Twilight descended on Jianqiao Peninsula. The setting sun, floating on the blue waves, shifted from a warm orange to a deep crimson, painting the rolling sea with a layer of blood-red hue. Nestled in the shadows of the trees was a luxurious villa, ostentatious yet lacking in refined taste, exuding a bold and overbearing presence.
Yang Qiu lay sprawled on a king-sized bed, his large belly rising and falling with the irregular rhythm of his snores. Suddenly, after a few short, sharp snorts, he flung his arms open and shouted, "Mei'er! Mei'er..."
He opened his eyes, his gaze filled with confusion and a hint of frustration. Wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, he smacked his lips and lazily climbed out of bed. Grabbing a silk robe from the coat rack, he slipped it on and stepped out of the bedroom, pressing the call button on his way out. A post-nap coffee had been his unwavering habit for years.
Standing before the large bay window in the second-floor reception room, Yang Qiu gazed at the twilight where the sea met the sky. He reached out and closed the last window. A dim golden-purple glow caught his eye, startling him into contemplation.
Suddenly, the phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, and his expression changed dramatically. Excitedly, he murmured, "Damn, that purple light really is a good omen. My luck's turning!" He let the phone ring once more before grabbing the receiver.
A sweet voice purred on the other end, "Is this Mr. Yang? Hello!"
Pressing the receiver to his ear, Yang Qiu was thrilled, "Ah, Miss Liu! This is the first time you've called me. What's the occasion? ... What? A surprise for me?" He was overjoyed. "Nine o'clock at the Garden Villa? My dear Miss Liu, you must be joking?" The voice on the other end assured him, and he hesitated for a moment, a cautious look flashing in his eyes. "And your boss? ... Out of the country?" Relieved, he nodded repeatedly, "Good, good! Nine o'clock at the Garden Villa. See you there!"
As dusk fell, the lights of Haizhou International Airport began to glow with a piercing white brightness. A massive Boeing wide-body jet roared as it landed, taxiing slowly along the runway.
The night closed in, heavy and dark. The lights on the airport control tower stabbed skyward like countless silver swords. Zhao Jiang and Zhao He, brothers and notorious hitmen feared along the southeastern coast, descended the gangway. Known for their deadly accuracy and never having missed a target, they were wanted by Interpol for numerous bloody crimes. This trip to Haizhou was for the biggest job of their lives, intended to be their last before retiring and living in luxury.
Blending into the stream of passengers, the brothers exited the airport terminal. The elder, Zhao Jiang, pulled out his phone and whispered, "Brother Yuan, we're here." The response was curt, "New Asia Hotel, Room 1025." The taciturn Zhao He glanced at his brother. Zhao Jiang hailed a taxi. It stopped in front of the glittering New Asia Hotel lobby. They presented their fake IDs at the reception desk. The receptionist greeted them warmly, "Guests of Mr. Yuan, please proceed to Room 1025. Welcome to Haizhou!" The brothers took the elevator to the tenth floor and entered the luxurious suite. The phone rang precisely as they closed the door. Zhao Jiang answered, hearing Yuan's deep voice, "The goods are in the safe. The code is four nines."
Zhao Jiang punched in the code, opening the safe to retrieve a heavy black case. Yuan's voice continued, "Meet at Room 6, Yuehai Restaurant, at seven tonight." The call ended. Zhao He opened the case to reveal a finely crafted submachine gun and a gleaming axe. Meanwhile, Yang Qiu changed into a suit, then another, finally settling on his favorite pure white Omega brand suit. After trying several ties, he decided on a red Goldlion bow tie, discarding the others on the bed. Adjusting the bow tie carefully, he slung a gun under his arm and headed downstairs with excitement. Two bodyguards stood by the living room door. Yang Qiu waved them off, "We're going to Huashuiwan Hot Springs. I need to freshen up and recharge!"
The tall bodyguard remarked, "Boss, you look like you're glowing." Yang Qiu glared at him, "When you have good luck, you glow. Now shut up and let's go!" The bodyguards followed him to the BMW. Yang Qiu pressed the remote, and the iron gate slowly opened. The car shot out like an arrow.
