Chapter 221: Veterans Going to Battle
Lin Haoran decided to seek out the leader of the Five Four Gang for a very simple reason.
He planned to leverage the Five Four Gang's power to eliminate the threat posed by the Brotherhood, who had repeatedly provoked Green Island Cement Company.
For this, he intended to dispatch the two hundred retired soldiers for actual combat experience.
These veterans, all battle-hardened, were individually far superior to ordinary gang members. However, the Brotherhood was a massive syndicate with over a thousand members.
Sending the two hundred men to face them head-on would result in unnecessary casualties.
Thus, the Five Four Gang had to serve as the main attacking force, while members of Huanyu Security Consulting would covertly flank and take out the Brotherhood's high-ranking leaders.
Once the Brotherhood was eliminated, the Five Four Gang would be the biggest beneficiary.
Since they stood to gain the most, they should bear the main burden of the operation.
Furthermore, the Five Four Gang would also take full responsibility for any casualties resulting from the battle.
Lin Haoran's objectives were clear and limited:
first, to exact revenge;
second, to demonstrate deterrent force;
third, to earn a favor from a powerful gang;
and fourth, to provide real combat experience for his veterans, enhancing their capabilities.
Since the local police couldn't ensure the safety of his businesses, he would take matters into his own hands.
After this battle, there would no longer be any threats to his Philippine operations.
On the other end of the call, the Five Four Gang's leader was initially stunned by Lin Haoran's proposal.
They wanted to wipe out the Brotherhood too, but it was not easy.
Despite winning most clashes against the Brotherhood over the years, completely eradicating them had proven impossible.
"Mr. Lin, I don't understand what you mean," the leader replied cautiously.
"I can't stand the Brotherhood. They crossed me, and now I intend to wipe them out.
I want to know if Mr. Xiao is interested.
If you are, I can dispatch a strong armed force to assist you.
Seize the right moment, and the Brotherhood will not survive," Lin Haoran said bluntly.
"Mr. Lin, you're not joking?" The leader still found it hard to believe.
Such an opportunity sounded too sudden, too convenient.
He only remained on the line because Lin Haoran had dropped Guo Henian's name.
"Even if you doubt it, there's no harm in listening, is there?
If you succeed, you'll be able to absorb all the Brotherhood's territory and members, strengthening your Five Four Gang immensely.
If you're not interested, just forget this conversation — we can still be friends.
Mr. Guo Henian has spoken highly of your integrity," Lin Haoran added with a laugh.
Lin Haoran didn't believe they would refuse such a golden opportunity.
If they crushed the Brotherhood, the Five Four Gang's dominance in Manila would skyrocket.
"Mr. Lin, please give me some time to think it over.
I'll get back to you soon," the leader said, clearly tempted.
Naturally, he needed to verify Lin Haoran's background before proceeding.
After hanging up, he immediately called Guo Henian.
Their conversation lasted over ten minutes, during which the leader learned that Lin Haoran, surprisingly still in his twenties, already commanded several major enterprises.
He also learned about the Brotherhood's previous harassment of Green Island Cement Company.
"So that's why Mr. Lin holds such hatred for the Brotherhood," the Five Four Gang leader muttered after ending the call, deep in thought.
Given that Lin Haoran was no ordinary businessman and that the Brotherhood had provoked him so blatantly, this was indeed a golden chance.
Even if the operation failed, the Five Four Gang had nothing to lose — they were already stronger than the Brotherhood and weren't afraid of retaliation.
Thus, the leader soon made his decision.
Not long after, Lin Haoran received another call from him, expressing his willingness to discuss the operation in detail.
Through this conversation, Lin Haoran also gained deeper insight into the Brotherhood's situation.
It turned out the Brotherhood had just suffered a severe defeat against the Five Four Gang, explaining their recent desperate moves, including the extortion attempt against Green Island Cement Company.
Unwittingly, the Brotherhood had stumbled onto a hornet's nest — and it was already too late for them.
After further discussion, they agreed to have Lin Haoran's team meet with the Five Four Gang in the Philippines within three days.
Specific operational details would be finalized on-site.
At noon, Lin Haoran visited Huanyu Security Consulting's training base in Sai Kung.
Cui Zilong, having been notified, quickly arrived as well.
Inside a simple office near the training grounds, Lin Haoran, Cui Zilong, and Li Weiguo gathered for a meeting.
"Weiguo, after all this time training, how well do you know our men?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Boss, their abilities are excellent," Li Weiguo replied.
"Among the 200, a few are almost on par with me in combat.
Even the slightly weaker ones could easily handle multiple ordinary young men at once.
In short, they all have the potential to be special forces, and some could even become elite soldiers.
Their physical condition has also greatly improved with proper diet and training."
As chief instructor and part of the management team, Li Weiguo knew these men inside out.
Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction.
Cui Zilong, meanwhile, looked at Lin Haoran curiously, sensing something big.
"Prepare yourselves.
I plan to arrange a real combat mission for them," Lin Haoran said seriously.
"Real combat?" Li Weiguo and Cui Zilong both echoed in surprise.
Lin Haoran then detailed the entire series of incidents involving Green Island Cement Company's troubles in the Philippines.
Upon hearing it all, they finally understood the urgency.
"It's because of these events that I recruited these veterans — to create a security force strong enough to protect our businesses.
Now it's time to put them to the test.
Mr. Cui, I want you to lead a team to Manila,
coordinate with the Five Four Gang, and assist in dismantling the Brotherhood.
Your main role is behind the scenes, negotiating and ensuring smooth operations — you won't be in direct danger.
Our security forces will work from the shadows, targeting key Brotherhood leaders," Lin Haoran explained in detail.
"If you're unwilling, I'll assign someone else.
But the bulk of the fighting will fall to the Five Four Gang; your task is mainly logistical."
Cui Zilong immediately agreed.
As long as he wasn't directly risking his life, he was willing to carry out the mission.
"I'd like to go too," Li Weiguo volunteered.
"I know these men well, and I'm best suited to organize them."
"But your grandparents just arrived in Hong Kong. Wouldn't it be better for you to stay?" Lin Haoran hesitated.
"Boss, don't worry.
I'll be fine.
Besides, this operation shouldn't take long," Li Weiguo said firmly.
"Alright.
By the way, do we have snipers among them?
If so, prioritize taking out the Brotherhood leaders first — that will make things easier," Lin Haoran added.
"Snipers?
We have at least 20.
Some of them earned major commendations during the war against Vietnam!" Li Weiguo smiled.
"Perfect.
Mr. Cui, book tickets to Manila today.
If flights are tight, charter a plane through Cathay Pacific.
Once there, coordinate with the Five Four Gang and find the best time to strike.
The Five Four Gang can gather the Brotherhood in one place.
After this operation, you'll also establish a Huanyu Security Consulting branch in Manila.
If we want to become an international security firm, we must expand beyond Hong Kong," Lin Haoran instructed gravely.
The three of them then meticulously discussed every detail of the operation.
There were daily flights from Hong Kong to Manila, and the trip was only about two hours.
Thus, travel was easy.
Everything was finalized.
If these veterans wanted to grow stronger, real combat was essential.
Otherwise, mere drills would never be enough.
The next day at noon, a chartered flight took off from Kai Tak International Airport,
destination: Manila, Philippines.
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