"... Thereâs news!"
Qi Taiguoâs spirits lifted, and he quickly looked over. It was an information reconnaissance soldier: "We just found out that in the past few days, the number of people entering and leaving Jingui Cannery is unusually high and suspicious. Theyâre also frequently dispatching trucks."
Battalion Commander Jiang was startled and exchanged a glance with Qi Taiguo.
"Report!"
Another communication soldier came in, carrying a phone for action, holding the receiver: "Report, the higher-ups request a call."
Battalion Commander Jiang immediately took it, stated his name, and listened to the instructions inside. His eyes focused, and he said, "Yes, I guarantee the task will be completed!"
After hanging up the phone, Battalion Commander Jiang urgently called for the soldiers to assemble.
"How is it?" Qi Taiguo was a bit anxious.
"The higher-ups indeed reported suspicious activity at Jingui Cannery. They have a shipment going out tonight, scheduled for 4 AM, heading straight to Zhu Cityâs border for departure. We need to immediately deploy an operation to wipe out this smuggling gang in one fell swoop."
Qi Taiguo glanced at the time on his watch. It was ten oâclock, six hours left.
Outside, the assembly whistle sounded. Qi Taiguo calmed himself and walked out as well.
Yanjing.
In an elegantly decorated, antique-style study, someone was speaking softly.
"So? Is everything arranged?" an elderly voice asked.
"Dad, everything is already arranged. By the time they find out, all our goods will have been shipped!"
Upon closer look, werenât these the father and son, Old Master Loo and Lu Zhenhua?
Old Master Loo lay on a rocking chair, raising his eyelids at the words, and said, "Are you sure there wonât be any mistakes?"
"Old Luh personally followed up. By now, the goods are probably already on the ship!" Lu Zhenhua glanced at the antique clock on the corner of the wall and said.
Old Master Looâs eyelids drooped again.
Lu Zhenhua looked at his father with some admiration, saying, "That Jiang kid would never have expected that what heâs helping to transport is real canned goods and toy guns. Dad, your stratagem of âunderhanded concealmentâ is truly brilliant!"
On the surface, they were transporting via land route to Zhu City, with real canned goods and toy firearms. In reality, they took the water route, directly connecting at the Guicheng border.
As long as the sand boat passes through customs unnoticed, there wonât be a problem. Now, we just wait for the message to come through!
Lu Zhenhua, unable to contain his joy, opened a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a drink.
Old Master Loo shook his head and said, "No deal is settled until the last moment; never be careless. Thatâs a huge taboo in business."
"Dad, when have you ever slipped up all these years?" Lu Zhenhua laughed indifferently.
Old Master Loo sighed, recalling his years of cautious steps and careful efforts to attain the current family business. Now, he had to let go.
"I still feel uneasy in my heart!" Old Master Loo pressed his chest and said, "Weâve been running this business for years smoothly. Why suddenly this year has someone taken notice?"
If Shenglong of Guangcheng hadnât mentioned something odd, he wouldnât have realized someone noticed Shenglongâs transport, which alarmed him. The more he thought about it, the less coincidental it seemed.
Coincidentally, Jiang Conghe sought favor with their Loo Family, wanting to raise his son by letting him take over the business. Since theyâve earned enough, having a scapegoat isnât bad; letting go would be fine!
But why, now that everything is arranged, does the unease still linger?
"Dad, perhaps youâre just too tired lately? Get some rest first. Iâll inform you once thereâs news!" Lu Zhenhua still appeared indifferent.
Old Master Loo nodded and closed his eyes, yet his feelings remained unsettled.