"Zhang Tianlong?"
Ming Zhenglong frowned, searching his memory for information on this person. It took him a moment to recall that Zhang Tianlong had been transferred out of the Ming family. The man had a terrible temper and was utterly oblivious to worldly affairs. Though somewhat capable, his self-righteous personality had annoyed the Ming family's higher-ups, leading to his reassignment to the military camp. Unexpectedly, after years apart, Zhang Tianlong still had that same stubborn attitude.
Now, Liu Tiezhu wanted to reuse this man. He could go along with it and do Liu Tiezhu a favor. After weighing the pros and cons, Ming Zhenglong nodded directly. "I approve of Zhang Tianlong's matter. Tomorrow morning, I'll have someone go to the camp to announce the appointment. But as for Jiang He, you'll have to explain it to him yourself."
"Thank you, Third Master. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." With that, Li Tiezhu got up and left the Ming residence.
Returning to the camp, he found Lin Changxing waiting at the entrance of his barracks. "Brother Zhu, Brother Jiang said he wants you to come over again."
"Alright, lead the way." Liu Tiezhu nodded, understanding that Jiang He wanted to discuss the assistant matter. But he had already figured out a solution, and Jiang He wouldn't find any reason to blame him.
Thirty minutes later, the two arrived at Jiang He's quarters. After gesturing for Liu Tiezhu to sit, Jiang He got straight to the point. "Brother Liu, did you just come back from the Ming residence?"
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu put on an angry expression, waving his hand. "Brother Jiang, don't even mention it. This trip to the Ming residence left me fuming. Ming Zhenglong not only gave me a harsh scolding but nearly kicked me out."
Jiang He was taken aback and asked, "What happened? Was he still unsatisfied after you told him about the two properties I gave you?"
Liu Tiezhu said, "He was quite happy when he heard about that. I thought I'd take advantage of his good mood to recommend Lin Changxing as the assistant. But the moment he heard my recommendation was Lin Changxing, his face darkened, and he looked at me with suspicion."
At these words, Jiang He and the other two immediately furrowed their brows. "Is what you're saying true?" After a moment of silence, Jiang He asked with a tone of disbelief.
Liu Tiezhu replied, "Every word I said is true. The way Ming Zhenglong looked at me then was like he was interrogating a criminal. I was stunned, thinking, could he know about our relationship?"
Zhang Zhiliang thought for a moment and chimed in, "The problem probably lies with Lin Changxing. Ming Zhenglong might have discovered that Lin Changxing is one of our people, so when Brother Liu recommended him, Ming Zhenglong reacted that way."
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu felt a secret delight but put on a shocked expression. He needed someone to explain things for him. Now, Zhang Zhiliang's words not only cleared Jiang He's suspicion of him but also shifted the problem onto Lin Changxing. This was the solution he had thought of when he agreed to recommend Lin Changxing to Jiang He. Since the issue was with Lin Changxing, Jiang He couldn't blame him for incompetence.
"Brother Liu, I'm truly sorry. This was my oversight, and it nearly put you in danger." Coming to his senses, Jiang He immediately apologized to Liu Tiezhu.
Liu Tiezhu put on a still-shaken look and said, "Brother Jiang, we can't be so careless in the future. Ming Zhenglong is already suspicious of me now. If this keeps happening, I'm afraid my position as head captain will be over."
"It was indeed my lack of consideration. I didn't expect Ming Zhenglong to investigate so thoroughly, even knowing Lin Changxing's identity." Jiang He said, giving Zhang Zhiliang a signal.
Zhang Zhiliang understood and took out a black bag. "Brother Liu, sorry for the scare. This is a small token of appreciation."
Liu Tiezhu took it and saw it was a thick stack of bills. He accepted it without hesitation, smiling. "Thank you, Brother Zhang."
"You're welcome. Brother Liu took such a big risk for us; this is only fitting." Zhang Zhiliang waved his hand and continued, "The supplies are ready. Have someone transport them back tonight. That should also help dispel Ming Zhenglong's suspicion of you."
"I hope it can dispel his suspicion." Liu Tiezhu still wore a worried expression as he replied. Since he was putting on an act, it had to be convincing, or else how could he fool the three foxes? Judging by their expressions, they seemed to have believed his words.
Liu Zhigao chimed in, "Don't worry. Even if he's still suspicious, bringing back the supplies is a major achievement. He won't dare to do anything to you. Besides, his goal is to cultivate you to counterbalance us. As long as he hasn't found a replacement, he won't make things difficult for you."
"Old Liu is right. Just say you obtained this batch of supplies yourself. Even if Ming Zhenglong is dissatisfied with you, he'll have to hold it in for now," Jiang He added.
Zhang Zhiliang continued, "By the way, since Ming Zhenglong ruled out Lin Changxing, did he mention who he wants as the head captain's assistant?"
"Zhang Tianlong. He decided to have this person serve as the head captain's assistant. Who is this guy? Do you have any detailed information on him?" Liu Tiezhu pretended not to know Zhang Tianlong, asking Jiang He and the others.
Zhang Tianlong? The three exchanged glances, their faces showing disbelief. "Are you sure Ming Zhenglong wants to use him?" Jiang He asked incredulously.
Liu Tiezhu nodded in response. "Yes, Ming Zhenglong clearly told me not to recommend anyone else. The head captain's assistant must be Zhang Tianlong, no one else. What skills does this man have that Ming Zhenglong values him so much?"
Jiang He said, "He does have some skills, but saying Ming Zhenglong values him is a stretch. He's the captain of the 23rd Action Squad, and it was Ming Zhenglong who proposed kicking him out of the Ming family back then. Now Ming Zhenglong wants him as the head captain's assistant—I can't figure it out."
"Brother Jiang, could it be that driving Zhang Tianlong out of the Ming family was a play put on by Ming Zhenglong?" Zhang Zhiliang voiced his doubt.
At this, Jiang He and Liu Zhigao were stunned. Only Liu Tiezhu secretly laughed, admiring Zhang Zhiliang's train of thought. Jiang He thought for a moment and said, "That possibility can't be ruled out."
Liu Zhigao said, "So that means Zhang Tianlong is a pawn Ming Zhenglong placed in the camp. If he becomes the head captain's assistant, Brother Liu will be in trouble."
Hearing this, Liu Tiezhu deliberately frowned and said, "Brothers, you have to help me figure something out. The person monitoring me hasn't been found yet, and now there's Zhang Tianlong. If this continues, every step I take will be under Ming Zhenglong's watch. How can I get anything done?"
Jiang He thought for a moment and said, "Brother Liu, don't panic. I think you should go talk to Zhang Tianlong. You're the head captain—use your authority and some soft tactics. It shouldn't be hard to win him over. If Ming Zhenglong can use him, he must have used some methods. We can do the same. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Brother Jiang, I understand. But we need money for that. You know my situation. I'm empty-handed and don't have the means." Liu Tiezhu naturally understood that Jiang He wanted him to turn Zhang Tianlong. But turning someone couldn't rely on just talk, right? This was a chance to extort, and Liu Tiezhu would be a fool not to play poor.