Chapter 15: Murder

Lin Xian snapped the elastic band and pulled the mask over his face.From this moment on, he was the code expert.He had to intercept Bigface Cat before the real code expert—CC—arrived.

He looked in the direction where Bigface Cat usually parked.

Sure enough, a plump figure was glancing around nervously, wearing the familiar Rhine Cat mask.

Lin Xian approached."Bigface Cat!"

"Gah?"

Bigface Cat turned around in surprise.Seeing the Ultraman mask on Lin Xian's face, he asked in confusion,"How do you know my name? I never told—"

"Listen, Bigface Cat."

Lin Xian closed the distance quickly.

"Not only do I know your name, I also know you're planning to kill everyone and take the money for yourself!"

"I'm not!"

"But the truth is, that so-called code expert tricked you. There's no money in the bank vault. You've been used."

"Who—who are you!?"

Seeing the Ultraman approaching aggressively, Bigface Cat panicked. His hand reached for the gun at his waist—

Snap!A hand clamped down on the grip of his gun!

Ultraman pressed up against Rhine Cat, staring into Bigface Cat's panicked eyes.

"If you want revenge for your daughter, then listen to me. I know where the real money in this city is."

"You even know about my daughter?!"

Bigface Cat was completely thrown—his voice cracked in disbelief.

Shlick.

Lin Xian pulled the gun from Bigface Cat's waistband and tucked it into his own pocket.

"Get in the van."

…

The van sped down the highway. Bigface Cat kept glancing at the rearview mirror, then at the Ultraman seated beside him.

"Bro… bro," he swallowed hard,"Just what the hell is going on? Can you explain clearly? Are you the code expert or not?"

Lin Xian opened his eyes and sat up straight."I'm not."

"Then what the hell—" Bigface Cat's temper flared—

"But I can help you get the money for your daughter's revenge."

"…Go on, big bro." Bigface Cat focused back on driving.

"That so-called code expert who contacted you—did they tell you there's loads of cash in the bank vault?"

"Yeah, even said there were gold bars!"

"She lied. There's nothing in there. The vault is full of safes. She just used you to break through the bank's security. Once you're no longer useful, she's probably planning to put a bullet in your head."

"You say all this, but why should I believe you?" Bigface Cat spread his hands.

"I'm here to save you. Once we're inside the vault, you'll see for yourself—whether there's money or not."

"Then why are you saving me?"

Bigface Cat turned to look at him.

Lin Xian sighed and rubbed his nose beneath the mask.

"I wouldn't say I'm saving you. I have my own goals.I want you to follow my lead when the time comes—help me take down CC. That's the name of the real code expert."

"I have two questions!" Bigface Cat raised his hand.

"Say it."

"If we don't have the real code expert, how the hell are we getting into the bank vault?"

"Relax." Lin Xian smiled."I'm better than any expert. Give me ten seconds."

"Damn, you that badass!?" Bigface Cat cracked his voice again.

"And another thing—I'm not gonna ask how you know about my daughter, but you said you can get me the money for revenge. Is that for real?"

Lin Xian nodded."Yeah. This city has tons of places to score money—jewelry, cash, gold bars—far safer and more efficient than robbing a bank."

"I've been around this city a long time. I know how to get what you need without taking unnecessary risks. But…" Lin Xian checked his watch.

"But there's no time tonight. I'll take you tomorrow."

"Heh! What's one more day!"Bigface Cat laughed and turned the wheel.

"Tomorrow it is! Tonight, I'm following you. You're my big bro now. You say jump, I jump!"

…

Moments later, they arrived.

The van pulled to the curb. Across the street stood the bank. A black-clad goon was fiddling with the front door.

Bigface Cat pointed out the window."My guy's cracking the front lock. Let's go!"

"Wait."

Lin Xian grabbed Bigface Cat, stopping him from getting out.

"There's something I've been wondering."

"What is it?"

"Your daughter."

Lin Xian looked up at Bigface Cat. The man's pupils twitched. He turned his head away.

"I only know your daughter died at six. Murdered…" Lin Xian said softly,"Can you tell me—who did it? I just don't get it. Who would kill a six-year-old girl?"

Bigface Cat stared out the window in silence.

He pulled out a cigarette, placed it in his mouth, and lit it.

One benefit of having a large face—you could smoke without removing the mask.

"I know this must be painful, Bigface. Truly painful. But maybe it's time to talk about it."

Lin Xian gently pushed:"You've seen it yourself—I know a lot about what's going on in this city."

"I know that code expert tricked you. I know there's no money in the vault. And I know about your daughter. Maybe I can actually help—not just with the money."

The van filled with swirling smoke, like a dreamscape.

"…It doesn't matter anymore."

Bigface Cat exhaled a long puff, flicked off the ash.

He pointed to the clock on the dashboard.

"But we don't have much time."

"No worries, just tell me!"

Lin Xian couldn't let the moment slip. He patted his chest.

"Trust me, Bigface. I've robbed this bank a dozen times in my dreams. I know the ins and outs. However much time you burn now, I'll make up for it later!"

"…It was years ago."

Bigface Cat sighed, lowering his head. Even the cartoon Rhine Cat on his mask seemed melancholic.

"At the time… you might not believe this—but my father, believe it or not, was a famous mathematician. He even won the Fields Medal."

"Back then, I was working outside the city. My daughter usually stayed at my father's place. One night, she got a high fever and started convulsing. My dad carried her in his arms, rushing to the hospital. But…"

Bigface Cat's voice quivered.

"But… they got hit. A big truck ran right over them. Crushed them, crushed them…"

He couldn't finish. He took a few hard drags before continuing.

"Later I dug deeper… and I found out it wasn't an accident. It was murder! A premeditated hit!"

"They were targeting my father. My daughter was just collateral. I still don't know why… My dad was a bookworm, never bothered anyone!"

Lin Xian patted him on the shoulder.

"Who wanted your father dead? You said they—so it wasn't just one person?"

"It was a group."

Bigface Cat exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"A mysterious organization—so secretive I couldn't even find a single clue. After years of digging, all I have… is a name."

"That group is called…"

He crushed the cigarette in the ashtray, teeth clenched:

"The Genius Club."

(End of Chapter)