Chapter 323: Zhiyou, We Are Brothers

The next few days.

News about Philson was as numerous as cow hairs.

Some said he had fallen into the sea and died.

Others said he had returned to North America to report for duty.

The time gap that Hong Zhiyou had deliberately left also gave Lin Sufang the "courage" to continue the confrontation.

Kong Lingwei was a miser who would not part with a single cent.

In order to find money, Lin Sufang's first strike was aimed at the low-level laborers of the Boatmen Gang.

The wages, which had just been raised threefold, were slashed to the bottom.

They were even forty percent lower than the wages originally set by Mr. Ji.

For a time, the disciples of the Boatmen Gang were filled with dissatisfaction.

While Lin Sufang was raising funds, her brother Lin Bo also put the assassination plan on the agenda.

……

Jinhai Station.

Lu Qiaoshan leaned back on the sofa, covered his face with both hands, and let out a long sigh.

Just last night, Lin Sufang had finalized the plan to assassinate Hong Zhiyou.

He was to lure Hong Zhiyou into the Hongyun Teahouse.

Lin Bo would handle the execution himself.

Over a hundred Boatmen Gang disciples would rush in with blades, simple and brutal.

The reason for not using hidden guns, but instead choosing a public assassination, was clear.

The goal was simple: to intimidate the Jinhai circle and pave the way for Kong Lingwei to completely take over Hong Zhiyou's businesses.

This was also Kong Lingwei's intention.

Sigh!

Lu Qiaoshan felt a headache just thinking about this matter.

It wasn't that his conscience had awakened and he couldn't bear to kill Hong Zhiyou.

It was that he felt the two lunatics, Lin Sufang and Kong Lingwei, were not very reliable.

One seemed unable to keep up with the funding.

The other only took in and never gave out, acting on every whim.

If they really killed Hong Zhiyou, he might lose his last remaining retreat.

"Section Chief Lu, the Station Master wants to see you."

Just as he was pondering, Hong Zhiyou stood at the door with his arms crossed, saying lazily.

"Zhiyou, why not come in? I just got some new coffee beans, let's have a taste together," Lu Qiaoshan said, hurriedly standing up to greet him.

"No need.

"I haven't been sleeping well lately, so I've quit coffee. Section Chief Lu, you keep it and enjoy it slowly."

Hong Zhiyou's tone was tinged with indifference.

"Brother, you're being no fun.

"Why use titles when we're our own people? Call me Brother Shan."

Lu Qiaoshan beamed.

"Let's go."

Hong Zhiyou didn't take the bait; he smiled slightly and walked off first.

They arrived at the Station Master's office.

Wu Jingzhong gestured and said, "Qiaoshan, I just received a notice. Commander Kirk may bombard the Ludong area soon. As Jinhai is the support base, the Garrison Command and the Juntong Bureau must send representatives to Qingdao for a meeting.

"I've spoken with Commander Chen on the phone; you and Zhiyou should go."

"Go to Qingdao? When?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"Right now," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Haven't you been asking me to inquire about Commander Philson's news?

"Now that you're going to Qingdao, wouldn't it be great to ask about the situation there, or even have a chance to ask Commander Kirk in person?"

He paused and smiled.

"Yes, yes.

"Your subordinate will simply follow the Station Master's orders," Lu Qiaoshan replied.

"The plane is already arranged, you should depart," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Yes."

The two accepted the order.

On the plane.

Hong Zhiyou got on, crossed his arms, and went to sleep.

Lu Qiaoshan opened his mouth several times, but couldn't bring himself to say anything.

He clearly felt Hong Zhiyou's estrangement.

He figured Hong must already know about him and Lin Sufang buying the Cherry Brand labels.

If he knew, he knew.

Once Philson was still alive, Hong Zhiyou wouldn't have many days left to jump around, so there was no need to curry favor with him.

He was a dead man.

It wouldn't be too late to apologize properly later.

Thinking of this, Lu Qiaoshan clasped his hands together and pretended to doze off.

