How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 516

Yang Chen chuckled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, you won’t find my photos or videos online. I’ve already asked the relevant departments to notify all major platforms nationwide to block my photos and videos. As for safety, there’s even less to worry about. With bodyguards around, and me not getting directly involved, there’s no way I’ll get hurt.”

Chen Qingxia asked, “So, what are you planning with all this commotion?”

Yang Chen replied, “Smart, you can tell I have something in mind.”

Chen Qingxia retorted, “Are you kidding? You know my depths, and I know your lengths. Of course, I can guess you’re up to something with all this fuss.”

Yang Chen rolled his eyes, speechless, and said, “I’ve been driving for ride-hailing services for years and have met all kinds of passengers. Some often complain about taxis refusing fares or not using the meter, while others complain that with so many ride-hailing platforms, many drivers aren’t afraid of bad reviews and will refuse to pick up passengers over minor inconveniences, or even curse at them. I think these are all issues that affect ordinary people’s lives. Since I don’t have anything else going on right now, I want to see if I can change the urban passenger transport industry. I also have a grand challenge in my plan, which is to change hospitals. I need to first test what level of person I am now before I can assess whether I can move the cheese in the medical system.”

Chen Qingxia exclaimed, “Are you crazy? Even Boss Ma [likely referring to Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba] couldn’t change hospitals, and you want to follow in his footsteps? You’ve already achieved almost the highest honors and status a person can get. Don’t overthink things.”

Yang Chen explained, “That’s why I want to start with an industry to test my level. I think the urban passenger transport industry is a good place to start. At least I have shares in DiDi [a Chinese ride-hailing company], so even if I fail, I can say I was fighting for the legal rights of ride-hailing drivers. If I don’t succeed this time, it means my position isn’t high enough, and I’ll have to keep a low profile in the future. If I succeed, I can start changing hospitals.”

What that taxi driver said was harsh, but one thing he said made sense: a taxi license costs 800,000 yuan [approximately $110,000 USD]. Anyone who dares to move the cheese in this industry will face strong resistance.

But compared to the medical system, the taxi industry is nothing.

If Yang Chen can’t even withstand the pressure from the taxi industry, he should never touch the medical system.

Chen Qingxia said, “I understand your thinking. When people reach a certain height, they always want to do something different. I can’t help you much, and I won’t stop you, but I have one request: make sure you stay safe. I won’t say anything else.”

Yang Chen reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’m not stupid. I’ll play it by ear.”

Chen Qingxia said, “Sign here, and you can leave. We’ll organize the responsible parties from both sides to negotiate a resolution. I’ll call you then.”

Yang Chen nodded, signed the paper, and left.

Huang Xiaomeng was sitting on the steps outside the door. Seeing Yang Chen come out, she quickly ran up to him and asked, “Brother Yang, are you okay?”

Yang Chen replied, “I’m fine. Let’s go, I’ll take you to school.”

Huang Xiaomeng asked, “What did the police say?”

Yang Chen said, “The police will organize the responsible parties from both sides to negotiate a resolution. Let’s go.”

Huang Xiaomeng nodded and got into the car.

Yang Chen dropped Huang Xiaomeng off at Shuangdan University and found a restaurant nearby to grab some food before heading home to sleep.

At seven in the evening, Yang Chen arrived at the Qiaojiangnan Jiefang Road branch on time.

Chen Qingxia had already deployed her team around the area. In case of any emergencies, they could rush in to protect Yang Chen’s safety.

Gao Minxia was waiting at the restaurant entrance. Seeing Yang Chen arrive, she waved and greeted him.

“Handsome, you’re here,” Gao Minxia said with a smile.

Yang Chen replied, “Sorry, I’m late.”

Gao Minxia said, “It’s okay, I just got here too. Let’s go in and eat.”

Yang Chen nodded, and the two walked into the restaurant side by side.

Gao Minxia was quite generous, ordering expensive dishes and a bottle of red wine. This meal probably cost over ten thousand yuan [approximately $1,400 USD].

It seemed that the envelope Yang Chen delivered for her had earned her a lot of money. Of course, it was also possible that she wanted to use this to lull Yang Chen into a false sense of security so that he would continue to deliver goods for her.

Yang Chen said, “Ms. Gao, you’re being too extravagant. I’m just a ride-hailing driver. I won’t be able to return such an expensive meal in the future.”

