Chapter Thirty-Six: An Imperfect Ending

Standing at the entrance of the village, I exhaled a long breath. Suddenly, my entire body tingled, as if an electric current was released, a sensation akin to regaining deep tranquility after a suffocating spell. It was as if a gentle breeze scattered my body, dissolving me into countless droplets, drifting away into the endless night sky. The moonlight was like water, the ground before me was littered with patches of leftover snow, glowing a faint blue beneath the moon. Squaring my shoulders, I stepped into the courtyard beside the fish-drying ground.

This courtyard was truly secluded. To the west lay the vast fish-drying ground, silent and still; to the east, a small, polluted river gurgled by, its waters the only sound. With no gate, I found myself right at the house’s door. The building had four rooms in all. The two on the east were pitch-black; the one to the west was lit, but the drawn curtain revealed nothing inside. I stood outside, listening for a while, but inside was deathly quiet. I raised my hand and knocked.

“Who is it?” Tiger’s voice came, rough and gruff, as if echoing out of a detention center toilet.

“It’s me—your grandfather, Zhang Kuan,” I replied, suppressing the thrill in my heart.

“What’s the point of knocking? Why not just call?” Tiger yanked me inside.

“I forgot. Is everyone here?” I squared my shoulders again.

“They’re here.” Tiger grabbed my arm. “Each of the two east rooms has one person. Old Tang is in the innermost one… What’s your plan?”

“Did you take the tape off him?”

“Not yet. I don’t want him to see me.”

Wang Dong poked his head out from inside. “Second Brother, you’re here?” Tiger shushed him, then turned to me. “Let me tell you how we did it… I was efficient. I had Wang Dong hide in the truck bed, tailing Tang Yiming’s car the whole way, keeping two vehicles between us. On the one-way street, the two cars ahead turned off elsewhere. I sent you the signal—after that, no one followed us. I sped up a bit and nudged his car with mine, then started cursing out Tang Yiming’s driver, blaming him for not knowing how to drive. The plan was, if the driver ignored me, I’d keep up the act and provoke him, hoping he’d pull over for an argument. Who knew the guy was an idiot? At my first curse, he stopped, maybe thinking I was alone and not dangerous. The moment he got out, I showed my weapon! By then, Wang Dong had already rushed up and yanked Tang Yiming out. The two of them were so scared they barely resisted as we forced them into our car. We taped up their eyes and limbs right away. Wang Dong got into their car… It was dark, and with the tension, they probably didn’t even get a good look at us. Once here, we separated them—Old Tang was obedient; apart from asking why we wanted him, he didn’t make a sound. The driver resisted at first but quieted after Wang Dong kicked him a few times. Ha, that guy must not have seen much action before—he was even sobbing earlier. Now he’s actually asleep… After your call, I had Tang Yiming phone his wife to ask for five million. He refused, said even if we killed him, he couldn’t get that much. We argued for a bit and finally, he said he could raise a million. I agreed; the less time we take, the better. You get me, right? Well, my task is basically done. Since you’re here, why don’t you handle the rest while I lay low for a while?”

Five million became one million… Well, that’ll do. I nodded. “Fine. Is he still lucid?”

“Very much so—just asked me for a drink. I gave him two bottles, but don’t let him get drunk.”

Lighting a cigarette, I said, “Go hang out in Wang Dong’s room. I’ll speak to Mr. Tang myself.”

The room next door was lit by a dim yellow bulb, a thick quilt draped over the window. A disheveled, chubby man lay slumped on the kang, unmoving. With his eyes taped shut, I couldn’t read his expression.

Looking at him, I kept muttering to myself, Zhang Kuan, have some shame, have some shame. All I could see was the kindly gaze from the face on a banknote.

Tang Yiming didn’t seem to notice someone had entered. I stood there for a long time; he didn’t move an inch. I clenched my teeth and cleared my throat. “Good evening, Mr. Tang.”

Tang Yiming started, trying to turn over, but with his limbs bound, he could only squirm. “Who are you?” he asked.

I sat on the kang, unpeeling the tape from his eyes as I smiled. “Open your eyes and you’ll know. Slowly, don’t let the light hurt.”

