When he came out again, the lights were already off on Duan Haibo and Lv Jiajing’s side. Han Jinlong and Lv Lijun’s side also turned off their lights as they heard his footsteps.

Li Yan found it amusing, guessing that both sides were in a combat state, pausing because he returned, afraid of being overheard, and pretending to have fallen asleep by turning off the lights.

He didn’t stay in the living room to avoid awkwardness for them, and immediately returned to his small bedroom.

Due to his cold shower, he was feeling alert and couldn’t fall asleep. But he still turned off the lights and stood by the window smoking.

The cold water and cold breeze improved Li Yan’s condition significantly.

He suddenly realized a problem, the situation this past week was something he hadn’t experienced in many years. And such a situation is quite unfavorable for an assassin! Because it becomes a weakness, and with any weakness, one is easily killed!

And now, the Rocana Rose and their people were in this city, Sonia and her group even knew his identity! This was a very serious issue, and at such a time, letting his mind wander every day was undoubtedly irresponsible to himself and others!

To ensure the safety of those around him, he must eliminate these dangerous factors! Yue Yao’s body still hadn’t fully recovered, and he couldn’t completely rely on her now; he needed to take action himself, that was the real work to do now, not the work at Heavenly Film or Jie Rui that others could replace.

After thinking it through, Li Yan decided to call Yue Yao, but not now, as it was late, so as not to disturb her. He could find her after Yurong started work tomorrow. He then thought of something else.

He began searching through his clothes pockets and after a while, found a phone SIM card, which Sonia had given to him before he left. This card shouldn’t have bugs or trackers, showing her genuine intent to establish communication with Li Yan.

Consider it a gesture of goodwill! Since Sonia had confirmed Li Yan was from Heavenly Film, finding his contact wouldn’t be hard, yet she chose to do it this way.

Li Yan removed his own phone card and inserted this new SIM card, intending to make contact with them. Whether to act with them or not, at least he wouldn’t need to offend them. Turning a mysterious strong enemy into a strong ally is better. Yet, whether friend or foe, it’s all about interests.

Before changing the card, he put his phone on silent mode. Indeed, upon inserting the card, he quickly received a few messages.

The messages were all from Sonia, from the number she called from the hotel.

"Have you thought it through? With you, we’ll be smoother, but it’s not like we must have you."

"Think carefully, compared to our usual work, this time is much easier, and the benefits are greater. How many more years can you work? Don’t you want to relax?"

"If you’ve made up your mind, call within two days, otherwise, just throw away the card!"

These messages weren’t sent at the same time; there was a chronological order. Li Yan analyzed Sonia’s intentions through the sequence. The first message was sent on Sunday, a simple invitation, with an attitude of ’It’s nice to have you, but okay if not.’ But the second message was more subtle, in a negotiating tone, appealing to the interests of a famous assassin. Doing one big job then retiring is a common route for many top assassins seeking a peaceful life.

The last message, sent last night, seemed like a final ultimatum. If he didn’t call, he’d be opting out of their activity.

However, without installing the card, he wouldn’t receive or view the messages, and the sender would have no delivery confirmation. How did her tone in the later message change, knowing he didn’t receive the earlier ones?

Were they already undermanned, or...

Li Yan connected it to the incident at the Prince Hotel. That time, Peng Duandao, Liu Yunqing, Wan Liming, Chen Xingye, and other former members of ’their’ organization were lured with promises and used as gunmen. Sonia knew about that event, could someone be trying to use him this time?

He had personally dealt with it last time; how could he let himself be used again?

"Too busy, left S City, maybe we can collaborate another time." He sent a polite refusal and then removed the card.