At thirty, I started my comeback from the intelligence system.

Viper's pupils contracted slightly!

That was the agreed-upon code: "The device is in place and functioning normally."

Although the person could have been controlled, she successfully placed the non-metallic miniature marker in the intended location without being detected during the inspection.

"Lisa has completed her mission!" Carlos said in a low voice, having also seen it.

"Um!"

"Viper" looked away and signaled the driver to start the car.

"The plan remains unchanged. Now that the enemy has been alerted, we need to act even faster!"

"Contact Master Qi. We need our equipment to arrive ahead of time. Also, have him prepare 'smoke bombs.' In addition, check the whereabouts of the vehicles that were used to arrest people and their detention locations."

The car silently glided into the traffic.

The actual assassination attempt did not stop because the inside agent was exposed; instead, it entered an even more dangerous and urgent countdown.

Wang Jinlong, covered in injuries and with his left arm in a makeshift brace, knelt before Master Qi, his face deathly pale. He recounted in fits and starts the events of the morning at the housekeeping company, how Li Caifeng had died trying to save him, and mentioned the terrifyingly skilled woman who appeared at the end.

Master Qi sipped his tea leisurely. After listening, his face remained expressionless, but he gently tapped the rosewood armrest of his chair with his fingers.

"I'm heartbroken that Xiaofeng was lost this time."

His voice was calm, yet it sent a shiver down Wang Jinlong's spine.

"However, the job wasn't done, we lost manpower, and it alerted the officials... I'm afraid Boss Lu will have to renegotiate the price!"

"Third Master! It's my fault! I've implicated Cai Feng! Please, Third Master, give me another chance. I will definitely find that mother and child, tear them to pieces, and avenge Cai Feng!"

Wang Jinlong kowtowed, his eyes filled with deep-seated hatred, directed not only at Lang Hehe and Chen Geng, but also at the mother and son who had failed to be silenced.

"We'll talk about revenge later!" Third Master Qi waved his hand. "We'll need to pay more to Boss Lu! As for you... focus on recovering first! I'll arrange Xiao Feng's funeral. You may leave now!"

Yao Qi stepped forward and helped the grief-stricken and resentful Wang Jinlong to leave.

"Third Master, what about District Chief Lu..." Yao Qi returned quickly and asked in a low voice.

"Make the call, be polite, and say things went wrong. The other party has some powerful figures involved, and we've lost a key member. The final payment needs to be increased by 50%, as compensation and to smooth things over!"

"Also, tell him that the person who did it might be from the military or national security, so he'll be aware of the situation and clean up his mess!"

"I give the order," Master Qi instructed, his eyes gleaming. He didn't care what Lu Jingxiang thought; money and risk control were his top priorities.

Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau, an office on the third floor.

Deputy Director Zhao Liming personally oversaw the case of "entering a house with a knife and attempting to kidnap and injure someone" that occurred at the housekeeping company that morning.

After "interrogating" Cui Lanzhen, who was both a victim and a witness, he obtained the names of Yu Xiulian and Zhang Xiaoqiang, their general relationship, and vague information about their last contact. Cui Lanzhen genuinely did not know the exact whereabouts of the mother and son, and could not reach them by phone.

Zhao Liming immediately reported the situation to Lu Jingxiang.

"...They really did escape!" Lu Jingxiang's voice was icy on the other end of the phone. "Old Zhao, you personally oversee this case. Find a plausible reason to take it over from the branch office and set up a special task force!"

"Ostensibly, we're investigating these two killers and their masterminds, but the real focus is finding Yu Xiulian and Zhang Xiaoqiang! We need to find them alive or dead! Tell me immediately if you have any leads!"

"Understood, District Chief. That mother and child are important witnesses and clues. Finding them might lead to the capture of the real killer." Zhao Liming understood immediately.

"Yes. Also, after questioning Chen Geng's mother, let her go back. Just send someone to 'keep an eye on' her, but don't touch her, lest you alert the enemy," Lu Jingxiang added.

Chen Geng is Mu Xueke's assistant now, so it's too risky to mess with his mother.

"Yes."

After giving her statement, Cui Lanzhen was allowed to leave.

Chen Geng was already waiting outside the Municipal Bureau. After picking up his mother, he did not go home, but went directly back to the Peninsula Hotel in Shenzhen.

"Auntie, you must be frightened! Come in and rest." When Mu Xueke saw Chen Geng bring the still-shaken Cui Lanzhen back, she showed no airs of a group president and personally greeted her at the door with a gentle and concerned tone.

Her proper manners and sincere words quickly eased Cui Lanzhen's tension, greatly increasing her goodwill towards this "son's boss," and she thanked her repeatedly.

Chen Geng's coat was torn at the housekeeping company and covered in dust, making him look somewhat disheveled.

Mu Xueke noticed this and said, "Chen Geng, you're coming out with me this afternoon, this outfit won't do. There's a shopping mall next to the hotel, I'll go with you to pick out something, it'll be quick!"

"Auntie, why don't you come along too? Staying in the hotel is boring, you can go for a walk and relax."

Cui Lanzhen initially wanted to decline, but seeing Mu Xueke's sincere attitude and that her son did indeed need a change of clothes, she agreed.

The three arrived at the high-end shopping mall attached to the hotel.

Mu Xueke glanced at her watch and led Chen Geng directly to an Italian menswear brand store known for its tailoring and fabrics.

She had an excellent eye for fashion and quickly picked out a navy blue casual suit and a light gray cashmere sweater for Chen Geng, which was both dignified and more approachable than a full suit.

While Chen Geng was changing clothes, she took out a card to pay the bill.

"Mr. Mu, this is too much trouble for you. I can do it myself."

To his surprise, Chen Geng came out quickly and stopped him. He had just seen the price tag, and this set alone cost over ten thousand.

"It was because I asked you to come with me to work that you got involved in all this trouble. The clothes were damaged on business, so the company... or rather, as a friend, should show some concern."

Mu Xueke smiled slightly, but Chen Geng would never let her actually pay. Cui Lanzhen heard this and also came over to politely decline.

Mu Xueke did not insist, but in her heart, in addition to Chen Geng, she also developed a lot of goodwill towards Cui Lanzhen.

Just as Chen Geng came out after changing into his new clothes, and Mu Xueke was discussing the details of the afternoon's itinerary with him in a soft voice, a slightly jarring argument came from the entrance of a luxury jewelry store next door.

"Oh, Mr. Li, she's really interested in this necklace! It's not expensive, only a little over 200,000..."

A sexy, heavily made-up young woman was clinging to the arm of a middle-aged, balding man, acting coquettishly. It was none other than Niu Dan, an old acquaintance.

She pointed to a diamond necklace on the counter, gazing longingly at the man beside her, who was referred to as "President Li."

Mr. Li's expression darkened, and he lowered his voice, "Xiao Dan, stop fooling around. Didn't I just buy you a bag last night? This necklace... next time, next time for sure!"

"You always say 'next time'! I think you just don't love me anymore!"

Niu Dan stomped his foot, raising his voice and drawing the attention of those around him.

Mr. Li was embarrassed, but he couldn't bear to part with the money.

Just as she was feeling awkward, Niu Dan turned her head and happened to see Chen Geng, Mu Xueke, and Cui Lanzhen walking out of the men's clothing store next door.