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

Chapter 725 Persuasion!!!

After listening to what Boss Kang said, Zhang Jin did not immediately express his opinion, but just smiled and looked at him.

Kang seemed to have discerned something from Zhang Jincheng's smile, and immediately stood up, saying to Zhang Jincheng, "Mr. Zhang, please come to my study for a private chat."

“Okay!” Zhang Jin nodded readily. Kang Laoda’s men kept bringing fruit and tea to the living room, making it inconvenient to talk. If there were other people’s spies, what secrets would their conversation have?

Zhang Jin then stood up and followed Kang Laoda to his study, leaving Zhuang Yan and the others to wait in the living room.

Inside the study, various ancient books are neatly arranged on sandalwood bookshelves, with a faint scent of ink lingering in the air.

Kang Laoda gently closed the door, turned around and poured Zhang Jincheng a cup of tea, then led him into the suite inside.

Once inside, Zhang Jin realized Kang's intentions. This place was very different from the outside; it was more like Kang's temporary command post.

One side of the room had a sand table, and a military map of the "Kim Jong-un area" hung on the wall. Several assault rifles stood on a gun rack next to it. Only in one corner of the room were there office supplies such as writing implements and filing cabinets.

Zhang Jin looked around, his gaze lingering on the sand table for a moment, and his smile deepened.

Kang Laoda handed him a teacup and said in a low voice, "Mr. Zhang, it's absolutely safe here. Please feel free to speak your mind."

Zhang Jin took the teacup, took a small sip, and savored the fragrant tea.

He put down his teacup, walked slowly to the sand table, and gently traced the mountains and rivers on the sand table with his fingers, saying, "Brother Kang is indeed far-sighted; even the sand table is made so meticulously."

Kang Laoda walked up to him, his eyes gleaming, and said bluntly, "Mr. Zhang, I have spent my life in the military and have seen countless people. I am confident in my judgment. You must be someone of great importance."

This visit is definitely not just for a chat; I hope you can be completely honest with me.

"Alright, since Boss Kang has put it this way, I won't beat around the bush anymore."

Our purpose in coming here is to help you, Boss Kang, eliminate Boss Lang and retake the old city.

Upon hearing this, Boss Kang's eyes lit up with joy, but he quickly calmed down. He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, so he asked, "Then what are your conditions, Mr. Zhang? You wouldn't help me for no reason, would you?" As he spoke, he stared intently at Zhang Jincheng's expression, hoping to glean something from it.

Zhang Jincheng smiled slightly, slowly raising his gaze from the sand table to meet Kang Laoda's eyes, and said, "Kang Laoda is indeed a man of few words. Our conditions are very simple—after the matter is accomplished, it will be as we just mentioned, banning flour in the 'Jin San area'."

Kang frowned slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the sand table, and asked in surprise, "It's that simple?"

“That’s right, but it’s not that simple. Have you forgotten that you were driven out of the old city because of the ban on ‘flour’?”

After pondering for a while, Kang Laoda said, "Judging from Mr. Zhang's tone, you already have a plan in mind."

However, as I just mentioned, firstly, I currently do not have the strength to fight against Boss Lang.

Secondly, I've calculated that even if I regain control of the old city, given the lessons learned from the past, I wouldn't dare to easily ban flour production entirely in this area, especially the cultivation of English flour.

I will not recklessly cut off Old Baisheng's livelihood again.

After listening to Boss Kang's concerns, Zhang Jin remained calm. He walked slowly to the window, looked at the lush green mountains outside, and said calmly, "We have already considered these issues. I only ask Boss Kang to write us a guarantee that we will assist you in taking back the old city, and in return, you will completely ban flour."

Of course, we will do our best to help you solve all the difficulties you encounter until the ban on 'flour' here is successfully implemented.

After listening to Zhang Jincheng's words, Boss Kang remained silent for a long time, his gaze shifting back and forth between the sand table and the map. He took a deep breath and said, "No problem, I can assure you."

