Yang Jian had anticipated Lu Yao’s reaction. Even without firsthand knowledge of the situation in northern Myanmar, news reports of conflict there were common. Going to such a dangerous place could cost one their life.
“Yaoyao, don’t get so worked up. Let me explain. San Pang has to be saved because he was tricked while working for me.”
Yang Jian patiently recounted his feud with Brother Mao, including the existence of Yang Fan and the bribery of Wu Laizi.
Lu Yao remained unmoved. “Since Yang Fan is there, why don’t you have him help you find San Pang? You don’t have to go yourself.”
“Yang Fan doesn’t know Brother Mao, Yaoyao. I have a life-or-death friendship with Brother Fan. He can definitely guarantee my safety there. I won’t be in danger. I’m just going to identify Brother Mao; Brother Fan will handle everything else.”
Seeing Lu Yao’s continued silence, Yang Jian added, “Yaoyao, imagine what kind of life San Pang is living right now. According to Brother Fan, people tricked into northern Myanmar are extremely miserable. They have to work for scam companies, continuing to deceive others. If they don’t meet their targets, they’re beaten or even thrown into water prisons. These people might never return, their last drop of blood squeezed out, and then their organs are harvested and sold. If we don’t save San Pang, this will be his fate: decades of slavery, ending with no remains. And we’ll be living peacefully and happily back home. How can we bear it? His parents, too, they cry every time they see me. Their helpless, desperate eyes make me ashamed. If I don’t bring San Pang back, I’ll never have peace, and I’ll have nightmares every night.”
Having said all this, Lu Yao knew Yang Jian was resolute about going, and she couldn’t stop him.
“Brother Jian, since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say much more. I just hope you remember two things. First, you have parents too. Going to such a dangerous place, they will also worry and be afraid. Second, before you do anything, think of me and our son. If something happens to you, our sky will collapse. Also, how trustworthy is this Yang Fan? You yourself said people there specifically trick their own friends and family. Could Yang Fan sell you out too? We have to guard against that.”
Yang Jian breathed a sigh of relief. “Yaoyao, thank you for your understanding. As for Yang Fan, he should be trustworthy. Afeng and the others have been there. Yang Fan isn’t involved in the scamming industry. He runs rubber plantations, mines, and hotels. With all his wealth, he wouldn’t stoop to human trafficking. Besides, I’m not going alone. Brother Nan plans to have two police officers join me in the investigation to thoroughly uproot Brother Mao’s major drug trafficking ring.”
“Oh, if the police are involved, then I feel much more at ease.”
Upon hearing that Lin Nan was helping, Lu Yao’s attitude shifted. With police protection, Yang Jian’s safety in northern Myanmar would be much higher, and she wouldn’t worry about him being sold.
Five days later, Yang Jian received a call from Lin Nan, asking him to meet at Pin Wei Shi Guang. Yang Jian arrived as scheduled and found Lin Nan in a private room on the second floor. Sitting next to Lin Nan were two sturdy men, both around 1.75 meters tall. One was in his early thirties, the other in his early twenties.
“Little Yang, let me introduce you. This is Officer Zhang Hui from the Municipal Bureau’s Anti-Drug Detachment.” As soon as Yang Jian entered, Lin Nan began introducing his older colleague.
Yang Jian quickly extended his hand. “Hello, Officer Zhang. I’m Yang Jian.”
Zhang Hui smiled. “Little Yang, we’ve heard your name for a long time. Your legend still echoes in Hancheng’s underworld.”
Yang Jian knew he was referring to the casino incident at Xun Si River and could only offer a wry smile. “Officer Zhang, you jest. That’s all rumor.”
“Just kidding. This is my colleague, Qin Feiyang. He just graduated from the Special Police Academy and is very skilled in combat. I hear you’re also a master of combat. You two can spar sometime.”
“Hello, Officer Qin. I’m just self-taught, nothing professional.” Yang Jian politely shook Qin Feiyang’s hand as well.
The four of them sat around the coffee table, and Lin Nan began to explain the situation.
“Little Yang, the day you reported Brother Mao and Baoguo’s drug trafficking, and the matter of dozens of people from Xinqiao being tricked into northern Myanmar, I reported it to the director that same day. The director took it very seriously and quickly communicated with the Municipal Bureau. Coincidentally, the Municipal Bureau’s Anti-Drug Detachment has been investigating a drug trafficking ring. Based on various clues, they preliminarily identified Baoguo as the mastermind, but lacked concrete evidence. The information you provided is a major breakthrough for solving this case. Therefore, the Municipal Bureau has decided to have you act as an informant, and Officer Zhang and his colleague will accompany you to northern Myanmar to try and uproot Brother Mao, the mastermind drug lord, and Baoguo’s sales network in Hancheng. At the same time, they will assist you in rescuing the Xinqiao people who were tricked into northern Myanmar. With police involvement, your task will be much easier.”
Yang Jian nodded. “That would be excellent. When do we leave?”
“Has Yaoyao’s concerns been addressed?”
“Yes, she only agreed because she heard you would help me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t let me go even if beaten to death.”
Lin Nan laughed heartily. “Good, good. You, Yang Jian, fear nothing, but finally, someone can keep you in check.”
“Alas, she’s only looking out for me. But I can’t abandon San Pang, or I’ll feel guilty my whole life.”
“You’re right. San Pang was actually our informant. His being tricked into northern Myanmar is also largely due to our oversight, so the police have a responsibility to rescue him. Since your family’s concerns have been addressed, you can depart tomorrow. What mode of transportation do you prefer?”
“Let’s drive. Your case handling funds are tight, so I’ll cover all the expenses for this trip.”
“Haha, that’s a great idea. Traveling with a wealthy boss like you is the best. Captain Zhang, don’t hold back on expenses along the way. Enjoy the good food and fun. My brother here has plenty of money.”
Zhang Hui and Qin Feiyang both laughed. It seemed this trip would be interesting.
Yang Jian smiled. “It’s fine, as long as you don’t say I’m bribing public officials. No matter how much it costs for food, drinks, and entertainment, as long as we can bring Brother Mao and Baoguo to justice and rescue San Pang, I won’t begrudge spending ten million.”
Lin Nan nodded. “Alright, the Municipal Bureau has already communicated with the provincial department and the Yunnan provincial police. Since the Dalou checkpoint is closed, you can only enter through the Menglian checkpoint. The local police will help you obtain official permits to enter northern Myanmar. Smuggling is not advisable; it violates our country’s laws and is very dangerous in northern Myanmar.”
“Brother Nan, having official documents is certainly better. Smuggling was a last resort. Brother Mao is in Dalou Town, and I was even planning to find someone to kidnap him into northern Myanmar.”
“Don’t mess around. I don’t care what you do once you’re out of the country, as long as you’re safe. But you can’t engage in any more illegal activities within the country. Your current status is hard-earned; don’t ruin your future for those scumbags.” Lin Nan issued a final warning, ensuring Yang Jian kept a proper boundary and didn’t cross the legal red line.