Xinhe District, Chengguan.
At Longxing Tobacco and Liquor Store, San Pang was diligently wiping down the counter. He had been working there for over three years, and his salary had always been three thousand a month.
Since Hong Xing died, Baoguo had stopped operating the sand quarry and casino, causing Mao Ge's income to significantly decrease. Consequently, for the past half year, his salary had been only fifteen hundred.
Mao Ge had mentioned that this was a temporary difficulty and that he would make up the difference once he had more money.
San Pang, however, wasn't too concerned about this salary. He had shares and dividends in Lijian Company, and Yang Jian also provided him with a separate salary.
However, Yang Jian had instructed him to keep a close eye on Mao Ge and find evidence of his drug trafficking. But since Mao Ge had stopped his activities last time, there had been no signs of it. He was rarely seen, perhaps once a month.
Given this situation, he planned to discuss his resignation with Yang Jian. He intended to return to Yangli Village and build another house to start a business.
Because Yang Jian had invested heavily in Yangli Village, boosting the local economy, villagers in Yangli Village had been building houses on both sides of the road leading to the entrance of Yaochi Garden, opening guesthouses and restaurants.
A commercial street had formed from the template factory to the Yaochi Garden area. Although Yaochi Garden was not yet fully completed, the landscaping was mostly finished, and tourists were gradually increasing, coming to admire the flowers and scenery.
Xinhe District lacked any notable tourist attractions, and Yaochi Garden had perfectly filled this void, providing the people of Xinhe with a recreational venue offering various activities such as flower viewing, boating, and swimming.
With more tourists, there was naturally a demand for dining and accommodation. Therefore, San Pang wanted to return home to open a guesthouse and then marry a wife to manage it.
"San Pang, has Master returned?"
Baoguo walked in, interrupting his thoughts.
"Hello, Brother Bao. Master hasn't been here for a long time."
"Oh, then I'll wait a bit."
Baoguo seemed to know Mao Ge was coming, so he pulled over a stool and sat by the counter.
"Brother Bao, what have you been busy with lately? I haven't seen you for a long time either."
San Pang offered him a cigarette.
"I was traveling in other places for a few months and only returned yesterday. San Pang, has that garden Yang Jian is developing started operating?"
"The infrastructure is all done, but the amusement equipment hasn't been installed yet."
"Really? That's quite fast. I heard the investment was tens of millions. It should be quite beautiful, right?"
"It's very beautiful. Many people are already going to visit. There's no entrance fee. Brother Bao, if you have time, you should go take a look. Come to my place for dinner."
"Alright, I'll go check it out when I have time. Do you know what Yang Jian is really doing out there? He's made tens of millions in less than three years. The factory fire didn't affect him at all; instead, he's growing bigger and bigger?"
"I don't know. I only know he's making big money elsewhere. No one knows where he is or what he's doing."
As they were chatting, they saw Mao Ge's car stop at the entrance, and they quickly went to greet him.
The dust on the car indicated it had traveled a long distance. Mao Ge alighted from the car, looking tired, carrying a brown canvas bag.
"Master is back."
San Pang and Baoguo greeted him simultaneously.
"Mm, San Pang, help me wash the car. Baoguo, come inside with me."
Mao Ge smiled at them and went directly into the tea room at the back. Baoguo followed him.
San Pang, meanwhile, took a plastic bucket and went out to wash the car. He was used to this task. Mao Ge was considered wealthy, yet he often had San Pang wash his car, which felt a bit stingy.
In the tea room, Baoguo locked the main door from the inside. Mao Ge took out three plastic bags from the canvas bag and placed them on the table.
Baoguo eagerly opened one and poured out over a dozen red pills.
"Master, judging by the appearance, this is good stuff. Let me try it. Aren't you worried about police checks on the road when you bring so much?"
As he spoke, Baoguo began fiddling with a plastic bottle and a straw. He was about to start consuming the methamphetamine pills that his master had brought back.
Mao Ge sighed, "Why wouldn't I be worried? I drove over two thousand kilometers with trepidation. Fortunately, I returned safely without any incidents. The rest of the sales are up to you."
"Don't worry, Master. This batch of goods is directly from Myanmar, with high purity, good quality, and a favorable price. I guarantee I'll win back the market you abandoned before."
"From now on, I will only contact you directly. You need to arrange your downlines properly so that the police can't find us."
Mao Ge was dealing drugs again. He changed his previous practice of delivering the goods himself and handed over all sales rights to Baoguo this time, which greatly increased safety.
This was mainly because he had almost been exposed last time. If it hadn't been for a tip-off from an informant in the police station, he would have been arrested long ago. Therefore, he was exceptionally cautious this time.
"Master, don't worry, I've arranged everything. Even if they investigate me, it won't expose you. By the way, Master, did you cross the border into Myanmar to get this shipment?"
"No, I got the goods in Daluo Town, and it was through several intermediaries. If I had gone there directly, it would have been even cheaper. I will eventually establish that direct line."
"Master, next time if you go to northern Myanmar, I want to go with you to experience it. I've heard that in that place, as long as you have money, you can do anything you want, even kill people."
Baoguo puffed on the smoke, looking extremely pleased.
Mao Ge chuckled, "Who do you want to kill? I don't know if killing is allowed in northern Myanmar, but I've heard that the organ trafficking business there is booming. If you go there and your kidneys are harvested, don't blame me."
"How could that happen? Master, you must have connections there to protect you. If anyone's kidneys are to be harvested, it won't be mine. I am your most trusted disciple."
"You're right. We master and disciple are now in the same boat; we rise and fall together. As long as you listen to me, I guarantee you'll regain your position as the boss of Chengguan."
Baoguo waved his hand, "Master, I don't want to be a boss anymore. The gun that sticks out gets hammered. Bosses usually don't live long. I'd rather keep a low profile and manage the methamphetamine business with you, quietly making a fortune.
Also, Yang Jian is always a ticking time bomb for us. I don't want to be too conspicuous. Maybe one day I'll be buried alive like Hong Xing."
Mao Ge nodded approvingly, "You finally understand this. That's right. From now on, we'll be as low-key as possible. We must not fall into the police's line of sight, nor attract the attention of people in the underworld. Yang Jian won't be back for a while, so we should seize this opportunity to make more money, buy property in Hancheng or other cities, and disappear before he returns."
"That makes sense. If we leave Chengguan, we won't have to fear Yang Jian's revenge. What about San Pang? You said he's a mole Yang Jian planted by your side, and I don't quite believe it."
"San Pang cannot be kept. I suspect he was involved the last time the police targeted us."
"Does Master want to get rid of him now?"
"I don't plan to kill him myself. When there's an opportunity, I'll take him to northern Myanmar and let him serve his final purpose, adding to our income. He's plump, so his organs should be worth quite a bit."