The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 704 The Old City!!

It was past ten o'clock at night when Liu Zhiye and his wife finished their warm late-night conversation. Gan Ning rubbed her slightly sore neck, got up, and headed to the bathroom to wash up and go to bed.

Liu Zhiye, however, walked with his hands behind his back to the east wing of the central courtyard. Moonlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

As expected, those energetic kids are still awake. You can hear the constant clatter of keyboards and excited shouts even through the door.

Ever since the family bought a few Lenovo computers, these kids have been obsessed with playing Counter-Strike every holiday.

The blue light from the screen illuminated their focused little faces, and the sounds of cheering and shouting were exceptionally clear in the night.

In recent years, the globally popular video game Counter-Strike has sparked an unprecedented craze.

Blizzard Entertainment, acquired by the Liu Group, played a crucial role in this gaming boom.

Its classic game series, such as Warcraft, Diablo, and Red Alert, quickly captured the hearts of players worldwide with their excellent production and captivating storylines, becoming benchmark works in the gaming industry.

At the same time, Lenovo Group, controlled by Liu, also seized the opportunity and achieved leapfrog development by taking advantage of this favorable wind.

This company, which already held a leading position in the domestic computer market, is now making great strides and has quickly risen to become one of the top three PC companies in the world, surpassing internationally renowned brands such as Sony, Toshiba, and Dell, and ranking only behind industry giants IBM and HP, demonstrating strong development momentum and outstanding market competitiveness.

"uh-huh!"

"Ah, Grandpa's here!" Zhong Xiaowei was the oldest of the children. He looked up and saw Liu Zhiye peeking into the house through the window, which startled him.

"grandfather!"

"Hehe, Grandpa!"

"grandfather!"

"What time is it? Why aren't you asleep yet?" Liu Zhiye asked deliberately with a stern face.

The three children froze in place as if they had been put on pause.

Xiao Hu reacted the fastest, immediately closing the game interface and saying with an embarrassed smile, "Grandpa, let's go to sleep now."

Liu Zhiye looked at the children's nervous expressions and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

He walked to the window and drew back the curtains to let more moonlight in. "You have school tomorrow, get some rest." His tone was gentle and left no room for argument.

The three children obediently climbed into bed, and Liu Zhiye tucked them in.

Just as he was about to leave, Xiaohu suddenly tugged at his sleeve: "Grandpa, can you take us to the newly opened science museum next weekend?"

Liu Zhiye turned to look at his grandson's expectant eyes and nodded gently: "Okay, but now you need to get some sleep."

Gently close the door, and the courtyard under the moonlight appears exceptionally tranquil.

Liu Zhiye strolled back to the main house and found that Gan Ning had changed into her pajamas and was applying night cream in front of her dressing table.

Her slightly weary face was reflected in the mirror, but it couldn't hide the tenderness in her eyes.

"Are the children all asleep?" Gan Ning asked without turning her head, her voice tinged with amusement.

"Yes, I promised them we'd go to the science museum this weekend." Liu Zhiye unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, and couldn't help but smile as he thought of his grandsons' expectant eyes.

He walked to the window and looked at the century-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard. The moonlight flowed through the leaves, as if scattering silver fragments on the ground.

Gan Ning got up and walked to his side, following his gaze: "Bencheng said that the science and technology museum in Liujiazhuang has built a new 3D experience area, which showcases the latest 3D technology developed by Huaxin Group?"

Liu Zhiye nodded, his thoughts drifting further afield.

Over the years, under the leadership of Liu Shudong, Liu Bencheng and other members of the Liu family, the Liu Group's high-tech enterprises have expanded from the electronics industry to the software and internet, and the group's technological empire has continued to expand.

Liu Zhiye recalled the plan he had discussed with Liu Shudong many years ago, which was gradually being realized.

"Times have changed so fast," Gan Ning sighed softly. "I remember when we were kids, even a radio was a rare commodity."

"It's so great now, we even have home computers, and we can work and communicate with the world without leaving home..."

