Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1365: The Rewards Are Generous

Chapter 1365: Chapter 1365: The Rewards Are Generous

During this period, Lin Xi, Su Hui, Irina, Ouyang Jin, and Lu Yi had been under surveillance, feeling extremely displeased. They wanted to go out and beat someone up but were afraid that Organization X might take it personally.

According to Lu Yi, by lingering in this small town without leaving, they probably had already aroused suspicion in Organization X. The organization must be wondering why these people haven’t gone back to their own cities and what they are up to in staying—could it be they are planning something?

Everyone thought about it and realized, indeed, neither leaving nor staying were options. This could not continue indefinitely.

Lin Xi made a suggestion, "Today, someone should go out and get some air, show the members of Organization X who are watching us that we are here, we are honest, and we haven’t been causing trouble."

Lu Yi did some calculations, then glanced at Ouyang Jin, who also did the same, then sized up Lu Yi with a look that seemed to say, "If I’m not mistaken, it should be your turn."

"Alright, you two hold hands and go for a walk," Su Hui said, not in the mood to listen to their endless chatter, and she sent the two of them out.

Lu Yi and Ouyang Jin snorted, as if to say, "If it weren’t for the fact that we couldn’t beat you, Su Hui, we would’ve given you a good beating by now." Then they walked out arm in arm.

Irina couldn’t help laughing when she saw the two of them, "You really do have a good attitude. Aren’t you the least bit worried about Gu Fan?"

"Of course we’re worried, but we trust Gu Fan can take care of himself. Our biggest problem right now is how to get Organization X to let down their guard," said Lin Xi. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she quickly asked, "Irina, you have many resources on your side. Can you find someone who looks very much like Gu Fan?"

Understanding the plan, Irina responded, "You want to find a fake Gu Fan to confuse Organization X. It’s a good idea, but it will be difficult to find someone on short notice."

Hearing this, Su Hui frowned deeply, "We’ve been here for a while without leaving, already arousing the suspicion of Organization X. Although we take turns going out to be seen, to convince them we’re still around and to put their minds at ease, over time, if they never see Gu Fan, they’ll definitely suspect he’s not in our team."

"Yeah! That’s troubling," Lin Xi suddenly had a radical thought, "What if we go out and beat up the guys from Organization X watching us? Drive them away. They must already be second-guessing our intentions."

To that, Su Hui shook her head, "Beating up Organization X isn’t difficult, but if we do it when Gu Fan still hasn’t appeared, it’s the same as telling them that Gu Fan truly isn’t in our group. Then Dark City will increase their vigilance."

"If only we could see Gu Fan, then we could all discuss what to do," Su Hui also grew anxious, unable to come up with a good solution on her own.

*******

Meanwhile, in another hotel, Gu Fan was playing poker with Li. Since he couldn’t think of any way to get closer to the target of the mission, he might as well relax.

Li marveled at Gu Fan’s composure, wondering if Gu Fan had resigned himself to the idea that failing the mission wouldn’t matter.

"You don’t think that if you fail the mission, going back and not being able to report success will at most result in a scolding, right?" Li asked with a serious expression, causing Gu Fan, who was pondering his next move, to pause and then ask, "Isn’t that the case?"

Li had a pessimistic look, "It’s not that easy. Working for Catherine, no matter how big or small the job, failure means severe punishment."

"You’re kidding, she’s that strict?" Gu Fan grew anxious, his thoughts in turmoil, no longer sure how to play his hand.

Li revealed a meaningful smile, "Although the punishment is severe, the rewards are generous. The more important the mission you complete, the more significant the rewards. If you manage to pull it off this time, you might receive the highest reward Catherine has to offer."

"What’s the highest reward?" Gu Fan showed some interest, wanting to find out more.

"How do you feel about Catherine’s looks, do you have ’certain thoughts’ about her?" Li said with a sly smirk that hinted at a deeper meaning.

Gu Fan caught on quickly, scratched his head, and chuckled naively, "Catherine is beautiful, but with her status, it’s better to just look and not touch."

"Don’t say that, you might actually have a chance, but only if you complete the mission," Li said, encouragingly, making Gu Fan confused and prompting a retort, "Buddy, what exactly do you mean?"

Li smiled mysteriously again, "Didn’t I just say that Catherine is very clear about rewards and punishments, and she knows how to reward for achievements? Her highest reward is..."

Unconsciously, Li’s conversation led Gu Fan to contemplate such prospects, leaving him somewhat shocked, "It can’t be, Catherine, she is an aristocrat."

"Aristocrats have material needs and other needs, you understand..." Li trailed off ambiguously, but his words began to affect Gu Fan’s thoughts. Distracted, he had no notion of how to play his cards.

Upon further reflection, Gu Fan thought it might actually be possible. Catherine’s allure and seductive power weren’t just due to her innate qualities; she might have had her own experiences that would make...

So, Gu Fan became curious, "Has anyone ever received Catherine’s highest reward?"

"There have been recipients!" Li thought hard then looked somewhat dejected, "Someone once completed a very difficult task for Catherine and was fortunate enough to spend a night in her room. Given Catherine’s status, it’s impossible for her not to have attendants, security, or a driver. Her whereabouts or who has visited her room would hardly go unnoticed, so it’s common knowledge what Catherine’s ultimate reward entails and who has enjoyed this honor, but..."

"It’s not like that, is it?" Gu Fan made a throat-slitting gesture.

Li nodded, "Exactly. Those rumored to have enjoyed Catherine’s highest reward were each sent on assignments far away, never to return."

Hearing this, Gu Fan broke out into a cold sweat, feeling terrified at the thought of how ruthless this woman could be.

"If we succeed in our mission this time, I’ll let you take most of the credit, I’ll be satisfied with a small share," Li said with great humility.

Li was scared, and so was Gu Fan. Catherine’s highest reward might indeed be herself, but who would dare to indulge? Life was more precious.

As Gu Fan pondered, he found himself botching a good hand, then saw Li dancing with joy, "Awesome, I’ve turned the tables."