on him, contrasting with his US upbringing.

Ho is elected leader by the Hung Hing members, who are won over by his kindness and loyalty. Yeung Kong chides him for his lack of practical experience in the underworld. Soon after, Kong and Shing's rivalry erupts during a banquet, and Ho steps in to maintain harmony.

During the banquet, Kong and Shing clash, threatening the unity of the gang. Ho intervenes to calm the dispute and preserve the group’s brotherhood. His actions begin to shape a leadership style centered on mercy rather than brutality.

The Hung Hing gang captures Coffin Rope, the head of a rival triad, in a fight. Ho contemplates killing Coffin Rope but, due to his lenient nature, orders that Coffin Rope be shaved on the eyebrows as a humiliating punishment. Coffin Rope's humiliation becomes a lever for future schemes.

Seeing Coffin Rope's humiliation as leverage, Ho colludes with Boss Chow, a wealthy businessman. He exploits Kong and Shing's ongoing rivalry to weaken Coffin Rope and consolidate control. The scheme marks a shift toward political maneuvering within the underworld.

Coffin Rope retaliates by sending men to kill Shing's family and frames Kong in the process. He also has cocaine planted in Kong's car and informs the police, escalating the tension within Hung Hing. The gang's internal trust erodes as suspicions rise.

Ho decides to save Kong and to eliminate Coffin Rope's influence, acting quickly to counter the frame. He manages to derail Coffin Rope's plans and strengthen his own position. Yet the police arrive and take Kong into custody, complicating Ho's authority.

Before his arrest, Kong tells Ho that he is a kind leader but not a good triad member. He warns that Ho's kindness may undermine the gang's power in the brutal world they operate in. Ho reflects on this blunt judgment and its implications for loyalty.

Ho returns to the Hung Hing office and sets it on fire, effectively ending the triad's control. He apologizes to his father in spirit and seeks to understand whether his actions will be forgiven. This act marks the transition away from his criminal life.

With the triad era concluded, Ho leaves Hong Kong to return to a normal life in America with his family. He hopes his father would understand his choices and the need to start anew. The story ends as Ho begins a quieter life far from crime.