Gao Minxia laughed and said, “Haha… don’t be so polite. Today is mainly to thank you for saving me from embarrassment. Once we’re in a normal relationship, we definitely won’t be eating this well. Come, let me toast you.”

Yang Chen replied, “No, no, I’ve hardly had any alcohol since I became a ride-hailing driver. You drink, I’ll use tea as a substitute. If you get drunk, I can take care of you.”

Gao Minxia giggled and said, “Hehe… you’re so thoughtful. When two people are together, there should be one steady person to rely on. Then I’ll drink, and you can have water.”

Yang Chen smiled and nodded, eating politely.

To be honest, Yang Chen really despised this kind of woman. Women involved with drugs were never good people, and most of them were promiscuous. It would be disgusting if they had some kind of disease.

Therefore, Yang Chen absolutely did not touch the dishes she had already touched, trying to avoid her saliva as much as possible.

While eating, Gao Minxia asked about Yang Chen’s family, social life, and personal habits, obviously trying to assess him.

After some inquiries, Gao Minxia nodded in satisfaction and said, “You’re such a good person, especially suitable to be a husband. Excuse me, I’m going to the restroom. You eat first.”

Yang Chen smiled and nodded, saying, “Please, go ahead.”

Gao Minxia smiled, grabbed her bag, got up, and walked away.

The plainclothes policewoman followed her, constantly monitoring Gao Minxia’s every move.

About ten minutes later, Gao Minxia returned.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. There were too many people in the restroom, so I had to wait in line for a while,” Gao Minxia said with a smile.

In reality, she was sending messages to her accomplices in the restroom, not waiting in line because there were too many people.

Yang Chen said, “It’s okay, girls are definitely not as fast as men. It’s understandable.”

Gao Minxia giggled and said, “Hehe… you’re such a gentleman. I’m increasingly feeling that you’re a very suitable person to be a husband.”

Yang Chen laughed and said, “Haha… don’t tease me. Nowadays, girls look for someone with a good job and high income. No one would be interested in a ride-hailing driver like me. If someone is interested, they must have ulterior motives. I don’t believe that fate would be so kind as to have a girl be interested in me.”

Gao Minxia’s expression visibly stiffened, but she quickly covered her mouth and laughed.

“Why are you so insecure about yourself? Not all girls are so materialistic. Besides, I don’t lack money. It’s enough for a family to live comfortably in a city like Haicheng for a lifetime. I don’t care if someone has money or not. I only care about their personal qualities. I really think you’re suitable to be a husband. I hope you can seriously consider it,” Gao Minxia coaxed.

Yang Chen looked at Gao Minxia seriously for a few seconds, then smiled and nodded.

After a while, Gao Minxia finished the entire bottle of wine.

At this point, she seemed a little drunk, shaking her head.

Seeing this, Yang Chen asked, “Ms. Gao, are you drunk? Should I take you home now?”

Gao Minxia replied, “Okay, thank you.”

At that moment, a young girl came over with a large envelope.

Yang Chen immediately perked up. Was she going to deliver goods again?

“Sister Xia, the information you wanted is ready,” the girl said, handing the large envelope to Gao Minxia.

Gao Minxia smiled and nodded, saying, “Thank you, Xiaoli. You’ve worked hard. Go home and rest. I’ll give you a day off tomorrow. Get some rest at home.”

The girl nodded and turned to leave.

Gao Minxia took out the documents in front of Yang Chen. They were some foreign trade customs declaration and inspection documents.

Damn, were they smuggling goods through customs?

If they had such means, that would be really impressive.

Gao Minxia pretended to look through the documents, then handed them to Yang Chen, saying, “Brother Yang, can you put these away for me?”

Yang Chen nodded, put the documents back in the envelope, and sealed it.

Obviously, there was no powder in the envelope this time. She deliberately asked Yang Chen to help put it back to prove that there was nothing suspicious, but her unnecessary action was precisely what made it suspicious.

“Brother Yang, let’s go,” Gao Minxia said.

Yang Chen nodded, and the two got up and left.

At this time, in the city bureau command vehicle, Chen Qingxia immediately ordered through her earpiece, “All units, the target has left the restaurant. The colleagues responsible for driving and tracking, pay close attention! If you lose the target vehicle, you will receive a major demerit! I repeat, the colleagues responsible for driving and tracking, pay close attention! If you find that you are about to lose them, immediately reveal your identity. I can allow the operation to fail, but I absolutely will not allow any danger to Yang Chen.”

