Chapter Thirty-Five: Executing the Kidnapping

The deep winter night fell quickly; by five in the afternoon, dusk had already settled. I parked my car by the curb near the one-way street close to Qianhai, glancing nervously at my watch, palms sweating. The car stereo blared Cui Jian’s hoarse, impassioned singing: “I want to walk from south to north, I want to walk from light to dark, I want everyone to see me, but not know who I am; If you see I’m a little tired, please pour me a bowl of water, if you’ve fallen for me, please kiss my lips; I have these feet, I have these legs, I have mountains and rivers to cross, I want all there is to have, but not hatred or regret…” That old guy could really sing—he made my blood boil. Listening to “I want to walk from south to north, I want to walk from light to dark,” I inexplicably thought of my father. Years ago, my father once asked me, “Are you really going to walk a single path until the end of the road?” I remember it was the first time he heard that I refused to let others sell clams in the market unless they got them from me. I told him, “You don’t understand, this is fair competition. If he doesn’t get his goods from me, why should I let him take over my turf?” My father stared for a long while at the withered grass by the wall, swaying in the wind, before murmuring, “Maybe I don’t understand the rules you vendors live by, but I just can’t stand bullies. Don’t become one of them—our family has never raised a scoundrel.”

I laughed, “How could your son be a scoundrel? I’m a good man, through and through.” My father launched into a long-winded sermon, ending with, “Son, don’t take what isn’t yours. What belongs to someone else is theirs. If you take what you shouldn’t, you’ll pay for it…” Yet here I was, taking what belonged to someone else. But in this day and age, who still plays by the rules? I remembered what the old tycoon Zhao Da Duck once told me in prison: out of a hundred rich men, ninety-nine are rotten to the core.

I leaned over the steering wheel and laughed silently. Damn it—when I become rich, I’ll be the worst of those ninety-nine villains.

Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Tiger: “Brother Kuan, there’s a problem. There’s an extra person in Tang Yiming’s car!”

My brow furrowed instantly. The very thing I feared had happened. We’d tailed him every day, and it was always just Tang Yiming driving alone. Why was there someone else today? I said, voice low, “Don’t panic. Let me think…” Tiger roared, “There’s no time to think, boss—they’ve already driven out the main gate!”

“Who’s driving?”

“Can’t see clearly, looks like a young guy. I suspect he’s a bodyguard—seems sharp.”

“Check the gun, hammer, and duct tape one more time.”

“Checked already, everything’s in place.”

I steeled myself. “Follow them. The plan stays the same!”

Tiger hesitated. “Will that work? The plan’s all out of whack now.”

I switched off the music. “Listen, do as before, just don’t ram his car. Find another way to create a dispute—now!”

The sound of an engine revving came from the phone. I heard Tiger inside say, “Wang Dong, it’s your move. Boss says the plan doesn’t change. We’ll do it in the same spot, but don’t bump his car—start an argument…” Wang Dong’s voice was unusually calm: “Understood. Just drive, I’ll get back to the van.” Tiger said, “Go on, hurry,” then shouted, “Brother Kuan, any other instructions?” I said, “Da Guang’s already in position. Zhao Shuyan is at Chunhua Tea House on Haicheng Pedestrian Street. The rest is up to you.” Tiger’s voice suddenly steadied, “All right. Da Guang did great. In twenty minutes, you should be on the move…”

“Enough talk. Call me in twenty minutes.” I hung up, switched the music back on, and let Cui Jian serve as my soundtrack again: “I want everyone to see me, but not know who I am…” Ha! Wrong, my friend. It should be, “I want you to see me, and know exactly who I am.” Who am I? I’m a guy after money, get it? At this moment, I felt suddenly calm, heart steady, hands dry. I even sang along, “If you see I’m a little tired, please pour me a bowl of water!” No sooner had I finished than my phone rang again—this time it was Da Guang. He sounded nervous: “Kuan, this woman is really tough. Wants to get down to business quick—she has to go home and cook for her husband… You guys haven’t started yet?”

