Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 607 596: Untimely Call (Part 2)

"Damn! What did I say? What did I say? That Liu Fugui is a damn no-good scoundrel. Last time, I told you all that those robbers were sent by that old fox Liu Fugui, but you guys didn't believe me. Now, see? You've all heard the truth, haven't you."

Once again, Wang Qiang tossed a piece of beef tendon into his mouth, looking like someone who had just proven an elder right.

Everyone nodded silently, which undoubtedly indicated their agreement with Wang Qiang's perspective. This made Wang Qiang very pleased as he turned to his brothers: "Well, Xiaoquan, do you believe me now?"

"Believe what?" Tang Xiaoquan asked knowingly with a smile, wearing an innocent expression.

"Come on! Believe what? Of course about the villa being attacked. Now you should believe that the bandits are linked to Liu Fugui, right?"

"Oh? Why is that?"

"Geez! Don't play dumb with me! Seeing Tang Xiaoquan's feigned nonchalance, Wang Qiang couldn't help but purse his lips: "Earlier, did you not catch the hints in Old Xu and Huang's conversation?"

"Huh? Hints? Qiang, I honestly didn't catch them. So, what, was there something deeper in that call? Where? Tell me about it!" Tang Xiaoquan deliberately looked around at everyone, acting as if seeking answers, finally resting his gaze on Wang Qiang.

"Geez!" Shaking his head, Wang Qiang didn't realize Tang Xiaoquan was toying with him. He put down the bamboo chopsticks in his hand and said seriously: "Isn't it obvious? Why didn't you catch it? Let me ask you—why did Huang Yong contact us neither early nor late, but now of all times?"

"Why?" Tang Xiaoquan still wore that signature innocent smile, which Wang Qiang found most irritating during their debates: "His intention wasn't really to drink; he himself said the rendezvous with the bandits was set for the day after tomorrow, yet he contacted us two days early, right after our clash with the bandits. I ask you, is there such a coincidence?"

Tang Xiaoquan continued to smile without responding.

"Darn it! What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm just listening humbly to your analysis." Feigning a look of grievance, Tang Xiaoquan quickly hid his smile, with a mournful face.

"Sigh!" Obviously feeling helpless, Wang Qiang had to continue explaining: "Think about it, we just drove away those punks this morning, and Huang contacted us by evening to inquire about the situation. What does that imply? It shows Liu Fugui isn't foolish; he must've sensed from our last contact that we might suspect him. So, after his plan failed, he immediately had Huang contact us to see our reaction and plan his next move accordingly."

"Hmm, makes sense. Is that all?" This time, Tang Xiaoquan didn't joke, but instead looked at Wang Qiang with a serious face, without a hint of a smile.

"Yeah, that's all, why?"

"OK, that's good. Now I'll talk about my own humble opinions for your reference.

"First, Qiang, your analysis is very logical. I think everyone here generally agrees with you, finding it suspicious that Liu Fugui contacted us at this time, am I right?"

Everyone exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

"However..."

After affirming Wang Qiang's analysis, Tang Xiaoquan suddenly changed his tone, and his gaze became sharp: "However, my view is precisely opposite to Qiang's. Yes, previously, due to a lack of information, I couldn't ascertain if Liu Fugui was involved, but through today's conversation between Old Xu and Huang Yong, I feel the factory should be unrelated to this matter."

"Oh? What's your reasoning?"

"The reasoning is simple. When Huang Yong called today, Old Xu didn't answer immediately, and everyone heard the anxiety in the caller's tone. He seemed very worried that no one was answering here. Of course, this doesn't necessarily rule him out because it could all be an act. But there's one crucial point—has anyone considered if this whole thing was really orchestrated by the factory, would Liu Fugui, with all his cunning, choose this moment to contact us and expose himself?"

"Why wouldn't he? He's contacting us because we beat them back, wanting to gauge our situation!" Wang Qiang dismissed.

"Oh, really? You think with Liu Fugui's manpower and resources, if the bandits were his people, would he need to communicate so nicely with us after a conflict, when they have all the power? Why would he bother?"

Tang Xiaoquan's words were spoken quite calmly, but to the others, they were like a storm.

Yes, if Liu Fugui were really connected to the bandits, he has plenty of men, guns, and a warehouse full of supplies; he wouldn't need to engage in any amicable discussions with this rundown villa.

Upon hearing this, Xu Renjie nodded slightly, though he still held some differing views in his heart.

Admittedly, various signs aligned with Tang Xiaoquan's logic.

But even so, it couldn't rule out the possibility of Liu Fugui doing it deliberately.

Because for judgments the others could think of, Old Xu believed Liu Fugui would foresee them too.

So he might reverse the strategy to confuse their thoughts intentionally.

As for the notion that his power eliminates the need for politeness, Old Xu did not quite agree with that, for the simple reason that the art of war is about deception.

A wise strategist undermines plans, then diplomacy, and lastly the military.

Thus, Old Xu felt if he were Liu Fugui, he would mix light and dark strategies.

In simple terms, on one hand, he would secretly orchestrate intimidation and looting; on the other, he would feign friendliness and establish trade relations with the villa openly.

In doing so, he could utilize the villa to gather supplies he needs, and then exchange them under the principle of equal trade.

After completing the trade, he would send bandits to plunder them, earning without loss and achieving dual objectives with one move.

Yet, even though Old Xu had this view, he did not clarify it at the dining table, but instead directly ended the discussion: "Alright, everyone has had a long day, don't just stay lost in discussion, quickly eat some hot food, and taste what Xiao Wei has worked hard to prepare."

Meanwhile, while the survivors were contemplating the complicated ties between Liu Fugui and the bandits, over at the factory director's office, the atmosphere was somewhat unusually tense. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you're welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. For mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)