Southern Madre Mountains, Mexico!
The main peak, Tahumulco Volcano, rises 4220 meters above sea level. It extends southeastward from the Balzas River Valley to the Twan Tepeke Land Bridge, continuing eastward to the San Juan River Valley. A little further south and it would reach Guatemala.
It's practically a primeval forest.
From a bird's-eye view...
A procession of roughly over 300 people laboriously traveled the mountain trails with donkey carts and horse-drawn carriages.
Ye Zhenli was drenched in sweat, stinking as he took off his glasses, taking in deep breaths vigorously and glanced at Walter White beside him, who was equally leaning on his knees, exhausted.
They were planning to develop... hidden within the tropical rainforest.
Although the southern regions are considered a paradise for drug traffickers, the market shares no longer allow "fresh" players to join. Ye Zhenli did not plan to rely on others; why share with others when he could make money himself?
He wanted to go solo!
After much consideration, delving into the forest would mean Government Forces would have to put in extra effort to capture them, and by the time they arrived, his people would have already moved their position.
Most of them were actually close friends and relatives of Ye Zhenli.
When he returned to his homeland to visit relatives, he had lavishly thrown around money, holding a banquet for three consecutive days and even renovating the ancestral tomb. Seeing his wealth, people hoped Ye Zhenli could lead them.
He picked out members of his family and some good friends, found some desperados from Southeast Asia, got some American weapons from the Black Market, and thus assembled this ramshackle troop.
Typical of when an enterprise first starts...
"Boss, we're approaching the San Diego Anse valley," a smoking guide ran over and said, "You can see it just ahead."
"Let's go have a look!" Ye Zhenli sprang up energetically to a large rock; his salesman agility was evident, never knowing when a business card might get him killed.
With help from others, he stood on the rock, and suddenly, his view opened up!
Before him lay a clearing within the canyon, where he could see wild boars. Under the sunset, everything seemed exceptionally tranquil and beautiful.
Ye Zhenli felt a surge of emotion, raising his hands and shouting, "I want to be the king of the world!"
"I want to be the king of the world!"
Echoes filled the canyon, unsettling the birds perched on branches, flapping their wings and flying chaotically.
Jumping down from the rock, Ye Zhenli clapped his hands and spoke to a man who bore some resemblance to him, "Jinghua, get the tents set up. Starting tomorrow, we'll organize woodcutting to build cabins; we're making our home here."
That was his cousin, Ye Jinghua, not an ordinary man either. Five years younger but also a brilliant student from a well-known university in China.
He used to belong to the system, but the little money he made was nothing but agony for an ambitious person like Ye Jinghua. When he saw Ye Zhenli spending money like water, he was already tempted to join.
At that time, Ye Zhenli had actually spoken to him.
He pointed out that their business was of the beheading kind.
Ye Jinghua had replied, "A man cannot dine from the great cauldron, he should die by the great cauldron!"
Better to be killed now than die a pauper.
Under the changing winds of the era, there are always those who are discontent with their lot in life.
Ye Jinghua agreed, starting to direct people to set up the tents.
Ye Zhenli walked over to Walter White, took out a cigarette, and offered it to him. The latter showed his open hands, "I'm a lung cancer patient."
"So what? Maybe if you have a smoke, you won't be tomorrow, right?"
Taken aback, the man thanked him with a laugh, hung the cigarette on his lips, lit it, and inhaled deeply, "Man, this feels good. I barely touched this stuff since I got sick."
"Living is all about money, women, power, and feeling good. If you have to abstain from everything, it might as well be death."
Ye Zhenli, crouching down, said, "Beside, don't worry, I've located the Mayo Clinic in the United States. I've deposited three million US dollars there. The world's top experts will consult for you, and they come to Mexico every month."
"I've also deposited two hundred thousand US dollars into Skyler's account and hired the military professional resources company (MPRI) to protect your wife and kids. Rest assured, I've also sent word that you're out in Southeast Asia starting a company with someone, to put their minds at ease."
Walter White fell silent for a moment, "Thank you."
Ye Zhenli waved his hand with a smirk, feigning annoyance, "Do we need to say thanks in our relationship? Our organization, you're a technical shareholder. This is all about us making money. Once we make a lot of it, we can buy an island abroad, bring our families over."
He patted the Yank's shoulder, "That day won't be too far off."
Indeed, Ye Zhenli was meant to be a leader; with just a few words, he made Walter White, the high school teacher, feel like he was the best person next to his own kin.
"I've also made headway with Hellfire 2. It'll be ready in about three months. This new product is more stimulating than the old, it makes users excited and resistant to fatigue for a long time, heightens libido, and reduces the need for food and sleep. However, somewhat more inclined towards violence, it differs from traditional drugs. It induces weaker withdrawal symptoms but causes greater damage to the human body..."
Ye Zhenli's eyes twinkled, "We don't have to worry about that. For addicts, these aren't concerns. What we do need to consider is how to price it."
"Right," Walter White nodded, "Soon, very soon... it'll be ready."