Chapter 70: Separation

No one knew what Qin Yu pondered alone in her room; all they saw was that when she emerged, her face still bore that faint, gentle smile, as if nothing had changed. Yet, everyone sensed that something had subtly shifted. As they regarded this new Qin Yu, their hearts were filled with their own speculations, and their gazes upon her grew increasingly strange. Regardless of how odd their looks became, Qin Yu’s smile remained undisturbed.

In the living room, Qin Yu looked at Zhao Meng, who sat across from her, and said, “Meng, show us the tasks you accepted last time in the assignment hall. For the foreseeable future, we’ll focus on completing these missions.”

Zhao Meng, watching Qin Yu, felt that something was off about her, though she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. Hearing Qin Yu’s words, she replied, “I’ve sorted them out. Take a look.” She produced a slip of paper covered in tasks. Even though Qin Yu already knew there were many assignments, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed when she saw the list.

Qin Yu examined the densely packed tasks and finally couldn’t help but ask, “Meng, did you look over these before accepting them?”

Zhao Meng scratched her head and said, “Given the situation at the time, I didn’t have a chance to read them. You have no idea—so many people were fighting to get these! I was just quick enough to grab so many. And didn’t you say that completing tasks might earn us the antidote? So I just took whatever was available.”

Qin Yu sighed helplessly. “Yes, that’s true, but you have to check what kind of tasks they are. Some are simply unnecessary. Besides, it’s not about the quantity of tasks but whether they’re the right kind.”

Zhao Meng glanced at Qin Yu, then at Xia Cheng, who also wore an expression of resignation. Zhao Meng lowered her head and said, “So what should we do? Maybe we shouldn’t bother with them?”

Qin Yu looked at the list, a glint of calculation appearing in her eyes. “Actually, there’s no need to worry. We’ll split up to tackle these assignments. Along the way, we’ll inevitably encounter other teams working on the same tasks. When that happens, we can lend a hand and let them remember our goodwill. When the time comes, everything will be easier. What do you think?”

“I think it’s workable. But how should we divide the tasks?” Xia Cheng asked.

Qin Yu inspected the assignments carefully and pointed to the bottom task. “This one will be handled by myself, Xia Cheng, and Meng. The rest will be split into three groups, each led by Wang Bing, Chen Mo, and Ji Shuo. We’ll reconvene in half a month at the villa I earned from my last mission!”

After saying this, Qin Yu looked around at everyone and added, “Remember—your safety comes first during these two weeks. It doesn’t matter if not all tasks are completed, but after half a month, everyone must meet at the villa. No one is to be missing! Can you do that?”

“We can!”
“Don’t worry, we’ll return safely!”
“Boss Qin, rest assured, we’ll get the job done!”

Everyone voiced their confidence. Qin Yu’s smile became more genuine. “Since that’s settled, Chen Mo, Wang Bing, and someone else stay behind. I have something to tell you. The rest, go pack your things.”

The others nodded and left the room, leaving only four inside. Qin Yu looked at them solemnly. “I’ve kept you three here today because you’re the ones I trust most. I have a feeling things won’t be peaceful on this mission, so you must protect yourselves well.”

Seeing the gravity on their faces, Qin Yu focused her thoughts, and an array of weapons suddenly appeared in the room—some she’d acquired from the casino, others from the old man in the city. Wang Bing and the others were startled by the arsenal, their respect for Qin Yu deepening.

Ignoring their reactions, Qin Yu said, “These are the weapons I’ve gathered. Divide them among yourselves, and remember: be careful in everything! Also, be wary of the Falcon Squad. If you encounter them, don’t trust them easily. Their core members are anything but simple.”

Ji Shuo nodded. “Boss Qin, you’re giving us all the weapons. What about you?”

Before Qin Yu could answer, Chen Mo spoke, “I imagine Boss Qin has her own plan.”

Qin Yu glanced at Chen Mo. “Don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing.”

She paused, then added, “After you’ve divided the weapons, come back here to get some food and water. If word gets out that my people starved or died of thirst, I’ll be utterly embarrassed.”

Seeing Qin Yu still able to joke, Wang Bing and the others felt their anxiety ease.

Ever since they left Qian Ying’s place, they’d been uneasy, as if something major was brewing. Qin Yu sending them on missions only heightened their apprehension. Yet hearing her joke now was like taking a calming pill; with Qin Yu at their side, any problem seemed surmountable.

“Boss Qin, let’s get the brothers to divide the weapons now,” Wang Bing suggested.

Qin Yu nodded, then rose and went into her bedroom.

The others were thrilled and astonished by the abundance of weaponry, feeling ever more convinced that they’d chosen the right leader. With Boss Qin, there would always be plenty.

Once the weapons were distributed, Qin Yu handed out some food, then ordered everyone to set off and complete their tasks. With their assignments divided, the three groups left the base. Yet, their departure was quickly reported to Tian Jian and others by someone with ulterior motives.

Meanwhile, Qin Yu sat in the living room, watching Xia Cheng on the sofa. “Do you think this operation will succeed?”

Xia Cheng raised his brows. “Boss Qin, surely you already know. Why ask me?”

Qin Yu lowered her head and laughed softly, murmuring, “Yes, why ask you?”

“Hey, Xia Cheng, come help me!” Zhao Meng’s voice called from the bedroom. Xia Cheng shrugged, stood up, and said, “Boss Qin, trust your own judgment. They’ll all return safe and sound.”

With that, Xia Cheng strode into the bedroom, leaving Qin Yu alone, deep in thought.