America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 230 Settlement

As Zhang Ailun drove the van away from downtown Palm Valley, listening to the police sirens fading into the distance, he understood that the officers had given up the pursuit.

However, in order to completely eliminate the threat, and following the route planned by Blitz, we turned left at an intersection and drove onto a side road, concentrating on continuing to drive for another twenty kilometers.

With the accelerator floored, it took more than ten minutes to reach the small town in the countryside without stopping.

Old Jack had already communicated and arranged everything with Mrs. Abby. The group drove two vans from the small town roads to the main road and then drove to the livestock breeding base.

From afar, you can see a large private ranch with barbed wire fences and warning signs. There are also several people standing at the entrance to help you.

The ranch manager saw the two vans arrive and stop outside the ranch, and came forward to ask, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Jack?"

"That's right. It's us."

Old Jack removed his hood, glanced at the elderly butler, and led his men out of the car.

He unloaded the money bag and equipment from the car, casually tossing the car keys to the other person. "Merry, right? You need to take care of these two cars for us. Whether you dismantle them and sell them for money, or burn them, it's up to you. Just remember not to leave any trace."

"I will, Mr. Jack." The butler took the car keys and smiled slightly.

After Zhang Ailun and his men got out of the car and unloaded the money bags and equipment, he also told the ranch employees to drive the van away to dispose of it.

"Are these guys reliable?" Bailey asked doubtfully.

"Believe me, there are no more reliable and capable people than the lads at the ranch. Rest assured, they have been working here for seven or eight years and have never made a mistake."

The housekeeper, Melly, smiled and invited the group into the ranch. "Mrs. Abby has already instructed me to do some things. The private jet is ready and available for your use at any time."

The group followed him to the private helipad and runway built on the ranch, where they indeed saw a Cirrus SR22 business jet.

Old Jack took the airplane keys from the housekeeper, Mary, opened the door, boarded the plane, and put all the money bags on board.

Zhang Ailun also registered and sat in the back seat, with Bailey, who was skilled at flying, in charge of the piloting.

I took out my phone and saw the message from my employer.

The tycoon said: "You did a great job. Next, I have to deal with related media and public relations matters, as well as the China Securities Regulatory Commission's investigation. I'll probably be busy for a while. If you have time in the future, you're welcome to come to my home. It's been a pleasure doing business with you!"

Seeing that he hadn't mentioned the blown-open security door or the victim's vault manager, Zhang Ailun replied: "Pleasure doing business with you."

I opened the message that Sadie had sent me.

Sadie: You guys are really efficient! I've already seen the news about the Wells Fargo robbery! I really want to come see you now, but unfortunately, my dad has grounded me. He won't let me go out and about, saying it might not be safe lately, and he also wants me to stop all my motorcycle-related business. How annoying!

Zhang Ailun: Your dad did this for your own good. After all, Wells Fargo has run into problems, and he and other bank executives will be investigated by the Securities and Futures Commission, including their families and relatives. Don't you have an older brother in prison?

Sadie: That guy got himself into jail. Are you ever going back to Palm Valley? I can sneak out tonight and meet you at a motel or hotel!

Zhang Ailun: I do need to go back to Palm Valley, but only to pick up my car. I wouldn't dare to commit a crime against the wind. Maybe I'll wait a couple of days until things calm down?

Sadie: OK! :)

The leader couldn't help but sigh, "This girl is so easily satisfied."

Bailey familiarized himself with the private jet, adjusted the controls to prepare for takeoff, and reminded everyone, "Fasten your seatbelts, we're about to start!"

Zhang Ailun casually fastened his seatbelt. As the private jet's engine started, the cabin trembled slightly, and then it began to run on the ground. With enough momentum, he pulled up the lever to maneuver the nose up and extend the plane, retracting the pulleys and reaching high altitude.

It quickly stabilized. I glanced out the window at the view below.

Blitz used his computer to search for information and said, "The officers are expanding the search area, sealing off Wells Fargo in the city, and controlling traffic and highways, but for now it's limited to the Palm Valley area. If you want to go back, you'll have to take a private plane."

Old Jack was right; this is probably what the ruthless bandit was thinking.

"Those officers who just sit around doing nothing have no idea we'll be going back. Besides, their superiors are paid off, so they're all on our side. There's nothing to worry about."

Old Jack chuckled: "Now all we have to do is figure out how to handle this huge sum of money! Then we can head to the villa, have a glass of champagne, take a hot bath, and relax!"

