Dozens of flashlights, dozens of beams of light, all crowded at the blasted opening, flickering as the sound of crunching snow echoed repeatedly, like a symphony resonating deep within everyone's soul.
The group from Starlight Ranking had not yet escaped the shock and grief of the two brothers' deaths when they found themselves sinking into a pit of panic, feeling as if they were being manipulated. The intertwining beams of light had only performed for half a minute when, outside the villa, they were surrounded by layers of people, making it impossible to escape. Suddenly, the atmosphere seemed to grow quiet.
Only the sound of falling snow could be heard.
After a long while, just as Jufeng believed that Chang Guohong could assess the situation wisely enough to make the best choice, he decided to give the other party a way out.
"How much did the Unification Alliance offer you?"
"If only one or two of you return, will the Unification Alliance still honor their promise?"
"No amount of money is worth risking your life for; it belongs to someone else."
"The most important point is, do you know why the Unification Alliance wants you to kill me?"
"They think I have money—lots of it!"
Jufeng's calm gaze swept over Chang Guohong and his group, and then a barely perceptible confident smile appeared on his slightly haggard face. Observing human nature was a delicate task that Jufeng had learned from Xue.
"In truth, it all boils down to making a living for money. Whatever the Unification Alliance offers you, I can promise you the same. My terms are simple: I guarantee your lives, and you ensure your own safety. When I next find you, I hope you'll be willing to help me with some tasks."
Jufeng's words struck like hammers against Chang Guohong's heart. The assassins from Starlight Ranking appeared to be at odds with each other on the surface, but in reality, they were all under his command. The so-called Starlight Ranking was merely a scheme he devised over a decade ago. Over the years, he had gathered a group of capable assassins; they had killed many and earned plenty, but who would ever complain about having too much money? This time, with a generous offer from the Unification Alliance, they had all mobilized. However, unexpectedly, before completing their most challenging mission, two brothers had already fallen.
The assassins exchanged glances before finally focusing their attention on Chang Guohong. He could feel the pressure from so many eyes upon him, yet he understood that if he agreed to Jufeng's proposal, he would have to confront two harsh realities: first, the relentless pursuit by the Unification Alliance. This was relatively easier to handle; unlike assassins, he had confidence in evading their deadly grasp. Second was Jufeng's command. It was clear that Romain did not intend to pay for his own safety but rather to buy the loyalty of this group of assassins. The thought of having to obey someone else made Chang Guohong furrow his brow tightly.
Just as Chang Guohong remained silent and hesitant in his thoughts, a sudden gunshot shattered the harmony in the room.
The gunshot was not loud but rather muffled due to the silencer; however, this subtle sound was enough to stir every person's heart present.
The killer's reaction was never slow. A group of people behind Chang Guohong swiftly raised their guns in readiness. In contrast, Jufeng's group remained considerably calmer, with only Wenming extending his hand, gripping a Type 796 Generation Four pistol.
Everyone surveyed their surroundings, the greatest concern being who had been shot.
"Bang!" The peculiar man behind Chang Guohong fell to the ground, a crimson mark on his forehead, maintaining the last pose of his life. His death was somewhat strange; he held the pistol in his hand, pressed against his waist, with the barrel pointed forward.
Jufeng's gaze did not waver; he maintained his original stance, neither confirming nor denying anything. However, Wenming paused for a moment and explained to Chang Guohong, "He was trying to kill you just now!"
In truth, Chang Guohong, with his seasoned experience, had already sensed the dying intent of his fallen brother. Yet he still held onto a glimmer of hope that it wasn't truly his intention.
Politeness withdrew his hands from his pockets and placed them behind his head. His voice was casual as he remarked, "It seems the Unification Alliance doesn't trust you much either!"
The deceased man had attempted to assassinate the leader but revealed his identity when Wenming extended an olive branch. Everyone present was no fool; however, having someone come forward brought about a different sensation.
Politeness always held a spectator's attitude, unafraid of things getting too serious but rather concerned if they weren't serious enough.
