Chapter 623 - 187: Gang Leader, We Are Surrounded (Requesting Monthly Votes)_2

Qin Ying’s heart was pounding uncontrollably; committing misdeeds was one thing, but facing Nan Batian—a formidable and potentially lethal opponent—made him feel like his heart was about to leap out of his chest.

To be honest, being a snitch required a strong heart, and without one, it really couldn’t be done.

Qin Ying calmed his heart and asked with a puzzled face, "Gang Leader, why would you say that? Mr. Tang has been following you for many years with utmost loyalty, tirelessly devising strategies for our Fishing Guild without the slightest neglect. How could such a person betray the Gang Leader and surrender to Yelu?"

"Moreover, the Gang Leader has done nothing to wrong Yelu. Even if he joined Yelu, it would not cause any loss to the Gang Leader. Mr. Tang wouldn’t be so foolish, would he?"

Qin Ying looked at Nan Batian as he said this. Nan Batian fell silent for a long time before responding, "Hm, perhaps I am overthinking it."

Nan Batian sighed, realizing he was indeed being overly cautious.

He had been privately manufacturing weapons at North Mountain Iron Mine and had not mentioned it to Tang Ziyue. Since Tang Ziyue was unaware of his activities, the likelihood of him going to Yelu to report him was very small.

Originally, Nan Batian feared that Tang Ziyue would harbor other intentions, which is why he never disclosed his weapons manufacturing at North Mountain.

Therefore, Tang Ziyue was not privy to it, and there was no possibility of him reporting it.

It seemed that he was worrying unnecessarily.

However, why was his right eyelid twitching so badly today? It gave him an ominous premonition.

Seeing Nan Batian’s distressed look, Qin Ying tentatively said, "Gang Leader, you shouldn’t worry too much. Mr. Tang has been with you for five to six years now, working hard without a second thought."

Nan Batian, upon hearing this, showed a trace of disdain and laughed, "Ah Ying."

"Gang Leader."

Qin Ying immediately saluted with his fists, and Nan Batian said, "You are too naive. You have been with me for so long and experienced hardships. Why are you still so naive? Let me teach you a lesson today. People have two faces: one for show and another in hiding. There’s a saying, ’You know the face but not the heart,’ just like you and me."

"Hm?"

Nan Batian pointed at Qin Ying and said, "Even though we are face to face, I still don’t know which of your words are true and which are false!"

Thump!

Qin Ying was so frightened that he thudded to his knees, pleading in panic,

"Gang Leader! My loyalty to you is absolute, I haven’t concealed anything—I, if I bear any second thoughts, I am willing to suffer the punishment of Five Thunders Bombarding and meet a terrible end!"

Qin Ying knelt on the ground, desperately declaring his loyalty, feeling his heart almost ready to burst.

Nan Batian was taken aback and asked in puzzlement, "Ah Ying, why are you kneeling? I’m just teaching you a principle, and you kneel down to listen?"

"Gang Leader, I..."

"I know, I know, you are most loyal. I was just making an analogy, just an analogy. Look how frightened you are."

Nan Batian personally helped Qin Ying to his feet, and by then Qin Ying’s legs were almost too weak to stand. As he was helped up by Nan Batian, he said, "Gang Leader, I thought you’d believed someone’s malicious words. My loyalty to the Gang Leader is unswerving."

Hearing this, Nan Batian responded, "Yes, yes, you’re loyal. Between us, don’t I already know? Don’t worry, I trust you. Don’t overthink it; I was just telling you, people’s hearts are wicked, not even a dog would eat them. One moment someone shares their heart with you, and the next, they might stab you in the back."

Truly feeling his heart leap to his throat, Qin Ying still managed a smile and said, "Hehe, the Gang Leader’s words are indeed true, but my loyalty to the Gang Leader is evident under heaven and day."

Nan Batian laughed, "I know, I know, Ah Ying, you don’t always have to feel personally implicated."

Qin Ying responded, "I, I’m not, it’s just that, the Gang Leader’s words, I’ve learned a lot and am deeply moved."

Nan Batian said, "Hmm, good. As for Tang Ziyue’s matter, it’s not a concern. After the talk just now, I don’t think he would go to Yelu to betray me for glory."

Qin Ying said, "Yes, yes, Mr. Tang is not that kind of person."

Nan Batian said, "Hm, right. By the way, just hypothetically, if one day I leave Mianshui, would you be willing to go with me?"

Qin Ying was shocked by Nan Batian’s words. What did he mean by that? Was he planning to flee?

Thinking this, Qin Ying immediately saluted and said, "Gang Leader, rest assured, as long as the Gang Leader needs me, Qin Ying will always be by your side."

Nan Batian replied, "Hmm, but don’t worry too much. I was just saying that. We’re not at our last resort yet."

Hearing this, Qin Ying also understood that Nan Batian was not confident in himself and was preparing for both outcomes. If the military arms issue could be muddled through, he would stay in Mianshui; if not, he was ready to flee for a chance at life.

Too bad for you, thinking to run now is too late, Qin Ying thought. Once this night passes, you won’t have any chance to escape—or rather, once midnight arrives, your chance to survive will vanish completely, leaving only a dead end!

With these thoughts, Nan Batian said, "Actually, Qin Ying, sometimes if we look beyond Mianshui County, the affairs of Mianshui County aren’t that significant."

Qin Ying, not understanding why Nan Batian would say this, asked, "Gang Leader, what do you mean?"

Nan Batian said, "Qin Ying, do you know? Our Fishing Guild used to be one of the three major guilds in Huangzhou Prefecture. It was only after a defeat in the struggle for control of Huangzhou that we declined. Yet even so, we have many old followers within the prefecture."

"The influence of our Fishing Guild in Mianshui County may be the largest, but by gathering representatives from all the counties of Huangzhou Prefecture, the power is far greater than the mere foundations we have in Mianshui."

"Gang Leader, are you saying there are people from our Fishing Guild in Huangzhou Prefecture as well?"