"Because banning 'flour' in the old town is also my goal. I've always wanted the people here to live normal lives and stop being hated by outsiders," he solemnly assured Zhang Jincheng.

Zhang Jin nodded in satisfaction, turned around and took out a pre-prepared agreement from his pocket, laying it flat on the desk. "Boss Kang is indeed straightforward. These are our cooperation details. Please take a look."

Kang Laoda bent down to examine it closely and discovered that the terms not only detailed the military support plan but also included an economic transformation support plan.

One of the provisions specifically states that agricultural experts will be dispatched to assist local areas in switching to cash crops and to provide sales channels.

“Mr. Zhang, you’ve prepared so thoroughly, it seems you’re determined to win.” Boss Kang picked up his pen, then suddenly stopped and asked, “But I’d like to hear your specific plan, how you will defeat Boss Lang.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jin walked to the military map hanging on the wall, pointed to the location of the old city, and said to Boss Kang: "Boss Kang, please look at the map. The location of the old city is quite special. Its north and east sides are bordered by our country."

To the west lies the Sawen River, and west of the Sawen River is the area controlled by the government's military.

If Kang's troops are fortified south of the old city, your 1000-plus men will certainly be able to block Lang's retreat from one side without any problem.

Meanwhile, the government army launched an attack from the west across the river. Although Lang Laoda had five or six thousand men, most of them were a motley crew and could not withstand the government army's attack. They would soon collapse.

"At that time, I'll lead the assault team to infiltrate the enemy's lair, and eliminating Boss Lang will be no problem at all."

"Good, very good!" After listening to Zhang Jincheng's strategic plan, a glint of light flashed in Kang's eyes.

He walked to the map, slowly moving his finger along the Sawen River, and said thoughtfully, "Mr. Zhang's plan is indeed meticulous, but there is a fundamental problem: the government army will absolutely not obey our orders and send troops."

"I've been dealing with them for years. They don't hate me to the core, but that definitely won't help me get rid of Boss Lang."

Zhang Jincheng smiled slightly and said confidently, "Brother Kang, since I have designed this plan, I am confident that I can get the government army to send troops. Please rest assured about that."

Next, I will answer your second question. To completely solve the flour problem in the 'Kim Sam District', the first step is to stop planting 'Insoum' and replace it with other crops. Only in this way can the livelihood of the elderly be guaranteed and the ban on 'flour' be carried out.

This is a massive and complex project, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary manpower and resources. To achieve this, we must rely on the assistance of our country…

Upon hearing this, Boss Kang's eyes flashed with surprise, followed by a look of sudden understanding. He lowered his voice and said, "So Mr. Zhang has... no wonder he's making such a big move." He paused, then cautiously asked, "But with such a large operation, why did you choose to cooperate with me?"

Zhang Jin calmly sat back in his armchair, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest: "Although Boss Kang has temporarily lost power, his prestige in the area remains. More importantly, you have the determination to ban 'flour.' That's exactly the kind of partner we need." He picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Besides, you know better than anyone who the power behind Boss Lang is. If we let him continue to grow stronger, it won't benefit anyone..."

Before Zhang Jincheng could finish speaking, Boss Kang excitedly said, "You are absolutely right. If we can get your full support, I am fully confident and determined to completely ban 'flour' in the old city."

Mr. Zhang...will you tell me your true identity?

“Brother Kang, my true identity is that of a wanderer, but I will prove it with my actions.”

Zhang Jin's words made Kang Laodu more suspicious, but he considered that no matter what the other party did, it would not be detrimental to him.

Moreover, if what he said is true, then the recapture of the old city is just around the corner, so Boss Kang decided to cooperate with Zhang Jincheng.

Kang Laoda stared into Zhang Jincheng's deep eyes, then suddenly burst into laughter: "What a vagrant! Since Mr. Zhang is unwilling to explain, I will not ask any further. But this agreement..." He picked up a pen and signed his name heavily on the paper, "I, Kang, guarantee with my life that I will fulfill my promise."

