Amber comforted them, "It's alright, Ropemaker. The client's request isn't urgent. It won't be too late if we leave first, reorganize, and then come back in."
She continued gratefully, "I thought Nicole would make us fend for ourselves to save costs, but I didn't expect her to hire the famous [Phaethon]."
"If you hadn't arrived, Ropemaker, we probably wouldn't have been able to escape that Remnant's territory. Thank you for the rescue."
Just then, Billy interjected, "Speaking of that, I wanted to ask when we first started working with you, Store Manager: that device in your shop can not only synchronize your senses with Bambou, but also allow real-time communication inside the Hollow!"
"Even the Public Security Bureau and the Hollow Investigation Association can't manage such impressive technology!"
Then, he adopted a more puzzled tone, "With such a trump card, why don't you join the Investigation Association and enjoy the good life?"
"Working with Tunnel Robbers like usno matter how you look at itthe risk outweighs the reward, right?"
Since the HDD was an inheritance that Ling and Zhe acquired from the Helios Mechanism, a major research institute before the fall of Old Elidu, and the fact that they came from there would only invite trouble and danger if exposed, Ling could only laugh and brush off the question.
Just as Billy was about to press further, the sound of a Remnant came from afar. Thus, the four resumed their retreat, and Ling secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Thanks to Hu Tao's participation, the fighting along the way became much easier. The four successfully retreated from the Hollow along the planned route, where Hu Tao's work vehicle was already waiting for them.
Amber quietly asked Hu Tao about this, "Aren't you afraid Conrad will become suspicious if you use the work vehicle like this?"
Hu Tao replied confidently, "That's where you don't understand. If I didn't arrive directly at the perimeter of the Hollow, it would look even more suspicious."
"But if I state clearly and directly that a Ropemaker carrying a 'radish' (Hollow Internal Route Network Recording Device) is waiting for me near the predetermined entrance, then it will be seen as actively expanding business."
Amber suddenly realized, "I see!"
...Some time later, as the three people plus Bambou secretly walked from the alley to the video store's back parking lot, Nicole, who was anxiously pacing, rushed toward them: "Amber! Billy! Thank goodness, you two are safe!"
Afterward, she bowed separately to the two Ropemakers and Hu Tao: "Thank you for rescuing my two subordinates!"
At this point, Zhe said, "Nicole, we've rescued the people. Can you pay the outstanding debt now?"
But Nicole said unhurriedly, "Wait a moment, the matter isn't finished yet. My commission was: [Bring out both my people and the item I want.] Only the first half has been completed!"
Ling chuckled, "Don't worry, Nicole, we remember. We were just joking with you."
Nicole also laughed, relaxing, "I knew it. [Phaethon] is the most reliable and trustworthy outfit."
Afterward, Amber and Billy briefly recounted what had happened earlier in the Hollow.
After finishing the narration, Billy added confusedly, "Boss Nicole, what exactly was in that box? Was it worth us fighting so hard for it?"
Nicole shrugged, "I don't know either, but before I left the building, I picked up a necklace from the White Guy's body. It contains a data disk, which might be related to the safe's password. So, we'll find out soon."
The group then agreed that the two Ropemakers would be responsible for repairing and exporting the contents of the disk, while Nicole would try to investigate the location of the safe within the Hollow.
At the same time, Hu Tao would secretly investigate clues related to the White Guy by taking on business from the Red Fang Gang. They would regroup after some time to compile the intelligence.
After leaving the video store and returning to the Wang Sheng Funeral Parlor, the staff member responsible for receiving commissions handed Hu Tao a document: "Hall Master, we have a new commission. The client wants to hold a funeral for the Red Fang Gang's [White Guy]."
Hu Tao: "Oh? Is the client from the Red Fang Gang?"
Staff Member: "No, it's someone unaffiliated with any gang. Let me check... She seems to be called... Maomiya Yona."