Yang Chen and Gao Minxia walked out of the restaurant.

Yang Chen said, “Ms. Gao, you hold onto this. I’ll go get the car.”

Gao Minxia nodded and was about to reach out to take the envelope when her phone rang again.

Gao Minxia answered, “Hello, Brother, what’s the matter? Ah? Dad fell from the second floor? How could this happen? Where are you now? The First People’s Hospital? Okay, I’ll be right there.”

Hanging up the phone, Gao Minxia quickly said to Yang Chen, “Brother Yang, my dad accidentally fell from the second floor. I need to hurry to the train station to buy a ticket home to see him. Can you take me to the train station… Oh, no, I still have to deliver these documents. How about this, Brother Yang, can you help me deliver these documents to Qingyang Trading Company? Just say they’re from Gao Minxia. I’ll take a taxi to the train station and buy a ticket for the 9 PM train. Can you do that? Please, please, my dad is old, falling from the second floor must be serious. Waa…”

Damn, was she putting on such a show?

Yang Chen said, “Okay, okay, call them and tell them that a ride-hailing driver named Yang Chen will deliver it. You hurry to the train station.”

Gao Minxia said, “Okay, thank you, Brother Yang, thank you, Brother Yang. When I get back, I’ll definitely thank you properly.”

Yang Chen said, “Alright, don’t say that. Hurry up and go.”

Gao Minxia nodded. Just then, a taxi drove by, and she quickly grabbed her bag, ran over, and got in.

Yang Chen took the envelope to his car. Just as he was about to send a message to Chen Qingxia, Qiu Yuhong sent him the investigation report.

“Mr. Yang, we’ve almost finished investigating Gao Minxia and her associates’ social connections. We’ve checked all the people she’s been in contact with through her communication tools, social media, phone book, and text messages. I’m sending you the information now. Take a look and let me know. One of them, named Bayu, is a well-known drug trafficker in the Golden Triangle [a region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet] in Thailand. I’ve already sent a message to Zhang Lijun, asking him to investigate the background of these people and send it directly to you.”

Yang Chen quickly opened the information and looked at it. More than a hundred people related to Gao Minxia were clearly investigated, and through her network, they traced it back to the big drug lord Bayu.

Moreover, Yang Chen also saw the photo of the girl who delivered the envelope to Gao Minxia earlier. Her name was Bai Qiqi, originally from Kuncheng, Yun Province, but later immigrated to Southern Myanmar with her family, and then married back to Kuncheng.

Bai Qiqi’s parents run nightclubs in Southern Myanmar, and they are the kind that offer everything: gambling, and drugs.

A US citizen named Rufus Ford also has shares in this nightclub. Rufus Ford runs a food export business called Ford Trading Company, dealing in milk powder, coffee, chocolate, and other products.

Although there was no concrete evidence yet, Yang Chen could roughly imagine a smuggling route.

To verify his guess, Yang Chen opened the envelope, took out the customs declaration and inspection documents, and looked at them. Sure enough, he saw the name of Ford Trading Company in the exporter section.

Now it was basically certain that Yang Chen’s guess was correct. He had figured out how Gao Minxia and her gang were smuggling things in.

In short, they first sent the goods to the United States, where controls were lax and relatively easy, and then exported milk powder, coffee, and other items to Long Country [a euphemism for China] through Ford Trading Company.

Yang Chen quickly put the documents back as they were, resealed the envelope using the previous wire method, and then drove to Qingyang Trading Company.

He hadn’t driven far when Yang Chen suddenly realized something. Was Gao Minxia planning to return to Kuncheng and then sneak out of the country?

Yang Chen quickly sent a message to Chen Qingxia.

“Gao Minxia may be trying to escape. You need to decide whether to arrest her now. I’m helping her deliver a document to Qingyang Trading Company. They will have a shipment coming in tomorrow, and the goods should be hidden in that shipment.”

Soon, Chen Qingxia replied.

“Our people are already tracking the taxi she took to see where she’s going. Be careful. I’m sending people to Qingyang Trading Company to wait.”

Yang Chen glanced at the message and didn’t reply.

More than an hour later, Yang Chen arrived at Qingyang Trading Company in the QP district.

In front of the security guard, Yang Chen called Gao Minxia.

