Chapter 394: Execution

2022-05-20

With that, Wu Zui led me outside.

He pushed open the door and I followed him out. Even though we were about the same height and build, Wu Zui obviously knew how to fight. I couldn’t match him at all, not even if I tried to catch him off guard from behind.

That’s when I finally realized where we were. This was underground—a leftover air-raid shelter from the past. The cave was dimly lit by a yellow bulb, and not far off stood someone in black, form-fitting clothes. I squinted and realized it was Moriko.

Moriko wore a tight outfit, her short hair neat and efficient.

When she saw Wu Zui coming out, Moriko gave him a slight nod.

Wu Zui said, “I want my brother to witness everything. He’s important, so don’t let him cause trouble—and don’t let him die. If he tries to escape, break his leg if you have to, understand?”

“Got it.” Moriko nodded.

Panic gnawed at me inside. I knew Wu Zui was going to make his move in two hours, but there was no way for me to get the word out. All I could do was follow him and look for an opening.

What completely puzzled me was why Wu Zui chose to take me along. Keeping me—someone who could expose him at any time—made no sense unless he was so confident he wanted me to witness his victory, or maybe I served some other purpose.

Knowing Wu Zui, he never played by the rules. Honestly, either was possible. Given his unpredictability, it takes a lot to surprise me. So whatever he wants me for, I’ll have to take things one step at a time and deal with it as it comes.

A few twists and turns later, a shaft of light cut through ahead.

There was a staircase in front. We climbed up and left the underground shelter for the surface. The building here was nothing fancy—just a single-story house maybe forty or fifty square meters. Inside, the place was empty, and a dozen people stood scattered about. A bulging burlap sack leaned against the wall. No telling what was in it. Next to it sat a small, grimy suitcase.

Once Wu Zui arrived, the scattered group straightened up automatically, turning to face him in total silence. Judging by their faces, these weren’t the obedient type—most looked rough, with intimidating scowls. Yet in front of Wu Zui, they stood utterly still.

It was obvious these people respected—or more likely feared—Wu Zui. It’s not a person’s strength or viciousness that’s most frightening. It’s the unpredictability. Not knowing what he’ll do next or why he kills, why he gives money, or whether you’ll survive the next minute. That’s true terror.

Jesse stepped forward and said, “The first group has already arrived at the rendezvous. We can go at any time.”

Wu Zui shrugged. “It’s simple, Jesse. Where’s the stuff?”

Jesse nodded, then grabbed the suitcase beside the sack and put it on the desk. He unlocked it. A dazzling yellow glow hit everyone’s eyes—a suitcase full of gold bars.

Wu Zui walked up, picked up a gold bar, and toyed with it. “Each of these weighs two kilos. We melted off the serial numbers. The current rate is two hundred per gram. Two kilos is a thousand grams—that’s two hundred thousand. Before the job, each of you gets one gold bar. Survive and make it back, and that’s five more each.”

He tossed the gold bar to the one-eyed thug, then continued, “That’s a million each. I’m giving you this chance, equipment, and a foolproof plan. On your own, none of you could ever get your hands on a million.”

With that, Wu Zui scanned their faces.

Suddenly, the room filled with murmurs. People started talking over each other, arguing pros and cons.

The scrawny guy’s eyes darted. He piped up, “A million for risking my life? Doesn’t seem worth it.”

Wu Zui nodded and perched on the desk, meeting the little guy’s eyes. “So, tell me, how much do you think your life is worth?”

The small man glanced at the gold bars, then said, “Well, how about five bars more?”

“Ten bars?” Wu Zui raised an eyebrow.

“Ten. I’ll do it for ten.”

“Alright.” Wu Zui scratched his head and said, “Moriko.”

Moriko walked over with a silent nod, stopping in front of the little guy.

A moment later, he couldn’t say a word. Moriko swiped her dagger across him, wiped the blade clean, sheathed it and walked back behind Wu Zui without a word.

Only then did the small man’s strength give out. He collapsed to the floor.

The room went dead silent. Not a sound.

Disgusted, Wu Zui moved aside and said, “I brought you here to work, not to haggle.”

No one responded.

“So from now on, follow my lead. Don’t get out of the car until you’re told. There’ll be instructions when the time comes. Remember—make it back alive and you get five gold bars each. That’s a million, enough for you all to waste for a very long time.”

“And who knows,” Wu Zui went on, “maybe we’ll work together again. Take your gold and stop hiding like rats. Why not make tonight a party?”

But something didn’t add up. With Wu Zui’s style, he should have everything perfectly arranged. Bringing in this motley crew last-minute made no sense if he wanted his plan airtight.

I scratched my head, trying to figure out Wu Zui’s real intention.

The only answer that fit: he was never planning to keep these people around. Their job was just to sow chaos. In that confusion, Wu Zui could sneak Shi Huacheng out.

That’s all I could come up with, but the crowd was already heading out.

“Wait!” I shouted.

Wu Zui glanced back at me. “Ignore him. Carry on. Moriko, keep an eye on him. Have Guan Zengbin and Gu Chen already left?”

Jesse nodded. “Yeah, sent a few guys with them ahead to the rendezvous. They’ll be there in about an hour. We should get moving, too.”

Wu Zui gave a nod.

Outside, there were plenty of cars—different makes and models, new and old, but all with Dongxing City plates. It was clear Wu Zui hadn’t let any detail slip. This convoy wouldn’t attract second glances on the street.

Wu Zui, Jesse, Moriko, and I got into one car.

Wu Zui leaned back in his seat, not bothering to look around. “Drive.”