Chapter 12: Robbery
The impromptu board meeting concluded swiftly with Tony's promises and jokes.
On the return journey, Tony inquired of Obadiah, who accompanied him, with a meaningful tone:
"They were surprisingly compliant this time. Did someone influence them?"
"Tony! We still have significant support within the company," Obadiah explained earnestly. "They prioritize profit. As long as they gain financially, they won't object to any management."
Tony's expression conveyed disdain, and his voice dripped with disgust: "These old men have overstayed their positions! They refuse to relinquish power to competent individuals, fixated solely on monetary gain. Is it so detrimental to earn less? They are utterly repulsive!"
Tony, consumed by his vitriol, failed to notice Obadiah's darkening complexion.
Nonetheless, Obadiah concurred, "They indeed shouldn't interfere with the company's operations. The company doesn't need them."
Tony's demeanor grew increasingly arrogant: "Naturally, the company functions perfectly well without anyone except me!"
They reached the elevator as Tony continued his self-aggrandizement.
"Obadiah, are you attending the party tonight?" Tony entered the empty elevator and addressed the bald man standing outside.
Obadiah smiled, "I won't be able to. I have an official meeting this evening."
"They are not easily swayed," he added.
"That's a pity!" Tony nonchalantly replied, instructing the secretary at the elevator panel, "Pepper, expedite our return. I intend to enjoy myself tonight."
Obadiah, observing the closing elevator doors, suppressed his amiable facade. He retrieved his cell phone and sent a message to the weapons department with a cold expression.
…
Aman Crown Tower, Manhattan, New York City!
This prestigious New York hotel epitomizes the city's vibrant party culture.
It's an ideal venue for relaxation or private gatherings.
Notably, the hotel's accommodations are exceptionally spacious.
The fourteenth floor boasts a 650-square-meter terrace garden.
A team of technicians meticulously adjusted the sound equipment.
The hotel manager, attired in a swallowtail coat, anxiously monitored the workers:
"Is the sound equipment calibrated? This event demands perfection. Numerous celebrities are attending."
Joey, clad in work attire, paused his task, turned to the manager with a broad smile, and confidently assured, "Rest assured, our team is highly proficient!"
…
As midnight approached, the festive party was about to commence.
"Boss, we've arrived!" Happy Hogan, Tony's driver and bodyguard, announced as he parked at the hotel entrance.
"Ah, a splendid evening is about to unfold!" Tony, observing the crowd at the entrance, smiled instinctively. "As usual, Happy! Accompany me inside."
"Understood, Boss!" Happy exited the vehicle, handed the keys to the doorman, and opened the door for Tony.
The party commenced with the soothing strains of the opening music.
Guests, elegantly attired, engaged in lively conversations amidst the clinking of glasses.
An array of culinary delights adorned the long tables.
As the party's ambiance reached its zenith, a sharp gunshot reverberated through the air.
The seasoned Americans instantly recognized the sound.
The convivial atmosphere transformed into panicked screams.
A commanding voice boomed through the speakers:
"Everyone, remain still. Raise your hands and crouch down, covering your heads. Any movement will be met with gunfire!"
Several more gunshots punctuated the air.
The continuous gunfire compelled everyone to obey the command, crouching with their hands over their heads.
Moments later, sporadic gunshots and faint groans emanated from the entrance.
A middle-aged Caucasian man, dressed in a black suit with slicked-back hair, entered, brandishing a pistol.
He approached the stage, seized the microphone from a robber wearing a clown mask, and announced with a smile:
"Don't be alarmed. My name is John Wick. I am, as you can see, a robber. My associate and I require financial assistance from you. Of course, if you decline, we have alternative methods to obtain it."
John Wick, portrayed by Yang Xu, surveyed the cowering hostages and continued, "Therefore, I urge your cooperation. Refrain from any unusual behavior. Now, please raise your hands and stand up slowly!"
"Everyone, stand up, quickly..."
Two robbers, masked as clowns and armed with an AK and a shotgun, respectively, circulated among the hostages.
The robber whose microphone Yang Xu had commandeered cleared several tables.
Under the duress of the threat, the hostages offered no resistance.
Frightened sobs echoed through the crowd.
After everyone stood, Yang Xu approached the cleared table, produced a handful of bullets, and declared:
"Thank you for your cooperation. Please approach the table individually and deposit your valuables."
He then arranged the bullets, instructing, "Place necklaces on the table with one bullet! Rings on the table with two bullets! Jewelry on the table with three bullets! Watches on the table with four bullets! Cell phones and pens on the tables without bullets."
Following the arrangement, he continued, "We require only a modest contribution. Should you decline..."
"Bang, bang, bang!"
The sudden gunshots terrorized the hostages, eliciting screams and tears.
Under the threat of the guns, the hostages orderly lined up.
Despite their trembling, they placed their valuables on the table.
…
Tony, concealed behind Happy's imposing figure, raised his hands and whispered, "Happy, do you have a firearm?"
Happy, shuffling toward the table with the others, shook his head.
Although he anticipated this, Tony couldn't suppress his disappointment: "Damn it! Why am I so unlucky? If I survive this, I'll definitely create a device to contact Jarvis without a cell phone."