Liu Zhiye held his wife's hand, feeling the marks left by time.

Outside the window, a night breeze rustled the ginkgo leaves, as if telling a story of time.

He suddenly remembered that he was going to visit the Liujiazhuang High-tech Industrial Park the next day, so he said softly, "Go to sleep. Come with me tomorrow to see how our industrial park is developing."

After the bedside lamp was turned off, the moonlight quietly crept up the edge of the bed.

As Liu Zhiye listened to his wife's even breathing, his thoughts became clearer.

In this new era of rapid technological advancement, he aims to lead the Liu family to become trendsetters of this time.

……

That said, the return of Migo was a great threat to the Lang brothers.

Although Michael had no evidence that Lang San was responsible for his accident, the old fox would surely guess that Lang San was behind it.

As the saying goes, if you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear, but if you have a clear conscience, you will be afraid regardless of whether ghosts are knocking at your door or not.

Therefore, Lang San must take the lead and not wait for Michael to deal with him.

Lang San never expected that his attempt to intercept Mi Gao in Mengwu Town would not only fail, but would also cut off one of his smuggling channels. It was truly a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice instead.

However, it also made him realize how capable the three people around Michael were.

So Lang San planned a second attack, pinning his hopes on the sniper at Longzui Cliff. Unexpectedly, the entire army was wiped out, with only a guard company commander escaping.

Lang San had a premonition that the person he had placed next to Li Yuan would also fail, and sure enough, he received a call from Li Yuan shortly afterward. Only then did he realize how terrifying Zhang Jincheng and the other two were.

Li Yuan wanted to ask Zhang Jincheng and the other two to help escort the jadeite rough stones, which gave Lang San a new opportunity, and a wicked plan began to brew in his mind.

After returning from Mandalay, Lang San didn't go anywhere else; he went straight to the old town where Boss Lang was based.

When the eldest brother saw his younger brother rushing in, he knew it was no good news.

"What happened? You seem to be in a hurry."

"Brother, I'm sure those three men with Michael are 'they' sent in by them."

"What? What evidence do you have?" Boss Lang frowned.

"What evidence do you need? The fact that the three of them are special forces soldiers is evidence in itself."

You should know what kind of people the special forces over there are, so how could they possibly defect to the Kim Jong-un region?

So there's only one possibility: they were released from 'over there' to deal with us.

The eldest brother stroked his chin and pondered for a moment. He thought his younger brother made sense: "Hmm, very likely."

"If it's normal for ordinary people to come, then there's something wrong with their special forces."

Even the wisest person can make a mistake; this was the biggest flaw in Liu Wu's entire plan.

Special forces soldiers in any country are the elite of the military. Their special training makes them steel warriors, and the possibility of them defecting is extremely small.

The "rabbit" army, in particular, is known for its strict discipline and unwavering loyalty.

No reason can make a special forces soldier's 'defection' convincing.

Seeing that his elder brother agreed with his opinion, Lang San immediately said, "We must eliminate these three people at all costs immediately, otherwise they will be a great threat to us."

Boss Lang nodded: "Hmm, do you have something on your mind? Tell me about it?"

He knew that his younger brother was a man of many vices, but also very cunning and full of tricks.

Lang San then recounted how Li Yuan had asked Zhang Jincheng and the other two to escort the jadeite rough stones, and then said, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Brother, I'm going 'over there' in a few days to discuss business. Make sure you arrange everything properly; we absolutely cannot let them escape this time."

"Alright, this time we not only need to wipe them out, but also seize that stone. I heard it's quite valuable, so we can use it as military funds."

"Also, you have to be very careful when you go 'over there,' they're dreaming of catching you," Boss Lang warned worriedly.

"Don't worry, the person who can catch me hasn't been born yet!" Lang San said nonchalantly. He had become accustomed to running rampant over the years and didn't care about anyone except his own brothers.

What Lang San never expected was that this trip "over there" would lead him to his death. Just as the two were talking, the guard company commander, Balai, happened to come in to bring them tea and overheard their conversation.

