Chapter 121: Once and for All

The gun barrel was pressed firmly against the back of his head, right at the base of his skull. Hua Fo knew that the moment the trigger was pulled, the bullet would exit through his mouth.

He knew exactly who was holding the gun. A smile suddenly spread across his fair face; he raised his hands and lifted the muzzle away. "Easy now, pal. That’s black-market hardware you’re holding—be careful it doesn't go off by accident."

Chen Cao held the gun steady, his voice cold. "I want you to understand that just because you saved us, it doesn't make you our master. Get it?"

Hua Fo slowly turned around, still smiling. "Look, this guy is fine—at least he can do some heavy lifting. But this scrawny wretch? He can’t run, he can’t jump; he’s a liability sooner or later. I think you know the laws of the jungle."

Chen Cao glanced at Lu Tianming, who was still trembling on the ground, having barely survived his near-death experience. He didn't even dare to lift his head. Chen Cao shifted his gaze back to Hua Fo. "I think you’ve got it wrong. You came here for the gemstones, right? This guy is worth far more than any treasure. If you can get him back, he could pay you a hundred million!"

At the mention of the sum, Hua Fo’s eyes lit up. He holstered his pistol. "You're saying this guy is a tycoon?"

Under Hua Fo’s intense stare, Chen Cao didn't even blink. "Absolutely. He came to the jungle for an adventure with his wife. I spoke with him back in that cave; his company and the details he gave were all spot on. If you can rescue his wife too, he’ll add another fifty million!"

Hua Fo hauled Lu Tianming to his feet. Lu Tianming seemed to have understood Chen Cao’s words, nodding frantically at Hua Fo. His long, unkempt hair, matted and smelling of rot, whipped through the air. Hua Fo shoved him to the ground in disgust. "Fine. I hope this guy can hold out until the end of this trip!" With that, Hua Fo patted his pockets, leaned against a tree with his rifle, and closed his eyes.

Lu Tianming cast a look of gratitude toward Chen Cao. Chen Cao walked over and gave a slight nod. "Hang in there."

"Yes, I will," Lu Tianming whispered, his eyes welling up with tears. He finally broke down, sobbing; he knew Chen Cao had called him a tycoon only to save his life from Hua Fo.

Stanley, unable to watch any longer, patted Lu Tianming on the shoulder. He looked at Chen Cao and made a throat-slitting gesture, signaling to deal with Hua Fo. Chen Cao shook his head. "You two rest here. I’m going to have a word with him." He walked straight over to where Hua Fo was resting. Hua Fo’s ears twitched, but he didn't move; he clearly knew Chen Cao was approaching.

Chen Cao stopped within three safe steps. "I want to know why you picked me."

Hua Fo lifted an eyelid. "I knew you’d ask that, so I’ve already prepared an answer. Remember the assassin you took out at the hotel in Husum?"

Chen Cao’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn't realized Hua Fo was watching him so closely. Instinctively, his hand moved toward his holster. "You were his accomplice?"

"That amateur? I had my eyes on him long ago, but you beat me to it by pure chance. I figured you must have had a lead on the treasure, and killing you didn't seem like the best move, so I tailed you. Imagine my surprise when you ended up with the box—and then you actually cracked the code. My god, you're a talent!" Hua Fo gave a thumbs-up, though his expression was smug.

Chen Cao said, "So you've been tracking me since I killed that assassin. Well, we're in the jungle now, and we can start treasure hunting. I know what you know: the gems are hanging around the necks of these natives. Of course, getting them to hand over their jewelry peacefully is impossible. The only way is to hunt them down."

Hua Fo smiled and clapped his hands. "I already knew that. And before today, I thought you were a partner worth having. How about it? Let's work together."

Chen Cao sat cross-legged. "You're willing to share the wealth you've worked so hard for?"

"Of course. My goal is 300 gemstones. There are mercenaries and assassin syndicates swarming this place, all after the same thing. I don't think 300 is being too greedy." Hua Fo took out a cigarette pack, carefully pulled one out, and tossed it to Chen Cao. He didn't smoke himself, just tucked the pack away.

