Today, Qiang Ge finally had some time to call Hua Yan, who had been resting for a few days, into his study. With guests about to arrive in the Golden Triangle, Qiang Ge needed to sternly warn Hua Yan to avoid making any reckless decisions that could jeopardize the orders.

During her days of rest, Hua Yan spent her time by the poppy fields, watching as the poppy plants grew significantly taller. From the mouths of innocent children, she learned that the poppies under Qiang Ge’s jurisdiction were growing the best. Everyone believed that Qiang Ge would secure the top orders this year. If true, the families of these children would also earn more money and have a good New Year.

Historically, the opium harvest under Jigu's jurisdiction was the largest among several armed bases. Despite his personal capabilities being inferior to other leaders, Jigu had not been provoked due to his successful harvests. It was only occasionally that Qiang Ge, who ranked second, would show his displeasure towards Jigu.

After a few days, Qiang Ge appeared exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes, but his black pupils shone brightly, indicating his excitement.

“Still can’t remember anything?” Qiang Ge asked again, referring to the matter Ma Zi had failed to uncover about Hua Yan’s connection to a certain inland event.

“I can’t remember… but I might be an orphan,” Hua Yan replied, feeling particularly frustrated. Months had passed, and despite Ah Shui’s medicinal treatments, her condition showed no progress. However, she had dreamt of being an orphan, with fragmented scenes that seemed like real experiences, leading her to make this claim.

An orphan? Qiang Ge had hoped she had a family, as being an orphan would make it harder to uncover her true identity. Many professions specifically trained orphans. Hearing her claim made Qiang Ge more troubled rather than relieved.

“Do you remember which orphanage you grew up in? Any more details?”

“No, I only remember staying in a dormitory-style room, with many children playing and laughing until someone announced the director’s arrival, then everyone would obediently go to sleep. That’s why I said I might be an orphan, but I’m not certain.” Hua Yan shared her dreams, having nothing to hide.

Qiang Ge remained silent for a while before sighing, “Your background isn’t something that can be solved today. I called you here to discuss the upcoming big event. I won’t lie to you; I don’t fully trust you.

“Last year, the world’s drug lords were heavily suppressed by international law enforcement. It’s been a tough year, with no money coming in and living off reserves. This year, everyone is eager to make a big profit and recover last year’s losses…”

“What do you want me to do?” Hua Yan asked, understanding the precarious and blood-stained life of drug lords, who lived for gold and jewels. Everyone was fighting hard for this year’s opium harvest, even though synthetic drugs like ecstasy were rampant globally, lacking the natural charm.

Qiang Ge’s eyes smiled as he said directly, “Given your special status, I hope you won’t move around much during that time.” He watched Hua Yan’s reaction, waiting for her response.

“I understand. I’ll stay in my room during that period.” Hua Yan knew that Qiang Ge had treated her well and that she shouldn’t cause trouble during this critical time.

Hua Yan’s straightforward and earnest response pleased Qiang Ge. He softened his tone, “Ah Shui will take care of you. If you need anything urgent, you can find him.”

“Okay. May I take some books from your collection to pass the time?”

Qiang Ge paused, then nodded, pointing to the bookshelf on his left, “These books are less boring, suitable for girls.”

Hua Yan thanked Qiang Ge and carefully selected a few books. With her arms full of seven or eight books, she asked the busy Qiang Ge, “How long will I need to stay indoors?”

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“About ten days for the main event, but it might take a month for everyone to leave. It’s a bit long, but you’ll have to bear with it.” He paused before adding apologetically, “After this event, I’ll allow you to visit the inland.”

This news shocked Hua Yan, but she quickly recovered and smiled, “Thank you, Qiang Ge.” She picked up more books and left after bidding farewell.

Behind her, Qiang Ge smiled wryly and resumed his work. The upcoming event would bring many people, including some from the inland, such as high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen.

This annual situation always brought prosperity to the local economy but also required utmost caution from leaders like Qiang Ge. The presence of undercover agents could jeopardize everything if not handled properly, resulting in significant losses.

Rubbing his aching head, Qiang Ge called in Ma Zi and other trusted subordinates. They discussed plans late into the night, finally coming up with a rough plan. After having a late-night snack prepared by Ah Jin, Qiang Ge dismissed them.

