Siheyuan came through and sent Jia Zhang to prison

Chapter 607 Jie Threatens Jiang Hu

"The funds will be disbursed as soon as possible, delivered in encrypted form. The contact code remains the same." The voice coming from the radio was slightly distorted due to the electrical current filtering, but it carried an undeniable decisiveness. "Regarding weapons, considering the risks of cross-border transportation, we can only provide you with a batch of old-fashioned rifles and a small amount of ammunition. Remember, just enough to get you there, and avoid drawing attention. Your primary task is to disrupt mining operations and create chaos, not to engage in direct conflict with local armed groups—exposing your position would be a huge loss."

Zhang Jie responded softly into the radio, "Understood. Also, there's something I need to ask: the local investigation department seems to be targeting Jiang Hu from the mining bureau. He's helped us transport several batches of supplies before. If something happens to him, it might implicate our external informants. Should we take measures in advance to silence him?"

"No need." The other party's order was decisive and without the slightest hesitation. "Jiang Hu is just a tool to be used, not a core member. If he is exposed, you must immediately cut off all contact, destroy all relevant evidence, and proceed according to the backup plan. Remember, your existence is more important than anyone else's. Do not lose sight of the bigger picture and be dragged down by irrelevant people."

Zhang Jie took a deep breath, his fingertips hovering over the radio buttons for a moment before finally confirming: "We'll await logistical updates in three days. If the supplies arrive on time, I will proceed as planned. If they are overdue, I will activate the emergency contact system and send a message on frequency three."

"Okay. Remain silent. Do not send any more messages unless there are new instructions."

With a sharp "zzzt," the radio transmission abruptly stopped. Zhang Jie quickly unplugged the radio, disassembled its components one by one, and packed them into a hollowed-out tree trunk—his chosen hiding place, covered in moss and blending seamlessly into its surroundings. He carefully inspected the dilapidated house inside and out, making sure no fingerprints or footprints were left behind. He even picked up cigarette butts from the ground and stuffed them into his pocket before turning and disappearing into the dense forest. The leaves brushed against his camouflage clothing, making a slight rustling sound, which was quickly masked by the wind in the woods.

Inside the dilapidated house, about thirty people remained silent, waiting. Most of them were desperate criminals who had been coerced or lured there. Their faces were either numb or wary. None of them knew what kind of mission they were about to carry out, let alone that their fates were already tightly bound to a distant conspiracy, making them pawns that could be discarded at any time.

Zhang Jie circled the dense forest three times, using the shadows of the trees and bushes for cover, stopping several times to listen carefully to confirm that there were no footsteps or breathing sounds following him—the investigators hadn't expected him to be so cautious; no one was watching him at the moment. Only then did he quicken his pace and return to the temporary base along the hidden path.

Pushing open the wooden door of the outpost, a damp, musty smell hit him. Zhang Jie took off his dew-covered hat, his mind preoccupied with the "future" that was now within his grasp. He still didn't quite understand why the higher-ups were so determined to sabotage production in this remote mining area. Perhaps it was to disrupt the local economy, or perhaps to restrain certain forces, but none of that mattered. What mattered was that if this succeeded, he could shed his mud-stained camouflage uniform, return to headquarters, and don the young general's uniform he had always dreamed of—a goal he had endured for ten years, risking his life for.

As for the people inside? Zhang Jie glanced at the huddled figure in the corner, a cold smile playing on his lips. They were just some hastily recruited suicide bombers; what did it matter to him whether they lived or died? Once the weapons arrived, he would distribute them and send them to storm the mine's guards, creating chaos.

When the time comes, all the coal mining equipment and storage silos here that can be destroyed will be blown up. Although it's a pity that these high-quality coals can't be transported out, destroying them and completely paralyzing this mining area is the result the higher-ups want. And he will evacuate with the core data before the chaos begins, leaving these suicide soldiers to attract all attention—their existence is precisely to take the bullets for him when necessary.

Zhang Jie walked to the corner, picked up a rusty kettle, and took a sip of cold water. The icy liquid slid down his throat, but it couldn't quell the burning desire in his heart. Three more days. Once the supplies arrived, everything could proceed as planned. He gazed out the window at the dense, impenetrable forest, and it was as if he could already see himself in his general's uniform.

Zhang Jie didn't go straight back. He stood in the shadows at the street corner, an unlit cigarette between his fingers. This matter had far-reaching implications, and without capable help, he couldn't possibly handle it on his own. He looked up at the building not far away that stood out conspicuously in the twilight—it was the mining bureau's staff quarters, where Jiang Hu lived.

Zhang Jie walked slowly downstairs, not rushing in, but instead coughing twice lightly towards the entrance of the building, the rhythm unique, like some kind of code. After doing this, he leaned against the wall, waiting leisurely.

Not long after, a window on the third floor went dark. About two minutes later, Jiang Hu appeared at the entrance of the building. He was wearing a gray jacket, his brows furrowed as if in a knot. When he saw Zhang Jie, his face instantly darkened, and his tone was filled with suppressed anger: "Didn't I say? After that batch of goods was handed over, we were even. Why are you still coming to me? There's nothing between us anymore!"

Zhang Jie twitched his lips, revealing a meaningful smile: "Director Jiang Hu, you can't say that." He stepped forward, his voice low but undeniably firm, "From the day you agreed to cooperate with us and smuggle coal out of the mine, you've been on our ship. Now you want to get off? Not so easy, unless you can fly."

Jiang Hu's face darkened further, and he clenched his fists: "What exactly do you want? I gave you three truckloads of fine coal and that batch of steel in the warehouse, just as you requested. Isn't that enough? How long are you going to keep causing trouble?"

Zhang Jie narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Jiang Hu's face like a nail: "Whether it's enough or not isn't up to you. What I need is the overall layout of the coal mine—the distribution of underground tunnels, the ventilation system, the location of the explosives depot, every single detail, not a single one can be missing. Do you understand what I mean?"

"What?" Jiang Hu's voice suddenly rose, then he hurriedly lowered it, his eyes filled with terror. "What do you want that for? That's a mine secret! What do you want to do? Do you want to..." He didn't dare to finish his sentence, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

Zhang Jie sneered, "What I want to do is none of your business. You just need to do as I say and get me the drawings." He paused, his tone becoming more threatening, "Of course, you can refuse. However, I still have several 'cooperation letters' written by you, detailing exactly how you helped us transport coal and how you concealed production figures. If these letters fall into the hands of your superiors, what do you think awaits you?"