While Li Long was handing things over to Liu Gaolou, Liu Shanmin was doing the same in Khorgos.
Across from him stood his new handler, Old Zhang. His previous handler had been transferred for outstanding performance. This Old Zhang had been introduced by the previous one and came from the same hometown as Liu Shanmin.
The "supplies" Liu Shanmin handed over this time consisted of five experts from various fields, a truckload of documents and drawings, and two truckloads of specialty materials. Naturally, those materials were not in raw form, but in various finished products.
After taking those finished products, his handler would have them processed to recover the materials, possibly analyzing their formulas or reproducing them.
Once they had checked off the inventory, Liu Shanmin also explained his current circumstances. Rather smugly, he mentioned how much importance Old Nursultan now attached to him, saying he should be able to obtain more of what his handler needed in the next stage.
His handler did not seem particularly pleased to hear this. Instead, he told Liu Shanmin very solemnly:
"Although we urgently need all kinds of advanced material formulas and manufacturing processes, your safety matters more.
"Old Nursultan is an extremely shrewd political operator. Once he finds out you're doing this sort of thing, he absolutely won't show you any mercy."
"So while he has his eye on you, don't let your guard down. Take this work steadily, step by step. Don't sacrifice yourself in the process."
At first, Liu Shanmin felt somewhat unconvinced, but then he reconsidered. The man was thinking of his safety and showing concern for him.
And after establishing a connection with Old Nursultan, he really had let his guard down somewhat and become rather pleased with himself.
That mindset was a grave mistake in any line