Gao Minxia quickly called someone to come out and pick up the item. Soon, a foreign man came out and took the envelope.

Afterward, Yang Chen immediately drove away.

Ten minutes later, the bodyguard sent Yang Chen a message.

“Mr. Yang, a car just came out of that company and is following you. There’s also a car following us from behind.”

The car following Yang Chen was probably sent by those people because they were worried and wanted to see where Yang Chen lived, preferably to find out about his family.

The car behind the bodyguard should be the one Chen Qingxia sent, so that was fine.

As a ride-hailing driver, going to the Lakeside Island villa or Tomson Riviera [both are high-end residential areas] would definitely arouse suspicion.

Moreover, Yang Chen certainly couldn’t let his women take risks and couldn’t go to any of his homes.

After a brief thought, Yang Chen decided to get a SPA and spend the night there, which would be more in line with the lifestyle of a single driver.

Yang Chen had never been to such a place before, and he didn’t know which store was reliable.

He didn’t care whether the masseuse was good-looking or skilled, the most important thing was that it was clean and hygienic.

It would be embarrassing if the beds and everything else there were not clean and he caught some kind of disease.

At this moment, Chen Qingxia called Yang Chen.

Chen Qingxia said, “You’re being followed by people from Qingyang Trading Company.”

Yang Chen replied, “I know. I’m going to find a SPA to spend the night. Tell your people not to follow me and just drive away.”

Chen Qingxia asked, “Ah? Why do you want to spend the night at a SPA? Can’t you come to my place?”

Yang Chen said, “Are you stupid? They’re following me because they want to find out about my family. Can I go to your place? I think it’s perfectly logical for an older single driver to spend the night at a SPA.”

Chen Qingxia said, “That’s true. Then you can only get a regular foot massage, and you definitely can’t do anything else.”

Yang Chen retorted, “Who are you looking down on? Even if I have no standards, I wouldn’t touch a woman that countless people have touched.”

Chen Qingxia giggled and said, “Hehe… I’m afraid you can’t resist. Then go ahead, I’ll arrange for someone to go in with you right away.”

Yang Chen said, “Okay.”

Hanging up the phone, Yang Chen continued driving.

Soon, Yang Chen saw a SPA that looked quite luxurious ahead.

Okay, this one it is.

Yang Chen quickly sent a message back to the bodyguard.

“Don’t stop with me, drive around, change clothes, and come back to do a SPA with me.”

Afterward, Yang Chen turned to the SPA.

The people from Qingyang Trading Company who were following Yang Chen stopped by the side of the road and called Rivers, the foreign sales manager who had picked up the envelope earlier, to report the situation.

Coincidentally, the owner of this SPA, Gao Qijun, was a partner with Rivers.

Rivers quickly called Gao Qijun, asking him to pay attention to Yang Chen and send a trusted masseuse to serve Yang Chen, taking the opportunity to inquire about his family and other information.

At this time, the plainclothes officer who was following Gao Minxia also sent a message back to Chen Qingxia.

Gao Minxia had just bought a train ticket to Kuncheng for 9:30 PM. Should they arrest her immediately, or let her leave?

Chen Qingxia felt that they couldn’t alert the enemy, so they should seize the goods first and arrest the other related personnel. Gao Minxia couldn’t escape.

Therefore, she ordered them to let Gao Minxia leave and asked the bureau to contact the Kuncheng police, requesting them to monitor Gao Minxia in real-time after she got off the train, and to carry out the arrest operation after Haicheng had closed the net.

At this time, at the SPA.

Yang Chen booked a room. While waiting for the masseuse to come, he sent Chen Qingxia the social network of Gao Minxia that Qiu Yuhong had investigated.

Soon, Chen Qingxia replied.

“The owner of that SPA is Gao Qijun, who is on the list you sent. You must be careful. They are very likely to send someone to test your family situation. Comrades from the anti-drug brigade have already infiltrated, they are quite mysterious and rarely show their faces, so no one should be able to recognize them. I’ll send you their photos so you know what to expect.”

Damn.

This was really too coincidental. He had chosen a SPA run by a drug dealer.

He was just a ride-hailing driver, how had he become involved in an undercover operation?

After a while, a beautiful masseuse with a great figure came.

Although Yang Chen had never been to such a place, he had heard some drivers chatting about the situation in such places in the group.

