Wang Xiao, "I've sent you critical photos twice without a response. Is your intelligence network this incompetent?"
"..."
There was a momentary silence from Li Zhiming, a pause that spoke volumes.
Finally, Li spoke, his voice strained. "I apologize, Lord. I was verifying the information."
Wang Xiao cut to the chase. "Mayor Hasting's house is no more. I trust this will not come as a surprise."
Li Zhiming's response was tinged with a panic barely kept at bay. "Lord, this is serious. The man you're asking about is connected to Zero, under the command of Gabriel, my superior, the leader of the New World Order."
Skepticism colored Wang Xiao's tone. "Are you seeking a scapegoat, Li?"
Li's voice was earnest, almost pleading. "No, Lord! Gabriel is ambitious and ruthless. He's aiming for total control over Zero and has targeted my family to force my submission. I had no idea he'd go this far.'
"..."