139: Brotherhood

On a high vantage point on the west side of the pier, Long Xi, the sniper for the Chen Long Squad, slowly lowered his sniper rifle and spoke into the communicator:

"Target eliminated."

the Doctor, who had been escorted out, happened to witness this scene.

He watched the Demon's corpse sink into the sea, then looked at the dense crowd of Dragon Shield members surrounding him, his eyes filled with despair.

Suddenly, he steeled his heart and bit down hard.

"Mmph..."

A strange sound immediately came from his throat, and his body began to twitch.

"Not good!" Rat's expression changed as he rushed forward and grabbed the man's chin.

But it was already too late.

Black blood was already flowing from the corner of the Doctor's mouth, and his gaze quickly glazed over.

A few seconds later, his head slumped to the side, and he drew his last breath.

"Poison Fang..." Rat released his grip, his face grim.

He walked up to Wang Chen and lowered his head. "Boss, I'm sorry. I was careless and let the Doctor die."

Wang Chen waved his hand, not blaming him.

"It's not your fault. People like him have long been prepared for suicide."

He glanced at the Doctor's corpse. "If he's dead, he's dead. Whether he lives or dies isn't important; what matters is this."

Wang Chen took the silver briefcase, weighed it in his hand, and handed it to Chen Long.

"Take it back and find a way to open it. It might contain the information we need."

"Yes, sir."

Rat had originally thought Wang Chen would be furious, but to his surprise, the boss not only didn't blame him but even comforted him.

He was moved, feeling like he wanted to kowtow to Wang Chen right then and there.

Chen Long walked over and patted him on the shoulder.

Then he held out his hand.

Rat understood, reaching out and placing his hand on Chen Long's.

Zodiac: Ox walked over and placed his hand on top.

Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig... ten captains, ten hands, stacked together.

Finally, Wang Chen placed his hand on the very top.

There were no grand speeches.

No blood-pumping oaths.

Only the mutual understanding between brothers and silent trust.

"Clean up the battlefield," Wang Chen said. "Rescue those who were held captive and arrange for them to be sent back. Dispose of the bodies cleanly."

"Understood."

An hour later, Fisherman's Bay pier returned to tranquility.

As if nothing had ever happened.

Only the sea breeze continued to blow gently.

It was already late at night by the time they returned to the base.

Chen Long arranged for people to clean up the battlefield and tally the results.

In this battle, thirty-eight members of Hades Hall were killed, and fifty-six "experimental materials" held captive were rescued.

On their side, three were lightly injured, with no serious injuries or deaths.

The mission was considered a complete success.

Wang Chen gathered everyone together.

"Brothers, you've worked hard."

He stood at the front, looking at his brothers and sisters, who still carried the scent of gunpowder.

"The matter with Hades Hall has come to a temporary close. Next, I'm giving everyone a vacation."

Tiger's eyes lit up. "Boss, for how long?"

"One month."

"Whoa!" A cheer erupted from below.

"However," Wang Chen added, "before the vacation, I'm taking you somewhere."

"Where to, Boss?" Tiger couldn't help but ask again.

Wang Chen smiled. "You'll find out when the time comes."

He turned to Rabbit. "Contact my private jet; we're returning to Hangzhou City tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

"Everyone else, wrap up what you're doing. In seven days, gather at the Dragon Shield Headquarters in Hangzhou City. Remember to notify Goat, Horse, and the others."

"Understood!"

After the crowd dispersed, Wang Chen returned to his room.

Just as he pushed open the door, he saw Chen Long standing inside, holding the silver briefcase.

"Boss, the case is open."

"What's inside?"

"Some experimental data, and..." Chen Long paused, "a map. It marks a location somewhere in the Pacific Ocean."

Wang Chen took the map and glanced at it.

The coordinates were very familiar.

It was right near the private island rewarded by the system.

"It seems," Wang Chen's gaze deepened, "that Hades Hall and Dain Company also have their eyes on that area of the sea."

He put away the map. "There's no rush. We'll talk about it after we get to the island."

Chen Long nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered something. "By the way, Boss, how should we handle Xiao Yu?"

"Bring him back to the country," Wang Chen said. "Release him after he signs the stock transfer agreement."

"Understood."

After Chen Long left, Wang Chen stood by the window, looking out at the night.

The business with Hades Hall was over for now.

But now Dain Company had been drawn in, along with that Lord Satan or whoever... trouble was coming one after another.

But for now, he had to return home first.

There was still a group of women waiting for him back home.

He'd been away for over a month; he really missed them!

And that private island... Thinking of the military base on the island, the frigate, and all that advanced equipment, Wang Chen couldn't help but smirk.

"Brothers," he whispered to himself, "next, I'll take you to see the world."

...10:00 AM, at an airport in Southeast Asia.

Tiger stood by the runway like a resentful wife, watching the silver-gray boeing 787 bbj slowly taxi until it stopped at the boarding ramp.

"Boss... take me with you..." he was still muttering under his breath.

Zodiac: Ox gave a simple smile beside him. "Tiger, stop nagging. The plane is only so big; it's normal for the Boss to take the women back with him."

"But I want to ride the Boss's private jet too!" Tiger said with a long face. "I want to experience it one more time!"

Chen Long walked over and slapped the back of his head. "Alright, stop howling. Rat has already arranged a chartered commercial flight; you guys are taking that back. It might not compare to the Boss's private jet, but it's still first class."

"Is that the same?" Tiger curled his lip. "The Boss's plane has a jacuzzi! A top-tier chef! And..."

"And five beautiful flight attendants," Rabbit said flatly as she walked past him, adding a final blow. "Don't even think about it; just sit your butt down on the commercial flight."

With that, she, Snake, Rooster, and the others followed Wang Chen and Bai Li up the boarding ramp.

Tiger looked at their retreating backs and sighed. "Sigh, I'm so envious, jealous, and hateful..."

Inside the cabin.

As soon as Bai Li boarded, she switched into "curious baby" mode.

"Wow! This is a private jet? It's way more luxurious than our military transport planes!"

She touched and looked at everything, from the leather sofas to the solid wood bar, and from the wine cabinet to the entertainment system.

Wang Chen followed behind her with a smile. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" Bai Li's eyes were practically beaming. "Can I fly on this often in the future?"

"Of course, what's mine is yours."

"Yay!"

Bai Li happily hugged Wang Chen and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

This scene happened to be witnessed by Rabbit and the others who had just come up.

Snake covered her mouth and giggled. "Miss Bai, mind your public image."

Rooster directly pulled out her phone. "Take a picture, take a picture! Let's show it to our other sisters when we get back."

"Don't you dare!" Bai Li made a move to grab the phone.

The women immediately burst into laughter and playfulness.