Chapter 312
Andrew Smith and his two companions squeezed into the bumpy jeep as it rumbled along the rugged mountain road, kicking up clouds of dust. The scenery outside grew increasingly desolate until the faded characters of "Luan Mountain Coal Mine" loomed in the distance under the setting sun.
"Stop here," Andrew suddenly ordered.
The deputy team leader patted his shoulder. "The mine's just ahead. This is as far as we can take you. Remember—signal immediately if anything goes wrong. Twenty of our men are waiting in these woods."
The three quickly changed into tattered cotton jackets and smeared coal dust on their faces. Andrew deliberately stuffed a tetracycline tablet into his mouth, wincing at the bitter taste.
"Move out," he muttered under his breath.
Hunching their backs, they staggered forward like real miners. The roar of trucks echoed from afar as several coal-laden vehicles barreled toward them.
"Get out of the way!" Andrew shouted in feigned panic. The three scrambled clumsily to the roadside, nearly tumbling into the ditch.
"Ha! Look at those country bumpkins!" The truck driver, River, slapped the steering wheel, honking the horn to scare them.
Hank narrowed his eyes. "Something's off. Strangers don't just show up in the middle of nowhere. Stop the truck!"
The vehicle screeched to a halt. Hank jumped down with two burly men, iron rods glinting coldly at their waists.
"What are you doing here?" Hank barked.
Andrew immediately hunched submissively. "W-we're here for work, boss. The foreman was s'posed to meet us, but..." He deliberately lisped in a thick rural accent, flashing yellowed teeth.
Hank took a half-step back in disgust. "Which village?"
"Old Liu Village, over the mountain," Andrew rubbed his hands nervously. "I'm strong, and these two listen to me." He flexed his arms for emphasis.
His teammates cowered appropriately behind him.
River leaned in. "Boss, free labor right here."
Hank hesitated, then suddenly grabbed Andrew's wrist. Andrew tensed internally but kept his dopey grin.
The callouses on Andrew's palms seemed to reassure Hank. "Fine. Waters, take them inside."
"Thank you, boss! Thank you!" The three bowed repeatedly like wide-eyed peasants.
Once the trucks were gone, Waters spat. "Follow me. No looking around!"
Passing through rusted iron gates, Andrew discreetly scanned the surroundings. Barbed wire coiled atop high walls, and snarling guard dogs were chained in corners. Patrols of armed men eyed the newcomers with suspicion.
"Old Cooper!" Waters suddenly yelled. "Get me some damn noodles!"
William, who had been carrying vegetables, looked up—and dropped his basket with a clatter. Cabbages rolled everywhere.
"You asking for a beating?" Waters kicked him.
Andrew's pupils contracted—the beaten young man was exactly the missing college student they'd been searching for.
"You three," Waters turned and ordered, "haul these inside. Slack off, and..." He meaningfully tapped his iron rod.
Andrew nodded eagerly, seizing the chance to exchange a glance with William. A flicker of hope flashed in the young man's eyes before he quickly lowered his head.
From the depths of the mine, faint cries of agony drifted out. Andrew clenched his fists. This was no coal mine—it was a living hell.