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

Chapter 715 Returning Home to Report!!

The group rested for a whole week in this nameless mountain village located in the heart of northern M.

During this period, Zhang Jin realized that engaging in the "flour business" in the "Jin San area" was essentially a complex social problem, rather than a simple criminal act.

A-Gui led Zhang Jincheng through every narrow path around the mountain village.

To Zhang Jin's surprise, almost all the villagers here knew A-Gui. They either waved to him warmly or called him "Brother A-Gui" affectionately.

“Brother Gui, you seem to know the villagers here very well.” Zhang Jincheng couldn’t help but ask.

Ah Gui laughed heartily: "Some are old acquaintances, and some are meeting for the first time."

But I always believe that if you treat others with sincerity, they will reciprocate with sincerity.

So, whether I know them or not, I like to take the initiative to say hello.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on A-Gui's dark face, reflecting his simple and honest smile.

A mountain breeze carried the scent of distant cooking smoke, adding a touch of warmth and human touch to the conversation.

Zhang Jin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze sweeping over the distant, layered mountains.

The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the mud-brick houses, giving this secluded little village a warm golden hue.

Several women carrying bamboo baskets were returning along the winding mountain path, and they all showed simple smiles when they saw Agui.

“Actually, the people here are very simple.” A-Gui took out a crumpled pack of cigarettes and handed one to Zhang Jincheng. “As long as you don’t have the same defensiveness as city people, you can make friends quickly.” He pointed to a field of English rice on the hillside. “Like those flowers, they look beautiful, but everyone knows they can only be used to make a living, but you can’t touch them.”

Smoke gradually rose from the village chimneys, and the aroma of firewood-cooked rice wafted through the air.

Zhang Jin noticed several children chasing and playing in the open space, their laughter echoing through the valley.

A little girl with a red ribbon in her hair approached timidly. A-Gui took out a few fruit candies from her pocket, squatted down, and looked the child at eye level: "Did you help your mother with chores today?"

Ah Gui's optimistic and positive attitude towards life also inspired Zhang Jin, who smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Ah Gui. I have learned a lot from you."

"Brother Zhang, you're joking. I'm just a roughneck. I've never been to school, and I've never left this place. I don't even know what the outside world is like. What would you want to learn from me?"

Zhang Jin said with emotion, "Some life philosophies cannot be learned in school; they need to be experienced through life's trials."

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. You’re an educated man.” Agui paused, then stammered, “Brother Zhang, there’s something… I don’t know… sigh…”

Zhang Jin looked at A Gui with curiosity: "Brother A Gui, you've always been a straightforward person, why are you being so hesitant?"

Is there anything you can't say?

You saved my life, what else can't I agree to?

Ah Gui made up his mind and said, "Alright! I'll tell you."

We brothers have been discussing this for a while and want him to take us along.

I think Brother Zhang is a capable person. In the 'Jin San area,' there are countless big and small factions, and anyone with a bit of ability has become their own boss. Why are you still following Mi Gao?
He's the kind of guy who eats meat without spitting out the bones.

A-Gui's words startled Zhang Jincheng. A few words cleared away the fog that had been weighing on his mind. He had been thinking about what to do next these past few days.
How can they complete the tasks assigned to them by their superiors after leaving Michael?
As A-Gui said, given the unique circumstances of the "Golden Three Regions," if we can gather our own forces, what can't we do?

Moreover, I wanted to completely solve the "flour problem in the Jinsan area" and complement it. Why didn't I think of this method?
Seeing that Zhang Jincheng was silent, Agui assumed that he disagreed with his opinion, so he smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, don't mind me. I was just saying it casually. It's okay if you don't agree."

Seeing that A-Gui had misunderstood, Zhang Jin quickly said, "Brother A-Gui, you've misunderstood. Your idea is excellent; it's exactly what I've been thinking about these past few days."

To be honest, I didn't dare mention it because I'm not familiar with this place, but I didn't expect you to bring it up first.

"Really?" A-Gui asked happily upon hearing this.

“Of course it’s true!” Zhang Jin said very seriously.

"This is great! We won't have to worry about what others think anymore."

