Chapter 249 189: Seeing Through the Disguise
In the following period, KK became completely marginalized within the team.
Su Mo helped him pay off the debts he owed outside, but stopped assigning him any work or giving him money, adopting an attitude of "do whatever you want, we're square from now on."
Originally, KK could have just retired, being a layabout every day, as there was still food to eat and games to play.
But perhaps having seen the dazzling nightlife outside, grown fond of being wealthy and respected as a VIP, or maybe unable to shake off his gambling addiction, he secretly went gambling again after a few days.
With no money, he borrowed, asking for loans from loan sharks, asking friends for money.
Many mercenaries on the edge lent him money, some a few hundred, others several thousand, even tens of thousands, and after borrowing he never repaid, just spun lies when questioned.
Eventually, everyone guarded against him, no one wanted to deal with him, and he became a detested pest.
When Cao Yilin saw KK being ostracized by everyone, the once-clear eyes constantly filled with melancholy, viciousness, and...
The hatred he'd long anticipated.
He knew the timing was right.
One afternoon, KK, penniless, had no money to go to a bar outside, so he got a few bottles of beer in the small bar in the entertainment area on the 80th floor, and drunkenly slumped over the table.
Cao Yilin sat opposite with a drink, clinked bottles with KK, and softly said, "Master K, I salute you."
KK lifted his head, scratched his messy hair, his voice hoarse, "Xiaocao, didn't Su Mo tell you not to hang out with me, why do you still dare to come find me?"
Cao Yilin lightly patted his arm, showing a friendly smile, "Don't say such things, we're good friends, does he just say no and it's a no?"
KK, as if meeting a kindred spirit, slammed the table emphatically, "Exactly! He says no and it's a no? Who does he think he is? Really thinks he's some big shot!"
Cao Yilin gestured for KK to quiet down, sighing, "Master K, he's at least the team leader, we shouldn't be so loud."
"Team leader?" KK's face turned sullen, angrily saying, "You say that, he's team leader because I helped him win it!"
"Back then when he was just starting out, if I hadn't helped him beautifully handle several commissions, would Lady Countess have noticed him? Would he be where he is today? Now that he's big, he starts looking down on me... what a joke!"
After cursing, he took a big gulp of alcohol, burping drunkenly.
Cao Yilin's face showed an imperceptible sly grin, his tone full of persuasion, "Master K, with your talents, it's a waste to be unused by Su Mo."
KK blinked his sleepy eyes, resting his chin, mumbling, "Hmm? Why do I feel like there's more to your words?"
Cao Yilin moved next to KK, whispered in his ear, "It's like this, I know a big figure who has long sought a talent like you, Master K. Would you be interested in meeting him?"
KK sneered, completely dismissive, "You're just messing with me. Now even those around me look down on me, what big figure would be interested in me?"
Cao Yilin chuckled, handed KK something from below the table, "Master K, you jest. A meeting gift has already been prepared for you."
KK instinctively took it, feeling it heavy in his hands.
It was a tightly sealed black leather bag, opening it revealed the dazzling gold metal that left him stunned.
It was a gold bar, weighing 500 grams, according to New Moon City's current gold price, worth at least 250,000 moon coins.
Cao Yilin smiled with deep meaning, saying, "Like this gold bar, he has prepared 20 for you, totaling at least 5 million moon coins. Would Master K do us the honor?"
KK's gaze drifted, staring at Cao Yilin's face for a long while, asking in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you? What do you want me to do?"
Cao Yilin replied meaningfully, "Just follow me, and you'll find out. Anyway, the meeting gift is brought, what is your answer?"
KK's gaze drifted, his expression unpredictable and changing.
Sometimes it resisted betrayal.
Sometimes overshadowed by a desire for revenge.
Wavering.
Struggling.
Distorted.
Finally, all emotions dissolved, leaving only that oppressive resentment and anger of being unappreciated.
Seeing this look, without a word, Cao Yilin knew KK's answer.
He stood up with a smile, "Let's go, I'll take you to meet him."
The two left Edge Mansion through the back door without greeting anyone, taking a taxi to Rust Wall District.
Passing through tunnels, the prosperity of the Lakefront Business District gradually faded, and the decaying building clusters of Rust Wall District emerged.
Since moving into Edge Mansion, KK hadn't returned to Rust Wall District for a long time, he mumbled as he watched the scenery outside the window, "Back to this wretched place... back then holed up with them in those crappy little rooms... ha, looking back now, it's so ironic."
Cao Yilin smiled with deep meaning, saying, "Master K, the past is the past, let's look forward."
Soon, the taxi stopped outside a compound, surrounded by towering walls, reinforced concrete and electronic security systems built up a barrier, preventing anyone from peering inside.
The compound entrance was equipped with a tight security checkpoint, guards holding scanning devices diligently ensuring every person and vehicle passing through underwent rigorous checks.
Cao Yilin led KK through the checkpoint into the interior, where they first saw a spacious, clean playground marked with standard military training units, with running tracks and shooting targets intersecting endlessly.
A group of mercenaries wearing camouflage uniforms were training here, equipped with smart data sensors, swiftly moving between obstacles, expertly handling various weapons.