The clouds dispersed, and the sunlight was exceptionally bright. Dai Tian, Guo Xiaopeng, and their entourage stood outside the large iron gates of the detention center. Wang Jingfei gracefully walked out.
Guo Xiaopeng hurried forward, but with Dai Tian present, he could only gaze deeply at Wang Jingfei as he shook her hand. Wang Jingfei wore a faint smile, showing neither excitement nor resentment. She quickly freed herself from Guo Xiaopeng's grasp and walked straight to Dai Tian. Like a father welcoming a child home, Dai Tian embraced her warmly. Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang watched coldly from a distance.
Guo Xiaopeng opened the door of the Mercedes. "Ms. Wang, would you like to ride in this car?"
Before Wang Jingfei could respond, Dai Tian guided her into the extended Red Flag car sent by Mayor Jin Bing. "Let's rest at the hotel before heading back to Hong Kong," he said kindly. Guo Xiaopeng watched the departing convoy with a sense of loss, feeling as though Wang Jingfei had turned back to bid him farewell.
Night fell. The Haizhou airport was brightly lit.
Guo Xiaopeng, Wang Jingfei, and Dai Tian walked into the departure hall. Wang Jingfei, composed, followed behind. Guo Xiaopeng continued pleading with Dai Tian to let Wang Jingfei remain as Hualong Company's agent. Dai Tian finally agreed to consider it, and Guo Xiaopeng felt a bit relieved.
Wang Jingfei sensed a pair of eyes watching her from the crowd. She turned and smiled faintly at Li Xinjian hidden among the people.
Unable to resist, Li Xinjian raised his face, staring at her.
Wang Jingfei smiled again before disappearing through the security checkpoint.
As dawn approached, a thick fog enveloped the small border town of Acheng. In a secluded alley, a few sporadic dog barks only heightened the town's tranquility. Lin Xiaoqiang, dressed in a full police uniform and carrying a pistol, arrived at a dilapidated courtyard and climbed over the wall. He approached the main house and knocked softly. Jin Tie opened the door and let him in, still glancing outside.
"Who are you looking for?" Lin Xiaoqiang asked gruffly. Jin Tie shook his head, "Where's the guard?"
Lin Xiaoqiang smirked, "He's lying in my hospital bed."
Jin Tie shut the door and asked, "Want something to eat?"
Ignoring the question, Lin Xiaoqiang extended his hand. Jin Tie handed over a car key first. "The car is at the Agriculture Bureau's yard, a Beijing Jeep with a full tank." Then he handed him a large envelope, "Here's ten thousand yuan."
Lin Xiaoqiang took it and reached for the door, "We're even."
Jin Tie probed, "Where are you headed?"
Lin Xiaoqiang opened the door, "Better you don't know."
Jin Tie felt slighted, "Don't you trust me?"
"I trust you won't betray me, but the police have ways to make you talk if you're caught," Lin Xiaoqiang said, checking outside.
"We'll stay in touch," Jin Tie said with a touch of sadness, real or feigned.
"Live your life in peace. You won't hear from me again," Lin Xiaoqiang said, darting out the door.
Guo Xiaopeng, wearing a lab coat, inspected the workshop with Fei Jingwei. He took a pinch of white powder from the raw material intake and examined it closely.
Fei Jingwei watched him anxiously.
Guo Xiaopeng put down the powder, satisfied.
Fei Jingwei sought validation, "Does it look good?"
"Very good," Guo Xiaopeng smiled.
Fei Jingwei relaxed visibly, "Now I can rest easy."
Guo Xiaopeng suggested, "Shall we sit in your office?"
Fei Jingwei nodded, "Sure. I have something to report."
They walked through the workshop to a small office. It was simple, with many books and charts.
Guo Xiaopeng sat on the sofa and joked, "Fei, your frugality is almost stingy. This sofa is worn out."
Fei Jingwei placed a cup of tea on the table, "I'm not in the office much. Besides, guests sit on the sofa; if it's uncomfortable, they won't stay long."
Guo Xiaopeng swirled his tea, then grew serious, "No waste of raw materials?"
"I've given precise plans to each workshop," Fei Jingwei replied.
"And confidentiality?" Guo Xiaopeng asked casually.
"Each workshop knows only their part," Fei Jingwei assured.
"Be even more cautious," Guo Xiaopeng emphasized.
After a thoughtful pause, Fei Jingwei said carefully, "I'm uneasy about so many controlled substances in the workshop."
"They're legally approved. There's nothing to worry about," Guo Xiaopeng said dismissively.
"If they were finished products, they'd be easier to manage," Fei Jingwei insisted.
"You want the formula process?" Guo Xiaopeng probed.
Fei Jingwei didn't respond.
"Our production line is fully automated. Input the program into the computer, and it's all set," Guo Xiaopeng explained lightly.
Fei Jingwei, still unsatisfied, pressed, "But the amount of controlled raw materials seems excessive for just producing those medications."
Guo Xiaopeng patiently explained, "Getting an ephedrine approval is complex. If we don't get enough, the cost outweighs the profit. Besides, I've heard the government will soon restrict ephedrine collection due to environmental concerns. Once restricted, it will become more valuable."
Fei Jingwei, convinced, said, "You truly have a commercial mind."
Guo Xiaopeng laughed heartily, "When Fei praises someone, that person is in trouble!" His phone rang. He answered, his face lighting up with excitement, "Thank you very much! I'll personally welcome her at the airport!"
Fei Jingwei couldn't help asking, "What's the good news?"
"Ms. Wang Jingfei is returning from Hong Kong tomorrow. Our cooperation with Hualong can proceed smoothly. Overcoming this hurdle means smooth sailing ahead. Let's celebrate, Fei," Guo Xiaopeng invited.
Lin Xiaoliang, driving his Toyota, listlessly handled the steering wheel. He had just vented his frustration to Liu Mei about Wang Jingfei's return to Haizhou. They were both anxious and helpless. The car phone rang. Hesitant, he picked up. Hearing Lin Xiaoqiang's voice, he froze.
"Is it convenient to talk?" Lin Xiaoqiang asked.
Lin Xiaoliang, avoiding names, replied, "Yes, I'm driving."
"Did you get my message? Are the preparations complete?" Lin Xiaoqiang inquired.
"Always ready," Lin Xiaoliang confirmed.
"Six o'clock. Lengshuikeng," Lin Xiaoqiang instructed.
The Haizhou Tower manager's office was spotless. Office manager Wang ingratiatingly told Wang Jingfei, seated in the leather swivel chair, "Liu Mei gathered all middle managers here for a speech, saying this position is like the chair—rotating. She was right."
Wang Jingfei listened quietly without responding.