Chapter 76: The Conclusion

"How could I dare deceive you, Brother Lin? The moment you arrived, I'd be exposed."
"Alright, wait for me at your commune. Don't go anywhere. I'll report this immediately and head over." After hanging up, Shi Guanglin pondered for a moment, then made another call.
"Dad, my men have discovered a large-scale armory in the mountains. It was probably left behind by the Japanese or the Nationalists. I need a battalion's worth of soldiers to accompany me."
"Are you serious? Take a platoon. And make sure to inform your superiors at the factory and the police as well. Cover all bases."
"Yes, Dad. I'll notify everyone right away."
After finishing his calls, Shi Guanglin immediately got busy.
Xiao Weiguo, having finished his call, wandered around the commune's supply and marketing cooperative, picking up a few things and estimating that it would take an hour or two for them to arrive.
He strolled over to the fish vendor nearby, chatting with Uncle Lu Dayou. Xiao Weiguo truly owed Lu Dayou his gratitude; it was from him that he first heard about clues regarding temporary procurement workers.
Xiao Weiguo wasn't too worried about the site being discovered. If it's been hidden for so long, it wouldn't suddenly be found by someone else in such a short span. He didn't believe his luck was that bad.
After waiting some time, the main road of the commune suddenly filled with the roar of engines. Xiao Weiguo hurried out to see.
Five large Liberation trucks and a jeep arrived. Shi Guanglin sat in the front passenger seat of the jeep. Four of the trucks carried soldiers, while the last carried policemen dressed in white.
"My goodness, what a spectacle!" Xiao Weiguo was astonished.
The street was quickly crowded with curious onlookers, pointing and whispering about the convoy.
Shi Guanglin spotted Xiao Weiguo and waved, having the jeep stop. The rest of the vehicles halted as well.
Xiao Weiguo rushed to the jeep, opened the back door, and climbed in.
Lu Dayou watched as Xiao Weiguo got into the jeep, his eyes filled with envy. In such a short time, Xiao Weiguo had managed to make such connections and could now ride in a jeep. Lu Dayou was already thinking about how to deepen their relationship and pave the way for his own juniors.
"Weiguo, you can't lie to me. Look at the force I've brought. This has already become a political task—we must treat it with utmost seriousness," Shi Guanglin said, turning from the front seat to address Xiao Weiguo in the back.
"Don't worry, Brother Lin. I wouldn't dare lie about such a big matter. I'll lead the way; we'll be there soon," Xiao Weiguo replied resolutely.

After the convoy reached the point where vehicles could go no further, only a few remained to watch the trucks while the rest disembarked and proceeded on foot.
Among the police, Xiao Weiguo spotted Officer Lu Guangrong, whom he'd met during the last theft case.
He greeted Lu Guangrong from afar with a look, and Lu Guangrong returned a surprised glance.
On the way, Shi Guanglin introduced Xiao Weiguo to Platoon Leader Li Sen and Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau, Ma Guangyuan.
Xiao Weiguo recounted to them how he made the discovery.
Soon they arrived, and Shi Guanglin was the first to peer into the cave, instantly stunned.
Excitedly, he said to Xiao Weiguo, "Weiguo, you've done something great! You'll be able to become a full employee soon, mark my words!"
Platoon Leader Li Sen and Deputy Director Ma Guangyuan were equally thrilled. This was a major achievement, and everyone present would share in the credit.
Xiao Weiguo then led them to the front of the warehouse blocked by a large boulder, suggesting this might be the main entrance.
At Li Sen's command, a group of soldiers with various tools gathered. In no time, the boulder was pushed aside, and they could enter.
Shi Guanglin turned to Xiao Weiguo and said solemnly, "Weiguo, I must ask you again: are you certain you didn't take anything from the warehouse? Now is still the time to speak up."
Xiao Weiguo reviewed his actions and confirmed, "I'm sure. I just used a rope to climb down, opened a few crates to see what was inside, then climbed back up. The entrance is so small that only a thin person could fit. What could I possibly take?"
Shi Guanglin nodded, "I trust you, but I'm obliged to ask again. In previous cases, some discoverers took items before reporting—then claimed otherwise. If discovered later, not only do they lose credit, but they're held accountable for disloyalty.
Our team includes specialists who won't overlook the slightest clue.
So, I ask once more: is it as you say?"
Xiao Weiguo replied firmly, "Rest assured, Brother Lin!"
He was confident they wouldn't find anything amiss; he'd used his spatial ability to cheat, and no one could detect a flaw.

Li Sen, hearing Shi Guanglin and Xiao Weiguo finish, waved his hand, and the team entered single file.
Crate after crate was hauled out. Upon inspection, it amounted to seventy-eight boxes of firearms and ammunition, along with several light machine guns and mortars.
Shi Guanglin was grinning from ear to ear, slapping Xiao Weiguo's shoulder and praising his prowess.
Li Sen and Ma Guangyuan were equally delighted.
There was too much to carry in one trip, so half the team stayed to guard the goods while the rest shouldered a portion down the mountain.
They also brought down the wild boar Xiao Weiguo had hunted. He and Shi Guanglin had agreed to deliver it to the factory, processing it through private procurement so Xiao Weiguo would receive payment later.
Xiao Weiguo reminded them to save two hind legs for Li Danui, likely enough for his wedding feast.
He remained to guard the remaining supplies, awaiting the second transport.
"Come on, Weiguo, let's return to the factory. The leaders will want to question you, and you shouldn't stay at the commune any longer," Shi Guanglin said on his second trip down.
"Alright, Brother Lin. I'll sleep in your dormitory tonight, then." With that, Xiao Weiguo climbed into the back seat of the jeep again.
The convoy proceeded mightily toward the city, the Liberation trucks loaded with goods covered by tarpaulins, the team jogging alongside.
On the way, they encountered the brigade secretary, Xiao Gonglin, and other commune officials who had come to investigate the commotion.
Shi Guanglin offered explanations and continued driving into the city.
At the commune, Xiao Weiguo tied his bicycle to the jeep.
After entering the city, Shi Guanglin and Xiao Weiguo's jeep escorted the trucks carrying the goods to the military district before heading to the factory.
After bidding farewell to the jeep driver, Xiao Weiguo wheeled his bicycle, and together with Shi Guanglin, entered the textile factory compound.