Chen Tai’s situation was looking bright.
Many of his industries were back on track.
However, those under the same sky may not have been so lucky.
Xiao Mo Nong.
Xiang Long International.
Chen Hao was having a headache.
Good news was scarce.
Bad news followed one after another.
Previously, due to the conflict between Ban Long, Sang Kang, and even Luo Yang,
the entire Mo Bo Bang was engulfed in flames.
War was everywhere.
What impact did this have?
For smugglers from places like Da Ban, the impact was negligible.
But for Chen Hui Chang, it was a matter of life and death.
Not only was the lumber mill located in the blockade zone,
but also the recent issues at the ore mine.
His vast business, with its entire logistics network, was nearly paralyzed.
Otherwise, why would he even care about the lowly security officer of a town like Ma Niu?
Wasn't it all for the horse caravan routes under the officer’s control?
Even though Chen Hui Chang had connections in Lashio, Mawlamyine, and even Da Guang,
they were too far away to be of immediate help.
“Crack!”
A valuable teacup was shattered on the floor.
“Ai Suo! Na Chai!”
“You two are treacherous bastards!”
“Mao Pan!”
“You useless piece of trash!”
Although the over-the-river dragons and others occupied the lumber mill, it was nothing to do with them.
It was a ploy by the Federal Army to drive a wedge between them.
But after Shen Xing and Lan Bo were rescued,
Ai Suo and Chai Shu still conspired to eliminate Chen Hui Chang's share.
After all, Mao Pan had indeed arrested Lan Bo and killed a child.
Ai Suo was naturally greedy, and he seized the opportunity to betray Chen Hui Chang.
And Chai Shu, who had allied with Chen Tai, no longer needed to play with Chen Hui Chang.
Chen Hui Chang was helpless.
“Zhou Bin!”
He shouted.
His trusted aide quickly rushed into the office.
“Boss, what are your orders?”
Chen Hui Chang calmed himself down. “What's the word from Na Chai?”
Zhou Bin looked a bit troubled. “Boss, I’ve gone to see him several times, but he and Ai Suo are singing from the same hymn sheet. I think you’ll have to go yourself.”
“But...”
“But what?”
“Officer Ai said that if you hand over the culprit, we might be able to talk.”
Hand over the culprit?
That’s what Chen Hao wanted to do.
How much trouble had Mao Pan caused him!
Not only had he caused problems at the ore mine earlier, but he had also ordered Zhou Bin to find an opportunity to throw Mao Pan into a cave and leave him to his fate.
When he heard that Mao Pan had been captured by the rebels, he almost jumped for joy.
But how could this guy be so tough?
He had somehow managed to escape.
How could he hand him over?
Just thinking about his second sister’s tantrums made Chen Hui Chang’s head ache.
“Forget about that for now. What’s the situation at the ore mine?”
He continued asking.
A hint of anger flashed across Zhou Bin’s face. “All those who refused to go down the mine have been dealt with.”
“But...”
“But what?” Chen Hui Chang looked at his aide.
“Why can’t you do anything right?”
Zhou Bin quickly waved his hands. “No, boss, it’s just that something unexpected happened.”
“There was a gang of thugs in the area, led by a guy called Jin Gang. They used to work for you and were quite dedicated.”
“However, recently, everyone in their gang has died. They died horribly.”
“Other scattered individuals have also been killed.”
“Without them guarding the ore mine for you, things have been a bit chaotic.”
“The locals say it’s the mountain spirit making its presence felt.”
“Bang, bang, bang...” Chen Hui Chang tapped on the table. “What kind of bullshit mountain spirit.”
“Have you caught the culprit?”
Zhou Bin looked troubled. “No.”
Seeing that Chen Hui Chang was about to explode, he quickly explained. “I personally led a search party, and two of our men were killed.”
“They managed to get away despite being shot several times.”
Zhou Bin’s face twisted. “It looked like a mountain demon. The locals are afraid to chase after it, fearing they might anger it.”
“Sigh...” Chen Hui Chang pressed his temples.
“This place is a mess. First it’s ghosts, now it’s a mountain demon.”
“What about the ghost situation? Has it been resolved?”
Zhou Bin explained. “I personally led a team to search every cave, but there was nothing. The caves were completely empty.”
Chen Hui Chang looked incredulous. “Just like that, the mine was delayed for a whole month!”
“If there hadn’t actually been a war, the shareholders would have kicked me out!”
Suddenly, he remembered something. “Where’s that bastard Mao Pan? What has he been up to since he returned?”
Zhou Bin’s expression turned strange. “That... boss, you should see for yourself.”
Chen Hui Chang waved his hand. “He’s not worthy of that?”
A glint of murderous intent flashed across his face. “Ai Suo wants me to give him an explanation.”
“No problem, but he has to do it himself.”
He gestured to Zhou Bin. “You go and find Ai Suo...”
…
Ma Niu Town.
Ai Suo met Zhou Bin in private.
After listening to Zhou Bin’s relay of Chen Hui Chang’s message,
Ai Suo’s expression was subtle.
“Did Chen Hui Chang really say that?” He asked.
“He said that if things are done, he’ll never pursue the matter further.” Zhou Bin’s answer was firm.
The answer was subtle.
But Ai Suo didn’t quibble over words.
He stood up and looked out at the village.
There was a burly man with a fierce face, but he was very popular with the villagers.
His adopted son, Lan Bo, and biological son, Xi Tu Ang, were surrounding the man.
And another woman, a vulgar one, was standing beside them.
If an outsider saw this, they would have thought they were a family.
Ai Suo turned back to Zhou Bin.
“I’ll arrange for someone to find you.”
“But I have one more request.”
Zhou Bin furrowed his brow. “Please speak.”
“Kill another person for me.”
“But don’t let my people see it.”
“Who does Officer Ai want to kill?”
Ai Suo didn’t say anything, just pointed downstairs.
Zhou Bin followed his finger and looked.
He gave a silly smile.
“A piece of cake. I’ll arrange it.”
(In Chapter 29, only a handful of people know Ba Zi Ge, not including the lumberjacks)