However, moments later, Ma Zi returned, hesitantly saying, “Qiang Ge, should we send Xiao Yan elsewhere for a while? With so many people around, it’s bound to get out.”

Qiang Ge, realizing the potential risk of keeping Hua Yan at the base, nodded thoughtfully, considering Ma Zi’s suggestion.

Qiang Ge pondered for a moment and then said, "I originally thought of using this opportunity to see if anyone recognizes her." His tone was calm but carried a chilling decisiveness. This way, Hua Yan's friends or enemies would have a chance to meet her. If a friend recognized her, it would be a joyful reunion; but if an enemy saw her, it could turn into a bloody confrontation, eliminating her without a trace.

Ma Zi, though not particularly good-looking, was not stupid. He immediately understood Qiang Ge's intention. His limbs stiffened, and he trembled inside. He had witnessed Qiang Ge's methods before and now realized even more deeply that no one could escape Qiang Ge's scrutiny. Anyone deemed a threat would be eradicated.

A woman with an unknown background—Ma Zi now understood that despite Qiang Ge's usually gentle demeanor, he had no pity in his heart. If Hua Yan were truly an undercover agent, she would die a horrible death.

"It was my mistake, not understanding Qiang Ge's intention. Let's proceed as you see fit."

"Is there anything else?"

"No, no..." Ma Zi quickly waved his hand, sweat forming on his forehead. He didn't dare to wipe it away. Only when Qiang Ge waved him off and he was far outside did he finally sit down heavily, gasping for breath, and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve.

A few days later, the base became lively. It had rained that morning, but the sky had cleared. Hua Yan, lying on a wooden chair reading, heard a knock on the door but didn't bother to get up, knowing it could only be a few people.

"Come in," she called out, continuing to read her book, which was at an exciting part, making it hard to put down.

When Ah Shui walked in, Hua Yan smiled and motioned for him to sit, then went back to her book.

Suddenly, the book was snatched from her hands. Ah Shui, anxious and afraid someone might hear, whispered, "How can you be in the mood to read? Don't you know your life is in danger?"

"What did you hear?" Hua Yan's lazy expression turned serious.

Ah Shui slammed the book on the table and whispered, "I overheard Ma Zi drunkenly muttering in the sandpit the other day. He said Qiang Ge kept you at the base to lure out anyone who might recognize you, confirming your identity.

"He had you stay indoors, not because he didn't want you to cause trouble, as we thought, but to attract those interested in finding out more about you.

"Every year people stay at the base during this time, but they usually go elsewhere. This year, you're staying put, and some will surely speculate on Qiang Ge's intentions and spread the word about your presence.

"If you have enemies and they find out, you're as good as dead. I could help you escape. Though you might be caught, it's better than waiting here to die. Don't count on friends finding you. Given your injuries, you're likely not an ordinary person. If your past activities are ones Qiang Ge despises, he'll kill you himself."

"Are you saying I might be an undercover agent?"

"Even if you're not, you've likely had long-term contact with them. If I can tell, how could Qiang Ge not know?" Ah Shui ruffled his hair in frustration.

"Why hasn't Qiang Ge acted against me then?" Hua Yan couldn't understand. Normally, she should be locked in a dark cell, tortured for information. Was he afraid of something?

"I don't know. When we rescued you, we didn't find anything valuable or unusual," Ah Shui recalled.

Hua Yan's eyes flickered as she thought for a moment before asking, "Was Qiang Ge's rise to power smooth?"

"I'm not sure, but from the few words I've heard from the elders, Qiang Ge's father had more than one son, including illegitimate ones. There were about ten in total, but in the end, only Qiang Ge rose to power."

A wolf wouldn't raise a sheep. Even if Qiang Ge's brothers weren't all exceptional, there must have been some capable individuals among them. For Qiang Ge to emerge as the leader and become a dominant figure in the Golden Triangle, he must have been extraordinary. She realized she had underestimated him.

Worrying was inevitable, but after some thought, Hua Yan calmed her anxiety and said, "We are powerless against Qiang Ge. Even if we had a plan, succeeding would be like reaching for the stars. So, since we can't move, let's wait and see..."