Embers Ad Infinitum

Shang Jianyao’s eyebrows gradually relaxed. “Alright.”

“Alright my ass! I haven’t even said what my requests are,” Jiang Baimian retorted angrily. She paused and exhaled. “First, it must not affect the investigation of the reason behind Lei Yunsong and his team’s disappearance.

“Second, if you aren’t confident and think that you will expose yourself, switch to gathering intelligence. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”

The core content of the two requirements was simple—Shang Jianyao needed to be concealed, and the other was to be careful.

“Alright.” Shang Jianyao still gave the same answer. He then turned around and walked to the team’s jeep. He opened the trunk and rummaged for a baseball cap.

“What can this hide? Uh… Wear your clothes inside out.” Although Jiang Baimian said that, she still took a baseball cap and placed it on her head. She lowered it to cover half of her face.

This had a certain camouflage effect in places with relatively dim lighting.

Shang Jianyao did the same and replied, “A sense of ritual.”

Jiang Baimian looked up and couldn’t be bothered with the fellow beside her.

After leaving the courtyard and turning into South Street, they walked all the way to Wild Wolf Alley.

It was not 8:30 yet. Not only were bars, teahouses, and nightclubs illuminated, but the street lamps outside were also lit, drawing out the pedestrian’s shadows—all of varying lengths.

After finding the Today nightclub, Jiang Baimian and Shang Jianyao—who were wearing baseball caps—walked in.

They were met with a heatwave that was completely different from the cold outside, as well as music that sounded increasingly loud and dizzying.

Amidst the constantly changing and colorful strobing lights, Shang Jianyao felt like he had returned home. His body followed the melody and gently swayed rhythmically.

Jiang Baimian couldn’t help but purse the corners of her mouth.

However, Shang Jianyao did not join the dancing crowd. He walked to the area near the bar counter and casually found a spot to stand. He stared at the door that led to the underground market without blinking.

This was mentioned in Bai Chen’s description. Furthermore, based on the content of her and Long Yuehong’s recount, they could determine that Eugene was still inside when they left.

As for whether Eugene had left after the duo left the Today nightclub and before Shang Jianyao and Jiang Baimian came, it was unknown.

Shang Jianyao raised his watch up and shouted at Jiang Baimian, “Wait an hour.”

If they still couldn’t find the target after an hour, they would have to change tactics.

“That’s quite a plan…” Jiang Baimian originally wanted to discuss the plan with Shang Jianyao and help him perfect the details, but she had given up on the idea now. She wanted to see what tricks this fellow could come up with.

If there was indeed a mistake, she could only clean up his mess as the team leader.

Amidst the moving melody, Jiang Baimian gently gyrated her body to prevent herself from appearing out of place and unsociable in such an occasion, lest it draw attention to her. During this process, she would send away the people who came to invite her to dance from time to time and help Shang Jianyao block off possible romances.

Although both of them wore baseball caps that were pressed very low, and the light here was more psychedelic than bright, preventing people from seeing their faces clearly, their builds were still good enough to attract people.

After about ten minutes, the wooden door near the bar counter opened, and three people walked out.

The leader was a muscular man with a shaved head. He wore a black T-shirt and bright shorts. Behind him were two bodyguards in black.

Eugene’s characteristics were so obvious that Jiang Baimian didn’t need to make any additional comparisons to determine her target. She turned her head to look at Shang Jianyao, prepared to remind him to be patient and not rush to head up. She also didn’t draw her pistol and fire randomly.

However, Shang Jianyao didn’t do what Jiang Baimian was worried about. He seemed to be immersed in the music as he swayed his body from side to side.

After Eugene and the other two approached the nightclub’s side door, two of the people drinking in the surrounding area stood up and followed from behind.

At the same time, two people among the swaying crowd on the dance floor stopped and walked to the side door.

These were all Eugene’s bodyguards, who had blended in with the surroundings.

“Now,” said Jiang Baimian immediately. However, her voice was drowned out by the loud music.

But Shang Jianyao seemed to be waiting for this moment. He strode forward and followed the group like he was another bodyguard.

He stopped when the people in front stopped and walked when the people in front walked. Not only did he have no intention of hiding his tracks, but he also showed that he was blatantly following them.

This naturally didn’t escape the attention of the two bodyguards in the rear. They looked at each other. One continued forward, and the other stayed by the side door before turning around to block Shang Jianyao.

The remaining bodyguard waited for Shang Jianyao to approach before picking up his clothes in the strobing, psychedelic light, revealing his pistol. He then questioned in a deep voice, “Bro, what ya doing?”

Shang Jianyao—who had his hat lowered and most of his face hidden in the shadows—smiled condescendingly. “What am I doing? Look, you have weapons, so do I.”

As he spoke, he reached into his pocket with his right hand and pulled out half a gun. It was part of Ice Moss.

This made the bodyguard a little nervous, and he considered firing first.

Shang Jianyao seemed not to notice the change in mood and continued, “You were dancing just now, and so was I. So…”

The bodyguard was stunned for a moment before he heaved a sigh of relief. “Are you also one of Boss’s secret guards?”

