Genius Club

Lin Xian adjusted his rubber band and donned his mask. From that moment, he became the code expert, a persona necessary to intercept Big Cat Face before the real expert, CC, could intervene.

He spied the spot where Big Cat Face had parked and saw a stout figure in the recognizable Rhine Cat mask scanning the surroundings.

“Big Cat Face!” Lin Xian called out as he approached.

Big Cat Face spun around, startled. “How do you know who I am? I didn’t tell…”

“Listen,” Lin Xian cut in, closing the distance. “I know your name, and I also know you plan to betray everyone, keeping all the money for yourself.”

“I would never do such a thing!” Big Cat Face retorted.

“But you’ve been deceived by the code expert. There’s nothing in that bank vault; you’re being manipulated.”

“And who exactly are you?” Big Cat Face reached for his waist, panic evident.

Lin Xian was quicker, his hand pressing down on the gun at Big Cat Face’s side. “If you’re seeking justice for your daughter, you need to trust me. I know where the real money is in this city.”

Lin Xian swiftly confiscated the gun and tucked it into his own pocket. “Get in the car.”

As they sped along the highway, Big Cat Face frequently glanced at Lin Xian through the rearview mirror, the tension palpable.

“Um… brother,” Big Cat Face began uneasily, “what’s really going on? Are you the code expert or not?”

“I’m not,” Lin Xian confessed after a pause.

“Then what the hell—” Big Cat Face started, anger flaring up.

“I can help you get the money, the money you need for your daughter’s sake.”

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“Continue,” Big Cat Face said, focusing on the road.

“Did the code expert promise you riches in the bank vault?”

“Yes, even gold bars!”

“She lied. The vault only contains safety deposit boxes. She used you to breach security. Once she’s done, she might even eliminate you.”

“Your story doesn’t make me trust you any more than her.” Big Cat Face shrugged.

“I’m here to save you. You’ll see for yourself once we’re inside the vault.”

“Why are you helping me?” Big Cat Face asked, turning briefly to face him.

Lin Xian sighed, his breath visible against the mask. “It’s not just about you. I have my own reasons. I need your help to confront CC—the real code expert.”

“But I have two questions!” Big Cat Face interjected.

“Go ahead.”

“How will we access the vault without the real expert?”

“Don’t worry,” Lin Xian grinned. “I’m better than an expert. Give me ten seconds.”

“Really?” Big Cat Face seemed skeptical. “And about the money for my daughter—can you really help?”

“Yes,” Lin Xian confirmed. “There are better ways to get what you need in this city, far safer than robbing a bank.”

“I’ve known these streets a long time. I can manage the risks,” Lin Xian assured. “But we’ll need to wait until tomorrow.”

“What’s one more day?” Big Cat Face chuckled, steering the van. “Tomorrow it is then! Today, I’m with you, brother. Lead the way!”

They pulled up near the bank, with one of Big Cat Face’s men tampering with the lock.

“There he is, working on the lock. Let’s move,” Big Cat Face urged.

“Hold on,” Lin Xian restrained him, a question lingering. “About your daughter. I heard she was murdered at six. Why? Who would kill a child?”

Big Cat Face looked away, troubled. He lit a cigarette, the mask still covering his face.

“It’s a tough memory,” Lin Xian continued gently. “But maybe I can help more than you think. Not just with the money.”

The van filled with smoke, creating a somber atmosphere.

“It’s hard to talk about,” Big Cat Face finally said, his voice hoarse. “But we’re out of time now.”

“Tell me,” Lin Xian insisted. “I’ve cracked this bank before. We’ll make up for any lost time. Trust me.”

“It was years ago,” Big Cat Face began, his tone filled with grief. “Despite my appearance, my father was a celebrated mathematician, a Fields Medal winner.”

“I was often away for work. My daughter stayed with him. One night, she developed a sudden fever. In a rush to the hospital, they were hit by a truck. It was no accident but a deliberate murder!”

“My father was the target, and my daughter was collateral damage. Why would anyone want him dead? He was just a scholar.”

Lin Xian placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Who was behind it? You mentioned an organization.”

“It’s an elusive group,” Big Cat Face exhaled another puff of smoke. “After all this time, I only know their name.”

“And that name?” Lin Xian prompted.

Big Cat Face crushed the cigarette underfoot, bitterness lacing his words. “Genius Club.”