Just what he feared.
"I didn't care about the Roples incident at first," Ada said, ignoring Li Yexing's sour expression. "In our messed-up world, BOWs on a battlefield in some unstable country are nothing new. But a month ago, I met a boring guy for personal reasons. He said his organization lost important cargo in Roples."
"I got curious, looked into it, and found something interesting: an Asiab merc and his cute partner who appeared out of nowhere." Ada smirked. "BSAA would find plenty of holes if they dug deeper, but they overlooked you. Their ace vouched for you, letting you slip through."
Frowning, Li Yexing asked, "What's your point?"
"Just want to talk business," Ada smiled. "If you refuse, I'll have to chat with BSAA instead."
'What? She thinks she can threaten me?'
Killing intent surged, the ruthless mercenary in him clashing with his rational side. He glared, his eyes flashing with a murderous edge that startled even Ada.
She reached for her gun, but his killing intent vanished. The young merc slumped onto the coffee table, legs crossed, looking defeated.
"Fine, let's talk."
"See? Much better," Ada said, relieved but hiding it. His earlier vibe was terrifying, like he'd tear her apart.
"Job details: in a week, a luxury cruise with high-profile guests will sail the Mediterranean. They'll host a grand party and some shady deals," Ada said. "I'm interested in their goods."
"So, what do you need from me?" Li Yexing asked.
"Not just you—both of you," Ada stressed. "Security's tight. I'll arrange identities to get you on board. You'll be my backup, handling small issues in the shadows. If things go south, you ensure my escape."
"How?" he asked.
"Rich folks' ships have lifeboats," Ada replied. "You clear the security, we escape. You'll get eight million dollars."
"Sounds fine…" Li Yexing eyed her. "But I don't trust you."
"Don't be like that. I've got a rep to maintain in this business," Ada laughed. "Your answer?"
He sighed, irritated. After a pause, he shook his head. "Not enough. I'm on vacation."
Ada blinked at his refusal, then he added, "You gotta sweeten the deal."
"Fine, I'll consider a bonus," she said, smiling wryly. Opening her suitcase, she handed him a stack of documents. "Mission details and your IDs. Read them before boarding, bring the IDs."
Li Yexing skimmed them, frowning. "What's this? Lilith E. Spencer, a noble from a fallen Spencer branch, and her Asian pretty boy, Li Yexing?" He glared. "Ignoring the cheesy novel setup, you think 'this' face is a pretty boy?"
"You're not bad-looking," Ada teased. "Lots of rich girls love your type."
"Gross."
"Relax. Blend in, wait for my signal, act like the other rich guests. Don't stand out," Ada said. "It's a fake identity, untraceable. I'll get your names on the guest list. Show the invites I prepared."
"Eat, drink, chill?" Li Yexing asked.
"Basically," Ada said.
"Fine."
"Great." Ada stood, offering her hand. "To a pleasant partnership."
Li Yexing shook it reluctantly. "Yeah, pleasant…"
"We're done. I'm in a rush," Ada said, packing her suitcase. "I'll contact you if needed. See you on the ship."
Ada left. It was just past 8 a.m.—time for Lilith's breakfast.
Tossing the documents in a drawer, Li Yexing headed to the kitchen. Another knock.
"Are you kidding me?!" he snapped, storming to the door. "You won't let me have a break?!"
It was a familiar face.
"Bucciarati?"
The man with long black hair in quirky white clothes was Bucciarati, a local Italian mafia capo. If Li Yexing had to describe him… surprisingly decent.
"Morning," Bucciarati greeted, glancing past Li Yexing into the room.
"What brings you here?" Li Yexing asked.
"I heard an Asian woman in a coat visited you this morning. Who was she? What'd she want?" Bucciarati got to the point.
"No clue," Li Yexing lied. "I'm on Christmas break. She offered a job; I turned her down and sent her packing."
Bucciarati looked pained. Li Yexing couldn't resist. "Why're you after her?"
"No secret. You know that motel we protect on the east side?" Bucciarati sighed. "She castrated the owner."
Li Yexing: …
…
Lilith sat at the table, stabbing her ham and eggs viciously, like a sadist wanting them to scream.
Li Yexing knew she was sulking.
"I didn't want this, Lilith…" he said, trying to soothe her.
"Christmas break, Christmas break, Christmas break…" she muttered repeatedly, making him feel like a shady boss exploiting a teenage girl.
"I had no choice. The client's a tough one—"
Lilith froze, glaring. "Woman?"
Li Yexing clutched his forehead. 'Your focus is wild!'
"Just business. Never met her before."
"You know women you've never met. So cool," Lilith huffed, acting betrayed, like her life was over.
It took all morning to explain.
"Why didn't you wake me?" Lilith asked, sitting on his lap, game controller in hand, still grumpy despite understanding.