Chapter Forty-Four: The Terrifying Hunter

Wu Jing was thoroughly satisfied with his journey home. Not only had he received generous hospitality from the patriarch, spent his days in the company of beautiful women, and enjoyed leisure trips to scenic spots, but before leaving, he was also given considerable benefits. The two young women favored by Chai Yan accompanied Wu Jing throughout the festivities, drinking and making merry with him.

Wu Jing vaguely sensed that these two girls already knew the true purpose of his visit, and they willingly accepted their mission to Annam. Of course, Wu Jing was also aware that if they understood what awaited them upon arrival, their smiles might not be so bright.

He observed the two women before him: one was sultry and alluring, the other innocent and charming. Wu Jing knew that the young prince’s tastes in women had recently shifted—he now preferred the more seductive types. Thus, the sultry one would inevitably be Chai Yan’s gift to the prince, while the innocent girl was surely a delicacy reserved for Wu Jing himself.

As Chai Yan’s proxy, Wu Jing unhesitatingly took on the responsibility of sampling the “dishes.” The two beauties willingly submitted to Wu Jing’s tests. Wu Jing understood the patriarch’s intentions—he hoped Wu Jing would speak well of them to Chai Yan upon his return and thereby secure more resources, earning greater profits.

Wu Jing felt as though he were an imperial envoy of old, dispatched on a mission, and the patriarch, like a local official, was trying every trick to curry favor, hoping Wu Jing would say a good word for him when he returned. Wu Jing suddenly realized that following Chai Yan was the wisest decision of his life.

Back in Annam, aside from a handful of comrades Chai Yan brought from home, no one would have willingly followed a washed-up procurer. Yet Wu Jing chose to work for Chai Yan, and time proved his judgment right. Had he not followed Chai Yan, he would still be a hustling, barely-scraping-by merchant, instead of enjoying such imperial treatment.

Despite the dreamlike hospitality, Wu Jing did not become infatuated with the comforts of home. After a week, he prepared to return to Annam. Knowing he had no criminal record and could freely cross the border, Wu Jing saw no reason to linger—he could always return. A week of pleasure was enough, and staying too long might provoke Chai Yan’s displeasure. So Wu Jing prepared to depart, taking the two girls with him.

He expected the journey to proceed as smoothly as always, but upon arriving at Dada Airport, Wu Jing was informed that his luggage had not arrived and would have to wait for the next flight. He was deeply dissatisfied, but apart from cursing the poor service of domestic airlines, there was nothing to be done except wait in silence.

Near Wu Jing, a handsome young man was also waiting for his luggage. Bored, he struck up a conversation with the two girls accompanying Wu Jing.

At first, Wu Jing paid little attention to the young man, absorbed as he was in his complaints about airline service. It wasn’t until the girls’ tinkling laughter snapped him out of his private world that Wu Jing noticed they were no longer by his side. The young man seemed to possess some magical charm, causing the girls to forget all about Wu Jing, the “big man,” and instead engage in animated conversation with the stranger.

Wu Jing watched the young man and, with nothing else to do, became an unwitting eavesdropper to their conversation.

Through their exchange, Wu Jing learned that the refined young man had a tragic past similar to his own: a merchant whose business failed due to misfortune, abandoned by his wife, orphaned and alone, coming to Annam with a do-or-die attitude in hopes of making a name for himself.

The young man’s vivid storytelling not only evoked sympathy from the girls but also reminded Wu Jing of his own former self. Wu Jing felt a sense of kinship with him.

Wu Jing asked, “Friend, what’s your name?”

The young man looked up in confusion and replied, “My name is Zhang Dongfeng. Is there something I can help you with?”

Wu Jing said, “I heard everything you said earlier. Few people go through life without setbacks. You’ve had some bad luck, but it’s nothing. As they say, when adversity reaches its peak, fortune follows. Having survived so much hardship, maybe good luck is just around the corner.”

Zhang Dongfeng forced a smile. “Thank you for your kind words. I hope so. In any case, I’m alone now, with nothing left to lose. No matter how unlucky I get, it doesn’t scare me anymore.”

Wu Jing continued, “Do you have any plans here?”

Zhang Dongfeng shook his head. “Not yet. When I was doing business, people told me there were plenty of opportunities in Annam. I happen to speak the language, so I came to see if I could make something of myself.”

Wu Jing’s eyes lit up. “You speak Annamese?”

Zhang Dongfeng nodded. “Many of my customers were from Annam, so I picked up some of the language.”

Wu Jing asked again, “Do you plan to rely on local friends?”

Zhang Dongfeng shook his head. “Looking at my current state, I have no friends left to rely on. I’ll have to go it alone.”

