However, Lin Beichen just smiled noncommittally, "Is that so? But Zaka, as I said earlier, your sincerity seems insufficient." Since no more information about Long Chuzhi could be gleaned, Lin Beichen decided to steer the topic back to their cooperation.
Zaka sighed helplessly, "'William', sometimes people shouldn't be too greedy."
"'William', don't try to test my limits." Zaka's expression changed abruptly, and his gaze towards Lin Beichen became hostile.
He had already offered 'William' a very high price, but the other party still wanted to bargain, truly insatiable like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
A trace of murderous intent flashed in Zaka's eyes, but sitting across from him, Lin Beichen and Xia Luyao did not miss this moment.
Although both of them still maintained their composure on the surface, they were already on alert in their hearts.
"Zaka, let me make it clear, I'm not testing your limits. I just want to get the payment I deserve." Lin Beichen's tone was very calm, as if he hadn't noticed Zaka's murderous intent.
He gave Zaka three days to consider and made it clear that if Zaka didn't change his mind, their cooperation would be terminated.
After saying these things, Lin Beichen stood up, preparing to leave with Xia Luyao.
However, at this moment, Zaka suddenly called out to them, "Wait a minute! 'William', are you just going to leave like this?"
Zaka's expression was very sullen, obviously not intending to let 'William' leave so easily.
Lin Beichen turned his head and questioned, "Or what?"
Zaka straightforwardly said, "You can leave today, but your little secretary must stay."
His tone was full of indisputable meaning, clearly not intending to let 'William' leave easily.
Hearing Zaka's words, Lin Beichen and Xia Luyao exchanged a glance, understanding that Zaka wanted to keep Xia Luyao as a hostage.
"Zaka, what do you mean? Using my secretary to threaten me?" Lin Beichen's tone became unfriendly.
Zaka chuckled and said, "No, no, no, 'William', you've misunderstood. I just think your secretary is very beautiful and want to keep her here as a guest."
Zaka looked at 'William' with a grin, clearly not seeing anything wrong with his request.
Just now, his subordinate told him that this little secretary had a close relationship with 'William'. If she stayed, it would be a leverage to restrain 'William'.
Otherwise, once 'William' walked out this door today, their future cooperation would be even harder to negotiate.
Lin Beichen sneered at Zaka.
A guest? How ridiculous! The beauty of our little apprentice isn't for you to admire!
Xia Luyao reached out to tug at Lin Beichen's arm, signaling him not to act impulsively.
Now, the negotiation with Zaka was at an impasse.
If Lin Beichen insisted on both of them leaving together, the risk of angering Zaka was clear.
Therefore, Xia Luyao considered letting Lin Beichen withdraw first while she stayed to occupy Zaka's attention, planning to escape once Lin Beichen was safe.
"Mr. Zaka, I..." Xia Luyao was about to express her intention but was decisively interrupted by Lin Beichen.
"We came together, and we will leave together. I won't leave my secretary behind." Lin Beichen's gaze was firm as he made his position clear to Zaka.
"William, you're going too far!" Zaka slammed the armrest of his chair in anger, and the guards in skull masks behind him all pointed their guns at the two.
"Don't test my patience, or none of you will leave!" Zaka threatened.
However, Lin Beichen remained unfazed and fearless, "Whether we can leave is not up to you. Zaka, my previous warning was not empty talk. If one of us can't leave, you will never get that shipment."
Zaka was furious but also intimidated by Lin Beichen's resolute attitude.
He knew that the goods in William's hands were crucial to him, and he couldn't afford to gamble this time.
Seeing Zaka hesitate, Lin Beichen scoffed, "Zaka, you're a smart man and won't take risks. So my people and I will take our leave now."
With that, he took Xia Luyao's hand and walked out calmly.
As Zaka wasn't paying attention, Lin Beichen cleverly dropped a small black object.
Because the movement was natural and the object was small, Zaka's men did not notice.
"Chief, should we stop them?" a guard whispered.
Zaka took a deep breath and replied coldly, "No need."
He agreed with William's words, unwilling to engage in a losing gamble.
Meanwhile, Lin Beichen and Xia Luyao had safely left and joined the members of the Venomous Snake Special Team.
Once everyone returned to their residence, Flame eagerly inquired about Long Chuzhi's whereabouts.
Lin Beichen and Xia Luyao exchanged a glance and shook their heads, indicating, "Long Chuzhi was here, but she has left now."
"What? She's no longer here?" Wild Ox frowned, full of questions.
Xia Luyao explained, "According to Zaka, they briefly held Long Chuzhi on someone's order, but now those people have taken her away. Zaka also doesn't know the details."
Flying Eagle sighed, "So that means our trail has gone cold again. What should we do next?"
Lin Beichen shook his head, indicating, "Not necessarily. From Zaka's words, it's clear that they didn't detain Long Chuzhi for their benefit. Since they were willing to help, it means the client has an interest with the Zaka Organization."
"Would such a terrorist organization do a good deed?" Wild Ox asked incredulously.
Lin Beichen laughed, "Precisely because they wouldn't do a good deed for no reason, there must be an interest driving them. If we want to continue investigating Long Chuzhi, we need to start with the Zaka Organization."