Chapter 1453: Picking the Soft Target
Boss Zuo and Peng Bird have set their sights on Xi Guxiu, and they are ready to strike.
Meanwhile, the Black Cat Team is also discussing their targets and plans for the operation.
Led by Ma De, some people are lying low, not making any noise, hiding themselves as much as possible, avoiding contact with outsiders, and only secretly gathering intelligence from all sides without acting rashly.
But now, the time has come when they must act, and after a series of reconnaissance efforts, it’s time to make a move.
"Everyone understands that our capabilities are limited, so we can only achieve our goals through intelligence, not force." Ma De looked at his subordinates and spoke earnestly: "We don’t have the ambition to seize ownership of the treasure. With our capabilities, pursuing just one piece of the map is enough to benefit us immensely. Once we gain something, we must negotiate with other factions and seize this opportunity to gain substantial benefits. Before this goal is achieved, everyone must stay highly alert and must not slack off."
"Using intelligence? How do we do that?" a subordinate asked, bewildered: "According to the intelligence we’ve received, Boss Zuo is also involved, and there are many strong people on Xi Guxiu’s side. With our level of strength, we truly cannot influence the situation."
"Once caught up in this chaos, a single mistake could lead to annihilation." Another subordinate said gloomily: "We want to take advantage of the chaos, but we are not capable enough to enter a competitive situation."
"Everyone, do not forget the task we carry. Even the hardest bone, we must fracture and conquer," Ma De encouraged them with spirit: "Although we can’t skillfully navigate the situation, as long as we seize the right moment, we can certainly gain benefits."
"I don’t care about anything else. As long as the captain gives the order, I will follow," a subordinate spoke without hesitation.
"Me too!" A chorus of responses echoed, and no one dared to refute Ma De’s decision, nor could they.
Even the subordinates who were low in morale and somewhat worried repressed their negative emotions, solely following Ma De’s command.
"Now that’s being a man. How can you be timid because of a strong enemy?" Ma De smiled reassuringly, full of praise.
"Captain, how should we make our move?" a subordinate asked with different emotions: "The Chu Group is a terrifying presence we can’t provoke, and Mr. Ye and President Chu are involved, and those two are indeed fearsome. We can’t afford to provoke them."
"Indeed," a subordinate commented sincerely: "We’ve heard some of the renowned reputations of Mr. Ye and President Chu. These are forbidden figures we can’t rashly offend, or the consequences would be unbearable for us."
No one dares to provoke Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, these notorious names.
Even the Black Cat Team members understand this principle, so when talking about these two, no one isn’t afraid.
The Chu Group’s fearsome reputation is built on overwhelming strength, creating a terrifying statement, so there’s a reason to fear.
"Rest assured, we are not foolish enough to be hostile towards the Chu Group." Ma De assured them: "The auction house and the Lu Family’s private residence, we will not step into them, but we can target a softer one. It’s still nice to pick a soft target."
Avoiding these two targets directly delineates hostilities with Ye Fan, not something the Black Cat Team deliberately intended, but rather a decision made after comprehensive consideration, aiming for a softer target.
In Ma De’s view, the soft target to hit is undoubtedly Xi Guxiu.
"The captain means? Xi Guxiu?" A subordinate’s eyes shifted, and he spoke assertively.
"Exactly, Xi Guxiu, happens to be a target with one of the map fragments. Missing the chance to act against him would be a waste." Ma De smiled: "It’s said that two map fragments are in Xi Guxiu’s hands. If we’re lucky, we could really hit it big. Even if we’re not lucky, getting one map fragment is enough for us to negotiate with others, hence, gaining great benefits."
"Let’s do it. After considering all options, only Xi Guxiu is the softest target." The subordinate laughed.
"Then it’s settled. We start tonight and target Xi Guxiu." Ma De smiled, deciding on tonight’s operation plan.
As the day of the auction draws nearer, hidden enemies are quickening their activities.
Among them, led by Clive and Charles, the Russians are the most deeply hidden and composed.
Clive and Charles sat opposite each other, listening to music and drinking.
"In your opinion, is the time ripe?" Clive glanced at Charles meaningfully.
Charles responded without hesitation: "It seems ripe, yet it seems it isn’t."
"How so?" Clive grinned.
"Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger." Charles said: "To date, we’ve already found out who our enemies are. Xi Guxiu, the Black Cat Team, Boss Zuo, and Peng Bird are all forces not to be underestimated. Among them, only Xi Guxiu still holds some secrets. Reliable intelligence indicates that behind Xi Guxiu is an unseen director, the other forces are just what they are."
"I’ve never really valued Xi Guxiu that much." Clive said: "Our formidable enemy, the only one we might truly face, is Ye Fan. This is a frightening presence, even I dare not easily confront him directly."
Although Clive and Charles have not made a move, they have tirelessly sought to know who their potential enemies might be. Numerous intelligence sources confirm that there’s someone pulling the strings behind Xi Guxiu.
However, what makes them apprehensive isn’t Xi Guxiu, but Ye Fan and the forces he represents.
Clive and Charles do not dare to act rashly, nor dare to act recklessly, fearing unfortunate events.
Facing Ye Fan directly is their profound fear, but when the time comes, they still have to face a situation they can’t handle. At that point, they have no choice.
"Our enemies are only Ye Fan and Xi Guxiu. Boss Zuo and the other forces can be ignored." Charles declared confidently: "As long as we take some precautions, we can dispel the threats from Boss Zuo, the Black Cat Team, and Peng Bird. But the threats from Ye Fan and Xi Guxiu need particular attention and require a wise mind to resolve."