Zhang Ailun opened the bag, looked at the bright green US dollars inside—five million dollars in cash—and after careful consideration, tossed one bag to old Jack in the front seat, praising, "You performed admirably today; this is your 30% commission!"

Old Jack pocketed the heavy money bag, beaming with delight. He whistled, "This is more than my previous two combined, a full 150 million! Wow, I'll have to think carefully about how to spend this money."

"I suggest you spend this money where it's needed."

Zhang Ailun then took out a money bag and handed it to Blitz, explaining the distribution: "This is the profit share for the three of you: Blitz 15%, Bailey 10%, and Seager 5%."

"I have no objection."

Sieg replied that he hadn't done much in this mission. If the Grand Master hadn't appreciated him, they could have easily replaced him with someone else to handle the cargo handling.

$25, earned in the blink of an eye, what more could you ask for?

"Boss, I have no objection either," Bailey, who was piloting the plane, replied.

"You'd better not object, or we'll all be in trouble," Zhang Ailun said irritably. He then kept the remaining 40% of the profits for himself, totaling $200 million.

A rough calculation shows that the Grand Master's total net worth is already $440 million.

Blitz, holding his share of the $75 bonus, remarked, "If I were still working for a company and doing legitimate business like before, I probably wouldn't have earned this much money in over a decade."

That's right. Choice is more important than effort.

If you follow the leader, as long as you have talent, how could you possibly go hungry?

Bailey piloted the plane, circled in the air, and deliberately delayed for half an hour before arriving at the private airport in Palm Valley.

Old Mike contacted Mrs. Abby again, and she replied directly, "You can park the private jet in the hangar, we'll be right back."

Based on the address information, Bailey piloted the plane to a hangar in the wealthy villa area and landed successfully on the ground after a turbulence.

The villa's private butler, a rather attractive Latina woman, had also received the news early in the morning and rushed over. She greeted the group, saying, "Gentlemen, you can just park the plane here. I'll have someone take care of the rest."

Bailey handed the plane keys to the housekeeper, and Zhang Ailun asked Sieg to bring the car over. The group then followed the housekeeper into the villa, carrying their bags.

It still boasts a luxurious interior design. Although it doesn't compare to the assets owned by Sadie's father, and its location isn't in the city center, the asking price is still over two and a half million US dollars.

This villa also features a bowling alley, a private cinema, a second-floor swimming pool, a gym, a beauty salon, a wine cellar, a library, and more, providing comprehensive entertainment and living conveniences.

The Grand Master now has enough funds to buy a luxury villa like this.

However, being addicted to getting things for free, he naturally wouldn't spend a lot of money to buy such a useless place. Renting it out would be much more cost-effective.

Old Jack came here as if he were in his own home, and didn't treat himself as an outsider at all.

He retrieved two bottles of red wine and a bottle of champagne from the private wine cellar, had the housekeeper bring several glasses, filled them to the brim, and said cheerfully, "It's on me! We're finally home! Let's celebrate the successful completion of our mission!"

"Cheers!"

Zhang Ailun and the others raised their glasses and drank heartily, tasting the wine and finding it quite good. It was neither too sour nor too sweet.

I glanced at the vintage and brand of the wine; it was $26666 a bottle.

You really know how to pick things! The villa owner hasn't even returned yet, and you've already taken it upon yourself to open such expensive wine?

What's your relationship with your distant cousin?

There's definitely something wrong here!

After that, the group admired the villa's surroundings for a while, and then the main person returned in a Bentley.

The housekeeper went out to meet them and was responsible for parking.

The hostess was dressed in designer clothes, carrying a Chanel bag, and had purplish-brown curly hair. She looked to be only about 30 years old, despite being around 50, exuding the charm of a mature woman.

Without a doubt, it is the single and divorced Mrs. Abby Washington, who truly deserves to be called a wealthy woman who has been rich for half her life.

Beside him was a tall, hot woman who had also had a one-night stand with the leader.

Upon seeing the Grand Master, her eyes lit up, and she greeted him with a smile, then walked over and gave him a hug. "Hey, darling, do you remember me?"

"Sorry, I only remember the two thousand dollars you gave me last time, I don't remember your name," Zhang Ailun replied, thinking that she hadn't left her name or contact information after the last time.

"Abby, thank you for lending us the plane this time; it saved us some trouble." Old Jack picked up the red wine on the table and poured a glass for Mrs. Abby. "It's been a long time. Perhaps we should find an opportunity to have a good chat."

