Chapter Fourteen: The Decision to Make Contact

Outside, the woman lounged on the sofa, fiddling with her nails, the phone wedged between her shoulder and ear. She glanced occasionally at the television, where the news played as background music, responding absentmindedly.

“It’s been tidied up. As expected, he smashed a bunch of things—this time even the television wasn’t spared. After this cleanup, the safe house feels even more like a prison. So, how long are you planning to keep him locked up?

He’s Jackie Chan, after all. We probably grew up watching his movies. Shouldn’t we show him a bit of respect?”

A man’s cool, detached voice came from the receiver.

“Soon. If the plan goes well, within a week we’ll have the tuxedo. Then, just call the police and they’ll naturally rescue Jackie Chan. If you feel guilty, you can leave him all your assets in this world.”

The woman didn’t even lift her eyelids, replying calmly, “Let’s hope so. If it weren’t for needing more time to tie up loose ends, I wouldn’t be working with someone as dangerous as you.”

“You think I’m dangerous? Next time before you say that, make sure to scrub off the smell of blood from your wounds—it’s overwhelming.”

A cold glint flickered in the woman’s eyes; she stiffened for less than a second, then let out a playful laugh. “Brother Lin, you really have a sense of humor! You scared me!”

“We’re already in this world; there’s no need to keep pretending. Even after death, people are divided between heaven and hell. Do you think that assignment is random?”

The woman narrowed her eyes, saying nothing.

“No more chatter. Take care of Jackie Chan! Apart from feeding him and occasionally tidying up, don’t talk to him. Let him do whatever he wants.

The safe house is built entirely of titanium alloy—he won’t escape. Don’t go out. Wait for my good news.”

With that, the call ended.

Elsewhere, “Jackie Chan” pocketed his phone. Mr. Dufulin walked out of the insect specimen shop at a measured pace, patted his shoulder, and smiled, “Jimmy, this is work hours!”

“Sorry, Mr. Dufulin. That was my girlfriend—our dog’s been misbehaving, made a mess in the living room, and she’s complaining to me. You know how women are!”

“Jackie Chan” explained with a hint of apology.

“I know!” Mr. Dufulin glanced back meaningfully. The shop’s dark-skinned female clerk was watching him intently.

He smiled, making a subtle gesture. “That’s why I only want the most delicious part of a woman!”

“Jackie Chan” looked on in envy.

Mr. Dufulin curled his lips, patted Jackie Chan’s shoulder, then bent to sit in the back seat of the car.

“Let’s go. We have a big party to prepare for tonight!”

“Yes, sir!”

—

Gao Ning and Anna returned to the police station to hand over their shift. Anna went to report the day’s work to the chief, while Gao Ning logged into the internal system to check two license plates.

As expected, the sedan belonged to a lawyer, thirty-five years old, Cesar Massal, second-generation immigrant. His wife, Bella Massal, matched the photo of Liang Bing.

Records showed she was a company executive, with considerable earnings.

The cement tanker was registered to a construction company, whose owner was Grandma Liu Minhong.

But she had reported the truck stolen two days ago.

Adding the anonymous corpse found slumped over the steering wheel today, it all pointed to an accidental incident caused by car thieves.

The anti-crime unit might suspect the Irish gang was involved.

But no one would guess that this was a murder orchestrated by two women to collect insurance money.

Anna came out of the office, made a gesture to indicate everything was settled and they could clock out.

Gao Ning replied with a thumbs-up, and together they left the station.

Anna’s ride was a Harley motorcycle—imposing in appearance, though clearly a little dated.

Still, it was much more impressive than Gao Ning’s bicycle.

Not that he cared.

His father was a senior officer in the Ninth Precinct, favored by the higher-ups and possibly due for another promotion soon.

With that kind of protection, who dared mock him?

So, even if some white colleagues disliked him, they merely kept their distance—nothing excessive.

After all, those who made it into the police force had at least basic morals and legal sense; a moment’s ridicule could lead to disaster, and no one wanted to risk that.

Thus, while Gao Ning hadn’t made many friends in recent days, he enjoyed his freedom.

Anna, on the other hand, was quite popular, often chatting with other trainees; most of the gossip Gao Ning heard was thanks to her.

“Spent forty minutes searching today. I’ve invited Kate and the others to the bar for a drink—want to join?” Anna asked.

Gao Ning smiled and shook his head. “Maybe next time! I’ve got something on tonight.”

“Need any help?”

“No, just meeting two old friends.”

Indeed, after the morning’s car crash, Gao Ning had decided to visit Liang Bing and the old lady.

Those two together were truly capable of stirring up trouble.

Without even fully investigating, they’d already killed someone, securing millions in insurance money.

Ruthless, decisive!

After saying goodbye to Anna, Gao Ning rode home, parked his bike, and leisurely enjoyed dinner. Only when the two yellow dots in his mind converged again did he grab an excuse and head out.

Sun Lijuan paid no attention; lately, her blog was updating with children’s nutrition recipes, and most of her time was spent experimenting in the kitchen with various energy combinations.

Busy as she was, it was a feat just remembering to cook for her son; what cared she for his evening plans?

Besides, in America, going out for a drink at night was perfectly normal.

After waiting by the roadside for over a minute, an ostentatious Toyota SUV rolled up. Gao Ning opened the door and slipped into the back seat.

The two in front spoke in unison: “Reporting, Commander. Unit numbers MGDB007 and 008 present. Awaiting your orders!”

Gao Ning nodded. “Head straight to the bar, then resume training and keep monitoring the boss of Banning Waterworks.”

“Yes, boss!”

Gao Ning considered for a moment. “‘Boss’ is less conspicuous than ‘Commander.’ Use that from now on.”

“Understood, boss!”

The car smoothly entered the street, heading for Mario’s Tavern.

Don’t be fooled by their American soldier appearance—these war-time cyborgs were adept at covert operations, employing all sorts of tactics.

As their numbers grew, their disguises became increasingly varied.

From homeless men, to idle drifters, to later gang members—their impersonations were flawless.

They even provoked a small gang’s hostility; after a brief clash, they ended up with cash, a car, and half a street to themselves.

When Gao Ning checked, he was so astonished he couldn’t shut his mouth for a long while.