After plotting with Hei Pi, Zhao Zhongtian decided to take action ahead of schedule. If the situation continued to develop unchecked, who knew what kind of relationship Zhao Feipeng might build with Ye Fan or the Five Great Families? It was the best time to strike while Zhao Feipeng was isolated and without support. Once he really gained external assistance, it would be much harder to make a move.

To strike swiftly and take control of the Zhao Family’s assets, Zhao Zhongtian had no choice but to be ruthless.

After receiving Zhao Zhongtian’s orders, Hei Pi immediately contacted Gogo and the other two who had failed in kidnapping Xixi.

Gogo and his two companions were in hiding, but now it was time for them to emerge.

These three were Hei Pi’s most capable underlings, which is why they were tasked with the important mission of kidnapping Xixi.

"Big Brother, what’s your order? Has the heat died down, and can we stop worrying?" Gogo asked eagerly as soon as he received Hei Pi’s call. They had been cooped up indoors, hiding for days, and were nearly going stir-crazy.

The short-haired man and the bald man crowded around Gogo, eager to hear what instructions Hei Pi had for them.

"The heat hasn’t completely died down, but it’s not as intense anymore," Hei Pi said calmly. "There’s an important mission, and I need you guys to take the lead. Once it’s done, I’ll arrange for your departure."

"Big Brother, just give the order. We promise to get it done and won’t hold you back," Gogo guaranteed, thumping his chest.

"Here’s the plan..." Hei Pi explained the operation to Gogo: a covert mission to abduct Zhao Feipeng, leaving no trace and completing the task cleanly and efficiently.

"Don’t worry, Big Brother. You can count on us—there won’t be any accidents," Gogo vowed earnestly.

They had already had one accident, which was an unprecedented incident. They thought it was impossible for a second accident to occur.

Having been defeated by Ye Fan, they had nothing to say—accepting their defeat willingly, without feeling dishonored.

"Remember, success is the only option. No failures, and no unexpected accidents," Hei Pi emphasized. "If something unexpected does happen, just insist that you acted alone, without exposing anyone else."

For absolute safety, Hei Pi had to consider the worst-case scenario.

The absolute taboo was for Gogo and the others to implicate him or Zhao Zhongtian, which was a red line.

"I understand the stakes, Big Brother," Gogo agreed solemnly.

Having made the arrangements, Hei Pi ended the call.

...

Gogo, the short-haired man, and the bald man exchanged serious looks.

"Big Brother has given orders. Do you understand his intentions?" Gogo asked the other two.

"We understand," the short-haired man affirmed. "If the mission fails, we take all the responsibility on ourselves, not implicating others. If it succeeds, we’ll reap huge rewards—it’s that simple."

"It’s not just ’if’ we succeed; we must succeed, not just for this important mission but for our future," Gogo said coldly. "Big Brother’s worries are the worst-case scenario—we can’t afford to think like that. We need to ensure nothing goes wrong and get the job done."

"Gogo makes sense. Given the current situation, failure is not an option; we only have the choice to succeed," the bald man said.

"There’s one more thing we need to agree on," Gogo said calmly. "As Big Brother instructed, if things really go wrong, our situation would be dire. If the police catch us, we must insist it was for money, that we kidnapped Zhao Feipeng for money, just like Xixi before. Not another word beyond that, understand?"

"Understood. If we disclose anything about Big Brother’s plans, we’d be betraying his trust and high expectations," the bald man asserted.

"What if, by then, Big Brother discards us?" the short-haired man hesitated.

"Even if we’re discarded, we can’t reveal anything. As long as nothing happens to Big Brother, we’ll have protection. Disclosing anything means certain death—you get that, right?" Gogo warned.

The bald man and the short-haired man, with particular concerns, etched this into their minds.

...

Since Zhao Zhongtian decided to take a gamble, the current analysis meant he had a significant chance of success. But to prevent even a minute chance of failure, he had to prepare for the aftermath thoroughly.

"I’ve booked the flight tickets for you. You should stay away, regardless of whether I succeed or fail—it has nothing to do with you," Zhao Zhongtian said.

Considering it wouldn’t be an honorable outcome, should he fail, it’d be disastrous. To preempt this extremely unlikely event, he had to ensure his son was entirely detached from the situation without any implication.

Even if something did occur, Zhao Gui couldn’t be implicated at all.

"Dad, I’m not leaving. With such a secure plan, why should I hide?" Zhao Gui insisted stubbornly.

"Even if there is a 200% chance of success, you can’t be involved—that’s a taboo," Zhao Zhongtian scolded. "This isn’t exactly an honorable undertaking. You must leave with a clean slate, without any suspicion, understand?"

"I don’t understand. How could I even be suspected? Even if it fails, my liability is minimal—more so since there’s no chance of failure," Zhao Gui argued.

"I advise you to heed my words. If you don’t follow my arrangements, I’ll have you taken away by force. If you resist, I’ll kick you out of the Zhao Family," Zhao Zhongtian warned, furious.

"Fine, I’ll leave. But once I’m out of this house, don’t expect me to come back easily," Zhao Gui said angrily, storming out in frustration, having been reprimanded by Zhao Zhongtian.

Zhao Zhongtian didn’t care about Zhao Gui’s words. Whatever the case, this couldn’t involve Zhao Gui—this was his bottom line.

"The young master is still young and doesn’t understand the severity of the situation. He’ll appreciate your concerns in the future," Hei Pi said.

"Yes, he’ll understand eventually. Even if Zhao Feipeng and I both die, the future of the Zhao Family rests on him," Zhao Zhongtian foresaw.

Then, he looked at Hei Pi seriously and asked, "How high are our chances of succeeding?"

"I can’t think of any possible way we might fail," Hei Pi replied earnestly.

"You’ve always been prudent. Hearing this from you, I’m finally at ease," Zhao Zhongtian said, completely reassured.