Chapter 17: Secret Infiltration into Seto's Mansion

"Officer Uchikai and his team have surrounded Seto's place. It's our turn to move," announced Little Tear from atop a large tree outside Seto's mansion. She informed Zhang Fan and the others via walkie-talkie about Officer Uchikai Junfu's maneuvers.

Due to Little Tear's limited strength, participating in the heist was out of the question. However, she was perfectly capable of handling reconnaissance tasks, like monitoring Officer Junfu's movements.

"It's time to move," signaled Zhang Fan to the three girls beside him at the eastern wall of the mansion. After ensuring the grappling hook and rope were secure, he was the first to ascend the wall.

Perched atop the wall with night-vision goggles, Zhang Fan scanned the yard for any movement. Signaling the others to follow, he leapt down in complete silence. His 'Deathly Silence' skill, now upgraded to V2 after diligent practice, ensured his movements were fluid and soundless.

The skill's upgrade was straightforward - constant practice through walking. Hence, Zhang Fan's rapid progress in mastering it.

Once the sisters entered the yard, the group approached a side door of the mansion. This door was known to be the least guarded, with only two sentries patrolling under the dim lights, oddly wearing sunglasses at night.

With a nod to Little Tear, Zhang Fan gestured for them to advance. Little Tear, understanding his signal, quickly subdued one guard while Zhang Fan silently approached the other. As the guard struggled with his lighter, Zhang Fan struck him with a swift chop to the neck. Little Tear, simultaneously, took down her target with a stealthy elbow strike.

"This must be the place," they concluded, having already thoroughly researched the mansion's layout. The security was surprisingly lax, and within three minutes, they reached Seto's collection room.

"Seto seems to have underestimated us," Little Tear remarked with a cold smile. It seemed their operation would conclude swiftly, and with Officer Junfu involved, Seto would face additional trouble.

"The secret room?" As they entered the collection room, the displayed modern art pieces appeared unremarkable, clearly a facade for visitors.

"It must be in this room. Let's search thoroughly," urged Little Tong, aware of the time constraints.

"I've found it!" Zhang Fan, noticing an out-of-place bookshelf with a cubic Indian sculpture among its contents, suspected it concealed the secret room. His growing appreciation for art, nurtured by Little Tear and Little Tong, had honed his discernment.

Manipulating the sculpture, the bookshelf split open, revealing the secret room behind it. Inside, the coveted "La Traviata" and six other prized paintings hung on the central wall.

"What shall we do? Take 'La Traviata' now or let Seto face the police first?" Zhang Fan looked to Little Tear and Little Tong for the decision.

"The police are swarming outside. Let's not take the painting now. We might not bring down Seto, but it's worth a try," decided Little Tear after a moment's thought.

"Then it's Little Ai's turn to shine," agreed Zhang Fan. While acquiring the paintings was tempting, exposing Seto's misdeeds was crucial.

"Leave it to me!" Little Ai was eager to contribute. But before she could act, a large hand suddenly emerged from the shadows, grabbing her arm.

Confronted by a towering figure weighing well over 500 pounds, Zhang Fan was momentarily taken aback. His kick had no effect on the giant, as if striking a mound of dough.

As Zhang Fan and Little Ai struggled, Little Tear attempted to knock out the giant with a bottle, to no avail. The situation seemed dire.

"Big sister!" Little Tong charged at the giant, only to be swept aside by his powerful swipe, crashing heavily against the wall.

Enraged by the attack on Little Tong, Zhang Fan's eyes glinted fiercely. "You're looking for death! Hurting Little Tong? I'll make you pay!" His anger reached a boiling point, ready to unleash his fury on the formidable adversary.