Chapter 52: Playing Games
Unfazed by being exposed, Tang Yu’an stepped forward: “Why do you say that? Was my service unsatisfactory?”
The tall man stopped him from pouring another drink: “I wouldn’t dare drink anything you poured.”
Heaven knew, Tang Yu’an had no poison on hand.
The gunshots gradually subsided. The tall man pulled Tang Yu’an out of the room, his voice filled with excitement: “Come, witness this historic moment with me!”
The hallway was a mess, the fight spilling over, patrons scattering in panic.
The hotel security, accustomed to such chaos, hid, waiting for it to end before emerging to collect the bodies.
A bodyguard disguised as a guest lay dead by the door, riddled with bullets. The tall man led Tang Yu’an around the pool of blood, saying considerately: “Careful, don’t get your shoes dirty.”
His pretense of gentlemanly concern made Tang Yu’an feel like he was watching a one-man show.
The door to the next room opened easily. Inside, bodies and dismembered limbs lay scattered across the floor.
Tables and chairs were smashed to pieces. The tall man pulled Tang Yu’an to a corner, where a bloody figure lay.
It took Tang Yu’an a moment to recognize Six, half his face mangled, blood gushing out.
But he was still alive, barely.
Seeing his time was running out, the tall man crouched before him, a smug look on his face: “Six, how are you feeling? Need a doctor?”
He drew out each word mockingly.
Six coughed up blood and a tooth: “Honestly, haven’t I treated you well all these years? Why… betray me?”
The tall man offered a perfunctory apology: “My bad, but what choice did I have? You were in my way.”
He patted Six’s shoulder: “But don’t worry, I’ll continue your prosthetics business, and I’ll do it better than you.”
Hearing this, Six suddenly laughed, a chilling, unsettling sound.
“With those words, I can die in peace. As brothers, I have a parting gift for you. You’ll see it soon.”
His body went limp, his eyes glazed over. He was dead.
The tall man closed his eyes, then excitedly surveyed the goods in the room, before turning to Tang Yu’an: “Tell me, who sent you?”
“No one. Just working for a living.”
Suddenly, the tall man’s shirt ripped open, revealing curved blades protruding from his spine, glinting menacingly in the flickering light of the damaged chandelier.
Like a human spider.
Why do people here keep revealing hidden weapons? Tang Yu’an wondered. Is it some kind of mandatory arms display?
Before he could ask, the tall man spoke: “You recognize that face. What’s your relationship with him?”
He knew about Wang Wen!
Tang Yu’an offered an irrefutable excuse: “I’m looking for him. He owes me money.”
The tall man: “…”
That seemed plausible. The atmosphere became awkward.
“You might not find him anytime soon. He’s on the run, a high price on his head. I’ve been looking for him, no luck so far.”
On the run?
What had Wang Wen done to become a fugitive?
Tang Yu’an was shocked, but he didn’t show it, asking directly: “What about Leggy? He looks just like him.”
“Nothing much. He wanted the bounty, so he made a mask to lure out his accomplices, then forgot about it when he got drunk.”
…Quite forgetful.
The tall man’s expression turned menacing: “Since you don’t know where Wang Wen is, you’re no longer useful. Sorry, you’ve seen too much.”
Tang Yu’an: “…”
You’re the one who brought me here, and now you want to kill me? What’s wrong with you?
He took out his gun, ready to fight back, when a sudden thud echoed through the room. He instinctively closed his eyes, a warm liquid splattering on his face.
His eyelashes trembling, he slowly opened his eyes, the stench of blood filling the air. He looked at the puddle of gore before him, the discarded blades the only indication that a living person had been standing there moments ago.
He shook his head, dispelling the ringing in his ears, looking down at his ripped shirt, now stained red.
Besides the tall man, several others had also exploded, turning the room into a gruesome scene.
He remembered Six’s words; this was his “parting gift.”
The prosthetics contained explosives.
He must have planned to take everyone with him. Such brotherly love.
Tang Yu’an, finding the spider legs on the floor a nuisance, kicked them aside, then started examining the goods.
Confirming nothing was missing, he contacted One-Eye, who was waiting outside.
One-Eye had assumed he was trying to escape, but upon entering, he found the situation… different. No one stopped them; their path was clear.
Stepping over the bodies, he entered the room and froze.
A figure stood amidst the carnage, covered in blood, his expression calm, his gun hanging loosely in his hand, like a god of death.
He stared, speechless.
Tang Yu’an looked at them: “You’re here.”
He took a step forward, and they all instinctively took a step back.
