Chapter 5, Making money is the most important thing

"Alright, alright, I will listen to you. Let's discuss business first," Guo Shouyun felt that the brigade commander opposite him was being overly cautious. He smiled and placed his suitcase entirely on the coffee table, then said, "All the business we are going to discuss is inside. Please take a look."

Indeed, wealth can stir the heart, but to speak frankly, this matter may not be so easily managed. With such a large volume of tobacco smuggling in, how can one take action? This likely requires the use of many connections, and it will also involve significant expenses

"Ah, you can't leave," Balqiufu said, clearly in high spirits. He grabbed Guo Shouyun and dragged him back to the sofa to sit down. Then he continued, "You must stay and have a good time with me today. I tell you, these four girls are quite something, hehe, and they are all virgins. In a moment, I'll let you choose two that you like."

With a swift motion, Bal'chev opened the suitcase and took a glance inside. To his astonishment, the suitcase was filled with valuable items; aside from four neatly arranged Marlboro packs, the rest consisted entirely of bundles of cash. As an officer secretly involved in smuggling activities, Bal'chev had handled a considerable amount of money, and his judgment was quite sharp. A rough estimate indicated that there were approximately 100,000 rubles in the suitcase

"Forget it, forget it, I am not in the mood," Guo Shouyun stood up, his face filled with frustration, and said, "Your girl is too expensive, I cannot afford it. Over a hundred thousand... over a hundred thousand just like that swallowed by you. I need to go back and calm down properly."

"You all get to the back!" Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Balqiyev quickly calmed down. He stuffed the stack of money into the leather suitcase, slammed the lid shut with a bang, and then spoke to the four women without looking back.

Hahaha... each other, each other," Balqiefu laughed heartily, clapping his hands with *Tu* and said loudly, "Well, to celebrate our successful cooperation in advance, we should have a good time today. Where are the ladies? Where have the ladies gone?"

Getting up, Guo Shouyun sat next to Balqiufu and said with a smile, "My friend, I am truly sincere about cooperating with you this time. Think about it, five carts of tobacco is no small amount. I fear that even if I manage to bring it in myself, I won't be able to sell it in a short period. Therefore, I propose that we deepen our cooperation. I will be responsible for providing the goods, while you will handle the transportation and sales. We can split the final profits fifty-fifty. I roughly calculated that once we sell these five carts of tobacco, each of us will be able to take home at least this amount."

On the surface, this method of calculating payments seems advantageous for smugglers; however, in reality, individuals like Balqiev are earning even more. In recent years, the relationship between China and the Soviet Union has improved, leading to a de-escalation of military tensions in border areas. Both the Chinese and Soviet border patrols have significantly relaxed their patrol duties compared to before. As seasoned members of the Soviet border forces, individuals like Balqiev have long understood the patrol patterns of the Chinese border guards and anti-smuggling units. They know the safest times and locations to transport goods, making it less likely for them to be detected. Furthermore, even if their smuggling activities are discovered by the Chinese patrols, it does not pose a significant issue. After all, the demarcation of the Sino-Soviet border in this region is on the river, and to accommodate the fishing operations, both sides' border forces have turned a blind eye to occasional border crossings since the relationship between the two countries has warmed. In summary, Balqiev and his associates face virtually no risk in their smuggling operations; they essentially collect a toll from smugglers and provide some value-added services.

"The cargo from Wutuo, hmm, this is easy to handle," Balqiufu casually took a stack of cash from his suitcase, placed it on the table, and patted it, listening to the crisp sound of the bills. Satisfied, he continued, "Currently, the volume of cargo from Wutuo is not large, and your timing is quite good. The ice on the river has not yet broken, so our convoy can go directly across. Well, how about this: you set a time, and I will arrange everything for you."

Oh? A hint of confusion flashed across Balqief's face, "Is it all inside here?"

"Details, what details are there?" Guo Shouyun smiled and said, "I am responsible for organizing the supply of goods, and you are responsible for the sales channels. What details are there to discuss?"

"Hehe, Guo, I know that the profits from this business are substantial. Even if you only take four shares, you can still earn a lot. As for me, I have a group of people to manage, and those below me also need to receive a portion. The expenses involved are quite considerable. Therefore, it is only fair that I take six shares, don’t you think?" With a smile, Balqiufu said as he put his arm around Guo Shouyun's shoulder.

"I say, old friend, your heart is too dark, isn't it?" Guo Shouyun exclaimed, pointing at the suitcase and saying, "You must know that I am the one who covered the cost of the goods, and it is not easy for us to obtain tobacco in large quantities over there. Moreover, regarding the shipment, we had an agreement beforehand: one hundred thousand yuan for five shipments. I have already paid you the full transportation fee, so asking for six more is somewhat inappropriate, isn't it?"

"What’s the matter, my friend? Did my goods frighten you?" Looking at the figures of the four alluring women disappearing into the corner of the hall, Guo Shouyun leaned over, half-propped on the coffee table, and said teasingly

Observing the hesitant expression of Balqi, Guo Shouyun realized that he should further enhance the bait of benefits.

