Julian Vance stood by the artificial lake in Zhoushan Park, the damp Paris air clinging to his trench coat. The encounter with "Master Niu" had left him with more questions than answers. The SOE was running operations on separate frequencies—compartmentalized cells that didn't know each other’s business. But what was the true significance of the butcher’s sacrifice?
Before long, the rhythmic crunch of gravel announced the return of his team. Jiang Ping and his men approached with the swagger of predators who had just finished a successful hunt.
"Mr. Vance! You’re still here. The scenery is quite something, isn't it?" Jiang Ping panted, jogging up to the bench.
Julian stood up, his expression unreadable as he buttoned his coat. "Is the work finished?"
Jiang Ping chuckled, glancing aroun
