Chapter 102
Lee stood up, having no intention of staying for tea. He put on his black top hat and walked out of the teahouse.
I won't go back to the detective agency. I'll go to the car dealership first and pick out a model I like. Once the payment arrives, I can pay in full. If they have a car in stock, I can pick it up by tomorrow at the latest.
Then we'll take Ah, Hong, and Waai Fu to the beach for a bit, as a belated coming-of-age ceremony for Ah.
March 30th.
The second-in-command of the Ah Cat Gang, who was assigned to kidnap Ah Cat, went to the beach with his men, but the kidnapping operation failed.
However, this wasn't a complete loss. At least, he brought back good news. Ah had developed a durian-flavored potion that could significantly enhance one's strength.
According to the second-in-command, the effect is even better than the Vitality Potion. If it can be mass-produced, it can take over the market that the Rat King has monopolized for so long within a few months.
Meanwhile, the intelligence-gathering department brought another piece of good news: Lin Gerei would be celebrating the birthday of Miss Zhu, the heiress of the Hatton Group, on April 1st, and would be attending the birthday banquet that day.
Upon hearing this news, the leader of the Cat Gang burst into laughter. He had originally planned to cripple Lin Gerei's economy by synthesizing a new drug to replace the Vitality Potion. But instead, Lin Gerui himself came to the Upper City —truly a stroke of luck!
The leader of the Cat Gang immediately notified the senior management of all departments to recall all the idle thugs.
They planned to take action two days in advance, aiming to eliminate the Rat King at Miss Zhu's birthday party.
As long as he can be killed, there's no need to care about the law or the Lungmen Guard Department. In the eyes of the Cat Gang leader, eliminating Lin Gerei is a higher priority than making money from medicine.
His order was quickly relayed to the senior executive in charge of real estate. The executive then informed the Intermediary Manager of Tailless Cat Real Estate.
The Intermediary Manager was overjoyed upon hearing this, immediately realizing that the opportunity he had been waiting for had arrived. This time, the entire Cat Gang had mobilized almost entirely to eliminate the Rat King.
For security reasons, the Rat King might hire Texas as a bodyguard when he comes to the Upper City. Just tell Silver-haired Lupo your schedule, and you can get rid of one of them for free.
Haha, I'm such a planner!
The Intermediary Manager skipped work and took leave to go out and buy fruit to visit Lappland.
158 Trust Crisis (3K)
Upon learning of the planned raid the day after tomorrow, the Intermediary Manager immediately skipped work. He bought a few pounds of fruit on the street and took a taxi to the residential building opposite Penguin Logistics Company.
"Knock knock".
Hearing the knock, Lappland first looked through the peephole. After confirming the visitor's identity, she opened the door. However, as before, she stood in the doorway, not intending to let the person in.
"What's up?"
Lappland has the Intermediary Manager's phone number; he would naturally call to buy medicine. The fact that he's proactively contacting me now likely means he has something important to discuss.
To be honest, she was very dissatisfied with this guy. She had previously commissioned him to investigate Texas's history after arriving in Lungmen, and what kind of garbage had he brought back?
The only information recorded is that she was among the earliest employees of Penguin Logistics, and was usually taciturn. She was skilled with a sword, possessed strong close-combat abilities, Originium Arts and background were unknown. She typically accepted bodyguard, cargo, and mail delivery assignments.
Lappland already knew this information; she didn't need to look at it at all. She had worked with Texas for several years, so she was familiar with the details.
"To be honest, I do have something to ask you."
The Intermediary Manager sensed that Lappland was somewhat impatient with him, and thinking that perhaps the information he had gathered last time was unsatisfactory, he said with a forced smile:
"Our Cat Gang launching an assassination attempt on a big shot the day after tomorrow. Texas, whom you've been investigating recently, is likely that big shot's bodyguard. I wonder if you could help take care of Texas on that day?"
In fact, Lappland had known all along that the Intermediary Manager had ulterior motives. His willingness to help cover up his suspicious background was quite obvious.
Adhering to the principle of not revealing what she sees, she pretended nothing had happened as long as the Intermediary Manager didn't bring it up.
