The infrared surveillance center of Haizhou Tower was silent. Dozens of monitors displayed various scenes, capturing every corner of the building.
Guo Xiaopeng sat alone in an office, coldly observing the lobby inside and out. He focused intently as Wang Jingfei, dressed elegantly, exited the elevator and entered the lobby. Guo Xiaopeng followed her movements closely with his eyes. She walked straight out the door and got into a black Buick. About fifty meters from the main road, in a small grove, stood a shabby little restaurant. Its old sign was adorned with numerous small, flickering lights, resembling the eyes of an old man blinking in the dim light. As Wang Jingfei got out of the car in front of the restaurant, she was puzzled as to why Bi Xu had brought her here: "This guy is like a rat, knowing all the nooks and crannies." Sensing her thoughts, Bi Xu explained that such places were the safest, having been used for clandestine meetings by underground parties in the past, and that he also didn't want her to spend too much.
They entered and chose a table in the corner. The restaurant's wooden tables, coarse porcelain bowls, and mismatched chopsticks gave it a rustic feel. Bi Xu began with a smile, "Since you're treating, I won't hold back."
Wang Jingfei, clearly unhappy, asked, "Why do I have to treat?"
Bi Xu, taken aback, maintained his smile, "As the general manager of Haizhou Tower, you've sought me, the finance minister, several times, so it's clear you have something important."
Wang Jingfei emphasized, "I am now the vice-chairman of Haizhou Pharmaceuticals."
"That's just a title," Bi Xu dismissed it casually. "Let me tell you, Guo Xiaopeng is the sole boss of Haizhou Pharmaceuticals. No one else has the authority to direct me, the finance minister."
Choosing her words carefully, Wang Jingfei said, "As the chief representative of Hong Kong Hualong Company, I need to know some internal details."
"Haizhou Pharmaceuticals has nothing to hide," Bi Xu responded pompously, shutting her down.
Expecting this, Wang Jingfei rolled her eyes, "Everyone has secrets, whether it's a company or an individual."
"Obtaining secrets comes at a price," Bi Xu said slyly.
Wang Jingfei responded readily, "We can consider that."
As they spoke, Bi Xu had already downed a bowl of baijiu without showing any signs of intoxication. "So, what's your offer?"
Wang Jingfei's mind raced, unable to determine an appropriate answer. She said, "Within my authorized range."
"As a master's graduate in business administration, you should define that range," Bi Xu remarked, clearly having done his research on her.
Wang Jingfei guessed, "How about thirty thousand?"
"Dollars?" Bi Xu's eyes widened.
"RMB," Wang Jingfei replied firmly.
Bi Xu slammed his bowl on the table, "That's charity for beggars!" Wang Jingfei calmly asked, "How much do you want?"
"One hundred thousand RMB," Bi Xu refilled his bowl.
Realizing his greed, Wang Jingfei saw an opportunity, "If your information is worth that much, I can arrange it."
"No cash, deposit it in a Hong Kong bank," Bi Xu said with a shrewd look, "I'll be notified when the money is in."
"How do I know your information is worth that much?" Wang Jingfei countered, "I need to see it first."
"Information isn't a Xu Beihong painting; once seen, it's no longer intact," Bi Xu replied, showing his cunning.
"In that case, I'll be leaving," Wang Jingfei stood up to leave, trying to turn the tables.
Bi Xu, nonchalant, continued drinking. As she headed out, he called after her, "You haven't paid yet."
Wang Jingfei turned back and took out her wallet. Bi Xu stopped her, "Sit down, sit down! Such a pretty lady, and a temper too. Let's talk."
Wang Jingfei hid her delight, maintaining a sulky demeanor as she reluctantly sat back down.
Bi Xu wiped his mouth with a greasy handkerchief, wafting the stench of alcohol and meat towards her, "I have a proposal. See if it works..."
In the director's office, Zhang Xiaohua, Li Xinjian, and Qiang Min were watching footage. The screen showed clips of Liu Mei, Lin Xiaoliang, and Yang Chun at the airport, replaying the scenes repeatedly. Zhang Xiaohua mused, "These people are like ants before a storm, scurrying in and out busily."
Li Xinjian clenched his fist, "The key is the ant king. Catch the ant king, and it's over."
Zhang Xiaohua glanced at them, "Do you know what methamphetamine is?"
Li Xinjian immediately replied, "Methamphetamine."
"It looks like rock sugar. One hit, and you're boiling with energy, seeing whatever you desire, daring to do what you wouldn't normally," Qiang Min added.
Zhang Xiaohua neither nodded nor shook his head, "Meth is refined from ephedrine, and our country is a major producer of ephedrine. Its initial products are simple to make. Experts predict that in the 21st century, it will become the primary drug."