Chapter Six: Prelude to the Mission

Naturally, for a novice like Zhang Fan, there was much to learn from Lei and Tong, especially about the finer points of thievery, movements, and postures during a heist. Tong even imparted knowledge and techniques about fencing and karate. Over these few days, Zhang Fan was ceaselessly honing his skills, thoroughly preparing himself for the upcoming task.

"One mocha, please. Oh, Junfu, how come you have time to visit today? Isn't our chief inspector always swamped with work?" On this particular day, a special customer visited the Cat's Eye Café – Junfu Nei, Zhang Fan and Tong's high school classmate, and the male protagonist in their original story.

Dressed in his perennially unchanging dark grey suit, Junfu carried an air of handsome despondency.

"Huh? Zhang Fan, what are you doing here?" Junfu, who hadn't visited the Cat's Eye Café in a long time, was utterly surprised to find Zhang Fan working there.

"Just as you see, I'm working here. What can I get for you, sir?" Zhang Fan replied with a smile.

"A coffee will do. I'm not in the best of moods today. Cat's Eye has sent another notice, which is just my luck. The failure last time was bad enough, and if we fail again, I might face demotion," Junfu candidly spilled his concerns. Zhang Fan saw this as an opportunity, finding himself in a fortunate situation.

"Cat's Eye has made a move again? That's quite alarming. Could you share where they've set their sights this time?" Zhang Fan asked nonchalantly while grinding coffee beans.

"It's the new International Trade Tower in the East District. There's a famous art exhibition on the top floor, and Cat's Eye has targeted it! It's infuriating. If I catch them, I won't let them off easily!" Junfu gritted his teeth in anger, clearly determined to apprehend Cat's Eye.

"So, it's the International Trade Tower? I've heard it's over 200 meters tall. If it's the top floor, wouldn't blocking all exits render Cat's Eye powerless?" Zhang Fan nodded in understanding.

"That's the plan. If Cat's Eye dares to show up, they'll have to face me. I'll see their true faces this time!" Junfu clenched his fists, nearly crushing the coffee cup in his hand.

"Indeed, if Cat's Eye can't escape underground, then you'll surely succeed, Junfu," Zhang Fan replied, rescuing the fragile coffee cup from Junfu's grasp.

"Escape underground?" Junfu pondered upon Zhang Fan's words.

Seeing Junfu deep in thought, Zhang Fan knew his plan was halfway to success. The next step was to execute his own strategy.

"Zhang Fan, are you truly confident? Your progress is remarkable, and you're physically fit, but this operation is unlike any other. It's both dangerous and difficult," Tong voiced her concerns one evening, entering Zhang Fan's room as he was finalizing his plans.

"Don't worry. As long as nothing unexpected happens, my plan will surely succeed," Zhang Fan assured confidently, having borrowed micro-timed explosives, a mini hot air balloon, and a set of security uniforms from Lei. With these resources, he was ready for the mission.

"I believe in you, Zhang Fan. But this game you're participating in, is it very dangerous? If possible, I wish you wouldn't take part in it," Tong expressed her concerns, visibly moved by Zhang Fan's confidence. The mention of the 'Ascend to Divinity' game from Lei made her anxious.

"I have no choice in the matter. But Tong, what would you do if one day you found out I am not who I appear to be?" Zhang Fan asked, looking at the concerned Tong.

"What do you mean by not being you? That's so strange," Tong replied, puzzled by his question.

"Never mind. You'll understand in time," Zhang Fan shook his head, deciding not to reveal his thoughts. In his heart, he believed he belonged to another world, and his memories with Tong were merely illusions. But these fictitious memories had given rise to genuine affection and unspoken feelings between them. Could this be right? How would he face Tong if these memories shattered?

"What's wrong? You're always you, forever. I don't know what you're worrying about," Tong said, tapping Zhang Fan's nose playfully.

"You're right. What am I thinking? Alright, I have to focus now. My current mission is to join Cat's Eye and fight alongside you," Zhang Fan slapped his cheeks, invigorating himself.

"Fight alongside... Well, do your best, Zhang Fan," Tong blushed at his words, looking around frantically before quickly exiting his room.

The following day, Zhang Fan's mission officially commenced. He disguised himself as a security guard at the art exhibition, easily blending in thanks to Lei's makeup skills. Unbeknownst to anyone, one of the guards standing beside "The Reader" was Zhang Fan in disguise.

Junfu, the head of the security detail, was on high alert all day, especially vigilant after 6 PM. As the time approached 6:30 PM, the moment when Cat's Eye was expected to strike, everyone wondered how they would steal "The Reader" under such intense scrutiny.