Lappland was quick-witted; upon learning of the assassination plan, she didn't refuse but readily agreed.
"Okay, what's the specific time and place?"
"To prevent leaks, the higher-ups didn't mention it. But they'll definitely notify you before we leave. You'll be in charge of Texas; leave the rest to us."
Lappland's lips curled into a half-smile, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"Yeah, I'm only in charge of Texas. Don't bother me with anyone else, no amount of money will help."
Twenty-five days have passed since she escaped the Lower City. Although her rib injury hasn't fully healed, she should be able to meet Texas properly.
"Okay, then it's a good decision. I'll contact you as soon as I receive the notification."
The Intermediary Manager was satisfied with Lappland's answer, put the fruit on the ground, and turned to leave.
March 30, 3:57 pm
Shi Lei sat at his workstation reading a book, with a cup of hot tea steaming on the table.
When the warehouse was settled, Texas bought him a hundred books. He read them quickly during this period, so she ordered two hundred more, filling the bookshelves to the brim.
Now that I'm not short of money, I can buy books and read them without having to go to the library. I enjoy tea and books every day, and bask in the sun when the weather is nice. Unless I have a home visit request, I clock out at five o'clock sharp.
Let's get together with colleagues tonight
They enjoy meals and drinks, and occasionally play mahjong; their lives are quite fulfilling.
Hearing his phone's notification tone, Shi Lei guessed that another client had come knocking. But after waiting several seconds without hearing any of his colleagues' phones ring, he put down his book and picked it up to check.
"This is Lee. Don't let any other Messenger see or know the contents of this text message. Call me from somewhere without surveillance cameras or outsiders; it's urgent."
What's going on? Why are you making it so mysterious?
Shi Lei was slightly confused, but he felt that Lee was not joking, so he stood up on his own initiative.
Seeing this Exusiai was diagonally opposite, asked:
"Is this yet another case where someone specifically requested you?"
All the recent big orders have come from Zhongli. While it's true that he's good at getting these orders and it won't affect his colleagues' performance, it would be a lie to say she's not envious.
"So where are you going after you get up?"
"Make a phone call."
After saying that, Shi Lei turned and walked towards the balcony.
Exusiai noticed this and found it somewhat strange:
"Why make a phone call behind our back? Could it be..."
At this point, she turned to the person next to her who was warming themselves by the fire:
"Should we go over and eavesdrop? Maybe he's up to something behind our backs."
Texas rolled her eyes, thinking that Exusiai was just bored out of her mind all day.
Shi Lei deliberately avoided them, which means it was inconvenient for him. We should respect his choice and not overthink it.
Shi Lei went to the balcony, where the view was open and there were no surveillance cameras, so he didn't have to worry about being eavesdropped on.
Since Texas quit smoking, I've rarely come here for some fresh air. The glass ashtray by the windowsill only has a few cigarette butts left behind, probably by the owner.
He took out his phone and called Lee; the other person's voice came through the receiver very quickly:
"Mister Zhongli, is anyone nearby?"
"No, just say what you want to say, don't be so mysterious."
"There's no other way, it's better to be safe than sorry. You're being watched by the Cat Gang now, they might sneak into the company at night and plant listening devices when no one's around."
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei frowned slightly.
After he destroyed the Cat Gang's stronghold at the end of last year, didn't they become much more obedient? Isu monitored the Cat Gang's movements for several months but found nothing unusual.
Why are the Cat Gang spying on me?
"The day after tomorrow is Miss Zhu of the Hatton Group. I heard from Waai Fu that she is your friend and will probably invite you to the party. But if you show up, the Cat Gang won't dare to make a move against the Rat King."
"Wait, I don't understand. Weren't the Cat Gang supposed to be spying on me? Why are they attacking the Rat King now?"
Lee briefly explained the background before beginning to introduce his plan:
"My plan is very simple, consisting of three steps."
The first step is to make an excuse to decline when Miss Zhu invites you to her birthday party.
The second step is for us to meet in the next two days to make your hood. When the banquet starts the day after tomorrow, I will impersonate you to attract the attention of the Cat Gang. This way, you can use a different identity to sneak into the banquet.