They arrived in Qingdao.

As soon as they entered the naval base.

Lu Qiaoshan was stunned.

Kirk was presiding over Philson's funeral.

Several U. . soldiers were carrying the coffin.

After firing shots into the sky and the priest's prayer, amidst the chaos, Philson's coffin was buried.

After watching the funeral.

Only then did Kirk invite the two into the villa.

"Zhiyou, this, this is really dead..." Lu Qiaoshan couldn't accept it for a moment; he was completely bewildered.

"What do you think?"

Hong Zhiyou sneered while holding a cigarette.

"Brother, then, who is the successor, do you know?" Lu Qiaoshan still held onto a last shred of hope.

"How about I go ask for you?"

Hong Zhiyou curled his lips, walked briskly to the outdoor pool, and sat at a round table, chatting and laughing with Kirk and the others.

Through the glass, Lu Qiaoshan witnessed Kirk and Hong Zhiyou chatting happily.

The accompanying U. . military officer even diligently lit a cigarette for Hong Zhiyou.

Lu Qiaoshan felt his hair stand on end as he watched.

He suddenly realized that he had made a stupid mistake.

He had severely underestimated Hong Zhiyou's connections.

In front of Hong, Philson was nothing but a fart, a pawn that could be replaced at any time.

Perhaps this accident...

Lu Qiaoshan suddenly woke up, regretting it so much his intestines turned green.

Just as he was dazed, Hong Zhiyou led the U. . military officer over: "Section Chief Lu, this is Colonel Welsh, he is about to take over the Marine Corps."

"You two chat."

Hong Zhiyou said a word and returned to the table.

"Hong, Philson had opium channels, you know this is very profitable, are you interested?" Kirk asked.

"General, opium cannot be touched," Hong Zhiyou refused decisively.

"Why? As far as I know, Long Er used to trade it, don't tell me you don't know anything," Kirk frowned.

"I know.

"Back then I was poor, and only thought that if I lost my conscience I could earn more.

"But now I have money, there is no need to earn it.

"General, in fact, after deducting shipping and costs, the profit from transporting opium to Jinhai is no longer much.

"We have an old saying here: 'A tall tree catches the wind.'

"This matter has already spread.

"If you sell it, others want to sell it too; who doesn't want to get rich?

"If those people at the Pentagon find out, do you think you can sit firmly in this position?

"On the contrary, if you cut off the opium, you cut off this path.

"With arms and liquor businesses, I guarantee that by the time you retire, you will have enough money that even your granddaughter's grandchildren won't be able to spend it all."

"If you want money, you must first sit steady; you need to have the life to earn it."

"Opium is unlucky; those who smoke it meet a bad end, and those who sell it don't necessarily meet a good one either."

"Touching it."

"Today, I could dump enough money here to drown you, Philson."

"Tomorrow, someone else will dump even more money to drown you in this swimming pool."

"General, what do you think?"

Hong Zhiyou patted his chair armrest and asked with a smile.

Kirk's expression changed drastically, and he began to ponder while puffing on his cigar.

He knew that what Hong Zhiyou said made a lot of sense.

This time, several of MacArthur's subordinates were coming to snatch the position of Philson's successor; if his connections in the Pentagon hadn't been strong enough, these benefits in Jinmen would have all flown away.

In the final analysis, the temptation of opium was just too great.

Everyone, man or ghost, wanted a piece of the action.

"Hong, you are a true businessman."

"Regarding this opium incident, your Chairman lodged a stern protest with our military; although it was an act, it was also a fact."

"It just so happens that I am using the President's instructions to thoroughly investigate a group of people."

"To completely cut off the opium trade."

Kirk thought for a moment, clearly persuaded by Hong Zhiyou.

"General."

"Thanks." Hong Zhiyou reached out and shook his hand.

If Kirk had insisted on continuing to sell opium, he would have had no power to stop him.

Of course.

It wouldn't be sellable for two more years anyway.

Once the Red Flag arrives, it will sweep away all kinds of evil trends and corrupt practices, and the opium will all be reduced to ashes.

