Jiangdong District, CBD area.
The afternoon sunlight pours down through the gaps between the dense skyscrapers, illuminating the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
On the top floor of the Yuanchen Group Building, inside a luxurious and spacious office.
Chen Chen is sitting behind a massive mahogany desk, holding a gold-embossed copy of "Road to Wealth Freedom."
He seems to be studying intently, yet his gaze is not focused on the words on the pages.
His brows furrowed into a frown, revealing the impatience hidden within his heart.
The sound of knocking echoes.
Without lifting his head, Chen Chen calls out.
The office door is gently pushed open a crack.
A figure swiftly slips in, then turns around, clicks, and lightly locks the door.
The person is Secretary Liu.
He tightly clutches a black phone with both hands, a trace of suppressed yet unconcealable excitement on his face, speaking in a lowered voice, rapidly saying:
"There’s news, it’s from Xiao Shuai’s side!"
The phone number in Secretary Liu’s hand is the private line Chen Chen uses for special channel communications.
Chen Chen’s eyes instantly light up, as if infused with boundless energy.
The book in his hand is slammed shut with a dull thud, as he stands up abruptly, slapping a palm on the table.
He has waited too long for this news, so long that his patience is nearly exhausted.
"Arrange a meeting with that thug... No."
Mid-sentence, he changes his tone, a serious expression crossing his face:
"Invite Mr. Xiao Shuai to our group office for detailed discussions."
This underworld tycoon, who stirs the business world, seems extraordinarily eager, pacing back and forth in the office.
Then, suppressing his wild joy, he suddenly turns, fixing a sharp gaze on his confidante, Secretary Liu, and carefully instructs:
"You personally send an inconspicuous car to pick him up, ensuring absolute security and privacy on the road."
"Also, prepare the deposit immediately, two million in cash, not a cent less."
A trace of hesitation crosses Secretary Liu’s face, cautiously reminding:
"Two million... Isn’t that too much? According to the previous 20% ratio, the total price would be ten million."
"Our funds are already quite tight, with many expenditures needed to win over those councilors and police, it’s a bottomless pit requiring big spending."
"Moreover, moving such a large sum all at once is likely to attract attention from above."
"Things that can be solved with money are not problems!"
Chen Chen’s tone is uncompromising, leaving no room for doubt:
"What we urgently need now is the absolute force that can decisively end matters."
"Money can be earned again if lost, but a missed opportunity is gone forever. Whatever outrageous demand they make, we only have one strategy."
"Overwhelm them with money, let them feel our sincerity and strength, making them unable to refuse and unwilling to play tricks."
"As long as we firmly bind that assassin to our side, half of our plan is already successful."
Chen Chen’s eyes sharpen as he steps up to Secretary Liu, patting him on the shoulder, speaking in a deep voice:
"As for the funding, think of a way to break it down, transfer through several different overseas accounts or shell companies, make it circuitous, gather it slowly."
"And regarding the attention from above?"
At this, Chen Chen’s lips curl into a cold smile.
"Once that troublesome guy from the field unit is taken care of, who will have the energy to check our accounts anytime soon."
"By then, the entire intelligence network of the East Capital Branch will be paralyzed, that will be our golden period for making grand moves."
"Afterwards, find an excuse to do some loss-making investments, this money can be laundered quickly and cleanly, handling the details well, leaving no traces."
Listening to these words, though Secretary Liu harbors concerns, he solemnly nods:
"Alright, understood, I’ll think of a way to secure the funds right away."
As Chen Chen’s close confidant, Secretary Liu knows this is a gamble.
He sits at the same table as Chen Chen, with all their assets and lives at stake, their destinies tightly intertwined.
With no way to escape, the only choice is to cooperate fully, hoping to stand on the winning side ultimately.
After pondering, Secretary Liu quietly inquires about the most crucial issue presently:
"Chairman, we still don’t have complete intel on Scorpion’s specific whereabouts."
Upon hearing this, Chen Chen frowns slightly, seemingly in thought.
He walks to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the cityscape.
After a moment of contemplation, he speaks:
"Recently, to avoid the Special Search Team’s pursuit, they have all dispersed to various corners of East Capital."
"First, try contacting trustworthy people under Scorpion, using the guise of delivering supplies to scout his hiding location."
"Remember, don’t alert anyone, once the location is confirmed, pass the intel to our ’Assassin Mister.’"
Secretary Liu memorizes every detail, bows, and swiftly exits.
The office returns to silence once more.
Chen Chen stands alone before the floor-to-ceiling window, his eyes slightly flickering.
Outside, the bustling scene of Jiangdong District unfolds.
The towering buildings beneath his feet looked like submissive giants, while the ceaseless flow of cars seemed as small as ants.
This land, where he has struggled for half his life to establish himself.
In his eyes, it resembles a jungle of steel and concrete, a vast and merciless hunting ground.