I laughed, “Don’t worry about us. Just keep her busy. I’ll be there in about half an hour. Your job is not to let her leave—do whatever it takes. Tell her you’ve fallen for her, if you have to.”

“Damn, she actually seems to buy it—her eyes are practically glowing. Probably just trying to get a handle on me…”

“Let her. Ha! Rich women love younger men. Use your married-woman killer moves.”

“Young? I’m over thirty. You’re something else, Kuan, joking at a time like this? She’s watching me, gotta go. Hurry up.”

Cars filled this street like a flowing river of lights. For some reason, Zheng Kui’s face kept appearing in my mind. Zheng Kui—if only you were here… I saw Zheng Kui lying on a filthy motel bed, eyes like a starving wolf staring into the darkness, a cold smirk on his lips. What are you laughing at? That I’m making a living the same way you do? Thinking of Zheng Kui made me restless. Enough—time to get to work. I carefully crossed the road, pulled onto the one-way street, which was much less crowded. Up ahead was a downhill slope. I crept forward, trees on either side brushing lazily past the car. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Time for me to act. Still calm, I turned the wheel, blocking that narrow street with my car. I jumped out and started pacing around the vehicle. A car behind me blared its horn incessantly. I spread my hands in apology; the driver switched off his lights, shook his head, and lit a cigarette in the cab. I popped the hood, pretending to check the engine, moving slowly. Soon a long line of cars had backed up; horns blared in a chorus. That smoking driver couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted, “Hey buddy, what’s the problem? Want me to take a look?” I waved my phone at him, “No problem, I’m waiting for a tow truck. Sorry about this.” He grumbled something and pulled his head back inside. I stared at my phone—why hadn’t it rung yet?

Finally, my phone rang. Tiger’s voice was so excited it sounded warped: “It’s done! All finished!”

I leaped into the driver’s seat, fired up the engine, and stuck my head out the window, calling, “All fixed, guys—let’s go!” The moment my car started, the horns behind me fell silent, as if the very air had stopped moving.

Because I’d blocked the road for a while, there were no cars ahead. Soon, I spotted Tiger’s box truck parked on the gravel road leading to Xishizui Village. When Tiger saw me drive up, he suddenly ran out. I deliberately slowed down, letting two cars turn onto the gravel road first, then pressed the gas and followed. The cab was stifling; I rolled down the window, and a gust of cold wind blew in, giving me a sudden shiver, goosebumps rising on my neck.

Good, the first step was finally complete… I let out a long breath, craning my neck out the window to see if Tang Yiming’s BMW was up ahead, but saw nothing. The road was too narrow; I tried to overtake several times but couldn’t, so I just stuck close to the car in front. A stone jolted my tire, the car shook, and I suddenly laughed—just now I’d thought myself a masterful commander, but I’d gotten confused. Tang Yiming’s BMW should now be driven by Wang Dong, heading through the city on the one-way street, maybe already parked in the basement of Hualian Department Store. My hand kept reaching for the phone beside the seat, picking it up and putting it down, over and over. What’s the rush? I’d know soon enough. The car soon turned onto the dirt road to Xishizui, with no vehicles ahead or behind. Tiger’s box truck slowed to a stop by the roadside.

The door swung open and Tiger, built like a meatball, rolled out and jogged over with a wicked grin: “Kuan, it went smooth as hell—both bastards are in the truck. You’re done here—go take care of your end. I’ll handle this. Once I march these two into the hideout, it’s over. Go on, I’ll fill you in later.”

I clapped him on the shoulder: “Good man! I’m off—wait for my call.”

Tiger turned and ran, laughing all the way.

I didn’t leave immediately. I lit a cigarette and watched his truck disappear into the sprawling night.

It took me less than ten minutes to dump the car in a quiet spot. On the way, I got another call from Da Guang. This time his tone was relaxed, the tension from earlier gone: “Kuan, that damn woman is a real pain, keeps playing coy—going on about her husband, wanting to go home and cook. I ignored her and dragged her into a private room. Tea, my ass—I ordered a fruit platter and booze! Got that old hag humming drunk… Hey, you guys finished over there?” I was driving too fast to talk, so I just told him, “Hold on for another ten minutes,” and hung up.