He was cautious, keeping his eyes shut even after I’d removed the tape. “Let me keep them closed a bit longer. Who are you?”

I saw then that he was rather handsome. A few years younger and he’d be quite the catch.

“No more questions—open your eyes, take a good look, and remember me for your police report.” I patted his face.

Eventually, he squinted, slowly opening his eyes, glancing me up and down. “Hey, you look familiar… You are? I can’t recall… I don’t think I know you.”

I took the cigarette from my lips and stuck it between his. “The name’s Zhang Kuan.”

Tang Yiming shuddered. “Zhang Kuan? Zhang Yi’s younger brother…”

I cut him off. “Have we met before?”

“No, but I’ve heard a lot about you two brothers. Your brother is quite something… Mr. Zhang, could you untie my hands? It’s unbearable.”

“Of course. No need for suffering here.” I obliged. “You really are a big boss—when I was in prison, I was tied up daily. All right, move your hands a bit.”

Tang Yiming flexed his wrists, steadied himself against the windowsill, and elegantly did a few stretches, a smile reappearing on his face. “Mr. Zhang, you’re a reasonable man. I don’t mind paying, but a man’s dignity ought to be kept.”

I couldn’t tell if he was complimenting or mocking me, so I got straight to the point. “Mr. Tang, I just spoke to your wife. She’s sensible and is doing what you instructed. Tell me, will raising a million be difficult?”

Tang Yiming gave a wry smile. “Of course it’s hard, but… your colleague explained your situation. I’m no hero, just a small businessman who values his life. I’ve heard of you, Mr. Zhang. You want money, I want to live—that’s our deal. I have nothing more to say.”

“Hahaha!” I threw my head back and laughed. “Straightforward—Mr. Tang is a straight talker!”

“Heh,” Tang Yiming laughed too. “I have just one question: how long are you planning to keep me?”

“That depends,” I said, handing him a beer. “Maybe a day, maybe two, maybe…”

“May I call my wife again?” Tang Yiming wiped the bottle with his hand, sounding calm.

“You may.” I pulled out my phone. “Let me make a call first.” I dialed Daguang. “How’s it going, brother?”

“All smooth. I’m with your sister at their house—we’ve got three hundred thousand already. Just waiting to go to the bank tomorrow.”

“Good. Treat her well. We’re all civilized people.” I handed Tang Yiming the phone. “Your turn.”

Tang Yiming pushed my hand back. “I’ll use my own.” I turned off my phone and handed him his from the windowsill. He powered it on and, dialing, muttered, “Damn, so many missed calls—these guys… Hello, Yan? It’s Yiming. How’s the money coming along? Oh… Listen, go find Little Cai. He has half a million. Add what we have, and you can get eight hundred thousand together. The rest, go to the Construction Bank first thing in the morning…”

I snatched the phone away. “Sorry, Mr. Tang, but I have to give you a lesson in politics. Playing tricks with me? Who’s Little Cai? Who is he? Let me be clear—I want to deal only with you and your wife. I don’t want anyone else involved. Got it?”

Tang Yiming looked deeply aggrieved, almost in tears. “You’ve got it wrong, Mr. Zhang. Little Cai manages our company’s finances—most of our cash is with him. Without his note, I can’t access some of the money myself…”

I laughed. “Really? Do you think your company is a state enterprise? You’re in private business, like me. Why can’t you control your own money?”

Tang Yiming grew anxious. “It’s true! If I’m lying, I’m a dog… no, I’m…”

“What you are doesn’t matter. All I know is, you’re my bargaining chip now. One slip, and you’re dead.”

“Mr. Zhang, we were talking nicely just now, how did things turn so suddenly…”

“We’re not on the same wavelength. You’re a businessman, I’m a bandit. You’d better grasp our positions first.”

“I understand… But business hinges on trust. I pay, you release me. I’m doing this to end things quickly.”

“And if I don’t agree to your terms?”

“Then there’s nothing I can do but wait it out. I’ll endure.”

