Chapter 1656 - 920: Don’t Be Impatient
Outside Oil City,
The wind stirs the dust.
The dust settles.
Xiao Jun stands atop the wall holding a telescope, watching the vehicle depart, then turns his gaze to the two boxes of medicine on the ground.
"Xiao He, take someone over there and bring back those two boxes of medicine. Make sure to wear the anti-explosion suit and check for any issues before bringing them back." Xiao Jun says to a team member beside him.
Xiao He nods, then calls two team members and puts on the anti-explosion suit.
They drive a car out of Oil City.
Everyone on the wall watches the car drive out.
Soon, Xiao He and his team park the car around the two boxes of medicine. Xiao He, wearing an anti-explosion suit, gets out of the car, carefully inspects the boxes for any issues, and after finding none, loads them back into the car and returns to Oil City.
Inside Oil City.
Xiao Jun closely examines the two boxes of medicine. They are indeed antibiotics. It seems Southern Paradise came with sincerity.
However, they do not relax their vigilance. In fact, they even strengthen the security on the wall.
Xiao Jun walks to the military radio and informs Second Uncle at Big Camphor Tree Base about everything that has happened.
After Second Uncle learns the situation, he says to Xiao Jun, "I understand. I will simultaneously inform the City Lord. In the meantime, strengthen your guard, and if anything happens, let me know immediately."
"Understood."
Xiao Jun takes off the headset and says to Dong Tai beside him, "Let’s stay here for now, strengthen our guard, and wait for instructions from headquarters."
.....
Kun City.
Li Yu gets out of the car and smokes with Dapao under the shade of a tree.
Another two vehicles broke down, and Lao Yi’s team is hastily repairing them.
Thump thump thump—
Ju Tianrui walks briskly towards Li Yu, looking grave, ready to report something important.
Li Yu flicks the ash off his cigarette, stands up, and asks Ju Tianrui, "What’s the matter?"
"A message from Big Camphor Tree Base says that someone from Southern Paradise came to Oil City seeking cooperation with us."
Ju Tianrui adds, "Mr. Li is waiting over there."
Upon hearing this, Li Yu frowns and quickly moves towards the communication vehicle.
He boards the communication vehicle and sits beside the military radio.
"Second Uncle, it’s Xiao Yu."
After a burst of static, Second Uncle’s voice comes through the headset.
"Xiao Yu, Xiao Jun from Oil City sent a message. Just now, Southern Paradise sent a vehicle, aiming to trade antibiotics for oil with us and hoping to establish a cooperative relationship for future commerce..."
"Moreover, they have already provided two boxes of antibiotics, and after Xiao Jun’s inspection, no issues were found."
"Xiao Jun arranged for Southern Paradise to return in five days for our response."
....
Li Yu listens attentively to Second Uncle’s explanation of the situation at Oil City. Afterward, he asks:
"Second Uncle, what do you think?"
Second Uncle replies, "Since they came alone and offered two boxes of antibiotics upfront, they seem to have come with sincerity. Although it’s unclear if there’s any deception involved, perhaps we can give it a try."
After pondering for a few seconds, Li Yu speaks, "The agreement is for five days later, right?"
"Yes, five days later," Second Uncle confirms.
Li Yu thinks for a while and says, "If I remember correctly, this month’s fuel from Oil City should also be transported to Big Camphor Tree Base, right?"
"Yes, Xiao Jun also mentioned it to me, but due to the current unstable situation, I told Xiao Jun to hold off on this for now."
Li Yu asks again, "If I recall correctly, wasn’t there always a surplus of fuel after transporting to Big Camphor Tree Base?"
"Yes, which is why I also think that forming a cooperation with Southern Paradise would be beneficial for us. After all, transporting the surplus oil isn’t that convenient."
Li Yu exhales slowly and says, "Alright, let’s speed things up here and aim to return within five days. Then I’ll lead the team to evaluate the situation. Regardless of whether there’s deception involved, we’ll not be caught off guard."
Upon hearing this, Second Uncle responds, "Alright, as long as you have a plan."
Subsequently,
Li Yu puts down the headset and asks Ju Tianrui, who is standing nearby, "How’s the vehicle repair coming along? If it’s not done, speed up; we’re on a tight schedule."
Ju Tianrui promptly replies, "The repairs are complete, and we’re ready to head out."
"Good, then let’s head towards Kun City for now."
"Alright."
....
The vehicles start again, the grand convoy now passing Xi City, less than fifty kilometers from Kun City.
Third Uncle and his team have been gone for several hours and should have arrived at the military base north of Kun City by now, but no message has been received.
Unaware of the situation over there, Li Yu’s convoy proceeds in that direction.
North of Kun City.
Amidst the rugged mountains.
There is a sizable basin.
In the center of the basin, an area is enclosed by walls with bullet holes on them.
At the forefront, there’s a gatepost made of cement, with large letters reading: Military Area, Do Not Enter.
However, the gate is open, one door seems to have been struck by something and lies on the ground, while the other half stands ajar.