A little over ten minutes later, I stood outside Chunhua Tea House. I took a deep breath at the door, then stepped inside. A waiter had just called out “Welcome!” when I pulled him aside: “There’s a young man here with a middle-aged lady. Which room are they in?” The waiter led me upstairs, pointing to a room with a knowing grin: “They’re in there. That lady got dragged in by the young guy…” This kid was as nosy as Lan Xieyan, always running his mouth. I glared at him; the waiter scurried off, covering his mouth like a startled mouse.

I straightened my clothes at the door, then knocked. Da Guang yanked it open: “Kuan, you’re finally here—come save me.” I pushed past him and glanced inside. A well-fed middle-aged woman sat there, looking dazed—clearly unhappy with Da Guang. I reached out a hand: “Ms. Zhao, sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Zhang Kuan.” Zhao Shuyan turned to Da Guang, indignant: “Manager Hou, really! If you’d told me a guest was coming, I wouldn’t have bothered showing up.” Da Guang forced a smile: “Sister Zhao, you don’t know—Chairman Zhang here runs our company. This is a big deal, I had to bring him to discuss it with you. Don’t be upset—Chairman Zhang is an honest man. Whatever price you want, you can negotiate with him—I can’t decide.” Zhao Shuyan arched an eyebrow at me: “Chairman Zhang, why do you look so familiar?” I smiled, “I have a common face—everyone thinks they’ve seen me before.” Then I shot Da Guang a look, “Go get a good bottle of wine. I’ll talk business with Ms. Zhao over drinks.” Da Guang understood and slipped out.

I sat across from Zhao Shuyan, adopting a graceful pose and pulling out my phone: “Tiger, you can start now.”

Zhao Shuyan ran a delicate finger through the hair falling over her face: “Chairman Zhang, you must be very busy.”

I smiled, “Not really—just a bit busier than usual today. I’ll have more time soon. Ms. Zhao, you seem less than thrilled to see me.”

With two slender fingers, she drew a cigarette from the box on the table, letting me light it for her, saying primly, “You’re overthinking it. I just feel your arrival was a bit sudden—as if you’re not here just to talk business. If you have something to say, say it straight. I don’t like people who beat around the bush.” I tilted my head and smiled, “You have a sharp eye, Ms. Zhao. You’re right—I’m not just here to talk about your ad contract. There’s a small matter I’d like to discuss first. Let me introduce myself properly: my name is Zhang Kuan…” The muscles in Zhao Shuyan’s face tightened, as if every nerve was drawn toward her nose. “Zhang Kuan? Why are you looking for me? You used to…” I cut her off, “What I used to be doesn’t matter. What I am now, and what I will be, are irrelevant. I just want you to understand what kind of person I am. I think you already have some idea, but let me repeat it: I’m a beast who never gives up until I get what I want.”

Her hand was trembling so badly she couldn’t hold her cigarette, which kept slipping through her fingers. I took it and set it in the ashtray. The smoke curled up, twisting quickly into a blue rope. She couldn’t speak; I could almost hear her teeth chattering. After a moment of silence, I touched her hand lightly: “Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you—we have no grudge, no reason to go against each other. I just need some money. This is a drop in the bucket for your family—you won’t notice it missing. But for someone like me, it’s a huge sum. I can use it to feed my family, my brothers, maybe even buy a house like yours…”

Just then, Zhao Shuyan’s phone rang. She grabbed it like a lifeline, her whole body jolting as if struck by lightning, and answered: “Yiming, where are you? I’ve been kidnapped… ah?! Oh my god…” Tears streamed down her face. “It’s my husband’s number, my husband’s number… what have you done to him?” I gestured for her to keep listening. She held the phone with both hands, pressing it to her ear. The voice on the other end was calm, a standard baritone. I didn’t move closer, but caught fragments: I’m fine… don’t worry, do as they say. Zhao Shuyan nodded repeatedly, “Yiming, don’t resist them. I know who they are… I’m fine, he’s very reasonable… Don’t worry, but where am I supposed to get so much money? Yiming, say something…” She slowly turned to me, “Please, call them for me… No, please call your friends—I’ll do whatever you say. Just don’t hurt my husband… Please, I beg you…” I motioned for her to sit, lit a cigarette and handed it to her: “Ms. Zhao, don’t worry. I just want money—nothing else. Now, tell me: what did your husband say?”

