Chapter 16: Main Mission 1 – Unveiling the Truth
"Little Ai, what are you shouting about?" Overhearing Little Ai's loud outburst, Little Tong couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward and delivered a sharp thwack to Little Ai's head, causing her to wince and grimace in pain.
"I was just trying to help you, big sister! It hurts so much, I can't take this anymore!" Little Ai, feeling aggrieved, stormed off. Before leaving, she cast a resentful glance at Zhang Fan, who was left speechless, wondering how he had become the target of her ire.
"You all..." Shen Gu finally realized the predicament he had stumbled into; he was in a den of 'wolves,' or rather, a 'den of cats.' But regardless of the kind of den, it seemed his fate was sealed today, given his identity as the Black Rat.
"So, what do you want from me?" Sitting dejectedly at the bar, Shen Gu adopted a resigned demeanor, prepared to accept whatever came his way.
"We don't want much," Zhang Fan began, exchanging a knowing smile with Little Tong. "We're just getting acquainted, being in the same line of work. We might need to look out for each other in the future," he explained, skillfully mixing intimidation with a hint of camaraderie.
"Just that?" Shen Gu was skeptical, but the more straightforward the approach, the more he felt uneasy, preferring a straightforward extortion to this unsettling passivity.
"Of course, that's all," Zhang Fan assured him earnestly, making it impossible for Shen Gu to detect any deceit. Zhang Fan had practiced this expression tirelessly to ensure its authenticity.
"What about these photos?" Shen Gu asked hesitantly, eyeing the photographs in Zhang Fan's hand.
"Don't worry, Mr. Shen Gu. I'll take care of these discreetly," Zhang Fan assured, slipping the photos into Shen Gu's pocket as a reassurance.
"Thank you, then. If there's anything Mr. Li or Miss Little Tong need, please feel free to ask," Shen Gu said, choosing not to inquire further about the negatives. He left the Cat Eye Café hurriedly, throwing a few polite words over his shoulder.
"Ha, it's hilarious just watching him," Little Tear and Little Tong laughed as they came out from their hiding place, especially Little Tong, who admired Zhang Fan's acting skills.
"Now this Black Rat will be our scapegoat," Zhang Fan declared, sealing Shen Gu's tragic fate as a patsy. But Shen Gu seemed almost willing, perhaps enticed by the three beautiful sisters.
Time passed peacefully, with Zhang Fan dedicating every moment not spent at the café to acquiring knowledge and strengthening his abilities.
Little Tong, now openly Zhang Fan's girlfriend after their recent kiss, supported him silently, understanding the perils of the so-called 'God Game' he was involved in.
"So this guy is our next target," Little Tear announced one day, laying out a new dossier. The mission was to steal the famous paintings "La Traviata" and "Valkyrie," currently in the possession of a certain Seto, a prominent figure in both politics and finance, known for his ruthlessness. Seto had been one of the oppressors of Little Tong's father, Heinrich, years ago.
Enemy character identified, main mission activated...
Main Mission 1 – Unveiling the Truth: Find evidence to bring Seto to justice! Steal "La Traviata" and "Valkyrie." Reward: 2000 game points and the opening of the skill shop.
Zhang Fan was thrilled at the prospect of such rewards and the challenge of the mission.
"According to the intel, 'La Traviata' is hidden in a secret room in Seto's mansion, but we don't know its exact location yet. We'll have to improvise," Little Tear said regretfully.
Zhang Fan assured her they were already well-prepared. They decided to send a notice to the police, prompting action from Officer Junfu and his team. However, upon confronting Seto, Junfu was unceremoniously turned away, deepening his suspicions about Seto's secrets. Determined to uncover the truth, Junfu planned a covert operation on the night designated in the notice, setting the stage for the next thrilling chapter of their adventure.