Retreating to the dormitory, the three of them discussed returning home again.
"Brother Jian, we can't wait any longer. We need to leave as soon as possible. This matter has blown up. The police will definitely investigate thoroughly, and it will inevitably lead to us," Liangliang now felt a greater sense of crisis than Yang Jian.
San Pang hadn't recovered from witnessing Yuan Tao's tragic fall to her death, but he also understood that it was not advisable to stay. He nodded in agreement.
Yang Jian pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, then we'll leave tomorrow. I'll go to the construction site now to brief the various teams. Tonight, I still need to reconcile accounts with Brother Yong."
Having made the decision, he was just about to leave when Huang Hua's call came through.
"Manager Yang, pack your things quickly and leave Baoping immediately." Huang Hua's voice was urgent.
Yang Jian was greatly surprised. "What's wrong, Brother Hua?"
"You know about the incident of someone falling from the tower crane that just happened, right? Because the impact is too great, the police have started a thorough investigation into the shooting incident. Moreover, witnesses have provided the police with the true situation that night. The police will be coming to find you for questioning soon."
"So soon? I was planning to leave tomorrow."
"There's no time. You'd best leave now, get out of the construction site first, or you'll be blocked."
"Alright, we'll leave now."
"Come over to my place."
Yang Jian hung up the phone and patted the still somewhat dazed San Pang. "Quick, grab your money and ID and wait for me by the car. Don't take anything else. Notify Liu Chao to leave too."
Before San Pang could fully comprehend, Yang Jian had already rushed out. He quickly ran to his room, pocketed the cash, bank cards, and ID, then rushed to the small shop.
"Xiaoli, I have to leave the construction site immediately and go back to my hometown. Do you want to come with me?" Yang Jian had previously promised his girlfriend that he would drive her home for the New Year.
"Leave now? Why so urgent? Didn't you say we'd leave after the basement was capped?"
"There's no time. Listen, you need to think carefully. Come to Huangjiaping within ten minutes. I'll wait for you there. If you're not there in ten minutes, I'll leave."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Jian sprinted towards his SUV as if he were running a hundred-meter dash. Without waiting for the engine to warm up, he stepped on the accelerator and sped out of the dormitory area.
Chen Xiaoli was still standing at the entrance of the small shop, looking downcast. "Hey, Yang Jian, wait for me!"
Manager Chen happened to walk by. "What's wrong, Xiaoli?"
"Uncle, it seems something has happened at Yang Jian's home, and he's rushing back now, asking if I want to go with him."
"Is there an emergency at home?"
"Yes, he looks particularly anxious, he didn't even take his clothes or luggage. I guess his parents or grandmother is sick, otherwise he wouldn't be in such a hurry."
"Then what are you waiting for? Go back with him. You are his girlfriend now. The more trouble he's in, the more you should help him share the burden. Don't worry, go ahead. Your aunt will take care of things here. We'll be going back soon too." Manager Chen was quite understanding, but he had no idea what the police would think when they arrived later.
Chen Xiaoli immediately turned back into the shop to pack her luggage.
Upon arriving at Huangjiaping, Huang Qiao and Lu Feng were at Huang Hua's house.
"Brother Hua, what's the situation now?" Yang Jian was eager to know the police's current movements.
"A friend from the police station just tipped me off. Someone reported the true situation that night to the police. The police have started interrogating Feng Taiping and others. They will likely find you soon, so you should leave now and take the highway towards the tea mountain. This way, you can leave Xichuan in the shortest possible time. Once you're out of the provincial border, you'll be fine." Huang Hua had already planned their escape route.
"Thank you, Brother Hua. Will Lu Feng be going with us?"
"Lu Feng doesn't need to. Everyone who comes to the casino knows the four of you are the dealers. But Lu Feng has never been to the gambling table. Everyone else thinks he's with us. The police shouldn't be looking for him. Besides, we won't let him show his face outside during this period. Don't worry, he's perfectly safe here."
"That's good. Lu Feng, come here for a moment." Yang Jian pulled Lu Feng to a corner of the yard.
"Master, I'll be fine here. You can leave with peace of mind."
"Yes, don't cause any more trouble here. Even if someone bullies you, just bear with it. Once the police target you, you're finished."
"I know. You guys be careful too."
"Do you have anything you need to convey? Do your parents need a message?"
Lu Feng nodded. "Master, please do two things for me. First, deliver the 400,000 yuan you gave me to the homes of those two brothers, 200,000 yuan to each family. One is dead, and the other will likely be sentenced to death. This money is a small compensation for them."
"Okay, send me the addresses on my phone. I'll deliver them to their families on my way back this time." Lu Feng's action earned Yang Jian's admiration. Even when he was on the run, he hadn't forgotten his brothers with whom he had gone through thick and thin.
"Second, when you get back, ask Yu Feng for one million yuan. That's what she owes me. Please transfer this money to my parents. I can no longer fulfill my filial duties to them in this life. This money is for their old age."
"Alright, I will definitely help you get this money."
"Master, don't get into a conflict with her about the money. If Yu Feng refuses to give the money, just call me. Even if I risk being caught by the police, I will go back and kill her." Lu Feng had completely come to his senses by this point. He was just a pawn and cannon fodder in others' hands. Just as Yang Jian had said, he had no enmity with Old Gui, so why did he have to kill him, only to end up in such a predicament?
"Don't worry, I believe Yu Feng won't be that foolish. To embezzle this million yuan would be pure suicide. I won't let her off either."
"Thank you, Master. Lastly, please help take care of my parents and sister. I'm worried they might be harassed by Wu Laizi and his gang."
"Don't worry, as long as I'm in Chengguan, no one will dare to touch them. The first thing I'll do when I get home is visit your parents." Yang Jian patted his shoulder, preparing to leave.
Lu Feng opened his arms. "Master, let's have a hug. I might never see you again in this life." Yang Jian, seeing tears welling up in his eyes, also felt sad. He hugged him and said, "Brother, take care."
"Master, my family is in your hands. Have a safe journey." The usually strong Lu Feng could no longer hold back, tears streaming down his face. With his master gone, he was once again a lost soul, filled with confusion and fear for the future.
Chen Xiaoli arrived at Huangjiaping at the last minute. She hadn't brought much, just a few changes of clothes, as she would be coming back next year anyway.
"Yang Jian, you've worn me out. Why did you make me run so far?" Chen Xiaoli was still a little unhappy.
"Get in the car first, we'll talk on the way."
"Yes, by the way, Yang Jian, when I came out just now, several police cars entered the dormitory area. I don't know what they were doing." Chen Xiaoli's words startled Yang Jian. He hurriedly started the car and sped away on a road behind Huangjiaping.