Chapter 773 The Plans Of Anthony
“If you're not afraid of a three-way dogfight, let him come and meet me!” exclaimed Anthony.
Thalia frowned when she heard that. This is indeed a problem.
Then, Anthony looked her in the eyes and said earnestly, “I understand your concerns, Thalia, but you're fretting about nothing. I told you about this matter myself, but you wouldn't be aware if I didn't, would you?”
“You—”
“I told you because I treat you as a friend and also to let you know that no matter what team I set up, it will not pose a threat to Darknetz. Heck, it will even be of great help to Darknetz in the future!” he enunciated while keeping his gaze fixed on her.
Thalia had to admit that the sincerity in his expression made her waver.
“So what if I believe you? You still need Kyle and everyone in Darknetz to believe you,” she uttered.
“We'll discuss this matter later. Let's talk about the situation at hand.”
“What's the situation at hand?” she asked.
At that moment, Anthony took a piece of paper from his pocket. “These are the plans I made. You must know a lot of people since you've traveled far and wide. Please have a look and see if anyone meets the criteria here.”
Thalia finally understood the boy's intention and scrutinized him with narrowed eyes. “You didn't tell me because you treat me as a friend. You are clearly asking for my help!”
“It's precisely because you're my friend that I asked for your help. Otherwise, I won't be able to trust you and feel at ease, can I?” he reasoned.
He never failed to persuade her.
Thalia gave him a look before lowering her gaze to study the piece of paper that was filled with details about Anthony's requirements.
However, after seeing all the criteria he listed out, she frowned. “What's with these weird requirements? Adept at using poison? Disguise? Why is deception one of them? What are you trying to do? Form a super elite team?”
After hearing her mocking question, he replied, “That's right. I want to form a team that can do anything.”
Thalia swept a curious gaze over him, sizing him up. “Sometimes I wonder what's in that head of yours!”
“Just tell me. Is there anyone you know of or are acquainted with that meets the criteria written here?” he inquired.
She withdrew her gaze, turning her attention back to the paper. “Con artists are easy to find. They are practically everywhere.”
“I'm looking for the real deal, a master of deception, a true con artist. I won't settle for anything less!” Anthony said firmly.
Thalia looked at him and thought about it seriously. “I did meet one in the past who duped me and several of my friends...”
Anthony's eyes immediately lit up when he heard that.
“It's just that I don't have the person's contact details,” she continued.
Her words rendered him speechless, and he instantly deflated.
Thalia noticed his reaction and curled her lips into a faint smirk. “I do know someone who is good in disguise, though.”
Anthony fixed his gaze on her, not daring to show too much anticipation.
She returned his stare and, upon seeing him completely unfazed, continued, “That person used to work for a prominent thieving family, assisting them with disguises. However, he was later betrayed by his friends and apprehended. He stopped doing this job after he got out of prison and now wanders around the border all year, taking up some small businesses.”
After hearing that, Anthony said with conviction, “This is exactly the kind of person I want. Do you know him? Introduce him to me.”
“I do know him, and he's in the neighboring country, which isn't too far away. But after being betrayed by his friends, he vowed never to join another team. It's not going to be easy to convince him to join you,” Thalia said straightforwardly.
Anthony's eyes narrowed slightly. “He probably felt bitterly disappointed after being betrayed by his friends.”
“Indeed. He has good skills. Many people wanted to recruit him, but he turned them down every time, even when offered an astronomical sum of money,” Thalia stated the fact calmly.
He pondered for a moment before looking at her. “Do you know him very well?”
“Not exactly. I've interacted with him once or twice. He's a deeply distrustful person and never confides in others, so we've only had some business dealings,” came her reply.
After a moment of contemplation, Anthony asked, “You know where he is, right?”
“Yes. He's usually active near the borders and never goes anywhere else, so locating him is easy.”
Anthony had an idea and looked at her. “How about you go with me?”
Thalia frowned when she saw that he was not discouraged. “I told you that he won't join any team. It's useless even if you go.”
“Yes, he won't join other people's teams, but it doesn't mean he won't join mine,” said Anthony.
“Don't you think you're being too confident?” She stared at him.
“I'm certain he's the kind of person I'm looking for, so I must give it a shot. Just say if you'll help me, Thalia.”
“How can I help?”
“It's simple. You only need to take me to him. I'll do the rest on my own,” he said.
Thalia frowned when she noticed how serious he looked. “Are you serious about this?”
“I can't be any more serious!”
She quietly sat across from the boy with a few traces of doubt flashing across her pretty eyes. Upon seeing his steadfast demeanor, she pursed her lips and said, “I respect your resolve, Anthony, but even if you go, you will come back empty-handed. The likelihood of succeeding is essentially zero!”
“The world would not be the way it is now if we give up on some things without even trying once,” Anthony reasoned. “No matter what, I must give it a try. Even if I fail in the end, at least I did my best.”
Thalia gazed at the boy and was impressed. I have to say that I admire his spirit. Given his accomplishments at such a young age, perhaps...
She gave it some thought before saying to him, “Very well. Since you've put it that way, I guess I'll go with you. But, I'll let you know this in advance. You have a hundred percent chance of failing. Don't break down in tears when we come back empty-handed.”
“The world is never short of talented people. If I fail this time, I can always move on to the next one. It's not necessary to cry over something like this,” said Anthony. “I've got a feeling that this trip will not be in vain.”
“I just love your blind faith.”
“When shall we set out, then?” Anthony asked directly, ignoring her tease.
“It's still quite a distance away. It's too far to travel by car, and there are no direct flights...”
“What about a helicopter?” he suggested.
“That's exactly what's on my mind. It's the best option,” said Thalia.
“I'll go and speak to Mr. Dave, then!” As he spoke, he got up and walked away.
“Wait.”
Anthony turned and faced her. “Is there anything else?”
Thalia knitted her brows. “Don't get too excited. I need time to prepare.”
Anthony narrowed his eyes slightly, knowing what she was referring to. After pondering for a while, he suggested, “How about setting out tomorrow night?”
She deliberated for a moment before nodding. “That should be fine.”
“Okay.” Anthony nodded in response and immediately strode out.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Not twins novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Why are these novels always stopping halfway...