In the villa's grand hall, over thirty men and women of varying ages were walking and conversing...

Peggy was clearly out of her league here, so even though she was a social butterfly, most people, upon learning of her business, only engaged with her politely, which made her somewhat awkward in such settings.

Li Chengji's presence 'rescued' Peggy; the two were clearly not familiar with each other, but they quickly found common ground by joking about Mountain Eagle, almost as if regretting not meeting sooner.

Watching the pair, who brought the description 'plastic sisters' vividly to mind, Mountain Eagle shook his head amusedly.

He really couldn't be bothered with their topics of conversation between women, let alone the somewhat crude jokes.

But he definitely sensed that Peggy was Li Chengji's target, or rather, prey!

Many have seen the scene at a dinner party where a boss introduces a young brother to others...

It can be an act of support or a display of power!

Attending a high-level wine party is a wish for many—to be invited, then made to feel isolated, before someone steps forward to lend a hand.

Peggy was also formidable; clearly sensing Li Chengji's intentions, whenever she felt overpowered, she sought compensation from Mountain Eagle.

In the time it took to exchange a few words, Peggy naturally took Mountain Eagle's arm, chatting and laughing warmly with Li Chengji. As she moved, her ample bosom rubbed continuously against Mountain Eagle's arm.

Mountain Eagle watched Li Chengji, who kept darting insincere smiles his way, raised his eyebrows slightly, and turned his attention elsewhere...

Even without Golden Cicada, Mountain Eagle's hearing was exceptional...

A few men nearby were discussing the recent trends in drug prices, and casually talking about inflation in South America due to US Dollar issues...

A bald-headed middle-aged man on the living room sofa was discussing arms deals with those around him, apparently dissatisfied with the paying capacity of guerrilla groups in the Middle East.

A few women gathered around a small table, discussing things like gems, ivory, and rare furs, and gossiped about the recent troubles in smuggling routes, leading to increased costs for their European counterparts.

Several men with a clear elite demeanor were quietly discussing issues such as cryptocurrency transactions, currency arbitrage, related party transactions, and asset stripping...

Next to the piano, a greasy-looking middle-aged curly-haired bald man was sharing odd stories from New York...

Apparently, someone named Hyena went on a killing spree, making an organization called Glory Society face defeat.

This underworld wine party was an eye-opener for Mountain Eagle: aside from the gossip, everything discussed was essentially illegal.

Drug trade, money laundering, smuggling—whatever you could think of, you could find a suitable partner for it here.

That brazen curly-haired bald man beside the piano, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Li Chengji and Mountain Eagle while speaking, made him frown slightly...

"Do you agree?"

Feeling a light tug on his arm, Mountain Eagle turned his head to see Peggy with a smile. He nodded subconsciously, "You're right..."

Peggy paused for a moment, then chuckled, her seductive gaze upon Mountain Eagle, saying, "Ms. Li said you're very strong. Do you have time after the party?

I'd really like to see for myself just how strong a man that can cause headaches for the big shots can be!"

Li Chengji watched Mountain Eagle with a puzzled look, laughed, and said, "I just said, all men are visual animals who can't resist temptation.

Peggy thinks you're sure not to be so superficial, but it seems you've disappointed her."

Mountain Eagle sighed helplessly, skillfully withdrew his arm, took two glasses of champagne from a passing server, and politely offered them to the two ladies to replace their finished drinks...

Watching Peggy blink at him, Mountain Eagle spread his hands and said, "Sorry to disappoint you, especially since you're so lovely.

Admitting I'm a superficial jerk is tough, but facing a beauty like you, I think it's normal.

I would love to take you out, but I have other important things to do tonight..."

Peggy wasn't angry at the refusal. Just as she was about to reply, the curly-haired bald man, who had been pontificating at the piano, came over, draped an arm around her shoulder, and with a smile, said, "Hey, Peggy, if you need company, I can cancel my appointment later..."

This curly-haired bald man gave Mountain Eagle a peculiar look and said, "Mr. Yue is right; he's going to be pretty busy lately..."

Seeing the flash of disgust in Peggy's eyes, Mountain Eagle frowned and looked towards Li Chengji...

Li Chengji wore a formulaic smile and said, "Let me introduce you to this gentleman, Joseph Ravensworth, a producer and also a middleman..."

Upon hearing the name, Mountain Eagle stretched his lips into a smile, straightened his back, and extended his hand towards Joseph Ravensworth...

The moment he gripped Joseph Ravensworth's right hand, Mountain Eagle began to slowly tighten his grip...

Watching the pain surface on the face of the curly-haired Jewish bald man, Mountain Eagle laughed and said, "I didn't know I was worth 20 million US dollars before. I hear you're also one of the higher-ups of Bright Ladder..."

Turning to Li Chengji with curiosity, Mountain Eagle continued, "A producer doubling as a high-ranking member of an assassin organization?

Obviously, this fellow mustn't be too good at his producer job!

Oh, this guy runs his own assassin organization; he's in charge of bounties. Wouldn't he pocket some extra under overlapping business?"

Li Chengji nodded lightly with a chuckle, "To be precise, Mr. Ravensworth is the business manager for the California division of Bright Ladder.

