“Finally, some rest!” Hou Fei sighed as he sat down in a corner stacked with supply boxes and took out a cigarette for a smoke. He had been coordinating all morning with the Border Guards for the first wave of forest sweep.
The Border Guards were initially confused as to why the Royal Snake General were to bring such heavy machinery and even lending them some of it. But even without any exchange of words, they knew it was better to over prepare than not having anything. Thus, the Captains of the various Border Wall Sections and a select group of guards went through a quick induction course with some of the heavier weaponry like rocket propelled grenades and even heavy machine guns.
“You sure make it hard for people to find you. Were it not for your rank, I would have reprimanded you already.” A man in combat fatigues noted as he casually waved at Hou Fei which he had caught smoking.
“Tsk, are you sure you’re a tiger and not one of the dogs? How hard did you sniff to find me?” Hou Fei replied, but despite his harsh tone, he offered the man his box of cigarettes.
“To chase a slippery snake like you? I had no other choice.” He answered with a laugh and accepted the box of cigarettes. Hou Fei even lent him a light.
“Still, it’s a surprise to see the almighty Royal Tiger Battalion General in the field. I was sure you would be fiddling with your computer from your triad basement or remain on the sidelines.” Hou Fei teased as he pointed his cigarette at the laptop that the general was holding on to.
“Someone else is temporarily coordinating the Triad members for me. Else, how could the police ensure its 90% catch rate of bad people without the direct influence from the Royal Tiger Family?” The Royal Tiger Battalion’s general was none other than San Ya Bai, who was simultaneously the Three Eyed Tiger Triad Leader.
“Don’t pretend you know everything about the bad guys. You did not foresee the Ruby Rat Triad Boss going for Jin, did you?” Hou Fei asked, and Ya Bai chuckled with a puff.
“That, I cannot deny. I was aware of the tensions, and at most, I predicted some Rat Triad resistance or skirmishes around Tiangong district. But for the boss himself to go out and deal with that Jin? I have to admit that decision of his continues to baffle me even now. At least, now I know where the loyalty of the police chief in Tiangong district lies. He will go far as long as Jin grows in prosperity.” Ya Bai admitted as he sat on a box and enjoyed the puff of smoke.
“Looks like Tiger Head Yuan Ba has good foresight to make Jin into an honorary Royal Tiger Clan Member then.” Hou Fei said with a bit of spite.
“There is nothing stopping the Royal Snake Clan to bestow him with the same honorary status too, you know? Although it would be the first time for a person to receive honorary status from two different Royal Zodiac clans.” Ya Bai mentioned.
“Is it really necessary to use Jin as a political tool?” Hou Fei questioned, and Ya Bai was a bit surprised.
“I did not know you cared for that kid that much. Is it because he’s Ming’s grandson?”
“Yes. Ming specifically asked me to take care of him. Shelter him from all this nonsense if possible.”
“Sad to say, but in the current era, no business can grow rich and famous without any meddling from the political scene. Even if one managed to steer away from politics, he or she would still get affected by the indirect influences of it.”
“That is why it’s best to get Jin now, eh?” Hou Fei could not deny Ya Bai’s reasoning.
“That’s one of the reasons. Although, perhaps more importantly is that our Tiger Princess seems to have taken a liking to Jin. Let’s not forget that the kid also saved our Clan Head. All the more for us to interfere with Jin’s life.” Ya Bai vaguely reminded Hou Fei that the Snakes did not have anything like that could keep Jin at their side except for Hou Fei’s relation with Ming.
“You might be surprised to learn how close Jin and I have become.” Hou Fei raised his eyebrows for a moment as if he got another secret to keep and a warning that the Snakes can be as protective. “Besides, last I remember was that your clan kinda forced your status on him to use the Portal devices.”
“Heh, he had to prove his usefulness. That’s all I can say.” Ya Bai replied before a short awkward silence filled the air. “…Is he coming to fight in this Monster Horde incident?” Ya Bai changed the topic a little as if they would be expecting him.
“We both know that I’ve contracted him to be our backup plan for the evacuation. As for whether he does anything more than that… well, that’s up to him.” Hou Fei answered even though he knew a bit of the counter offense plan that Lynn had prepared if things went wrong via the System.
It was insurance by the System in case any unexpected clash were to happen between him and other troops.
“Heh, that alone is enough information.” Ya Bai sneered as he handed a Royal Tiger Battalion Badge Pass to Hou Fei. “Give this to him once you see him. It should prove useful if he comes into contact with any of the private contractors.”
“You make it sound as if it’s a sure thing I will meet him.”
“Doesn’t seem impossible since we all have the portal devices now.” Ya Bai grinned as he put out his cigarette and he waved goodbye to Hou Fei without looking at him.
“Nice private chat. Once this is all over, feel free to come and pay us a visit. I’ll let my wife prepare your favourite meal again.”
“Does the System need to subdue that particular General?” The System asked, and Hou Fei smirked.
“Nah, he is just as resourceful as the Snake’s Head. No wonder they sometimes say that competent Tigers are good stalkers.” Hou Fei answered the System, and the badge immediately disappeared from his hand.
“Ah, Sir!” A Royal Snake Soldier finally found his General.
“Damn it, so much for taking a nap.” Hou Fei complained, and the Royal Snake Soldier saluted and apologised.
“Apologies, General. Colonel Chen Lai needs you at the frontline as soon as possible. They’ve are going to commence the sweep at 1100hrs.” The Royal Snake Soldier reported.
“I thought Colonel Kan Jian was getting a few APCs (Armoured Personnel Carrier) and an Apache helicopter from Shanghai before we start?” Hou Fei threw his cigarette butt on the floor and squashed it.
“General, there are new and sudden activities being caught on the radar. They are approaching fast. Approximately moving at 50km/hr. That is why Colonel Chen Lai decided to proceed with the sweep.” The Royal Snake Soldier reported.
“That is weird. Way too weird. God damn it. Is it really true that this is an intentional act?!” Hou Fei gripped his hands as those thoughts went through his head. The Royal Snake Soldier merely stood there waiting for his General.
“Did Major Boon Tiong contact the Horse Clan in Dongguan about it already?”
“Sorry General, I’m not aware. I will pass the message after I complete my current orders.”
“It’s fine, belay that order. Lead the way.” Hou Fei ordered as he took his phone and called the General of the Royal Horse Battalion.
