Baiyun International Airport.
The flight from Seoul landed punctually at 10:30 AM. Hong Xing, Shen Bing, and four burly bodyguards emerged from the airport exit. Luo Peng and his group, who had been waiting, rushed forward. They had four cars and a total of eight people. Leading them was Zhang Qiming, the Vice President of the Xinhe Chamber of Commerce and Hong Xing's chief steward, responsible for the daily operations of the casino, the chamber of commerce, and the parking lot.
"Mr. Hong, you've had a long journey."
Zhang Qiming, in his forties, was of medium build, wore glasses, and appeared refined and shrewd.
As he walked, Hong Xing nodded at him. "Old Zhang, have there been any incidents at the chamber of commerce recently? Have you found out who vandalized the club that day?"
Zhang Qiming walked closely beside him. "No, everything has returned to normal. I've inquired, and the attack on the club was likely not from forces in Nanhai."
As they spoke, Hong Xing got into his BMW. Zhang Qiming sat beside him, with Luo Peng driving and a bodyguard in the passenger seat.
"This young brother looks unfamiliar. Is he new?"
Hong Xing noticed the driver wasn't the usual one.
Zhang Qiming quickly explained, "During the vandalism incident, the driver, Xiao Liu, was on guard duty at the entrance. He didn't identify the attackers' true identities. When they produced police IDs, instead of verifying and stopping them immediately, he panicked and fled. This led the brothers in the lobby to believe they were real police officers, allowing the attackers to smash up the club without any resistance.
So, I fired him. This is Bingbing's classmate. He's diligent and a good driver. Bingbing recommended him to drive for you."
Luo Peng was also quick to be accommodating. "Hello, Mr. Hong. I'm from Luogang too."
Hong Xing nodded. "Oh, from Luogang town?"
"Yes, my home is right next to the Luogang Grain Station."
"What were you doing before coming here?"
As his temporary driver in Nanhai, Hong Xing felt it necessary to understand his background.
"I used to be an informant at Yang Jian's casino. Later, the casino was raided by the police, and I was arrested and imprisoned for half a year. After I got out..."
"Wait, you worked at Yang Jian's casino before?"
Hong Xing became nervous at the mention of Yang Jian's name.
"Yes, I was an informant at the casino."
Hong Xing's interest was piqued by his identity. "Continue, and then what?"
"Then I was arrested and locked up for half a year. After I was released, Yang Jian's cousin gave us a hundred thousand yuan. I took that money and came to Nanhai, bought a used car, and started selling bricks.
After working at the brickyard for over a month, I met Bingbing. He asked me to sell the car and follow him. I've been here for over two months."
Luo Peng couldn't lie. Although he knew Hong Xing might not survive the day, he wanted to remain in this circle in case things didn't go as planned.
"Do you know where Yang Jian is now?"
"No, I wasn't a core member. I was recruited by Biao Biao to work at the casino. I was an informant for a few months, and I barely met Yang Jian a few times. After I got out, I came to Nanhai and haven't contacted anyone from the casino."
"What about Biao Biao? Has he called you?"
"Biao Biao was sentenced to a year. I don't know if he's out yet."
"He should be out. Contact him when you have a chance. Don't mention me, just say you're currently unemployed and ask him to take you in."
Luo Peng deliberately appeared flustered. "Mr. Hong, are you firing me? I didn't do anything wrong!"
Hong Xing smiled faintly. "I'm not firing you; on the contrary, I'm increasing your salary. But you need to help me find Yang Jian's whereabouts."
"But I don't know where Yang Jian is! I only know Yang Jian, and although I worked for him, we barely spoke a few words."
"I know you're not close to Yang Jian, but Biao Biao is Yang Jian's close brother. He'll definitely know where Yang Jian is. You're also Biao Biao's brother, so if you go back to him, you'll surely be able to find out Yang Jian's whereabouts."
Luo Peng suddenly understood. "Mr. Hong, you want me to be a mole, stay by Biao Biao's side, and then find out Yang Jian's movements?"
"Clever. Go and follow Biao Biao. I'll pay you ten thousand yuan a month. As soon as you find out Yang Jian's whereabouts, I'll reward you with another hundred thousand."
"Mr. Hong, such generous treatment! Then I'll definitely do it. But I don't dare to confront Yang Jian. I've seen his methods; they're too terrifying. Ten of me couldn't beat him."
Damn, he wants me to play undercover! Luo Peng found it hilarious. He was already a mole, and now Hong Xing wanted him to investigate Yang Jian. He couldn't refuse, especially since his own survival today was uncertain.
"You don't need to confront him; you just need to track his movements."
"Okay, when should I start?"
"Contact Biao Biao after we get back. If he agrees, go immediately. I'll give you ten thousand yuan as an activity fund first."
Without finding Yang Jian, Hong Xing would never feel secure. The shooting of Shen Hua and the club being vandalized were, with ninety percent probability, his doing.
Although he didn't want to engage in a direct confrontation with Yang Jian now, nor would he proactively seek revenge against Yang Jian's family and businesses, it didn't mean Yang Jian would let him off. Therefore, knowing Yang Jian's whereabouts and activities was crucial.
In half an hour, the convoy arrived at the Xinhe Chamber of Commerce in Nanhai. Hong Xing first convened a meeting with the core members of the company.
Luo Peng was naturally not included and could only watch TV in the lounge downstairs. Seeing no one around, he secretly sent a text message to Yang Jian.
At this time, Yang Jian had already arrived in Nanhai and was near the chamber of commerce.
The assassination was led by Ah Bao, who brought four men, including Ah Long. They were in a minivan.
To be safe, Yang Jian also brought Ah Feng and Jun Jun. The three of them were in a Santana with a fake license plate.
Luo Peng's text arrived: "Hong Xing has returned to the chamber of commerce and is in a meeting. It's too crowded here to make a move. After the meeting, they will go to Xiangbalao Restaurant for dinner. The reservation is made for private room 208."
Yang Jian immediately forwarded the message to Ah Bao and then saw Ah Long get out of the car to ask for directions to Xiangbalao Restaurant.
A moment later, the minivan drove towards the center of Dali Town. Jun Jun quickly started their car and followed.
In less than five minutes, they spotted a three-story Xiang cuisine restaurant with an antique decoration. The plaque above the main entrance, carved from wood, bore the characters "Xiangbalao," displaying considerable skill.
The minivan stopped at the entrance of the restaurant. Ah Bao, who had put on a simple disguise, along with Ah Long and two others, went directly upstairs, leaving one person in the car to provide backup.
"Brother Bao, do you need us to go up too?"
Yang Jian called Ah Bao, mainly concerned that the four of them might not be able to handle Hong Xing. After all, Hong Xing was no ordinary thug; he had professional bodyguards with him at all times, making him difficult to kill.
"No need. Hong Xing knows you, so it's best not to alert him. Don't worry, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. However, we'll need Luo Peng to identify him discreetly later, as we haven't met Hong Xing in person, and the ID photos obtained from the police department have some discrepancies." Ah Bao had done some research for this assassination mission and used some means to obtain Hong Xing's photo, but he was still afraid of mistaking the target.