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Chapter 630: Chapter 534: The Rejuvenated Port (Please Subscribe!)_1
The call with Tang Kai was over.
Wangsa hastily left.
He drove to the camp near the port and shouted at the soldiers who were about to change shifts, "Remember, today, we have to strictly check everyone and everything that passes through. Stay alert. If there are any suspicious or unfamiliar figures, don’t say anything, just make a record and report to me immediately. Did everyone understand?"
Wangsa understood that the chances of assassins taking this route were slim as identity checks within their territory were strict. Travel, accommodation, and transportation all required an ID card, something the assassins couldn’t possibly get as he himself couldn’t even produce one, but one must still remain cautious.
"Yes, sir." echoed the soldiers.
Wangsa finished his briefing.
The soldiers, under their superior’s guidance, arrived at the border and took over the checkpoint from the Thai side.
With the tacit approval of the Thai authorities,
The situation at this checkpoint had long since changed from the past.
Previously, they didn’t even have a paved ground in fear of the Thai government picking a fight. But after cooperating for so long with more and more Thai families benefiting from the area, they gained the confidence to harden the ground. After a series of operations, this port started to become legal and started collecting tariffs and fulfilling trading duties for Thailand.
Only a few of the workers were appointed by the Thai Government, most were Wangsa’s subordinates in management and security roles. Overall, Wangsa was still the highest-ranking official here.
The land on both sides of the port was now cemented. Majestic buildings were erected, giving it the look of a major border trade port. If the Thai side of the border trade port could be said to be modernized, then the architecture on Ling’s side was ultra-modern.
The structures Ling built were even more grand and taller. They utilized plenty of glass curtain walls and solar panels, and even more advanced detection devices than the Thai side. Ling even leveled a mountain to construct a massive parking lot and cargo yard.
At the top of each mountain, a concrete tower over thirty meters tall stood. Although no guards were visible from the outside, Wangsa knew that there must be soldiers on alert behind the one-way glass on the top of the tower.
Looking from afar at the small holes in the glass.
What were they if not shooting holes, for ventilation perhaps?
Don’t be joking.
And what did those shooting holes on the glass signify?
It indicated that the glass was bulletproof. Otherwise, there was no point for shooting holes.
"Such luxury." Wangsa coveted in his heart.
Seeing this,
Wangsa too wanted to build a tower like that.
With that kind of bulletproof one-way glass.
At least it seemed more domineering, but it was only a thought. This request was something that the higher-ups would never approve of. After all, it wasn’t a war zone here, so building it was pointless. As for Ling’s side, their reason was simply to avoid forceful intrusions at the checkpoint.
That reason.
Only a fool would completely believe it. But it had nothing to do with Wangsa. He didn’t believe he would ever enter a conflict with Ling.
After looking for a while, Wangsa turned away. Other soldiers began to perform their duties, conducting strict checks and verifications of the cargo. If the inventory on their side did not match the goods passing through, the other side wouldn’t let you pass. All you could do was go back and issue a new list.
Under the influence of the strict, standardized, and scientific management method on the opposite side, the Thai side had to improve their procedures and methods to increase the efficiency of customs clearance. Otherwise, this passage would be blocked after a few uses.
After the shift change.
Traders passing by sensed a sudden tension in the port’s atmosphere. There was no major change on Ling’s side, as it was always strict, and the soldiers were not lax in their duties. Although they looked a bit sullen, they never accepted bribes. As long as the paperwork and goods were in order, the speed of clearance was astonishingly quick.
But today, there were more than twice as many people on Wangsa’s side and even their looks were strange.
However, the traders seemed to have sensed something. Each with a serious look on their faces, they quickly cleared customs, conducting their own business, praying silently that nothing would go wrong. Otherwise, the hard-won situation would dissipate.
At half-past five in the afternoon.
Not far from the port.
A group of four, three men and one woman, looked at the bustling port from the distance. It felt as though they had arrived at a large port, with cars coming and going in an endless stream, as lively as it could be.
Looking at the tall tower in the distance.
The squad leader furrowed his brows, remaining silent. His instinct told him that it was dangerous there, very dangerous. The opposite side of the port was like a giant beast; if they crossed over, they might be torn to pieces. He had not felt this way for a long time.
"Captain, what’s the matter? You’re not thinking of crossing from here, are you?" the lean man inquired.
The man, addressed as captain, came back to his senses, shook his head and said, "No, the Thai soldiers here are on high alert. The other side must be more cautious. They must have known our plans to come here. Since we’ve been discovered, there’s no need to go over there. It’d be throwing oneself into a trap. We’ll go over there at night, and first scout out the lay of the land on the Thai side."
"Such a beautiful place." Looking at the port, the woman couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of the green mountains and rivers. Outsiders didn’t know whether she was praising the port or the scenery.
"What a pity. They have offended people they shouldn’t have, and it’s not just one person either," the lean man said with a cold laugh.
"I actually think Ling has done a great deed. He can save many families." Women are inherently emotional. Even as an assassin, having witnessed filth and ugliness, she would value and hope for beauty even more.
There were no contradictions.
"Even though I highly respect him, someone offered money. At most, I’ll just pray for him when I get back," the lean man shrugged.
"..."
No one responded to his comments.
