"I have no grudge against an official institution like the Special Search Team; my main concern is the movements of the Noah Organization. Once this organization is eradicated from East Capital, wonāt you gain your freedom?"
Xu Hao remained silent, his heavy breathing noticeably clear in the quiet room.
He clenched his fists tightly, fiercely weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
Fang Chengās words, though harsh, hit the nail on the head.
Ever since choosing to cooperate with the Special Search Team, there was no turning back for him.
Moreover, Fang Chengās threat hung over him like a sword of Damocles, keeping him from harboring any illusions.
Rather than passively waiting, he might as well take the initiative and perhaps fight for a chance to upgrade.
"Alright, I agree with you."
Xu Hao finally spoke, carrying a hint of helplessness and compromise in his tone: "But you must agree to one condition of mine."
Seeing him daring to throw out conditions at this moment, Fang Cheng raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.
"I need protection."
Xu Hao took a deep breath and looked directly into Fang Chengās eyes:
"If the Special Search Team or the Noah Organization finds out Iām working for you, leaking information to you, I need you to guarantee my safety."
Fang Cheng nodded, expressing understanding:
"As long as you do what I say, Iāll definitely do my best to protect you."
But Xu Hao did not believe it so easily; he gritted his teeth and said:
"I need you to swear!"
Fang Cheng looked into Xu Haoās eyes, seeing the complicated light mixed with fear, unwillingness, and a last glimmer of hope, and was silent for a moment.
Then, he slowly raised his right hand and solemnly said:
"I, Fang Cheng, swear here that as long as you, Xu Hao, do not betray me, and faithfully provide information, if you ever fall into mortal danger because of me, I will spare no effort to help. Should I break this vow, let me lose all my strength and die a miserable death."
Upon hearing these words, Xu Haoās tense body finally relaxed a little, and he let out a long breath.
Even though the deep-seated anxiety in his heart was not completely eliminated.
But at least, the promise given by this mysterious and powerful man in front of him provided him with a temporary sense of elusive security.
He knew that he had no way back and could only choose to believe, to gamble.
"At least this guy is insanely strong."
Xu Hao consoled himself: "Even if he canāt compete with the Noah and the Special Search Teamās regular forces, at the crucial moment, thereās a slight chance he could help me escape..."
Letting go of his emotional burden, Xu Haoās attitude became much more open, and he started to consider practical issues:
"So how will we contact each other in the future? My phone definitely wonāt work; those bastards from the Special Search Team have probably installed surveillance equipment on it; they might even be able to listen to calls..."
While talking, he slapped his forehead, as if remembering something. He quickly shifted, trying to find the phone he had tossed aside earlier, but it was nowhere to be found.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a pile of black debris scattered on the ground.
The phone was unmistakably crushed, the plastic casing and metal components twisted and deformed, barely recognizable.
Xu Hao felt a chill in his heart, realizing that Fang Cheng had already dealt with this hidden danger.
In fact, when Fang Cheng had infiltrated the room, he had used the "Scavengerās Eye" to scan the entire room, making sure there were no suspicious items before revealing himself to talk.
After contemplating thoroughly, he replied:
"In the next few days, if you have an emergency or important information, come to the Global Elite Club to find me. You can pretend to visit your father; they shouldnāt suspect anything."
He paused for a moment and added:
"After a while, once Iāve settled, Iāll give you a new, absolutely secure contact."
Then, Fang Chengās tone suddenly shifted, carrying a warning:
"Remember, any important movements regarding the Special Search Team and Noah Organization, especially involving me personally, must be reported to me at the earliest opportunity."
"If you dare to withhold or deliberately provide false information... hmm, even if the Noah Organization spares you, Iāll make you taste what it feels like to be better off dead. Donāt doubt my methods!"
The cold killing intent spread again, making Xu Hao shiver. He immediately responded loudly:
"I, Xu Hao, have always kept my word in the underworld. A real manās spit is like a nail; since Iāve promised you, if I dare to play tricks, may I die a terrible death!"