Chapter 118: Industry Chain

After approaching, Zhong Di carefully observed the two poachers. Both were middle-aged youths over thirty, dressed in ordinary clothes with nothing distinctive about them. If there was anything, it was their faces—sly and evasive, the kind that suggested they were accustomed to shady dealings. Such appearances were born of the heart; these two no doubt frequently engaged in similar activities.

Watching the opponent seize an iron shovel, Zhong Di’s speed immediately slowed. He then studied the man intently, remaining vigilant at all times, for one careless moment could result in injury. Had the opponent not intended to flee, he would have notified the authorities at once rather than act in this manner.

“I’ll say this to you both: it’s best you stay out of this. The big boss behind you two is someone you can’t afford to provoke. Leave quickly, keep your mouths shut, and this matter can be considered resolved.”

The other poacher also picked up a sickle and spoke with a hint of threat. Boom!

Suddenly Shao Hong charged forward and struck the man across the arm with his club. “Ah!” The victim screamed in pain, loosening his grip on the sickle. “What are you standing there for? Hurry up,” Shao Hong urged.

Almost forgetting he had a formidable ally beside him, Zhong Di felt reassured and seized a club as well, smashing it down on the second man. The poachers had clearly not anticipated these young men to be so ruthless. After the initial shock, they seemed dazed.

Seizing the moment, Shao Hong quickly subdued them both. Zhong Di found ropes on the vehicle and bound the pair to a poplar tree. Phew!

Zhong Di exhaled in relief. Shao Hong was someone who could floor an instructor, so he had probably been overly tense. Zhong Di considered the matter briefly and sent the photos and videos to Director Xing, along with several close-up shots.

After transmitting the images and footage, Zhong Di called Director Xing. “What? Wait a moment, I’ll be right there.” After the reply, the line was hung up abruptly.

Using the opportunity, Zhong Di had Shao Hong keep watch while he drove the electric tricycle back to the orchard, retrieved the medical kit and various equipment, and returned to the previous spot. “Has Director Xing arrived?” he asked upon reaching the site.

“Not yet. How could it be so quick? We’ve captured the culprits; we may need to contact the forest police.” “That’s true.”

Zhong Di glanced at the two men and began bandaging the rabbits. Three in total, each looking particularly fierce, evidently terrified from their injuries. Shao Hong assisted as Zhong Di removed the traps, gently soothed the animals, and finally bandaged them properly. After photographing them, Zhong Di released the rabbits.

As for Director Xing’s arrival later, he could explain the situation. They had already been frightened; keeping them confined with many people around afterward might make living difficult, and they could even be relocated. Considering this, caging them further until evidence was gathered would be burdensome, so releasing them early was preferable.

Woof!

Yu Sheng barked vigorously toward the rabbits’ departure. The animals paused briefly, turned, and gazed at Yu Sheng with an expression that seemed to convey gratitude.

Zhong Di observed the scene and suddenly understood. At this moment he examined Yu Sheng more closely: the black fur had grown blacker, brighter, and smoother, giving the impression of a sturdy build. Over the past month and a half, Yu Sheng’s growth had been astonishing, already reaching half-grown size. Zhong Di even felt it could one day match a lion’s bulk.

Of course, that was merely a sensation.

Woof, woof!

No sooner had the rabbits been freed than Zhong Di heard the woofing. Anyone familiar with the sound would recognize it as forest police; those unaware would not guess it so readily.

“Zhong Di, thank you so much. Thank you. We investigated this matter but found no breakthrough. We truly owe you two a great debt.” After Zhong Di detailed the specifics to Director Xing, the latter expressed immediate gratitude.

“It’s nothing. What we should do. Personally, I also despise poachers greatly.” Zhong Di replied at once. Matters of this kind were pursued to the best of their ability.

They would delve deeper into this case. If it were merely two ordinary poachers, that would be unrealistic. Any poaching involved vast interests behind it—not simply catching one person and selling to another. Given the current stringent enforcement, continued poaching implied a complete, well-established industrial chain, though such networks were not officially recognized.

After Director Xing and his team departed, Zhong Di, Shao Hong, and Yu Sheng returned home. The flurry of activity had left the day nearly dark. The two fed the sheep and tidied up, continuing until night fell completely before preparing food.

Distracted by the skewers, they had neglected any main course. Being young, they digested quickly, and skipping a meal left them feeling uneasy. The pair thus prepared and ate a proper meal.

August 23rd, Sunday.

Unbeknownst to them, several days had slipped by. The estate developed steadily; preliminary work was complete, new plans had emerged, and the next phase involved perfecting facilities. Meanwhile, the elder sister had gradually devised strategies for the membership system and course arrangements.

These details required careful thought before implementation, lest loopholes arise. Zaker had gradually acclimated to his duties and was content. With his arrival, customers increased subtly, and reservations multiplied. The nanguo and other simple facilities were installed, enabling nang pit dishes and similar preparations.

On the elder sister’s side, advance bookings for more than a few days were unheard of; selections were random from those needing dinner the following day, drawn from the night before, with no fixed pattern. Of course, privileged guests such as Qian Weining, Yang Yi, Su Rou, and Sun Miaomiao received special treatment, with temporary tables added as needed. This loophole would need closing, perhaps through a black-card system granting limited monthly reservations to black-card holders.

Shao Hong recruited a chef on the same wage as Zaker. The pair handled the estate’s meals; during quiet periods they assisted with minor tasks, though never demanding. Following the recent poaching incident, Director Xing informed Zhong Di of progress involving a larger figure behind the scheme, after which no further updates came.

Likely preoccupied, with little time for casual conversation. Zhong Di pondered his upcoming tasks: homestay renovations could commence as the end of August approached, greenhouse construction must accelerate, and building the structure over the fish pond was essential. All were pressing matters.

Just as Zhong Di reflected, the phone rang. The caller was Sun Miaomiao. It had been ages since receiving her call—something important, or merely idle gossip as before?