Tang Yu’an: “?”
From their awestruck expressions, he quickly realized they had misunderstood.
This was good; it would keep them in line.
So, he said casually: “It’s taken care of. The goods are over there.”
They checked the shipment, confirming everything was intact. Tang Yu’an holstered his gun, asking: “Mission accomplished. Can I leave now?”
One-Eye hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded: “Y… yes.”
As Tang Yu’an walked towards them, they parted, creating a path.
A short man, seemingly frozen in place, blocked his way, then quickly stepped aside, stammering: “Brother Knife… no, Master Knife, please, after you!”
His swift change in attitude was impressive.
Since they were all playing along, he might as well play the part.
Tang Yu’an gave him a cold look, continuing forward.
He remained silent during the ride back. One-Eye didn’t dare speak, even avoiding his gaze.
Another subordinate, his eyes filled with admiration, asked boldly: “Master Knife, how did you single-handedly take down so many people with just a pistol?”
Tang Yu’an couldn’t explain, afraid of revealing too much, simply saying it was probably due to his body modifications, exceeding his usual limits in a moment of crisis. He didn’t remember clearly.
“And don’t call me that, it’s weird.”
If Iron Hand heard it, he might be offended.
The subordinate quickly changed his address: “Boss Little Knife, you’re so strong!”
In this money-oriented place, “Boss” was the most respectful title he could think of.
Back at the fortress, Iron Hand and the others came out to greet them.
F, casually popping pills, saw the returning vehicle and focused her attention, hoping this new recruit, Little Knife, was still alive. Who would she tease otherwise?
They got out of the car, Tang Yu’an first, the others following respectfully, as if he was royalty.
F: “?”
Iron Hand, already informed of what happened, rushed towards him with open arms, a wide smile revealing his metal teeth.
Tang Yu’an was trapped in a bear hug, feeling like his ribs would crack.
Iron Hand put his arm around his shoulder, announcing loudly: “From now on, this is our Second Brother! We’ll have a feast tonight to celebrate our hero!”
After a moment of stunned silence, the short man from earlier cheered, followed by the others, calling him “Boss Little Knife.”
Except for One-Eye, who stood frozen, his face cracking.
Tang Yu’an knew why. He had stolen his position as second-in-command.
Apparently, Iron Hand was so pleased with him that he had promoted him even further.
This could be a problem, he thought.
So, before the feast, he sought out One-Eye privately.
One-Eye opened the door, his face darkening upon seeing him: “What do you want? Here to gloat?”
The thought of being replaced by a newbie after all his years of hard work made him seethe. He wanted to teach this kid a lesson.
But he couldn’t offend Iron Hand, or Tang Yu’an, given his abilities, so he could only express his displeasure with a scowl.
Tang Yu’an wasn’t interested in their power struggles, he just wanted to leave, but to prevent One-Eye from sabotaging him, he needed leverage.
“Nothing much, just remembered something I wanted to share with you.”
One-Eye cursed him and tried to close the door, but Tang Yu’an stopped him.
“You said it yourself… before I entered the hotel, you warned me that boasting has consequences, that I wouldn’t become third-in-command.”
One-Eye said irritably: “I know, I know, I was wrong, you’re second-in-command now, above me, are you happy now?”
Tang Yu’an ignored his sarcasm: “You weren’t there when the boss made that promise. How did you know about the reward?”
The air thickened.
He knew he was right.
“You’re spying on him. Does he know?”
One-Eye’s face tensed: “None of your business. I’m just concerned about his safety.”
Tang Yu’an turned to leave: “In that case, I’ll go tell him, so you can get some credit…”
One-Eye blocked his path, his voice strained: “Get to the point. What do you want?”
Tang Yu’an adjusted his collar: “I don’t want much, just peace.”
One-Eye looked surprised, thinking he was being tricked.
Tang Yu’an knew he couldn’t rely on him for escape; he would be betrayed instantly.
He just wanted him out of the way.
One-Eye, still suspicious, kept his distance during the feast.
Tang Yu’an, surrounded by the others, holding the black cat, was forced to drink several cups. Iron Hand was celebrating; he couldn’t refuse.
The alcohol went to his head. His cheeks flushed, he started singing a lullaby to the cat, then used its paws as a pretend machine gun, firing at the others. Fortunately, F dragged him away before he could embarrass himself further.
He woke up with a splitting headache, still groggy, almost tripping over the black cat at his feet.
He petted its head: “Mimi, you’re a tripping hazard. Go play somewhere else.”