"Wales is a smart man and also an upright soldier."

"With him guarding Jinmen, our cooperation will surely be very pleasant."

Kirk laughed.

"Happy cooperation."

Hong Zhiyou stood up to say goodbye.

On the plane back.

Hong Zhiyou continued to doze off.

Lu Qiaoshan couldn't hold it in anymore, raised his hand and touched him: "Zhiyou, let's chat for a bit."

"Chat about what?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Brother, we are like blood brothers; you know I have always treated you as my own younger brother."

"Not to mention anything else, Brother Shan hasn't treated you poorly over these years, right?"

Lu Qiaoshan played the emotional card right off the bat.

"It's alright."

"However, this brother of yours is incompetent and can no longer get business from the Americans."

"It's better if this brother doesn't do it, so as not to hold back Section Chief Lu."

Hong Zhiyou closed his eyes and said slowly.

"Look at what you're saying."

"You have a grudge against Brother Shan."

"Brother, you should know about that little business I have with the US military."

"I'll lay my cards on the table; that really wasn't my intention."

"You know that I was able to come back because of the intentions of Officer Zheng and Kong Er; they wanted me to make money... I was also forced into it against my will," Lu Qiaoshan said with a look of grievance.

"So?" Hong Zhiyou opened his eyes and looked at him.

"I feel that money or whatever shouldn't affect our brotherhood."

"I have decided not to do this black-hearted business with Old Zheng anymore."

"How many people can one meet in a lifetime who you can truly confide in?"

"Oh, for the sake of some money, to abandon a brother—is that still human?"

"Not to mention you saved me twice; I remember all of that."

Lu Qiaoshan pulled at their emotions with great feeling.

"So, you and Lin Sufang poached my business and even bought a red wine brand, intending to put me to death?" Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows and looked at him.

"Heaven and earth are my witness."

"I really couldn't help myself."

"If I wanted to earn dirty money on my own, I would let the plane crash right now and let myself be smashed to pieces, alright?"

Lu Qiaoshan raised his hand and swore a poisonous oath.

"Don't."

"If you crash to your death, I'll have to be buried with you." Hong Zhiyou hurriedly raised his hand to stop him.

"Brother, believe me."

"I really treat you as my own brother; because of this matter, my conscience has been uneasy day after day, I've been so worried my hair has turned white, and I haven't had a single good night's sleep."

"If... if you don't believe me, go ask your sister-in-law."

Lu Qiaoshan, with a face full of regret and hatred, lightly slapped himself twice.

"You found a good wife."

"Sister-in-law visited Wanqiu."

"She told her about your helpless situation, which is the reason I am willing to talk to you."

Hong Zhiyou's tone softened, giving Lu Qiaoshan a way out.

Li Ya is there.

Zheng Jiemin is still there.

The Chairman is going to reuse this person again.

Getting rid of Lu Qiaoshan now would yield no benefit other than venting anger.

Crucially, Hong Zhiyou needs this blade to carry out executions, so he doesn't splash blood all over himself.

"The truth, it's all the truth."

"Look..."

Lu Qiaoshan leaned over and pulled at his hair.

"Alright."

"You don't have it easy either; with Officer Zheng above and your son's future below, wanting to earn more money is understandable."

"Brother Shan, since you treat me as a brother, it shouldn't just be empty words."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, absolutely not."

"I have a major matter involving my brother's life to tell you right now."

Lu Qiaoshan laid out Lin Bo's assassination plan completely.

"Brother Shan."

"How do you say we should deal with this scum?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"A bunch of brutes."

"Don't worry about this matter; I'll have the inspection team handle it."

"When the time comes, I'll have them disguised as plainclothes; no matter how many come when the guns start firing, they'll all die."

Whenever the topic of killing came up, Lu Qiaoshan's eyes would light up as if he were eating meat.

"So many people dying, how will you explain it afterwards?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"If they're killed, they're killed."