"Perhaps once you've sorted out all that mess at home, I'll welcome you over! You're quite the impolite one, Jack, opening a bottle of wine worth over $2 without a second thought. How are you going to pay off your debts?" Mrs. Abby looked at old Jack with a forced smile.

Based on the Grand Master's experience, he knew something was wrong as soon as he saw her familiar expression.

Just like Reina, like a wild beast that has been starving for days has set its sights on its prey.

I never would have guessed! Old Jack is so old, yet he's still so charming. So this is what you meant by inviting me to dinner?

Old Jack, a man of many experiences, withstood the pressure completely, saying without batting an eye, "We have two hours to have a heart-to-heart talk."

"Two hours? When did you become so capable? Come with me." Mrs. Abby scoffed, grabbed his collar, and eagerly headed upstairs to check it out herself.

Once they reached the second floor, she turned back and greeted them with a smile, "Honey, you guys continue chatting. We need some private space now."

With a bang, the door slammed shut.

"..."

Blitz and Bailey looked at each other in bewilderment.

The Grand Master, however, appeared much calmer, saying with interest, "I'll bet you ten minutes! In ten minutes, Old Jack will surrender and send us a distress signal! Do you believe me?"

"Honey, aren't you overestimating him a bit? I bet he'll be downstairs in three minutes," the hot beauty said with a smile.

"I haven't even asked you your name yet," Zhang Ailun said.

"You can call me Eliza Washington. That's my mother's last name." Eliza smiled and sat on the Grand Master's lap. (She then proceeded to dribble and charge enthusiastically.)

"...A good name."

Anyway, we had already had an in-depth exchange last time and played a friendly match. The leader also admired the opponent's skills and responded to the opponent's provocation without hesitation.

Eliza quickly couldn't take it anymore and whispered in her ear, "My cat in my room can do backflips, do you want to come with me to see it?"

"I can do backflips too! What an interesting cat, why not?" Zhang Ailun smiled, got up and walked with the other person towards the private room on the first floor.

He said to Bailey and Blitz, "When Sieg arrives, let him rest here for a while. I need some time to take care of some personal matters, but it won't be long."

"OK".

Watching the Grand Master depart, both men wore expressions of utter indifference.

Blitz took out his computer and started programming while texting his girlfriend, while Bailey chatted with the female manager.

The housekeeper's level was clearly far beyond that of any girl on the street. She didn't take Bailey's boasting and enthusiasm to heart. Having seen the lives of the rich, she knew that without millions in savings or a special skill, one simply couldn't win her over.

Maintaining his politeness throughout, he smiled slightly and asked, "Sir, do you still drink?"

"No need. I think it's better for me to keep quiet." Bailey awkwardly rubbed his nose and wisely decided not to bother the other person anymore.

Not long after, Sieg drove back, and Bailey finally found something to do. The two chatted and moved all their things into the car.

The leader followed Eliza to a private room. As soon as they entered, Eliza closed the door and locked it from the inside, as if afraid the leader would run away.

Zhang Ailun glanced at the surroundings, which were filled with alluring purple sheets, curtains, and pillows.

He said meaningfully, "Where's your cat that can do backflips?"

Eliza took off her coat, tossed her hair back, knelt down, blinked, and said, "Meow?"

"..."

Zhang Ailun clicked his tongue. He patted her head, lifted her chin, and said, "Good kitty."

"You can do backflips too, can't you?" Eliza stuck out her tongue and smiled seductively.

"No, I can only do handstands," the Grand Master said without changing his expression.

"for example?"

The leader picked up the alluring cat and said, "Like this."

"Oh! Shit! WTF... Hahahaha, you weren't like this last time." Eliza exclaimed joyfully.

"You said it yourself, it was last time."

Zhang Ailun immediately began to teach the other party.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

"Hey! Boss, do you have any medicine?"

"What kind of medicine are you talking about?" Zhang Ailun asked irritably. "None."

"I don't believe it," old Jack pleaded. "I need help!!"

"It's only two hours, it'll be over soon. Just bear with it," Zhang Ailun replied.

"That's right, Jack. You don't need to be embarrassed. After all, I know you better than anyone else," came Mrs. Abby's voice.

"impossible!!"

Old Jack was furious. To save face, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and run back. But today, he was destined for utter defeat.

(End of this chapter)