Chapter 43: Seeking Refuge, Value
HK, Liangyou Cafe
At a two-person table by the window sat two servings of milk tea and pineapple buns.
However, the guests at this table were clearly not in the mood to eat.
"The HK Police and Interpol are targeting us, we need to prepare a way out!"
The man in the black trench coat watched the black commercial vehicle that had been parked across the street for a long time out of the corner of his eye.
His voice was very low, so low that the woman across from him had to lean forward to hear what he was saying.
The woman wore a black luxury dress, a dazzling diamond necklace around her neck, and a black veiled hat that covered half of her face.
"Interpol is targeting us, where can we go?"
The woman's cold voice carried mockery.
"In three days, a batch of goods will leave port. We'll go with the shipment, and someone will naturally help us then!"
The man stared at the woman, gazing at her face beneath the veil almost obsessively.
"We'll go together!"
"What about Old Wu and the others? We're abandoning them?"
The woman touched her face beneath the veil, a hint of disgust flashing deep in her eyes.
It was unclear if she was disgusted with the man or with her own face.
Hearing Old Wu's name, the man slammed the table in anger.
"Care about him? I'm going to take him out, kill his whole family, that bastard! If he hadn't broken the rules, how would Interpol have traced us!"
The woman seemed accustomed to the man's anger. She picked up the milk tea in front of her and took a sip.
"Are you planning to abandon your art? Can your buyers be trusted?"
"Do you know how much goods the buyer wants this time?" The man held up two fingers:
"Two billion Superdollars!"
The woman was startled by the number. "That much?"
The man smiled smugly. "This time, when we deliver the goods, we'll visit that buyer as The Painter's assistants. He will definitely provide help!"
...
Three days later, HK, South China Sea area, International Waters. A two-hundred-foot yacht was anchored at sea. Under the night sky, the pitch-black sea surface, apart from the yacht's lights, was filled with the lapping sound of waves against the hull.
Under the dim lights, one could vaguely see a man and a woman standing at the bow. The man in the lead held military binoculars, gazing at the distant sea surface.
"Will they come?"
The man rubbed his bloodshot eyes, reached out and tugged at his wrinkled tie, as if telling the woman, and also comforting himself: "Xiuqing, don't worry, the buyer will definitely come! This is two billion Superdollars!"
The man was Li Wen, the world's most skilled "The Painter"! But now, this The Painter couldn't hide his dejection.
The woman reached out and adjusted his collar for him, saying, "The story you made up won't be able to hide from the Hong Kong Island Police for long. Perhaps the Hong Kong Island Police are already on their way now, Li Wen. Come with me, let's find a place to live anonymously and start over!"
*Slap*, the man slapped the woman's hand away, his face flushed red, veins bulging on his neck. He said hoarsely, "No, I'm unreconciled. My paintings are the most popular counterfeit paintings in the world..."
Li Wen looked at his hands with an obsessed gaze. "These hands can create the most perfect works of art in the world. I absolutely cannot let them go to waste."
Wu Xiuqing looked coldly at Li Wen:
"But you lost. Now the Hong Kong Island Police already know you are The Painter, and Interpol will also receive the news soon. Where do you think you can escape to? Wake up!"
Li Wen glanced at her, took out a handkerchief and wiped his glasses, his demeanor returned to calm.
"Xiuqing, you don't understand. The buyer has great influence in New York. As long as we escape to New York and change our identities, let alone the Hong Kong Island Police, even FBI Federal Agents can't do anything to us!"
"Regardless of how great his influence is, why would he help you? Don't forget, the two billion US Dollars have already fallen into the hands of the Police..."
Wu Xiuqing stared into Li Wen's eyes. "You should know, there's no Free Lunch in this world."
Before Wu Xiuqing finished speaking, the roaring sound of propellers came from afar.
Two beams of light from searchlights appeared on the sea surface, sweeping across.
"They're here!"
Li Wen didn't answer Wu Xiuqing. He silently put on his glasses, took out a black high-intensity flashlight from behind him, and flashed it towards the sky three times.
A Hercules Gunship Helicopter slowly flew down, hovering about ten meters above the yacht.
A rope descended from the helicopter cabin hatch, and Special Forces soldiers wearing bulletproof vests rappelled down the rope one by one.
"You're The Painter? Where are our goods?" Kane looked at the man and woman before him, and this small yacht that clearly couldn't hold two billion US Dollars, and frowned.
...
Just how extravagant is the life of the top Tycoons in the Federation?
Just looking at the Osborn Family's private Villa tells you.
The entire Villa has a total area of 38,000 square feet,
Divided into four floors, it has 12 rooms and five bars, as well as a cinema that seats 40 people,
Additionally, there are independent Helipads, private swimming pools, and Courtyards.
The Villa even has a small Golf Course and a horse farm.
The Manor Tang Song had just acquired not long ago pales in comparison to this Villa.
After all, the difference between the two is a Small Goal, in US Dollars.
And this Villa, valued at 290 million US Dollars, is merely one of the Osborn Family's many Properties.
The Osborn Family, even in New York, a city teeming with Tycoons, can be called a top Family/Clan.
Old Osborn started from scratch, founding Oscorp, which is worth hundreds of billions. It was once the world's highest-valued Biotech Company.
Even though it has declined somewhat now, the Osborn Family still ranks among the top on the Federation Family/Clan Rich List.
In front of the Osborn Villa entrance, the owner of the Villa, Norman Osborn, was currently wearing a custom-tailored Suit, dressed very formally, standing in front of the entrance.
