Cui Jie finally realized—his father-in-law hadn't known the Brotherhood was involved. He quickly explained:
"Dad, Li Zhongzhi's case drew the attention of the Assassin Brotherhood. Four from the New York headquarters came. One of their missions is to find his missing daughter. As for the others, I don't know."
Chief Chai froze. His voice dropped, uncertain:
"Headquarters…? That complicates things."
If it were only local registered assassins, as Bangkok's police chief he could maneuver around them. But New York headquarters? That was different. Even Zheng Hanshou, with all his shadowy influence, couldn't openly challenge them. Especially now, with the mayor gravely ill, desperate for a new heart, and still seeking reelection.
Chai thought fast. Then he pulled out his phone and called the Bangkok Brotherhood branch leader.
"Mr. Yuan?"
On the other end came a hearty laugh.
"Haha, Chief Chai!"
"Mr. Yuan," Chai said carefully, "I hear your headquarters sent people here. If there's any way I can assist, it would be my honor."
Yuan chuckled. As branch chief, he knew the value of keeping ties with local officials. With the wax baths and their habit of cleaning out gangs, the Brotherhood never lacked allies in government. They never needed to hold press conferences—officials took the credit for gang purges. Wax baths plus "political achievement"—an unbeatable combination.
"For now, no assistance needed," Yuan replied. "But since headquarters is here, there'll be moves. If you play it right, your side will certainly share in the glory."
He knew perfectly well what headquarters had come for—he'd reported the intel himself. But until the dust settled, he'd reveal nothing.
Chai laughed.
"Then thank you, Mr. Yuan. By the way, my son-in-law happens to be on the missing girl case. He's already crossed paths with your people. He, and the whole force, will give their utmost to help."
"Good," Yuan said smoothly. "Any leads, keep me posted."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before hanging up.
Chai paced the living room, thinking furiously.
Cui Jie watched, half awed, half resigned. The Brotherhood was too strong—global, with branches everywhere, armed with wax baths. Illegal, yes, but doing the work of vigilantes, striking down the scum even the police couldn't touch. In a world full of superheroes, what was one more vigilante group? Even the King of Thailand had said nothing.
But Chai's mind was elsewhere. He knew the truth from Zheng Hanshou: the girl was already in Zheng's hands, her heart meant for the mayor's surgery. If he exposed it now, Yuan might think he was allied with Zheng's faction. That would be deadly.
Yet shielding Zheng was worse. The threat had angered him, and if the Brotherhood uncovered it themselves, he'd be ruined anyway.
The question was when to deliver Zheng Hanshou to the wolves. When the girl was rescued, when the mayor lost his chance, when the fallout created openings. Bangkok's mayor sat many rungs above him, but if the mayor fell, perhaps Chai could climb higher.
Decision made, he turned to his son-in-law.
"Cui Jie, stay on the Li case. Follow it with all your strength. But… in the station, don't show it. Quietly, but thoroughly."
Cui blinked.
"Dad, you mean the department—"
"I didn't say anything," Chai cut him off. "Remember my warning. Don't flaunt it openly. Do it in the shadows."
With that, he dismissed him. Chai needed to work his contacts—both to lay groundwork and to sniff out which faction had snatched the girl.
······
Meanwhile, at Assassin Brotherhood headquarters.
Smith Dole dialed Tony Stark.
"Tony, there's something I want to discuss."
Tony was in his lab, sketching out new armor designs. After seeing the overwhelming power of the recent tournament fighters, he wasn't about to sit idle. Anti-Thor armor, Anti-Tina armor, Anti-Xu Wenwu armor—all projects he meant to start.
"What is it?"
Smith laid it all out—Eddie Brock's idea, the Seven team, and the founding of the Red Ribbon Group.
(End of Chapter)
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