The most beautiful masseuse in each SPA had a queue every day, and some people would even compete by offering high prices.

Yang Chen was a first-time customer who only paid for the entry-level 198 package, so normally the store would not arrange this level of masseuse to serve him.

Obviously, this was a spy sent to test Yang Chen.

Masseuse: “Hello, VIP, welcome to Dynasty SPA. I’m masseuse number 001, it’s a pleasure to serve you.”

Yang Chen asked, “How pleased are you?”

Masseuse: “Very pleased.”

Yang Chen said, “You’re pleased too early. Change to someone stronger. How can you have any strength with those little arms and legs?”

The masseuse was stunned. Countless customers lined up and paid high prices to request her, and now she was being 嫌弃 [xián qì – to dislike; to complain about] by a ride-hailing driver?

“Damn it, if the boss hadn’t given me orders, I would have cursed you out!” Masseuse 001 thought angrily.

However, she still had to smile and bow as she left.

Masseuses with good figures and beautiful faces like her usually had to endure the abuse of many customers, which was disgusting to think about.

Others might cherish her, but Yang Chen didn’t.

Masseuse 001 returned to the boss’s room and complained, “Brother Jun, that bastard kicked me out, 嫌弃 [xián qì – to dislike; to complain about] my little arms and legs weren’t strong enough, and wanted to change to a stronger masseuse.”

Gao Qijun chuckled and said, “I didn’t expect him to be so practical. He really came to do a SPA.”

Masseuse 001 said, “You’re still laughing! I’ve been doing this for so long, and customers have always flattered me. When have I ever been treated like this! He’s just a ride-hailing driver, you’d think he was some kind of super-rich, actually being picky.”

Gao Qijun said, “Haha… he drives all day, cramped in such a small space, his body muscles are sore, he probably really wants to have a good massage and relax. Alright, go do something else, I’ll call Zhang Li to go up.”

Masseuse 001 snorted reluctantly and turned to leave.

At this time, Gao Qijun’s older brother, Gao Qiguo, called.

Gao Qiguo said, “Xiaojun, remember to come home for dinner tomorrow. Xiaoting is back, and your sister-in-law is preparing to cook herself to welcome Xiaoting back. You must come back.”

Gao Qijun replied, “Got it.”

Gao Qiguo asked, “Where are you now?”

Gao Qijun said, “At the Dynasty SPA.”

Gao Qiguo said, “Behave yourself these days. I just received a message that the police are tracking a large drug trafficking group, and they’re just missing the final smuggling channel. I’ve warned you many times not to touch those things. Have you been touching them recently?”

Gao Qijun said, “Brother, don’t worry, I haven’t touched them in a long time. I’m your brother, don’t you believe me?”

Gao Qiguo laughed and said, “Haha… that’s good. Our Guojun Group is doing legitimate business now, so don’t touch anything that’s not above board. If we protect our current industry, it’s enough to guarantee our family’s wealth and prosperity for life.”

Gao Qijun said, “Got it, Brother, don’t worry, I guarantee I haven’t touched those things again.”

Gao Qiguo said, “Okay. I’m hanging up, get some rest early. Come over early tomorrow.”

Gao Qijun said, “Okay. Good night, Brother.”

Hanging up the phone, Gao Qijun fell silent.

The police were tracking a large drug trafficking group and were just trying to figure out the smuggling channel. Which group was it?

After careful consideration, Gao Qijun called Rivers, the foreign sales manager of Qingyang Trading Company.

Soon, the call connected.

Rivers asked, “Brother Jun, what’s up? Is there anything unusual about that driver?”

Gao Qijun said, “Not yet. But my brother just called me. He just heard that the police are tracking and investigating a large drug trafficking group, and they’re just trying to figure out the smuggling route. Do you think they’re tracking you?”

Rivers asked, “Ah? Are you sure? Did your brother reveal any more information?”

Gao Qijun said, “No. I promised my brother not to touch those things, so I didn’t ask too many questions.”

Rivers said, “In that case, Brother Jun, you must find a way to get more information from your brother. If there is any evidence pointing to us, I must leave Long Country immediately. Please, Brother Jun, I will definitely repay you handsomely later.”

Gao Qijun said, “We’re friends, your business is my business. I’m going home for dinner tomorrow, so I’ll ask tentatively then. Whatever I find out, I’ll tell you.”

Rivers said, “Okay, okay. Thank you, Brother Jun.”