He was clearly waiting to welcome the arriving Guests.
In the Federation, when Guests visit, welcoming them at the entrance is basic etiquette.
However, in New York, there are really not many people who can make Norman Osborn personally welcome them. Apart from big shots from the political and business circles, for ordinary Guests, having the Butler welcome them is sufficient in terms of status. A White Stretch Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the Villa entrance.
The Driver pulled open the car door, and Tang Song got out of the car, embracing Skye, and walked towards the welcoming Norman Osborn.
"Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Norman!"
Tang Song and Norman Osborn shook hands. Skye handed the Gift in her hands to Norman Osborn with both hands.
"Mr. Tang is too kind. There are few young talents like Mr. Tang in New York now. For you to visit me here, as your The East ancient saying goes, shouldn't this be called 'my humble dwelling is honored by your presence'!"
Norman Osborn showed completely different enthusiasm compared to last time at the Golf Course.
Since parting ways at the Golf Course, Norman Osborn had someone thoroughly investigate the background of this Asian.
The investigation was significant; Norman Osborn was also startled by the information found.
The currently rising star of the New York Underworld Gang Boss.
Actual controller of multiple import and export trading companies, a Political Contribution provider for the New York State Republican Party.
Given Norman Osborn's status, even if Tang Song's identities combined are nothing much, but this is an achievement made by a young man in two years.
This is somewhat terrifying.
Moreover, during this period, Norman Osborn held the Jade Pendant Tang Song gave him every day, and his mental state improved greatly. He didn't even need to take sleeping pills to fall asleep at night.
He had someone analyze this Jade Pendant and detected a type of Unknown Radiation, a type of Unknown Energy beneficial to the body.
This couldn't help but make Norman Osborn value Tang Song even more.
"Oh, right, I also invited an Old Friend! Let me introduce you!"
Norman Osborn turned sideways, revealing the figure behind him.
The person who arrived was wearing a gray Suit, with an empty sleeve. It was none other than Tang Song's acquaintance—Professor Connors.
"Professor Connors, long time no see! Didn't expect to see you here!"
Tang Song walked up enthusiastically and gave Professor Connors a hug.
Professor Connors nodded towards Tang Song, showing a polite smile.
He was specifically brought here by Norman Osborn.
Ever since he signed Tang Song's internship certificate, he hadn't seen this clever Chinese Tang since.
Although he had always suspected that the damage to the original laboratory camera data was related to Tang Song, because it didn't cause any disruption to the experiment, the matter was left unresolved.
Just yesterday, he only learned from Norman how terrifying the true identity of this Asian Intern was.
Seeing the enthusiasm Tang Song displayed for Connors, a glint flashed in Norman Osborn's eyes.
He had investigated Tang Song and naturally knew Tang Song had interned at his Company. His purpose in bringing Connors was to improve his relationship with Tang Song.
Evidently, the effect was quite good.
However, what Norman Osborn didn't know was that Tang Song's enthusiasm for Connors was because of the Technology in Connors' hands.
Norman Osborn, as the host, led the group into the Villa.
...
The golf ball traced a perfect arc in the air, rolling into the hole.
Tang Song put down the Golf Club, and from the side came Norman Osborn's applause.
"Beautiful eagle!" After applauding, Norman Osborn gave Tang Song a thumbs-up.
Tang Song smiled humbly. Just as he was about to speak, the Driver and Bodyguard waiting by the side walked towards him holding a Satellite Phone.
"Boss!"
Tang Song took the phone, apologetically pointed at the phone towards Norman Osborn, handed the Golf Club to the Driver, and walked to the side.
"Hello?"
"Boss, the goods were seized by the HK Police. That The Painter is on the ship and wants to exchange Technology for a new Identity!"
Tang Song held the phone, watching Skye ride past him laughing on a Pureblood Racehorse.
Tang Song gave her a high-five, turned and said into the phone:
"Give the phone to The Painter!"
On the yacht, Li Wen, pale-faced, took the phone from Kane's hand.
"Mr. Tang, this is Li Wen!"
"Mr. The Painter, we've been in Cooperation for two years now and have never met. I've always regretted that!"
Not far away, Norman Osborn was swinging his Golf Club. His Skill was pretty good. Tang Song smilingly gave a thumbs-up.
"However, what's more regrettable is that the two billion Superdollars are gone. I don't see your Value now!"
"Technology, I have the Technology to manufacture Superdollars! As long as you help me, you can have as much Superdollars as you want!" Li Wen was at his wit's end, clutching the Satellite Phone, not letting go of any lifeline.
No sound came from the phone, not even breathing could be heard. Li Wen's heart instantly leaped into his throat.
"What is needed?"
Li Wen was startled for a moment.
Tang Song's voice continued: "What is needed to manufacture Superdollars? I want to know the cost?"
"Acid-Free Paper, Color-Shifting Ink, and an Intaglio Printing Press," Li Wen's speaking speed was very fast.
"Acid-Free Paper is used for archive bags in * Country, it's easy to get.
I also have the formula for Color-Shifting Ink. I previously had an Intaglio Printing Press, but it's now in the hands of the HK Police!"
"Give the phone to Kane!"
Listening to Tang Song's flat tone from the phone, Li Wen wanted to say something more, but in the end, he reluctantly and obediently handed the phone to the white Big man beside him.
"Boss!" Kane took the phone and walked to the ship's side.
"Find out which Police Station the Intaglio Printing Press is in. Bring back the printing press and the person together!"
(end of chapter)