Chapter 115: I Take Responsibility If Anything Happens

“I can’t make that decision!” Rose said helplessly. She was just a low-ranking soldier with a slightly bigger head, how could she possibly contact the big boss of Southern Heaven at will?

Tang Long responded calmly, “Then find someone who can contact him and ask for their opinion.”

He sighed inwardly. If he could think of a solution, wouldn’t the big boss of Southern Heaven think of it too? Impossible!

After all, he had dealt with the General of Southern Heaven for more than a year. He knew the other party’s temperament and character well. To put it bluntly, the General was like a three-headed fox—far more than just a little cunning!

More than eight hours had passed since last night. If the “Sky Eye Satellite Surveillance System” had caught footage of the Black-Scaled Jiao, the big boss would have known about it by now.

Rose took out her phone and called Captain Peacock. The call connected quickly.

“Boss, Tang Long wants to speak directly with General Southern Heaven.”

“Hm.”

Sun Que was not surprised, merely responding with a cold "hm" before falling silent.

Rose felt stifled and frustrated. What did “hm” mean? Agree or not? If yes, what should she say? If not, why not just say no instead of just “hm”?

After waiting a while, she tentatively asked, “Captain, maybe you could talk to him yourself?”

“I’m not talking to him, damn it!” Peacock cursed before hanging up.

Rose’s mood was obvious—she couldn’t provoke the man in front of her, and she apparently couldn’t provoke the boss on the phone either.

She saw through it clearly: next time something like this happened, anyone who wanted to come could go to hell; she wouldn’t come under any circumstances!

The frustration was indescribable.

Tang Long looked at her and asked, “What did your captain say?”

Rose rolled her eyes inwardly but kept a serious face. “Our captain said, ‘I’m not talking to him, damn it!’”

“...”

Tang Long rubbed his nose, a bit embarrassed. He muttered quietly, “After all these years, the temper’s still the same—no improvement at all!”

Well, if they didn’t want to deal with him, then he’d have to do it himself.

He took out his phone and dialed a number. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, he would never call this number on his own.

“Heh, I knew you couldn’t resist calling me!” came a cheerful laugh from the other end of the line.

Tang Long felt helpless. He stood at attention, saluted crisply—even though the other side couldn’t see it, it was the respect owed.

“Good day, Leader...” Tang Long hesitated, then just said, “Leader.” Now, he was just a common farmer.

Southern Heaven said, “Don’t give me that crap. When you curse me in your heart, do you think I don’t notice?”

“Not at all!” Tang Long denied it outright.

“Right. Are there things you’re afraid to do in this world? Tell me, what’s your plan? A Black-Scaled Jiao appears in the secular world—do you think ordinary people can handle that?”

Tang Long’s eyes darted. “Our ancestor said it can stay hidden during the day, mostly inside the Ghost King Cave. Plus, we’ve made three rules with it: no eating people, no causing trouble, no deception. If anything happens, I’m willing to take full responsibility!”

Nearby, Rose, Xin Feng, Old Cheng, and other special forces soldiers listened in disbelief. Only this guy would dare speak to the big boss like that!

“You must understand, this isn’t a small matter. Taking responsibility for this will make your Fish Head Village famous—not just at home, but internationally. The Black-Scaled Jiao will attract countless eyes,” Southern Heaven said seriously.

Tang Long’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Whatever you instruct, just say the word. Though I’ve left the military camp, I’m still your soldier—if summoned, I’ll come; if called to battle, I’ll return.”

The big boss didn’t refuse outright. Tang Long understood perfectly—he couldn’t expect the old man to speak first. It wouldn’t do. Better to volunteer his terms.

As long as the higher-ups turned a blind eye and allowed the big black creature to remain intact in Fish Head Village as a “mascot,” Tang Long might as well stretch his legs elsewhere!

“You’re a sly one!” Southern Heaven laughed. Everyone liked dealing with clever people—it made things easier.

“You flatter me, sir!” Tang Long flattered in return.

Southern Heaven was silent for a moment, then said, “Since you’re willing to vouch for that Black-Scaled Jiao, we have no reason not to trust you. But… whether a fierce beast or a spirit beast, it isn’t something ordinary people can easily approach. Having such a giant suddenly appear in Fish Head Village is a bit shocking.

“My meaning is, try to keep it hidden, don’t let it scare ordinary people. Take it step by step. Its presence will bring some heat, which can help tourism in Fish Head Village and Taoyuan County.”

“Understood!” Tang Long agreed without hesitation. No matter what the big boss said, he had to comply.

Southern Heaven changed the topic. “About Xiao Yao, what are your plans? You could return directly to the capital, even if you don’t continue combat duties. You could transfer to civilian work or take a regular position. With your experience and merits, that’s sufficient.”

Tang Long frowned. Was this about Yao Han Dong’s plans to go abroad? If he spoke, things wouldn’t be so simple.

“You should also know some people don’t want me entering certain power centers. A soldier is a soldier. Although a soldier who doesn’t want to be a general isn’t a good soldier, I want to come back and be a farmer—to contribute to my hometown.”

