American variety show: Sniper Elite

Chapter 111 Reconnaissance Operation
The red M3 came to a steady stop in the parking lot on the south side of Central Park, the tires making a slight rubbing sound against the asphalt.

Beta hung the camera around his neck and wore a pair of amber-lensed aviator sunglasses. His outfit today was perfect: a navy blue linen shirt, camel-colored casual trousers, and black suede loafers.

Katalia rested one hand on the steering wheel and scanned Beta from head to toe through the gradient lenses.

She nodded: "Yes, he looks like a rich young master who stepped off the cover of Vanity Fair."

Beta's gaze passed over the car roof and landed on the glass curtain wall of the Liberty Building in the distance, where sunlight refracted on its sharp, angular outline.

He tapped the roof of the car lightly with his fingers: "You should go back now."

Katalia's fingers tightened and loosened on the steering wheel. After a few seconds of silence, she took off her sunglasses and looked directly into Beta's eyes behind the lenses: "Listen, I won't ask what you're doing, or who the target is. But if you need support, anytime, call that emergency number."

Beta leaned closer to the car window: "Understood."

Watching Catalia's red BMW leave the parking lot, Beta unfolded the printed map and walked towards the Liberty Building in the distance.
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The Liberty Tower, with its 541.3-meter height, pierces the New York skyline.

The most striking feature of this building is its unique geometric design, which consists of 104 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.

Starting from the cubic base, the building's edges are gradually chamfered as it rises, transforming into a perfect octagonal plane in the clouds. The top floor design then rotates elegantly at a 45-degree angle, creating a subtle mirror image that echoes the base.

The building's facade is composed of eight slender isosceles triangular glass curtain walls. When sunlight shines on it at a specific angle, the entire building refracts a dazzling prism effect, resembling a giant crystal casually placed by God.

Beta tilted his head back, his eyes slightly narrowed behind his sunglasses. The glass curtain wall of the Liberty Tower reflected the sunlight, creating a dazzling effect that seemed to bisect the sky above.

At the building's entrance, security personnel in custom-tailored suits checked visitor information one by one using tablets. Metal detectors and X-ray machines formed a tight security barrier, creating an impenetrable sense of security for the wealthy who came to spend money lavishly.

Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis occasionally pulled up slowly along the roadside. Well-dressed men and women stepped out of their cars and casually tossed their keys to the valet. Socialites in red-soled high heels and financial tycoons in suits flashed their Patek Philippe watches in the sunlight.

They walked through the security checkpoint with the elegance of someone attending Fashion Week, entering the class-divided building.

Beta stopped in front of the electronic billboard in the plaza downstairs, the flowing light and shadow casting ever-changing colors on his sharply defined face.

Dozens of giant screens played various events inside the building in turn, including close-ups of diamonds at a private jewelry exhibition, exquisite dishes at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and promotional videos showcasing the nighttime views of the rooftop lounge.
His gaze settled on a black and gold electronic poster.

The words "Freedom Tower Restaurant" in gold foil on a dark background gleamed in the sunlight; it was the upscale restaurant that Monica had mentioned that required advance reservations.

The small image in the corner of the poster showcases a breathtaking view: outside the floor-to-ceiling window, Central Park stretches out like an emerald amidst Manhattan's steel jungle.

Beta's gaze continued to dart across the other screens, his brain rapidly processing every piece of information: charity auction, business banquet, limited-time opening of the rooftop gardens.
He needed to find a plausible excuse that would allow him to pass through those tight security checks without any problem.

Beta's gaze lingered on an electronic screen. Against a soft beige background, a dozen miniature oil paintings were collaged to create an artistic effect.

In the center of the image, the square Chinese characters “阮文” (Ruan Wen) stand out with bold strokes, accompanied by elegant English serif font below: “Ruan Wen - The Fragrance of Memory Solo Exhibition”.

The small print on the edge of the poster indicates the exhibition information: This internationally renowned Chinese-American female painter is holding the New York leg of her global solo exhibition tour at the Genting Art Center on the 88th floor of the Liberty Tower.

Beta raised an eyebrow slightly. His public identity happened to be that of an art dealer, so his motive for bringing a camera to the art exhibition became reasonable.

Beta took out his phone and pointed the camera at the QR code in the corner of the poster. With a soft "beep," the ticketing page immediately popped up—the $25 entrance fee was marked as a "symbolic fee," clearly intended to keep out unauthorized individuals.

He completed the payment, and the QR code on the e-ticket flashed on the screen. Sliding his phone into his pocket, Beta straightened his collar and strode confidently toward the security checkpoint, behaving with the same relaxed gait as the other wealthy individuals around him.
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Beta observed the security checkpoint area discreetly.

Six security checkpoints are arranged in a fan shape, all equipped with the latest Raycus X-ray machines and L3 security gates. Next to each machine, there are five staff members: two who operate the conveyor belt, one who holds a metal detector, and two armed guards with Glock 17s on their waists, constantly scanning the queue of people.

As Beta stepped onto the security checkpoint, the detector immediately emitted a piercing beep.

The security personnel politely raised their hand to indicate, "Sir, please remove any metal objects from your person."

Beta stepped off the security platform, stood inside the security gate, and suddenly pulled out a limited-edition Hermes crocodile leather wallet from her inner pocket, gently placing it on the plastic tray: "Look at my memory."

He gave a perfectly timed apologetic smile, and the luxury wallet thus bypassed the X-ray machine inspection.

The handheld detector swept over him, this time only making a slight clicking sound. The security guard bowed slightly: "Welcome to Liberty Building. It's our honor. We hope you have a pleasant time here."

Picking up her wallet, Beta stepped into the luxurious hall with its high ceilings, some over ten meters high. The marble floor, inlaid with brass lines, reflected the light of the crystal chandelier, exuding an air of extravagance.

Beta's fingertips rubbed against the inside of his wallet, and a small switchblade appeared in his hand. The blade popped out almost silently and made only a slight "click" when it retracted.

This simple test confirmed his hypothesis: security personnel would not rummage through visitors' personal belongings without authorization, and as long as the metal items were small enough, they could be hidden in a reasonable container and slip through undetected.

His mind was racing.

The sniper components in the elbow rest could pass through easily, but bullets were a real challenge. However, the recent test gave him an idea: perhaps the bullets could be disguised as something else, or mixed in with camera accessories.

After all, these security personnel are more concerned with obvious threats than with seemingly harmless everyday items.

(End of this chapter)