I was about to lose my temper when my phone rang—Daguang again. “Brother Kuan, this lady wants to see someone named Cai…”

I cut him off. “She’s not going anywhere. Keep her calm, and I’ll have Old Tang call her soon.”

I hung up and squinted at Tang Yiming. “Think carefully. My patience is limited.”

Tang Yiming slumped against the wall. “There’s really nothing I can do… Let my wife go to the bank tomorrow and then collect from my other businesses. Honestly, I have money, but producing a million in cash right away is tough.”

I stared at him, feeling that he might not be lying… If he was telling the truth, I could take that money first, and maybe forget the rest. After all, this sort of thing can’t drag on for long. It was worth the risk! At least I already had three hundred thousand from his home—worst-case scenario, if things went south, I could disappear with that. I remembered, back in prison, I’d had such thoughts: if I couldn’t stand it anymore, I’d follow Zheng Kui, live the real underworld life! Back then, I was a wolf—let Jia Guan, Yang Bo, and Xizhen all go to hell. If grudges came up later, I’d face them openly—live day by day, maybe even with style… If it came to it, I’d leave the country—Russia, Romania, even Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia. My brothers would survive without me—Laishun was about to start a family; I could give my most dependable brother a hundred thousand to set him up. At this thought, I smiled, slowly drawing my Model 67, spinning my finger through the trigger guard in circles. “Mr. Tang, I’m not in a hurry. I’ve got all the time in the world to play with you. But you? Do you have time to play with me? You’re here—what about your business? Aren’t you worried about your wife and son? Think hard about which is more important.”

“Mr. Zhang, I want to settle this quickly, but if you won’t cooperate… we’ll just have to wait it out.”

“Is that so?” I slowly aimed the gun at his head. “Do you really think I want to sit here wasting time with you?”

“I don’t believe you’ll kill me,” Tang Yiming’s forehead broke out in sweat. “For a measly million…”

“I will.” I slowly released the safety. “See? One flick of my finger and—ha.”

Tang Yiming shut his eyes. “You won’t, you won’t… I don’t believe it.” With two fingers, I pried his eyelids open. “Go on, pray.”

Tang Yiming’s breathing suddenly grew rapid. “You won’t, you won’t… Brother, wait!”

I ignored him. “Pray. I’ll start counting. One, two…”

“Brother, listen to me!” Sweat and tears ran down Tang Yiming’s face. “Put down the gun and hear me out. If I try any tricks, shoot me on the spot…”

I slid the barrel down his forehead to his lips. “Speak. One last chance—remember that.”

“Mr. Zhang,” Tang Yiming was weaker than a dying man on an operating table, barely able to hold himself up. “What I said was all true… Little Cai really has half a million in cash. Part of it’s for Secretary Liang tomorrow, part for… well, other things. It’s all needed for tomorrow, or I wouldn’t have left so much cash with him. Mr. Zhang, let me call him. I’ll say I ran into Secretary Liang’s wife on my way home and am treating her to dinner. I want to give her all the money at once. Let me talk, listen in—if you sense anything off, shoot me, I won’t complain. Then let your brother go with my wife to get the money; she’ll tell him you’re Secretary Liang’s relative… If he can’t get the money, your brother can just shoot me. Mr. Zhang, believe me—at this point, do you think I’d dare…?”

I nudged his lips with the gun barrel. “Fine, I’ll trust you this once. Call.”

Tang Yiming, trembling, switched on his phone, grabbed the beer bottle, and downed it in one go, gasping for breath. I yanked off his tie, polishing my gun with it, watching him coldly.

Catching his breath, he dialed a number with shaking hands. Before he could speak, I snatched the phone away. On the other end, a deferential voice: “Mr. Tang? I tried calling earlier, but your phone was off…” So he wasn’t lying—this had to be Little Cai. I handed the phone back, signaling Tang Yiming to be steady. He cleared his throat. “Little Cai, no time for talk. I’m having dinner with Secretary Liang’s wife. In a bit, Aunt Zhao will come to your place—give her all the cash, I need it. Don’t ask questions—it’s not your concern. Get ready, Secretary Liang’s relative will come with Aunt Zhao. I want this done in one go. That’s it, do as I say.”

