I hadn't asked you why there were so many guards here before, as it was obvious the island was problematic. Gongsun Hao could still speak so righteously, even calling them pillars of the nation. I was speechless, but despite our inner sarcasm, we could only feign flattery.
After completing today's task, the red-clad guards escorted us back to the hotel. That evening, I discussed the morning's experience with Yu Ning.
"They really talk nonsense. Do all the criminals on the island think they're doing good deeds?" Liu Yu Ning said boldly, but in a low voice.
"Perhaps winning people over in this way is more effective than telling them this is a criminal stronghold. Look at Gongsun Hao, he really seems like a man full of ambition. He has no idea this is just a mirage created by Zhuge for him."
"But, on second thought, could it be that we've misunderstood?"
"Impossible. Zhuge is definitely an entrepreneur, but the things he does behind the scenes are often shady. We investigated them before and found out they are part of a criminal alliance, and these people are closely related to Polaris. They even have a cool codename, 'Tian Zai,' which translates to 'Sky Punishers.' If the Tian Zai are loyal, then Polaris can be considered the same. But that's more far-fetched than a tall tale!"
"Uh, your analogy is quite reasonable. These people are probably just using this to win people over. Unlike Polaris, who uses temptation to win hearts, they describe their actions as grand and noble, saying they are all making huge contributions to the nation. For the sake of secrecy, they've set up a mysterious research base on this island, so these are all good things. If I were in their shoes, I'd definitely believe it, assuming I was part of it. Of course, we're police officers, so we can analyze that it's all a trick."
"It's very similar to pyramid schemes, just with a grander facade. In this way, these people might even think they're contributing to the nation's great cause while doing bad things."
"Sigh, but analyzing it this way, it feels like Tian Zai is much more clever than Polaris."
"You could say that!"
We chatted until it was time, then each took a shower and went to bed.
On the third day, someone knocked on our door again. This time, we quickly got dressed and grabbed our equipment, wondering whom we would be interviewing today. As we stepped out of the room, a red-clad guard outside said, "You two, come with me. Today, we're going to the Airdo Pharmaceutical Factory. This is a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant under our Hengxing Group. Director Yan will be giving a speech on the assembly line today. As reporters, you must follow our boss's instructions and capture Director Yan's heroic presence."
"En, alright!" Liu Yu Ning and I were inwardly disgusted, but outwardly, we continued to act very interested.
We followed the guard out of the hotel. We thought we'd be taking a car again, but this time, the red-clad guard led us to a dock and had a special forces soldier operate a boat. We then boarded a hydrofoil and headed towards a nearby island.
So there was another island inside. It's certain there are more than one island near this sea. This archipelago-like layout appearing near the Hengxing Group's territory suggests they probably control most of the surrounding area.
It's only now that I realize why we couldn't launch a direct attack. If things go wrong, the people on these islands might resist, potentially leading to a small-scale battle. Even without reinforcements, the situation would be dire. If it lasted for months, the expenditure of resources, manpower, and materials would be enormous. Conversely, if we could infiltrate and bring them down from within, it would be much easier.
That's what I thought, but whether it could actually be achieved depended on the two of us.
At that moment, I had already prepared myself for death. Liu Yu Ning, on the other hand, seemed quite calm.
On the boat, she even looked around, as if curious about the surrounding area. Although I knew her behavior was intentional.
Actually, I've always had a question about her personality. She's a person whose moods change frequently. That's why, when I first started writing this book, many readers said they disliked Yu Ning's character. But in reality, that's just who she is.
I've only exposed the truth of it.
But all that is in the past. As I was thinking, the boat suddenly stopped. I knew we had arrived near the pharmaceutical factory.
I had initially expected that Director Yan would be waiting inside. To my surprise, he came out directly.
I saw a rectangular building covered in sheet metal behind him. It looked like it had countless workshops and was quite large. There was also a vast courtyard resembling a hotel. I guess the employees working here would be captivated by such a scene, but we weren't here for a tour or to sightsee. Director Yan saw us and said enthusiastically, "You two, I heard you're the reporters arranged by Boss Zhuge? Being a reporter is great! I used to dream of being a reporter too, but due to life circumstances, I came here to do pharmaceuticals. Anyway, enough talk. You can come in now and follow me to the workshop."
"Oh, alright, alright!" We continued to pretend to be enthusiastic and followed Director Yan through some dirt paths into the factory. The area was extremely vast, with each workshop seemingly able to accommodate over a hundred people. They were busy producing a certain medicine. Director Yan told me, "Each workshop manufactures different medicines. We have a batch of products to rush, 'Puers,' so we have to work overtime."
"Do you know where this batch of medicine will be sold? Have you found a collaborator yet?" I asked tentatively.
"Of course. As soon as news of Puers breaks, our side will be buzzing. Many merchants nearby will ask to collaborate with us. This time, our Hengxing Group will definitely make it into the Fortune Global 500."
Their ambition is quite substantial. I wonder if they'll have the chance to continue dreaming... I thought sarcastically, but Director Yan didn't seem to notice anything and excitedly led us onward. "We have our people everywhere. Because these medicines are highly confidential, we have guards here. Although they're dressed strangely, with them around, our staff can work here with peace of mind."
"So, these are all what your boss said?" Liu Yu Ning asked.
"Ah, yes. Our boss is truly a warm-hearted entrepreneur! He's very famous in the country! I've earned quite a bit following him all these years!"