温柔美国人的情歌

第2章 刺客之王

Zhang Yifei was not a good person, but he couldn't be classified as a wholly wicked one either. Although he occasionally engaged in killing, it's hard to judge people purely as good or bad in these times. His actions were not voluntary; they were driven by necessity. Living is easy, but surviving is not.

For money, people are willing to do anything. Zhang Yifei was such a person. An orphan who had never received a proper education, he saw no difference between good and bad. If there were no bad people in the world, how could there be good ones?

Though people say, "A good person enjoys peace throughout their life," Zhang Yifei completely disbelieved this. If good people truly enjoyed a peaceful life, then Lei Feng wouldn't have died so miserably, and perhaps few would even remember him today.

In these times, it's better to be someone who navigates between good and evil. This way, one can stay versatile, not die too quickly, and not die too lamentably. Zhang Yifei believed that to be a real man, one should be like Xie Wendong—loyal, ambitious, courageous, and wise.

Currently, Zhang Yifei was not much different from when he left the orphanage—his only concern was to avoid hunger and cold.

While Zhang Yifei was sighing in frustration, his phone rang from his pocket.

"Wow, it hasn't rung in half a year, and now you finally do," Zhang Yifei said as he took out the phone, talking to himself.

"Hello? If you haven't made an appointment, I'm hanging up," Zhang Yifei said, pretending to be busy. Only he knew that the phone was just a show, mainly used to impress women.

"D*mn, Zhang Yifei, it's me, Song Lishang. Have you become so successful that you don't even want to answer my call?" A sarcastic voice came from the other end.

"Successful my foot, not even a single beauty in sight."

"Ha ha!" Song Lishang laughed heartily upon hearing Zhang Yifei's response. It seemed Zhang Yifei's misfortune was his amusement.

"If you keep laughing, next time I see you, I'll slap that smirk off your face," Zhang Yifei said disdainfully.

"But seriously, as the King of Assassins, isn't it a bit pathetic how you are now?"

"Calm down. I'm in search of true love," Zhang Yifei replied calmly while lighting a cigarette.

In the world, few knew Zhang Yifei, but if you mentioned Longya, almost no one would be unfamiliar with the name. Longya, Zhang Yifei's code name, was known worldwide and classified as top secret. He was the King of Assassins, never missing a mark since he started, making him an idol in the assassination world—a figure of immense respect and admiration.

There was a saying in the assassination world: Whoever can eliminate Longya will become the fourth Saint of the assassination realm. People thought the assassination world was disorganized and chaotic, but they were wrong. Assassins were organized, and there were three leaders known as the Saints who ruled over assassins globally. These Saints were true underground rulers.

For many years, no new Saints had emerged until Longya appeared, changing everything and introducing a prodigious talent who might rise to become one of the Saints. Yet, this King of Assassins abruptly announced his retirement from the assassination world.

The news caused a massive stir in the assassination community. The fact that Longya was retiring from killing was shocking. Moreover, it infuriated the three Saints. Upon Longya's announcement, the Saints declared that anyone who could kill Longya would become the fourth Saint.

The announcement created an even bigger sensation than Longya's retirement. Assassins from all over the world began hunting Longya, hoping to kill him and claim the title of Saint for themselves. The title of Saint was extremely attractive, offering not only wealth but also control over countless assassins—a symbol of power and prestige.

A person can live without money, but not without influence. One can live without power, but not without money. Having either money or power, but not both, would make one's life less meaningful.

"Do you know that all the assassins are now searching for you, planning to kill you?" Song Lishang said with concern.

Zhang Yifei was unconcerned, replying, "Don't worry, I'm not going to die on you. Besides, you're still in the assassination world. I don't care about those rabble. Just keep an eye on those three old codgers for me."

Like Zhang Yifei, Song Lishang was also an assassin, and he was nearly as formidable as Zhang Yifei. Song Lishang had only failed once in his career, and while Zhang Yifei had never failed a mission, earning him the title of King of Assassins, Song Lishang was a leading figure in his own right. Together, they were like the shining pearls of the assassination world, never missing a target when they worked together.

"You're playing both sides."

"Clever. I'll introduce you to a girlfriend someday," Zhang Yifei snapped his fingers and said.

Despite not having a wife himself, Zhang Yifei was already thinking about setting someone else up.

"I appreciate the gesture, but you should worry about yourself."

"Do you know how dangerous my situation is right now? Those three old guys are always watching me. One mistake and it's GAME OVER. I can't stand up to the three Saints like you can."

"Lishang, if you sense anything wrong, come back to Lijiang immediately," Zhang Yifei also expressed his concern for Song Lishang's safety. After all, they had grown up together, their bond deeper than that of brothers.

"Don't worry, even if I can't handle them, escaping is not a problem."

"When you have time, go check on the old director for me. We're not short on money now, so take care of the younger siblings."

Zhang Yifei fell silent after hearing Song Lishang's words. After a moment, he said, "Don't worry, I will."

After hanging up, Zhang Yifei felt aimless again. He thought of returning to the orphanage but feared the old director's stick. Zhang Yifei also wanted to find a companion for the old director, to give his long-hidden treasure some use.

"Bodhisattva, if you are watching from above, could you transform me into a beautiful woman?" Zhang Yifei prayed sincerely with his hands clasped together.

Fortunately, it was nighttime, so the Bodhisattva was probably asleep and didn't hear him. Otherwise, who knows what the Bodhisattva would think. After all, such a request was quite shameless.