EM 53. Conspiracy

The group exchanged polite handshakes and stepped inside. The wooden cabin wasn’t large and couldn’t hold too many people, so half of the Xingtian team and the mafia bodyguards stayed outside on watch while the rest entered. Song Feng, worried that a certain psychopath might lose control and cause trouble, chose to remain indoors. Though the cabin looked shabby from the outside, the interior told a different story. A dark red carpet covered the center of the room, with a full set of leather sofas arranged around it, completely out of place in the barren landscape outside.

The camp leader, well into his forties, sat in his dark blue robe on the sofa, chatting happily with the guests. Fu Shanming and Boss Kang both had established influence in Asia and had met several times before. They were familiar with each other, and the atmosphere was warm and amicable.

Boss Kang had done business with the camp leader a few times in the past, mostly involving arms deals. They had a decent rapport. This time, he was acting as a middleman, introducing the mafia leader to a new source. Heroin from the Golden Crescent could reach purity levels of over 80%, making it highly sought after. But once it left the region, it passed through many hands, and the price soared. Buying it from middlemen was too costly to be worthwhile.

The mafia’s previous supplier had been the Golden Triangle. Recently, however, they had a falling out, leaving things tense and unpleasant. The mafia boss had been looking for alternatives. Since Boss Kang had ties in the Golden Crescent, the opportunity had come together naturally.

Song Feng kept his eyes on Fu Shanming. Even Shao Xiujie had been able to dig up their real identities, so there was no doubt Fu Shanming had already done the same. It wouldn’t be hard for him to deduce that Boss Kang was likely tied to the Chinese government. Reaching this level of influence was no easy feat. They couldn’t afford to let him be exposed. Which meant the safest course of action would be to eliminate Fu Shanming before he had the chance to speak.

Xiao Mingxuan also understood how serious the situation was. He quietly calculated how they might remove this threat once and for all.

Fu Shanming sat off to the side, listening quietly to the discussion, an ever-pleasant smile on his lips. After a while, he pulled out his phone, played with it for a bit, then slid it back into his pocket. He looked up at Song Feng, raising an eyebrow with a smile that was equal parts amusement and quiet menace.

Song Feng and Xiao Mingxuan both felt another chill run down their spines. That lunatic had clearly made his move. At this point, it was already too late to kill him.

Boss Kang didn’t have much to discuss, so the talks ended quickly. During that time, he finalized a weapons deal with the local boss. The goods wouldn’t arrive for a few days, so he decided to stay until his men delivered them, and then return together. He turned to the mafia boss and invited him to stay a few extra days as well, to get familiar with the area. The man readily agreed.

The camp leader warmly arranged for his men to take the group to their lodging. They boarded a convoy of off-road vehicles, stirring up clouds of yellow dust as they drove into the distance. After about half an hour, the vehicles stopped in front of a stone building carved into the side of a mountain. It stood roughly four stories tall, with a winding staircase of stacked stone leading up to the higher levels.

They climbed to the third floor and stepped into the house. The interior was laid with carpet, soft and comfortable underfoot. After escorting them there, the guards took their leave. A moment later, someone arrived with wine and refreshments, served quietly and respectfully before withdrawing.

Fu Shanming and his men were among the group. He lounged on a sofa with a lazy smile and jerked his chin toward the others. “Boss Kang, those are your bodyguards?”

Boss Kang nodded. “A new team. They’re all quite capable.”

“Mind letting me borrow one for a bit?”

Boss Kang, knowing Fu Shanming’s preferences, raised a brow. “What does Mr. Fu have in mind?”

“Oh, I’ve been running around a lot lately. My shoulders are killing me. Just want someone to give me a rub. My guys are too rough. None of them look as delicate as the ones behind you.” Fu Shanming smiled. “Just a short loan. I promise I’ll return him intact. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not,” Boss Kang replied, about to gesture at random.

But before he could speak, Fu Shanming cut in. “You heard your boss. He doesn’t mind. Be good and come here yourself.”

Boss Kang looked surprised, and the rest of the Xingtian team seemed confused, until they saw who moved.

Song Feng silently stepped forward and, with a pitiful expression, shuffled over.

Boss Kang raised his brows. “You two know each other?”