"The Cao Gang smuggling opium has already enraged the Chairman; let alone killing them, even if I wiped out the entire Cao Gang, it would be justified, right?" Lu Qiaoshan said.

"Brother Shan is now famous for killing; indeed, a few more won't make a difference."

"The Chairman is probably wishing you would kill even more to make your reputation louder, so that like Boss Dai, everyone in the world would hear your name and fear you."

"I'll leave this matter to you."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"There is one more thing."

"Philson's death news definitely cannot be kept hidden."

"Lin Sufang has raised another few tens of thousands of US dollars, intending to win over the new commander."

"Can Wales hold out?"

Lu Qiaoshan asked very uneasily.

"The Americans are very greedy; of course he can't hold out." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Can't hold out?"

"Little Hong, you must think clearly; if you can't hold out, you will be eaten clean in no time."

"A local official is better than a distant superior."

"Ke Ke is in Qingdao, so the one in charge of Jin Hai must be Wales. If you don't handle him, how can you play?"

Lu Qiao Shan regretted being so quick to open up.

"He can't hold out, and I'm not willing to pay."

"Since they are newcomers, they must have some welcoming gifts. It just so happens that this money from the Canal Gang will serve as his welcoming gift."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and said.

"You, you mean to take the money... and not do the work?" Lu Qiao Shan blinked a few times, quickly catching on.

"Isn't this very American?" Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile.

"Borrowing flowers to present to Buddha."

"Wonderful."

"Wonderful."

"In this way, the foundation of the Canal Gang will truly be hollowed out, and Lin Sufang and Long Er will probably be furious to death."

"Behind Lin Sufang is Miss Kong Er; this person is not easy to deal with."

"How will you handle it?"

Lu Qiao Shan brought up the main point.

"Do you know why I don't look for her, and she doesn't look for me?" Hong Zhiyou smiled inscrutably.

"I can't see through it," said Lu Qiao Shan.

"Because whoever looks first, loses."

"Once I take the initiative to look for her, the Kong family will eat me clean. Song Ziliang cannot save me; they are one body. He would rather earn less than let my things fall into the hands of the Kong family."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

Song Ziliang had indeed come to Jin Hai.

But he didn't even meet with Hong Zhiyou before flying back to Shanghu.

Clearly, Lady Kong and the Kong family did not call him to persuade the Second Miss, but to tell him not to meddle in other people's business.

Therefore, Song Ziliang left.

"Will she come to look for you?" Lu Qiao Shan was somewhat disbelieving.

"She will."

"Because the Jin Hai Military Aid Coordination Committee is about to be established."

"I am the liaison for the committee."

"That is only one reason."

"If my guess is correct, Kong Lingwei will visit Wales at the first opportunity. Once she discovers that Wales does not buy the Kong family's account, then she will have no purpose in Jin Hai."

"Given her temperament, she will inevitably take a risk, or rather, repeat her old trick of feigning madness, and shoot me to my face to prove that there is no person or deal she cannot swallow."

"Therefore, she will definitely take the initiative to see me."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"This woman is very crazy; you must be careful, brother," said Lu Qiao Shan.

"Since she is coming to see me, this is my territory."

"I dare not kill her."

"But as long as she dares to make a move, there will be someone who dares to kill her in a justified manner."

Hong Zhiyou said very confidently.

"Fine."

"As long as you are sure, I will handle the matter of Lin Bo and Lin Sufang."

"Don't worry, I will definitely arrange it for you perfectly."

Lu Qiao Shan patted his chest and guaranteed it.

"However..." mentioning this, he gave a dry laugh.

"Don't worry, after Wales takes office, I will have him give you that batch of military supplies in full."

"After Fiersun died, the money you paid was already accounted for."

"Since there are accounts to check, not only what he owes you, but even the batch that Li Ya and the Security Brigade ate up can be compensated to you," Hong Zhiyou said readily, knowing what he meant.

"Brother, you, you really are a merciful living Bodhisattva."

"I thank you, brother."

Lu Qiao Shan was extremely grateful and put his hands together to bow.