The BMW parked in front of the Huashuiwan Hot Springs sauna. The bodyguards got out first and stood on either side. Yang Qiu jumped out, straightened his slightly protruding belly, and swaggered into the bathhouse.
Soon, he lay naked on a massage bed in a private room. A heavily made-up woman massaged him with practiced hands. Normally, Yang Qiu would be groping the attendants, but today he lay still, eyes closed, leaving the masseuse puzzled and hesitant.
Yang Qiu grew increasingly annoyed with her technique, his brows furrowing. Just as he was about to snap, his phone rang. He answered, dragging out his "Hello" before switching to a gentle tone, "Ah, it's Yang Qiu. Yes, I recognize your voice. I'm always excited to hear from you. What? Move up an hour, to eight? You read my mind; I can't wait to see you either. Okay, we'll meet at my Golden Coast Villa No. 8?" A flash of caution crossed his eyes, "Why?" The voice reassured him, and he agreed, "For safety, I understand. See you at Villa No. 8!"
Yuehai Restaurant, located deep in the bay, was quiet and elegant. Zhao Jiang and Zhao He, guided by a hostess, entered Room 6. Yuan Longping, who had been waiting, introduced them to a gaunt middle-aged man in a suit, "These are the Zhao brothers, known as 'Ghost Axe and Gun.' They are top-notch martial artists. This is Mr. Ri. You can discuss the price. I'll leave you to it." With a bow, he exited.
Lv An, scrutinizing Zhao He, went straight to the point, "Name your price, brothers."
Without lifting his eyes, Zhao He remained silent. Zhao Jiang held up five fingers, "This much."
Lv An asked, "Fifty thousand?"
Zhao Jiang nodded.
Lv An smiled, "That's reasonable." He placed a bulging envelope in front of Zhao Jiang.
Zhao He added coldly, "In US dollars."
Lv An paused, slowly removing his glasses, "That's a bit steep."
Zhao Jiang replied, "You get what you pay for. We've eliminated a banker in Russia and a spy for Khun Sa in the Golden Triangle."
Lv An, smiling nervously, asked, "Can we negotiate a bit?"
Zhao He, without lifting his gaze, said through gritted teeth, "I don't repeat myself."
Lv An, troubled, said, "I don't have enough cash. How about this..."
Zhao Jiang grabbed the envelope, "Consider this a down payment. The rest upon completion."
Lv An tried to joke, "Aren't you afraid I might stiff you?"
Zhao He smiled grimly, "Then you'd be our next target."
Lv An shivered.
Zhao Jiang stared at him, "We always keep our word. Tomorrow, bring the money."
Lv An handed a photo to Zhao Jiang, "This is the target. We need him dead."
Zhao Jiang glanced at the photo, tossing it aside, "Just deliver the target to the specified location at the specified time. We'll handle the rest. It's seven ten now. Await our signal." With that, the brothers left.
Night fell, and the city lights blazed. The towering Haizhou Grand Hotel, a four-star establishment, stood majestic and resplendent. The crowded parking lot and bustling pedestrian streets showcased the city's modernity and vibrant nightlife.
Lv An, the deputy manager of Haizhou Grand Hotel, hurried out of the revolving glass doors with a briefcase. Checking his watch, he got into a taxi and instructed the driver, "To the airport."
The taxi sped down the seaside boulevard, with a black Lexus in pursuit.
Meanwhile, Yang Qiu, fresh from the sauna, was adjusting his bow tie in front of a mirror. His reflection showed a handsome man, though slightly overweight. After a moment's hesitation, he removed the gun from his side, fastening it around his waist, despite the bulge it created. Patting it, he decided to keep it as it was.
Yang Qiu, brimming with confidence, walked out to his white BMW, where his bodyguards stood vigilantly. The tall one complimented him, "Boss, you seem really happy today." Yang Qiu replied, "I am. Tonight's special, and I need to handle it alone." He got into the car and sped off.
The bodyguards watched the BMW disappear before turning to leave.
A black Mitsubishi jeep emerged from the shadows, tailing the BMW.