In a picturesque village nestled in the southwestern border, scattered farmhouses dotted the slopes, exuding simplicity, tranquility, and a sense of detachment. Mist mingled with the smoke rising from the chimneys, swirling around the treetops and drifting gently.
Guo Xiaopeng, dressed in a jacket and carrying a large travel bag, walked briskly along a winding mountain path paved with large stones.
Reaching the eastern slope, bathed in the morning sun, he pushed open a bamboo gate of a farmhouse and gently knocked on the door. A woman's voice came from inside, "The door's open!"
Guo Xiaopeng entered and asked the woman weaving a bamboo basket, "Do you remember me?" The woman, around fifty years old, looked up at Guo Xiaopeng with her wrinkled, dark face and studied him intently. After a long pause, she shook her head.
Guo Xiaopeng removed his cap, "Look again."
The woman still shook her head.
He smiled and took off his sunglasses, "Now, do you recognize me?"
The woman gasped in surprise, "It's you, our benefactor!" She tried to kneel in gratitude, but Guo Xiaopeng hurriedly stopped her, "Please, don't do that."
The woman was visibly excited and said, "Where are your men? Call them in quickly!" She moved a bamboo chair in front of him and wiped it clean with her sleeve.
Guo Xiaopeng sat down casually, "I have no men now."
The woman poured him tea, "A man of your stature without attendants? How do you manage?"
"My stature?" Guo Xiaopeng replied with a hint of sadness, "I have no status anymore." The woman, guessing the truth, maintained her warm hospitality, "I don't care about anything else. I'm just glad you're here." Guo Xiaopeng's expression relaxed, and he smiled slightly.
Guo Xiaopeng had been staying in the village for over twenty days. Every day after meals, he would climb the peak to gaze at the hazy northern horizon, his longing for his mother growing stronger. The pure, carefree countryside repeatedly stirred his deep thoughts. If circumstances allowed, he would love to build a home here and bring his mother to live a peaceful life in this paradise. However, he knew that as long as he remained in China, safety was an illusion; eventually, he would be discovered. He was acutely aware of the domestic police's extensive capabilities. Despite his staged death in Xiamen, he couldn't guarantee permanent safety. His best option was to quickly find a way to get his mother out of the country, ensuring both their safety and a chance to rebuild his ambitions.
One morning after breakfast, Guo Xiaopeng handed a thick envelope of money to the woman, "Go to Myanmar and buy me two mobile phones. It's not convenient for me to go out."
The woman took the envelope without question, donned her headscarf, and prepared to leave.
Guo Xiaopeng asked, "I've been here over twenty days. Why haven't you asked what crime I committed?"
The woman, with the cunning of a mountain dweller, countered, "Did you commit a crime?"
Guo Xiaopeng could only laugh.
The woman said, "I don't care about the law. You saved my son's life. I'm willing to exchange my life for yours. An old life for a young one, it's worth it."
Guo Xiaopeng, deeply moved, said, "When I had money and power, I had countless people around me. In the end, you're the only one I can rely on."
The woman feigned displeasure, "Isn't one enough?"
Guo Xiaopeng humbly replied, "Enough, more than enough!"
The woman, accustomed to mountain paths, returned swiftly. Despite the afternoon drizzle, she brought back the phones by dusk. She handed them, along with the remaining money, to Guo Xiaopeng. He asked her to keep the money, but she steadfastly refused, saying money was worthless compared to loyalty. Guo Xiaopeng was deeply touched and thought of Lu Xiaofei. If she had shown him a tenth of this woman's loyalty, he wouldn't be in this predicament. Bitterness and resentment welled up in him. The woman, noticing the cold stove, hurried to cook. Guo Xiaopeng donned a raincoat and went outside. Under a large tree, he tried the phone, and though the signal was weak, it was usable. He quickly dialed Haizhou's area code. The call connected, and a voice answered impatiently, exuding authority. It was Hu An, the former secretary of Jin Bin, now deputy secretary-general of the city government. Hu An had facilitated many of Guo's dealings with high-level officials and had likely received substantial sums from him.
Guo Xiaopeng spoke into the phone, "Secretary Hu, do you recognize my voice?"
Silence. Then, Guo Xiaopeng continued, "It's Guo Xiaopeng." More silence.
Guo Xiaopeng sensed Hu was checking the caller ID, "Don't bother. This is an international call. You can't trace it."
Hu finally spoke, "I thought you were dead. How..."
Guo Xiaopeng interrupted, "You'd like that, wouldn't you? But the King of Hell isn't ready for me yet. My work isn't done." Hu An, panic-stricken, stammered, "What do you want?"
Guo Xiaopeng, trying to ease Hu's tension, joked, "Can't I call just to chat? I miss you."
Hu An, regaining composure, pressured, "You should understand your situation."
Guo Xiaopeng, irritated by Hu's tone, replied coldly, "I understand perfectly. And I know that if I'm caught, certain leaders will be in trouble too." Hu An forced a laugh, "You're wanted for a major drug case. Others are just economic crimes."
Guo Xiaopeng's laugh was sinister, "High-ranking officials have faced the guillotine for less. I could name names, but I won't. I don't intend to trade my life for theirs. One call from me, and you'll never leave your office."
Hu An, visibly shaken, said, "I don't respond to threats."
Guo Xiaopeng, tired of the game, hit the mark, "I know you've moved your assets after hearing of my troubles. But remember, large transfers are traceable, especially international ones."
Silence.
Guo Xiaopeng, sensing victory, softened his tone, "Do this last thing for me, and I'll never bother you again."
Hu An asked, "How much money do you need?"
Guo Xiaopeng laughed, "Money isn't the issue. Help me get my mother out."
Hu hesitated, "My position in Haizhou is too visible. Any movement will cause a stir."
Guo Xiaopeng reassured him, "I won't ask you to do it yourself. Just provide information on my mother and brother. If it's safe, I'll personally bring her out. I just need your logistical support."
"Fine," Hu An agreed, adding, "Your brother, Lin Xiaoliang, was killed by the police while covering for you."
Guo Xiaopeng closed the phone, collapsed against the tree, and wept, "Xiaoliang! Xiaoliang..."
Meanwhile, Mrs. Guo lay on the sofa, staring blankly at the flashing TV screen, looking much older and frailer.