Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 787: Chapter 31: The Net

Pastel is a common delicious snack on the streets of Rio, somewhat like a smoked meat pie back home. Flour is spread into a square, wrapped with cheese, and beef or chicken is added, then fried in the oil until golden.

The vendor has already fried several Pastel and left them out, but no one is interested. Naturally, it’s because of the theater hostage situation that has completely paralyzed the most prosperous traffic route in Rio at the moment.

Of course, the vendor brother doesn’t really care about the sales right now, he’s also focused on the latest intelligence on the theater incident on Twitter, and the congratulations from various suspicious characters flooding the screen… uh, what should be but insider tips.

In any case, this evening, Rio was bustling, and as spectators, people were enthusiastically participating in this unprecedented discussion.

“I want two Pastel.”

“Oh… wait a moment.” Although somewhat reluctantly, as he was reading the most exciting part of the gossip, the vendor brother still responded to the young customer who came to his stand.

Eastern people?

The vendor brother glanced in surprise, behind the young man there was also a woman, wrapped in a suit jacket, probably because her dress was torn or something?

But having the mood to buy food here? Shouldn’t they be in front to watch, becoming part of the great spectators?

While packing the food, the vendor brother was absent-minded, his eyes never leaving the phone.

“There are probably many people over there who are hungry. Perhaps you could take some fresh Pastel and sell them among the crowd, I think business might be good.” The young man took the two Pastel from the vendor brother and smiled.

The vendor brother froze for a moment, then smacked his head: Damn! Why didn’t I think of this as the best business opportunity! So many spectators, surely many haven’t had dinner!

“Thanks for the sugge… Where did he go?” The vendor brother can’t see the young man who bought food, and even the waiting woman has disappeared.

But he didn’t think much and with hands almost too fast to be seen, he crazily made fresh Pastel, packed them in a basket, and rushed into the crowd, shouting: “Freshly fried Pastel, buy three… buy four get one free!”

The maid who was biting into a Pastel watched as the vendor brother shouted vigorously and started getting some business, smiled slightly: “The ingredients aren’t very fresh, but the sauce is special, so the taste isn’t bad.”

“For street food, it’s indeed quite good.” Boss Luo smiled.

At this time, You Ye used a handkerchief to wipe the oil stain from the boss’s mouth, so her master could be a clean and quiet eater and spectator.

“Speaking of which, I forgot to return this handgun.” Boss Luo took out a handgun, something Song Haoran had given him before.

He shook his head: “Forget it, I’ll return it the next time we meet.”

Suddenly You Ye asked: “Master, is it okay for Mr. Song to host that thing on him?”

Luo Qiu calmly said: “It’s just the recently awakened remnant soul, regardless of its past glory or power, now it’s all gone in the long run of history. Whether it succeeds in becoming Song Haoran, or Song Haoran succeeds in becoming it, that’s a matter of destiny between him and it. But hidden in the depths of the jungle, an ancient ruin… Seems like this trip to South America might have other gains.”

The maid didn’t ask further, as the master was only concerned with the story behind his father’s identity, not the so-called bloodline relatives.

“Speaking of which, only one business has been done here in a few days, which truly isn’t good.” Luo Qiu pondered for a moment, “More or less I can hear lots of desires, so I’ll take some orders outside my interests.”

The maid nodded upon hearing this, put down the Pastel she had only taken a few bites of, and stood up.

Yet Luo Qiu pulled her to sit down again, gently saying: “No rush, finish eating first.”

Saying that, he also wiped away the oil stain from You Ye’s lip edge with his sleeve and gently said: “I solidified your taste so you can remember all delicious foods.”

“Mm.” The maid replied softly.

The boss lifted a hand and swiped it, a light screen appeared on his left, showing Caroline stuck in a taxi on the street.

Just one glance and Boss Luo looked away, then glanced toward the theater.

This glance stripped away the theater’s outer walls, leaving only the internal floor structure in view, this iconic building now had no secrets.

…

…

Lluvia initially thought that after sending away Dr. Ferenc and the three others, Song Haoran would plan to hide and wait for the real rescue outside; or mix into the hostages again, creating more opportunities to leave. But Song Haoran instead told Bucky to contact the bandits capturing Mr. Billy, seemingly intending to truly ‘join’ these bandits.

