Chapter 023: The Calm Before the Storm
Staying in for National Day, furiously typing away, hoping for support for my new book! Today, the blazing fire behind “Red Backbone” inspired me greatly. The new book is still in its infancy, and I must keep striving. I welcome everyone to leave comments—if you notice any irrationalities in the story, please point them out, and I will learn and correct them.
“I can't accept this money.”
“What?”
“Li, this is your rightful share.”
“You shouldn't reject the fruits of your own labor.”
Li Changjiang's words left the others momentarily stunned.
In their eyes, earning money for work was only natural; nobody would turn down money, especially thirty thousand US dollars. Not much, perhaps, but certainly not a trivial sum.
In fact, Li Changjiang had already calculated in his mind what a fortune these dollars would amount to if exchanged for yuan.
Two million renminbi.
Enough to lift the Li family out of their current predicament and allow them a comfortable life. His father wouldn't have to come to this forsaken place, Libya.
But Li Changjiang remained clear-headed. Without finding Li Lin, all this meant nothing.
“I know, but I don’t need the money. I just want to find my father and return home. I hate Benghazi, hate Libya, and even hate Africa.”
“Li, how about this: we split the money. But we won’t take it for nothing—let’s consider it your reward for helping us find your father. Guys, any objections?”
“None!”
“Boss, no objections.”
Williams promptly divided the remaining money among everyone.
The next morning, Li Changjiang was awakened by the roar of engines outside. When he opened the door, he saw the old warehouse filled with Libyan opposition fighters.
Williams was in the midst of a tense conversation with a grim-looking middle-aged man. Their voices were low, but the atmosphere was charged.
He quietly walked over to Louis, who signaled him to stay silent as soon as he noticed Li Changjiang.
Then he overheard Williams and the Libyan man.
“One million?! Impossible. My men suffered casualties yesterday.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s the highest price I can offer. If you don’t accept, Mr. Abler will have to seek the services of the Caesar Mercenary Group. I believe they’ll be quite satisfied with the price.”
He shrugged.
Williams did not hesitate.
“Sorry, I still can’t accept. I hope this won’t affect our cooperation.”
“We’re leaving.”
The Libyans came swiftly and left just as quickly, but Williams' face was grim.
“Boss, what’s going on?”
Li Changjiang guessed the gist o