"Come on, let's go back and tell the brothers the good news." A-Gui pulled Zhang Jincheng and turned to walk back towards the village.

"Brother Gui, are weapons easy to buy here?" Zhang Jin asked as he walked.

"Flour and weapons are things that you might not be able to buy elsewhere, but in the Kim San region, they are the easiest to find."

"You can have as much as you want, as long as you have money."

"That makes things easier. How about the M16? Can you get your hands on one?" Zhang Jincheng asked.

"Haha, no problem, but the M16 is too expensive. One M16 is worth several AKs!"

"Regarding the money, how about we replace everyone's fleet with M16s first?" Zhang Jincheng said with a smile.

"That's great! I've been dreaming of getting a better weapon. Brother Zhang, following you has been the right decision." A-Gui's excited expression made it seem as if the old AK on his shoulder had been replaced with an M16.

“We can build a small team, but the weapons must be top-notch, not only the best in the Jinsan region, but the best in the world,” Zhang Jincheng said with a smile, patting Agui on the shoulder.

"Hurry up, let's go back and announce this good news to the brothers." Upon hearing this, A-Gui turned around impatiently and was about to rush back.

Zhang Jin grabbed A-Gui's sleeve, saying, "Don't rush, we need to think this through carefully." He looked around and lowered his voice, "Michael has considerable influence in this area; we need to find a safe place to settle down first."

A sly glint flashed in A-Gui's eyes: "Don't worry, Brother Zhang, I know this mountain best."

Thirty miles to the east is an abandoned mine, left over from tin mining years ago; even the patrolmen don't go there anymore.

He rubbed his rough hands together. "The conditions are a bit poor, but it's well-hidden."

As night gradually enveloped the mountains and fields, the sounds of dogs barking echoed from the village.

Looking at the faint lights in the distance, Zhang Jin suddenly asked, "Brother Gui, how many brothers can you bring out?"

"There are seven of us who came with us. If you include the young people from the village who are willing to work with us, there are at least twenty of them," A-Gui said, counting on his fingers. "They all come from poor backgrounds, but they are all skilled. Old Li knows how to use a gun, A-Wang knows about explosives, and there are a few who used to run caravans and know the border like the back of their hand."

Zhang Jincheng nodded, took out a crumpled homemade map from his pocket, and unfolded it by the moonlight: "I've observed it, and this area is most suitable for establishing a stronghold. It connects to Xia Kingdom to the north and T Kingdom to the south, making it easy to attack or defend." He drew an arc on the map with his finger, "Most importantly, it's far from Migo's main transportation lines."

Ah Gui leaned closer to examine the map, then suddenly pointed to a mark: "Hey? Isn't this the old Miao village? Last year's floods washed it all away; now only a few households remain." He stroked his chin thoughtfully, "If only we could bring those people in too..."

The two smiled at each other, and the night breeze carried the babbling sound of a distant stream.

Zhang Jin put away the map and said softly, "Take me to see that mine first thing tomorrow morning." His eyes shone with determination, as if he could already see the blueprint for the future.

Back at their camp, A-Gui happily announced the good news to his brothers.

Zhang Jin then discussed his considerations with Zhuang Yan in detail, and Zhuang Yan strongly agreed with his plan.

Zhang Jin concluded by saying, "The entire plan is a massive and complex undertaking. I would like to return to China and discuss the details of the plan with the commander-in-chief."

"The plan was easy to execute in the first part, but it will require local support in the later stages. It will be difficult for our army to complete it on its own."

"I think our superiors will definitely support our plan," Zhuang Yan nodded.

"You should stay here and focus on recovering. We'll make a decision when I get back."

Zhuang Yan nodded and said, "Alright, you can go without worry. With A-Gui and the others there, nothing will happen."

His words reminded Zhang Jincheng, who thought for a moment and said, "It may take me a while to return to China this time. Don't we still have some money?"
When you're free, take Ah Gui with you to purchase a batch of weapons and equipment, and upgrade their gear, replacing them all with M16s.

In addition, I will buy some more food, medicine, and daily necessities to help the villagers in this mountain village. Their lives are too hard; they can't even get enough to eat.

