Yang Jian knew that relying solely on San Pang was insufficient to gather evidence of Brother Mao's drug trafficking. If Brother Mao became suspicious, San Pang would be in grave danger.
Drug traffickers were devoid of humanity; anyone threatening their safety rendered all ties of kinship or mentorship meaningless.
Yang Jian suddenly thought of Lin Nan, a good police officer who had recently transitioned from military service. Lin Nan was incorruptible. If he were to focus on Brother Mao, the matter would be much simpler.
He still had Lin Nan's phone number. Yang Jian tried calling it, and to his surprise, it connected.
"Hello, Xiao Yang, what brings you to call me? Do you want to spar?"
Lin Nan's hearty laughter came through the phone.
"Brother Nan, do you have time to come to Pin Wei Shi Guang for a chat? I have something to report."
"Now? Alright, I'll be there in five minutes. But I can only stay for ten, as I have a meeting at nine."
Lin Nan hung up after speaking.
Liang Liang looked a bit puzzled. "Brother Jian, who's coming over? Do we need to excuse ourselves?"
Yang Jian thought for a moment. "Liang Liang, go get ready. Remember to contact Biao Biao. San Pang, you stay; I need to speak with you alone."
Liang Liang left without asking further questions.
Less than five minutes later, Lin Nan arrived, dressed in plainclothes, exuding the same imposing aura.
"Brother Nan, you're here so quickly. You were nearby, weren't you?"
Yang Jian poured him a cup of tea.
Lin Nan glanced at his watch and smiled. "I was heading to the station, and it's just at the intersection ahead. A simple turn of the steering wheel brought me here."
"How are things progressing with Sister Xia?"
"It's going well. With your and Yao Yao's help, Xiao Xia has accepted me. I'm going to meet her parents in a few days."
"Wow, that fast? Truly military style, even your dating is decisive."
"Haha, Xiao Xia and I are not young anymore, and we're both very busy. We don't have as much time for romance as you youngsters. Once we hit it off, we move towards marriage. Enough about us, time is tight, so get to the important matter quickly."
Yang Jian pointed to San Pang. "Brother Nan, this is my childhood friend, San Pang. He suspects his master is involved in drug trafficking, and he himself was unwittingly used as a tool for transporting drugs."
Lin Nan was taken aback, then looked at San Pang sternly. "Who is your master, and do you have any basis for your suspicion?"
Seeing San Pang's apprehension, Yang Jian said, "San Pang, don't worry. This is Brother Nan, the Deputy Captain of the Criminal Investigation Detachment. I called him here today to provide you with protection. Tell Brother Nan all your suspicions. Even if Brother Mao is arrested, he can prove your innocence."
"That's right. If what you report is true, I can not only prove your innocence but also reward your cooperation and ensure your personal safety."
Lin Nan immediately stated his position.
San Pang nodded at Lin Nan. "Hello, Brother Nan. I only suspect my master is trafficking meth pills, but I don't have concrete evidence."
Facing Lin Nan, San Pang suddenly felt a sense of security. He then detailed his experiences helping Brother Mao deliver goods over the past period. He also produced his recent diary entries, which contained more specific delivery locations, times, and descriptions of the recipients' appearances.
There was also a voice recorder containing clear audio of Brother Mao's wife instructing him to make a delivery and his conversations with the recipients.
Lin Nan listened intently to San Pang's account and examined his diary and listened to the voice recorder.
"San Pang, the information you've provided is very important. I'll contact the Anti-Drug Detachment shortly to analyze it. Continue to stay by his side and act as if nothing has happened."
"Do I still need to record my daily activities?"
Lin Nan thought for a moment and said, "No. This action is very dangerous. If he discovers it, he will surely act against you. Now that I can prove you are not in league with him, there's no need to keep these records to prove your innocence. Hand over the voice recorder and diary to me for technical analysis."
"That's great. I was also worried my master and his wife might find the voice recorder."
With the police officer's testimony and support, San Pang felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders.
"San Pang, for your safety, we police will not contact you directly. If we need to reach you, can we go through Yang Jian?"
"Yes, but I'm staying at Brother Jian's place. If you need to find me, you can come directly to the repair shop. It would be best if we could meet in Xinqiao. I have to go back once a month, and my master wouldn't suspect anything then."
San Pang knew Lin Nan wanted him as an informant, and to avenge Yang Jian, he was willing to help. He didn't particularly want to work at the casino, as this way he could earn two salaries and avoid the dangerous confrontations with Yang Jian, especially since it wasn't easy for outsiders to open casinos in Hancheng.
Yang Jian also agreed. "Brother Nan, San Pang is timid. Let's do as he says. If you need to meet him, come to my workshop. I'll act as the intermediary. It's safer and won't arouse Brother Mao's suspicion."
"Alright, that's the plan for now. The Anti-Drug Detachment is ultimately responsible for this matter, and I will follow up closely."
Time was up, and Lin Nan stood to leave, taking San Pang's diary and voice recorder with him.
"Brother Jian, I didn't realize you had such an impressive friend. You can truly walk sideways in Chengguan now; even Hong Xing wouldn't dare provoke you. I feel more at ease working for Brother Mao."
San Pang watched Lin Nan's retreating figure, filled with immense admiration for Yang Jian.
Yang Jian smiled. "I'm not a crab, why would I walk sideways? But you still need to be extremely careful around Brother Mao and avoid arousing his suspicion. Inform me immediately of any developments."
As they were chatting, Lu Yao's call came through.
"Brother Jian, where are you? Have you returned to Xinhe?"
"Yes, I'm back. I'm in Chengguan and planning to come see you shortly."
"Oh, then come to my place for lunch. My dad needs to see you."
"Okay, I'll be right over."
After hanging up, Yang Jian gave San Pang a few more instructions before driving to the teacher's village.
Lu Qian and Lu Yao were watching television in the living room. Chen Lan had gone to the market to buy groceries.
"Xiao Yang, Yao Yao mentioned you went to Hancheng to deliver templates. How many did you sell?"
Lu Qian was very concerned about Yang Jian's factory.
"Not many. Boss Zheng needed a few hundred for bed boards. His construction site won't officially start for a while. Uncle, have there been any developments regarding Brother Feng's case?"
"Yes, Yao Yao's mother has a student at the Hanzhou Judicial Bureau, and we've made contact. We plan to go there tomorrow. Do you have time to drive us?"
"Of course, I have time. This is such an important matter, I'll go no matter how busy I am."
"Good, then we'll head over tomorrow and treat them to lunch."
Lu Qian was very pleased with Yang Jian's attitude. A son-in-law was like half a son; when the family faced difficulties, the son-in-law could be a pillar of support. Especially after Lu Feng's incident, Yang Jian had done so much for this family, from convincing Lu Feng to surrender to protecting Lu Yao's safety. He could be considered the backbone of this family.