The girls sighed at Zhang Dongfeng’s words. Though it was their first meeting, they felt as if he were a longtime friend, and his misfortune stirred their maternal instincts. They urged Wu Jing to take Zhang Dongfeng under his wing, so he would have a place to stay.

Wu Jing, too, was interested in this young man who shared his fate. He remembered arriving in Annam alone, without support or care, and by chance encountering Chai Yan, who happened to be recruiting at the time. Wu Jing’s fluency in Annamese brought him luck.

Wu Jing knew the value of helping someone in need. Offering charity in times of plenty earns little gratitude, but a helping hand in adversity inspires lifelong loyalty. Wu Jing decided to help Zhang Dongfeng, to be his benefactor, and extended an olive branch.

Wu Jing asked, “Dongfeng, since you have no clear destination and don’t plan to rely on anyone, are you interested in joining me? I’ve been here for years and have made a modest success. Do you want to work with me?”

The girls encouraged Zhang Dongfeng to accept, urging him not to miss this rare opportunity.

Wu Jing saw Zhang Dongfeng’s hesitation and continued, “Don’t worry, I’m not a swindler. You have nothing worth being cheated out of, and you’re not a girl—if I were trafficking people, you wouldn’t be my target. I feel we’re very alike, like old friends at first sight, so I want to help you.”

Zhang Dongfeng shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me. If you’re willing to take me with you, I’ll go. I’m alone now, so anywhere is fine.”

Wu Jing nodded with satisfaction. He was proud—not only had he completed his mission, but he had also performed a great deed. If he had known Zhang Dongfeng’s true identity, he would never have made the same choice, but for now, he was thoroughly pleased.

After another ten minutes or so, their luggage finally arrived. Wu Jing and his group, now including Zhang Dongfeng, left the airport together.

Outside, Wu Jing’s men were already waiting by the roadside. Picking up the group, they headed off toward Dayan.

By the time they reached Dayan, it was dinner. Wu Jing treated Zhang Dongfeng warmly and introduced him to his comrades.

At the welcome banquet, drinks flowed freely. Toasts, cheers, drinking games—every manner of celebration filled the air. Before long, the table was littered with drunken revelers.

Wu Jing, tipsy, leaned close to Zhang Dongfeng. Seeing the smile on his lips, Wu Jing said, “Friend, I think you’re a good man. I trust my instincts, and you should trust me. Meeting me is our fate—you won’t regret following me. Let go of your unhappy past. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet someone, and you’ll see how successful our business is!”

Zhang Dongfeng smiled and nodded. “Alright, I understand. Thank you for looking after me. Rest assured, I’ll work hard and try to make a name for myself!”

Wu Jing patted Zhang Dongfeng’s shoulder and said, “That’s right. Tonight, let’s eat and drink well and forget everything else.”

Then Wu Jing leaned close to Zhang Dongfeng’s ear and whispered, “No need to drink late tonight. We’ve been traveling, you must be tired. Go rest. I’ve prepared a gift for you—when in Annam, do as the locals do. Tonight, enjoy the customs and culture here!”

With that, Wu Jing ended the banquet and arranged for someone to escort Zhang Dongfeng to his room.

The next morning, as Zhang Dongfeng rose, Wu Jing was enjoying a bowl of pork bone porridge. He called Zhang Dongfeng over to join him for breakfast.

Wu Jing ordered a bowl for Zhang Dongfeng and said, “This porridge is nourishing. After all that drinking last night, it’s good for recovery.”

He took a spoonful, glanced at Zhang Dongfeng, and burst out laughing before swallowing.

Zhang Dongfeng asked, puzzled, “What’s so funny? How can porridge make you so happy?”

Wu Jing chuckled. “How were the beauties last night? Did they all slip away before you could enjoy them?”

Zhang Dongfeng looked confused. “Beauties? What beauties?”

Wu Jing laughed. “Dongfeng, you’re a businessman—how is your tolerance so low? Did you rush straight to the bathroom after returning to your room? I had arranged two Annam girls for you to try, but you didn’t even glance at them, just hid in the bathroom all night. What a waste!”

Zhang Dongfeng replied sheepishly, “I wasn’t in the best shape yesterday, a bit tired, and we drank more than I could handle. I spent the night vomiting, and now I still feel acidic.”

Wu Jing smiled. “No matter, travel fatigue is normal. Rest up, and you can always find girls later—we have plenty of time.”

After a pause, Wu Jing added, “After breakfast, I’ll take you to meet someone—my boss. Then you’ll see how big our business really is.”

Zhang Dongfeng asked, “You haven’t told me what business we do. I still have no idea.”

Wu Jing grinned. “I didn’t tell you yesterday because I didn’t want to scare you, but there’s nothing to hide now. Our boss is nicknamed ‘Matchstick.’ You know ‘The Little Match Girl’? Our boss is the little matchstick who sells girls. So, you should know now what business we’re in?”

