Chapter 37: Cooperation and Clues

The electronic voice emanated from a speaker placed to the side; clearly, Crazy Zhang had been hiding behind the scenes all along.

"What is the meaning of this? Hiding your head and showing your tail. If Mr. Zhang lacks sincerity, then there is no point in discussing this partnership." Xu Yi said coldly, standing up to leave.

"Sigh!" A sigh came from the speaker.

"Mr. Xu, please forgive me! It is not that I am unwilling to show myself, but due to special circumstances, I am not currently in Donghai City."

"Moreover, regarding the content of our cooperation, this stand-in of mine can actually represent me with full authority." Crazy Zhang paused in the speaker, then continued: "As for the matter of sincerity, I can provide you with the information you wanted on those three subordinates of Scarface in advance."

As soon as Crazy Zhang finished speaking, the stand-in immediately reached behind him and handed a stack of documents to Xu Yi.

Xu Yi frowned. With Crazy Zhang hiding behind the scenes and only an electronic voice to go by, he could not use his [Mind-Piercing] ability to judge the truth of the man's words. However, he absolutely did not believe that Crazy Zhang was unable to show up. Still, it was clear that Crazy Zhang could see what was happening in the room.

Seeing that Xu Yi did not touch the documents, Crazy Zhang continued: "Mr. Xu, you can take a look first. Besides this information, I can also provide what you truly desire."

Xu Yi's heart stirred. Based on the information Xu Yi had previously revealed, both Crazy Zhang and Huang Dabao believed that what he really wanted was the mastermind behind the kidnapping case. They were unaware of the "Mysterious Person's" existence, but there was no essential difference; knowing the mastermind behind the kidnapping would reveal the identity of the Mysterious Person.

Xu Yi remained silent for a moment, but ultimately could not resist the temptation. He could not afford to miss this lead. He took the documents from the stand-in and began to read.

There were not many pages, and Xu Yi finished quickly, but his expression turned grim. The documents showed that the three subordinates of Scarface had indeed entrusted Crazy Zhang to arrange their escape, and the destination was a country in Southeast Asia. Yet, the records indicated that on the very night they arrived, they died in a traffic accident.

An accidental death?

Hmph! It was more like silencing them. But how much was Crazy Zhang involved in this?

Several thoughts flashed through Xu Yi’s mind like lightning. Regardless, the death of these three meant that the trail leading to the Mysterious Person had been severed once again.

Crazy Zhang spoke calmly at this moment: "Mr. Xu, your goal is simply to find the mastermind of the kidnapping. Although these three are dead, there is one more person who knows."

Xu Yi sneered: "The head of the Jiangtai District for the Donghai Gang, your boss, Luo Hao, or 'Brother Hao,' right? So, does Mr. Zhang have the power to make Brother Hao tell me who the mastermind is?"

Crazy Zhang replied indifferently: "While I don't know what secrets lie behind this kidnapping, the fact that those three subordinates of Scarface died suggests that someone above doesn't want the truth to be known. Based on my understanding of Brother Hao, he would never speak."

"Then how will you give me what I need?" asked Xu Yi.

The speaker went silent for a moment before Crazy Zhang replied: "He wouldn't speak through normal channels, but what if his life were at stake?"

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning seemed to strike Xu Yi’s mind. A possibility emerged. He realized why Crazy Zhang wanted to cooperate with him. This madman! He wanted his own boss's life!

Xu Yi exclaimed in surprise: "You want Brother Hao's life?"

"Haha!" Crazy Zhang laughed suddenly: "Mr. Xu, you are indeed clever. But there is a slight distinction: Luo Hao has stayed in that position for too long; I merely wish to take his place."

"As for those who want Luo Hao's life, there are too many, including the person right beside you, Huang Dabao."

Xu Yi turned sharply to look at Huang Dabao. Huang Dabao froze for a moment, then quickly said: "Brother Yi! I can explain!"

Xu Yi waved his hand: "No need."

Through [Mind-Piercing], Xu Yi had long known that Huang Dabao was originally an illegitimate son of the wealthy Huang family. When that family was wiped out, he was the only survivor, and Luo Hao had played an indispensable role in that tragedy.

Xu Yi said coolly: "If you want me to help you kill Luo Hao, then you have miscalculated. I won't commit murder for an uncertain lead. Furthermore, if Luo Hao were so easy to kill, he wouldn't be in his current position, would he?"

"Naturally! My cooperation with you, Mr. Xu, does not require you to kill Luo Hao. I only hope that at the right time, you can help me deal with someone," Crazy Zhang said unhurriedly.

Xu Yi frowned, feeling that he was once again being drawn into Crazy Zhang's rhythm.

"Deal with whom?" Xu Yi asked.

"Luo Hao has a martial arts expert by his side, a man who is as elusive as a dragon. With him there, I cannot touch Luo Hao. I originally brought in Lu Huaibin for this exact reason, but since he is leaving, I must find someone else."

"To be honest, I have looked for many people, but you are the only one so far whom Lu Huaibin has acknowledged."

"I don't need you to kill anyone either. I just need you to find this person and, at the appropriate moment, stall him for a certain amount of time."

Unable to use [Mind-Piercing] on Crazy Zhang, Xu Yi had to rely on his own judgment. First, Crazy Zhang’s influence was vast; it was unlikely he would orchestrate such a complex setup just for him. Second, the task he was asked to perform might be genuine; the previous test involving Lu Huaibin was likely to verify his combat prowess.

However, even if those two points were true, it didn't mean Crazy Zhang was telling the whole truth. In other words, while Crazy Zhang did intend to target Luo Hao and needed help with the martial artist, his ultimate goal might not be limited to merely replacing Luo Hao.

But whatever Crazy Zhang’s true motives were, they had nothing to do with him. As long as he could find a lead on the Mysterious Person, everything would be worth it.

This cooperation was feasible.

After making up his mind, Xu Yi said in a deep voice: "Dealing with the person is fine, but I may not be able to find him. I don't even have a chance to get close to Luo Hao."

Crazy Zhang replied calmly: "I have news: Luo Hao is currently preparing for a card game. This game concerns the landscape of the Donghai Gang's underground world, and he needs a master to help him win."

"I have investigated you. You can accurately pick the winning cards in scratch-offs. Once that ability reaches Brother Hao's ears, he will surely be interested in you."

"Of course, that alone isn't enough to get his attention. But if Huang Dabao and I work together to set the stage, we can dispel any suspicions he might have."

"However, I must give you a warning. Even if you win Luo Hao's trust through the game, do not dream of using that relationship to pry into the mastermind of the kidnapping. It concerns the upper echelons; if Luo Hao finds out, he will kill you without hesitation!"

"That is all. So, will you participate? Xu Yi, decide."

After saying this, Crazy Zhang fell silent. The entire private room became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.