As a mid-level military officer, Balqiev is naturally well aware of the domestic situation. Currently, Moscow is in complete chaos, and the Soviet central leadership has long been at odds with the military and the Security Committee due to reforms. Otherwise, the treatment of soldiers in the army would not be deteriorating, and mid- to lower-ranking officers would not dare to act so recklessly. However, merely understanding this is not enough; Balqiev's position is ultimately too low. If such issues arise, it is believed that no one at a higher level would go to great lengths to protect a mere brigade commander like him.

No problem, Guo Shouyun's face once again broke into a smile, and he said without hesitation, "I am currently staying at the Friendship Hotel, and you can send someone to contact me at any time. Hehe, I look forward to your good news"

Indeed, it seems that Brother Guo has gained some courage this time, daring to transport five "loads" of goods at once. Bal'kiev's face bore a slight smile as he spoke. The term "load" refers to a unit of measurement equivalent to the cargo capacity of one Soviet border guard transport boat or one truck. Here, "five loads" means that this batch of goods requires the deployment of five transport boats or five trucks to be transported in one go. According to previous trading regulations, Bal'kiev and his associates only charged for transportation in smuggling trade, which is based on "loads"—twenty thousand rubles per load, clearly marked.

No, no, no," Balqiufu shook his head repeatedly and said dismissively, "Not only do I have to be responsible for the sales channels, but I also have to take on the smuggling. This means that I bear all the risks. Therefore, the issue of profit sharing must be reconsidered. I propose a split of 60-40. What do you think?"

I don't care what goods you are transporting. This is not our first collaboration with the - illustrations - you should know our principles. Hehe, as long as you are not smuggling drugs and you pay well, we will..." Balqiufu said with a faint smile, speaking with a hint of disdain, while subconsciously glancing at the suitcase. However, he stopped mid-sentence, as he was surprised to discover that besides the cash, there were only four cartons of cigarettes in the suitcase. According to what Guo Shouyun had just said...

After hesitating for a moment, Guo Shouyun shrugged and said helplessly: "Balqiufu, I must say you really should not be a soldier, but rather a businessman; you are just too cunning."

I... my God," Baal Qiefu's gaze was fixed on the four beautifully packaged cigarettes, and in an instant, various complex expressions crossed and intertwined in his eyes, including surprise, astonishment, fear, and of course, even more delight

"Yes, they are all inside," Guo Shouyun nodded and said affirmatively

Guo Shouyun spoke while making a gesture

"I must have six copies, and the shipping costs must be calculated separately; otherwise, our cooperation will come to an end! I believe that without my cooperation, you won't be able to complete any business in the future," said Balqiyev, appearing unreasonable as he pressed his hand on the suitcase and stared wide-eyed.

My old friend, do not hesitate any longer, Guo Shouyun said as he patted Balqi's shoulder, continuing to urge, "The situation in your country is changing rapidly; it is possible that one day the power in your hands will become worthless. Therefore, while there is still an opportunity to gain something, you should quickly plan for your future.

"Why don't you care about what goods I am transporting?" Guo Shouyun glanced at the four alluring women sitting beside the corrupt officer and spoke with a hint of implication

You! Guo Shouyun made a gesture of being speechless, pointing at Balqiufu, and for a long time, he couldn't utter a single word

Guo Shouyun: "... ..."

500,000? How could Balqieff not be moved? 500,000 rubles is certainly not a small sum; it is enough for him to live a life of decadence for the rest of his days after leaving the army. Moreover, he could see that this Chinese man is very ambitious. For a business like this, he would never settle for just one deal. If he were to collaborate with him a couple more times, he would be able to live comfortably even if he escaped to America in the future. Furthermore, he could see that this Chinese man is very ambitious. For a business like this, he would never settle for just one deal. If he were to collaborate with him a couple more times, he would be able to live comfortably even if he escaped to America in the future.

Wait! There are still some details regarding this collaboration that we need to change," Balqiefu said, firmly grasping Guo Shouyun's arm with a serious expression.

Of course I know this, Guo Shouyun said with his usual calm smile, "However, what I understand even better is that once this batch of goods is sold, it can bring in nearly one million rubles in profit. We Chinese often say, 'The bold thrive while the timid starve.' If one is afraid to take risks, then what is the point of engaging in business? Wouldn't it be more prudent to lie in bed and wait for death? Moreover, you are not unaware of the current situation in your country, haha, your powerful Security Committee is on the verge of collapse. I do not believe that under such circumstances, anyone would have the leisure to concern themselves with us.

"It's unbelievable," Balqiev said, reaching out to stroke the suitcase. "Guo, I now doubt whether you are that foolish kid who once collaborated with me. When did you become so bold? Do you realize that even a single instance of this, let alone five, if caught by the Trade Commission or the Ministry of Internal Affairs, would mean our doom!"

Three days! I need three days to make arrangements. Gritting his teeth, Balqiefu finally made a decision. He said, "If I can find a suitable market, I will contact you in three days. What do you think?"