Tang Yiming was a true business veteran—not a wasted word. I patted his shoulder. “Well done, you’re honest. Now call your wife.”

Tang Yiming dialed Zhao Shuyan’s mobile. “It’s settled with Mr. Zhang. Go with his friend to Little Cai’s house. The money’s ready—call me once you have it.”

I took the phone. “Sister Zhao, it’s Zhang Kuan. Here’s the deal: give the money and the car to my brother. Once I talk to him, Mr. Tang goes free. What? No, I promise—I met you both in person to show you my credibility. If I break the rules, you can report me; that’d be suicide for me. Do you understand?”

Zhao Shuyan choked up. “Thank you, Mr. Zhang… I’m so confused, I don’t know what to do…”

I soothed her like a child. “It’s all right, your husband already told you what to do. Go on, now.”

Hanging up, I called Daguang. “Follow her to Little Cai’s house. Stay alert. Go.”

Tang Yiming’s shoulders sagged, and he let out a huge sigh. “Thank heavens…”

I put away the gun, opened two beers with my teeth, handed him one, and clinked bottles. “Cheers!”

Tang Yiming waved it off. “Mr. Zhang, I can’t drink—I feel sick. Let me close my eyes a while.”

I drained my bottle, set it down, and laughed. “Then rest a bit. Here, let me cover your eyes again.”

Tang Yiming’s eyes widened. “Again? You just took it off!”

I turned his head, not taking no for an answer. “Yes, again. You should be happy—it means you’ll soon be free. I just don’t want you to know where you are.” As I spoke, I taped his eyes. “It can’t be helped; who knows, you might want to revisit someday—ha.”

Tang Yiming shook his head. “Fine, go ahead… Revisit? I doubt I’d be that sentimental. What about my hands? Tied too?”

I smiled. “No need; soon you’ll be on your way. Once you’re at the drop, my brother will untie your eyes and legs.”

Tang Yiming shuddered. “On my way? Mr. Zhang, you… you’re not going to…?”

I patted his face. “Relax, Old Tang. I promised your wife—there’s honor among thieves.” I then called Daguang, telling him to wait for Wang Dong’s car before making a move. Tang Yiming, hearing this, slumped back, silent.

I went to the next room. Tiger and Wang Dong were fiddling with playing cards, as if telling fortunes. I called Wang Dong to the front room and instructed him, “Grab your gear and head to Old Tang’s house. Follow Daguang’s car. If anything seems off, save Daguang—but don’t shoot unless it’s life or death. He has a lot of money; once he’s safe, leave and contact me. If all goes well, keep your distance and wait for Daguang’s call; when safe, both of you return to us. Go.”

Once Wang Dong left, I returned to Tang Yiming’s room. The room was cold; Tang Yiming was shivering. I pulled the quilt down from the window and covered him, turned off the light, and watched him quietly, as a leopard might admire its prey dragged up a tree.

After a while, Tang Yiming spoke. “Mr. Zhang, at this point, I have nothing more to say. When you get the money, you should live a good life. Doing this won’t last. You may not like to hear this, but I have to say it—have you ever seen someone like you come to a good end?”

I smiled. “Mr. Tang, what you do and what I do aren’t so different—yours is in the open, mine in the shadows. If your business were all above board, why would you be paying off officials? We’re the same, you and I.”

Tang Yiming disagreed. “I do it for better development…”

I cut him off. “And I don’t? Save your lectures.”

Tang Yiming sighed. “You’re right, what’s the point in lecturing you?”

Tiger came in, rubbing his neck. “Damn, Old Tang’s gone back to being a millstone’s donkey.”

Tang Yiming replied awkwardly, “Brother, I find it easier to talk with Mr. Zhang.”

Tiger laughed. “Rightly so—he’s our boss… I can tell you’re more relaxed now.”

Tang Yiming forced a smile. “Wouldn’t you be? A million to buy a life.”

I changed the subject. “I hear, Mr. Tang, that you started from nothing. Care to tell us your story?”