“He said your people are asking for five million. He agreed. He told me to get it ready right away… Where am I supposed to find so much money?”

“Heh, it’s certainly a bit difficult for you.” I frowned. Damn it, we agreed on ten million. Why is it half?

“Please—could you ask your friends to take less?” Zhao Shuyan seemed much calmer now, her tears dried, her gaze vacant.

“No. I never go back on my word. Five million—no less.”

“How many days will it take to scrape that together…” She was clutching her chest so hard I could almost see her skin.

“Don’t haggle with me. I know your family’s finances—this is nothing for you. But losing a loved one over a sum like this isn’t worth it. That’s not your family’s style. As for my style, I think I’ve made it clear.” I smiled coolly and stood up. “I’m leaving. I don’t want to waste any more time. Remember: five million, not a penny less. I want it in cash by this time tomorrow night. My people will stay with you at all times—think carefully, don’t do anything rash. Your lives—yours and your husband’s—are in my hands. My men will help you get the money, you just need to handle the paperwork. We’ll use your car for now, and return it after I have the cash. Also, there will be plenty of my people watching when you do this. If anything goes wrong, you, your husband, even your son in England… Oh, that’s the last thing I’ll say to you.”

“Wait,” Zhao Shuyan grabbed my sleeve. “You keep talking about money—what about the people?”

“All right, one last thing. The money comes, the people go. That’s it.”

“Chairman Zhang, I’m confused…” Her face was returning to normal color. “Why do you need cash? I can give you a check.”

What do you take me for, an idiot? I shook off her hand, opened the door, and called Da Guang in: “If she has questions, explain it to her. I’m leaving.”

Da Guang played the apologetic fool, spreading his hands: “Sister Zhao, sorry, I didn’t know it’d turn out like this.”

Zhao Shuyan slumped into her chair. “Enough talk… Chairman Zhang, take care.”

I flashed a firm look at Da Guang and strode out the door.

The pedestrian street was crowded—some rushing past, more strolling idly. I saw two kids with bleached hair trailing an elegant young woman, edging closer and closer to her handbag. Those two punks were about to pick her pocket. I let out a loud laugh—“Ha!”—and they froze, instantly scattering. The woman shot me a glare and I clearly heard her mutter “lunatic” before striding into a boutique, hips swinging. The two punks stared after her, hungry dogs watching a bone arc across the sky. I crooked my finger at them; they exchanged glances and melted into the crowd. Cowards—I was just going to toss them some cash. Soon, I’ll be swimming in money.

I strolled into a shadowy corner and dialed Tiger’s phone. After a long ring, he answered: “How’s it going on your end?” I replied offhandedly, “Just as expected—smooth as silk. And you?” Tiger laughed, “About the same. I’ll never understand the rich. Guess what? Old Tang, always acting like a big shot, wet himself—ruined his Versace. Does he even appreciate brands? And the driver? Not a bodyguard at all—just a temp worker from the factory, called in last minute. Bad luck for him. He kept whining that it wasn’t his business, wanted to go home. Wang Dong kicked him twice—he didn’t even know how to cry. Oh, Wang Dong’s here. He can watch the driver, I’ll watch Old Tang. Go home and get some sleep—meet here tomorrow. Oh, and Old Tang didn’t see our faces—he’s still blindfolded… Wait! Actually, why not come by yourself? He keeps saying his eyes hurt, wants to take off the tape. Since you’re already in the clear…”

After hanging up, I removed the SIM card and tossed it on the ground, switched back to my original card, and walked out leisurely.

I flagged down a motorcycle taxi and was back in Xishizui Village in less than a minute.