C19 Surgery Knife

Gu Xian took a seat next to Chen Zhuya.

The pair introduced themselves: "I'm Ding Ren, and he's Zeng Nian. We're both sales representatives from Phoenix Corporation. Miss Chen mentioned that Mr. Gu has a piece of technology for sale. Is that correct?"

"It is," Gu Xian confirmed with a nod.

"We understand this technology pertains to our flagship product, the Brilliant C-2 Laser Cutter?"

"That's correct."

Ding Ren visibly relaxed, and Zeng Nian, who had been quiet until now, looked increasingly intrigued.

"Would it be possible for Mr. Gu to show us the actual device?"

Chen Zhuya had everything prepped in advance. Shortly, a pioneer model was rolled out for a demonstration.

The intense white light of the flames captured their attention.

Zeng Nian requested a closer look inside the mecha.

He wanted to ensure the Brilliant C-2 hadn't been altered, a fair precaution.

Gu Xian consented, and when Zeng Nian emerged, his eyes shone even brighter.

"Excuse us, Mr. Gu, but we need a moment to confer privately, if you don't mind?"

"Go ahead."

They stepped aside, whispering amongst themselves, before quickly returning.

Ding Ren spoke up again, "Mr. Gu, Phoenix Corporation is extremely interested in your technology. However, given the significance of this transaction, we must convene a board meeting to deliberate on the offer. In the meantime, we ask that you refrain from selling this technology to anyone else. If that's agreeable, here's a preliminary agreement. Would you mind signing it?"

Gu Xian was indifferent; this was part of his plan, and Chen Zhuya had already agreed on his behalf.

The two men departed swiftly.

Chen Zhuya's brow furrowed. "Something doesn't feel right."

"Doesn't feel right?" Gu Xian looked at her, puzzled.

She nodded. "Exactly. Given the critical nature of your technology to Phoenix Corporation, why wouldn't they secure it on the spot? What's there to discuss?"

"Perhaps they're wary of a steep asking price and need to settle on a figure?"

Chen Zhuya pondered for a moment. "That might be it. I only informed them this morning, and they sent someone by the afternoon. It's been rushed; they probably haven't finalized their proposal yet."

She grudgingly accepted the explanation. "Okay, time's getting on. I need to head back. When can you come test the Aegis for me?"

"Where?" Gu Xian still needed the address.

"It's in the industrial park in the West District," Chen Zhuya reiterated, "Make sure you come over as soon as you can. It's urgent."

Gu Xian gave his word, leaving Chen Zhuya content as she departed.

Battles, research, modifications, learning... Gu Xian's life was a whirlwind of activity.

...

After departing from 33 Bay Road, Zeng Nian maneuvered his flying car through a series of turns to reach an abandoned construction site.

Such deserted sites were a common sight in Aelley.

The wave of the Star Travelling Era had swept over B-183 star, leaving it stripped of resources and value as a mining planet. The wave moved on, leaving behind a planet littered with neglected ruins.

The site seemed quiet, but it was surrounded by micro insect detectors that had clearly registered Zeng Nian's arrival. Someone was already waiting for him at the entrance.

"Why did you come here? What if you compromise our location?" The man who approached was on edge, his hair standing as stiff as a broomstick.

"I need to see the boss about something important. Do me a favor," Zeng Nian said, "Take care of this guy for me."

He opened the flying car's passenger door to reveal Ding Ren, seated with a fatal wound in his neck, blood still oozing from it, his eyes wide open in death.

Broomhead met Zeng Nian's gaze through the opening and smiled, "It's been years since I've seen action, but your methods are as ruthless as ever."

Zeng Nian cursed at him, and they moved aside to drag Ding Ren's body out, tossing it carelessly into a room in the factory.

"Is the boss fuming inside?"

"Things aren't going well. The defenses on B-183 have tightened up considerably. We managed to get our mechs here, but upon entering Aelley, we weren't allowed to bring in mechs or weapons. No wonder the boss is livid," Broomhead said, shaking his head.

"Yeh Ranyi hasn't even arrived yet, has she? What's the rush, boss?"

The broomhead kept shaking, "You've got it wrong. We've got intel that Yeh Ranyi might have already slipped into B-183 in secret. The larger force trailing her is just a smokescreen. We're clueless about her reasons for coming to B-183, but if we let her accomplish her goal and slip away, we'll miss an opportunity that won't come again. Opportunities like this are rare, so you can see why the boss is pressing the matter."

Ceng Nian fell silent.

"Step carefully when you enter. The brothers know you've been back on B-183, aiming for a quiet life. We wouldn't have reached out if there was any other option. You're in charge of the arms and gear. If that's not handled well, the boss holds a serious grudge."

Ceng Nian cracked a smile, "That's exactly why I'm here."

Broomhead's brows, bushy as her namesake, arched inquisitively, "Got a lead?"

"Pretty much sorted," Ceng Nian said, grinning as he stepped inside.

A few others were in the house, but they scattered in small groups at the sight of Ceng Nian, leaving only a muscular man behind.

