Chapter 242: Bro, Bring Me Some of That
"Two years ago, although Spade Eight assassinated quite a number of people, since their targets were all criminal groups, our National Security Bureau did send people to monitor them, but we didn't put them as a top priority."
"However, two and a half years ago, he unexpectedly died from gunshot wounds, ambushed by a drug dealer from Nanjiang City nicknamed 'Brother Qiang'. The whole thing seemed reasonable. That Brother Qiang originally worked under a man named Wen Zhengyang. This Wen Zhengyang had long-standing conflict with a gang boss from the neighboring city. That gang boss paid five million to hire Spade Eight to assassinate Wen Zhengyang in a nightclub. So Brother Qiang ambushing Tang Duan could be considered reasonable."
"Not long after, Brother Qiang was arrested, involved in multiple cases of murder, drug trafficking, rape, and was sentenced to death. Two years ago, right before Tang Qiqi graduated, the execution was carried out."
"At that point, the case should've been basically over—and for the regular law enforcement system, it was." Ao Tian took another puff. "But when I was tracking Spade Eight, I found something suspicious."
"First: Tang Duan's identity was extremely mysterious. So how did Brother Qiang know he was the leader of Spade Eight? Second: Even if he knew, I investigated—Tang Duan was extremely cautious. Whether sleeping or eating, he rarely stayed in the same place, constantly changing locations. Sometimes even if a plan was set, he'd switch last minute. His trip to Tianding Road, Dinghe District, Qingshi City, to eat late-night hotpot was especially secretive."
"They say Brother Qiang's group happened to also be there eating late-night snacks. Just a coincidence. But why do I call it an ambush? Because Tang Duan brought four men with him, five total. All four subordinates were fine, yet when Tang Duan went to the bathroom, he was shot and killed. A coincidence doesn't make sense. That hotpot place is small—if it really were a coincidence, with Tang Duan's abilities, how could he not immediately recognize the enemy and still go alone to the bathroom?"
"So one thing is certain—Tang Duan was betrayed internally. And it is highly possible that the traitor was among the four who went out with him."
"Those four are now: Yellow Group leader, codename 'Youlong'; Green Group leader, codename 'Xiaoying'; Red Group leader, codename 'Jianzai'; and lastly, Master Sheng, overall leader of Spade Eight."
Ao Tian glanced at the cigarette butt in his hand. After finishing these few sentences—
He had already smoked the entire cigarette. Without thinking, he took another one from his pocket, lit it, and continued: "So, actually, I suspected long ago that Tang Qiqi joining Spade Eight right after Tang Duan's death was definitely not for simple reasons."
"Another thing I discovered—the top ranks of Spade Eight also seem wary of her. That's why they kept sending Orange Group and Red Group, the ones who acted most loyal to Tang Duan, to carry out missions. I think there are only two goals: first, erasing Tang Duan's influence. Second, to deal with this hot potato—Tang Qiqi."
"So you already knew there was a rift between Tang Qiqi and Spade Eight?" Zhang Yang frowned and asked.
"Exactly!"
"Don't you think she's the best breakthrough point to deal with Spade Eight?"
"Of course. I also tried. Later, when I discovered that she had a twin sister who was actually one of ours, I thought the hope grew even bigger."
"Then did you contact her?"
Ao Tian took a deep drag and slowly exhaled the smoke: "No. First, our identities aren't suitable. Second, whether she'd trust us is a problem."
He looked at Zhang Yang and said with a squinting smile: "At present, if anyone has hope of making her talk—it's you."
"Then why did you make so many excuses back then, not letting me take her? I swear, your expression back then looked like someone was about to force themselves on you." Zhang Yang was speechless.
"Hehe, come on. In that situation, if I agreed too readily, wouldn't someone as smart as you instantly get suspicious?" Ao Tian flicked his long hair proudly.
"Damn! So you were playing me." Zhang Yang stood up, clenching his fist, ready to throw a punch.
"Hey hey hey, bro, don't get mad. You're a citizen of Huaxia Kingdom. Isn't cooperating with us to maintain social stability completely natural? Alright, alright, tricking you was my fault. You—don't worry. Once this is done, I'll definitely put in a good word for you. At the very least, you'll get an honorary citizen award! Or maybe a million in reward… uh, tell me, what do you want… Two chicks for a threesome… Hey, hey, don't lift that hot water! I'm delicate and handsome—fine, fine, fine, you name it!"
"Very simple. First, remove the spies you arranged to monitor me and my people…"
"Uh… How did you know… Okay okay, I'll have them withdrawn immediately." Ao Tian hurriedly snatched away the cup of hot water in front of Zhang Yang and drank it. "Hmph, won't let you threaten me with this again."
"Second, I want all information regarding Tang Qiqi, and everything you have on Spade Eight."
Ao Tian looked at him, hesitating: "Fine. But what do you want these for?"
"None of your business."
"Alright, I agree. But this violates regulations. You must agree to one condition."
"What condition?"
"You join us."
"Uh… no!" Not because Zhang Yang wasn't interested—hell, any kid who watched 007 would dream of being a hero or a secret agent. But he knew that becoming an agent meant countless restrictions. Nothing like the freedom he enjoyed now.
"Then I can only give you the information I'm authorized to share."
"Fine, fine. Just send whatever you can to my QQ." Zhang Yang agreed easily—because the moment that guy used his computer to send files…
Hehe. Your computer is just waiting to be hacked by me. Once that happens, whatever I want will be mine.
"Alright then, deal!" Ao Tian, unaware of Zhang Yang's schemes, agreed quickly.
"Hold up—there's a third condition."
"Uh… what condition?" Ao Tian had drunk too much hot water—he'd finished his own cup and most of Zhang Yang's.
"Get me three sniper rifles. Type 85 or metric M24 light sniper rifles will do."
"PFFF!" Ao Tian immediately sprayed the water he just drank, eyes wide. "No way!"
"If you think your villa is under threat, I can send people to protect you. That I can do."
Zhang Yang decisively shook his head: "No."
He absolutely didn't want several male agents suddenly living in his villa. There were so many beautiful women there. What if one of them happened to fancy the mysterious 'secret agent' type? That would be a tragedy.
Besides, there was a simple reason he wanted this stuff. Now that facts have shown—
The "Magic Eagle Eye Intelligent Surveillance System" had no major problems. Meaning anyone who dared intrude on the villa would be discovered immediately.
But discovering them wasn't the same as stopping them.
Even with steel-like walls and smart anti-theft doors, if some desperate group came with explosives, how could the walls possibly stop them?
That's why he needed long-range deterrence. Since kinetic laser weapons weren't feasible yet, sniper rifles were undoubtedly the best long-distance defense.
With that, the villa's security would jump several levels.
As for usage—he wasn't worried. After the Nuwa Group headquarters was established, he'd already reserved several guard positions. Chen Tianxiong and the others were former special forces—they could use one. As for himself, Advanced Shooting Technique was waiting in his system. Once he completed the M-level Find the Star Menders Program, he could learn it immediately. Lulu or Gao Qi could also be taught via Transfer Technique.
This way, the villa's safety would be fully guaranteed.
Ao Tian had no idea about the schemes in Zhang Yang's mind. Hearing his insistence on sniper rifles, he kept shaking his head, drinking hot water—until noticing the water was gone.
He put the cup down and glared at Zhang Yang: "Giving you a sniper rifle already