Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Art of Needle and Thread

Wan Tianze’s expression changed as he glanced at Liang Lingzhi, who was curling his tongue around a cigar. A hint of frustration flashed across his mind. “This bastard clearly doesn’t care since it’s not his own money, is that it!?”

The auctioneer brought down the gavel. “Congratulations, Mr. Liang Lingzhi!”

Liang Lingzhi laughed heartily, stood up, and cupped his hands to the surrounding VIPs. He noticed Nian Xue glaring at him with a murderous look, her face full of displeasure. A shiver ran through him, and he hurriedly sat back down. “Ah, showing off gets you struck by lightning! No one to blame but myself!”

“Boss, Lord Wei and his companions are preparing to leave. Please advise.” Xiao Wang, noticing the three were about to depart, immediately reported the news to Officer Li through his earpiece.

Officer Li pondered for less than three seconds. When he looked up at Wan Tianze, he realized that Lai Jiayu, who had been by his side, had vanished without a trace.

“All units, attention! Find Lai Jiayu’s location immediately. He must not contact Lord Wei and his group.”

“Yes!” Beside Xiao Wang, Xiao Yang instantly mobilized all the cameras in the venue. Strangely, Lai Jiayu seemed to have disappeared into thin air—there was no sign of him anywhere.

“Boss, Lai Jiayu’s gone!”

“Have Xiao Mo tail Lord Wei closely. The rest, stay alert to anyone suspicious around them. We can’t let them sabotage our operation.”

Officer Li stroked his chin in thought. “Lai Jiayu’s counter-surveillance skills are impressive. I should learn from him when I have the chance.” He seemed unconcerned that Lai Jiayu might get lost, focusing instead on these seemingly unrelated details.

Lord Wei and his companions had just left the venue and were heading straight for the parking lot when Lai Jiayu appeared from who knows where, silently drawing closer to them.

Suddenly, a hand clamped tightly onto his shoulder. “Don’t make any sudden moves—you’ll ruin our plan!”

Lai Jiayu spun around, catching the hand in a reversal hold. “It’s you!?”

Huiyan spoke in a low voice. “Officer Li already has a detailed plan. Please cooperate with us!”

“It’s been a month—have you police accomplished anything?” Lai Jiayu replied coldly. “Our young miss has been holed up at home so long she’s about to grow mold!”

He tried to push past Huiyan, but she trapped his legs with a swift grappling move. “We’re at a critical stage. Nothing can go wrong! If you insist on interfering, we really will put you in jail!”

Dragged back by Huiyan, Lai Jiayu could only watch helplessly as Lord Wei and his group drove away.

“Sigh! We let them go!”

Huiyan finally relaxed and released his legs. “Sorry for that.”

She took out her phone and dialed Officer Li. “Master, Lord Wei’s group just left by car. Lai Jiayu is with me—he didn’t interfere.”

“Understood.”

Officer Li put down the phone and said to Xiao Wang, “It’s fine now. Focus on Li Zimu. Tonight, we’re going to set him up.”

After auction fees and taxes, Li Zimu received 30.12 million yuan for his consigned items. Holding the massive check, he was overjoyed. “A twenty percent commission—that’s six million! A full six million! My goodness!”

After carefully tucking away the check, he hurried to the bank, surrounded by Xu Si and the others.

“Boss, Li Zimu’s headed to the bank.”

“Keep a close eye on him.” Officer Li chuckled. “It’s time for our star to take the stage!”

The moment Li Zimu and his companions entered the bank’s VIP room, a commotion could be heard from the adjacent room. “Are you kidding me? I have to wait this long just to withdraw some cash!?”

Xu Si froze. “Why does that voice sound so familiar!?”

He listened more closely. “Stop stalling—just give me all your cash! I’m in a good mood today and don’t want to tear this place apart!”

“It really is He Wentian’s voice! He was just locked up a few days ago—how is he out already!?”

Li Zimu, noticing Xu Si’s distraction, asked, “Xu Si, what’s wrong? Are you stunned by all this money?”

Xu Si shook his head and whispered, “No, no, Big Brother. I think I just heard He Wentian’s voice—right next door!”

The female manager serving Li Zimu spoke coolly, “He Wentian is certainly overbearing. He came in demanding twenty million in cash. Anyone would know you need to make an appointment to withdraw that much!”

Li Zimu was taken aback. “He tried to withdraw twenty million at once?”

“That’s right! The manager next door must be at his wit’s end.” She stamped several documents. “Mr. Li, your check has been verified. Please come in person tomorrow to collect the funds, as the amount is quite large. Of course, you could also deposit the money with us—our bank has many attractive savings programs that would suit you.”

Li Zimu grinned. “Thank you! But I won’t deposit—it’s best if I come get it myself tomorrow!”

The commotion next door only grew louder. “Call your branch manager!”

“I’m the manager, Mr. He.”

“Fine, fine! Just give me ten million, then!”

“Certainly, just a moment, please.”

“Still waiting? Do you want me to open my own bank or what?”

“I’m terribly sorry! My apologies!”

Hearing He Wentian’s unreasonable demands, Li Zimu couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. “He really is domineering.”

The VIP room door opened and, unable to resist, Xu Si peeked inside. Before he could get a clear look, a large hand covered his eyes.

“Who’s there, sneaking around!?”

Xu Si didn’t have time to reply before he was forced to the ground.

Li Zimu’s heart leapt into his throat. “Hey! Let him go! Let him go!”

The bank’s security guards rushed over. “Mr. He, shall we call the police?”

“No need! No need! Brother He, it’s me—Xu Si! The one who helped you in prison, remember?”

Ye Dong half-closed his eyes and signaled to Xiaobao to release him. “Xu Si!? What are you doing here? Is this somewhere you belong?”

Xu Si rubbed his arm. “This... This is my big brother. I came with him.”

Ye Dong glanced coolly up and down at Li Zimu, a crooked smile on his lips. “I don’t know any nobodies like you.”

Though annoyed, Li Zimu kept a polite smile. “My name is Li Zimu. A pleasure to meet you.”

Ye Dong ignored him. He grabbed a thick wad of cash from the table and handed it to Xu Si. “Take this and spend it—buy yourself some decent clothes. Tomorrow, bring me Liang Lingzhi and that antique. I’ll pay you for the goods and your fee together.”

Seeing Xu Si standing there dazed, Ye Dong stuffed the money into his pocket, then produced a black card and handed it over. “This is my personal card. Whatever you need, just ask—whether it’s above or below board.”

Seeing the black card in Xu Si’s hand, Li Zimu felt a pang of discomfort.

Xiaobao said coldly, “Are you deaf? My brother’s talking to you.”

Xu Si snapped back to attention and nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, Brother He!”

“If you have nothing else, you can leave. My brother doesn’t have time to chat.” The towering Xiaobao issued the order to leave.

Xu Si bowed slightly. “Brother He, we’ll be going now.”

Ye Dong nodded but said nothing more.

“Everything is progressing smoothly. Looks like Li Zimu and his group are already under Ye Dong’s influence.” Officer Li heard Xiao Li’s report through his earpiece.

“Keep a close watch. Are all preparations for tonight ready?”

“All set—we’re just waiting for them to walk into the trap.”