300 stones. If each averaged 40,000 dollars, that was 12 million dollars—70 million in local currency. And he called that "not greedy." Furthermore, to reach that quota, he would have to kill 300 people. It was savage. Chen Cao realized he had drifted off. In just a few hours, he had learned exactly what kind of man Hua Fo was: a desperate cutthroat. He believed Hua Fo would do exactly as he said. In his mind, he could already see the bodies of the tribesmen falling under gunfire.

Though the behavior of these primitive tribesmen had infuriated him, they were still innocent lives, and they were only defending their home. He couldn't let Hua Fo see his hesitation; partnering with him was the only way to improve their odds.

"Hey, pal, you okay?" Hua Fo asked, noticing Chen Cao staring blankly at the cigarette.

Chen Cao snapped back. "What?"

"I asked if you wanted to work with me."

Chen Cao held up five fingers. "Fifty percent. I want half the stones."

Hua Fo’s eyes narrowed. His smile remained, but his voice turned icy.

Chen Cao didn't care. He sat on the ground with the unlit cigarette in his mouth, looking at Hua Fo with a fearless, arrogant air. "You know I’m worth that price. Besides, I know of a place—it's faster, easier, and yields much more."

"Where?" Hua Fo’s eyes lit up. He forgot all about the split. He pulled out a lighter, tossed it to Chen Cao, and said, "If you're telling the truth, I might consider it."

"Of course. It's dangerous, but as far as I know, it's a one-shot deal." Chen Cao played it coy. It was clear from their conversation that Hua Fo hadn't been to the tribal village and knew nothing of the place encrusted with treasure.

Hua Fo was growing impatient. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He pulled a plastic bag from his pack, took out a compressed ration bar, broke it in half, and handed it to Chen Cao with an ingratiating look. "Come on, pal. I know you haven't eaten in a long time. Eat up, then we head out."

Chen Cao took the ration without hesitation and walked over to Stanley and Lu Tianming.

Hua Fo was calculating. Chen Cao wouldn't dare pull a fast one; he wouldn't gamble his own life. That was out of the question. And he certainly hadn't defected to the tribesmen—that would be suicidal.

Chen Cao reached Stanley and Lu Tianming. They stared at the small ration bar in his hand, swallowing hard, their eyes green with hunger. Chen Cao split the food into three equal portions. As he chewed, he told the two men who were wolfing down their food, "We might have to head back toward the tribal camp. Regardless, we need to find Jared and Karissa, and while we're at it, grab some gems." He wasn't as greedy as Hua Fo; he only needed enough to pay for Mei Mei’s treatment. As for Karissa and Jared, he could only hope for the best. He had done his part. If he had known the risks, he would have realized these were the costs to be paid.

Hua Fo, having finished his own meal, walked over. "Let's go. Let's make this quick."

In the dead of night, two shadows darted toward the Mosu tribe’s camp. It was heavily guarded; the light of torches illuminated every post. Pairs of dwarf blade-wielders and tall, lean spearmen marched in rhythmic patrols.

Chen Cao crouched behind a thatched hut, pistol in hand, with Hua Fo behind him. This was their "second visit," and Chen Cao was far more composed than before.

Hua Fo held his submachine gun, moving with professional precision in tandem with Chen Cao. If not for the "one-shot" method Chen Cao had promised, he would have loved to open fire on the groups of tribesmen wearing bone necklaces.

Chen Cao peeked out, searching the surroundings by memory. The altar should be nearby. Once they secured the gems, he would let Hua Fo leave first, then head to the "nursery" near the altar to see if Karissa was still there. According to Lu Tianming, she had likely endured unimaginable humiliation.

"It's a few hundred meters ahead. Stay close and cover me," Chen Cao whispered to the visibly anxious Hua Fo. Deep infiltration of the enemy stronghold was no game.