"They include the Replacer Organization, which are competitors to the assassin business of the International Intermediary Company.

You might not be familiar with both the Bright Ladder and the Replacers; they are highly professional senior assassin organizations.

As for whether Mr. Ravensworth embezzles funds, I wouldn't know.

Theoretically, he shouldn't dare, since you can't just skip out on paying assassins. However, it's certain that he would give business to the Bright Ladder in advance.

Although that's unfair to other assassins on the market, that's life, isn't it? There's no such thing as absolute fairness."

Mountain Eagle knew both the Bright Ladder and the Replacers would hunt the VIPs of the International Intermediary Company, as those VIPs represented gaps in the company's business.

The people who usually buy such insurance tend to have dangerous enemies; just locate them and you can find definite demand and make money at the same time.

Li Chengji definitely had no good feelings towards Joseph Ravensworth; by pointing out his identity as a competitor, she was telling Mountain Eagle that he was free to...

Of course, Mountain Eagle couldn't take this guy out here. He looked at the arrogant bald guy's pain-distorted chubby face and said with a smile, "I've met an assassin in a suit. His taste in clothing, the car he drives, and the gun he carries are all quite nice.

Unfortunately, our meeting wasn't pleasant..."

As he spoke, Mountain Eagle released his grip and watched Joseph Ravensworth struggling to endure the pain without making a sound. He made a gun gesture with his hand, mimed it at Ravensworth, and said, "I'm still alive and well, which means someone's going to die.

Guess who that might be?"

Joseph Ravensworth glared at Mountain Eagle fiercely and said, "There's no 20 million bounty on my head, so I guess it's definitely not me!"

Mountain Eagle sized up this dimwitted villain straight out of a third-rate film, knowing the guy was definitely provoking him intentionally...

So he said contemptuously, "I live in the Santa Monica Beach Apartment. Is it so hard for you to find me?"

After saying that, Mountain Eagle watched Joseph Ravensworth's expression and suddenly said, "Oh, there're FBI and Los Angeles Police around there; you don't dare...

Looking at it this way, the Bright Ladder really isn't anything special!

Maybe I got it wrong that day, that suited assassin shouldn't be from the Bright Ladder; how could such an elite assassin, who drives a Mercedes and lives in a luxury house, possibly collaborate with a pigheaded idiot like you?

Even a fool like you getting a penny, that's disrespect to the elite!"

Mountain Eagle's words caused a burst of laughter among the crowd...

Not a single one present was an easy target. Joseph Ravensworth seemed to have no deterrence over them either.

Joseph Ravensworth looked very angry, but his eyes were coolly calculating. He glanced at Li Chengji and said, "Ms. Li, is he your guest?"

Li Chengji nodded demurely and said, "Mountain Eagle is my partner and also a Super VIP of the International Intermediary Company.

We all know what he's done, so whatever challenges he faces, I have confidence in him!"

Li Chengji's revelation of 'partner' and 'Super VIP' caused a stir among those present. Joseph Ravensworth's gaze flickered, then he looked provocatively at Mountain Eagle and said, "No wonder you're so calm!

Sadly, the VIP status from the International Intermediary Company isn't omnipotent; 20 million US Dollars will make many of the elites you talk about desperate!"

Mountain Eagle glanced at his watch and said with a smile, "Then I'll wait. Is 2 hours enough?

We'll depart from here in two hours. If you manage to live to see tomorrow's sun, consider it my loss.

20 million is indeed a lot, and many people want it, but I'm quite certain not many can take it!"

Joseph Ravensworth never imagined Mountain Eagle would defy all expectations, actually bringing this middleman onto the gambling table...

However, that guy had just notified the people from the Bright Ladder of Mountain Eagle's appearance.

His provocation towards Mountain Eagle was deliberate, aimed to intimidate and enrage Mountain Eagle, while figuring out a way to ruin Li Chengji's party.

In the face of Mountain Eagle's challenge, Joseph Ravensworth stood his ground and looked at Li Chengji, saying, "Is the International Intermediary Company declaring war in Los Angeles?"

Li Chengji looked around at the men and women present, shaking her head with a smile, "The International Intermediary Company is just an intermediary platform; of course, we cannot just start a war with others without reason.

However, as Mountain Eagle's partner, of course, I'm going to support him!"

When Joseph Ravensworth opened his mouth as if to speak, Mountain Eagle gestured with his hand and said, "We're all people of status here, let's not bicker...

I'll give you a chance. I don't care how many people you find. In 2 hours, I'll even let you start running 5 minutes ahead..."

As he spoke, Mountain Eagle watched as Joseph Ravensworth's face turned grim, then said with a smile, "You seem to love money a lot, so I'll give you a chance to make a big score...

I bet you 50 million US Dollars. We'll establish a joint account at the International Intermediary Company, winner takes all!

Of course, if you don't have enough cash, you can tell me. I can lower the bet to match you."

Joseph Ravensworth looked at Mountain Eagle and said solemnly, "Why should I gamble with a dead man?"

Mountain Eagle sighed, his expression mocking as he said, "That means you don't have enough cash. You can just say it; after all, not everyone can put down 50 million in cash straight away.

Now you tell me, how much wealth do you have? After all, you won't need it when you're dead..."

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