“Legend has it, Mr. Billy is someone who truly understands gratitude.” Song Haoran smiled: “I wonder how he will repay us after we save him?”

Lluvia couldn’t help but retort: “Strategist, no matter how grateful he is, he’s still a politician, right?”

Song Haoran replied: “That’s even better. The ones who hire us the most are often politicians. Dad has accumulated many clients over the years, I must accumulate my own clients as well.”

Oni didn’t oppose Song Haoran’s plan… In fact, he was supposed to make an appearance tonight, but it was stopped, he was already a bit impatient, “If I go back and my wives find out I was actually taken hostage, they’d surely tease me! I don’t want this to be a stain in my life.”

Lluvia remained cautious, filled with concern, embracing a thorough rejection of Song Haoran’s adventurous nature.

Song Haoran suddenly lifted Lluvia’s chin and intimately said: “Moreover, don’t forget tonight’s action… Although dad said to temporarily stop, my Song Haoran’s dictionary doesn’t include the word stop.”

“Mm…” Ultimately, she couldn’t beat that man’s wild gaze beneath the noble shell.

You… will surely become the king of ‘Iris.’

…

Following Song Haoran’s instructions, Oni and Lluvia directly ambushed, awaiting the emergence of those pursuing Billy, ready to launch a surprise attack. As for Bucky, Song Haoran personally watched him and also directed his operations.

“Hey, kid, you’re not actually with the government, right?” Bucky’s eyes flickered, thinking something.

“You’re not some policeman’s mole either,” Song Haoran replied casually.

“Let’s make a deal, you let me go, and I can give you unimaginable wealth. Bro, we’re all in it for the money, there’s no need to lose our lives.” Bucky quickly suggested.

Song Haoran curiously asked: “You seem to be very confident in Roger’s victory in this round? Outside, you’re surrounded by armed forces, they completely barricaded here, do you truly believe he can escape casually? Or do you think he truly believes holding these hostages gives him the capital to negotiate with the country?”

Bucky shook his head: “According to you, indeed, neither side is just wasting time. Including the release of Moria and others, it’s all about seizing time. But… Roger is someone we old folks watched grow up, he’s not ten crazy through-and-through, but he’s not at all stupid, he never does anything without assurance. Hence, I suspect, he still holds some crucial card somewhere. A true card letting him face the country with a black spade A!”

“You’re not just the rumored dumbass.” Song Haoran nodded and suddenly said: “Do you know Roger planted a large amount of explosives here, which can flatten this place in seconds?”

Bucky’s face changed drastically, looking shocked at Song Haoran… If true… Damn!!

Why didn’t I climb the drain pipe and leave with that old man and the young couple earlier??!

This place is too dangerous! I want to go back to jail!!

“Are you sure I’m joking?” Song Haoran looked at Bucky playfully.

Bucky’s face was pale, and he forced a smile, “Roger is capable of anything. During the great manhunt back then, this madman even lured all the enemies to his father’s side, using his own father as a human shield just to escape himself. So there’s nothing he can’t do.”

“I won’t let you leave. If you dare to try, I’ll deal with you right away.” Song Haoran’s eyes showed a murderous intent.

Bucky looked despondent, feeling that luck had abandoned him, so he said with a solemn face, “What exactly do you want me to do?”

“Something that suits your current identity, of course.” Song Haoran smiled, “I’m with the ‘government,’ and you’re the ‘mole’ in the police force. Naturally, we need to work together, don’t we? If you don’t want to end up blown to bits here, you better make yourself as valuable as possible.”

Bucky sighed, once again filled with helplessness and hatred, staring at Song Haoran, “I get it now. You and Roger are essentially the same type of people, both with boundless ambition!”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Song Haoran handed a dagger to Bucky, “I’m always friendly to collaborators.”

Bucky frowned but eventually accepted the dagger.

He honestly didn’t want to participate in any of Roger’s schemes; he truly felt that prison suited him better… Even though he didn’t know what Roger was plotting behind the scenes, just the current hostage situation alone was crime enough…

He was sure that those officials he had painstakingly established relations with over the years would certainly not protect him afterward.

Sorry, Young Roger, I really just want to quietly rot away in prison…

Seeing Bucky’s gaze, Song Haoran knew this guy had been successfully turned.

