Chapter 25: CH-25. During the Crackdown Period, Going Out is Prohibited!
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He opened the system mall and decided to use his points on [Combat Mastery], upgrading it by two levels.
[Ding! Spent 50 points, [Combat Mastery 5] purchased successfully. Remaining points: 143.]
[Ding! Spent 100 points, [Combat Mastery 6] purchased successfully. Remaining points: 43.]
In an instant, a large number of memories about fighting techniques flooded his mind.
At the same time, every muscle in his body repeatedly contracted and expanded.
Jason lay flat on his back, his body shaking slightly.
The painful and itchy feeling was so excruciating that it nearly tortured him to death.
___
Early in the morning, Jason and Franklin got up early, prepared milk, bacon, and fried eggs, and sat down in front of the TV to watch the news.
On the screen, the host was speaking with excitement.
"Yesterday, the New York DEA dispatched hundreds of SWAT officers and Marines to raid a drug factory in Clinton, killing 147 people and arresting 259 gang members and drug manufacturers."
"This drug factory has been entrenched in New York for many years and was the largest supplier for the underground drug market. The amount of various drugs seized on the spot reached 3,728 kilograms, setting a record high."
"The boss behind the factory was a Chinese woman named Gao. She tried to escape during the shootout with the police but was shot dead by Norman Stanfield, Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration."
"Now, let's go to the report sent by our on-site reporter..."
The TV switched to footage of yesterday's firefight between the police and the gangs.
The video, edited to less than 30 seconds, featured a voiceover.
"The narcotics police were well-trained, and the coordination between police forces was perfect. They advanced steadily into the factory step by step. The gang members were disorganized and failed to mount any effective resistance. They were quickly defeated by the SWAT police and surrendered by dropping their weapons."
The scene switched again, showing an interview with Stanfield. The interview took place in Mrs. Gao's office, with her body lying not far away.
"This ecstasy factory was very well-hidden. Our DEA tracked it for three consecutive years before finally discovering its exact location. Fortunately, we succeeded in destroying it this time."
"I want to say something to those currently using drugs. No matter the reason, do not touch this substance. It will not only destroy your body, but also your family."
Facing the camera, Stanfield spoke with a serious, just expression.
"Shit! This bastard is having a blast on his own, and he has the nerve to say something like that. How shameless!" Franklin sneered at Stan on the screen.
The screen cut back to the studio.
The host expressed his gratitude to the DEA for its actions and also mocked the incompetent New York Police Department.
"Oh my God, the HA factory has been entrenched in New York for so many years, and the police didn't know about it at all?"
"If they didn't know, then it means the people in the police department are a bunch of idiots. They should all take off their uniforms and resign, and be replaced by a group of smarter and more capable officers."
"If the police knew about the existence of the Hi-Grass Factory..."
The host looked serious at first, then leaned back dramatically.
"Although this idea is a bit scary, I still want to ask: Does your New York Police Department have some shady financial dealings with the Hi-Corn Factory?"
Hiss!
Jason gasped.
This host is so bold!
___
Manhattan, New York.
Kingpin was also watching the news at home.
When he heard the host question the New York Police Department, his face suddenly darkened.
The words were like putting the New York Police Department on the hot seat.
If the New York Police Department wanted to respond to the doubts, they would have to show real results.
The best way was to launch a full-scale crackdown on crime and evil throughout New York and eradicate all illegal groups.
Only by doing so could they regain their lost face and have the confidence to confront the host in the media.
Kingpin sighed heavily, thinking that the New York gangs would have a tough time in the coming period.
He pulled out his cell phone and called Wesley.
"Have you seen the news?"
Wesley, a blank slate with a sharp sense of judgment, replied, "I've seen it. Don't worry, I will control my men and forbid them from causing trouble."
Kingpin shook his head, "This storm is much bigger than before. It's not enough to just restrain our men. We also need to move all the gang's goods."
"Okay. I'll make arrangements right away and try to ship the goods out tonight."
After hanging up, Wesley quickly put on his clothes, went out, and drove toward the gang's base.
Severe crackdowns either don't happen at all, or when they do, they're as fierce as fire and as fast as wind.
Time was running out, and they couldn't waste a single moment.
When they arrived at the factory gate, a truck was about to leave. Wesley quickly stopped it.
"Mr. Wesley, what happened? I'm in a hurry to deliver the goods."
A middle-aged man with a big beard jumped out from the passenger seat.
"The plan has changed. The shipment is temporarily suspended. Also, notify all the gang leaders to go to the conference room for a meeting."
The bearded man stood there with a confused expression, not understanding what was going on.
But as one of the leaders, he quickly followed Wesley to the meeting room.
In the conference room, Wesley sat in the chair where Jason once sat and relayed Kingpin's orders to the dozen or so leaders with a serious face.
First: New York is about to face a large-scale crackdown. All strongholds will be closed, all gang operations will be suspended, and the goods from each stronghold will be packed and sent to warehouses in Baltimore.
Second: All gang members are allowed to go home on holiday, store more food, and try not to go out if possible. It is strictly forbidden to provoke trouble during this period.
Upon hearing Wesley's orders, all the leaders present looked dissatisfied.
Just because the police cracked down severely, they had to stop all operations. What kind of logic is that?
They were all veterans in Kingpin's army and had experienced many crackdowns before. They knew the police's little tricks.
Back when Jason was in charge, the stricter the crackdown, the more their business thrived.
In Jason's words: During the crackdown period, smaller gangs stayed home and dared not go out. This was a golden opportunity for them to seize the market, and they couldn't afford to waste it.
As for the police, they could always be given a little bribe. Compared to the profits from the business, that money was insignificant.
"Mr. Wesley, if we stop working and doing business, what will our brothers eat?" Asked one leader.
"The crackdown period won't be long—maybe a week, maybe a month. The gang's dividends haven't been reduced by a single penny. Can't you hold out for a month?"
The leaders present shook their heads.
In the U.S., consumerist culture is prevalent.
More than 70% of residents have less than $1,000 in savings, and the savings rate is a surprisingly low 5%.
Some of these leaders, dressed in gold and silver, have mortgages on their Manhattan apartments, car loans for their Ferraris, children attending top private universities, and families planning trips abroad.
In short, if they stopped working, they would have nothing to eat.
Wesley frowned, "No money? If you don't have money, find a way to solve it yourself!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the leaders were furious and started complaining to Wesley.
Wesley hadn't yet established his authority among these veteran leaders. They wouldn't obey him easily.
If Jason had said this, they would never have dared to talk back.
The situation was getting a bit out of control, so Wesley had to use Kingpin's name, slamming his hand on the table angrily, "Do you dare to disobey Kingpin's order?"
The dozen or so leaders present were all speechless.
Wesley had just arrived and had no one he trusted under his command. He relied on these gang leaders to work for him, so they dared to bargain with him.