Chapter 50 – The War Begins in Shadows
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Bai Xueqing wasn't one to hesitate—especially not now.
Lu Yiran had crossed too many lines. It was time to draw blood.
In the underground basement of Mo International's hidden wing, Xueqing and Mo Chen stood before a digital display showing a vast network of connections—Lu Yiran's remaining assets, hidden alliances, and dark money trails.
"She's funneled millions through phantom shell corporations," Mo Chen said. "Some of her backers are overseas. Politicians. Arms dealers."
"Any of them in City A?"
Mo Chen zoomed in. "One. Lin Shaotian. Ex-military. Currently running an underground intelligence ring. Rumors say he's loyal to Lu Yiran after she saved his daughter years ago."
"Then let's pay him a visit," Xueqing said coldly.
"But not directly," Mo Chen countered. "He doesn't trust strangers. We'll need someone on the inside."
She smiled. "We already have someone."
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In a smoky jazz bar in District C, Lin Nuo leaned against the counter, swirling a glass of apple juice he'd passed off as whiskey.
He spotted their target—a lanky man with a snake tattoo crawling up his neck—sitting in a booth, two guards flanking him.
Lin Nuo adjusted his fake earpiece and mumbled, "Target in sight."
From her hidden van outside, Xueqing replied, "Don't get cute, Nuo."
"I'm always cute."
He stood, walking over with a practiced swagger. "Heard you're hiring. I've got intel you'll want."
The snake-tattooed man looked up, amused. "You think we need intel from a pretty boy with gelled hair?"
Lin Nuo grinned. "No. But your boss might want to know who's planning to take down Lu Yiran's legacy from the inside."
That caught the man's attention.
"Talk," he said.
"Only if I get an audience with Lin Shaotian himself."
Behind the tinted windows, Xueqing's fingers tightened on the armrest.
The bait was cast.
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Back in the van, Mo Chen watched the monitor as Lin Nuo charmed his way into dangerous territory. His eyes never left the screen, but his hand reached out, blindly finding Xueqing's.
"We're in the lion's den now," he said.
Xueqing laced her fingers with his. "Good. I brought my own teeth."
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Meanwhile, in a hidden villa on the outskirts of City B, Lu Yiran stood in front of a wall covered in surveillance photos. She touched one of Xueqing, pinned dead center.
"So," she murmured, "you've finally remembered who you were."
She smiled.
"Let's see how much of her you still are."