The team leader continued to furrow his brow.
He looked around a little more.
To avoid inspection by Thai soldiers, they drove far from the port, planning to find a place to cross the Thai-Myanmar border after dark, set up camp in the evening, and take action tomorrow morning.
...
In the evening.
Shanghai Stock Market.
At the front gates of Fudan University.
Today was the day that Tang Qing had promised to treat his dorm mates to a meal, and he had also invited the girls from Lin Jiaxue’s dorm, aiming to get everything done in one go to avoid the trouble of hosting two separate parties. Knowing that the girls’ dormitory was coming to dinner, his roommates were excited for half the day.
After the final class of the afternoon, they hurriedly returned to their dorm to change into what they considered their cleanest and most handsome clothes. Even if they couldn’t win anyone over, they didn’t want to embarrass themselves. If they were lucky, they might even get a date.
They gathered at the front gate.
After introductions, the group moved towards the neighborhood. Seeing Zeng Rou and the others, Zhong Liang was fine, chatting openly with the girls, while Li Mo and Ding Xiangming were a bit awkward. Tang Qing could only sigh, money emboldens people, and Zhong Liang was a typical representative of that.
They reached their floor.
Entered the room.
It was met with another round of astonishment.
"Tang Qing, is this your house? It’s massive!" Zhong Liang exclaimed, looking left and right. Although his family was also wealthy, they weren’t quite at the point of living in a villa. Even such a house, his father would not have afforded to buy for himself to live in.
Tang Qing put the freshmen enrollment textbooks on the cabinet at the door, and gestured for them to come in, "Make do, no need to wear slippers, you can sit anywhere, dinner is being prepared." As he spoke, Tang Qing made tea for everyone.
The fighters were cooking, so the task of making tea did not fall to them, and the fighters weren’t asked to serve either.
The table was already filled with fruits and snacks.
"Where? Who’s cooking?" Zhong Liang was taken aback. Only then did he notice that, having been invited for dinner, there was no one cooking in Tang Qing’s house. The dining room and kitchen only had a piano and some painting tools.
"I also bought the unit across. They’re cooking there. This one here is for resting." Tang Qing explained.
"Tang Qing, I feel like you’re richer than my family. Even my dad wouldn’t dare to be so extravagant." Upon hearing Tang Qing say "buy," Zhong Liang realized that it wasn’t a rented house. For a moment, his face was filled with envy. Both were second generation rich, so why was there such a big gap?
The others didn’t fare much better.
Looking at Tang Qing, apart from the well-off Zeng Rou, the faces of the others also couldn’t hide their envy.
"Who cares about money or not. Sit down, eat some fruit." Tang Qing sat on the sofa and turned on the TV.
Zhong Liang didn’t hesitate, he picked up an apple and took a bite. His eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly swallowed a few mouthfuls before exclaiming in surprise, "Tang Qing, this fruit is so delicious, where did you buy it?"
"They’re imported, very expensive, you can’t buy them in Shanghai." Tang Qing answered casually. He had no plans to open a fruit store in Shanghai.
Speaking of the fruit store, it has been making a big name for itself in Qingyan City. From a deserted store previously to now having a full house of customers, often selling out within half a day, and that was a result of rationing.
Many people from the provincial city have come to taste this fruit. However, in the end, they all regretted it, not because they were disappointed, but because they couldn’t buy it in the provincial city. If they wanted to eat it, they could come to Qingyan City. The supply in Qingyan City was not even sufficient, and the fruit store never thought about expanding.
And once they returned, they wouldn’t be able to eat it again.
During this period, many people wanted to buy the technology or partner up for cultivation, but they were all refused by the fighters. They stuck to their routine, followed the rules, and fortunately with Liu Qian watching openly in Qingyan City, and others secretly protecting them, they haven’t been harassed so far.
Nobody dares to do so.
Seeing Zhong Liang’s exaggerated expression, Zeng Rou also picked one up, took a gentle bite, and immediately got excited, "Really, it’s so delicious, Ning Jing, Gu Man, try it quickly. This is the most delicious apple I have ever tasted."
The others also took one each. Instantly, their taste buds were conquered. The rich fruit flavor, with a faint hint of ethereal aroma, ordinary people simply couldn’t resist this taste bud attack. After a bite, they all felt better.
Lin Jiaxue smiled faintly on the side, sipping only a bit of water. Now she was used to it, but when she first tasted this delicious fruit, she had the same reaction.
"Don’t eat too much, or you won’t be able to eat dinner later." Tang Qing reminded them.
"It doesn’t matter, it’s just a bit of water." Zeng Rou said without a care, chewing vigorously, without any ladylike image. According to Zeng Rou, image is nothing in front of food.
Tang Qing shook his head and chuckled.
Wait until they taste the food made by the fighters, they won’t regret it.
Not long after.
Each person finished two apples, knowing that dinner was coming soon, they resisted the urge to keep eating. Out of sight, out of mind, Zeng Rou suggested, "Jiaxue, let’s go, let’s go see your bedroom."
"Sure." Lin Jiaxue stood up and said. Ning Jing and Gu Man also got up, but Zhong Liang and the others remained seated. The master bedroom for guests was not a place they, as men, could casually visit.
The girls walked into the master bedroom.
They closed the door and started whispering.
