Chapter 7: College Celebration Banquet

Losing two assassins meant nothing to K2, but their capture would inevitably disrupt K2’s plans.

If Zhang Haiyan, my own planted asset, was exposed, I’d surely be dead given what I’ve done.

He no longer had time to deal with Zhang Chu’an, this student—after all, this was merely revenge for being tricked.

Once he survives this dangerous period, a mere student—he can kill him whenever he wants.

Gou Tou Lao Gao quickly launched an investigation into Zhang Haiyan: she enlisted at fourteen or fifteen, fought in the Vietnam War, and passed the Gaokao when the nation restored university admissions, entering Tsinghua University.

After graduation, she studied abroad; frankly, when Guo Jing and the others reviewed her resume, they wondered if she had some serious mental issue.

With a resume like that, even without K2’s funding, she could have achieved great things—why become a terrorist?

Moreover, her performance in the drama revealed her network was far from insignificant.

Of course, Zhang Haiyan’s group had not only her connections but also talent—backed by massive funding from K2.

These large sums of untraceable funds could be investigated, but Zhang Haiyan’s network was too extensive—he couldn’t openly investigate or arrest her, so he could only gather evidence covertly.

Time passed unnoticed, and before long, the day of the Gaokao results arrived.

The four of them confidently checked their scores—all performed well.

Zhang Xiaofan: 693 points

Guo Jing: 685 points

Nie Huaishang: 679 points

Zhang Chu’an: 666 points

The four students’ Gaokao results thrilled their families, who each threw lavish college celebration banquets, inviting all relatives and friends to celebrate this honor.

The happiest were undoubtedly Zhang Chu’an’s parents—after all, Zhang Chu’an had scored over sixty points higher than usual; it was like a mini-universe exploding.

At Nie Huaishang’s college celebration banquet, He Chenguang and Wang Yanbing were delighted, and Li Erniu personally served as the head chef.

He Chenguang and Wang Yanbing each punched Nie Huaishang in the chest: “Huaishang, impressive! I knew you could do it.”

The brothers and Nie Huaishang’s friends were all joyful—except Fan Tianlei.

After all, his three pre-selected team members were gone, and he’d had to agree to Nie Huaishang’s demand—how could he be happy?

At Zhang Xiaofan’s celebration banquet, Xiao Zhuang excitedly took photos and toasted him: “Xiaofan, congratulations on getting into the National University of Defense Technology.”

“In two years, you’ll be taking the college entrance exam too—I’m already wishing you success.”

Zhang Xiaofan smiled.

“Alright, I’ll take your good wishes—I’ll definitely get in.”

Xiao Zhuang raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.

As for Guo Jing’s celebration banquet, Gou Tou Lao Gao showed up too, though his face looked haggard—probably from the recent investigation.

Still, he offered Guo Jing his congratulations: “Not bad—I didn’t expect you to score so well.”

“Gao Shu, you came, but why bring gifts?”

Guo Jing couldn’t help but complain.

“It’s your college celebration—how could I come empty-handed? Just take the gift.”

The celebration passed pleasantly, and the next day, Guo Jing sought out Gou Tou Lao Gao to inquire about the case.

“Zhang Haiyan is definitely suspicious—her company has massive untraceable funding, and those two assassins clearly care deeply about her.”

Hearing Gou Tou Lao Gao’s words, Guo Jing was thrilled and immediately logged onto the chat group.

Guo Jing: “Everyone, Gao Shu has found something suspicious about Zhang Haiyan.”

Nie Huaishang: “So fast? This High School Team really moves quickly—only a few days have passed, right?”

Zhang Chu’an: “I have to admit, this High School Team is dedicated—finding this out so quickly is surprising.”

Guo Jing: “Exactly—Gao Shu looks exhausted now; he must’ve spent a lot of energy. But during this time, he discovered irregularities in Zhang Haiyan’s funding sources.”

“But given Zhang Haiyan’s extensive network, it’s hard to act openly.”

Nie Huaishang: “No problem—our goal is to kill the Black Cat. Zhang Haiyan isn’t our main target; arresting Secretary Yao shouldn’t face much resistance.”

“Besides, I believe the Black Cat didn’t leave only Secretary Yao as a mole—when the message comes back, I don’t believe the Black Cat will stay calm.”

Guo Jing comforted Gou Tou Lao Gao: “Gao Shu, if you can’t bring Zhang Haiyan in for interrogation, what about her close associates—her secretary or driver? Would they be just as hard to deal with?”

Gou Tou Lao Gao paused thoughtfully: “Probably not that difficult—but I’m afraid we’ll alert the enemy.”

Seeing Gou Tou Lao Gao’s hesitation, Guo Jing checked in with his group members.

Guo Jing: “Gao Shu is still hesitant—what should we do?”

Nie Huaishang: “Given Zhang Haiyan’s strength and connections, the High School Team’s caution is understandable. But you can tell them we’re willing to assist in the investigation.”

“It’ll make our future operations easier, and we’ll earn credit when it’s done.”

Guo Jing: “Alright, I’ll try.”

Guo Jing told Gou Tou Lao Gao: “Gao Shu, I have a few friends—the ones I met in Tai’an.”

Hearing this, Gou Tou Lao Gao suddenly understood: “Oh, you mean those friends who helped you capture the assassins? They’re quite capable.”

Guo Jing continued:

“Exactly—we all applied to military academies and will enter the army eventually, so we want to assist you in the investigation and gain some experience.”

Gou Tou Lao Gao immediately refused: “No—you’re all still students. You’re fine—you’ve got some foundation—but the others haven’t even received systematic training. This is too dangerous.”

Guo Jing quickly rebutted: “Gao Shu, look at my skills—I’m not weak. My friends are just as strong as you.”

After thinking for a moment, Gou Tou Lao Gao said: “If your friends’ combat skills are truly equal to yours, I’ll allow them to join this operation.”

After all, Guo Jing’s skills were already comparable to elite special forces in Langya—if his friends matched him, they’d be able to protect themselves and wouldn’t become liabilities.

After receiving Gou Tou Lao Gao’s approval, Guo Jing logged back into the chat group.

Guo Jing: “Everyone, Gao Shu wants to test your combat skills before allowing you to join this operation.”

Nie Huaishang: “Fine—but Guo Jing, tell us exactly how strong the High School Team is. I’m worried we might not hold back and knock him out with one punch.”

After all, their combat abilities far surpassed ordinary people—no student should be able to knock out a Langya special forces instructor with a single blow—that was unreasonable.

So Guo Jing explained the High School Team’s combat capabilities in the group.

Zhang Xiaofan: “If you can fight him for dozens of rounds without losing, you’re already at special forces level.”

Guo Jing: “But Gao Shu’s hand-to-hand techniques are practical and can end fights quickly.”

Zhang Chu’an: “Then it’s simple—we’ll just defend, pretend to struggle desperately, last through dozens of rounds, then feign a mistake and lose.”

Nie Huaishang: “Good idea—let’s do it.”