Brother Diao was playing cards with his subordinates. Hearing this, he immediately waved his hand for the others to stop, found someone to take his place, and then stepped aside to answer the phone.
"A big deal. How risky is it?"
Peng Shiyi sneered. "Do you think it's easy to get a million? If it were that easy and risk - free, I wouldn't have come to you."
Whether this deal would succeed or not would determine her future path.
"Alright, tell me. Who is the target this time?"
Peng Shiyi took a deep breath, stared at the door, and said viciously, "Cheng Yanxia, Lu Qianzhou's sweetheart and a rising star in the business circle of the capital."
Instantly, the cigarette in Brother Diao's mouth froze. Not long ago, Cheng Yanxia had taken over the underground casino where he worked. She was like their direct superior in this area. Everyone knew that she had powerful backers behind her, like Lu Qianzhou, Fang Jiangyi, and even the Third Master Lu. It was said that she also had connections in the police force. Otherwise, she couldn't have bailed out several brothers from the police station so easily last time.
If it were someone else, he might be willing to take the risk for the million. But this was his boss! The risk was too high for just a million. It wasn't worth it.
So he said, "Miss Peng, I really can't do this."
Peng Shiyi immediately clenched her fists tightly. "Why can't you do it? I've told you that after you get the money, you can leave the capital and lie low for a while. Then you can come back when things calm down."
Brother Diao took a puff of his cigarette. "Let me put it this way. Cheng Yanxia is my boss now. You know how many people are watching her. If I run away after the deed, it'll only confirm my guilt. A vengeful person like Lu Qianzhou will track me down no matter where I hide."
He spoke reasonably.
"I don't want to lose my life. Although I like money, I value my life more. I really can't do this."
Peng Shiyi knew this was extremely risky, which was why she was so cautious. But if even these desperadoes were reluctant to do it, what could she do to Cheng Yanxia?
The anger in her chest suddenly dissipated. She slumped like a deflated balloon, as if the goal she had pursued all her life had suddenly collapsed. She could barely sit up.
If possible, she would rather do it herself. She wanted to scratch that bitch's face, take her life, and stab her a few times to vent her anger.
She propped herself up on the bed with one hand to support her limp body. "Brother Diao, do you have any other ideas?"
Brother Diao said, "There's not no way. I have a few brothers who are in urgent need of money. They might be willing to do it, but you have to pay more. This amount of money isn't enough for them to risk their lives."
Peng Shiyi had difficulty breathing. She even showed mild asthma - like symptoms.
Gasping for breath, she asked, "How much?"
Brother Diao thought for a moment and named a price.
The price was beyond Peng Shiyi's budget, but to ruin Cheng Yanxia, she gritted her teeth and agreed. If she sold all the jewelry and luxury goods she had saved over the years, she might be able to raise enough money.
As long as she could win back Fang Jiangyi, she was willing to do anything.
Almost at the same time, Yuan Qiuping received the news that Peng Shiyi was planning to hire a killer. She had connections in that underground casino. As soon as Peng Shiyi made the call, Yuan Qiuping got the news.
"Sister Ping, do you have any other plans?" a subordinate standing beside her asked.
Yuan Qiuping picked up the teacup and took a sip. After careful consideration, she felt that this wasn't enough. There had always been an idea in her mind, but it was just an idea. But at this moment, the impulse became almost uncontrollable, about to burst out.
After much thought, she still took precautions.
"Tell someone to keep a close eye on Peng Shiyi. Report any situation to me immediately. If Peng Shiyi fails, send someone to find this little girl named Lan Mengfan. We have a scapegoat this time. It'd be a waste not to use her."
...
Long Tao and Yanxia had set a meeting two days later. During those two days, Peng Shiyi suppressed her temper and recovered well, so she was finally able to be discharged from the hospital.
She must see that person ruined with her own eyes!
Yanxia arrived at the equestrian club on time. But it had been raining outside the equestrian field, and the rain was getting heavier with no sign of stopping.
So they didn't go horse - riding. Instead, they sat in the spacious and bright lounge chatting. There was no awkwardness or probing like their first meeting, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
The lounge was filled with the fragrance of tea. Yanxia's equestrian suit was placed aside. She was standing by the window, looking up at the weather outside through the transparent glass.
She held a cup of tea in her hand. "It's really a pity. I didn't expect it to rain so heavily. Mr. Long's well - arranged itinerary has been ruined."
Long Tao was sitting leisurely on a wooden chair, crossing his legs and looking in Yanxia's direction. Hearing this, he laughed. "Actually, the itinerary can be changed at any time. Entertainment isn't important. What matters is having a beautiful lady like Miss Cheng accompany me. That's a special pleasure."
Unexpectedly, after what happened last time, he still dared to say such blatant and flirtatious words in front of Yanxia. He really wasn't afraid of Lu Qianzhou.
Yanxia turned around and sat down opposite Long Tao. "Mr. Long is really good at joking. By the way, the conflict between you and Lu Qianzhou last time was all my fault. I should apologize to you."
Long Tao joked, "Miss Cheng is joking. I've cooperated with General Manager Lu for many years. I know his methods and personality very well. He used to be perfect, truly invincible with no flaws. But he lost his composure because of you. It seems that General Manager Lu really loves you."
Yanxia curved her lips. "Lu Qianzhou is my enemy. Mr. Long, please don't make such jokes in the future."
Long Tao was good at reading people's expressions. Since Yanxia was averse to this topic and didn't want to talk about it, he stopped.
"I've already asked someone to introduce a new supplier to Miss Cheng. I wonder how Miss Cheng feels about the person and the goods. Are you satisfied?"
Yanxia naturally knew this. Long Tao was now bridging connections and introducing suppliers to her, which was already on the verge of crossing the line. Just to fish for big game in the long run, Shangguanyao hadn't taken any action. They were just watching, as long as the situation didn't get out of control, they wouldn't act rashly.
"Of course there's nothing wrong with the person introduced by Mr. Long. As a sign of our successful cooperation, I'll also give Mr. Long a big gift."
Yanxia took out another note and pushed it towards him. This was given to her by Shangguanyao's people. The police had already grasped Long Tao's whereabouts for his next operation. As long as he went, he might be caught red - handed.
Long Tao looked at the note, smiled, and then tore it into pieces.
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Cheng. But their intelligence is inaccurate this time. I'll still go ahead with the deal. It won't be affected at all. Miss Cheng doesn't have to worry about me."