“He used to work for me,” Fu Shanming said with a smile. “Back in the U.S., at a PMC. Later he quit, and I always wondered how I’d run into him again. Never thought it would be here.” His gaze lingered on Song Feng. “Small world, isn’t it, baby? You missed me too, didn’t you?”

Song Feng’s expression darkened.

Fu Shanming didn’t seem to mind. He pointed at his shoulder. “Come on, be serious about it.”

Song Feng accepted his fate and began to massage his shoulders, gritting his teeth under his breath. “This is Afghanistan. Plenty of devout people around. You better watch yourself. If they drag you out and burn you or stone you to death, that’s on you, but don’t drag me down with you. Seriously, how are they still doing business with you? Why haven’t they tied you to a stake and set you on fire?”

“Hm?”

“Nothing,” Song Feng muttered and kept working.

“They’ve done all kinds of business. Met all kinds of people. And not everyone here’s religious,” Fu said with a smile. “Besides, who would ever say no to money?”

Song Feng curled his lip and let it drop.

Boss Kang glanced over at them, his thoughts shifting. So Song Feng really had worked as a mercenary? Just what kind of background did this team have? He would have to ask someone later, just in case.

The rest of the Xingtian team all turned to look at Xiao Mingxuan. Bai Xuyao quietly inched over and whispered, “Boss, who is that? Your love rival?”

Xiao Mingxuan was silent for a moment, then replied in a low voice, “Fu Shanming.”

Wei Xiaoyan, Bai Xuyao, and Duan Qing were all visibly surprised. The latter two glanced at Xiao Mingxuan, then at Fu Shanming, their eyes full of unspoken questions. Based on what Song Feng had told them, these two were supposed to have played some SM games, so why did it look like a completely different dynamic now?

Wei Xiaoyan, at least, knew that Xiao Mingxuan had used a disguise in the past, but he wasn’t aware of the full story between his boss and Fu Shanming. So he simply kept watching in silence.

Xiao Mingxuan was growing more and more displeased watching his lover being summoned over by that lunatic. His mind spun nonstop, trying to come up with a way to get rid of Fu Shanming.

Fu Shanming noticed the stare. He raised his brows ever so slightly. Back when he was sending bombs to the military district, he had clearly done his homework. He had seen Xiao Mingxuan’s photo and immediately recognized him. He smiled back at him, enjoying the moment, then leaned into Song Feng’s touch with a satisfied sigh. “More to the left. That’s it. Good boy.”

Song Feng: “…”

Xiao Mingxuan grew even angrier. He wanted nothing more than to walk over and snap the man’s neck.

Boss Kang took note of Fu Shanming’s line of sight and subtly turned his head, realizing the one standing beside him was Xiao Mingxuan. That deepened his confusion. Did Fu Shanming know him too? Just what the hell was going on? He held his questions for now, but finally found a chance to speak with Song Feng after lunch. Once he understood the tangled history between them, as well as the risk of exposure, his expression darkened.

“We have to kill him,” he said.

Song Feng let out a sigh. “Trust me, killing him now won’t work. He’s definitely already made contact with people in Malaysia. If he dies, your identity will be leaked. And since you operate throughout Asia, if his network retaliates, we’ll all be screwed.”

Boss Kang paused in thought. “Then I’ll go talk to him.”

Fu Shanming was standing alone by the stone railing outside, taking in the view. The area around the building was wide open, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop. Boss Kang approached at a calm pace. “Mr. Fu, enjoying the scenery?”

Fu Shanming turned and smiled. “Let’s skip the formalities. I know exactly who those two are. You can claim you’re just doing business with them. I don’t care. I do suspect you have ties to the Chinese government, but I’ve got no proof. Your records are probably squeaky clean. Even if I went public, what would I gain? Nothing. No point.”

He tilted his head slightly, still smiling. “And let’s be real. With your connections and skill, even if rumors got out, you’d smooth it over eventually, right? Of course, if someone tries to kill me, that’s another matter entirely.”

Boss Kang replied calmly, “I’ve worked in the underworld for years. Before I got established, I received help from both of their families. That’s the only reason I brought them along. I don’t know what their mission is, and I doubt you really care. Whether you believe me or not doesn’t matter to me.” He met Fu Shanming’s eyes. “What I do care about is what you’re really after. You saw them and decided to stay. Why?”

