Xu Ningyan didn't react to these words, but Gu Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed and he glared at Sun Zhou. "It's just a bite to eat, is it necessary to make such a fuss?"
She couldn't help but glance at Xu Ningyan out of the corner of her eye to see her reaction.
Xu Ningyan was already mentally prepared, but she didn't expect this day to come so soon. She was stunned at first, but quickly came to her senses: "Alright, today I'll cook a few more of my signature dishes as a farewell gift for you!"
After saying that, he laughed again: "Brother Sun, you've come at the right time today. I just happened to go and buy some good things, otherwise even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have anything to make."
As he spoke, he soaked the smoked meat and smoked fish he had bought, as well as the dried bamboo shoots that the Tuanjie Brigade had sent over, in warm water.
The smoked meat and fish have been preserved to this day for two reasons: firstly, they have been smoked until they are dry, and secondly, they have been heavily salted and cured to be extremely salty.
Soak it in warm water before eating, otherwise it will be difficult to eat.
After soaking these things, Xu Ningyan went to check on the snails that Sun Zhou had brought.
It was indeed a large bucket, and it was clear that the snails had already been raised there; the water in the bucket containing the snails was still quite clear.
Xu Ningyan poured the snails into a large wooden basin, roughly washed them twice, then scrubbed them clean with a brush before putting them into a clean bucket.
He brought over a small stool, took out pliers and scissors, and handed one to Sun Zhou: "Cut off the snail's tail, like this—"
He then demonstrated for Sun Zhou.
Sun Zhou learned it after just a couple of glances. He wasn't particular about it and started working as soon as he sat on the steps under the eaves.
The two chatted as they worked.
Sun Zhou was eloquent and made Xu Ningyan laugh in just a few words.
Gu Zhiyuan frowned, staring intently at Sun Zhou, as if he wanted to see right through him.
Whether Sun Zhou was genuinely unaware or pretending not to notice, he continued chatting and laughing.
It made Gu Zhiyuan seem like he had nothing to do.
Seeing that Sun Zhou was completely oblivious, Gu Zhiyuan felt annoyed. He went inside, found a pair of scissors, and sat down next to Xu Ningyan on a small stool. He also started cutting the snail's tail.
With three people working together, they worked quickly, and in no time, half of the snails had been harvested.
Xu Ningyan recalled what the man at the black market had said, thought for a moment, and then said, "Brother Sun, I went to buy some things today, and I heard from your two brothers that you haven't been managing things there for a while, and business has suffered quite a bit. You just said you're going back to the capital, so what about the business here? Are you just going to give it up?"
Sun Zhou's eyes flickered, and he said half-jokingly, "Why is Comrade Xu worried about this? As long as you follow Old Gu, you won't have to worry about lacking supplies."
Xu Ningyan said seriously, "I'm worried about myself, but I work at a department store, so I don't lack daily supplies. I just buy some good food there to treat myself. I think if you give up your business here, Brother Sun, not to mention the brothers who follow you, even the people in the county will probably have a hard time!"
"Putting everything else aside, since you took charge of this area in the county, Brother Sun, not only has the variety of goods been complete, but the prices are also fair. You've benefited countless people! Who doesn't praise you behind your back? Now that you're gone, do you think those people from the surrounding counties won't vie for this territory? I just don't know who they'll be. If they run into a greedy person or someone who isn't as capable as you, I'm afraid that people won't be able to buy anything good anymore!"
Sun Zhou liked to hear this.
Although this black market was a side business he started in order to infiltrate Jingshan County.
He did it with his heart, though his reputation wasn't great. But he not only reaped the benefits, but he also felt that he had done something for the people.
After all, with him and his gang of brothers in charge, the prices on the black market were much more reasonable and affordable than elsewhere.
Moreover, this industry is extremely profitable. After they conquered Jingshan County, in just two years, they not only recouped the money they had painstakingly put up for their wives.
It has multiplied several times over. Those brothers who invested together back then, if not all of them are now millionaires, at least their wallets are bulging.
Not to mention him and Gu Zhiyuan, who contributed the most money and effort.
He now has several thousand in savings, earned from over a decade of salary.
Gu Zhiyuan contributed the most money initially, and he also earned the most, exceeding ten thousand yuan.
It's really hard to let them give up this lucrative business.
But if we really keep them here, there's no one we can trust. If something happens, not only will the business be ruined, but their jobs will also be affected.
For someone like Sun Zhou, it's clear that priorities are clear: money is important, but work is even more important.
In particular, after two years of hard work and changing their appearance, they finally cracked the spy case. When they returned to the capital, they were rewarded with honors and promotions.
At this crucial moment, we cannot afford any mishaps.
Therefore, Sun Zhou was prepared to give up the business.
However, after hearing Xu Ningyan's words, he remembered that while his brothers who had followed him from the capital to Jingshan County could leave without a trace, the helpers he had recruited locally in Jingshan County were still unemployed.
Although they have some skills, they are ultimately short-sighted and lack supply channels. They wouldn't be able to handle this black market business.
We still need to arrange a way for them.
He hesitated for a moment, then looked at Gu Zhiyuan.
In this regard, he had to listen to Gu Zhiyuan. When he first came to Jingshan County, it was Gu Zhiyuan who made the decision on how to completely transform himself and integrate.
As it turned out, Gu Zhiyuan's decision was correct.
If it weren't for him leading his men to seize this piece of black market business in Jingshan County, there really wouldn't have been a way to openly and without arousing suspicion bring these dozen or so people into Jingshan County and let them infiltrate.
It was through this black market business that they gained a foothold and then used their business connections to contact and investigate every person on their list.
Furthermore, Gu Zhiyuan is the biggest boss behind this black market business, so it should be Gu Zhiyuan who decides how to handle it.
When Xu Ningyan saw Sun Zhou looking at Gu Zhiyuan, he immediately realized that Gu Zhiyuan was probably the boss behind the black market.
I couldn't help but look over there too.
Gu Zhiyuan really wanted to strangle Sun Zhou, who was more trouble than he was worth.
He's kept it a secret for so long, hiding his true identity so well. Even if he wanted to expose it, he would have to find a good opportunity and slowly explain things to Xu Ningyan.
He had been planning this for a long time, intending to explain to Xu Ningyan after dinner tonight.
Gu Zhiyuan had even prepared a draft in his mind of what to say, what expression to use, and what words to use.
Now look what's happened, Sun Zhou blurted it all out.
How can you talk so fast?
He was furious inside, but he had to keep a calm and collected expression on his face. He said indifferently, "What are you looking at me for? Old Sun, what A-Ning reminded you is right. You have to take care of these things before you leave. Many people rely on business to make a living. You have to leave them a way to survive, don't you?"
He gave Sun Zhou a warning look.
Sun Zhou cursed Gu Zhiyuan under his breath, calling him a real scoundrel, but on the surface he still had to smile and say, "Yes, yes, thank you for the reminder, Comrade Xiao Xu! I'll arrange it when I get back."
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