The news of Yang Jian being shot and injured spread throughout Chengguan in less than three days. His life story was so legendary that ordinary citizens were aware of the event, though the source of the information was unconfirmed, and speculation abounded regarding the specifics.
Nanhu Farm.
Wu Laizi impatiently called Brother Mao and Baoguo together.
"Brother Mao, have you heard about Yang Jian being shot?"
Wu Laizi was visibly excited. Ever since his failed attempt to intercept Yang Jian at Xinqiao, he had been living in constant fear, worried about Yang Jian seeking revenge.
Brother Mao shook his head, "I just returned from an out-of-town sourcing trip and haven't heard anything. What happened? Where was Yang Jian shot?"
Baoguo chimed in, "I've heard about it too. All I know is Yang Jian was attacked in Hancheng, but I don't know the details."
"Brother Mao, don't you have a disciple who's with Yang Jian? Call him and ask."
Wu Laizi's purpose in seeking out Brother Mao was his urgent desire to know the truth.
Brother Mao didn't dally. He directly dialed San Pang's number and put it on speakerphone.
"San Pang, where are you?"
"Master, I'm in Hancheng, working for Brother Hao's Emperor Company."
"I heard Yang Jian was shot and injured. Is that true?"
"It's true. It happened on the evening of the first."
"Tell me about it, what exactly happened?"
"On the evening of the first, Yang Jian went out for a late-night meal with the owner of the gym, and he was shot."
"Do you know why they wanted to kill him?"
"The gunman's target was the gym owner. Yang Jian was just caught in the crossfire and died on the spot. The incident even made the news."
"What about Yang Jian now? Where is he injured?"
"Yang Jian is seriously injured. He's been in the intensive care unit for the past few days, and I haven't seen him. The doctors said he was shot in the head, and even if he survives, he might end up in a vegetative state. He's basically ruined."
Wu Laizi interjected, "Are his family or girlfriend at the hospital?"
"Yes, his girlfriend and his sister and brother-in-law came that night and have been staying at the hospital. They're keeping it from his parents, but they probably won't be able to hide it for long."
San Pang had anticipated Brother Mao's call and had already prepared his responses. Even if Yang Jian recovered, he could claim the doctors' judgment was mistaken, thus avoiding any deliberate deception of his master.
Compared to Brother Mao, he preferred to stick with Yang Jian. Currently, by following Yang Jian and holding shares in Emperor Company, he had already earned over eight thousand yuan in three days, making it likely he could get married this year.
"San Pang, keep me updated on any news about Yang Jian."
"Okay, Master. However, we've taken on several jobs here, and I don't have much time to visit the hospital. Brother Hao visits the hospital more often."
"Alright, as long as he's out of intensive care, notify me."
Brother Mao hung up the phone and let out a long sigh, "Yang Jian is really injured. This is so unexpected."
Wu Laizi said gleefully, "That's great! I've been living like a rat these past few days, hiding in my village and too scared to go out, fearing he'd come looking for me. Now it's fine, I no longer have to live in constant fear of his revenge."
Baoguo also breathed a sigh of relief, "It's the same for me. For the past month, I haven't dared to eat at restaurants, sing, or get a massage. I even avoided staying too long at the casino. I always felt like Yang Jian was watching me from the shadows. This situation was unbearable."
"Baoguo, why don't we go all the way and finish Yang Jian off in Hancheng? If he's saved, he'll be our nightmare again."
Baoguo looked at Brother Mao, "Master, what's your opinion?"
"Let's wait. If Yang Jian becomes a vegetable, he'll pose no threat to us, so why bother? If he survives, then we'll need to plan. We should take him out before he recovers."
Wu Laizi nodded, "Okay, we'll do as you say. Have San Pang provide information at all times, and I'll prepare to go to Hancheng."
"Don't worry, I'll stay in regular contact with San Pang."
"Brother Mao, how much more inventory did you bring in this time? Can you share some with me? I'm short on cash lately and want to make some quick money."
Wu Laizi knew that Brother Mao's drug business was growing, almost dominating half of Xinhe's market. Ever since his brother and sister fell seriously ill, he had entered the drug smuggling business.
He could no longer earn much money by cheating at cards. Everyone in the circle knew Brother Mao was a cheat, and few people played cards with him anymore. To raise medical expenses for his brother and daughter, he filled the market gap left by Old Gui, quickly becoming Xinhe's drug lord.
However, he was cautious and had found a protector. In Xinhe, only a few people knew he was the biggest drug lord.
"Laizi, I can give you the goods, but you can't sell them yourself. It's too easy to get caught by the anti-drug police. You must find a trustworthy agent, and you can only sell in your lake district. There's no market for you in Chengguan anymore."
"No problem, I'll arrange for someone to be the general agent for the lake district."
In a few words, the two reached an agreement on drug distribution.
Yangli Village, Xinqiao Town.
A group of migrant workers, led by Xu Sheng, swarmed into Yang Jian's home. They had also heard the news of Yang Jian being shot and seriously injured, and they were all panicked, fearing their wages would be lost. They came to Yang Jian's family to understand the situation.
"Master Yang, how is your second son, Jian, now? Is he any better?"
Xu Sheng asked Yang Shuanglin with concern.
Yang Shuanglin sighed, "Better? Not at all. He hasn't passed the critical stage yet. We don't know if he'll survive."
Upon hearing this, all the migrant workers were stunned. If Yang Jian died, who would they go to for their over a million yuan in wages? Liu Yong was at home, but even if they tore his house down, it wouldn't be worth much.
Knowing the migrant workers' purpose, Yang Shuanglin added, "I know you're worried we won't be able to pay the wages, but given the circumstances, you can only wait patiently and pray that my son survives."
"Master Yang, since Jian is so seriously injured, why aren't you going to the hospital?"
"My wife's health is not good, and my going would be a burden. My daughter is taking care of him there. Don't worry, we are not people who default on our debts. Even if my son can't repay this debt, I will slowly help him. Our lumber processing plant has already started production, and as long as it makes money, I will use it to repay the debt, although it will take longer."
Yang Shuanglin's words brought some comfort to everyone. Although relying on the processing plant to repay the debt would take at least ten to eight years, there was still some hope.
"Master Yang, you and your son are conscientious people. We believe you. Good deeds are rewarded, and the Bodhisattva will bless Jian with good health and a long life. We won't bother you any further."
Xu Sheng knew that staying there was useless. Yang Shuanglin's response was as good as he could offer. All they could do now was pray for Yang Jian's speedy recovery, which might also lead to getting their wages sooner.