The next morning, at the Yu family's suburban villa, Yu Mingyuan and his family sat around the breakfast table.
"Brother Mingyuan, we planned a camping trip to Zha Lake Reservoir next weekend. Are you coming with us?" An Qi Qi asked, her voice sweet as she looked up at him.
"I've got a lot going on recently, so I won't be able to join you. You guys have fun," Yu Mingyuan replied with a smile. "Enjoy yourselves."
An Qi Qi, who was always curious, studied her brother closely. "Brother, are you feeling okay? Something going on at the company?"
"Nothing much, just busy," Yu Mingyuan answered without elaborating.
Seeing that her brother was in a bit of a bad mood, the family didn't press further. They finished breakfast and went about their day.
After finishing his meal, Yu Mingyuan neatly set his bowl and chopsticks down, preparing to head out for work.
"Tap, tap!"
Footsteps echoed from the stairs, and his father, Yu Jinrong, came down from upstairs. He glanced at his son and asked, "Heading to work?"
Yu Mingyuan turned around when he saw his father and walked over to the stairs. "Yes, Dad, I was just about to head to the company."
Yu Jinrong walked down and made his way toward the dining room. "Is something going on at the company?"
Yu Mingyuan hesitated but quickly followed his father, standing at the side. "Yes, the cargo was hijacked, and some of the workers were taken."
"The situation at the port is a bit complicated. Can you handle it?" Yu Jinrong asked.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll handle it," Yu Mingyuan said with confidence, though he still held a deep respect for his father.
Yu Jinrong nodded after hearing this and didn't probe further. "Don't wear yourself out. Things like this don't get solved in a day. Make sure to take breaks."
"Alright, Dad, I'll head to work now," Yu Mingyuan said, acknowledging his father's concern.
"Go ahead," Yu Jinrong replied with a smile, sitting down at the dining table.
After speaking with his father, Yu Mingyuan turned and left the house, knowing that the situation at the company was serious. If not handled properly, it could backfire, affecting both the Dirty Gang's three families and his business relations with the port. But even so, Yu Mingyuan didn't seem inclined to seek help from his father.
Once he was in his car, Yu Mingyuan made a call to Tang Baiqing. "I thought about it last night. I think it's time to talk to the Wharf Gang."
"Ah, you've finally come around," Tang Baiqing replied immediately. "Alright, I'll get in touch with Xu Hu. Let's meet tonight and then talk to them."
"Good, let's do that," Yu Mingyuan said, hanging up the phone and driving toward the company.
...
At the Tianhong Port in Zhanan District, inside Longqiao Import and Export Trade Company, Wei Xiangzuo sat in a wooden chair, smoking a cigarette while chatting with Xu Hu, the leader of the Zhanan Wharf Gang, and his brother, Xu Er.
Similar organizations to the Wharf Gang have existed throughout history, only their modes of survival have evolved with the times. When times are peaceful, they operate as unions, trade companies, or civil groups, quietly making money. But during times of turmoil, these groups become more active, with a larger influence.
For example, before the rise of the new era, many ports engaged in smuggling cars, banned goods, and other illicit trades, all under the guise of legitimate businesses. These organizations often operated under the radar, and when things went wrong, they were involved in multi-billion-dollar criminal operations. Yet, they remained low-key.
During times of turmoil, these groups became more active, not just to make money, but to protect their interests, form monopolies, and gain influence. The structure of these organizations became less about formal companies and more about being based in the "underworld" where rules were blurred, and individuals mattered more.
The Wharf Gang in Longcheng fits this model. As a port city, Longcheng had a huge population of dockworkers, and naturally, the Wharf Gang emerged. Its internal structure was loose, and the group's power was based on influence rather than organization. They operated as a civil group, but much of their business was conducted in the shadows.
Wei Xiangzuo, a key figure in the Wharf Gang, had ties to the larger port associations, making him a significant player in the underground world of Longcheng.
...
Inside the lobby of the Longqiao Import and Export Trade Company, a two-meter-high statue of Guan Yu stood proudly, with incense burning in front of it, creating an aura of power.
Xu Hu, the leader of Zhanan Wharf Gang, sat comfortably in a chair. Wei Xiangzuo, known as "Sitting Hall," was the man responsible for managing the under-the-table operations.
"Brother Wei, we've got a meeting with Yu Mingyuan tonight. Are you coming along?" Xu Hu asked casually.
"That's your business, not mine," Wei Xiangzuo responded while puffing out a cloud of smoke. "I'll just stick to what I'm doing."
"Alright, then I'll go and discuss things with him tonight," Xu Hu said with a grin.
"Good, if he's willing to offer something, help him get his people back. Just follow the rules," Wei Xiangzuo advised.
"Understood," Xu Hu nodded.
"Alright, I'm off now," Wei Xiangzuo said as he stood up and left.
...
Noon.
Near the Haiyan Pit, Kong Zhenghui and Su Tianyu sat in the car, waiting for more than twenty minutes before a tricycle pulled up. The rider was the same shifty-eyed man Kong Zhenghui had met the night before.
The man stopped the tricycle and climbed into Kong Zhenghui's car. "I've asked around, but there's no information about seven boats."
Kong Zhenghui was displeased. "You're telling me that for six thousand yuan, you couldn't find anything about the boats?!"
"I've asked all I could, but no one has heard of those seven boats. I even asked my contacts from outside the district, but no one knows anything about them," the man replied quietly.
Kong Zhenghui blinked. "Can you dig a bit deeper, maybe get some news from the upper ranks of the Wharf Gang?"
"That's going to cost more," the man replied after thinking.
"Get lost!" Kong Zhenghui waved his hand dismissively.
The man, visibly annoyed, opened the door and said, "I've told you everything I could. You've already made a profit with the six thousand yuan."
He slammed the door and left.
"That's strange!" Kong Zhenghui muttered to Su Tianyu. "This guy's been in the port business for years. How can he not know anything? This is odd."
"No news is the biggest news," Su Tianyu interrupted. "If he couldn't find anything, then let's take a more direct approach."
"How direct?" Kong Zhenghui asked.
"...!" Su Tianyu hesitated for a moment before pulling out his phone and dialing a number.