Chapter 323: The Three-Day Deadline

Qian Laoliu heard this and said, "Boss, rest assured. We will give our all to complete this mission. We won't need five days—just three, and Thompson's head will be on your desk."

Chen Qingdi was overjoyed to hear this. He knew his two capable subordinates would definitely succeed. He stressed again, "There can be absolutely no mistakes. Otherwise, our Mercenary Corps might as well close up shop for good."

Li Feng and Qian Laoliu nodded gravely. They understood the importance of this mission. They promised to give it their all and bring honor to the Mercenary Corps.

"Liu, Li Feng, what are your thoughts on this mission?" Chen Qingdi turned his gaze to his two capable subordinates.

Qian Laoliu smiled faintly. "Boss, we just need to execute the mission in the simplest way possible. No matter how cautious Thompson is, he'll never imagine we'd apply to be staff to get inside his villa."

Li Feng nodded in agreement. "Exactly. This way, we can observe his habits up close and avoid any unnecessary risks."

"Good, let's do that then." A flash of appreciation appeared in Chen Qingdi's eyes. "Remember, your safety comes first. Money is replaceable."

In the following days, Qian Laoliu and Li Feng successfully applied and became staff at Thompson's villa. They worked diligently during the day and gave detailed reports to Chen Qingdi at night.

"Boss, Thompson's security team doesn't suspect us at all," Qian Laoliu reported. "Also, I've discovered a habit of his. Every morning, he drinks a cup of coffee in his study."

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Qingdi's eyes. "A perfect opportunity! Continue monitoring him and wait for the right moment."

Finally, on the third day, Qian Laoliu found his chance. Just as Thompson was about to take the coffee, Qian Laoliu suddenly pulled out a short knife and hurled it viciously at him.

"Drink your coffee," Qian Laoliu said flatly.

Before Thompson could react, the knife struck him squarely in the head. Qian Laoliu swiftly moved in, cut off Thompson's head, and took it with him.

Seeing Thompson's head, Chen Qingdi nodded in satisfaction. "It seems the simplest method is indeed the most effective. It's time to find Thomas and collect our thirty million US Dollars."

His words were filled with confidence and dominance. This was his style, the foundation of his authority as the leader of the Mercenary Corps.

"The boss is brilliant," Qian Laoliu and Li Feng said in unison. They knew the mission's success was inseparable from Chen Qingdi's wisdom and decision-making.

"Alright, get everything ready. We're going to find Thomas tomorrow," Chen Qingdi commanded, as if he could already see the thirty million US Dollars beckoning to him.

In a private room at a teahouse, Chen Qingdi and Thomas sat facing each other.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, filtering through the antique window lattice and adding a touch of serenity and tranquility to the room.

Chen Qingdi wore a custom-made black suit, a silver watch on his wrist that seemed ordinary but exuded understated luxury.

He smiled, took an exquisite small case out of his briefcase, placed it gently on the table, and pushed it toward Thomas.

"Mr. Thomas, you should know what this is." Chen Qingdi's smile was a little grim. "Inside is Thompson's head. As for whether it's the real deal, you can take it back and see for yourself."

Thomas was sharply dressed in a suit, his hair impeccably combed. His expression changed slightly upon hearing Chen Qingdi's words, but he quickly regained his composure.

"President Chen, what is the meaning of this?" Thomas asked with a frown. "I don't understand what you mean."

"It doesn't mean anything," Chen Qingdi chuckled softly.

"I just wanted to remind you that we are a mercenary organization that values its reputation. Regarding the final payment you owe us, I hope you settle it as soon as possible. If we don't receive the money within three days, it will mean you're the one not honoring your word."

Hearing this, Thomas's expression flickered. He took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.

"President Chen, you're joking," Thomas said, forcing a smile. "I'm not the kind of person who goes back on my word."

Chen Qingdi simply gave a noncommittal smile in response.

Then, Thomas took a fountain pen from his breast pocket, picked up a checkbook from the table, and with a few quick strokes, signed a check for thirty million before handing it to Chen Qingdi.

"This is the final payment between us," he said flatly. "We'll have more opportunities to cooperate in the future. I am a very reliable person."

Chen Qingdi looked at the check in front of him and breathed an inward sigh of relief.

He took the check, glanced down at it, and nodded after confirming everything was in order.

"A pleasure doing business with you, President Chen." Thomas stood up and extended his hand to shake Chen Qingdi's.

"A pleasure doing business with you," Chen Qingdi replied with a smile.

The two men exchanged a look and a smile, shook hands, and then went their separate ways, leaving the exquisite little case lying quietly in the private room, as if telling the story of what had just transpired.

Outside, the sun remained bright and dazzling, adding a touch of mystery to the urban scene.

Accompanied by blue skies, white clouds, golden sands, and azure waves, Chen Qingdi concluded his mission on the Outer Island and returned to his Mingyue Group aboard a private jet.

As he stepped off the plane, he was greeted by the embrace of a gentle breeze and warm sunlight, which made him feel a sense of ease.

However, he knew that the real challenge was just beginning.

The Mingyue Group was a titan in the business world, a rising star that had experienced rapid growth in recent years to become an industry leader.

However, Chen Qingdi understood that no successful enterprise could afford to rest on its laurels; he needed to prepare for the Mingyue Group's future.

Returning to his office, Chen Qingdi immediately summoned his trusted confidant, Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan was the current General Manager of the Mingyue Group, having followed Chen Qingdi for years and serving the company with utmost dedication.

Chen Qingdi looked at Chen Yuan, took a deep breath, and said, "Chen Yuan, I know you've been working very hard. But now, we need to pick up the pace. I have an idea: we need to establish a chamber of commerce."

Chen Yuan was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and said, "Yes, Boss. That is an excellent idea."

Chen Qingdi smiled, knowing Chen Yuan understood his intentions. He continued.

"We need to bring small and medium-sized companies into our chamber of commerce. They'll become our members and pay membership fees. This way, the Mingyue Group can continue to expand and grow, and they, in turn, will be under our protection."

A glimmer of understanding flashed in Chen Yuan's eyes. He knew the importance of this strategy.

This would not only allow the Mingyue Group to further expand its influence but also establish a business ecosystem where other companies could thrive.