The man, all sinew and muscle, lounged in his chair, squinting at Ceng Nian as he approached.

Ceng Nian bowed, his greeting a mix of respect and warmth, "Boss, it's been years. How have you been keeping?"

The muscular man straightened up, nearly eye to eye with Ceng Nian at 1.7 meters. His voice boomed, tinged with reproach, "You've got the nerve to show up?"

Ceng Nian knew the jab was about the weapons issue, but he wasn't intimidated. He responded with an easy smile, "Boss, no need to worry, the situation's been handled."

"Handled?" The brawny man's eyes gleamed. "Did you secure the superconducting electromagnetic cannon I asked for?"

"No," Ceng Nian admitted, his expression turning sour, "Boss, that's contraband. With tensions high on B-183, getting our hands on it would just be asking for trouble."

"Did you manage to acquire the high-frequency laser gun for the mecha?"

"No luck there. We can get our hands on standard laser guns, but a high-frequency model like the B-183? That's just not happening."

"Then what are you even talking about?" The strong man erupted in anger. "I'm here for a hit, not a chat! If we can't secure the mecha, fine, but without a weapon, how am I supposed to take someone out and make my escape?"

"Calm down, boss. Didn't I mention we could secure a regular laser gun?"

"What's the use of a regular laser gun to me? Yeh Ranyi is bound to have guards. Without the firepower, we might not even scratch her energy barrier."

"But under normal circumstances, yes. However, she's covertly made her way to B-183, right? That means her usual heavy-hitter guards can't be with her—they're too recognizable to step away from the public eye. So, even if she's got guards, they won't be top-tier."

"You've got a point. I've kept tabs on Yeh Ranyi's situation, and those formidable folks I'm wary of are indeed still around." The strong man mulled it over. "Still, it's no good without a high-frequency laser gun. The experts might not show, but what about the Security Department's forces? Police mecha might not be top-grade, but they're equipped with energy barriers that can easily handle a couple of laser hits."

"That was the case until today," Zeng Nian said with a smug grin.

"You've figured something out?" The strong man's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"I have."

"But you said a high-frequency laser gun was out of reach?"

"True, we can't find one, but there are other ways to achieve our goal." Zeng Nian's smile broadened. "As it happens, I've just stumbled upon a new strategy."

"Really? Let's hear it." The strong man leaned in, intrigued.

Before Zeng Nian had left their mercenary group, he was the brains of the operation, and the strong man trusted him to deliver a solid and viable plan.

Zeng Nian recounted the events at 33 Bay Road, and the strong man instantly grasped his meaning.

"Are you suggesting that the energy exchange structure could be adapted for use with a laser gun?"

"In theory, yes," Zeng Nian confirmed.

"So, what's your plan?"

"I'm thinking of buying it directly from him," Zeng Nian pondered for a moment. "Once this is all behind us, I can't see myself staying at Phoenix Corporation. But that's fine, I'll just move on to something else."

"Do you think he'll sell?" The burly man shifted his focus to Gu Xian.

Earlier, Zeng Nian had referred to Gu Xian as "that kid," "the clueless prodigy," and "the thick-headed intellectual."

The burly man was reminded of the stereotypical stubbornness of intellectuals, who are said to regard money as mere dirt.

"He would have sold it today if Ding Ren hadn't gotten in the way," Zeng Nian assured with a nod. "Actually, it was he who reached out to us. We just need to offer him the right price."

"We need to act quickly," the burly man said anxiously. "Opportunities like this are fleeting."

"I'll sign the contract with him tomorrow and present an offer he can't refuse."

"Can your company draft such a proposal that fast?"

"What company?" Zeng Nian chuckled. "I'm not planning on going back to Phoenix Corporation. What do I care about their procedures?"

He straightened his suit and tie, adding, "Regardless, I'm still an employee of Phoenix Corporation for now."

"Good," the burly man nodded emphatically. "And keep an eye out for Yeh Ranyi. Our insider says she's already in Aelley."

"What's she doing in Aelley?"

"Beats me. Something about fulfilling a vow when she turns 18," the burly man said, scratching his head. "These young girls, always thinking the oddest things." A sinister smile crept across his face. "No matter. I'm looking forward to giving her the gift of everlasting youth on her eighteenth birthday."

"Enough talk. I'm off. Wait for my good news," Zeng Nian said as he and the burly man went their separate ways, heading back to the flying car.

The flying car had been cleaned by someone with a broom head, the bloodstains meticulously removed, yet a faint scent of blood still lingered.

The stench of blood sent shivers down Zeng Nian's spine.

Seated in the speeding car, he struck a cigarette to life.

The ember glowed red, pulsing in the dark—a beacon awakening the dormant bloodlust and brutality within him, stirred by the mingling odors of tobacco and blood.

Flicking the cigarette from the car, it soared into the sky, tracing a luminous trail.

Like a surgeon's precise scalpel, it cleaved the night asunder.

He recalled the moniker he bore in the mercenary corps—Scalpel.