Park Bucheng sat in the corner of the café, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, once, then again, the rhythm slow yet imbued with an indescribable sense of pressure. The text message from Li Taizhu had come unexpectedly, forcing him to reconsider his plans for the night. Outside, the neon lights flickered erratically, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the glass, like a web concealing hidden dangers that enveloped him. The aroma of coffee wafted through the air, yet it did nothing to alleviate the tension and anxiety brewing within him.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Li Taizhu's voice suddenly broke through from behind, like a cool breeze in the night, carrying a subtle chill. She wore a black trench coat, its collar turned up high enough to obscure much of her face, adding to her air of mystery. As she elegantly took her seat, every movement exuded the charm of a mature woman.
Park Bucheng squinted slightly, observing the woman before him without revealing his thoughts. He noticed her right index finger unconsciously tapping on the table, once, then again, as if marking some rhythm. This was her small gesture when she was nervous; Park Bucheng understood that tonight’s meeting was not as easygoing as it appeared.
“Miss Li, calling me out so late must mean you have more than just coffee on your mind?” Park Bucheng's tone was calm but held an underlying sharpness.
“Blood Blade is about to make a move,” Li Taizhu stated directly, without any hesitation. “They plan to launch an assault on Tai Chi Gang's arms depot in three days.” She paused for a moment, her gaze piercing as if she could see into his very soul. “I know you’ve gathered some intelligence already, but you might not be aware that they have infiltrated Tai Chi Gang’s inner circle, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.”
A chill ran down Park Bucheng's spine; Blood Blade's actions were unfolding much faster and more covertly than he had anticipated. He took a deep breath, striving to maintain his composure while keeping a calm smile on his face as if everything was under his control. “So what? You tell me this because you want me to do something? Do you expect me to act as your pawn for June Group?”
Li Taizhu revealed a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with a hint of cunning. “We need someone who can control the situation—someone bold and strategic like you.” She pulled out a document from her bag and gently placed it on the table before sliding it toward Park Bucheng. “This contains detailed plans for Blood Blade’s operations, including all their gang strongholds and personnel configurations in Tai Chi District. It even outlines their internal communication methods.”
Park Bucheng took the document and quickly scanned its contents. The information was far more detailed than what he had previously acquired and included several secret gang strongholds he hadn’t known about. The value of this intelligence was immeasurable; it could give him an absolute advantage in the upcoming operations. However, he knew that such a "gift" would come with significant costs. “This generous offer surely isn’t free, Miss Li. What exactly do you want from me?”
“Of course not,” Li Taizhu's smile became more alluring yet more dangerous. “We hope you can surprise Blood Blade at the right moment—a surprise they will never forget. In return, June Group will provide you with support to solidify your position in Tai Chi District.”
At that moment, Park Bucheng's phone vibrated, breaking the delicate balance between them. It was a message from Yin Zehui: The conflict in East District had subsided but revealed some interesting findings. Blood Blade seemed to be deliberately testing Tai Chi Gang’s reaction time, like a hunter tracking its prey—closing in step by step, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Park Bucheng's gaze sharpened like a blade. He stood up and looked down at Li Taizhu with icy resolve. “Miss Li, I appreciate your goodwill. However…” He leaned closer and whispered into her ear with an undertone of warning, “Next time you play with fire, remember to check the wind direction so you don’t get burned.”
Leaving the café, Park Bucheng drove straight to an abandoned factory. The night enveloped the earth; the factory loomed ominously in the darkness like a dormant beast waiting silently for its prey. He retrieved a black backpack from his trunk containing his specialized gear: mini jammers, infrared night vision goggles, high-explosive grenades… each item capable of delivering lethal force.
As Park Bucheng approached the factory, he noticed that it was surrounded by at least three layers of security, with sentries stationed everywhere and defenses tightly secured. He let out a light chuckle, a hint of disdain flickering in his eyes. From his backpack, he retrieved a miniature jammer and gently pressed the switch. Instantly, all electronic devices around the factory malfunctioned, and the alarm system fell silent, transforming the entire factory into an isolated island.
Taking advantage of the chaos, he slipped into the factory like a ghost. In the dim moonlight, he spotted several soldiers in American uniforms instructing a group of individuals clad in black on tactical training. Their movements were sharp and coordinated, clearly indicating that they had undergone professional training and were not to be underestimated.
"Indeed, they are Americans," Park Bucheng observed from the shadows while activating his portable camera to record everything.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps broke the tranquility of the night. Park Bucheng quickly hid behind a shipping container, holding his breath and remaining completely still. Several figures passed by him, engaged in a low conversation filled with excitement and pride.
"The plan is ready; three days from now will be the end for Tai Chi Gang."
"Don't let your guard down. I heard that Tai Chi Gang recently got a formidable new player; they say he's quite ruthless."
"Hah, just a minor character. Nothing to fear. Once we take down the arms depot, the entire Tai Chi District will be turned upside down—who would dare oppose us then?"
A cold smile crept across Park Bucheng's lips as a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes. Silently, he left the factory and drove back to headquarters. On the way, he called Yin Zehui, his tone low yet resolute.
"Old Yin, gather all the brothers; I have a spectacular show for them—a performance that will change the landscape of Tai Chi District!"
Upon returning to headquarters, Park Bucheng immediately convened an emergency meeting. He combined the intelligence he received from Li Taizhu with his findings at the factory and quickly devised a comprehensive plan—a strategy to strike while chaos reigned.
"Blood Blade wants to play? Then let's give them a grand game," Park Bucheng declared as he stood before the projection screen, his gaze sharp like that of a hawk. "Since they want the arms depot, we'll give them a 'surprise'—a 'surprise' they'll never forget."
He opened a map and pointed at several key locations with a steady and decisive tone. "These are Blood Blade's gang strongholds; what we need to do is..."
Suddenly, a rapid knocking on the door interrupted his words, sounding like thunder. A subordinate rushed in, his face pale and his tone frantic. "Minister, it's bad! The vault in the West District has been attacked!"
Park Bucheng's gaze sharpened, an ominous premonition rising within him. "The Blood Blade's people?"
"No, it's... another group. They call themselves 'The Shadows'!"
Park Bucheng narrowed his eyes, a flicker of realization crossing his mind. It seemed this game was far more complicated than he had imagined; the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. He turned to look out at the night sky, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"Interesting, this is getting more and more intriguing..."
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