"No problem. Also, should we buy a radio to contact command?"

"Yes, we have to buy this. We'll talk about other things after the command headquarters issues the order. I'll leave tomorrow."

The next day.

A-Gui led Zhang Jincheng to first investigate the abandoned "old Miao village," where they found the environment to be even harsher, but its advantage lay in its seclusion and strategic location. After surveying the terrain, Zhang Jincheng stood on the village's dilapidated watchtower, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, and had already made his plans.

He turned to A-Gui and said, "Although the conditions here are harsh, the terrain is treacherous and easy to defend. We can set up a temporary base here first, and then move to the mine once everything is ready."

A-Gui nodded: "Brother Zhang is right. There is a hidden mountain path behind this village that leads directly to the border. It's a good way to retreat if something happens."

Upon returning to his residence, Zhang Jin immediately began preparations for his return to China.

He carefully checked his equipment and hid important intelligence documents close to his body.

Before leaving, he specially convened a meeting with Zhuang Yan, A Gui, and other core members.

“It will probably take me quite a while to get back this time,” Zhang Jin said, looking around at everyone. “During this time, you should keep a low profile and try not to attract the attention of Michael.”

Brother Agui, you're in charge of organizing the manpower to do some simple repairs on the old Miao village first.

A man with a full beard chimed in, "Brother Zhang, should we send a few brothers to keep an eye on Migo's movements?"

Zhang Jinzan glanced at him and said, "Alai's suggestion is excellent."

"But remember, just keep watch, don't alert them." He paused, then added, "The monkey's back injury hasn't fully healed yet, so please take good care of him."

At dawn the next day, Zhang Jincheng changed into local clothes, carried a tattered bamboo basket, and set off disguised as a herb gatherer.

Ah Gui insisted on seeing him off, and the two walked silently along the winding mountain road.

“Brother Zhang,” A-Gui suddenly stopped and took out an oil paper package from his pocket, “This is freshly made glutinous rice cake. Take it with you on the way.”

Zhang Jin received the still-warm glutinous rice cake, his heart warmed: "Thank you, Brother Gui. When I get back, let's work together to make something of ourselves!"

After crossing the last mountain ridge, the sun had already risen.

Zhang Jin looked back at the misty mountains, where his newly made brothers were and where his grand plans were about to unfold.

He tightened his backpack and strode northward, traveling light for three days before reaching the border.

Zhang Jin said that during his return journey, he repeatedly thought that if the command approved his formation of a commando team in the "Jin San area", the primary task would be to solve the problem of mobile transportation.

Relying solely on foot was far too inefficient, so he considered that it would be best to transfer a few military "Warrior" off-road vehicles from China.

This domestically produced off-road vehicle, developed by Yanjing Automobile Group, is a product of a private enterprise, but its outstanding performance is in no way inferior to that of internationally renowned brands.

When serving in the country, Zhang Jin said he did not feel the superiority of the "Warriors" team.

However, he was deeply impressed by the outstanding performance of the "Warrior" in complex terrain during the mission to destroy the Lang Laoda missile base. The high-speed maneuver on the rugged mountain road would have been difficult for an ordinary vehicle to handle and would have fallen apart long ago.

Zhang Jin was caught red-handed by patrolling soldiers as soon as he crossed the border.

Because he had no identification on him, the soldiers wanted to take Zhang Jincheng back for questioning.

Zhang Jincheng remained silent and quietly followed them back.

Upon meeting a captain who was interrogating him, Zhang Jin said he would give him a number and then told the captain, "You should know where this number is from. Please call this number immediately using the internal line and tell the person on the other end that I am 'Phoenix,' and someone will be coming to pick me up soon."

The captain knew, of course, that this was the border command base's phone number, and without saying a word, he immediately took action.

At the outpost, after the captain made a phone call, a serious questioning voice immediately came from the other end.

Upon hearing the code name "Phoenix," there was a noticeable pause of a few seconds on the other end of the phone before the person on the other end said, "Take good care of Comrade 'Phoenix' for us; our people will be there soon."

After Zhang Jin claimed that they had destroyed Lang Laoda's missiles, the command lost contact with them, and everyone was worried about their safety.