However, having learned his lesson once, Boss Kang was more cautious. He then said tactfully, "Mr. Zhang, everything you've said is very tempting to me, but how can I be sure you're telling the truth?"

"Trust between us needs to be built through interaction. If you need anything, please feel free to ask, and we will do our best to help you."

The two men returned to their chairs. Kang, the eldest, pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhang Jin and said, "Brother Lang's staff officer is Li Wencai. This guy used to be my subordinate. He played a significant role in Lang Fen's rebellion, and he was the one who instigated several key officers. If we can get rid of this bastard, it will be a deterrent to the others. As for the others, we'd better try to win them over..."

"Understood. Please rest assured, Boss Kang, I will send this guy to you within ten days so that you can deal with him personally. This will serve as a warning to others." Zhang Jincheng knew Boss Kang's intentions. This matter could not only test his sincerity and ability, but also strike at Boss Lang's internal forces and vent his anger. It was a double kill.

"That would be even better. Thank you in advance, Mr. Zhang." Boss Kang was very happy to hear this. He did not expect that Zhang Jincheng would suggest arresting Li Wencai, because this was much more difficult than assassination.

Kang Laoda stood up and personally poured Zhang Jincheng a cup of tea, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "If Mr. Zhang can accomplish this, I, Kang, will certainly cooperate fully with the follow-up plan. However," he changed the subject and lowered his voice, "Li Wencai's current position will definitely be closely protected, with at least twenty bodyguards around him, and he himself is a cunning old fox."

Zhang Jin took the teacup, a confident smile playing on his lips: "Boss Kang, don't worry, we have our own way." He gently put down the teacup, took out a photo from his pocket, and pushed it in front of Boss Kang: "This is one of our people inside Boss Lang's organization."

The photo shows a young military officer in his thirties standing next to Boss Lang.

Kang Laoda's pupils constricted slightly as he exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't this Balai, the guard company commander of Lao Lang? He actually..."

“That’s right.” Zhang Jin put away the photos and nodded with a smile, feeling a little proud. They had made a good move by capturing and releasing Balai back then.

Kang Laoda was immediately filled with admiration, and his gaze towards Zhang Jincheng changed completely.

Suddenly, a question occurred to him: "Mr. Zhang, how many people do you have under you? Oh, if it's inconvenient to answer, then don't say."

"Haha, it's nothing, there's nothing to keep from Boss Kang."

We currently have only twelve people, in addition to twenty Kokang soldiers, including A-Gui.

"They were your old subordinates, and they'll be back under your command anytime if needed," Zhang Jin said jokingly.

Upon hearing this, Boss Kang was filled with admiration. He exclaimed, "Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Such a small group of people have turned Boss Lang and Michael's place upside down. I now have complete faith that you can help me reclaim the old city."

Mr. Zhang, could you please give this action plan you've developed a code name?

"Sharp Sword Assault! What do you think, Boss Kang?" Zhang Jin said without hesitation.

"Sharp Sword Assault! Sharp Sword Assault!" Boss Kang muttered to himself twice, then slapped the table in admiration: "What a wonderful 'Sharp Sword Assault'! The name is both catchy and fitting."

"Please have Boss Kang reconsider the details of Operation Sharp Sword. We'll study it carefully after I bring Li Wencai here."

Furthermore, negotiations with the government military require Kang Laoda's personal involvement. For the initial contact, you can appoint a plenipotentiary representative. Please consider this beforehand; they will extend an invitation to you soon.

"Oh?" Boss Kang couldn't help but ask in surprise. He hadn't expected Zhang Jincheng to be so certain about this.

At that moment, Boss Kang suddenly realized who Zhang Jincheng was speaking on behalf of.

If "the other side" hadn't exerted influence on the government forces in Sawenjiang, they certainly wouldn't have sent troops to help them.

Kang Laoda took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, a hint of awe in his eyes. He stroked the rim of his teacup and said in a low voice, "Mr. Zhang, it seems there's a bigger game behind this 'Sword Assault'."

Zhang Jincheng smiled without saying a word, only nodding slightly.