Taking a civilian position after transferring is indeed a good choice, at least for most. But if it weren’t for the insistence of the old village chief, Tang Long wouldn’t have left the uniform and the barracks. He had left with gritted teeth and tears. Loyalty and filial piety are often at odds, and Tang Long must make his own choice.

“Sigh, fine, going back is good,” Southern Heaven sighed lightly. “Alright, I can back you up on this. Let the Black-Scaled Jiao live within Taoyuan County. But if it behaves abnormally, we reserve the right to hunt it down. And… if anything happens, you’ll be held accountable.”

“Agreed, I’ll take responsibility!” Tang Long said firmly.

Southern Heaven muttered, “Don’t think I’m that cunning. You were the one I personally brought into the special forces. Watching you grow to this level is like watching my own son. You haven’t slept three days and nights since you left me… forget it, never mind. Just live your life as an ordinary man now.”

With that, he hung up.

Tang Long stood there stunned. The old fox hadn’t made any demands and agreed so simply?

Wasn’t that a bit too straightforward?

Surprised yet touched, Tang Long hung up.

Rose, standing beside him with a frown, asked, “So, what did he say?”

Tang Long gave a wry smile, the sharp aura around him dissipating, and said lazily, “It’s a yes!”

A yes?

Rose and the special forces soldiers behind her looked at him in disbelief—that was a hundred-meter-long “monster”!

“If you don’t believe me, call and ask yourself!” Tang Long laughed. “You must have gotten up early and haven’t eaten yet, right?”

Without waiting for their replies, he turned and strolled away, saying, “Let’s go get some breakfast!”

Mainly because Tang Long was hungry now.

Fish Head Village was already enforcing a “village clearing” policy. Announcements had been posted on the official social media platforms and group chats, stating that due to special circumstances, the village would temporarily not receive tourists. Please do not visit on your own.

At the Fish Head Village and East River Town entrance, Li Ergou and others had posted notice boards. As for the Huayu Head Resort, Tang Long and the others had no control over whether it would continue operating—that was their business.

Fish Head Village was entering a brief period of reorganization.

Currently, online buzz about Fish Head Village and Miss Xiaoyue was gradually declining.

Without the traffic boost, the number of tourists coming to Fish Head Village was decreasing, though not sharply yet.

The morning food stalls felt somewhat quiet, not as lively as a couple of days ago. Last night, Liansheng had sent some visitors away; more left this morning. Although there were still quite a few people, after breakfast or by noon, they would gradually leave.

All the villagers had been notified individually.

“Tang Long, I want to discuss something with you!” Jiang Xue approached hesitantly as Tang Long was about to sit down at the food stall.

Tang Long smiled and said to Rose and the special forces, “You all sit first, help yourselves to whatever you want. No need to be polite! Lao Liu, come over and take care of these guests!”

Calling out to Lao Liu nearby, he then turned to Jiang Xue.

Although she had been scared silly by the Black-Scaled Jiao last night, it was dark then. Tang Long pretended not to notice, and Jiang Xue naturally didn’t tell him about her embarrassment.

Who wants others to know such awkward things?

“Is there something you want?” Tang Long asked curiously.

Jiang Xue frowned and whispered, “I heard you’re clearing tourists and temporarily closing the village?”

Tang Long nodded. “Yes. You’ve met the big Black Dragon. Besides, the public facilities in Fish Head Village are poor. Too many people make it chaotic. I plan to reopen after facilities are improved.”

“Our university travel agency has already scheduled trips for next week and collected thirty yuan deposits from each tourist,” Jiang Xue said.

Tang Long was momentarily stunned, then laughed. “Oh, I thought it was something serious. Your university tours are different from random tourists. You’re our long-term partners. You can tell the registered students that Fish Head Village is currently closed to outsiders.

“Those who paid deposits can get refunds or wait until the village reopens to come play. Then, they’ll receive a special souvenir.”

Pausing, he continued with a smile, “For those who don’t want refunds or don’t want to wait, they can still come. But for now, we won’t accept new tourists for a short time.”

Jiang Xue breathed a sigh of relief. That was exactly why she came. Aside from the unexpected Black Dragon King ancestor, nothing major had changed in Fish Head Village. She also knew the village would be more popular in the future—maybe they’d even start charging admission.

Hearing that Tang Long and Fish Head Village had no intention of abandoning their partner put her at ease.

The temporary closure was for outside tourists. University students like hers were easier to manage and could come to visit without much trouble.

“You haven’t eaten yet this morning, right? Come, join me!” Tang Long invited warmly.

Jiang Xue thought a moment and followed him over. Seeing the group of tough young men, she was a bit surprised but didn’t ask anything and sat at a nearby empty table.

After getting breakfast, Jiang Xue curiously asked, “Is the Ghost King Cave still open today?”

“For visitors with reserved tickets, yes, it’s open. But no tickets are sold to outsiders,” Tang Long replied, pausing before smiling. “Your university students can go in anytime. Others can’t, but you’ve got some face here!”