"It's just the liquor business I invested in, eighty thousand US dollars..."

"I've exhausted my family's wealth, including money from relatives and friends, it's all there. Can you find a way to maneuver it, brother?"

He asked again.

"This is probably difficult."

"The ones who ate this money are the French; the contract signed was fair and square, and there is no reason for them to refund the money."

"However, if you can help me take down this brand."

"If it really can be made successful, I can give you ten percent according to your and Lin Sufang's original plan."

Hong Zhiyou certainly wouldn't indulge him in everything.

This ten percent, just like the ten percent in Yuezhou with Zheng Jiemin, was purely a pie in the sky.

If he's in a good mood, ten percent might be ten thousand dollars.

If he's in a bad mood, it's just one silver dollar.

In short, Lu Qiao Shan should not think about getting his eighty thousand US dollars back in this lifetime.

"Fine, anyway, following you, brother, I won't lose out. I'll listen to you," Lu Qiao Shan said with great joy.

Evening.

Eight o'clock.

Lu Qiao Shan clutched his briefcase and hurried to the Canal Gang headquarters.

"Are the people ready?" he asked upon entering.

"Ready."

"Thirty people, every one of them is a skilled hand."

Lin Bo said proudly.

"No, have you really decided to use knives?" Lu Qiao Shan asked.

"Although Hong Zhiyou has learned a bit from Mrs. Yu, he is not Sun Lutang after all; thirty people are enough," Long Er nodded and said.

"Fine, you decide," Lu Qiao Shan nodded and said.

"Fiersun is dead."

"The new commander is named Wilson; this guy is even greedier than Fiersun, which might be an opportunity," Lu Qiao Shan said.

"Greed is good; I'd only worry if he didn't love money."

"As long as we take him down, the opium and liquor business can get on the right track, and we will have a steady stream of money."

"Director Lu, Hong Zhiyou is left to you and the big brother."

"Second brother, let's go see this new commander."

Lin Sufang had regained her usual confidence.

"Miss Lin, I wish you success," Lu Qiao Shan smiled and said.

"I wish you success as well," Lin Sufang nodded charmingly.

"Set up the big table, prepare the victory banquet, and wait for the Lady and Director Lu to return in triumph."

Long Er ordered his subordinates on the side heroically.

Eight-thirty in the evening.

Hongyun Tea House.

As usual, the male and female diners had already filled the seats.

Lu Qiao Shan got out of the car and came to the private room on the second floor.

"Brother Shan, sit."

Hong Zhiyou gestured with his hand, then poured the liquor.

"How is it? See if it's enough; if not, I'll order more," he smiled and said.

"You still have the heart to eat."

"You said there were thirty."

"I saw quite a few cars when I arrived; I estimate there must be over a hundred people."

"Lin Tian might even have equipped them with guns."

"We cannot be careless."

Lu Qiao Shan said anxiously.

He was truly afraid that Hong Zhiyou would kick the bucket now; if that happened, the arms and liquor business would be truly ruined.

"Of all things in the world, eating is the most important."

"Let's eat our fill first before talking."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and began to tuck in heartily.

Halfway through the meal, the sound of dense footsteps rang out on the street, and from time to time, the screams of women drifted up from downstairs.

"The Canal Gang is conducting business; all idlers, clear the way at once."

"Get out, get out of the way."

"Zhiyou, they are coming up." Lu Qiaoshan stood up, leaned out the window to take a look, and saw the street was packed tight.

He had still underestimated them.

This wasn't one hundred; it was two hundred, three hundred.

No wonder Lin Bo was so confident.

Damn it, it's a good thing I made full preparations, otherwise everything would have gone down the drain today.

"Brother Shan, I'm counting on you." Hong Zhiyou said with a calm and composed smile.

"Rest assured!"

Lu Qiaoshan bit his lip, stood by the window, and waved his hand.

Swish, swish!

The windows along the street opened simultaneously.

Machine guns poked out one after another.

(End of chapter)