A few insects chirped outside the window, and the night grew even deeper.

“However,” Boss Kang suddenly said seriously, “Boss Lang has been operating in the old city for many years and has deep roots. Even if you are skilled, you cannot be careless on this trip!”

Zhang Jincheng nodded and said, "Don't worry, Boss Kang, we won't be careless."

"Okay, I understand. Is there anything else, Mr. Zhang?"

“Nothing for now,” Zhang Jincheng suddenly laughed, “Hahaha… There really is something.”

"What is it? Mr. Zhang, please give me your instructions, and I will do as you say," Kang said hurriedly.

"How could I dare to give orders to Boss Kang? You are my senior in terms of both age and experience."

"So please don't call me 'sir' anymore, it sounds awkward. Just call me Xiao Zhang," Zhang Jincheng said with a smile.

Kang Laoda hadn't expected Zhang Jincheng to say something like this. He laughed and said, "Alright, alright, then I'll take advantage of my seniority and call you brother!"
Brother Zhang is such a generous person, hahaha..." Boss Kang felt an even greater liking for Zhang Jincheng, and their shared personality brought the two closer together.

Kang Laoda's hearty laughter echoed in the room. He patted Zhang Jincheng on the shoulder, his eyes shining with sincerity: "Brother Zhang, since we get along so well, why don't we become sworn brothers? Having more brothers means having more options."

Zhang Jincheng was slightly taken aback, then his face lit up with joy: "Brother Kang, I am so honored by your kindness!"

The two immediately burned incense and became sworn brothers, swearing an oath to heaven.

After the ceremony, Kang took out an exquisite wooden box from the inner room and solemnly handed it to Zhang Jincheng, saying, "This is a small token of my appreciation. Inside is the dagger I used when I was risking my life in the Jinsan area. It can cut through iron like mud. I give it to you today, my dear brother, hoping it will be of some help to you."

Zhang Jincheng took the box with both hands, opened it, and saw a gleaming dagger lying quietly on the red silk, with ancient patterns engraved on the hilt.

He nodded solemnly: "Thank you for your generous gift, elder brother. I will cherish it."

"Good, good, good," Kang Laoda's joy was evident. He stood up, sat down at his desk, took out a checkbook from the drawer, and a pen from the pen holder, and quickly began to fill it out.

After filling out the check, Boss Kang tore it off and returned to Zhang Jincheng's side. "Brother Zhang, you need a lot of funds for your activities outside. I don't have much money at the moment. Here are two million US dollars to help you out." As he spoke, he placed the check in Zhang Jincheng's hand.

Zhang Jin picked up the check and looked at it. It had three crossed vault keys on it, which was the UBS logo.

He calmly said to Brother Kang, "Brother Kang, you must know that we are not in this for the money. You need the money more than we do right now, so I cannot accept it." After saying that, he pushed the check in front of Brother Kang.

There's an old saying of yours: "Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse."

Brother, don't worry, thirty or fifty million is nothing to me. It's more than enough to cover ordinary expenses..."

Zhang Jin waved his hand and said, "Brother Kang, we have our own principles for handling affairs. We'll talk about it when we need the money. I really can't accept it now."

"Brother, are you being too formal with your older brother? How come you're turning your back on me after just acknowledging him as your brother?"

Here, I know you have it tough, and you also have to take care of some poor mountain people.

"Besides, this money isn't for your personal use; it's all for the necessary operations..." Boss Kang said, feigning displeasure.

Looking at the check in his hand, Zhang Jin felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

So he carefully put the check away and said in a deep voice, "Brother Kang trusts me so much, I will certainly live up to your expectations. I will use this money wisely to ensure the operation goes smoothly."

"Ah, that's right. That's what family is all about!" Seeing Zhang Jincheng readily accept the check, Boss Kang was very pleased. He then added, "Brother, I hope you won't stand on ceremony with me in the future. Just let me know if you need anything. We're both straightforward people, so let's not get bogged down in these mundane matters."

(End of this chapter)