NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 6: Chapter 5
Yang Ji listened intently on the other end of the phone as Rose detailed the details of the mission. Her instructions were clear, but her background was what heightened the need for caution: to act as a sniper to protect Rose from potential attacks by rival gangs. The reason for this measure was a key meeting where Rose would negotiate a deal that could alter the balance of power in the area. The stakes were high, and Rose knew that only someone with Yang Ji's precision and coolness could execute this task without any margin for error.
Yang Ji, true to her character, listened to everything with an impassive face as the other talked non-stop. When there was a moment of silence, she blurted out her price with surgical precision:
"Six million dollars," she said in a firm, calm voice.
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Rose exclaimed, indignant:
"Six million?! That's a rip-off!"
Yang Ji sighed with the same dispassion that structured all of her actions and calmly replied:
"I warned you, Rose. My efficiency isn't cheap. And believe me, this is a discount."
Her tone brooked no reproach or doubt. Rose snorted in response, equally indignant, but eventually gave in out of resignation. She knew Yang Ji was expensive, but she also knew his skill was worth it. She always delivered.
"Okay... You really are unapproachable," Rose murmured.
Yang Ji kept any emotion from her expression. Deep inside, she could perhaps understand her client's frustration, but she must never show even a hint of vulnerability. She moved on to the technical details.
"Where and what time will the meeting be?" she asked as she glanced at the clock on the wall.
"1 a.m., Zhongshan Road, VIP area of Dragon Phoenix Restaurant," Rose replied after a moment of deliberation, as if planning her next word carefully.
Yang Ji frowned slightly, something unusual on her usual serene face.
"That place is very busy," she muttered, almost talking to herself. Her thoughts raced, considering the challenges of working with so many external factors.
Rose was quick to anticipate Yang Ji's reasoning.
"I've reserved the entire VIP area for the meeting. I'll send you photos of the room, possible escape routes, and any details that might make your job easier."
Rose's efficiency was noteworthy, but Yang Ji didn't pass up the opportunity to make an indirect comment:
"It seems like you've already planned it."
"Well, it was my birthday, so... I wanted to feel comfortable counting on you," Rose replied in a relaxed, almost gentle tone.
Yang Ji felt a slight pang in her chest, but quickly ignored it, allowing professionalism to take over. She took a deep breath and finally said:
"Okay. I'll be there tonight. You know I charge in advance."
Rose snorted from the other end of the phone, but agreed.
"I know, cheapskate." And with that last rebuke, she hung up
With another sigh, Yang Ji put the phone down on the table and stood up. Her surroundings quickly changed from the everyday to the professional. She headed towards a room at the back of the apartment, a door with a digital code protecting what lay behind it. Opening it, the arsenal awaiting her showed decades of experience and dedication: weapons of all kinds, from pistols and precision rifles to explosives. But Yang Ji was not known for excess, but for precision.
She chose with surgical precision: a 1911 pistol with a silencer and a DSR-1 sniper rifle, also equipped with a silencer. It was all she needed for the task. Once her arsenal was finished, she headed to her dressing room. This time she did not opt for her usual attire. She chose a burgundy business suit, elegant and functional, with a black shirt and matching shoes. To complete the disguise, she placed a blonde wig on her hair pulled back in a loose braid, framing her face with two side locks. Her eyes, a deep obsidian black, reflected the seriousness of the moment.
With everything ready, she put the weapons in a discreet briefcase and left her apartment. She went down to the underground parking lot and headed to her car: a black 1967 Cadillac Eldorado, a relic of the past that she kept as a personal treasure. She placed the briefcase in the trunk and started the engine. It was still too early for work, but Yang Ji was not one to leave things to chance. Arriving early meant making sure of everything.
The road to the Dragon Phoenix restaurant was filled with calculated and analytical thoughts. Soon after, Rose sent her the promised photos, showing the escape routes, the structure of the place, and the most vulnerable areas. Zhongshan Road was a hive of activity even at night: luxury shops, high-end restaurants, busy bars, and streets full of movement. A strategic location, but also a challenge for any operation.
"Rose knows how to pick bad places for meetings," Yang Ji muttered to herself, but she was not discouraged. She knew there was always a solution.
Arriving at the restaurant, Yang Ji noticed the imposing three-story structure. Its balconies decorated with murals and sculptures gave an air of luxury and opulence. Her target was on the third floor: the VIP area. It didn't take long for her to locate the ideal place to keep watch as well. A nearby hotel, far enough away to avoid suspicion, but with a perfect view from the restaurant's windows.
She parked her Cadillac in the hotel parking lot and got out with her briefcase. Before entering, she put on a pair of stylish glasses and adjusted her wig, making sure everything was in order. At the reception desk, she adopted a friendly and professional expression.
"Good morning. I would like a room on the third floor with a view of the city, please. I love the night view."
The receptionist returned an equally professional smile and handed over a key.
"Of course. Room 34 will be perfect for you. How long will you need it for?"
"Just for the early morning, thank you very much."
Yang Ji nodded and took the key. She took the elevator up to the third floor, maintaining her professional demeanor until she reached the room. Once inside, she left the briefcase on the bed, closed the door, and allowed the mask of politeness to fade away. Her mind went into full preparation mode. She checked every corner of the room, the possible exits, and the visibility from the window. She placed the sniper rifle precisely on the portable stand and adjusted the scope.
With everything ready, she sat in front of the gun, waiting. Her cold, calculating gaze was lost in the horizon as her mind went over every possible scenario. She was ready. She always was.