Mercenary’s War

Chapter 2294 - 2270: Greed

Liang Dong spoke a candid truth; greed is man’s original sin. As long as one exists in this world, there is no avoiding greed.

But mere greed alone isn’t a good reason to give up a stable job to become a mercenary and earn blood money.

Money is something everyone loves, robbing a bank is quick money, but hardly anyone robs banks; why? It’s because the risk is too high, and getting caught means death. Even a desperado wouldn’t resort to this unless there’s no other way, because the risk is too high and far outweighs the benefits.

Being a mercenary isn’t much different; it’s still a business where you trade your life for cash. The previous invitation from Satan to Liang Dong was declined. Now he’s got a stable high income, and he’s opting to risk his life for money, which is hard to understand.

Gao Yang is not a boss who’s fond of setting up obstacles for people, but Liang Dong’s inconsistent attitude makes him uneasy if he doesn’t get a clear answer.

"So, what exactly makes you greedier now? There must be some reason."

After Gao Yang asked indifferently, Liang Dong sighed long and said, "Before, the thought of earning one hundred thousand dollars a year was something I didn’t dare to dream of. At that time, I felt that having enough money to spend was enough, and one hundred thousand dollars a year would surely be sufficient. But now, when I actually can earn that much in a year, my appetite has grown and can’t be satisfied anymore."

Gao Yang nodded and said, "That’s right, it’s basically like that for everyone."

Liang Dong said solemnly, "I am a cook, and the profession of a chef, when doing well, is also a high-income profession, but it’s not one where you can amass a fortune. The opportunity you’ve given, no matter where, is the pinnacle for a cook, right?"

Gao Yang smiled and said, "Not a chef, but a cook soldier. That soldier word is very important; without it, it’s not worth anything."

Liang Dong nodded and said, "I understand; ultimately, you still want a soldier, just a relatively special kind. As for me, I want to return home. My parents are old now, and I wish to work for two years, earn enough money to last a lifetime, and then go home. Apart from you, there hasn’t been such an opportunity anywhere else."

Gao Yang laughed and said, "Have you thought that if you work for me, you might never return?"

Liang Dong nodded and said, "I’ve thought about it. Of course, I’ve thought about it many times, but people, you know, everyone wants to be magnificent and live in luxurious homes and drive nice cars. Earning one million dollars a year, converted into Renminbi, after two years amounts to over ten million. Otherwise, with my skills, I wouldn’t be able to save that much in my lifetime elsewhere. So, if there’s a chance, why not try? Being a mercenary is risky, but not certainly deadly; otherwise, there wouldn’t be anyone doing it. Maybe I’ll survive the two years, right?"

Gao Yang nodded and picked up the knife and fork to continue eating. Then Liang Dong said, "Do you want to use chopsticks? I can get a pair for you."

Gao Yang answered nonchalantly, "Without chopsticks, I can use a knife and fork. I have many choices, but I only have one life. Have you made up your mind?"

Liang Dong nodded and said, "I’ve made up my mind. I know what you’re worried about. Rest assured, since I’m going to follow you, I’m prepared for the worst. No matter what happens, I won’t regret it!"

Gao Yang nodded and said, "As for money, other mercenary groups account for each battle or month; I’m different. I pay upfront. Once you take the money, you’re my man for the year. If you die, consider it as advance compensation. If you have no objections, pack your things and follow me today."

Liang Dong immediately said, "Sure, straightforward! Following you, I don’t worry about getting paid. Good!"

Karima sighed gently and said, "How should I explain to everyone that you’re leaving?"

Liang Dong was also in a difficult position, furrowing his brow and said, "Can’t we just not tell them?"

Karima said helplessly, "Of course not. It’s very easy to introduce a new benefit, but canceling one is tough."

Whether canceling a benefit is easy or tough, Gao Yang doesn’t concern himself with it. As a boss, he doesn’t need to personally handle such matters.

Gao Yang picked up the steamed bun and said to the two, "Why aren’t you eating? Talk while you eat."

After speaking, Gao Yang looked at Joseph and said, "You too, go eat. Or are you planning to wait till when?"

Joseph said softly, "I can’t eat while you’re eating."

Gao Yang waved his hand and said, "It’s very safe here."

Joseph shook his head and said, "Whether it’s safe or not is not for you to decide, nor for me, but depends on what your enemies think. When I’m the only one protecting you, I absolutely won’t eat at the same time as you."

Gao Yang smacked his lips a few times, sighed, and said, "Alright, every trade has its rules. I won’t force you to break your rules, but how will you deal with eating? You can’t stay hungry forever. I have a lot of matters; my next meal time is uncertain."

Joseph pointed to the specially steamed buns for Gao Yang and said, "What’s this?"

"Steamed bun, one of Huaxia People’s staple foods, one of the staple foods for Northerners."

Joseph reached out and took two steamed buns from the plate, saying, "If you don’t mind, I’ll make this my lunch while you rest."

Gao Yang shrugged, continued eating, while Liang Dong and Karima stood up, each serving themselves meal, then sat back beside Gao Yang.

Now Gao Yang ate quickly, though not as quick as Number Thirteen. After swiftly resolving the meal issue, he wiped his hands with a napkin and said, "Liang Dong, are you planning to send the money back to your home country?"

Liang Dong nodded and said, "I don’t really understand this. I’ve never had this much money to deal with before, so if you indeed give me the money, I honestly don’t know how to manage it."

Gao Yang casually said, "You shouldn’t directly send it home country; though the chance of something happening is slim, it’s still somewhat risky. It’s better to clean the money and have a legitimate reason for sending it back; otherwise, problems might arise."

Liang Dong perplexedly said, "My own money, what problems could arise from sending it back?"

Gao Yang, quite conflicted, said, "Your question shows you don’t understand. Actually, I don’t quite understand either, but I do know that large cash flows without reasonable reasons could attract the attention of anti-money laundering organizations. How shall I put this, one million US dollars isn’t a large amount, but being cautious never hurts. After a complete laundering process, you can use it freely, although there’s a fee; one million might incur a three thousand fee which is borne by the individual."

Liang Dong frowned and thought for a while, saying, "So that’s a deduction of three thousand? That’s quite a lot! Never mind, I feel there won’t be any issues."

Gao Yang spread his hands and said, "Okay, okay, seeing as you don’t understand, let’s not save that bit of money. I’ll just give you a washed one million annual salary, equivalent to a post-tax annual salary. You understand this, right? Later, you’ll get an account with your one million inside."

Just then, Joseph suddenly said, "Sorry, I really shouldn’t be speaking, but I must ask, is this gentleman’s post-tax annual salary really one million?"