Chapter 109: Increasing the Reward

Teacher Chen paused thoughtfully for a moment before deciding to let Ziyan go. Although Ziyan had intended to kill Chu Feng, she had ultimately saved him at a critical moment.

Moreover, according to the information Teacher Chen had, Ziyan had long been operating abroad, rarely returning to the country and never accepting domestic assignments.

“Very well, I’ll inform her tomorrow. It’s getting late now; you should get some rest,” Chu Feng said, taking the book from Teacher Chen and folding a small corner on the page she was reading.

Supporting Teacher Chen, Chu Feng helped her back onto the hospital bed and carefully covered her with a blanket. Only after Teacher Chen’s breathing steadied did Chu Feng quietly leave the room.

As he stepped out, Chu Feng noticed that two more guards had been stationed at the door. Ever since learning of Old Jin’s betrayal, General Gao had doubled the number of sentries. Since Wang Lao couldn’t keep watch alone anymore, two shifts of soldiers were now rotating. It was certainly a tough job for them.

Deep within a mountain near the capital stood a villa shrouded in impenetrable darkness.

“What did you say? The mission failed? This was supposed to be a guaranteed kill! How could it fail? Did you even see clearly?” The usually composed master suddenly rose from the sofa, unable to contain his agitation upon hearing the news.

“Sir, it seems there was a conflict between Molang and that purple-haired woman, Ziyan. I saw Molang throw something at her, then punch her. She never got back up.”

“Later, for reasons unknown, Molang lowered his gun aimed at Chu Feng. That gave Chu Feng the opening he needed. After Molang died, Ziyan was taken away by Chu Feng.”

“Our informants report that Ziyan was brought back to the hospital by Chu Feng, to the second floor where that old man is. The hospital’s security has doubled, making it very difficult for our people to get in.”

A man standing nearby relayed all the intelligence to the master.

“Go inform Jack, the leader of the Sunfire Mercenaries. Increase the bounty by ten million dollars. We want Chu Feng and that traitor Ziyan eliminated as soon as possible,” the master ordered, lighting a cigarette and pacing for a while before sending the message. He deliberately labeled Ziyan as a traitor.

“Yes, sir. Should we tell Jack about the old man’s surgery scheduled in three days? We could have poison slipped into his medicine,” the man beside him suggested eagerly.

Usually, the master would dismiss such suggestions and head upstairs immediately, but this time, he listened thoughtfully.

“Remember, do whatever it takes to eliminate that old man. Even if you can’t get Chu Feng, the old man must be dealt with. Our ultimate target is him,” the master made his intentions clear. No matter the method, the priority was killing Old Chen; Chu Feng could be handled later.

In a wooden house in the Golden Triangle, Jack was engaged with a woman in intimate matters.

Suddenly, the phone rang loudly.

“Damn it! If I find out which bastard dares to ruin my fun, I’ll chop off his head!” Jack swore as he begrudgingly answered the call.

“If you don’t give me a good reason—”

“Captain Jack, seems like your temper’s running high lately. Here’s some news that’ll make you even angrier: your Molang is dead, Ziyan has betrayed you, and the mission has failed.”

Jack’s hand trembled so violently at the news that he dropped the phone. Realizing this, he quickly picked it back up.

“Mr. Pan, you’re joking, right? How could the mission fail? And why would Ziyan betray me? She’s so skilled,” Jack doubted what he heard.

“I don’t know the details, but it’s clear Molang and Ziyan had a falling out, which gave the target an opening,” Pan said, delivering the shocking news of internal discord between the two operatives.

“Mr. Pan, I’ll send another team. If possible, I’ll lead it myself,” Jack gritted his teeth, determined to try again.

“Captain Jack, my master has authorized an extra five million dollars to your reward. You must eliminate that old man within three days. Fail, and our deal is off.”

Though the master had ordered a ten million increase, Pan’s figure was only five million—clearly, he was pocketing the rest.

The next morning, Chu Feng was jolted awake by a pinch on his nose. Opening his eyes, he found Han Xuefang standing before him. Only she would have the authority to enter Teacher Chen’s hospital room so early.

“Why are you here at work today? Didn’t I tell you to rest?” Chu Feng asked, recalling that he had insisted she take the day off after yesterday’s ordeal.

After all, she had witnessed Chu Feng kill someone with her own eyes; anyone else would have been terrified.

“I’m fine. Why should I rest? Besides, resting means losing bonus pay,” Han Xuefang replied, blinking her charming eyes.

Seeing her so unaffected, Chu Feng stopped worrying. She clearly hadn’t been frightened by what had happened.

“Listen, don’t tell anyone about what happened last night. Don’t even tell your parents. I’m doing this for your own good,” Chu Feng warned.

Just then, Teacher Chen emerged, overhearing their banter.

“I understand,” Han Xuefang answered cautiously, suddenly serious upon seeing Teacher Chen’s stern expression.

“Look at you, all nervous. Is that old man really that scary?” Teacher Chen joked, lightening the mood.

After washing up, Chu Feng stepped out to find Han Xuefang had already finished measuring Teacher Chen’s blood pressure.

“Don’t go to the nurse’s station today. Come with me to see Ziyan; the bullet in her leg hasn’t been removed yet,” Chu Feng said, calling her back as she tried to leave.

“Then why didn’t you remove the bullet yesterday? Leaving it in too long is harmful!” Han Xuefang protested.