But Mimi meowed, refusing to leave, looking back at him from the doorway.
“Do you… want me to follow you?”
Mimi seemed to understand, leading him into the hallway.
Tang Yu’an, thinking he was still dreaming, rubbed his eyes, then, seeing clearly, echoed Jinshan’s earlier words: “Is that a dead body?”
The “body” moved, sitting up, leaning against the railing. It was One-Eye, his face red, his hair a tangled mess, his eyes unfocused.
He had been electrocuted.
“He’s not dead. Good.”
He then realized Mimi’s collar was loose, wondering why he hadn’t been electrocuted himself.
Since One-Eye wasn’t dead, there was no need to worry. He would heal himself with drugs.
The hallway was narrow. He stepped over the dazed One-Eye, carrying the cat, and went to ask F about Mimi’s condition.
F told him the collar seemed to help it control its ability.
“This little rascal, it can choose who to electrocute now.”
Tang Yu’an pinched its ear: “So you did that on purpose? Good kitty.”
He couldn’t help but spoil it.
In the following days, after the antidote wore off, Tang Yu’an was always ready to escape, but there were guards outside the fortress even at night.
So, not only was he unable to leave, he even used his storage ability to smuggle weapons for Iron Hand, earning his favor.
Iron Hand liked him, and kept a close eye on him.
This isn’t working, Tang Yu’an thought. I can’t stay here forever.
Finally, an opportunity arose.
He was eating bread in his room when he heard a commotion outside.
Fights were common here, but he recognized a familiar voice.
He dropped his bread, put on his shoes, and rushed out, seeing Jinshan being beaten up in the main hall.
Why is this guy always getting beaten up…?
He deserved it, for betraying him.
Seeing Jinshan almost beaten to death, he intervened, stopping the attackers.
He had earned their respect now.
They told him Jinshan had been caught skimming money from Iron Hand’s deals.
“The boss said to beat him up and lock him up to die.”
A quick death was too merciful. Iron Hand wanted him to suffer.
Jinshan is both clever and stupid, Tang Yu’an thought. Risking his life for money.
One of them, sensing an opportunity, handed him a metal club: “Boss Little Knife, didn’t this pig offend you before? Want to take a swing? Vent your anger.”
Jinshan, struggling to open his swollen eyes, saw who it was and his spirit broke.
Wait, when did the kid he sold out become the boss?
What happened in just a few days?!
He had been trying to defend himself, but now, knowing he was doomed, he collapsed on the floor like a pancake.
Tang Yu’an: “?”
Why did he look so utterly defeated upon seeing him?
He didn’t say anything, didn’t attack, simply watching as Jinshan was dragged away and locked in a small, dark room. Then he went to see Iron Hand.
Iron Hand, hearing his request, was surprised: “You want Jinshan? Why?”
He had assumed Tang Yu’an would hate him.
Tang Yu’an offered his prepared excuse: “He drugged me and stole my money the moment I arrived. I want to keep him and torture him myself.”
This logic resonated with Iron Hand, who readily agreed, saying he was just a small fry, Tang Yu’an could do whatever he wanted with him.
He even offered to have F perform brain surgery on him, to make him completely obedient.
“You can make him your dog, he’ll bark and crawl on the floor for you. How about that?”
Tang Yu’an, finding it a bit inhumane, declined, saying it would be less fun if he was too obedient.
With Iron Hand’s permission, he went to the room where Jinshan was being held, seeing him motionless in a corner, so he picked up a piece of scrap metal from the hallway and tossed it at him.
He moved, so he wasn’t dead.
Not dead, but not awake either, only twitching when poked, unable to communicate.
But it didn’t matter. Tang Yu’an had a solution.
He picked up the black cat: “Come on, Mimi, let’s give him a little electroshock therapy.”
Mimi happily complied, scratching him with its claws. Jinshan yelped, jumping up.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Tang Yu’an waved his hand in front of his face.
Jinshan stared at him, feeling like he had gone from death to a worse fate.
He said with a wry smile: “So, how are you planning to torture me?”
Tang Yu’an took out the repaired switchblade—
And cut the ropes binding his hands.
Jinshan: “?”
He couldn’t understand him: “What are you doing?”
Tang Yu’an thought his actions were quite obvious: “Rescuing you, of course!”
He pulled him up: “From now on, you work for me.”
Jinshan, still reeling from his sudden resurrection, asked, bewildered: “I betrayed you, why are you saving me?”
Tang Yu’an put away the knife, tossing him a cloth to wipe the blood from his face.
“Simple. I need someone on the outside.”
