Two SUVs parked on both sides of the lane near the bank. Inside one of them, a sipping sound uttered. Ling Qingyu's bodyguard member held the cupholder and drank the hot milk.
There were three of them in each vehicle, paying attention to the surroundings and looking for any suspicious activity.
Of course, at the same time, the members would discuss various topics to solve their boredom.
Their eyes sifted through the glasses, which couldn't be seen clearly from outside. Anyone or any cars approaching the bank went under their observation.
Athena also provided help as an auxiliary, answering questions the members posted, while she investigated further detail to confirm. As a filial daughter, her mother's safety was number one.
"One, you have any eyes?"
"Nothing at the moment. Everything seems average daily routine. None out of the ordinary. Why do you ask?"
"Well, although there has been no longer a target or our boss, we must retain our due vigilance."
"You don't need to say, two. How dare we let her face danger. Not to mention, the protection the normal-looking dresses provide." The guards were referring to the new protection system in the clothing which Ling Qingyu utilized.
The radio chatters freshened the members' minds. They performed simple stretching to warm up the joints and muscles. Sitting for too long had taken some toll on their agile and strong bodies.
"Be advised, a truck is heading our way," said Athena, prompting them to stay alert.
Rarely, did Athena cut in the conversation. The truck was all white, medium size. There was a label stating the group's profession.
Service and maintenance.
Because any party would travel on the road, they weren't too cautious. The only reason attracting eyes was its type of vehicle, compared to others passing by.
"One, the truck enters the parking area underground, properly booked for the responsible staff."
"Two, acknowledged. There's no need to fuss about them. Athena, could you check the bank itineraries today whether there is supposed to be maintenance or repair?"
"On it," replied Athena. "According to their schedule, the time and number plate matches."
"Then, it's a false alarm. Though I don't like it when I can't see what they have inside, I can't just move because of my dislike."
"Two, you must be thinking too much. You haven't slept enough yesterday, why don't you take a long break later? Nobody will blame you. Everyone has a day they have to tackle and grit their teeth."
The members relaxed when they realized the truck was on its duty. It was the bank business in the first place. So, the conversation resumed.
The white truck slid down the slope before coming to the parking checkpoint. The driver took out a card and handed it over. The security guard on duty grabbed the card and scanned it on a device.
The results turned out positive that the truck was allowed. The security returned the card and asked: "New one here?"
"Why do you ask?" The driver was puzzled.
"I've been working in this bank for more than 4 years. I'm familiar with any contractors and staff. I have a talent for recognizing faces."
"Oh, that's a good skill you have. I'm envious." The driver narrowed his eyes and exchanged glances with the passengers on the side.
"Alright, go. There's nothing to pay attention to except avoiding the edge, you know how society revolves as usual."
The driver nodded and murmured thanks. The security scratched his head, feeling confused. He sensed a devaju with the people inside the truck as he watched it disappear from his sight.
The truck parked on the allocated spot. The driver knocked the back compartment as a signal, after observing for a while through mirrors.
Three jumped down and adjusted their clothes, bringing heavy black bags on their backs. The back compartment swung open and several boots fell on the ground. More than a dozen with the same attire carried on their steps without talking.
The contact with the concrete floor echoed across the underground. The men didn't say a word, no gestures, only glances communicating with each other.
Everyone put on their hoods and walked toward the path according to the plan. Nobody knew what these men were up to. Nor anyone could see them.
The CCTV at the spot, where the truck was parked, stopped working long ago. Avoiding detection, they went up the staircase and ignored the doors as they passed by.
Everyone parted in two directions. 4 men went upstairs while 10 men regrouped in a room and laid down their bags on the floor.
They unzipped and reached their hands in. What they brought out would definitely cause chaos if known outside.
Should Athena discover what she had missed, her eyes would surely bulge out of her sockets, provided she had a physical body.
The men took out AK-47s, appearing a bit outdated yet deadly in the eyes of many. Perhaps, the accuracies of the rifles might be way off but it would complete their job.
They assembled the parts, inserted the magazines and pulled the bolts. Loud mechanics crack played like a prelude.
A man who seemed like a leader said: "Well, these might be old but that's enough for us. You know I've asked a group of experts to manufacture and replace the internal mechanism. The outer appearance is just old; don't mind the look. It's still accurate."
"Aye, our plan is perfect; if we do well, there's no need to open fire at all." Another man nodded.
"Correct," affirmed the leader. "We're in. Use surprise to take down the people and take them as hostages as planned. Control the group and the rest will turn the vault upside down.
"If we do everything perfect, we won't alarm the police and we'll get out through the same vehicles. If police come, plan B begins. We'll use hostage as cover for our real intention. We've been planning this for months and reviewed them countless times. I don't accept failure. Clear?!"
"Good. After today, we don't know each other. We'll walk on our own bridge. If anyone dare to overstep and ruin our team's effort, don't mind me for being ruthless."
The leader stared at everyone's eyes to ensure his message was delivered seriously. A radio he held emitted voice. "The dogs at the parking lot has been taken care of. We're moving to stage two."
"Understood. Proceed with caution; try to avoid alarming."
"We know." The call ended and the leader continued his speech. "Now, let's wait for them to cutoff CCTV network and electricity."
A few minutes later. "Stage 2 completed. We'll be setting up jammer to disrupt communications."
"Received. Don't forget our SOPs. From now on, we won't have a radio. Out."
The leader gestured everyone and departed toward their destination. The men swiftly lined up before the door which led to the main room.
The group understood there would be many people they must face. Some took in deep breath. Some chuckled and were eager to make moves while others tried to control their shaking fingers.
The leader said no more and raised his finger to count to three and dashed in. The rest followed suit.
The group shouted voice of command, pointing their muzzles at people. Initially, many bystanders who had affairs at the bank were stunned until a panic screams reverberated without controls.