Upon hearing the news that Lang San was going to "over there" soon, Balai quietly left the room.

He was the guard company commander who was released by Zhang Jincheng and promised to be an informant.

Zhang Jin and three others, fully armed, drove their "Warrior" off-road vehicle toward the old town.

Although we encountered many checkpoints on the way here, they didn't question us at all; they just collected some toll fees and let us pass.

These checkpoints were set up by various armed groups in the "Kim Jong-un region" on their own territories, with the purpose of collecting money and as a means for them to generate revenue.

Zhang Jin said that the group looked like they were there to collect "flour," because only wealthy "flour dealers" could afford the weapons and equipment they carried.

Before entering the old town, Zhang Jin said they encountered the last checkpoint.

A barrier blocked their way on the highway, and two soldiers were lazily collecting tolls.

At that moment, a curious fellow peered into the car through the window and asked, "What are you doing in the old town?"

"Are you blind, you receiving goods? Can't you even tell?" A-Gui, sitting in the driver's seat, said to him irritably.

Then, A-Gui started the car and drove away without paying any attention to the guy.

In places like this, those with money and power are the bosses.

After the inspection, A-Gui said to Zhang Jin and the other two, "When we go into the city later, Mr. Zhang, you can pretend to be the boss who has bought enough goods."

I'm just here to connect you all. You don't need to say anything; leave everything to me."

Zhang Jin patted A Gui on the shoulder and said, "Okay, A Gui, then thank you for your hard work."

"Hehe, of course, of course."

“In our area, there is no road without a toll station. I didn’t expect there to be more toll stations here than in our area. There’s one every three or five miles.”

"Damn it, it's almost like highway robbery," Lei Jun muttered grumbling.

"Hahaha... This is the only income here besides 'selling flour,' so each hilltop charges a toll on its own territory. Anyone passing through has to pay a toll," A-Gui said with a laugh, then added, "But there are exceptions. The United Agro-Food Organization doesn't charge tolls..."

"Ah, why? Are they also afraid of the 'United' people?" Zhuang Yan turned his head and asked curiously.

"Of course not. Here, if you have Q, you're the boss. They're not afraid of even the Heavenly King himself."

Despite being a poor and remote place, the Jinsan region has offices of the local "United" organizations.

Their vehicles are frequently seen. The reason these soldiers don't charge them is that they know the FAO is there to help the area, delivering food to Old Bass, so they have a good impression of the FAO.

"I see. These low-ranking soldiers are also people who have strong likes and dislikes."

In our minds, all those who sell flour in the "Kim Jong-un area" are seen as fierce and menacing people with green faces and fangs.

"Actually, the veterans and ordinary soldiers here are not much different from those outside. They are all forced to engage in work related to 'flour'..." Zhang Jin said with emotion.

Ah Gui could understand Zhang Jincheng's feelings. He said with deep feeling, "Mr. Zhang is right. To be honest, I have escorted 'flour' caravans many times before, all for the sake of making a living."

We know these are no good things. Soldiers here aren't allowed to smoke them, and only those over sixty are allowed to openly smoke them...

"If the old-timers around here had any other way to make a living, they wouldn't be doing this kind of thing."

As they spoke, they entered the old town area. Ah Gui turned around and asked Zhang Jin, "Mr. Zhang, where shall we go first?"

"Let's find a place to eat first. After we eat, Agui, you can show us around the city. We need to get familiar with it first."

Also, I'd like to find someone.

"Who are you looking for? I don't know if I can help. I've been here for over ten years, I know this place very well, and I know quite a few people."

"Do you know Bale, the guard company commander next to Boss Lang? I want to ask him something."

Ah Gui thought for a moment and said, "There's a hotel near Boss Lang's lair, which is also the best hotel in this old town. It's less than 200 meters from Boss Lang's lair. You can go there to eat and wait."

I went inside to visit a friend who also works in the guard company.

I asked him to inquire about Bale's situation, and if possible, to have him come see you, how about that?

