AWB Chapter 139 Boil the Frog in Warm Water
Chapter 139 Boil the Frog in Warm Water
Linkang Prefecture, a bustling city, its streets crisscrossed with people, teeming with life and energy. Yet, beneath this bustling scene lies a courtyard that stands out from the crowds. Tucked away in the bustling city, it seems secluded, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of its surroundings. This is the "safe house" that Chen Zigui arranged for Lü Menzhong.
From the outside, this courtyard looks like any ordinary residence: gray bricks, green tiles, and closed wooden doors, exuding an air of ordinary life. However, beneath this seemingly ordinary exterior lies a hidden secret. High walls isolate the outside world from sounds and conceal all activity within, preventing anyone from glimpsing the secrets within.
Inside the room, Lü Menzhong was pacing restlessly, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety and irritation. He was gripping a branch tightly in his hand, his bony fingers squeezing it hard, making a crackling sound as if he were about to crush it.
Beside Lü Menzhong stood a lean man, dressed in black, a long sword at his waist. The scabbard was intricately carved, betraying its owner's distinguished status. He was the assassins' second-in-command, Ji Zhao. Ji Zhao's face was stern, his eyes sharp, like a hawk's, as if he could see through everything. He stood quietly by, saying nothing, observing Lü Menzhong's restlessness with a cold gaze.
"It's been a few days, and we still can't contact the master. What should we do next?" Lu Menzhong stopped abruptly and asked irritably, his tone tinged with impatience and panic. He raised his head and stared at Ji Zhao intently, as if hoping to get an answer from him.
Ji Zhao glanced at Lu Menzhong, a trace of contempt flashing in his eyes. He said in a cold tone, "Don't panic, brother! The more it is at this time, the more we brothers must remain calm. Otherwise, the master will think that we are good at keeping a low profile and waiting for the opportunity."
Although Ji Zhao's words were plain, they were full of confidence and majesty, as if everything was under his control. His tone and eyes calmed Lu Menzhong's original anxiety and uneasiness a little.
Lu Menzhong was a little displeased by Ji Zhao's rebuke, but he didn't dare to lose his temper. He knew that Ji Zhao was a favorite of the Lord and deeply trusted by him, and he absolutely could not afford to offend him. Thinking of this, Lu Menzhong lowered his voice and said with a smile, "Brother Ji Zhao is teaching me that I am unsure! Ever since arriving in Linkang Prefecture, all our plans have been disrupted by Sister Cen Xiao. Now, even our contact with the Lord has been cut off. What's the next step..."
"Brother! You can't blame us for not doing our job well and provoking Cen Jiexiao!" Ji Zhao snorted coldly, his tone filled with disdain. "Originally, our plan was going very smoothly, but she didn't intend to cause trouble by provoking Cen Jiexiao. Who would have thought that she would throw herself into the fire and completely disrupt our plans!"
Ji Zhao's words were full of accusations and dissatisfaction towards Lu Menzhong. He believed that it was Lu Menzhong's recklessness and impulsiveness that led to the current predicament.
Although Ji Zhao didn't mention any names, Lu Menzhong knew it was because he had been too conspicuous with his men, and Cen Jiexiao's Qiming Group had discovered the clues. Thinking of this, Lu Menzhong's face flushed, but he couldn't refute it. He could only humbly say, "Brother Ji Zhao, you have a point. It was my momentary confusion that ruined the whole thing. Please give me some advice, Brother Ji Zhao. What should we do now?"
Ji Zhao ignored Lu Menzhong's almost pleading tone and walked straight to the table. On the carved mahogany table was placed an exquisite tea set. He picked up the purple clay teapot, tilted the spout, and poured a stream of fragrant tea into the blue and white porcelain cup. The tea rippled in the cup, and curls of hot steam rose. Ji Zhao picked up the teacup, put it to the tip of his nose and sniffed gently. The faint tea fragrance was refreshing. He took a sip, letting the sweetness of the tea slowly dissipate in his mouth. Then he put down the teacup and said in a slow tone: "I have sent someone to activate the backup contact method, but this contact method is relatively secret, and it will take some time to re-establish the contact system."
Lu Menzhong rubbed his hands anxiously and asked anxiously, "How long will it take? Our current situation is... If we can't contact the master in time, I'm afraid..."
Ji Zhao glanced at him with a warning in his eyes, "Brother, just wait patiently for news! The most important thing now is to stay calm and not panic. During this period of time, we must stay here and cannot go anywhere! If we are discovered by the government again, we will really have no way to survive!"
Ji Zhao thought to himself, it was really a headache to have such a big brother. He was not as brave as he was when fighting against Liaodan Kingdom.
Lu Menzhong wanted to say something more. He opened his mouth, wanting to explain, to defend himself, but when he met Ji Zhao's sharp gaze, all the words seemed to be stuck in his throat, unable to come out. He could only swallow the unspoken words back, his heart filled with helplessness.
Ji Zhao slammed the teacup onto the table with a resounding thud. The sudden sound made Lu Menzhong's heart tremble. Ji Zhao looked at Lu Menzhong coldly, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction and warning. He said word by word, "Brother, you should understand why the brothers followed you. They followed you to make money, to buy land, to marry and have children, and to live a good life!"
Ji Zhao did not continue, but his meaning was very clear. He was warning Lü Menzhong not to make any more rash moves, otherwise it would endanger everyone's life and future.
Lü Menzhong was intimidated by Ji Zhao's aura. He nodded repeatedly and whispered, "I understand, I understand. Brother Ji Zhao has taught me a lesson. I will definitely be more cautious in the future and will never make the same mistake again."
Ji Zhao ignored Lü Menzhong. He turned and walked to the window, gazing intently at the brightly lit streets outside. Linkang Prefecture, under the night sky, was bustling with activity and bustling with activity, yet Ji Zhao's gaze was completely fascinated by the bustling scene. Anxiety and unease filled his heart. He had no idea how to resolve this crisis, nor did he know where their future would lead.
He could only pray silently, praying that they could get through this difficult time smoothly, praying that they could finally achieve their goals and live the good life they had always dreamed of.
Outside the window, the night deepened, the number of pedestrians on the street gradually thinned, and the noisy sounds gradually calmed down. Yoshiaki's figure seemed particularly lonely in the dim room. He could only wait silently, waiting for the arrival of dawn.