67: Chapter 67 A Cunning Plan!

After seeing Liu Dazhu off, only the low hum of machinery remained in the control center.

Chen Fan sat before the console, his fingers flying across the keyboard. On the screen, the map of Modu was continuously zoomed in. Three vividly marked red routes, like the forked tongues of vipers, pointed directly at Qingniu Ridge, Heishi Beach, and Old Eagles Beak. Beside them were several blue trunk lines—the true lifelines for the actual cargo shipment.

"Tomorrow afternoon," Chen Fan stared at the screen, his voice steady, "three Phantom Convoys will depart in three batches. Departure times: 14:55, 15:05, and 15:15."

He paused, tapping his finger on those blue lines: "The real cargo will depart promptly at 17:00, taking the main road openly and confidently."

Lin Hao leaned in, his brow still furrowed: "Fan Zi, are we really going to be this obvious? What if the Long family doesn't play by the book and casts a wide net..."

"He won't." Chen Fan shook his head, his tone certain. "Long Zaitian is arrogant, suspicious, but he trusts his own calculations even more. Since he's bought off Liu Dazhu and obtained the 'ironclad' transport plan, he'll only have eyes for those 'visible lines.' To him, all other routes are just smoke screens—we'll give him that very illusion."

Lin Hao nodded and sent Liu Dazhu the meticulously crafted "transport plan"—clearly listing times, routes, and vehicle numbers, all information for the Phantom Convoys. Chen Fan wanted Liu Dazhu to "truthfully" report this to the Long family.

"Besides," Chen Fan's lips curled into a cold smile, "the 'big gift' I've prepared for him will be enough to give him a real headache."

He zoomed in on the topographic maps of the three ambush points—Qingniu Ridge with its sharp turns and steep slopes, Heishi Beach with its narrow canyon, and Old Eagles Beak with its enclosed tunnel.

"These three places are perfect for an ambush," Chen Fan's gaze was sharp, "but also... excellent spots for catching a turtle in a jar."

Lin Hao's eyes lit up: "What about the police..."

"It's settled." Chen Fan pulled up the encrypted communication log. "Coordinates, estimated time of attack—all reported. We specifically contacted the District Public Security Bureau. They'll set up a perimeter. Once they make their move, they'll be caught red-handed."

He paused, his tone intensifying: "Remember, what we want is 'Long Corporation's attempted violent hijacking, apprehended on the spot by police,' not 'Star of Fortune convoy attacked.' So the phantom vehicles can't actually catch fire or explode—otherwise, the Long family could turn around and accuse us of transporting dangerous goods, and then it'd be hard to explain."

"Understood!" Lin Hao nodded emphatically.

"To make it convincing," Chen Fan continued, "I've installed smoke bombs and sound simulation devices in those five vehicles loaded with 'explosives.' When they think they've succeeded and are about to celebrate—that will be the perfect moment to close the net."

As he spoke, he bent down and picked up two silver-gray cases from beside his feet, placing them on the console with a thud.

"What are these?" Lin Hao asked curiously.

Chen Fan opened the cases. Inside were neatly arranged dozens of smooth-shelled metal spheres, each about the size of a fist.

"'Specially Made Marker Rounds,' I've Amplified them." Chen Fan picked one up, weighing it in his hand. "They'll be installed in the hidden compartments of the phantom trucks' cargo containers. Once triggered, they release colored aerosols that stick to skin and clothes and won't wash off for at least a week."

Lin Hao took one, examined it carefully, and grinned: "Great stuff! With this, those Long family scumbags, even if they try to run, will be as conspicuous as a dye workshop! It'll make it easy for the police to spot and arrest them at a glance!"

"That's exactly the effect I want." Chen Fan sneered. "Let them reflect on their actions in the detention center, wearing their 'makeup.'"

Lin Hao grew more excited as he listened, slapping his thigh: "Brilliant! Fan Zi. I'll lead the team on the Heishi Beach route! Let Liu Dazhu be in my team."

Chen Fan glanced at him and nodded: "Alright. But remember, the phantom vehicles will be remotely controlled by Xiao Zhi the entire time. You have only two tasks: first, ensure Liu Dazhu's safety; second, transmit the real-time situation back. Don't try to be a hero."

"Don't worry!" Lin Hao thumped his chest. "I know what I'm doing."

Chen Fan looked back at the screen, his gaze falling on the coordinates of the Long Group headquarters, his eyes icy.

"Long Zaitian must think he's holding all the winning cards right now." He said softly, yet his voice carried a bone-chilling coldness. "I'll let him see for himself what it means to drop a stone on one's own foot and smash it to pieces."

---

At the same time, Long Zaitian's mansion, study.

Behind the heavy solid wood desk, Long Zaitian leaned back in his high-backed leather chair, a cigar between his fingers, its blue smoke curling upwards.

"Third Young Master." An assistant quietly pushed the door open and entered, lowering his voice. "Liu Dazhu has confirmed. The 'little gifts' are all installed. The convoy will depart in three batches. The specific routes and times have been sent over."

Long Zaitian gave a noncommittal "Hmm," not looking up, just leisurely flicking the cigar ash.

"Tell him," his voice was flat, yet carried a ruthless edge, "if the job is done, the final payment will be transferred immediately. If he messes it up... neither his wife nor his son will live to see another day."

"Understood." The assistant bowed.

The corner of Long Zaitian's mouth lifted in a mocking smile.

He had seen many such small-fry. Offer some money, scare them a little, and they become the most obedient dogs. Conscience? That thing is worthless in the face of desperation.

Once this is over, this dog will have outlived its usefulness.

"What about Scarface?" Long Zaitian asked.

"All arranged." The assistant hurriedly reported. "Three points, 15 men at each, weapons prepared. Getaway vehicles are ready too. The Signal Jammers have been calibrated. When the time comes, not even a fly will be able to send a message within a 500-meter radius."

Long Zaitian nodded with satisfaction, took a deep drag of his cigar, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring.

Excellent.

Chen Fan, let's see how you dodge this time.

You slipped away by luck the first time; that was my carelessness.

This time, I'll make you watch as your cargo is hijacked, your people captured, all your hard work goes down the drain. When you're kneeling before me begging for mercy, I'll make you understand who's the boss in Modu!

He could already envision tomorrow's news headline: 'Star of Fortune Technology Cargo Trucks Transport Dangerous Goods, 5 Casualties.' He saw Chen Fan's perpetually calm face twisted with rage and despair.

"Oh, right," Long Zaitian suddenly remembered something, "have we confirmed the appointment with Director Zhao from the National Materials Laboratory?"

"Confirmed, tomorrow at 6 PM, 'Cloud Top'." The assistant said. "Director Zhao agreed very readily and even hinted... he'd like to discuss his son's study abroad plans."

Long Zaitian snorted with disdain.

Old fox, trying to drive up the price.

But it doesn't matter. As long as he can crush Chen Fan and snatch the 'xuanyuan phase one' order, this small price is nothing.

He waved his hand, signaling the assistant to leave.

Silence returned to the study. Long Zaitian leaned back in his chair. "One more night for you to jump around." He murmured to himself. "After tomorrow, I want to see where you, Chen Fan, will have left to stand!"