Novels by zhifeng zhang

Ethan Winters appeared to be deeply asleep on the desk, but in reality, he hadn't fallen asleep yet. This was a deliberate arrangement by Alexander Reed; until Alexander showed up, Ethan couldn't be sure he had successfully passed the test. The control room was not far from this container, and it only took Alexander and Michael Turner a couple of minutes to arrive by car.Michael entered intending to wake Ethan but was stopped by Alexander, "Let him sleep."While preventing Michael from approaching, Alexander himself went over to Ethan, lifted him from the chair with ease, and walked out in a few strides, with Michael following behind.Ethan, seizing a moment when Alexander was less attentive, opened his eyes slightly to see who was carrying him. The sight of Alexander's profile surprised him yet also brought some relief. This indicated he had passed the scrutiny.Alexander carefully arranged Ethan's legs on the back seat of the sedan, and because Ethan couldn't lay down completely, A

"Why are you here?" they exclaimed in unison. John Smith and Ethan Winters squeezed into a narrow gap next to them, only wide enough for one person, pressing against the containers while keeping an eye on their surroundings.John whispered, "Got a tip this afternoon that a small batch of arms from 'The Circle' could be intercepted here, so the team leader sent me to check it out.""Whose tip?" Ethan inquired."From our mole inside 'The Circle.' You know how unreliable that could be, so I had to come see for myself."John, standing closer to the outside, kept peering out as he explained. "And you? The team leader didn't mention you'd be here.""It's a long story; let's focus on getting out first," Ethan quickly sifted through John's words."But if the police already knew, why involve the joint task force?""I found that odd too. Took down two on my way here; their tactics felt off, not like real cops."Ethan hadn't directly confronted these "cops" and hadn't noticed this detail.John's

Alexander Reed lightly patted Michael Turner's chest in commendation, then settled into the chair reserved for him.With his right leg crossed over his left, he focused intently on the screen that showed Ethan Winters—Ethan and the bodyguard who had provided cover for him were now taking refuge behind a crane, with any attempt to peek out quickly suppressed by gunfire.Ethan, unarmed, was stuck in a defensive position, hesitant to make a move.The coincidence and timing of the police's arrival suggested an informant.Ethan was certain it wasn't him; he wouldn't jeopardize his long-term plans for a short-term gain, especially when he had finally gotten close to the arms dealings of "The Circle."Could it have been an undercover agent from the joint task force?As Ethan dodged bullets, he covertly observed the reactions of the surrounding bodyguards.Unsure of how many were aware of today's arrangement within "The Circle," he considered everyone directly involved to be suspects.The sta

Although the arms dealing of "The Circle" was carried out in secrecy, the primary entity from which the secret was kept was the government; within the circle, however, it was an open secret.Few dared to tamper with it despite many being aware of it. Most of those in the know kept to themselves, attending to their own affairs without interfering with others.Alexander Reed had no intention of skulking or concealing the matter. He broached the subject with a double entendre, "This business isn't something I can agree to just by sharing a bed with you."Ethan Winters was not pleased with Alexander's attitude, "I thought I had demonstrated sufficient sincerity.""Sincerity?" Alexander scoffed, "Your demeanor has been so inconsistent in my presence, how do you expect me to believe in your sincerity?"Ethan slammed his coffee cup down on the table, "My current attitude should be proof enough of my sincerity."Alexander adjusted the cuffs of his suit, "So, you're admitting that your previou

As soon as Ethan Winters left and closed the door behind him, Alexander Reed's eyes opened, revealing no trace of sleepiness. He methodically got out of bed, summoned a servant to tidy up the room, and then, donning a bathrobe, headed for a shower.Reed had been awake all night and felt weary, needing to wash off the remnants of the night and indulge in some rest. The "important meeting" he had mentioned was nothing but a spur-of-the-moment excuse.After showering and about to use the hairdryer, a polite knock sounded at the door. "Boss," called a voice from outside.Reed didn't open the door, instead asking through the wall, "Has he gone back?"The servant outside responded respectfully, "Yes, as per your instructions, we've sent him back in a company car."Reed, looking at his reflection in the mirror and smoothing his hair, inquired, "How did he look?""Pale, and his movements were a bit off. He didn't eat the breakfast prepared for him, just asked to be taken back immediately."Re

"What did you put in the drink!?" Ethan Winters feigned ignorance as he confronted Alexander Reed.Reed stood tall, looking down at Ethan, "Nothing special. We're both adults here; you should know what it was."Ethan scorned, "The CEO of The Circle, resorting to such lowly tactics.""I did it for your benefit," Reed replied leisurely. "You wanted to collaborate with The Circle, didn't you? I'm offering you the opportunity, even providing an excuse for you. A little drug won't harm your pride; you can blame everything on its effects. Besides, my door is not locked; if you're unwilling, I can have someone take you back right now. Then you can vent on someone else, no problem at all."Reed's reasoning was oddly rational, presenting Ethan with a dilemma.This type of drug, more common than others, posed the most challenging situation. If Reed had merely drugged him to extract the truth, Ethan could pretend to be confused and tell a flawless lie. That was his plan. However, the current sit