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

Chapter 748 The Cunning Old Fox!
"002, you, along with Li Ming, Lu Da, and Bale, the four of you should guard the cave. Under no circumstances should the enemy set foot inside the cave."

The rest of you, stay with me and hold off the enemy in the valley. We must fight to the last man to ensure the water source isn't polluted. Got it?

"We guarantee to complete the mission!" the commandos answered in unison.

Their shouts were especially loud in the quiet valley, echoing continuously within it, as if a thousand troops were answering them.

The assault team quickly split into two groups. He Qiu led Li Ming, Lu Da, and Bale to retreat to the cave entrance. The four of them tacitly occupied advantageous positions, set up their weapons, and stood ready for battle.

The cave was damp and cold, but their eyes burned with a determined flame.

He Qiu and his three companions disregarded everything else and hurriedly repaired the fortifications.

At the same time, Zhang Jin led the rest of the team members to quickly advance into the depths of the valley.

Under the moonlight, their figures moved like ghosts among the jagged rocks.

When they reached a point 200 meters from the cave entrance, the team members dispersed to find cover and prepare to ambush the enemy.

The valley has a unique structure, with a bottom that is over 100 meters wide, one side of which is a cliff, and the other side is a slope covered with trees.

The cave where the toxic waste was stored was located on one side of a cliff, making it difficult for the enemy to attack from this side.

Zhang Jin said he divided the five people into three groups, with Liu Xiaotao and Ye Peng in one group operating at the bottom of the valley.

Wang Tao and Zhuang Yan were in a group, and they were active in the woods on the slope, while Zhang Jin said he would act according to circumstances.

Zhang Jin said he knew the combat capabilities of these commandos; one against a hundred was no problem for them.

Therefore, he simply assigned them their respective areas of responsibility without interfering with their free play.

Zhang Jin said he believes that if everyone is given sufficient autonomy, they will be able to make better use of their abilities.

Zhang Jin lay in ambush behind a protruding rock, his sharp eyes piercing the night, fixed on the direction of the valley entrance.

The night breeze rustled through the treetops, as if playing a prelude to the impending battle.

We are on high alert, everything is ready except for the final push!
However, to Zhang Jincheng's utter surprise, the enemy troops guarding the factory did not immediately move out.

They waited until dawn, and before dawn, the entire valley was quiet and there was not a sound.

The assault team prepared to engage the enemy, but no sign of them appeared.

More than two hours had passed. According to Zhang Jincheng's calculations, the enemy troops should have arrived in the valley two hours ago.

Four hours have passed, but there has been no movement in the valley.

This state of high alert is the most difficult to endure. You know the enemy will appear, but they deliberately don't, as if they're playing hide-and-seek with you, making it hard to guess the reason.

Zhang Jincheng frowned, his fingers unconsciously stroking the butt of his gun.

This unusual silence was more unsettling than the hail of bullets. He whispered to each group through a miniature earpiece, and the reply was always, "No enemy sighted."

"Observe carefully, don't let the enemy get right under your nose without you even knowing," Zhang Jin said into his headset.

"Yes!" the team members responded in unison.

Zhang Jin looked at his watch again; it would be fully light in another half hour.

It was the darkest hour before dawn; the entire valley was deathly silent, utterly still, without even a breath of wind, and the chirping insects had fallen silent.

The valley looked like a giant iron pot upside down, making people feel suffocated.

The team members suddenly felt that everything around them had stopped, as if it were the calm before a bomb explodes.

Suddenly, a bright beam of light shot up from below and then down rapidly across the dark night sky, like a sharp sword cleaving open an overturned iron pot in the valley, followed by the sound of a high-powered engine.

The sound echoed through the valley, clear and loud; the team members knew without looking that it was the sound of tanks moving.

Immediately afterwards, beams of light lit up the valley ahead, and tanks appeared one after another from a bend in the valley a mile away in the road, coming into the sight of the assault team.

Zhang Jin raised his infrared binoculars and quietly counted one, two, three... a total of five T65 medium tanks produced by Polar Bear, followed by more than a dozen wheeled armored personnel carriers.

Five tanks and more than a dozen armored vehicles, with overwhelming force and deafening roar, charged menacingly towards the five assault team members...

The commandos' hearts jumped into their throats.

Zhang Jincheng's pupils suddenly contracted—this was not the ordinary guard force they had imagined, but a fully armed mechanized company!
The tank's gun barrel gleamed coldly in the morning light, and the heavy machine gun on the armored vehicle's roof was already in combat readiness.

They were suddenly in danger, having to fight against a steel beast with their own flesh and blood.

After Zhang Jincheng led his assault team to control the entire cave for ten minutes, Boss Lang received a report from the enemy guarding the factory.

The enemy guards stationed at Factory No. 4 heard an explosion coming from the direction of the valley. After losing contact with the guards in the valley, they immediately guessed that they had been attacked and reported the situation to Boss Lang.

