The evening found a bustling barbecue restaurant in the county town, its business evidently good.
A large private room was filled to the brim with people.
They were all men, every single one of them exuding vitality and strength, showcasing the masculine spirit.
Beside Qin Chuan sat a familiar face, one he hadn't seen in a long time – Bai Xiaoguang.
It had been over two months since Bai Xiaoguang was last injured, and his wounds had finally healed.
More than two months ago, the assassins sent by Liu An had nearly ended Bai Xiaoguang's life with a single blade. Fortunately, Qin Chuan had intervened just in time, saving him.
Upon seeing Qin Chuan again, Bai Xiaoguang's eyes reddened, and his emotions were in turmoil.
Qin Chuan pulled him into a firm embrace, patting his back gently. "It's good that you're safe! It's good that you're safe!"
"During this time, I've been occupied with matters outside. The brothers have suffered and toiled alongside me. I couldn't manage things at the hospital. I hope you understand."
Bai Xiaoguang, choked with emotion, said, "Boss, my life is yours from now on. I'll do whatever you ask!"
"We are brothers, don't say such things."
"From now on, we are all family. We share hardships and enjoy blessings together."
The men seated around them – Zheng Chengdao, Yao Dong, Qin Yang, Chen Jinyu, as well as San Mao and Ergou – were also deeply moved by the heartfelt scene.
Qin Chuan was exceptionally loyal to his brothers. He was not only generous but also incredibly righteous. Following such a boss was indeed a blessing for all of them.
As the meal drew to a close, Qin Chuan briefly explained the situation with his second brother and then announced his intention to travel to Jinling City the following day.
"Boss, no need to say anything more. I have to go with you!" Bai Xiaoguang was the first to speak, his expression brimming with excitement.
During this period, the other brothers had been fighting alongside the boss, while he had been confined to the hospital, bored out of his mind. He absolutely would not miss this opportunity.
"Alright!" Qin Chuan nodded, and Bai Xiaoguang's excitement was palpable.
"This time, I plan to bring three people. My elder brother and Xiaoguang are already set. Who else wants to go?"
A throng of brothers eagerly raised their hands, their faces alight with enthusiasm, all clamoring to join.
"Brother Dao, you don't need to go this time. There are many matters to attend to at home. The housing project can be sold, and the sand quarry business also needs your attention." Qin Chuan addressed Zheng Chengdao first.
Zheng Chengdao nodded in agreement, stating it was fine. He had followed the boss for a long time, and it was indeed time to give others a chance.
"Jinyu, are you busy with your renovation company lately?" Qin Chuan suddenly asked Chen Jinyu.
Chen Jinyu was taken aback. In the past, Qin Chuan had almost always overlooked him in such matters. He himself knew that he was a frail scholar, not adept at fighting and far from others' level, so he wisely refrained from participating. His focus was solely on managing his own domain.
To his surprise, Qin Chuan asked him. Chen Jinyu was momentarily stunned. Recovering his senses, he quickly replied, "Not busy. The renovation company is now stable, and all tasks have been arranged."
"Very well, then you'll accompany us tomorrow. Consider it a trip to relax and unwind." Qin Chuan said.
Chen Jinyu's face lit up with excitement, and he nodded rapidly.
Seeing this, the others could only express their regret.
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a Tiger Head Benz car left the borders of Yongnan County, heading directly towards Jinling City.
Yongnan County was a considerable distance from Jinling City, a full two thousand kilometers. With the underdeveloped transportation of the time, driving would take two days and two nights.
Along the way, they took turns driving, which made the journey manageable.
Two mornings later, the Tiger Head Benz rolled into Jinling City.
This city, known as the ancient capital of six dynasties, possessed a rich historical heritage and was highly developed in politics, culture, and economy.
Even in the early morning, the streets were already bustling with traffic, people coming and going, demonstrating the city's vibrant energy.
Qin Chuan instructed everyone to find a breakfast stall to eat. While eating, he directly dialed his second brother's number. To his surprise, after ringing for a long time, no one answered, which furrowed his brow.
