"Iron Abacus" quickly replied, "The other side only has two guards in the warehouse, plus two clerks sent by Manager Li to meet them. They're all novices, nothing to worry about. As for our side, Brother Biao's idea is for you, Brother Lin, to choose five or six quick-witted and tight-lipped brothers. The route map is here."

He pulled out a crumpled sketch and spread it on the greasy table. It was covered with charcoal lines and markings. "I've scouted it all out; they're all quiet alleys. Just in case… I mean just in case we run into some tough nut to crack," he glanced at Zhang Biao, who nodded, before continuing, "Boss Biao said the goods can be forfeited, but the people must return safely. But it's best not to make a scene; if we get too big a fuss, everyone's in trouble."

The meaning is clear: the main objective is smuggling, and conflict should be avoided as much as possible.

Lin Feng carefully examined the rudimentary route map, memorizing several key intersections and potential checkpoint locations. After a moment's thought, he looked up and said, "Okay, I'll take this job."

"Great!" Zhang Biao exclaimed happily, raising his wine bowl. "Wishing Brother Lin every success! Cheers!"

Everyone raised their bowls again. Lin Feng drank it all in one gulp; the strong liquor went down his throat and transformed into a burning power.

He knew that from this moment on, he had officially stepped into the undercurrents of the state capital's underground world. This seemingly simple "delivery" might be the first step for him to establish himself here and begin to weave his own network.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere became even more lively.

Zhang Biao began to boast about his "glorious deeds" back then, and several leaders, emboldened by alcohol, also boasted about their own methods.

Lin Feng mostly listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words, but his mind was already on the dock at midnight tonight.

Just then, a series of light footsteps came from the stairs, accompanied by the tinkling of jade pendants and a cheap yet strong scent of cosmetics.

Everyone looked up and saw a young woman dressed in a gaudy pink dress, her face covered in thick makeup, yet unable to hide the weariness between her brows, gracefully walking up with a tray on which were several small dishes to accompany the drinks.

She was the proprietress of Zuixianju, or rather, Zhang Biao's mistress, known as "Sister Hong". This woman was said to have been a leading actress in a small opera troupe, but after the troupe disbanded, she ended up in "Muddy Land" where Zhang Biao took a liking to her and made her the proprietress of Zuixianju. She was also Zhang Biao's assistant in handling some "literary matters" and gathering information.

"Sister Hong is here!" "Big Bear's" eyes lit up, and he shouted in a gruff voice. The other leaders also showed ambiguous smiles.

Sister Hong, with a professional, charming smile, placed the side dishes on the table one by one. Her eyes swept across the table, finally lingering on Lin Feng's face for a moment, a hint of surprise and curiosity flashing in her eyes. This newcomer seemed different from the rough men around him. Although his clothes were shabby, he sat upright, his eyes were calm, and he possessed an undeniable air of authority.

"This must be Master Biao's newest brother, right? He's quite the handsome and dashing fellow." Sister Hong smiled, placing a piece of braised meat on Lin Feng's empty plate. Her voice was soft and sweet. "Brother Lin, you must come and patronize my business often in the future!"

"Sister Hong, you're too kind." Lin Feng nodded slightly, his tone neither overly enthusiastic nor impolite.

Hong Jie's curiosity intensified, and she was about to say something when Zhang Biao waved his hand: "Alright, alright, this is none of your business. Go down. I have important things to discuss with the brothers."

Sister Hong pouted, gave Zhang Biao a reproachful look, then curtsied to everyone before swaying downstairs.

"That woman, always so nosy." Zhang Biao chuckled dismissively, then turned to Lin Feng and said, "Brother Lin, don't take offense. Women are often short-sighted. Let's get down to business. Who do you want for tonight's men?"

Lin Feng already had a plan in mind. He was new to the area and unfamiliar with Zhang Biao's men, but from his observation, Liu Sandao was taciturn but had a steady gaze, making him seem like a reliable person; "One-Eyed Dragon" looked fierce, but he talked too much when he drank too much and wasn't cautious enough; "Smiling Tiger" always had a smile on his face, but there was a calculation hidden in his eyes, so he couldn't be trusted.

"Brother Liu is familiar with the docks and the roads in the west of the city. I'd like to ask Brother Liu to come with me." Lin Feng first suggested Liu Sandao. Liu Sandao was the introducer and a veteran, so he was relatively reliable, but he still needed to be observed and won over.

Liu Sandao seemed somewhat surprised. He glanced at Lin Feng, nodded, and said nothing more.

"Also," Lin Feng's gaze swept over the other eager leaders, finally settling on a young man sitting at the back, who hadn't drunk much, just quietly eating his food. He looked to be in his early twenties, with a lean build and sharp eyes. Lin Feng vaguely remembered this man; that afternoon at the brick kiln wasteland, while everyone else was making a ruckus, this young man had been quietly watching, his eyes showing no disdain, but rather an expression of observation and learning.

"Brother, what's your name?" Lin Feng asked, pointing to the young man.

The young man was taken aback, not expecting Lin Feng to call on him. He quickly put down his chopsticks, stood up, clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to Master Lin, my name is Hou Qi, the seventh child in my family. Everyone calls me 'Skinny Monkey'."

"Brother Hou Qi," Lin Feng nodded, "would you mind coming with me tonight?"

Hou Qi's face lit up with surprise, and he quickly replied, "I'll do whatever Master Lin says!"

Zhang Biao glanced at Hou Qi, then at Lin Feng, a knowing glint in his eyes. He laughed heartily, "Alright! Skinny Monkey, though young, is clever and quick on his feet—a good prospect! Brother Lin has an eye for talent! It's settled then. Liu Sandao, Skinny Monkey, you pick two or three more quick-witted guys from below. They'll be at Brother Lin's command tonight!"

After the matter was settled and they drank a few more rounds of wine, Zhang Biao told everyone to disperse and prepare.

Lin Feng, Liu Sandao, and Hou Qi stayed behind and carefully reviewed the route and details, agreeing on the meeting time and code.

When we left Zuixianju, it was already early 9 PM.

The night breeze, carrying moisture and chill, dispelled the smell of alcohol from his clothes. Lin Feng stood at the filthy street corner, gazing northeast, towards the location of the Zhou residence.

Rescuing Shi Xiu and the others requires both strength and opportunity.

This current "deal" is the first step for him to accumulate power and familiarize himself with these dark rules.

He had to succeed, and he had to do it cleanly and neatly.

"Master Lin, where are we going now?" Hou Qi leaned closer and asked in a low voice, his face showing excitement and a hint of nervousness.

He had been working in this "muddy place" for several years, always an insignificant nobody. Today, he was singled out by the new "big shot," and he felt his chance had come.

"Go back first and get some rest." Lin Feng withdrew his gaze, patted Hou Qi on the shoulder, and said, "Be smart at the midnight dock."

"Yes! Don't worry, Master Lin!" Hou Qi straightened his thin chest.

Liu Sandao followed silently behind, watching Lin Feng's composed back, then glancing at the excited Hou Qi, his single eye flashing as he pondered something.

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