Jinshan, finally realizing he was truly alive, resumed his flattery, praising Tang Yu’an as a kind-hearted bodhisattva.
“I swear, from now on, I’ll only serve you!”
“No need for animal metaphors, I already have a pet. But… I need you to be my hands, to buy me some things.”
Iron Hand wouldn’t let him leave; he needed someone to get him some equipment.
After some inquiries, Tang Yu’an learned that the communicator he wanted, capable of contacting the sky city, was unavailable. Since he couldn’t contact Wei Langxing directly, he would have to rely on his other plan, going to Future City.
He listed several components, seemingly ordinary items, but combined with the core component he had hidden, they could be used to build a simple jammer.
Thankfully, his earlier research had paid off.
Jinshan immediately swore his loyalty, promising to buy them at the nearest market.
Tang Yu’an grabbed his collar, preventing him from leaving immediately: “Not so fast, eat something first.”
Jinshan chuckled: “Thank you for your concern, boss, but I’m not hungry…”
“Don’t call me that, and you are hungry.”
He took out a pill from a bottle in his pocket, the same kind Iron Hand had given him.
Jinshan: “…”
“Boss… Little Knife, there’s no need for this, you know I’m a man of my word…”
Tang Yu’an didn’t force him, turning to leave: “Fine, then I’ll tell Iron Hand I don’t need you anymore…”
“No, no, wait!” Jinshan immediately changed his tune, following him, even taking the pill directly from his hand.
Tang Yu’an hadn’t expected him to be so eager, their eyes meeting awkwardly.
F, passing by, munching on chips, commented: “What a dog. Boss Little Knife, need a leash? I have plenty, with electroshock function, for all your… training needs.”
Tang Yu’an: “…”
Jinshan: “…”
Tang Yu’an: “No, thank you, I prefer dogs that bite.”
He had chosen Jinshan precisely because he was unpredictable.
F clapped: “Kinky. I’m impressed.”
After F left, Tang Yu’an instructed Jinshan to get receipts for his purchases.
Jinshan looked troubled: “But… these things aren’t exactly legal, they don’t issue receipts… Why do you need receipts?”
“I’m afraid you’ll overcharge me.”
Jinshan: “Do I look like that kind of person?”
Under Tang Yu’an’s unimpressed gaze, he cheerfully admitted: “As expected of Boss Little Knife, sharp eyes, you’re absolutely right.”
“But I would never cheat you! You’re like a shining star, guiding me when I’m lost…”
Tang Yu’an brought him crashing back to reality with a single sentence.
“If you admire me so much, then use your own money.”
Jinshan’s smile vanished. He fell to his knees, wailing that he had given all his money to Iron Hand, he would have to sell a kidney to afford this.
Tang Yu’an, adapting to the local customs, said casually: “Just get a mechanical one, isn’t that better?”
Jinshan: “You weren’t like this a few days ago.”
He had been so docile back then, sitting quietly in the car, listening to his stories.
“Thank you for bringing me here for… training… I’ll reimburse you if you have receipts.”
“Thank you, oh merciful god of money!”
This tactic worked. Driven by the drug and the promise of reimbursement, Jinshan worked efficiently.
The items he brought back were passed off as routine maintenance supplies. Tang Yu’an secretly assembled them at night.
Finally, a crude but functional jammer was complete.
His plan was to escape with Jinshan during his patrol shift, disabling all the devices to prevent pursuit.
But his plans were interrupted.
They were having dinner, gathered around a table. He took a bite of bread, and the system immediately alerted him that his health points had decreased by five.
The food was poisoned!
He was about to shout a warning when he noticed One-Eye in a corner, drinking, his expression unreadable.
He discreetly observed the others, noticing several subtly nervous individuals, all close to One-Eye.
Following One-Eye’s gaze, he saw Iron Hand, happily eating.
Damn it, another betrayal.
He put down the food and took a sip of water, but the water was also poisoned.
Tang Yu’an: “…”
One-Eye’s meticulousness was truly misplaced.
He regretted not telling Iron Hand about One-Eye’s spying. Perhaps it would have prevented this.
But now… he decided to wait and see, avoiding being caught in the crossfire.
Seeing One-Eye watching him, he used his health points to exchange for the antidote, then calmly ate the poisoned food.
One-Eye, still suspicious, approached him with a smile, placing a piece of meat on his plate: “Eat more. The chef has a new recipe, it’s delicious.”
Tang Yu’an’s lips twitched.
One-Eye: “Something wrong?”
Tang Yu’an: “Nothing.”
