I stood up and leaned against a rectangular wooden table, on which lay a map of Zhenshui Island. Dim lights flickered around us. We had restored power to the area after clearing out the lumber mill.
"According to the map, there's a signal tower to the west of Zhenshui Island, a farm to the south, which should be their source of food, and a large forest to the east. The administrative building is in the center, where I suspect Huan and Feng are hiding," Liu Yuning explained, pointing to various locations on the map in the order she described.
"If we can take down the signal tower, everything will fall into place. Why don't we go all out and attack there?" Li Fan suggested.
"It's likely heavily guarded. With our current numbers, it's not feasible," I replied.
"Let's wait for He Bailing to return and ask her!"
As soon as Du Wantian finished speaking, the sound of a door opening echoed from outside. Speak of the devil, and she shall appear.
"I've investigated. There are many people from the organization there. With our current manpower, it's impossible to break through, even if you and Master join us."
"It seems we can't rush this. We must rescue as many police officers as possible, concentrate our forces, and then launch a full-scale assault on the signal tower. That's the most sensible approach," Liu Yuning said wisely, circling the signal tower on the map with a red pen and drawing arrows from other directions pointing towards it.
I thought for a moment and snapped my fingers. "When the time comes, we'll liberate a few more places, but we need to do it discreetly. Then, at a suitable moment, we'll send a signal in some way and launch our main attack on the signal tower."
"Then, where is our next target?" Du Wantian asked, confused.
He Bailing said, "Master and I have basically thoroughly scouted Zhenshui Island. We also discovered that Gao Mingqiang and some criminal investigators are in a performance company near the lumber mill. This company was originally used by the island to hold grand performances, but after being occupied by the organization's members, it has now become their party venue."
"Oh? Then let's spice up their party. But is everyone tired?"
"Don't worry, He Sheng. They have a grand reception tomorrow night. Their guard will be significantly lowered then, so attacking now isn't the best choice," He Bailing explained.
"Understood, sister. Then we'll rest for a day. Everyone keep an eye on the outposts. Wake us up immediately if there's any movement!"
"Roger that!" Li Fan and the others responded as they left after my orders.
After they left, I told Liu Yuning and the others to rest, though she insisted on staying with me. The factory had offices and conference rooms upstairs. We pushed a few office chairs together to make a makeshift bed. Who knew she would want... I was speechless. What kind of situation are we in, and you still have the mood for this?
"No, I just saw you were stressed. I want to help you relieve some pressure. We never have time for this during our missions!" Liu Yuning winked flirtatiously and deliberately rubbed my nose with the warm pads of her fingers. Her other hand roamed my chest, her index finger occasionally tracing my sternum.
If I didn't act now, I would be letting myself down. We locked the door of a private office and pulled down the soundproof curtains...
The next day, perhaps because the organization hadn't discovered our takeover yet, or no one came to check, we found some canned food in the factory's warehouse. Du Wantian immediately said, "Let's check it first!"
I chuckled. "It'll be fine. When the organization members were guarding this place, they relied on eating this. See the clear footprints on the ground? It proves they came here often to get food!"
Du Wantian playfully stuck out her tongue and, while Liu Yuning wasn't looking, whispered in my ear, "You two were quite noisy last night. Really. Luckily, I had two female officers stand guard outside."
"Uh, this..."
"They almost burst out laughing."
My head was about to explode. Just then, Liu Yuning walked over. "What are you two doing? Flirting in front of me? He Sheng, I'm telling you, don't forget your identity!"
Before I could react, my poor ear was immediately yanked. What kind of time is it to joke around?
After we had our fill of teasing, we all equipped ourselves with weapons and waited for tonight's operation. We planned to attack the nearby performance company at ten o'clock at night.
We aimed to find evidence of the Blood King and their crimes in these places. Although we had found quite a bit in the laboratory beneath the cemetery before, since we were here, it was better to collect more while we were investigating. For instance, at the lumber mill, we obtained the mobile phones mentioned by the white-collar workers. They were currently in the evidence bag inside my shirt.
When the time came, we cautiously lurked in the grass, near the trees, and behind other cover like walls, until we reached the vicinity of the performance company. We could hear the loud music and cheering from inside. Those people were indeed having a party, and many were already heavily intoxicated. He Bailing was by my side. "See? Isn't it the perfect time to attack now?"
"Exactly!" I praised her with a thumbs-up. However, I didn't dare to let my guard down. Mercenaries weren't easy to deal with. I instructed everyone to form a pincer formation, about 10 people per squad. With our current manpower, we divided into 10 teams, stealthily approaching the performance company from different directions. We wouldn't assault all at once, but in waves of 10. I planned to use a feint to create confusion and a series of attacks, which would surely catch them off guard!
As we began our operation, the revelers inside the company hadn't even reacted. Many didn't know what was happening before we covered their mouths and neutralized them. We then seized their weapons and pressed on. Soon, each of us had at least two weapons, either assault rifles or shotguns, and quite a few light machine guns.
This wasn't the time for deduction; it was about brute force. As long as we could suppress them, we would have a chance to collect evidence. Amidst a hail of bullets, many mercenaries and men in black were gunned down. As soon as they appeared, we opened fire. While reloading, we found cover, and others provided support, repeating this process. Soon, the first floor of the company was cleared. We then proceeded upstairs, where another round of slaughter ensued on the staircase. However, the people upstairs seemed to have reacted. Even though they were heavily intoxicated, they held their ground and raised their weapons to fight back. But their dulled senses greatly reduced their combat effectiveness, whereas we were professionally trained.