The third step is to wait for the Cat Gang gang to make their move. Then you can join forces with the Rat King and wipe them all out.
However, I can only impersonate you; I can't impersonate Miss Texas at the same time. Therefore, you can't tell anyone during the operation. Even if you want to tell, you'll have to wait until the Cat Gang is brought to justice."
Shi Lei said "Oh," finally understanding.
Lee had learned beforehand that the Cat Gang planned to assassinate the Rat King during Miss Zhu's birthday banquet. So, he devised a plan to lure them into a trap. To allay the Cat Gang's concerns, Lee planned to impersonate them. He would then infiltrate the banquet and join forces with the Rat King to subdue the entire Cat Gang. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, the operation would be carried out in secret.
After thinking for a moment, he agreed:
"Sure, I can cooperate. Helping Lungmen get rid of a menace is a good deed, isn't it?"
"Zhongli, I'm not joking. There are Cat Gang spies in suits right outside your company right now. Don't provoke them, just pretend you didn't see them."
"Haha, I know you won't get anything out of lying to me. Besides, the fewer people who know about these clandestine missions, the better."
Given Texas's aloof nature, she might not attend Miss Zhu's birthday party. They barely exchanged a few words at the theater; they're not close enough for her to participate.
"Okay, when is a convenient time for you? Making the wig will take about three hours. If you're not available today, tomorrow is fine too."
Shi Lei felt it was a bit late to get off work in an hour. Exusiai was dragging him into a party later, and not going would give him away.
"How about... tomorrow? I'll come out at nine in the morning and help you make the wig."
Lee, being a prudent man, reminded him again:
"Okay, then we'll talk by phone tomorrow. Remember, don't tell a third person about this. The Rat King will pay you the reward after he catches the Cat Gang."
"Don't worry, I'll keep it to myself."
After hanging up the phone, Shi Lei returned to his office area.
Before I even sat down at work, my phone rang again.
He saw that the caller ID showed Miss Zhu's number and immediately understood why she was calling.
Just as Lee had predicted, it was an invitation to his birthday party.
Shi Lei glanced at Texas, who was playing on her phone, and thought it would be better not to stand there to answer the call.
After all, they would have to tell Miss Zhu that neither of them were going.
Wouldn't answering the phone face-to-face expose you directly?
Thinking of this, Shi Lei turned around and went back to the balcony.
After he left, Texas put down her unlocked phone. It turned out she hadn't been playing at all; she had been secretly observing Shi Lei's reaction.
Texas had always trusted him, but this attempt to cover up his actions was hard not to arouse suspicion.
"Mister Zhongli, I'm sorry to bother you."
Miss Zhu was a little socially awkward, and her voice sounded a bit timid, "May I invite you and Miss Texas to my birthday party the day after tomorrow?"
"The day after tomorrow? I'm so sorry. We have things to take care of the day after tomorrow and I'm afraid we won't be able to get away. Why don't you tell us the time and place of the birthday party first? If we finish our work early, we'll come over."
"Okay, fine. The time is 4 PM on April 1st, and the address is the 4th floor of the Hatton Hotel in District 11."
Shi Lei didn't intend to deceive them. Rather than dragging things out with the Cat Gang, it was better to let them slip up. Only by dealing with them once and for all could they eliminate any future troubles. Otherwise, they might cause trouble in private and create some more problems.
After making the call, Shi Lei returned to his workstation.
Exusiai, with a look of detached amusement, asked:
"Zhongli, who called you? One call wasn't enough, why did they call twice?"
Shi Lei cannot reveal anything to anyone right now.
If it was Miss Zhu's call, it would inevitably involve a birthday party. This party enthusiast gets all excited at the mention of a party and would definitely be clamoring to go.
If he said it was Lee, it wouldn't be easy to explain why he called him, so he could only make up an excuse:
"It's nothing, just some personal matters."
Shi Lei clocked out of work and walked out of the building. Just as Lee had said, there were several members of the Cat Gang dressed in suits outside. They stood out conspicuously in the crowd. He'd better find a way to shake them off when he went out tomorrow.