Everything was in place, and Song Heping sat in the bar, next to Niki who had already passed out.
Someone had selected the 1960s Temptations hit "My Girl" on the bar's jukebox.
The melodious and rich music floated around the bar...
...
I got sunshine,
on a cloudy day When it's cold outside,
I got the month of May Well,
I guess you say, what can make me feel this way My girl,
my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl My girl,
my girl
I got so much honey, the bees envy me
...
Song Heping felt an unusual sense of calm inside.
Because everything was under control.
He didn't want to kill anyone tonight.
Because killing wouldn't solve the problem.
The company had developed to a stage where not every issue could be dealt with through violence.
Life, sometimes, required a bit of wisdom.
However, if anything unexpected occurred, he would choose to kill everyone without hesitation, including the charming Niki next to him.
The beer remained cold, while the bartender in the bar and the few solitary customers had no idea that they were in the eye of a storm, which could turn into a battle zone at any second.
Niki suddenly woke up, and Song Heping unhesitatingly waved his hand to knock her out again.
A man sitting not far away saw everything and stared at Song Heping, mouth agape.
Song Heping lifted his glass to him and said, "My girlfriend starts trouble when she's drunk."
The man stared for a moment, then grinned, lifted his glass, and gave a thumbs-up: "Smart!"
The time quickly approached one o'clock.
People gradually left the bar.
In the end, only Song Heping, Niki, and a bartender dozing off on the bar remained.
The music stopped as well.
Everything quieted down.
Outside the bar, Wilson was getting impatient in the SUV.
"Albert, it's taking too long, go inside the bar and have a look."
"Alright, boss."
Albert, tasked with surveillance from nearby woods, had already grown restless.
Bitten all over by mosquitoes, he had packed away the surveillance equipment into his shoulder bag. Albert checked his P226 pistol to make sure it was loaded before slipping it into his waistband, then leisurely headed to the bar.
At this time, the cell phone on the table in front of Song Heping began to vibrate.
He picked up the call and pressed the answer button.
"Old squad leader, we'll be there in ten minutes."
"Do as I said, remember, try not to kill anyone. I need these people, and I've spoken with General Rama from the Land Battle Camp. He has already given his orders; they will all follow your command."
"No problem, leave it to me! I guarantee not one will escape."
Albert walked into the bar, scanning the room.
At last, he saw Song Heping in the corner booth.
When he saw Niki slumped over Song Heping's shoulder, Albert was shocked.
Song Heping smiled at him.
His smile was laced with a hint of mockery.
Albert stood at the doorstep, unsure whether to enter or not.
The bartender was alerted by the sound of the door being pushed open, and he opened his half-sleepy eyes, groggily looking towards Albert at the door.
"Sir, we're about to close up..."
He wanted to remind this latecomer that if he wanted a drink, he should come tomorrow, as he was already half-dead from exhaustion and did not want to serve anyone anymore.
Albert's gaze still hadn't left Song Heping and Niki.