Chapter 36: Bei Bang's National Conditions

Moreover, you think what you're doing is unknown to gods and ghosts.

But in fact, you've long been discovered; they just haven't bothered you.

Li Jiaci said, "You wouldn't think our military police are just for show, would you?"

Heh.

The black-clad man gave a cold chuckle, saying nothing.

Li Jiaci shrugged and said, "You should also be clear that this business is shady; it could capsize any time, and if it gets shut down, losing the money-making channel is minor, but damaging relations between the two countries would be major."

And if my guess is correct.

Your superiors must also have been worried about this all along, right?

The black-clad man narrowed his eyes: "What does this have to do with you?"

Of course it does.

I'm a businessman; I want to make money, and I also need a long-term partner.

You are my target, and also the partner I have chosen for myself.

Li Jiaci said, "If you're willing to cooperate with me, I guarantee that, as I said, I will make your business legal, and it won't harm your interests; indeed, it will help you earn more than before and help you cope with grain shortages."

Now.

I need you to give me an answer!

This business—are you going to do it or not?

The black-clad man remained silent, saying nothing.

Li Jiaci pondered briefly, then reached out, grabbed the black-clad man's wrist, and pushed the folding knife away from his own neck.

The black-clad man didn't struggle; he simply let Li Jiaci push his wrist away.

Li Jiaci and the black-clad man stared at each other for a long time.

Finally, the black-clad man still put away his folding knife, then spoke something in Bei Bang language to the people behind him.

Those people, upon hearing his words, immediately dispersed, as if they had never come.

And it was also at this moment.

Only then did the black-clad man redirect his gaze onto Li Jiaci's face.

You really can make our timber business legal without harming our interests?

Hearing the black-clad man's words,

Li Jiaci's mouth unconsciously curled into an arc.

It seems he guessed right.

Indeed, just as he had anticipated, they too had long wanted to legalize timber exports.

If it can't be done.

Then I have no need to come looking for you.

Li Jiaci said, "Besides, I am a legitimate businessman; I won't touch a business I know is illegal."

The black-clad man looked at Li Jiaci for a while.

As if trying to see from his face whether he was lying.

But aside from calmness, Li Jiaci's face showed only confidence.

The black-clad man remained silent for a long time: "If you dare to deceive me, the consequences will be severe."

I know.

Li Jiaci nodded: "But I don't think such severe consequences will fall on me."

Having said that,

The black-clad man also didn't say anything more, only leaving Li Jiaci with one sentence: "At nine thirty tonight, by the Huashugou riverside, the willow tree."

Then he turned and left the alley without looking back.

Just then.

Inside the alley, only Li Jiaci and the others remained.

Li Yihu and the others were still somewhat confused about the situation.

Several people looked at each other, and their gazes eventually all fell on Li Jiaci's face.

Brother!

What should we do now?

Li Jiaci casually took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and said: "Go back to sleep, wait until night, then head to Huashugou!"

……

Huashugou.

Located at the border of the two countries.

The nearest point to Bei Bang is only four hundred meters away.

Standing on the east bank, one can even directly see the houses opposite.

But because of the ban, the residents of both sides have always remained undisturbed by each other, making this place much quieter than those ports and docks.

When Li Jiaci and the others arrived, the sky was already completely dark, with no moon yet.

They, too, with difficulty, found the large willow tree standing by the river that the other party had mentioned.

Standing under the tree.

Li Jiaci first looked around; there was no movement.

Next, he raised his eyes and followed the river surface toward the opposite bank, but aside from the dark water, there was nothing.

Brother!

"He wouldn't be just playing with us, would he?"

Li Yihu looked around and said, "Is he not coming over?"

"No."

Li Jiaci said firmly, "Look at his posture today; I'd guess they're even more anxious than we are."

And just as he said that.

A beam of light suddenly appeared on the dark river surface.

That should be the beam from a flashlight, presumably Morse code: three short, one long.

Seeing this scene.

Li Jiaci also reached out, took the flashlight from Li Yihu's hand, and signaled the other side with three short and one long.

And just a moment later.

The river surface then echoed with the roar of an engine.

And this sound, as time passed, drew nearer to them.

Soon they saw a fishing boat heading their way.

Li Jiaci turned to look at Li Yihu and the others, and specifically cautioned: "Those we do business with aren't ordinary people, so no matter what happens later, don't act rashly; otherwise, if we stir up trouble, we'll all have to answer for it here."

"Understood."

Li Yihu nodded in agreement.

Li Jiaci gave him another deep look, then stepped toward the riverbank.

And it was at this moment.

The engine's roar faded away.

It was replaced by the sound of something striking the water.

Because it was too dark, Li Jiaci and the others couldn't see the situation on the water clearly.

But judging by the sound, the other party must have switched to something like a kayak.

And indeed that was the case.

About five minutes passed.

A kayak appeared in their view.

The person in the kayak turned on a flashlight and shone it toward Li Jiaci and the others.

And Li Jiaci then got a clear look at the other party's appearance.

The one rowing over was precisely the man in black Zhongshan attire they had seen earlier that day.

He expressionlessly gestured to Li Jiaci: "Come aboard!"

Li Jiaci didn't think twice, immediately stepped into the water and climbed onto the kayak.

Li Yihu and the others also immediately wanted to follow.

"You can't go."

The black-clad man said bluntly: "Only he can go over."

"Why?"

Li Yihu blurted out.

The black-clad man said: "For business, one person is enough; outsiders, just wait here."

His words were practically a direct statement that they weren't worthy.

Li Yihu wasn't stupid either; he could naturally hear the implied meaning.

But before he could speak, Li Jiaci said: "Then you few stay here and wait for me!"

"Brother, this..."

Li Yihu hesitated a bit.

"Stay here and wait for me!"

Li Jiaci coldly reminded: "Have you forgotten what I just told you?"