He could finally return to a normal life trajectory, climb the career ladder, marry a beautiful and wealthy wife, and reach the pinnacle of life…
The people in the conference room were no longer interested in hearing the rest. Only Huai Shi eagerly awaited the follow-up, wanting Tu Tai to elaborate on how his Master would 'bless' the female believers…
Eek—that sneaky bastard actually installed a camera?
Spill it! Where did you hide the hard drive?
But soon, they received bad news from the scene: King Ocean was planning to flee.
Tu Tai, with his keen intuition, had always known this line of work wouldn't last. He constantly monitored various sources of information. When he noticed unusual activity in his Master's accounts, he sensed trouble. Thinking it wise to be prepared, he had booked a flight to France, planning to lay low for a couple of days, but he realized it was too late.
King Ocean was currently holding his final prayer meeting in Old Pond Town, outside Xinhai City, clearly preparing to flee that very night. To prevent further complications, they needed to act quickly.
But Ai Qing fell silent.
She seemed to be contemplating an unanswerable question, staring vacantly, oblivious to the urgent prompts from those around her. She remained silent.
Much later, she finally lifted her head, her expression gloomy as she let out a long sigh.
Indeed, this makes many things fall into place, and all the clues fit. But something still feels off…
She suddenly turned her head, her slender eyes fixing on the young man behind her, "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Of course, I'm hiding a lot! Raven, the Book of Fate, my awakening… How could I possibly mention things that would immediately cause disaster?
"No!"
Huai Shi shook his head decisively. "I've said everything I can say! And I've also said everything I can't say!"
His expression was fervent, as if he were ready to sacrifice himself at any moment, but inwardly he was terrified, dreading Ai Qing would have Liu DongLi go over the details again.
What if the Book of Fate gets mentioned? How would I handle that?
This dangerous item, from what Raven said, seemed to be a huge deal. How could I dare reveal it before the binding was removed?
Seemingly convinced by his words, Ai Qing silently withdrew her gaze.
"Then let's begin the operation immediately."
She looked at the middle-aged man. "However, to avoid any unexpected situations… although time is short, before we implement the plan, it's better to first clarify what exactly this so-called Savior Father Association is up to. After all, a Border Relic is involved. Nobody knows what they've hidden. Besides, aren't there Sublimators concealed among them? This is all essential intelligence—"
"Hmm?" The middle-aged man was puzzled. "Miss Ai means?"
Ai Qing glanced behind her and said nothing.
The middle-aged man saw Liu DongLi and immediately understood. He stood up, shook Liu DongLi's hand, and said enthusiastically, "On behalf of the Special Affairs Department, I thank Mr. Liu for his help and support."
"What?"
Liu DongLi was utterly confused. Unaware of what had just transpired, he instinctively sensed trouble. "I haven't… I'm not… Don't misunderstand…"
Before he could finish, Ai Qing interrupted, "Perfect. Besides Liu DongLi, there is another civilian volunteer who has dealt with them and is willing to cooperate with us…"
As she spoke, Ai Qing looked back at Huai Shi, who was visibly gloating.
"—With the two of them infiltrating first, it should be no problem."
Huai Shi's smile froze on his face. He suddenly leaped up, turning into a pitiable broken record, "I haven't either! I'm not either!"
"It's just a reconnaissance mission. With so many people as backup, you most likely won't die."
"'You yourself said 'most likely'!" Huai Shi protested in anguish. "Weren't we supposed to be bait? How did it suddenly turn into infiltrating enemy lines!"
"Isn't it common for clients to change their requirements?" Ai Qing rested her chin on her palm, leisurely sizing him up. "At worst, I'll add another eight hundred to your stipend."
Huai Shi was livid.
"Forget eight hundred! Even eight thousand—"
Before he could finish, a DING from his waistband interrupted him: "Alipay: Eight thousand yuan received!"
Huai Shi paused, his expression stiffening. "Do you think this pittance can make me bow my head?"
DING!
Another light sound, and the soft female voice announced again, "Alipay: Eight thousand yuan received."
"This is life-threatening! What if I actually die?" Huai Shi's eyes widened. "Don't you even offer death benefits?"
Ai Qing looked away, flicked her phone, and sent the final transaction.
"Alipay: Seven hundred yuan received."
Seven hundred? Why are the death benefits only seven hundred?! I just got sixteen thousand! Why so little when it's for someone dying?!
Huai Shi was unsure whether to be outraged or simply angry, or if he should demand more.
"Little brother, seven hundred is quite a lot," Liu DongLi, his comrade in misfortune, leaned in, tsk-tsking. "With a coupon, you can get an eco-friendly package at the East Suburb Crematorium, and they'll even throw in an urn!"
"Remember to give a five-star review for a free wreath, and specify your preferred style in the order comments—after all, you'll be staying there a long time, so pick one you like."
Ten minutes later, Huai Shi and Liu DongLi were crammed into an armored vehicle and set off for Old Pond Town, filled with a sense of tragic heroism.
As they departed, Huai Shi shivered inexplicably.
It was as if he had plunged into an icy cavern.