My Mandarin is mediocre at best. I understand most of what they were saying and the meaning of this recording but some parts are beyond me. My guess is Miss Qin was secretly carrying voice recorder when the conversation took place. And the person she was talking to is her father.

I take a deep breath. And starts explaining to Ivan.

"Qin Yan and her father were arguing about the manufacturing of self-made guns. She thinks they should stop this business entirely since it's a losing proposition and their throwing too much manpower into it. And now they're is no actual war that needs that many guns. Her father disagreed and say there is always a war, the difference is whether you see it or not. This is probably taking place a few years ago. My guess is three. "

"The second part is more recent. She mentioned y'all are angry about the guns and the many disrespectful acts. Mainly it's the same thing but her father mentioned something about sins, justice, and punishment out of nowhere. And you probably notice too. Her father sounds a bit delirious." Ivan nods slowly.

"The last part is probably recorded a few weeks ago. They were screaming at each other. The emperor was convinced that you guys are planning some 'all out attack' to conquer 'his empire' and...... he keeps mentioning his dead wife and brother for some reason, claiming they were behind it and 'they always want what's his'. Then he fucking escalates, shouting that he will strike first and slaughter all the weaklings and savages. He...... vows that he will kill all of you. In the end, they part on pretty bad terms."

I inhaled slowly and starts processing what the fuck that was. A few things are out of place:

1: In the first recording, I heard Nan's voice in the background.

2: Qin Yan has some very weird choice of words, she uses the word 'mute' like a swear word.

3: Some sentences make me feel like she's not talking to her father.

4: Her father uses 'Hanjian' instead of just using the word traitor. From my understanding, it roughly translates to the same meaning. But it's still a strange word to use.

"Wait. There's one more." Ivan press play again. This part is in full English.

"Mr.Ivan, I would like to further discuss this matter with you. I have a solution for the dilemma that all of us are facing right now. The place and time are your choices. You can bring as many men as you see fit. I'll only bring two." There's a pause before she continues.

"I know you have more reasons to kill me than speak to me, or you may suspect this is a setup. I have no means to assure you that I hold no ill intentions except for my words. If you wish to prevent meaningless bloodshed. Please consider this proposal." The recording stops.

***

"Fuck." Ivan says quietly.

"That's an understatement." I take another swig. The bottle's about to be empty.

"Any possibilities that she fakes the whole thing? The recordings ?" Ivan takes a swig of his bottle too.

"We knew the old geezer's voice. As fuck up as the voice quality is. I think that's actually him. But that doesn't remove the possibility that she fake the whole thing to get you."

"It's meaningless to get me, isn't it? If I died, another will take my place before sunrise." Ivan says in a matter-of-fact tone.

It's true. That's how the Russian mob operates, and that is why they always prevail in battles and gang wars. The reason la vina was in a stalemate with them for so long is that there is no simple solution to take down this organization, there's no absolute boss, and even the higher-ups can be replaced immediately if an assassination happens. It's like a hydra.

"Don't think she's up to kill you. Just to have you help her on whatever she's doing ........ Ivan, are you really going to....." He knows the words in my mouth before I otter.

"........Taking her offer would make me an idiot and a traitor.......but not taking it.......what do you think, little brother?"

"Ha, what do I think? I think you're in the same position as I was. I despise them but circumstances force me to work with them. Hell, I could have refused them at the get-go but what was left of my conscious stopped me. Which puts me in this position so you........." I'm too familiar with that look. "Ivan, I know what you're thinking."

That day, the setting sun makes the brick pavements shine like ambers.

"Think this through, what's dead is dead......you're not making amends to them because there's no way to do that. Even if Qin Yan meant what she said, this thing could still get you killed by either Zakhar or someone worst than him!"

Ivan stays silent for a long time. The room is so quiet that I can hear the muzzled booming music from outside through the sound proof walls. I could not make out what he's thinking. He lower his head. Staring at the papers on his desk.

When he speaks again he's voice is low.

"Lee....... You have been a merc for too long.....You forgot what it feels like. What it feels like to belong somewhere. Lie to yourself all you want, lie that you don't need it, lie that you've moved on, buried yourself with booze, drugs, work, and sex. But in the end, deep down you know it." His voice remains low but every single word hits me like a punch.

"You're afraid. Afraid that you'll have to go through it again. I know what they call you in the streets, you can hide behind those masks but when you're laying in bed, staring at the ceiling till you fall asleep. When you don't have to act anymore. You feel it.......so did I for a long time, but I tried and I succeeded. This is where I am. And I won't let that happen again. You can keep running. But I won't. Even for the slightest chance to prevent war. I'll take it!" In the end it sounds like he's howling, his eyes lit up with hatred and rage.

Yeah, I know you will. One of us has to move on, that's why I didn't tell you the truth. So you could be spared of the same fate as mine.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

I smile tiredly. Letting out a laugh without realizing it.

"Well said, Ivan. Well said." I put the bottle down on the floor and stand up. Place both of my hands on his desk and lean forward, just like I did with Miss Qin. "But don't assume I'm going to let you do this on your own. After all, we took a vow didn't we?" A wide smile forms on Ivan's face as he stands up too. He bypasses the desk and gives me a bear hug, patting my back hard, I do the same. Coins and tools in his inner pockets hitting each other making a little clink sounds.

There's no way around it anymore, I'm a part of this now.

"Whatever comes after......."

"Whatever comes after."

***

"Now." Ivan walks up to the coffee table once again. This time he brings up a brandy from the lower deck. Putting five rocks before pouring both of us a glass.