Lang Laoda was slightly drunk from drinking in the joy of the command post when he suddenly received a call from Factory No. 4. He was immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat, instantly sobering up.

The toxic waste in that cave was Boss Lang's last trump card; if it were destroyed, he would be finished.

Boss Lang put down the microphone and quickly walked to the sand table in the center of the room.

He gripped the edge of the sand table with both hands, his eyes fixed on the valley north of the old town.

Boss Lang knew very well that the troops that attacked the valley were definitely special forces from "over there".

He was just wondering how the special forces "over there" had found the cave in such a short time.

However, Boss Lang knew that the hundred or so guards stationed at Factory No. 4 were no match for the special forces.

Although Boss Lang guessed that there wouldn't be many special forces personnel attacking the cave, maybe a dozen or so, sending a hundred or so guards would be pointless.

The special forces over there have a formidable reputation; even sending two companies wouldn't necessarily be a match for them.

Boss Lang was frantically thinking of a solution. He couldn't afford to lose this cave; he had to take it back, or everything would be over.

Only by controlling these toxic wastes can we force "the other side" to submit; otherwise, it's a dead end.

The entrance to the valley is 30 kilometers away from the old city. It is obviously too late to mobilize the old city's garrison. Moreover, Kang Laoda's troops are about to arrive at the city, so the garrison dares not move.

Suddenly, Boss Lang's gaze fell on a hilltop north of the old town.

A smile involuntarily crept across his face as an idea suddenly came to him.

A unit was stationed in the northern part of the old town; this unit was originally a division of the Allied forces.

The division commander was named Sang Duoma. He initially followed Kang Laoda to break away from the Allied Army, but was later coerced by Lang Laoda and drove Kang Laoda away.

In truth, Sang Duoma had no desire to associate with Boss Lang.

The reason he was enemies with Boss Kang was because Boss Kang's ban on "flour" cut off their source of income.

However, Sang Duoma couldn't stand Lang Laoda's arrogance and nepotism, so he took his grievances to the outskirts of the old city and stationed himself in a small town ten kilometers north of the old city.

Sangduoma was stationed here because the area was relatively stable and not a point of contention among various forces.

The east side of the old city is "over there," the west side is confronting the government army, the south side is Kang Laoda eyeing it covetously, preparing to make a comeback, and only the north is free from fighting forces.

Sangduoma's troops still used their original designation—the 16th Allied Division. Although it was called a division, it actually only had six or seven hundred men.

Although his troops were few, they were well-equipped and possessed a considerable amount of heavy equipment. Sandoma's forces were equipped with five T-65 tanks and more than a dozen armored personnel carriers, all of which were his old troops brought from the Allied forces.

Although the 16th Division outwardly obeyed the command of the Old City Allied Army, Lang Laoda knew in his heart that he could not command Sangduoma's troops and could not expect the 16th Division to fight for him.

But the cunning Boss Lang had his own way. He picked up the phone and dialed Sangduoma's command center.

"Hey, is this Boss Sang? Why aren't you resting so late?"

Sang Duoma rarely contacted Boss Lang and they only saw each other a few times a year. Receiving a call from Boss Lang in the middle of the night made him feel uneasy.

As the saying goes, those who offer unsolicited favors are either up to no good or are thieves.

He knew that Kang Laoda's troops were attacking the old city. Could it be that this old fox wanted to send his own men to fight for him?

Sang Duoma already felt guilty for betraying Boss Kang by following this old fox, so it was absolutely impossible for him to oppose Boss Kang again.

While thinking, Sang Duoma said casually, "Oh dear, Boss Lang, you have no idea how worried I am about the lack of clothes and food for my troops!"

We're not as rich as you, Boss Lang!

"Hehe, Boss Mu Sang will definitely try to plead poverty to me. I know you guys well enough!"
The place you've occupied is a treasure trove!

Putting everything else aside, the teak and gemstone mines in your area alone would be enough to keep you busy for decades.

Don't be afraid, I won't borrow money from you.

"Hehe, Boss Lang, just say what's on your mind. You're calling me so late just to chat, right?"

"Hahaha, Boss Sang is still as straightforward as ever." Boss Lang chuckled sinisterly, then suddenly changed the subject: "Alright, then I'll just say it."

"I have a big deal, are you interested?" Boss Lang was starting to set a trap for Sang Duoma.

"Oh, what kind of big deal? You would give up such a lucrative business to someone else?" Sang Duoma asked skeptically upon hearing this.

He knew Boss Lang too well; he liked to keep things to himself, and if it was something good, he would give it to him. Why didn't he believe him?

"Brother Sang, don't be in such a hurry, I haven't finished speaking yet."

There is a valley to the north of your base where I have one of my largest production plants, 'Number Four', which you know.

I built a secret warehouse in a cave ten kilometers from the factory to store the No. 4 production line.

To be honest, I stored more than ten meals of high-quality 'Number Four' there.