"That would be perfect. Ah Gui, you've done us a great favor this time. We'll definitely repay you handsomely when we get back!" Zhang Jin said sincerely.

“Mr. Zhang, you’re being too polite. You treat me like a friend, so naturally I can’t treat you like an outsider,” A-Gui said sincerely.

“Ah Gui is right. You shouldn’t call him Mr. Zhang anymore. It sounds awkward. You’re older than us, so just call us ‘brother’!”

"Alright, I'll call you guys 'brother' from now on. To be honest, I'm really happy, haha..." A-Gui laughed happily.

After entering the city, Zhang Jincheng rolled down the car window and observed the old city.

Perhaps because it's closer to "that side," walking on the streets here doesn't feel much different from back home. The shop signs are all written in Chinese, and people's clothing is almost identical to that in China.

If you look closely, you'll find that the currency circulating here is mainly RMB.

Guided by A-Gui, Zhang Jin and the other two quickly arrived at the hotel.

This is a five-story building.

A-Gui parked his car in the open space in front of the hotel. Zhang Jin got out of the car and observed the surrounding terrain to make sure he had a clear idea of ​​what to expect.

Upon seeing the car arrive, the hotel staff rushed out to warmly welcome Zhang Jin and his party into the hotel.

Although the hotel is smaller than those in China, it offers both food and lodging, and is beautifully decorated and very clean.

Zhang Jin said he asked for a private room on the second floor facing the street to eat.

After they sat down, A-Gui went to find someone at Boss Lang's lair across the street.

Zhang Jin told the waiter to serve the dishes later, and then the three of them drank tea while waiting for news from A Gui.

Less than an hour later, A-Gui returned with someone. Before the two even entered the hotel, Zhang Jin recognized the man as Balai, the guard company commander.

A-Gui led Balai up to the second floor. As soon as they reached the door of the private room, Zhang Jincheng opened the door from the inside.

Bale was stunned, not expecting that the people he was supposed to see were them. He was completely dumbfounded: "You...you are..."

Zhang Jin raised his hand in a gesture of respect and said with a smile, "We broke up only a few days ago, don't you recognize me?"

"I know you, of course I know you, but I didn't expect it to be you..." Bale said in a panic, wiping the sweat from his brow.

When Lei Jun saw Balai enter, he immediately turned around and walked out. A Gui, being a smart man, followed him out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Only Zhang Jincheng, Zhuang Yan, and Balai remained in the room.

Zhang Jincheng gestured for Balai to sit opposite him. Balai nervously sat down, but only half of his buttocks were on the seat, and he nervously rubbed his hands together.

Zhang Jin glanced at him and said, "Enough with the nonsense. How's the information I asked you to provide?"

Upon hearing this, Bale immediately said, "Lang San rarely comes to headquarters, so I really don't know the details." He paused, as if remembering something, and added, "However, I heard that Lang San is going to 'over there' soon..."

"Oh, when do we set off? Where exactly are we going?" Zhang Jin asked calmly, suppressing his excitement.

This is crucial intelligence. If we can catch the number one flour smuggler in the "Kim Jong-il region," it will be a huge shock to those flour smugglers. We absolutely cannot let this lead slip by.

"I really don't know the details. This guy is very cunning; he never tells others about things like this casually."

I overheard him telling Boss Lang that he was going "over there" when I went to deliver tea to them.

"What else did you listen to them say?"

"I didn't dare listen any longer. I put down my water glass and came out. I only heard that he was going to leave soon... apparently to see someone. I really didn't hear anything else, I swear..." Balai hurriedly explained.

“Alright, I believe you.” Zhang Jin said, taking out a stack of money and handing it to Bale. “This is ten thousand US dollars. Please keep it. I told you that as long as you are willing to help us, I will definitely not treat you unfairly.”

Bale suddenly stood up, his face flushed with excitement, and he stammered for a long time, unable to utter a word: "I...I..." He never dreamed that Zhang Jincheng would give him a reward. Ten thousand US dollars was a huge sum of money for him. He couldn't earn that much even after working under Boss Lang for several years.

(End of this chapter)