…

…

“Haven’t caught the big fish yet? Your people are really slow.” Crocodile frowned.

Roger was indifferent, “Just some rats in hiding. They can’t run far. Anyway, we have some time; consider this an entertaining interlude.”

Crocodile sneered, suddenly looking with hostility at the Senate Speaker guarded in the corner, revealing a vicious grin, “Speaking of which, I’ve got a personal grudge with this old guy. Roger, let me have a ‘chat’ with him.”

“Oh?” Roger seemed a bit curious.

Crocodile sneered at the elderly Senate Speaker, “I bet this old guy has forgotten the troubles the bill he pushed through five years ago caused me?”

“You… are you referring to the foreign trade bill from five years ago?” The elderly Senate Speaker looked uncertain.

“You might not know, but my business is foreign trade! Thanks to you, my business suffered greatly.” Crocodile sneered, walked up to the old man, grabbed his hair, and dragged him towards the door, “Give me twenty minutes, I promise he’ll come back alive.”

Roger waved his hand, letting someone follow, and said calmly, “Keep a close watch, this old man can’t take a beating, don’t let Crocodile accidentally kill him.”

“Got it, boss!” An underling nodded and followed.

On the side, Moria shook his head, “This guy’s killed quite a few people in prison, how is it after all this time he’s still so rough? Mingo, why aren’t you saying anything? You’ve been silent since earlier, are you plotting something wicked?”

“I’m suddenly curious about something.” Mingo looked at Roger, “How did you find such terrifying characters? It’s not that I don’t believe these big shots exist, I’m just curious… Why would you be the one to acquire them?”

Roger said calmly, “I’ll tell you later… Of course, I know your nature, you won’t give up until you figure it out. But… Mingo, I must remind you, this world is vast, sometimes, certain things will far exceed your understanding. When you truly come into contact with some things, you’ll realize how small the world used to be.”

Doflamingo frowned, “I don’t like such rhetoric, but…”

But what, Doflamingo couldn’t say, because the walkie-talkie Roger placed on the table suddenly blared with a scream.

Everyone could tell the scream belonged to Bucky.

“Young Roger… reinforcements! Reinforcements… save me…”

“What happened?” Roger grabbed the walkie-talkie and inquired, waiting for about ten seconds, and then there was no more sound from the other side.

He then called out to other personnel sent to capture Mr. Billy, but also received no response, and Roger’s expression turned as grim as a dead volcano.

“Seems like this big fish bit through the net.” Moria chuckled lightly, “Mr. Billy, huh? While Crocodile and the Senate Speaker have some past issues to settle, I have some business to conduct with this guy too.”

“Wait.” Roger frowned, “Something’s off, if you count Bucky and Batu, we have a total of five people. According to reports, Mr. Billy only has two bodyguards with just pistols.”

“What are you trying to say?” Doflamingo looked at Roger with interest, suddenly smirking sinisterly, “Are you saying Bucky’s bluffing? That coward?”

“Being cautious might extend your life.” Roger said calmly, then waved his hand, ordering, “Besides those controlling the scene in the concert hall and those at the first line of defense, everyone else follow me. Moria and Mingo, you come too! And tell Crocodile, if the president’s people haven’t appeared in fifteen minutes, throw the Senate Speaker’s corpse out of the window!”

The group sprang into action.

…

In the concert hall, besides the Conductor who died at the very beginning in front of everyone, there were a few other corpses—these people were directly killed for sport by Roger.

The bodies were casually piled in a corner.

Before them, eight large men with submachine guns stood at different positions.

How many guests were in the concert hall? Naturally, several times more than these eight bandits… But the problem was, who dared to confront those ruthless muzzles?

They had lived in comfort for far too long, cherishing their lives, unwilling to risk their precious future…

“Mama, I want to go home…”

Among the crowd, there were sobbing sounds of children, which were quickly covered by someone’s hand, fearful of provoking the group of thugs.

“God, save us…”

“Lord…”

“Anyone…”

“What’s wrong with the police… Honey, I’m scared…”

Panic and despair seemed to find the perfect breeding ground, growing at a terrifying speed, shrouding everyone’s heads.

Then it was as if they heard some whispering voice…

Is there anything you need?