He had called ahead to inform Qin Gang that they were coming. Why wasn't anyone picking up? Could he have overslept?
Qin Chuan called a second time, and the result was the same. The phone was connected, but no one answered.
"Let's wait a bit longer. Perhaps he's sleeping too soundly to hear," Qin Yang suggested.
"Brother, do you know Second Brother's exact address?"
Qin Yang thought for a moment and shook his head. "No, I'm not sure. Xiao Gang never told me."
Just as Qin Chuan was about to be disappointed, Qin Yang's tone shifted. "However..."
"I know Xiao Gang has a very good friend in Jinling City. His name is Hong Jinlong, from our neighboring village. Xiao Gang came to Jinling City specifically to find him."
"More than three months ago, Hong Jinlong came back and visited me. We exchanged phone numbers."
Qin Chuan's eyes lit up instantly. "Then quickly call him!"
The name Hong Jinlong sounded vaguely familiar.
Qin Yang took out his phone, found a number, and dialed.
After a few rings, the call was answered. "Hello, who is it?" The voice sounded like he was still asleep.
"Jinlong, it's Qin Yang, Qin Gang's elder brother."
"Oh... Oh, it's Brother Yang. Why are you calling me so early in the morning? Did something happen?" Hong Jinlong asked.
"It's like this, do you know where Xiao Gang lives? We've come to Jinling City, and his phone isn't being answered, so we thought of you." Qin Yang explained.
"Brother Yang, you're in Jinling City? When did this happen, and who are you with?" Hong Jinlong sounded quite surprised on the other end. Why would they suddenly come to Jinling City?
"My brother and I are here. We just arrived this morning. Where are you now? We'll come find you! I know Jinling City better than you do."
"Your brother... Hiss, are you talking about Qin Chuan as well?" Hong Jinlong gasped on the phone, then became extremely excited.
"Yes, it's my brother Qin Chuan, he's here too!"
"Brother Yang, just stay where you are. Tell me your current location, and I'll take a taxi to find you. I know Jinling City better than you do," Hong Jinlong said quickly, his voice brimming with excitement, followed by a clatter of movement.
Qin Yang glanced at their surroundings and provided the name of a prominent landmark.
"That's not far from me, only about half an hour by taxi!"
"You guys wait for me, okay!" Hong Jinlong repeatedly urged.
Half an hour later, a taxi pulled up beside the breakfast stall. Before the car had even come to a complete stop, a young man had already jumped out of it in a hurry, his face flushed with excitement, and hurried towards Qin Chuan and his group seated at the breakfast stall.
He appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with a sunny disposition, though his skin was a bit dark, and he had thick eyebrows and large eyes.
"Brother Yang!" Hong Jinlong approached Qin Yang and greeted him warmly. His gaze then shifted to Qin Chuan, seated nearby, his eyes revealing unconcealed excitement, as if he were meeting an idol.
"Qin Chuan, Boss Qin, do you still remember me?"
Qin Chuan smiled and stood up. "Of course, I remember. You're Hong Jinlong from our neighboring village, a good friend of my second brother. You used to come to my house to play when we were kids."
"Yes, yes, that's me!"
"We haven't seen each other in about four or five years. I never expected Boss Qin to still remember me." Hong Jinlong's demeanor towards Qin Chuan was extremely enthusiastic, his eyes filled with reverence.
Qin Chuan had encountered this kind of deference too many times to be surprised; the others chuckled quietly.
Qin Chuan took out a cigarette and lit one. "Do you smoke?"
"Yes... Thank you, Boss Qin!" Hong Jinlong's expression was a little flustered as he extended his hand. Unexpectedly, Qin Chuan handed him the entire pack of newly opened cigarettes.
"You just woke up and haven't had breakfast yet, have you? We haven't finished either. Let's eat together."
"Come, sit next to me." Qin Chuan's posture was amiable, completely devoid of any pretense, which made Hong Jinlong feel incredibly honored.