Chapter 203: Finalizing the Treasure-Hunting Plan
“There’s no real danger!”
“With Tom and me working together, very few people can actually harm us.”
“The only problem is that my physique is too recognizable. Once I snatch the item, I won’t be able to explain myself to the Blacklist higher-ups.”
Taotie pondered for a moment before speaking.
Hearing this, Fang Xiaocao was slightly taken aback.
She looked at Taotie with some surprise.
She had never expected him to be different from the brute she had imagined—big, muscular, all brawn and no brains, only knowing how to fight and kill.
Taotie was actually capable of strategic thinking.
But when she considered his status within the Blacklist, it made sense.
The Blacklist operated on the law of the jungle, where power and resources were fought over at all costs, including murder. Assassinations by enemies and betrayals by allies were everyday occurrences. In such an environment, brute strength alone wasn’t enough to survive.
Anyone without intelligence would have long been reduced to nothing but dust and bones.
Seeing Taotie finish speaking and looking at her expectantly for a decision, Fang Xiaocao thought for a moment before responding, “Hmm, your analysis makes sense.”
“But I have another idea.”
“Listen and see if it’s feasible!”
While Taotie was analyzing the situation, Fang Xiaocao had been thinking about and refining his plan in her mind. By now, she had developed her own strategy.
After a moment of contemplation, she organized her thoughts and said, “I think Taotie’s plan is solid, but it needs some modifications.”
“You and Tom should still work together, but one should operate openly while the other stays hidden.”
“Taotie will act in the open, using his terrifying combat strength to seize the treasure. If necessary, he can leverage Blacklist’s manpower and resources. Meanwhile, Tom will work in the shadows, eliminating any enemies trying to snatch the treasure.”
“As soon as Taotie secures the treasure, we proceed to the next phase.”
“Taotie will break through with the treasure while Tom follows covertly. Once Taotie successfully escapes, Tom will strike and take the treasure.”
“Remember, during the operation, your acting skills need to be top-notch. Pretend you don’t know each other, and fight like you mean it—don’t let anyone spot any flaws!”
After laying out her plan, Fang Xiaocao looked at them. “What do you two think? If you have any objections, bring them up, and we’ll work out the details together.”
Taotie and Tom exchanged glances before nodding.
Taotie spoke first, “Your Highness, the plan is excellent. As long as Tom and I don’t run into any unexpected trouble, it should be flawless.”
“Even if someone in the Blacklist higher-ups suspects something, they won’t have any proof to confront me directly.”
“At that point, I’ll just play the rogue like always and put on a show of ‘raising hell in heaven!’”
Saying this, Taotie grinned menacingly.
His smile was so fierce and terrifying that Fang Xiaocao suspected it had the power to make children cry.
“Your Highness, if Taotie has no objections, neither do I. I also think this plan is perfect. As long as Taotie can bluff his way through, there won’t be any loopholes.”
“During the operation, I can use a disguise. As long as no one sees my real face and none of us spill the secret, no one will ever know the treasure ended up in your hands.”
Tom, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke after some thought.
“Sounds good!”
“If we’re all in agreement, let’s get moving!”
Seeing that both of them had no issues with her plan, Fang Xiaocao clapped her hands and grinned.
“Oh, right! Be flexible during the operation—throw in some misdirection!”
“For example, while fighting Taotie, Tom could ‘accidentally’ reveal that he belongs to Capricorn or the Nemesis, shifting the blame and drawing attention elsewhere.”
Fang Xiaocao added another devious idea.
Taotie’s eyes lit up when he heard this and gave her a thumbs-up. “Your Highness, when it comes to being ruthless, you take the crown. I love it.”
Fang Xiaocao rolled her eyes and snapped, “If you can’t say anything nice, just stay quiet! Who are you calling ruthless?”
“This is called being resourceful, okay?”
“How did it turn into ruthlessness in your words?”
Taotie chuckled and scratched his head in mock innocence.
But…
Anyone who actually believed Taotie was a simpleton would be a fool—dead before they even knew what hit them.
“Is this feasible?”
Fang Xiaocao gave him a side-eye and asked.
“Feasible!”
“But forget blaming Capricorn. Pin it on the Nemesis instead—framing Capricorn might backfire.”
Taotie calculated the risks and made a decision.
“Alright!”
“Then that’s the plan!”
“When the time comes, you two can adjust according to the situation. I won’t interfere to avoid unnecessary complications.”
With that, Fang Xiaocao gestured for action.
“Alright, let’s move!”
Taotie nodded, then lifted a woven bag he had brought with him and placed it on the table. He unzipped it, revealing a bag full of weapons and gear. “No need to go back for weapons—we’ll use these first. After the job, I’ll steal more from the Blacklist’s armory.”
He picked up a lightweight vest and handed it to Tom. “Blacklist’s latest high-tech bulletproof vest. Don’t be fooled by how thin it looks—it has excellent energy absorption and bulletproofing. Even at close range, a handgun can’t penetrate it, and it doubles as a stab-resistant vest.”
“This is top-tier gear!”
Tom took the vest, felt the material, then threw a test punch at it before grinning.
He took off his coat and put the vest on.
After testing his range of movement, he nodded in satisfaction. “It’s really light and doesn’t restrict movement.”
“Here, take this gun.”
“This handgun packs a punch, holds twelve rounds, and comes with two extra magazines. With your marksmanship, that should be enough for the mission.”
Taotie pulled out an all-black handgun and two magazines, handing them to Tom.
Tom took the gun and immediately tucked it into the holster on the bulletproof vest.
“What melee weapon do you prefer?”
“Combat knife, dagger, baton?” Taotie asked.
“Combat knife.”
Tom replied.
“Alright, take these!”
Taotie grinned and tossed two gleaming combat knives at him.
Tom swiftly turned, dodging the blades’ edges, and caught them by the handles.
He gave them a few practice swings and found them to his liking.
Perfectly balanced.
(End of Chapter 203)