“I specialize in dealing with those with supernatural abilities. I’m not usually here,” Shang Jianyao explained seriously. “Where is Boss going next? I received news that someone wants to assassinate him.”

The bodyguard instantly became nervous. “We’re going to the parking lot to prepare to return to camp.”

“The parking lot at the end of the alley?” Shang Jianyao asked.

Thanks to his previous ‘shopping’ with Jiang Baimian, he was rather familiar with the city layout outside Weed City’s North Street. Furthermore, he would occasionally review the hand-drawn map.

If it were anyone else who had just arrived in Weed City, they would definitely have gone to East Street to search for parking.

“Yes,” the bodyguard said truthfully. “Then, I have to report it quickly.”

“Don’t be anxious. Don’t alert the enemy. Don’t worry; I’m here.” Shang Jianyao gave systematic advice patiently. “Which car is Boss using today?”

It was impossible for there to be only one car in a slave-hunting team.

“A black SUV. It’s very domineering and bulletproof. Old Geng is waiting over there. You won’t miss it.” The bodyguard did not hide anything.

Shang Jianyao nodded. “Catch up to them quickly. When you see my gesture later, protect the Boss immediately. Also, keep it a secret from the others! Tell them that you suspect that I’m mentally ill.”

“Alright!” The bodyguard turned around and jogged to chase after Eugene and the others.

Shang Jianyao turned his body and spoke to Jiang Baimian, who had quietly snuck nearby. “Parking lot.”

With that said, he swung his arms and ran. However, he did not follow the route that Eugene and the others took. Instead, he ran in the opposite direction—back to the exit of Wild Wolf Alley that led to West Street—and circled around the alley beside it.

When he arrived, he quickly changed directions and ran north—toward the area where the parking lot was.

Amidst the sound of footsteps, Shang Jianyao ran as if he were being chased by ten armed thugs or competing with someone in a race.

Of course, there was someone chasing after him, and she was getting closer and closer.

Jiang Baimian’s explosive strength and speed were not inferior to Shang Jianyao’s. Furthermore, her endurance was clearly better.

Before long, they ran to the end of the alley, took a left, passed by the exit of Wild Wolf Alley, and ran into the parking lot.

This was the benefit of being familiar with the terrain.

At this moment, Eugene and the others had only walked two-thirds of the way.

They first saw a man in a baseball cap running ahead. Following that, a woman in a baseball cap chased after him.

Did he do the deed without paying? Eugene was stunned for a moment before he guessed with a smile.

This was not too rare in Weed City.

Eugene didn’t think there was any hidden danger. After all, he had been through hundreds of battles and had encountered many assassinations. He didn’t believe that such a joyous, comical, and funny matter would affect him.

After walking for a while, they arrived at the parking lot’s entrance. Eugene then questioned the old man guarding the sentry post. “Did someone run in just now?”

Although Eugene didn’t think there was anything wrong with the woman chasing after the man, he still had to ask what he needed to ask. It was better to be safe than sorry.

“Yes, I didn’t manage to stop them!” the old man grumbled. He then pointed in a direction. “They ran over there.”

Upon seeing that his two cars weren’t in the same direction, Eugene didn’t say anything else. He enjoyed the cold wind and entered the parking lot before strolling to a relatively tall black SUV.

The windows on both sides of the SUV were covered with a dark-colored film that effectively blocked any sniper’s line of sight.

At this moment, the driver in a beanie was leaning against the front of the car, smoking a simple cigarette.

“Old Geng, did anyone pass by?” asked the bodyguard that Eugene trusted the most.

Old Geng threw down his cigarette and stepped on it twice. He chuckled and said, “No, I’ve been watching the entire time.”

Eugene nodded and signaled for the bodyguards on both sides to make basic confirmation.

One of the bodyguards walked up, opened the backseat door, and looked inside. Suddenly, he felt a little displeased.

Why are they just watching while I do everything? Why can my boss live in the lap of luxury? I risk my life for him, but all I get is that tiny bit? Why am I doing my best? I should slack off when I can!

With this in mind, the bodyguard in charge of the inspection ended the inspection hastily. He turned around and said, “Boss, no problem.”

Eugene felt relieved and walked to the other side of the car, prepared to enter the backseat.

At that moment, he heard a bang.

Someone fired from afar!

Eugene reacted quickly and squatted down, using the bulletproof vehicle as a defense.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gunshots constantly sounded, and soil splattered from time to time on the ground. The bodyguards took cover and pulled out their guns to fire back.

Upon seeing this, Old Geng quickly shouted, “Boss, get in. I’ll take you back to camp first!”

As he couldn’t figure out how many enemies there were, Eugene felt that this wasn’t a bad idea. Therefore, he pulled open the passenger door, propped up his left hand, and sat inside.

With a clang, the SUV let out a violent roar and shot out like an arrow. It didn’t slow down at all and rushed out of the parking lot as the gunshots behind continued.

At this point, Eugene heaved a sigh of relief and looked at the driver’s seat.

His gaze suddenly froze.

The driver beside him—who was focused on driving—was not wearing a beanie like Old Geng’s. Instead, he wore a baseball cap.

At this moment, the driver turned his head, revealing a handsome face that was mostly covered by shadows.

The corners of his mouth curled up bit by bit.