Those who work with their minds govern others; those who work with their hands are governed by others.
Gao Guang wanted to be one of the former, the kind who could earn money just by using his brain, but reality had proven otherwise—he wasn't yet qualified.
Now Gao Guang saw clearly that his current position was that of a laborer, one who fought and risked his life for others. He shouldn't expect that just because he was new to the scene with no reputation, he could find people willing to die for him and allow him to earn money while lying down.
Mike and Francisco were two odd cases—if he expected everyone to bow down to him just like they did, that would be unrealistic and unreasonable.
Ronnie was cruel, insidious, venomous, smart, experienced, and he had a reputation in the underworld, but the stronger he was, the less likely he would be controlled by Gao Guang.