"Business." He grins as he hands me one. We both get comfortable on the sofa.

"Date?"

"As soon as possible, four days later?" A week of preparation will be the best. But time is a factor, the situation will only get worse.

"Right after the meeting. When everyone is busy with their assignments." Ivan nods in approval.

"Place?"

"Not in Nochnaya, people will recognize me in an instant. I don't want to run into my man while chatting with Miss Qin." He said the name Normally but somehow make it sound like a mockery.

"Sure as hell ain't going to be in piao jie either eh?" Ivan groans. I take a sip of his brandy.

The bastard's taste in booze improved.

"Rector street?"

"Fuck no. There's going to be a retaliation there soon. Igor lost two scouts yesterday. The place is too hot right now." Ivan swirls his whiskey glass before nursing it.

"So the southern part isn't going to cut it." Probably for the best, negotiating on other parties' turf is not the best idea.

"I.....do have a safe house at Desalos, not far from the canal. The area is very deserted."

"I'm Russian. Remember? Those Tinos will still shoot me on sight. I can't even get across the bridge." He points at his face.

"Little Italy? Just book a table at Lucio's and have them pay for it." I half-jokingly suggested. Ivan choked on his brandy when he heard that.

"Tempting....but no. Don made it very, very clear the mafia and Little Italy will stay out of this....not even secret gatherings are allowed." He coughs between sentences. "The ideal place will be the lanes. Can you get a booth in stynx?"

"I can. But no. Words travel fast in the lanes, half of the mercs in the area know me, not to mention stynx." Ivan takes a swig. He holds the whiskey glass with both hands, deep in thought. Suddenly, he snaps his finger.

"Club 57!"

Oh, hell no.

"No."

"Why?"

"I'm banned there."

".....banned?"

"I'm on the blacklist."

".........for what?"

"............I don't remember. All I know is that I black out while playing blackjack. And when I wake up. The whole place is trashed, bodyguards and security lying on the ground, some dead some unconscious. Ever since then when I came close to the spot, angry japs with Wakizashi will come after me." Ivan looks at me for a second and signs.

"What about the lounge?"

"On the upper level? Is that place even real?"

Club 57 is the nickname for a skyscraper in the city center. Usually, when people talk about the place they're referring to the gigantic underground casino. But the reason why this place is called club 57 was that rumor has it that there's a private club on the 57th floor for the most influential persons in the city to discuss business and social affairs. I never met anyone that have even seen the place before. But on the other hand, I haven't lingered in that area ever since the casino incident.

"It is. Vor holds annual meetings there. And you don't have to worry about the japs. Rich bastards there likes to wear masks so they can speak freely."

"And do you have access to a booth there?"

"No, but I bet princess Qin does."

"......You sure Lucio is not an option? The meeting could blow any second because some Japanese recognized me. Besides, I'm not a big fan of 'The phantom of opera' "

There's a faint memory of me listening to 'think of me' with my parents.

"Lee, trust me. The place is perfect for this. It is as exclusive as Mrs. Qin's vagina. Don't have to worry about prying eyes or unwanted attentions."

"Leave the dead alone would you?......... Fine. Club 57 it is then."

Ivan smiles and clinks my glass before he starts looking at me up and down. "But.....lee, you can't get in there dressed like this." He makes a gesture at my......everything.

"I like this jacket." I whine and take a sip of brandy.

Ivan signs and gives me a business card with 'Emilio&Fulvio' bronzing letters on one side. And address, phone numbers on the other.

"You still on good terms with the Italians right?" Ivan raises his eyebrow.

"Last I check." I say while inspecting the card. A small watermark at the left corner.

"Mafia establishment?" Ivan nods.

"One of the finest in the city. Give them a bit of hint about who you are they will also provide you some....extra services. With your reputation they wouldn't block you." I let out a groan.

"And time of meeting?"

"Nine."

"Good. Usually situations like this I'll have a 'last resort' ready. But I guess I couldn't expect that from your end?" I finish my drink.

"No. This thing can not be exposed to anyone at all. Let having any alone backups." Ivan refills my drink. "What about you? Got anyone you can trust on this?"

Vel and vix.....no one would be willing to do it except for them, and we also have lots of practice in opts like this......But I won't drag them into this. I was the one that's supposed to get them out of this mess, not the other way around.

"Nah. Forget it. The two of us will be plenty enough." I grin and hide my insecurities with liquor. I'm definitely getting drunk again. Ivan didn't notice, he simply grins back and raise his glass.

"хорошо сказано! Hmm. She said she'll bring two with her...... you got any ideas who those could be?"

"Honestly. I think one of them is definitely Nan. The other could be anyone."

"Wait. Nan as Nan Shi Pei?"

"Yeah, you heard of him?"

"That guy is a counselor of the Qins and a fucking mad dog in a fight. He once beat five of our armed soldiers in an alley with nothing but his fists. Our scouts say that he seldom leaves piao jie but he's active in actions. He's a thorn in the side. And there's 300k on his head ......... exclusive to the mob members."

Weird that I never heard of him.

"Lastly. Do they allow guns in there?"

"No, I heard it from Zakhar there's a damn metal detector there. Guns, knives fucking razors all are prohibited." The only time of the day when I'm not carrying is when I'm at home. The idea of leaving them feels weird.

"No way to bypass?"

"None, all things consider that place can be counted as one of the most well-protected facilities in Faust." He take another sip.

"So, no guns, no backups, no idea what to expect." I stand up. So does Ivan.

"Nostalgic." We clink glasses and both finish the drink in one swig.

I'll be lying if I say it ain't.