Chang Guohong's gaze was filled with anger and sadness as he scanned the faces of those behind him, laden with suspicion. If there was one traitor, who could say there wouldn't be a second hidden bomb?
Grinding his teeth without stomping his feet, Chang Guohong squeezed out a few words.
"This deal, the Unification Alliance is giving us one hundred million."
Upon hearing this, Jufeng burst into hearty laughter, patting Chang Guohong on the shoulder and exclaiming, "Not a penny less!"
Snowstorm laughed heartily as well; the chill filled his lungs. Jufeng quickly stifled his laughter, adopting a serious expression as he handed Chang Guohong a phone number.
"After you shine it up, call this number. You won't lose any money. Just one thing—I hope that when I find you next time, your team will be one worth trusting."
Chang Guohong accepted the note without responding, merely nodding. To this sentimental uncle, he felt he had already lost enough face today.
Turning around, he left without hesitation, and in the blink of an eye, only six people remained in the room.
Flower Snow Moon gave a command, and the black-clad figures dispersed. However, when they returned to the villa, the door was already gone. The heavy snow and wind howled into the house, leaving the first floor empty.
On the second floor, Politeness was curiously studying Jufeng. He asked if Jufeng had stayed behind just to resolve this crisis without bloodshed that night, or if he had deliberately waited for them to arrive before gathering a group of followers. Jufeng shot him a glare and provided a very earnest answer.
"I caught a cold last night and have a bit of a fever; I was lying in bed sweating it out!"
Nima! Someone who had bled all night from one shoulder was now claiming to have caught a cold? It was like burning paper at a grave!
Politeness wanted to ask more, but Jufeng didn’t give him the chance and quickly interjected, "It was all just coincidence. My fever broke, I came out of my room, and just happened to run into that short guy, then I killed him on impulse. You all know what happened after I went downstairs; it was mainly good luck. Otherwise, tonight would have been far from simple."
Jufeng continued explaining, but how many people in the room actually believed him? Feeling the skeptical gazes from everyone, Jufeng felt embarrassed and hurriedly sought help from Tong Bailong.
"Tong Bailong, do you believe Brother Jufeng?"
Without hesitation, Tong Bailong replied, "I believe Brother Jufeng."
"Shh!" The others hushed him.
Regardless of everything, Jufeng did not lose his composure due to his family’s departure, which was something everyone found reassuring. However, when Flower Snow Moon asked about Jufeng's next plan, his response was still quite astonishing.
"The Unification Alliance is too powerful; I don’t want to clash with them directly. I think it's time for Uncle Zheng to go out for a walk, so I'm planning to travel!"
Travel? His family had been killed, his property seized, and his gang destroyed. Although this time it was officially the Unification Alliance attacking Hua Gang, it was indeed Jufeng who suffered heavy losses. Yet here he was, having just gathered a team of assassins and not seeking revenge but instead wanting to travel—no one could understand his reasoning.
Those who didn’t know Jufeng might think he feared the Unification Alliance; however, no one in the room thought that way.
After pondering for a moment, everyone expressed their willingness to follow along, especially after hearing about the destination; each person had their own thoughts on the matter.
Jufeng called Xue Da in Washing City, instructing him to prepare the funds and wait for Chang Guohong. He also reminded him to manage the Rising Dragon Club and Zongheng Express Company during his absence. As for the Underworld, everything could wait until he returned.
With his departure approaching, Jufeng shared a tender farewell with Lu Qijia. On the phone, it was the first time Lu Qijia cried in front of Jufeng, leaving him heartbroken. However, given the dangers of the journey ahead, he could not bring her along.
Jufeng also contacted several friends of Father Ju, and after some discussion, they decided to leave that night. They would first head to Suxing Spring City and then take a spaceship to escape from the Earth's surface.
As he was about to leave, Jufeng glanced at the dilapidated door and shouted in regret, causing everyone to freeze in surprise.
"The money for repairing the house has to come out of that one hundred million!"
Everyone fell over!
(To be continued)
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