The news leaked from somewhere, and now a group of people of unknown origin are attacking that cave.

If the goods in the cave are stolen, my losses will be huge. Moreover, you know my current situation, brother. Boss Kang is attacking the old city, so I can't spare any men to help the valley.

If Boss Sang is willing to lead his troops to help me get out of the valley, I'm willing to give you half of the goods in that cave..."

Boss Lang paused deliberately at this point, intentionally giving Sang Duoma to consider his words, before continuing, "That half of the goods is worth several hundred million. Boss Sang, don't you think this is a huge deal?"

Sang Duma's hand holding the phone trembled slightly, and the quote coming from the receiver made his breathing quicken.

Goods worth hundreds of millions—this was indeed an irresistible temptation for him.

But he quickly calmed down. Boss Lang's words were always a mix of truth and falsehood. Could it be some kind of trap?

"Boss Lang," Sang Duoma deliberately dragged out his words, "you're not lying to me, are you?"

"Absolutely no problem! If I were lying to you, I'd be afraid you'd join forces with Boss Kang to attack me," Boss Lang continued to tempt him.

Money can be a powerful motivator! As expected, Sang Duma's desires overcame her reason.

"real!"

"No joke!"

Boss Lang was secretly pleased, knowing that Sang Duoma had taken the bait. He continued, "According to my guards' report, although the number of people attacking the warehouse is not large, they are well-equipped and have strong combat capabilities."

When Boss Lang goes out to fight, he must bring heavy weapons, preferably your tanks and armored vehicles, and he must act quickly.

Although the cave's defenses are very strong, I'm worried it might be breached if it gets too late, then we won't get a single penny..."

"Understood, let's set off immediately and try to arrive before dawn," Sang Duoma said right away.

He was now completely convinced of what Boss Lang had said, because he was certain that Boss Lang had long coveted the output of that "Factory No. 4" in the valley.

"Alright, I wish you great success, Boss Sang. If you don't want the goods after the deal is done, I can give you money, definitely no less than 5 million in cash."

The reason why Boss Lang said this was because he was worried that Sang Duoma would turn against him after taking over the cave and not finding "Number Four".

Let's leave it at that for now, so we can explain it to him later. Boss Lang really has good intentions.

After hanging up the phone, Sandoma immediately summoned his adjutant and several trusted officers for an emergency meeting.

He spread out a military map and pointed heavily at the winding valley: "Boss Lang said there's a cave in this valley with his goods worth hundreds of millions inside. Do you think that's believable?"

The adjutant frowned and leaned closer to the map: "Commander, there are indeed a few natural caves in this area, but to say that they can hold more than ten tons of goods," he suddenly lowered his voice, "could it be a trap set by Boss Lang? Boss Kang is currently attacking the city, and he may be worried that you will betray us, so he and Boss Kang are attacking him from the north and south."

"No, Boss Lang knows who I am now and he won't help me."

"Who cares if it's real or fake!" The armored battalion commander slammed his fist on the table. "Take our T-65 tanks and armored vehicles. Even if there's an ambush, we're not afraid. If we really have the goods, the brothers will never have to worry for the rest of their lives!"

This was a fortune worth hundreds of millions, and the other officers' eyes turned red with envy. "That's right, what are we afraid of? The brothers have heavy weapons..."

Upon hearing this, Sang Duoma did not hesitate any longer and immediately assembled the Sang Armored Battalion. He was prepared to personally lead the team to the valley.

At three o'clock in the morning, the convoy of the 16th Division roared out of its garrison.

Five tanks led the way, followed closely by armored personnel carriers, their headlights casting blinding streaks of light on the rugged mountain road.

Sang Duoma sat in the command vehicle, constantly urging the troops to speed up their advance via radio.

Before dawn, as the vanguard approached Zhang Jincheng's defensive line, the first tank relayed an urgent report: "Commander, we've reached the valley ahead..."

Zhang Jin and his team were taken aback when they saw the oncoming torrent of steel. Trying to fight against the steel torrent with just their assault rifles was like throwing eggs against a rock.

Zhang Jin said he found it very strange that the enemy had suddenly appeared with this armored force.

This couldn't possibly be the guard unit protecting the factory; it was a regular armored force.

In just a few hours, where did Boss Lang mobilize such a powerful force?

Zhang Jin called He Qiu using a portable miniature radio: "Emergency call 002, please respond if you hear me."

"I am 002, please speak!"

"An armored unit rushed towards us. The enemy had five T-65 tanks and more than a dozen armored vehicles."

"Please send anti-tank attack helicopters to reinforce us immediately, quickly, very quickly..." Zhang Jincheng said urgently, his words revealing the severity of the situation.

Zhang Jincheng is a man who is not afraid of anything, even a mountain pressing down on him. He showed signs of anxiety, which shows how critical the situation was.

"Understood, I'll report it immediately!" After saying this to Zhang Jincheng, Liu Xiaotao immediately contacted Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu via radio.

(End of this chapter)