Chapter 117: Meeting an Old Acquaintance in a Foreign Land—But It Doesn’t Seem So

The Cloud City police officer examined Long Four’s ID and found absolutely no issues. Since both the assailant and the victim were sticking to the same story—that it was merely a brawl—there was nothing the police could do.

Mo Fei watched with his own eyes as Long Two walked into the police station, calm and collected, despite carrying a full load of contraband. While officers wouldn't conduct a search without probable cause under normal circumstances, wasn't it a bit too bold to walk into a police station with illegal items? It was thrilling; he liked it!

As Mo Fei walked into the station, he was busy observing the differences between this precinct and the one in his previous city. Depending on the city, the operational modes and layouts of police stations actually varied slightly. For instance, the orientation of the administrative area and the reporting window was quite different—wait!

"Officer Xu?" Mo Fei called out in surprise.

The officer in question turned around, equally astonished. "How is it you?"

"Ah, it’s me." Mo Fei looked over Officer Xu, who was dressed in civilian clothes. "Are you here for business or pleasure? Is your injury healed?"

"Just about," Officer Xu retorted. "What about you? What are you doing here?"

"Work requirements. I’m here to scout locations first," Mo Fei smiled. "Though this time, I’m here to pick someone up."

During their brief exchange, Long Two and Long Four emerged from the room.

"Look, these are the two bodyguards Director Wang found for me." Mo Fei waved at them.

Officer Xu’s gaze fell upon the pair, and his expression soured instantly.

"Whoa, what’s with you?" Mo Fei clicked his tongue at the change in expression. "You didn't look happy to see me, and now you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s the matter?"

Officer Xu pulled him back a few steps, and only after they were at a safe distance from Long Two and Long Four did he lower his voice. "Are these two really bodyguards? Did you confirm this with Director Wang?"

"I confirmed it." Seeing Officer Xu so on edge, Mo Fei chuckled. "What, are you afraid they’re going to sell me off to the Philippines?"

"I’m afraid they’ll sell you off to work the fields," Officer Xu glared at him. "What kind of job requires an actor like you to come all the way out here?"

Mo Fei shook his head helplessly. "Like you said, I’m just an actor. How could it possibly be up to me where I go?"

Officer Xu scanned the area and pulled Mo Fei even further into a corner. "Even if you have to work, pick a better place. Nothing is safe around here. Just go back."

"You’re asking the wrong person," Mo Fei shrugged, tilting his head to look innocent. "Director Wang put a lot of heart into this film, and I’m just a small part of his grand design. If he doesn't give the word, I can't leave." He leaned in closer and asked in a low voice, "Is there a case? Is it a big one?"

"What does it have to do with you?" Officer Xu gave him an annoyed look. "If you must stay, stay away from the border line, you hear me?"

"I'm not an eight-year-old anymore," Mo Fei said, smiling as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

The man and woman standing at the station entrance were not in such high spirits.

"How much longer are they going to talk?" Long Four glanced at her watch. "If I’d known he had acquaintances at the station to chat with, I wouldn't have come in."

"I didn't expect it either." Long Two watched Mo Fei, who seemed to be having a pleasant conversation with Officer Xu, and once again questioned the accuracy of their intelligence network. The dossier only mentioned Mo Fei’s frequent run-ins with the law; it said nothing about him having a police officer for a friend. Especially here at the border—how could he run into so many familiar faces? Bringing his younger sister along had been the right call. This job wasn't going to be easy.

Mo Fei finished his conversation with Officer Xu. In truth, there wasn't much to say; Officer Xu couldn't reveal his work, and Mo Fei couldn't exactly stop working and leave. Beyond telling him to stay safe, there was nothing else Officer Xu could do.

"Let’s go." Mo Fei walked over to Long Two and Long Four, turning back to wave goodbye to Officer Xu. Officer Xu waved back.

A veteran officer at the station witnessed this and approached Officer Xu after the group left. "Acquaintances?"

"Yeah, an actor. Here to film something, I guess," Officer Xu nodded.

"Be careful." The veteran handed him a file. "We have news on the person we've been tracking. She’s likely planning to leave Asia via a medical ship in international waters off the Burmese coast."

"A medical ship in international waters?"

"Those on board aren't patients; they are organ vessels—the fate that awaits those she traffics across the border." The veteran sighed. "Headquarters is planning to send some undercover agents to test the waters." He patted Officer Xu on the shoulder and shook his head with a bitter smile. Undercover work was the hardest, yet someone always had to do it.

Officer Xu knew as much. He stared at the file, his fingers slowly tightening.

The three of them stood by the roadside waiting for their ride.

"Are we heading out directly now?" This was Mo Fei’s first time leaving the country illegally, and he was somewhat excited.

"First, we pick up the passports." Long Two looked at Long Four. "Is everything ready?"

Long Four nodded and pulled a stack of small booklets from her backpack, handing them to him.

"Are you guys making fake IDs?" Mo Fei pointed in surprise when he saw his own face on one of them.

"They're real," Long Two handed Mo Fei his booklet. "If we didn't have the means to get you through customs, how else would we get you to the plantation?"

Mo Fei felt the authentic texture of the booklet in his hand and nodded in agreement. "Fair point." He looked at Long Four. "I haven't asked, but who is this?"

"My third sister, Long Four," Long Two introduced. "She’s an expert in combat, cold and hot weapons, and speaks multiple languages. In short, just know she’s very reliable."

"Wow." Mo Fei feigned awe and reached out a hand. "Nice to meet you. I’m Mo Fei, an actor."

"I know," Long Four shook his hand briefly before pulling back. "I’ve seen Director Wang’s new film. You acted well."

Mo Fei had never imagined that someone of her type would enjoy movies, and he felt a bit flattered. "Would you like an autograph?"

"No need. It would be best if you just caused less trouble." Long Four checked her watch again. "It’s about time."

"What time is 'about time'?" Mo Fei, who still hadn't seen their schedule, looked bewildered.

Long Two replied expressionlessly, "The car to pick us up is here."

As soon as he finished speaking, a black business van pulled up in front of them. Long Four stepped forward to open the door, and Long Two shoved Mo Fei inside. The scene looked bizarre no matter how you sliced it—the kind of thing that would make Officer Xu call the police.

Mo Fei sat in the seat, still smiling. "You aren't really planning to sell me to the Philippines, are you? So rude."

"Are you worth that much money?" Long Four posed the soul-searching question before patting the driver’s seat. "Head straight to the border crossing."

"Now?" Mo Fei stared at her, eyes wide. "Are we going straight to the plantation after we cross?"