Tang Yiming sighed. “Sure. I was born in a different era from you… I was once called Tang Jianguo, a name my father gave me. After he passed, I changed it after graduating college—to Yiming, because I wanted to make a splash…” Then, in a low voice, he recounted his journey from college graduate to businessman. He started with an appliance repair shop—back then, appliances were rare and expensive; repairing a TV cost as much as buying one now. Within two years, he expanded into sales, and from there, step by step, he got to where he was, enduring much hardship along the way… As he spoke, he grew passionate. “Life is brief, money is just an external thing. Does having a lot of money make you happy? No… Look at me now. If I were a pauper…” I couldn’t take it anymore and interrupted. “Save the speeches, Mr. Tang. I’m just a middle school grad—I can’t follow your philosophy. Rest. You’ll be leaving soon. Last word of advice: if you want to live, stay out of my way.”

Damn, I really wasn’t a good man—I cursed myself inwardly. But another voice echoed in my mind: Good man? Good men have all died off. Are there any left? If so, they must be hybrids of crocodiles and turtles! I’d barely finished that thought when my phone rang. Thinking it was Daguang, I picked up.

Instead, it was Laishun. “Dad, where are you?”

I didn’t answer directly, asking what he wanted.

Laishun said he was on the train home and wanted to know my shoe size.

What a filial child. I said, “Don’t ask me about shoes—I’ve told you before, I don’t like new shoes.”

Laishun joked, “Dad, you’re only fit for worn-out shoes. Never mind, I’ll just guess.”

Hanging up, I grinned at Tiger. “Having a son really feels pretty good.”

Tiger said, “Pretty good? I think Laishun is just like you were back in the day.”

I was about to kick him when Tang Yiming muttered, “Why is there still no news?”

I patted his quilt. “Don’t worry, some are even more anxious than you.”

Just then, my phone rang again. This time I steadied myself, worried it was another pointless call like Laishun’s. But seeing the number, I sighed in relief—Daguang! I had a feeling we’d succeeded. Holding my breath, I asked, “How did it go?”

Daguang sounded calmer than me. “I made a decision on my own—I took the three hundred thousand here. I couldn’t drag it out… Zhao Shuyan is home; I’m on the road.”

I sighed. “That’s fine. Come back. Do you see Wang Dong’s car?”

Daguang was confused. “Wang Dong’s car?”

I said, “Look behind you—maybe he’s right there.”

After a pause, Daguang replied, “I see him. Brother Kuan, you’re sharp… Should I contact him?”

Thinking, I said, “Drive somewhere quiet, then contact him. Call Zhao Shuyan, give her the car, reassure her—her husband will be home soon.”

After hanging up, I felt light on my feet. I nudged Tang Yiming. “Mr. Tang, get up—you can go home now.”

Tang Yiming let out a braying “Ah!” and leapt up. “I’m leaving, I’m leaving—thank you, Mr. Zhang.”

I laughed, pulled him off the kang, and even kissed him on the cheek. “Off you go, then.”

Tiger was ready, eyes blazing as he gripped the still-dazed driver. “Let them go?”

I nodded. “Let them go.”

Tiger, energized, slung Tang Yiming over his shoulder like a sack and rushed out.

Watching them leave, I paced the hall, my heart suddenly pounding in my chest—a strange feeling, itchy with excitement. In the tensest moments, I’d felt nothing, but now, with success in hand, my heart thudded wildly, as if a man struck senseless didn’t feel pain until his assailant had vanished into the distance.

I checked each room. Aside from cigarette butts and empty bottles, nothing was amiss. I switched off the lights, locked the door quietly, and, standing in the courtyard, exhaled fiercely at the sky, squared my shoulders, and strode out.

At Tang Yiming’s BMW, I called Tiger down. “Drop them at the one-way street, then get out—their hands are free, Tang Yiming can untape the driver. Then let’s go to Wang Dong’s place, split the money, and go our own ways.”

Tiger was so excited he could barely speak. “The money? Where’s Daguang? We got it all?”

I shoved him. “Quit yapping, go—I’ll follow.”

Tiger shot back to the BMW, and the car vanished down the road.

Turning back, I pulled Wang Dong into a bear hug. “Brother, no matter how much we got, at least now we can finally breathe easy!”