Analysis of images taken by reconnaissance satellites suggests that the explosion likely occurred in a cave where the enemy was hiding missiles, which greatly worried Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu.

The destruction of the missile immediately extinguished Lang Laoda's arrogance, deprived him of his bargaining chips, and served as a serious warning to him.

Boss Lang no longer dared to be tough. He was now living in constant fear, worried that he would be the next target.

Now they can only obediently watch their brother be punished by the laws "over there".

More than ten days have passed, and there has been no news of Zhang Jincheng and the other two.

Just when everyone in the command center was anxious and uneasy, they suddenly received a call from the border outpost that "Phoenix" had appeared there.

Liu Wu and the others were overjoyed, but at the same time they were guessing that something big must have happened, otherwise Zhang Jincheng would not have come back in person.

Liu Wu immediately ordered Liu Xiaotao to personally bring Zhang Jincheng back.

Less than half a day later, an off-road vehicle with military license plates sped into the border station.

Two special forces soldiers in camouflage uniforms jumped out of the car. One of them quickly walked up to Zhang Jincheng and said in a low voice, "The commander is waiting for you in the car outside."

Zhang Jincheng nodded slightly, turned around and gave the captain a standard military salute: "Thank you for your cooperation." The captain then realized what was going on, quickly returned the salute, and watched them disappear into the swirling dust.

On the bus, Liu Xiaotao looked Zhang Jincheng up and down. Everyone noticed that Zhang Jincheng had changed a lot in just two or three months. He was much darker and thinner than when they first met him, and his face looked much more weathered.

You can tell from Zhang Jincheng's face what trials they had endured in the "Jin San region".

Liu Xiaotao grabbed Zhang Jincheng's hand tightly. Neither of them spoke; they simply held hands firmly.

“We haven’t heard from you for more than ten days, and everyone is very worried,” Liu Xiaotao said softly.

“I can understand,” Zhang Jin said in a hoarse voice.

"Our brigade commander and chief of staff are waiting for you."

"Captain, I've come back this time because I have something important to report to you."

"Okay, let's get back as soon as possible." With that, Liu Xiaotao patted the seat in front of him. "Speed ​​up."

"Yes, sir!" the special forces soldier in the driver's cab replied.

As the off-road vehicle sped along the winding mountain road, Zhang Jincheng gazed at the familiar scenery outside the window, his thoughts racing.

Several hours later, the vehicle drove into the hidden military base in the valley.

At the entrance of the base cave, Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu was pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back. When he saw Zhang Jincheng get out of the car, he immediately strode forward and said, "You, Zhang Jincheng, have been missing for so long. I thought you had died over there!"

Zhang Jin stood up straight and saluted: "Reporting to the commander, mission complete... I've returned to report on new developments."

Liu Wu patted him on the shoulder: "Come on, let's go into the command center and talk in detail."

The group returned to the command hall. Liu Wu shook Zhang Jincheng's hand and said, "Comrade Zhang Jincheng, you've worked hard. I just spoke with Commander Liu Zhiye at headquarters and reported your return."

The leader asked me to convey his praise and gratitude to you.

You infiltrated the 'Kim Jong-un region' and achieved remarkable feats in a short period of time.

The commander expressed his special gratitude to you all for your selfless actions in eliminating the threat and relieving us of our worries during the crisis.

"These are all our duties..."

"Alright, that's enough." Liu Wu raised his hand and said, then said to He Qiu, "Old He, take Comrade Zhang Jincheng to eat and rest right away. We can talk about anything else after we finish eating."

Liu Xiaotao, who was standing nearby, immediately picked up Zhang Jincheng's backpack and took him to the restaurant.

Four dishes and a soup were laid out on the table. Zhang Jincheng didn't stand on ceremony and started wolfing down his food. In just a few minutes, he finished two bowls of rice and the four dishes were also gone in a flash.

He Qiu and Liu Xiaotao both smiled as they watched Zhang Jincheng put down his bowl, let out two burps, and showed a satisfied expression: "Hey, I haven't had such a good meal since the mission started."

"Commander, you don't know, that place is so poor that it has nothing."

(End of this chapter)