Don't You like Little Dogs? Now that I'm Taking Liberties, You're Suddenly Reluctant? - Chapter 32

The night was deep. Only the cold, lingering scent of cedar tobacco and whiskey remained in the study, mixed with a silent, taut tension.

Jiang Si had already returned to his large leather chair and picked up a file, acting as if the nearly intimate interrogation and declaration from moments ago had never happened.

Pei Ye remained standing where he was, his figure mostly swallowed by the shadows. Only the patch of skin on his chest where those fingertips had hovered burned with a lingering heat, like an invisible brand.

He kept his eyes lowered, struggling to steady his breathing. He forced the palpitations and delusions, those things that should never exist and had nearly escaped his lips, back into the deepest recesses of his heart.

Master did not need a safe blade; he only needed him to be sharp enough. That was sufficient. He had to be useful enough.

At that moment, the encrypted communicator suddenly vibrated urgently again.

The adjutant’s calm voice broke the silence. “Fourth Brother, we just received news. Remnants of Obsidian are making a move. They seem to be gathering at the abandoned Pier 7 on the west side of the city. Their intentions are unclear. However, intercepted fragments of communication suggest it may involve the internal mole we have been hunting.”

Jiang Si’s movements seemed to pause for a fraction of a second, but he did not look up from the file. He gave a faint acknowledgment. “Mm.”

“Should we send someone to confirm? The risk factor is high. This move by Obsidian looks like a desperate bait. Their intent is ambiguous.”

The adjutant’s voice was as professional and cautious as ever. “I suggest the First Division handle peripheral reconnaissance and fire suppression, and then”

“No need.”

Jiang Si interrupted him, finally setting the file down. He tapped his finger lightly on the desk. “I will go personally.”

In the shadows, Pei Ye’s spine straightened instantly.

“Fourth Brother,” the adjutant’s voice carried a hint of subtle disapproval, “their intention is very likely targeted at you. The pier environment is complex and easy to ambush. The risk”

“Precisely because it might be targeted at me, I need to see it clearly.”

Jiang Si’s voice betrayed no emotion, yet it carried an indisputable decisiveness. “Notify the First Division. Have Cang Jun and his team handle peripheral support and containment. Pei Ye comes inside with me.”

“Understood.” The adjutant said no more and immediately took the order.

The communication cut off.

Jiang Si stood up and picked up the black overcoat draped over the back of his chair, his movements unhurried.

“You heard?” He tilted his head, casting his gaze toward Pei Ye.

“Yes, Master.”

Pei Ye immediately stepped out from the shadows and bowed his head in response. All stray thoughts were swiftly discarded in the face of the mission. Only absolute obedience and execution remained.

“Follow.”

The black sedan slid silently into the night, gliding like a ghost toward the abandoned pier district on the west side.

The atmosphere inside the car was oppressive. Jiang Si rested with his eyes closed, his fingers unconsciously fiddling with a cold metal lighter.

Pei Ye sat in the passenger seat, his sharp eyes scanning the desolate landscape rushing past the window. His senses were in a state of high alert. He could smell the faint scent of cedar emanating from the man beside him. The scent made his heart skip a beat, yet inexplicably made him more focused.

Pier 7 stood like a massive, rusted tomb of steel, casting distorted shadows under the pale moonlight. The sea breeze was salty and damp, carrying the smell of rust and decay. From the distance came the muffled sound of waves crashing against concrete pilings, making the silence of the place even more pronounced.

The vehicle stopped in a concealed corner a hundred meters away from the pier entrance. Soon, several ghost-like figures approached quietly. It was Cang Jun and the members of his First Division.

“Fourth Brother.”

Cang Jun reported in a low voice. “Preliminary reconnaissance is complete. There are at least twenty heat signatures inside the pier, distributed in a pattern consistent with an ambush. Some areas show traces of suspected explosive wiring. Communication interference is heavy. The internal situation is unclear.”

Behind him was Feng Jun, who had uncharacteristically dropped his cynical expression. His eyes gleamed startlingly bright in the darkness. “Tsk. They are practically begging you to walk into the trap, Fourth Brother. This Hongmen Banquet is looking a bit pathetic.”

Jiang Si pushed the door open and stepped out, the sea breeze instantly catching the hem of his coat. He looked toward the warehouse entrance, which gaped open like the maw of a giant beast. His eyes were dark and unreadable under the moonlight.

“Cang Jun, take your men and guard every exit. Not a single rat is allowed to escape. Feng Jun, take two men and cut in from the flank. Locate and neutralize any explosive threats. If necessary, you are authorized to use extreme measures.”

“Understood.”

“Roger that.” Feng Jun licked his lips, a flash of excitement in his eyes, before quickly disappearing into the shadows with his men.

Jiang Si adjusted his gloves and looked at Pei Ye. “Let us go. Let us see what surprises they have prepared.”

“Master,” Pei Ye stepped forward, his voice tight. “Please, let me go first.”

It was his duty, but even more so, his instinct.

Jiang Si glanced at him and said nothing, which served as silent permission.