So, for this mission, many capable people are unwilling to take the risk; others feel the cost-benefit ratio is not worth it; knowing full well they will face assassination agents no less competent than professional assassins, and even if they succeed, they may have to face being hunted by the Si Country Intelligence Bureau for the rest of their lives. Those who dare to take on the mission are either desperate for money or are incredibly confident individuals!

Such individuals, for any operation, will evaluate it and go all out, with team assistance, much like Li Yan does, so he wasn't merely bragging when he spoke. — "Since we can see through these things, how could our lovely peers not see through it? Those daring enough to take the task are all seasoned pros!"

Yet Yue Yao remained cautious about "using one's own strategy" and "being trapped by others' strategy."

"What if— I'm saying, what if the SIA doesn't have such intentions? A capable agent could completely manipulate the SIA. That's just a scenario in Si Country movies, and it's a pattern used countless times. If SIA or BOI were that incompetent, the Si Country government wouldn't spend so much money maintaining them."

"You mean you didn't have any intention of using strategy on them?"

"What I'm saying is, it's possible they never cared! Although the SIA's surveillance footage was posted on the 'leak' site, for this global intelligence behemoth, it naturally has its dignity and confidence. For them, whether it's the numerous hidden supporters and idealists of Julian's 'leak' website worldwide, the hired top-level bodyguards, or hiring assassins to eliminate threats in advance, they regard all these as insignificant, fragmented, and disorganized groups."

Yue Yao felt concerned, "… Just like when Si Country invaded Qanira with absolute military power, even if the opponent had forces, they were considered insignificant in the eyes of Si Country, which crushed them with overwhelming strength."

Her opinion was seriously considered and analyzed by Li Yan. "Makes sense. Si Country has been domineering for so long, they've grown accustomed to such ways, needing no strategy when up against inferior strength. Moreover… this is not just another overbearing attack, but could also be a strategic positioning!"

Li Yan reflected for a moment, "Whether these assassins are just a facade, decoys, or actual task executors, they surely can't make an impactful single arrival, the impact would be too significant."

"Yes!" Yue Yao solemnly concurred, then reminded once more, "Julian has already arrived in Yun Country, currently in H City, according to the information provided by the clients from the 'leakers', these agents will arrive after three days— at least the first batch. When will you make a move?"

"Three days… time is running out, and changes can occur anytime. Although I've stayed in H City for a while, I'm not familiar with it enough, I need to go early to prepare. Inform the three of them to go over! Additionally, arrange for logistics support to be there, I'll head over tomorrow." Li Yan quickly made arrangements.

Yue Yao nodded silently, then hesitantly asked, "Logistics have gone over already... what about me?"

"Haha, it's not that big of an issue, you don't need to rush to the frontline, just keep in constant contact. If you actually went, I'd be more worried." Li Yan held her shoulder gently, squeezing it slightly.

"Okay!"

…

When having Yue Yao take on this business, Li Yan had already prepared an excuse, now deciding to leave, but not planning to tell others much, including Zhang Yurong.

His excuse was simply for the company, he made a phone call to the planning department director, asking for a few days off. He said he was being transferred to Heavenly Film, anyway, the planning department wouldn't miss him much, and in transferring to the new supervisor, his presence wouldn't matter either, now he wanted to take these few days off to inspect the film market.

The newly appointed planning department director, promoted after Chen Aiyuan's departure, hadn't yet built a strong leadership presence, and couldn't refuse Li Yan's request. He had been waiting years to climb to the director position, only thanks to this special opportunity, otherwise, who knows how much longer it would take. And Li Yan, in less than a year, has worked across a few departments, his promotion speed is rocket-like, clearly someone with backing!

Plus, Li Yan wasn't being humble, he spoke the truth, no one understood the planning department like he did, the transition had little to do with his presence, so naturally, he agreed to Li Yan's leave.

Taking leave, of course, wasn't out of fear of salary deduction or negative impact, Li Yan just needed the title. This title also allowed Zhang Yurong, Wen Qianyi, Hai Fu through the company's channel, to learn this after a delay.

At the same time, he had already bought a train ticket to H City. The train is slower than flying, but it doesn't require an ID, leaving no trace, which a plane doesn't offer. Upon departure, his everyday phone had been shut off, and for following days, he would only use the phone given by Guan Ziyi to contact Yue Yao.

The so-called logistics support in 'their' organization primarily handled weapon transportation and other miscellaneous matters without appearing. After Li Yan arrived in H City, someone had already helped him book a room at the Intercontinental Hotel where Julian was staying. When handing over the room card, they also gave him his accustomed weapon, along with detailed maps of H City and rough maps of the area surrounding the Intercontinental Hotel.

Li Yan was satisfied with logistics' work, even more difficult information couldn't be gathered in a rush, with two days left, that was something he needed to prepare for himself too.

…

"Old Seven, you're taking a real risk this time! Is it worth it?" Guan Ziyi, always optimistic and playful, spoke in a very serious tone when calling Li Yan this time.

Li Yan understood his worry and did not elaborate, but simply asked, "Which website is harder to hack? Si Palace? Celestial Continent Central Bank? Soviet Union? SIA (Intelligence Bureau)? Si Country National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Given the chance, would you think it's risky?"

One sentence rendered Guan Ziyi speechless!

Yes, for many, doing certain things isn't merely for money, there's interest, challenge, defending honor… or sometimes, just for performance!

"Alright, you guy, after you've come out of hibernation, it's likely to stir things up. I'll try my best to gather information for you, I'll have 5261941 stay in touch with you and Queen. Meanwhile, I'll keep in touch with old Yu to see if he catches any wind in Si Country. If you need anything, contact 526 for things not too hard to get. Plus, old man, you'll have to treat me to dinner for these extra days I'm putting in. And yes, bring your wife!"

Seeing him return to his cheerful self, Li Yan laughed, "You brat, don't want to mix? Daring to call yourself 'old man' to me!"

"…" Guan Ziyi shuddered but laughed, "Haha, sure!"

"So vulgar! I have to work overtime for you this capitalist, I demand overtime pay!" Guan Ziyi said before hanging up.

Li Yan smiled faintly, a complex smile that others couldn't comprehend. It carried too much, too much that couldn't be expressed with words, but… at least one of it could be expressed, it was happiness with having brothers and trust in them!

Even a genius has a peak period, athletes do, and assassins do too. And Li Yan was not a natural-born assassin or a genius, but more of a product of postnatal hard training and tempering. In this painful and arduous growth process, he was never alone, he always had the support of brothers. He had been able to run rampant for many years not just by luck but by strength and by brothers!

Regular friends may change with time and circumstances and grow distant through lack of contact. But brothers, no matter when, no matter how often they communicate, stand firmly together in support when needed!

When Li Yan needed, they would try their best to help, and when they needed help, whether it was Guan Ziyi or Yu Mocheng in Si Country, or others, Li Yan would unhesitatingly rush to their aid! — Last three days, earnestly asking for your monthly pass support!

(Thanks to brothers who rewarded on the 27th: Support You with Heart, Reader 091012223056421, v.v.v.v, Ken Lu2010, Sea of Falling Leaves, zjun971210, Ajackson, dongmin8061, Doomsday Furnace~, Starlight in the Night, Cp Pampas, しょぅけん, Master Yidu) (To be continued, to know how the story unfolds, please log in to www.qidian.com, more chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)

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