Fu Shanming narrowed his eyes. “Simple. I want a shipment.”

Boss Kang smiled. “Then I think we can work together.”

The two of them talked for a while longer. Whatever they discussed, both seemed satisfied. When they returned to the building, Fu Shanming stretched with a lazy grin. “Bit sleepy. Could use a nap. That shoulder massage earlier was divine. Boss Kang, you don’t mind if I borrow him again, do you?”

Boss Kang chuckled. “Be my guest.”

Song Feng: “…”

Fu Shanming exchanged a few pleasantries, then led Song Feng into a nearby room, shutting the door behind them. His men immediately went to stand guard outside to ensure their boss’s safety.

The rest of the Xingtian team once again looked toward Xiao Mingxuan. Their eyes were full of sympathy. Boss, you’re being publicly and shamelessly cuckolded in broad daylight.

Xiao Mingxuan drew a slow breath. Rationally, he knew Song Feng wouldn’t actually suffer any losses, but emotionally, he was livid. He turned on his heel and walked over. When it came to Fu Shanming, he had no reason to play polite.

Fu Shanming’s guards quickly stepped in front to block him. Xiao Mingxuan moved, bypassing them effortlessly, entered the room, and shut the door. A moment later, the guards were kicked back out and ordered to stand watch from three steps away.

It was Fu Shanming who had thrown them out himself.

The members of Xingtian looked puzzled, while the few who were in the know were utterly shocked. Bai Xuyao whispered, “Senior… a threesome, is that what’s happening?”

Wei Xiaoyan nodded solemnly. After a brief internal struggle, he darted toward the door and pressed his ear to it, only to be silently dragged away by the guards and tossed aside.

Seizing the opening, Bai Xuyao bolted forward to take his place, but the guards returned, picked him up, and flung him away too. In the meantime, Wei Xiaoyan had scrambled back to the door for another shot at eavesdropping.

The guards twitched visibly. They threw him out again and glanced helplessly at Boss Kang. His expression stiffened as he finally snapped, “You shameless pack of grave robbers. I’m your boss! Where the hell are your eyes pointed?”

Bai Xuyao was tossed onto the carpet with a thud. He crawled upright and consoled the man. “Don’t worry, Boss. We’ll protect you with our lives.” His eyes sparkled as he rushed back in line.

Boss Kang: “…”

Inside the room, the three of them had removed their shoes and were sitting on the floor. Fu Shanming glanced at Xiao Mingxuan. “Xiao Cheng?”

Xiao Mingxuan didn’t answer. He walked straight over to Song Feng and completely ignored him.

“So I guessed right,” Fu Shanming said, staring at that handsome but unfamiliar face, his gaze heating up with something uncomfortably intense.

Song Feng winced at the corners of his mouth. To prevent a bloodbath, he wisely shifted the conversation. “What are you doing in the Golden Crescent?”

Fu Shanming stretched out lazily and pointed at his shoulder. “Give me a rub.”

Song Feng rubbed his forehead and moved as if to go over, but Xiao Mingxuan yanked him back by the waistband and pulled him into his arms. A low voice murmured beside his ear, “He’s mine.”

“I know,” Fu said with a smirk. “Didn’t you already fucked together? I was the one who drugged him, remember?” He crooked a finger at Song Feng. “Come on, baby.”

Then he paused and licked his lips. “Or you can come over instead, Xiao Cheng. I don’t mind either way.”

Both of them had a headache. They would’ve loved nothing more than to get rid of this menace. Unfortunately, they couldn’t.

Nestled in Xiao Mingxuan’s arms, Song Feng asked, “Why exactly are you here?”

“Ask Xiao Cheng.” Fu lounged back and chuckled. “After your last anti-drug op, the Golden Triangle’s output tanked. Obviously, I had to find a new supplier. There are plenty of organizations in the Golden Crescent. This isn’t even my first stop. I was planning to visit a few more, but who’d have thought I’d run into you here? As you people say in China, what’s the phrase? ‘Fate brings people together across a thousand miles,’ right?”

Song Feng was speechless. He could only try redirecting again. “What were you and my boss talking about earlier?”

Fu Shanming’s smile deepened, eyes gleaming with sly amusement. “Something good, of course. Baby, I believe in you. You’ll survive this. I’m sure of it.”