Zhang Dongfeng replied, “Do you want me to be a procurer? Isn’t that illegal? I can’t do that.”

Wu Jing laughed. “Brother, this is Annam, not home—what’s there to fear? Besides, business is business; there’s no hierarchy, no shame. People laugh at poverty, not at prostitution. Sex work is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as it makes money.”

Zhang Dongfeng said, “I’m not saying it’s bad, but I’ve never done it and don’t know how.”

Wu Jing assured him, “Don’t worry, with me, everything is fine.”

He continued, “Our business isn’t what you think—being a procurer. Though our boss started with selling girls back home, here it’s different. We don’t sell girls in stores anymore; we sell them online. Online sales are far better than physical stores!”

Seeing Zhang Dongfeng’s confusion, Wu Jing explained, “Have you ever seen erotic livestreams? We run a platform. There are plenty of beautiful girls from home who work as erotic streamers for us—high earnings, safe, and if you fancy a host, you can enjoy her yourself. It’s a lucrative business!”

Before Zhang Dongfeng could reply, Wu Jing said, “Hurry up and eat. Once you’re done, I’ll take you to meet the boss. Brother, your luck is about to turn!”

When Zhang Dongfeng finished eating, Wu Jing took him to Chai Yan’s villa.

Chai Yan was delighted to see Wu Jing and pleased with the girls Wu Jing brought. As his procurement agent, Wu Jing’s work was impeccable, so Chai Yan favored him, letting him handle every selection.

Zhang Dongfeng was struck by Chai Yan’s estate—one of the few distinctive buildings in the area, full of ancient charm. The palace-style architecture, yellow glazed tiles, marble base, blue bricks, red walls, all evoked the grandeur of an imperial palace.

The five-room, nine-rafter hall featured tile beasts, beams, brackets, jade-green eaves, three-door five-rafter entry, beast-faced tin rings. Such a large traditional courtyard nestled beside mountains and water, unique in flavor and signaling the owner’s status.

After discussing the girls with Chai Yan, Wu Jing introduced Zhang Dongfeng.

Upon meeting the refined young man, Chai Yan was impressed. He invited Zhang Dongfeng to sit and tell his story. Listening to his tale, Chai Yan sensed a resemblance to the Wu Jing of old and felt an inexplicable attraction to Zhang Dongfeng. He invited him to stay and work together. Zhang Dongfeng, awed by the estate, immediately agreed.

Thus, half a month later, Zhang Mufeng had thoroughly understood Chai Yan’s situation—including his relationship with the young prince and the prince’s personal details, all of which he accurately relayed to Haifeng.

When Haifeng met Wu Jing at Dada Airport, he was already brimming with confidence. Once Zhang Mufeng, under the alias Zhang Dongfeng, successfully infiltrated Chai Yan’s inner circle, Haifeng became even more assured. Liu Zhiyang watched Haifeng smile daily as he reviewed Zhang Mufeng’s intelligence, never understanding the source of his confidence.

Li Weiwei and Zhao Zhijie’s teamwork meant domestic authorities could net the platform’s patriarchs and hosts at any time. Chai Yan’s company’s criminal evidence was firmly in the hands of the White Tiger Squad.

Meanwhile, with the cooperation of Zhang Mufeng, Wen Yuxin, and Li Mengyang, Zhang Mufeng’s infiltration brought back a wealth of intelligence for the White Tiger Squad. In short order, they had all the information they needed and, with Li Weiwei’s help, completed surveillance of Chai Yan. Haifeng soon instructed Zhang Mufeng to find an excuse to leave Chai Yan.

For the White Tiger Squad, they now possessed enough evidence to send Chai Yan’s group to prison, but still faced the most critical challenge: how to get Chai Yan out of the Dayan region. Without solving this, no amount of evidence or intelligence would bring the mission to success. Yet, seeing Haifeng’s confidence, Liu Zhiyang himself became optimistic.

Now, only the most crucial and unavoidable problem remained before the White Tiger Squad—how to lure Chai Yan and his associates out of Dayan.

The members of the White Tiger Squad finally gathered again. Reviewing their recent achievements, Haifeng cheerfully told everyone, “Now we have sufficient evidence to indict them. We’re halfway to success. The task now is to bring Chai Yan out of Dayan and back home to face justice. Let’s push a bit more, and soon we’ll return home.”

Despite Haifeng’s confidence, the others were baffled, unsure where it came from. Seeing their confusion, Haifeng laid out his plan, and everyone listened intently. Each gazed at him with admiration. Liu Zhiyang summarized Haifeng’s plan: “Haifeng is a formidable hunter. Chai Yan’s misfortune is meeting him!”

And so, a miraculous plan quietly unfolded at Chai Yan’s side…