Chapter 199 - 195: Chance Encounter

Words : 1157 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 199: Chapter 195: Chance Encounter Nicosia City is an island city with a perennial summer climate, sweltering heat, where most tourists wear short-sleeved shirts and beach shorts, and women prefer wearing colorful, locally styled skirts. The more liberated women wear just bikinis, draped in thin shawls, creating an enticing scene. At this moment, the woman who appeared in the bar was wearing an elegantly light blue long dress that highlighted her slender figure, her hair as flowing as a waterfall bound by a hairband, cascading down her back, and a pure white pearl necklace around her delicate neck. However, what caught more attention was the woman’s appearance, her features finely crafted as if meticulously sculpted, with raised eyebrows, a pointed nose, cherry-red lips, and eyes as bright as gems, exuding nobility and sophistication with every gesture. Behind the woman stood two tall, young women. They seemed casually following her, yet covertly protecting her. Sensing everyone’s gaze, the woman seemed accustomed to it and was unmoved. However, upon noticing Ling Chen by the bar, she immediately stopped in her tracks, a flash of surprise in her beautiful eyes. Seeing him approaching, Ling Chen stepped forward, grinning, "President Liu, we really are fated to meet in such a place." The woman in front was Liu Xiyao. Liu Xiyao said displeased, "How many times have I told you, don’t call me President Liu when we’re outside." "Right, right, Yao, what brings you here?" "Just taking a break since I’m free lately. What about you? Not working at Hongyu Group and instead coming here, is it a company perk?" Ling Chen smiled, "Nothing of that sort, it’s a personal trip. I haven’t seen the guys for a long time, so we planned a get-together." Liu Xiyao glanced around and casually asked, "Where are these friends of yours?" "They all went off chasing girls, leaving me all alone," Ling Chen shrugged, an expression of resignation on his face. "Why didn’t you join them? This is the largest bar in Nicosia City, filled with beautiful women from every country. None caught your eye?" "It’s not that; it’s just not my cup of tea." Liu Xiyao chuckled softly, meaningfully adding, "Didn’t expect to see such an honest man like you in the world. Since you’ve no other interests, why not join me for a while?" During their conversation, a Caucasian manager in the bar quickly approached, bent slightly in front of Liu Xiyao, and respectfully said, "President Liu, welcome, your private room is ready." "Follow me." Led by the Caucasian manager, Ling Chen followed Liu Xiyao to a luxurious private room on the top floor of the bar. The room was extravagantly decorated, over a hundred square meters large, equipped with a KTV, bar, billiard table, and even two pretty female attendants. On the left side of the room was a large transparent floor-to-ceiling glass, from which the bustling district around could be seen. "Do you come here often?" Ling Chen asked. "I bought a villa by the sea, and I usually stay here for a few days when I’m free." Liu Xiyao picked up a freshly mixed cocktail, "I’m planning to go sailing tomorrow, you can bring your friends along if you’re free." "You have a yacht?" "Can’t I have one?" Liu Xiyao retorted. Ling Chen touched his nose, realizing his question was redundant. With assets over a billion, buying a yacht for Liu Xiyao was indeed an easy feat. "I already have plans to go somewhere else with my friends tomorrow, I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you for the sailing." Liu Xiyao didn’t insist and nodded, "Anyway, you have my number. If you want to go out to sea, just give me a call, I’ll lend you my yacht." "Hey, how have you been feeling recently?" "Much better, thanks to your treatment." "You’re welcome. By the way, that..." Ling Chen glanced at a nearby waiter and whispered, "Have they found out who poisoned you?" Upon hearing this, a fleeting cold light passed through Liu Xiyao’s eyes, and she responded calmly, "Some things don’t need to be investigated. I have a clear understanding myself. You don’t need to ask more about this matter; I will handle it myself." Ling Chen chatted idly with Liu Xiyao for a while and then suddenly received a call from Pang Jiulin, telling him to rush back soon. Pang Jiulin calling him at this time must have had something important. Immediately, he stood up to leave and said, "I have other matters to attend to, I will leave first, you enjoy yourself." "When will you be going back?" "In a day or two, I can’t say for sure." "I will leave the day after tomorrow. You can take my private plane back to East Sea City." "Okay, we’ll be in touch." After leaving the bar, Ling Chen headed straight back to that secluded apartment building. Back at his place, Tang Yuan and the others were not yet back, only Pang Jiulin was there. "Coach, what’s the matter?" "I just spoke with the General on the phone, and we’re thinking of altering our plan. We’re almost clear on the situation outside that factory, but we know nothing about its interior—the number of people inside, defensive measures, and the location of the hostages. To save operational time, the General and I unanimously decided to first send someone to infiltrate the factory and scout the situation. It would be best if you could locate Yang Tao." Ling Chen well understood Pang Jiulin’s implication; being called back at this time obviously meant he was to lead the operation. "Coach, right now?" "Wait until midnight, the guards will be more relaxed then, it’s easier to avoid detection." Pang Jiulin said pointing to a bag on the bed, "All the equipment is ready, see if there’s anything missing." Ling Chen walked to the bed and opened the zipper. Inside was a tight-fitting combat suit, a tactical flashlight, a wireless earpiece and receiver, three military daggers, a pair of night vision goggles, and a tool kit. "We mentioned before, no guns for this operation. Be careful on your own." "Got it." Ling Chen’s lips lifted in a confident smile. "Also this, keep it with you." Pang Jiulin handed a button-shaped metal object to Ling Chen, instructing, "This is a signal transmitter. Once you find Yang Tao’s holding location, install this device. I will lock onto his position via the signal. Once you’re clear on the situation, find a place to hide and wait for our support." When everything was ready and midnight arrived, Pang Jiulin drove the van and dropped Ling Chen near the wastewater treatment plant on the outskirts. Through the car window, one could see the factory situated 500 meters away. Though it was deep into the night, the factory was still brightly lit. Pang Jiulin patted Ling Chen on the shoulder and reminded, "Kid, be careful." "Understood!"

Chapter 199 - 195: Chance Encounter

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