‘To my knowledge, Lao Zi has not made an appearance for many years.’
Inside the cabin, a small lean man spoke in authentic Cantonese whilst he smoked a cigarette as he cracked opened the crate Chen An bought in for inspection.
This dark-skinned petite man is named Ah Wei and he is one of Tiger King’s subordinate. He is also the person in charge of carrying out the transaction with Chen An. Although Ah Wei had been active in the Southeast Asian region for several years, but it is not easy to gain the trust of local arm dealers in the various Southeast Asian countries.
In times like these, they frequently require a middleman with an established reputation in the trade such as Chen An to act as a go-between to make the transaction.
Tiger King is a mafia boss based in Guangzhou. He was born with the name Wang Guo Wei and started out as a hooligan in his youth. Eventually, with his exceptional intelligence and viciousness, he carved out a name for himself to become the Tiger King he is known today.
Back in the day, Chen An had used the pseudonym 'Lao Zi’ to conduct business with Tiger King. But as his business grew, he stopped concerning himself with such small dealings and instead, focused his attentions to Africa and the Middle East.
'Please help me pass on a message to Master Tiger: If an opportunity ever arises, I would personally pay a visit to him.’
Chen An eyed the open crate of weapons. 'Are there any problems?’
Even though this is Vietnam, it is still wiser to close such business dealings as soon as possible instead of chitchatting and dawdling.
'I will pass on your message to the boss.’ Ah Wei then gestured to the side and a person soon stepped forward with a small pouch that An Wei tossed towards Chen An.
Bouncing the pouch lightly in his hands, Chen An smiled thinly as he tucked it into his pocket.
Observing this act, Ah Wei asked, 'Aren’t you going to open it?’
'I trust Master Wang’s honor.’
Ah Wei instantly broke into a grin when he heard those words. 'You are doubt Lao Zi’s man. Let’s work together often in the future.’
'Of course.’
After he left the cargo boat, Chen An appeared barely any different from when he had first arrived in Vietnam. Like a stereotypical tourist, he went about taking photos while he waited at the pier for the ship back to Shanghai.