"To get the intelligent assistant software, we must breach four barriers," Noda said darkly, tossing the documents on the table. "First is physical security—guards patrol every thirty minutes. Second is surveillance—almost no blind spots in the building; they've got cameras on everything.
"Third, the server room is protected by a password door with facial recognition, fingerprint scan, and a numeric code. Only senior engineers have access. Lastly, even if you reach the server, the source code itself is locked behind an authorization system. Without credentials, it's useless."
He gritted his teeth.
"This isn't just complicated. It's a fortress. We can't sneak in without being noticed. The control and monitoring rooms are deep inside, guarded. With just the two of us, it's impossible."
"So much for your plan being ghost-like," Mieko said, voice dry.
"We need help," Noda snapped, eyes narrowed. "More manpower."
"And where exactly do we find reliable helpers?"
"We already have one," he replied, pulling out a secure satellite phone. "Our contact in Binhai. Time to bring in the local asset."
Island Nation Embassy, Binhai
Iwata Jinnan leaned back in his chair, watching a stream of Chinese news on the screen. As a diplomat—and covert operative—he knew that understanding your host country was essential for survival.
Suddenly, a phone buzzed quietly in the drawer.
His expression changed as he recognized the encrypted line. Opening a safe, he pulled out a small codebook and decrypted the message.
"Request for operational support—Binhai."
He frowned, considering the risks. Then, with deliberate motion, he typed out a response and sent it.
"We'll get an answer in two days," Noda said after checking his phone and deleting the encrypted message. "This is getting messier than expected. If we just kidnapped the guy, we'd be done already."
"Kidnap, kidnap, kidnap—do you ever stop to think about the consequences?" Mieko snapped. "You try to snatch the CEO of a major Chinese tech company, you won't even make it out of the city."
"We're not here to play tourist," Noda growled. "HQ gave us one directive: retrieve the smart assistant—by any means."
"Try using your brain for once. If we screw this up, it's our necks on the line."
She turned and stormed back to her room. Noda watched her go, licking his lips, expression unreadable.
The city of Binhai remained quiet on the surface, but beneath the calm, dark currents churned.
Night – Somewhere in the city
Under the pulsing lights and deafening bass of a nightclub, crowds of people danced in euphoric abandon. The air reeked of alcohol and perfume, while exotic dancers twirled on stage, blurring the line between performance and seduction.
In the chaos, two unremarkable figures entered and slipped into a private box.
Inside sat a man surrounded by women. As the newcomers entered, he smiled and dismissed the women, tucking cash into each of their tops.
"You're finally here."
The three men left through the back and walked through a maze of alleys before entering a shabby rental apartment.
"The mice are in the trap," whispered a voice from a rooftop across the street. Hidden in the shadows, plainclothes agents watched through binoculars.
"Everyone, be alert," said Li Ji into his headset. "Reliable intel says tonight they'll make their move."
"Captain," came Tong Yu's voice from a surveillance van, "should we move in now?"
"Hold the exits. We strike once they're out."
Since receiving intel on the suspected spy—an anonymous tip traced back to a well-informed source—Li Ji had been appointed team lead. Tonight, they were about to spring the trap.
They had been observing increased movement from the island nation operatives. A new shipment of gear. Activity near the Marching Ant headquarters. It all pointed to one thing: they were preparing to strike.
Inside the rental room, the man who had greeted them earlier sat on a worn sofa, calm and self-assured.
"Call me White Mouse. Let's talk business."
"Tch. Why does everyone here speak Chinese?" Noda muttered in annoyance. "Fine. We need to get inside the Marching Ant building—specifically the server room. Your job is to follow our plan and assist from the perimeter."
"And what exactly are you planning to steal?" White Mouse asked casually.
"That's not your concern," Noda snapped. "Just do what we say."
"If I'm part of the job, I get to know what the job is. Otherwise, I walk."
The tension crackled. Mieko sat down silently, observing the exchange.
"It's the smart assistant software," Noda finally admitted, jaw clenched.
White Mouse nodded slightly.
"Now, let's hear your plan."
They outlined their approach. As they spoke, White Mouse listened, expression unreadable. When they finished, he leaned back and shook his head.
"It won't work. Getting into Marching Ant is like trying to crack a military bunker. If it were easy, someone else would've done it already."
"If we don't try, we'll never know," Noda growled.
"Right. And when you fail, you'll drag me down with you?" White Mouse sneered. "Fortunately for you, I came prepared."
He opened a hidden compartment in the floor and pulled out two backpacks, placing them on the table.
"Let's try it my way."
Back outside, Li Ji frowned from his surveillance post.
"They've been inside too long… something's up."
Just then, the apartment door opened. The three operatives stepped out, each carrying a black backpack.
"All units—stand by," Li Ji said, voice tense. "Prepare to move."
A coordinated trap was ready.
Tonight, the mice would take the bait.