A'tai was in a KTV private room, conversing with his subordinates. He was now one of Ba Tianhu's most trusted lieutenants.
Therefore, he was aware of Ba Tianhu's plan to attack Jinxiu Villa the following evening!
Six years ago, when Ba Tianhu was at the height of his power, A'tai was merely a low-level subordinate.
After Ba Tianhu was defeated by Liu Rumai and others, he fled like a stray dog. Consequently, A'tai, like other subordinates, was absorbed by various factions.
A'tai later followed a powerful figure. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a favored confidant, highly valued by that leader.
However, when Ba Tianhu returned recently, A'tai betrayed his benefactor and rejoined Ba Tianhu, naturally receiving renewed favor and importance.
A'tai was very astute, understanding the importance of seizing opportunities.
Frankly speaking, he was a turncoat.
But clearly, his choice was the right one. By rejoining Ba Tianhu, he not only gained favor but also saw their influence grow, now subtly aiming to unify the underworld.
The private room door was knocked, and a subordinate poked his head in.
"Brother Tai! Mr. Jin has arrived."
As A'tai stood up, he saw a middle-aged man enter with three subordinates.
The middle-aged man, around fifty, with darker skin from constant sea voyages, had a cigar in his mouth.
After shaking hands, Mr. Jin sat on the opposite sofa, removed his cigar, revealing a set of yellow teeth.
"A'tai, why isn't your boss Ba Tianhu here? Does he look down on Mr. Jin?" Mr. Jin's tone held a hint of displeasure.
He was, after all, a well-known smuggler in Southeast Asia, with operations along China's coast. For every transaction, wasn't he personally met by the opposing leader?
A'tai explained, "Our boss has more important matters to attend to, so I'm in charge of this transaction!"
"You're in charge?" Mr. Jin scoffed.
A'tai smiled and then clapped his hands.
Soon, a subordinate behind him placed two suitcases on the coffee table. Upon unzipping them, both suitcases were filled to the brim with cash.
All American dollars!
Mr. Jin's eyes lit up, and he regarded A'tai with more respect. He smiled broadly, "It seems my judgment was narrow. Since Ba Tianhu has entrusted you with this transaction, I have no objections."
He then signaled to his subordinates, who quickly brought the cases forward.
The first suitcase, when opened, revealed stacks of white powder.
The second suitcase, not much smaller, contained firearms wrapped in oil paper, about a dozen in total.
A'tai's eyebrows twitched. Both items were hard currency in the underworld anywhere, especially in China's tightly controlled security environment.
He casually picked up a gun wrapped in oil paper, noticing its craftsmanship was more refined than those circulating in the black market.
Mr. Jin smiled and said, "You can rest assured about the goods. They are guaranteed to be of good quality. Although the price is a bit high, the Chinese police are not to be trifled with, and we are taking considerable risks."
Hearing the words "Chinese police," A'tai's brow furrowed.
He suddenly realized something. The waitress who had brought the fruit platter earlier seemed familiar, though he hadn't placed her until now.
He suddenly remembered that in the past few days, his subordinates had told him that the police were investigating them, led by a female officer.
Later, his subordinates even showed him a photo.
Yes! It was the woman disguised as a waitress just now!
A'tai jumped up in shock, his face unusually pale.
"You!" Mr. Jin was startled, thinking A'tai intended to betray him. His three subordinates even prepared to step forward.
At this point, A'tai's men also tensed up, and the two groups faced off implicitly.
Mr. Jin's face darkened as he asked, "What do you guys mean?"
A'tai waved his hand, then searched the fruit platter and felt around the coffee table. Finally, he pulled a listening device from underneath it.
"Damn it!" A'tai cursed coldly.
"You've been targeted by the police!" Mr. Jin gritted his teeth and demanded.
Without waiting for a reply, Mr. Jin snorted, signaled his subordinates to collect their goods, stood up, and left without looking back, "Transaction suspended, we're leaving!"
Seeing the transaction about to succeed and then the other party suddenly leaving, A'tai was furious and slammed his fist heavily on the coffee table.
"She must still be nearby, find her!"
...
In a restroom stall on the first floor, Xu Weiwei and Ye Cangtian also heard A'tai's final words.
Xu Weiwei was annoyed, gritting her teeth, "What a shame. If the chief had agreed to let me lead the investigation, we could have caught these guys tonight."
"Forget catching them all, just escape!"
Ye Cangtian pulled her up. People were already closing in; why were they still dawdling?
The two quickly walked out of the restroom and saw many of Ba Tianhu's subordinates searching through the crowd in the bar's main hall.
"There she is! Catch her!"
Xu Weiwei's waitress attire was conspicuous. These Ba Tianhu subordinates spotted her immediately, and soon A'tai, leading his men, headed towards them.
Ye Cangtian pulled her and they fled outside.
This was Ba Tianhu's territory, and there were undoubtedly many of his men nearby. If they were cornered, he could escape unharmed, but Xu Weiwei clearly wouldn't be able to.
As for Xu Weiwei's belief that the police identity would protect her?
Don't be naive! If they truly feared her police status, A'tai wouldn't have ordered his subordinates to search for her after hearing her identity through the bug.
The two pushed through the crowded hall. Behind them, A'tai, his face grim, led a group of subordinates who shoved people aside. The young men and women dancing to the music were completely oblivious to what was happening.
As they reached the entrance, they were blocked by several guards.
Xu Weiwei was somewhat panicked, but Ye Cangtian pulled her and kicked away the guards blocking their path before they ran out.
When A'tai and his subordinates chased after them, the two were already in a car, speeding away.
Watching them escape, A'tai was so angry he kicked several of his subordinates, roaring, "Are you all useless? How could you let her get away?"
The subordinates remained silent.
A'tai took a deep breath, then pulled out his phone and called Ba Tianhu.
"Boss, the transaction failed! Our place was bugged by that female police officer. Mr. Jin terminated the transaction upon finding out."
Ba Tianhu was also furious on the other end of the line. The transaction was terminated?
He inquired, "Where is that female police officer?"
"She escaped!"
"Escaped?" Ba Tianhu was enraged, but then he gritted his teeth, his voice laced with killing intent, "Pick some trustworthy brothers and take care of her!"
Not only had she been relentlessly investigating him, but she had also ruined his plans this time. This had ignited Ba Tianhu's rage.
Therefore, he immediately harbored murderous intent!